Maryam Mattson, 14, of Saylorsburg “Participation in after-school activities is rewarding because I get to make new friends with people I never knew before. I play volleyball and basketball and I am a part of the freshman SGA. With SGA we get involved in community projects and fundraising and we get to give back to our community, and it is great to be a part of that as well.”

Jacob Gethen, 14, of Kunkletown “High school is preparing me for the future and what I want to do after high school. Here I can prepare for college and decide what career I would like to pursue.”

Gabriella Madonna, 14, of Effort “I like that we have the opportunity to attend MCTI and we have more freedom with choices in the classes we take. I would like to transfer into the health occupations program at MCTI next year.”

Alexandra Bush, 15, of Saylorsburg “I want to be able to attend a D1 sports college after high school. I take part in lacrosse and soccer and other after-school programs.”

Elliot Nagy, 14, of Brodheadsville “There is a lot of things that you can choose from. By getting involved you can differentiate yourself from the crowd and stand out when applying for college.”

Zachary Dooner, 14, of Kunkletown “The most exciting are all of the choices that have opened up for us. We can choose classes and activities that are getting us ready for the rest of our academic lives.”