Senior Class Officers (left to right) First row: Ms. Kotcho, Abby Cykosky, Kristian Nistad, Ms. Colianni Second row: Hunter Sasala, Ben Scholl
By: Kiana Madrigal
The Paupack Press would like to highlight our school’s class officers, starting with the seniors.
Ben Scholl is the senior class president. He wanted the opportunity to help shape Wallenpaupack and have a say in what the class of 2026 does. He also wanted to represent his classmates’ voices and use their ideas to make school events more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone. After graduation, he plans to attend a four-year college to pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) or BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration).
“I have served as a class officer for four years—starting as treasurer during my freshman year and as president each year since. In this role, I’ve helped establish our successful annual class fundraiser, organized prom during junior year, and planned senior events such as Senior Sunrise and Trunk or Treat. Outside of class office, I’m deeply involved in Future Business Leaders of America, where I currently serve as the State President and am a two-time state champion and national runner-up. I also run my own photo and video company as a creative hobby. After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year college to earn a BBA or BSBA, then pursue an MBA while building my career in business.“
Hunter Sasala is the senior vice president. Hunter wanted to be a class officer to get more involved and deepen his connection with the school community. Furthermore, he wanted to grow and develop his leadership skills and use them to work towards positive goals within the building. Hunter hopes to attend the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University where he will pursue a degree in marketing or management and continue his musical journey as a member of Penn State’s Blue Band.
“I have served as a Class Officer for the past four years. During this time, I have helped plan last year’s prom, organized this year’s Senior Sunrise, worked concession stands, coordinated our annual calendar fundraiser, and assisted in setting up school dances. I am currently organizing a new Senior Sunset event and helping plan the senior activities that are yet to come.”
Abby Cykosky is the class secretary. She wanted to stay involved in school and class activities. After high school she plans to go to college to become an physician’s assistant.
“I have been a class secretary for four years. I think one of the most successful activities that we’ve done is our class fundraiser that we do every year. We always raise a lot of money each year for the class and are excited to have fun activities for our senior year that are possible because of how much we have fundraised.”
Kristian Nistad is the class treasurer. He wanted to help his class along with the teachers who have always helped. After high school, Kristian plans to attend a four-year college to major in mathematics and vocal performance.
“I’ve been our class treasurer since my sophomore year. As an officer, I helped run our prom committee and bring the Senior Prom for the Class of 2025 to life.”
Ms. Colianni is the Co-Advisor for the class officers. She teaches social studies and seminar classes at Wallenpaupack. Outside of school, she spends the rest of her time teaching adjunct history courses online at Lackawanna College and as a Doctor of Education at Wilkes University. What inspired her to become the co-advisor was her firsthand experience planning prom with the committee and officers. She said it was the most memorable experience of her teaching career. Overall, she loves school spirit and working with students to help their ideas come to life.
“This is my first “round” at being a class officer, and I love every second of it! It has been such an amazing experience being with our officers since they were Freshmen and grow into mature and dedicated seniors! We’ve had four years of successful fundraisers and have hosted a successful prom. We recently hosted a successful senior sunrise and are currently planning a trunk or treat and the senior trip to Disney! This year is going to be so much fun for the students, and we hope to get more involved! We love hearing your ideas! This has been the best experience, and I must thank Ms. Kotcho for being the co-advisor and Ben, Hunter, Abby, and Kristian being the best officers!”
Ms. Kotcho is another Co-Advisor. She is the assistant girls’ soccer coach, an assistant swim coach, and a SADD (students against destructive driving) club co-advisor. She wanted to be a class advisor because she loves being involved in school activities. Being an advisor allows her to work with students to enhance their high school experience.
“This is my fourth year as an advisor, and I have enjoyed it every year so far! As a class, we had had many successful fundraisers, and we put together some fun events for the class of 2026. We are currently getting ready to go to Disney for the class trip in November, and we are also planning the second annual trunk or treat which will be next week. In the future, we plan to host several other events for seniors before graduation. Please let us know if you have any ideas!”
