Local HS Freshmen Join University of Success
The University of Scranton’s University of Success class of 2029 gathered for a group picture at the end of this year’s two-week Summer Institute. Pictured, front row, from left: Ashley Batista, Analy Juarez Jimenez, Isabella Quintilliano, Aaliyah Harris, Livya Kwee, Margaret Loughney, director. Second row: Gabriella Sanchez, Ranferi Amador, Avani Crawford, Tiana Jeter, Cristina Pomaguiza. Third row: Dylan Kavulich, Nicolle Carvalho, Richard Soto Reyes, Ava Marie Baines. Fourth row: Marvin Hughes, Amir Noah Wright, Emmanuel Rivera Rojas, Raul E. Sosa, Jr., Zuriah Urena, Jacob Alers, Jacob Ortiz, Keiyona Bennett.Twenty-two rising high school freshmen, spanning numerous schools in Lackawanna County, recently entered The University of Scranton’s University of Success.
The University of Success is a four-year, pre-college mentorship and developmental enrichment program with the ultimate goal of producing high school graduates who gain entrance into a college or university. The four-year journey for the class of 2029 began earlier this month with a two-week Summer Institute.
Held from July 6-18, the Summer Institute featured 13 days of classroom lectures, discussions, presentations and games at the University. The group also took a handful of education fields trips to Philadelphia, Dorney Park, the Pocono Environmental Education Center, the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, the Lackawanna County Recycling Office and the Scranton Cultural Center.
The University of Success is funded entirely by corporate and foundation grants, ensuring it is offered free of charge to the participants who are first-generation, college-bound students. The University of Success was created in 1996 and graduated its first full class in 2001. The class of 2025 produced 15 soon-to-be college freshmen, including five headed to The University of Scranton, and two members who will enlist in the military.
Margaret Loughney is the program director for the University of Success, whose sponsors include AT&T, The Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Carl J. & JoAnne M. Kuehner, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc., The Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Dr. Lisa A. Thomas, MD, PPL and Waste Management.
The University of Success class of 2029 members, and the school from which they graduated eighth grade, include:
- Jacob Alers, All Saints Academy
- Ranferi Amador, Northeast Intermediate School
- Ava Marie Baines, North Pocono Intermediate School
- Ashley Batista, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Keiyona Bennett, South Scranton Intermediate School
- Avani Crawford, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Nicolle Carvalho, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Aaliyah Harris, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Marvin Hughes, Riverside Junior High School
- Tiana Jeter, South Scranton Intermediate School
- Analy Juarez Jimenez, Northeast Intermediate School
- Dylan Kavulich, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Livya Kwee, Northeast Intermediate School
- Jacob Ortiz, Carbondale Area Junior High School
- Cristina Pomaguiza, Northeast Intermediate School
- Isabella Quintilliano, Abington Heights Middle School
- Emmanuel Rivera-Rojas, South Scranton Intermediate School
- Gabriella Sanchez, North Pocono Intermediate School
- Raul Eduard Sosa, West Scranton Intermediate School
- Richard Soto Reyes, Northeast Intermediate School
- Zuriah Urena, Dunmore Junior High School
- Amir Noah Wright, Northeast Intermediate School
