Students Graduate from the University of Success

Sixteen high school students graduated from The University of Scranton’s University of Success program, a multi-year, academic and enrichment program that is designed for high school students to develop the skills needed to successfully gain acceptance to college. Fifteen have committed to post-secondary schools to continue their education, with six graduates planning to attend The University of Scranton.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa A. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.

Students enter the University of Success at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their four years of high school. The program offers enrichment courses in study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, as well as financial aid and wellness seminars.

The following is a list of 2024 University of Success graduates, the high school they attended, and their post-high school plans.

Andrea Amigon, Wilkes-Barre, who graduated from Wilkes-Barre Area High School, plans to attend Luzerne County Community College and has not yet declared a major;

Jovani Aguilar, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in psychology.

Colby Beck, Hawley, who graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School and has an interest in art, plans to take gap year.

Isaac Diaz, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton Preparatory School, plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology and major in exercise science;

Emily Durkin, Moosic, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in criminal justice.

Arthur Garcia, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and has not yet declared a major;

Mariella McCue, Clarks Summit, who graduated from Abington Heights High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton as a participant of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program;

Quienton McMilian, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in physiology.

Evelyn Moctezuma, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend Marywood University and major in early childhood education.

Lizzy Novak, Scott Township, who graduated from Lakeland High School, plans to attend Empire Beauty School and major in cosmetology.

Vallery Oentoya, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Wilkes University and major in bioengineering.

Miguel Ramos, Moosic, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in criminal justice.

Olivia Rowehl, Matamoras, who graduated from Delaware Valley High School, plans to attend Florida Institute of Technology and major in forensic technology;

Kateryna Smirnova, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Temple University and major in architecture;

Zi Chen Weng, Plains, who graduated from Wilkes-Barre Area High School, plans to attend Bucknell University and major in engineering;

Jaden Willis, Taylor, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend Penn State University – Scranton and major in information technology.