Residents honored for academics, service

Two Bethlehem area residents are among the 50 new members inducted into Phi Alpha Epsilon, the Lebanon Valley College honor society that recognizes academic achievement and service to others, Local students are Abriana Ferrari, a homeschool graduate, pursuing a bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology, and Lauren Jancsarics, a Freedom HS graduate, pursuing a bachelor of science and doctor of physical therapy in exercise science and physical therapy.

Rittle chairs Bethlehem Housing Authority

The Bethlehem Housing Authority (BHA) has named John Marc Rittle, executive director of New Bethany, Inc., as chairperson of its board of commissioners. Rittle, who has dedicated his career to finding solutions to hunger and homelessness, was elected chairperson through a majority vote at the board’s January 2026 meeting.

As chairperson, Rittle oversees the board of commissioners’ monthly meetings, which inform Bethlehem residents about events and opportunities of interest to the community. BHA board meetings provide updates on housing projects, grant status, renovations and other community initiatives.

Appointed by Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds, each member of the board of commissioners serves staggered, five-year terms. Rittle was appointed to the board by Mayor Reynolds in October 2022.

Rittle’s first term on the Housing Authority board will end in 2027.

For more information about the Bethlehem Housing Authority’s board of commissioners, visit https://www.bethlehemhousing.org/BHA/commissioners.asp

Graybeal among performers at St. Patrick’s

Benjamin Graybeal of Bethlehem is one of 50 Lebanon Valley College Choir students who performed a recent program at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City under the direction of Professor Tyler Canonico-Dilley. Students also performed Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare” at Carnegie Hall with a 100-voice choir, under the direction of Dr. Kyle Zeuch, and accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

Graybeal, a graduate of Liberty HS, is pursuing a bachelor of science in exercise science.

BASD’s Schanewolf selected for program

The Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce that Traci Schanewolf, a 6th grade science teacher at Northeast Middle School, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The Teacher Innovator Institute is a highly selective professional development program designed to help middle school educators bring museum-based learning into their classrooms. By exploring the connections between informal STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education and authentic classroom experiences, participants gain innovative strategies to engage students in meaningful learning.

The two-week immersive program, taking place in summer 2026, will include more than 80 educators from across the country, including both returning participants and a new cohort of 30 teachers. Through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes museum experiences, guided tours, and collaborative group work, participants will learn directly from Smithsonian educators and content experts. The program emphasizes the use of aerospace science, history, and technology to inspire creative and authentic instructional practices.

Educators selected for the institute commit to two weeks of participation each summer over a two-year period. During that time, they engage in intensive learning sessions and develop a professional development plan to implement innovative teaching practices in their schools and districts.

Now in her second year at Northeast Middle School and BASD, Schanewolf is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lehigh University. She is actively involved in enriching student experiences beyond the classroom, leading several after-school clubs including Dungeons & Dragons and cinema studies.

Charter Arts’ Wells gets honor

Artistic Director of Instrumental Music at Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts Matthew Wells has been named the Nouryon All-Pro ‘Teacher of the Year’ at the 2026 awards ceremony held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Recognized for his excellence in teaching and community impact, Wells was selected from a group of ten outstanding educators from the region who were each featured at a Philadelphia Eagles home game during the season. At the March awards ceremony, Wells was chosen from this distinguished group as ‘Teacher of the Year’.

Outside the classroom, Wells is an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and is well known throughout the school community for his unwavering team loyalty — a spirit of enthusiasm and pride that mirrors the dedication he brings to his students each day. His contributions to music education have earned him multiple accolades, including two nominations for Educator of the Year by the Lehigh Valley Music Awards. He also currently serves as Professor of Percussion and Percussion Ensemble Director at Lafayette College in Easton.

Area residents on Emerson Dean’s List

Two Bethlehem area residents were among students named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. They are Lucia Cinquino and Alyssa Knadler.

To make the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester.