Spirit in the spotlight: Schools’ featured performers lead the way

It’s easy to pick them out from a crowd thanks to the brilliant ensembles that have become tradition and the hallmark of their titles.

They move across football fields and high school gymnasiums with grace, grit and smiles on their faces as they entertain and pep up the crowds rooting on hometown teams.

And while some assume they are rivals, each time they gather for an annual photo shoot that captures the artistry of their positions, these nine girls show support and respect to each other, as each is part of a very exclusive club.

They’re smart, spirited student leaders who have earned their turn in the spotlight. We’re proud to introduce you to the 2019-20 featured performers.

Miss Invader

• West Scranton High School
• Name: Abbie O’Brien
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Linda and Mark O’Brien
• Future plans: To attend college and become an occupational therapist

 

 

 

 

Miss Chief

• Lakeland Junior-Senior High School
• Name: Annaliese Black
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Melissa and Tom Contorno and Erika and Vaughn Black
• Future plans: To attend college to study occupational therapy

 

 

 

 

Miss Spartan

• Mid Valley Secondary Center
• Name: Natalie Buchinski
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Carolyn and Robert Buchinski
• Future plans: To earn a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

 

 

 

 

Miss Buck

• Dunmore High School
• Name: Mariana Leo
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Lisa and Mario Leo
• Future plans: To attend college and study secondary education

 

 

 

 

Miss Trojan

• North Pocono High School
• Name: Meghan Murray
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Sheri and Jeff Murray
• Future plans: To study political science and economics

 

 

 

 

Miss Viking

• Riverside Junior-Senior High School
• Name: Amanda Merrick-Tompkins
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Melissa Merrick-Tompkins and Kris Tompkins
• Future plans: To go into education and open a dance studio

 

 

 

 

Miss Comet

• Abington Heights High School
• Name: Nina Sampogne
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Laura and Vito Sampogne
• Future plans: To attend Penn State to become a forensic pathologist and to join the Blue Band

 

 

 

 

Miss Devilette

• Old Forge High School
• Name: Kalvin Jeffers
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Nikole and John Jeffers
• Future plans: To attend college

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Knight

• Scranton High School
• Name: Julia Cunha
• Grade: 12
• Age: 17
• Parents: Geisa DeSouza and Ricardo Cunha
• Future plans: To be in business