Education

Lincoln High School Senior Awarded $10,000 ELLWOOD Industrial Maintenance Scholarship

ELLWOOD is proud to recognize Lincoln High School senior Owen Andrews as the latest recipient of the ELLWOOD Industrial Maintenance Scholarship. Owen was awarded $10,000 to support his continued education in Electro-Mechanical Technology at the New Castle School of Trades. This scholarship presentation took place at Lincoln High School, where ELLWOOD’s Director of Talent Management, Dena Baptiste, joined school staff and the Andrews family to officially present Owen with his scholarship documents and welcome him into the ELLWOOD family. The Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technology program prepares students for in-demand careers in manufacturing, energy, and automation. With hands-on training in robotics, PLCs,…


Riv-Ell Business Plans: Traveling Ultrasound Business To Surprises For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Ten Riverside or Lincoln high school students participated in Butler County Community College’s Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program in 2024-2025. They earned 16 transferrable college credits and BC3’s workplace certificate in entrepreneurship upon completing the program that required a capstone-project business plan. Students presented business plans May 5 in Lincoln’s library. About Riv-Ell’s Class of 2025, their business plans and extra-curricular activities: Shaelyn Freed, Lincoln. “Little Miracle Imaging,” a traveling ultrasound business with 3D and 4D technology. Clientele may include women with high-risk pregnancies or without transportation. Freed’s research showed estimated startup costs to be $81,110, which would include $31,000 for a…


Riv-Ell Students Pitch Business Plans, Earn BC3 Certificate

Caitlin Kreitzer goes fishing up to 20 times a year for bass, catfish and trout in creeks, ponds and rivers – “anywhere,” the 17-year-old Lincoln High School senior said, “I can get my line in the water.” What the Wampum resident said she wishes were part of her gear is a waterproof tackle box outfitted with a fish-finder and solar-powered charging stations. “Something so useful to have,” Kreitzer said. And so she envisioned and pitched “Tackle Tech: Charge, Catch, Conquer” as her business plan to complete Butler County Community College’s Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program. Kreitzer and nine other Riverside or Lincoln…


North Side Primary 2nd Grade Students Hosting Lemonade Stand

North Side Primary will be hosting a Lemonade Stand to help its students become young entrepreneurs. Second grade students will be hosting the lemonade stand on May 27-29 on the school playground – rain or shine! Pink and yellow lemonade will be available as well as popcorn. Sugar-free lemonade will be available upon request. Stop by to see the how the student’s positive attitudes, work ethic, cooperation skills, leadership abilities, adaptability, and creative thinking have grown at North Side Primary. Students from Mrs. Byers, Mrs. Bowman, and Mrs. Brochinsky classes will kick things off and host the stand on Tuesday,…


PHOTOS: Ellwood City Elementary Students Host Pizza Day

120 Sixth-grade students participated in a pizza project that culminated last week as they ventured to local pizzerias Vinny’s Restaurant and Johnny’s Pizza Shop. Elementary Computer Teacher Matt Skoczylas and School Counselor Christina Mendillo organized the project. Skoczylas had completed a pizza project unit with Ellwood City 6th graders before but, according to Mendillo, wanted to expand the project and turn it into an actual simulation. Students toured the restaurant, made pizzas, and got to learn from the local business owners. Pizza Joes Corporate and Ellwood City’s Pizza Joes also came to the school for an assembly. Mike Nocera, an…


Second Grade Students Celebrate Ellwood City Community Days

The spirit of community came alive during Ellwood City Community Days as second grade students from the Ellwood City Area School District took part in an educational and fun-filled day that gave students the opportunity to explore and connect with the people and places that help make Ellwood City a strong community. Throughout the day, students visited key locations around town and engaged with community leaders, learning firsthand about the roles they play in keeping Ellwood City safe, welcoming, and thriving. From public service to local history, the event highlighted the importance of civic engagement and local pride. Second grade…


Ellwood Historical Society Awards Scholarships

Four local high school seniors were awarded scholarships by the Ellwood City Area Historical Society on Monday night. DeLanna Fox (Riverside H.S.), Kailyn Hamilton (Lincoln H.S.), Hannah Hyde (Commonwealth Charter Academy), and Sara Schwarz (Lincoln H.S.) each received $1,500 toward their continuing education. Fox and Schwarz won Marlene Painter Scholarships with essays on “Why I Want to be a Teacher.” Hamilton and Hyde were winners of the Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarship. Hamilton’s winning essay was titled “Effects of COVID on a Small Town,” and Hyde wrote on “The Closure of the Ellwood City Hospital.” The Robert and Janice Barensfeld…


ECASD Board of Directors Vote on Personnel Matters for Summer, 2025-2026 School Year

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors approved numerous matters regarding personnel for summer employment and programs and also for the 2025-2026 school year during their May meeting. They accepted the resignation and release agreement of employee #1727 effective April 25, 2025. The board would not release the name of the employee. District Superintendent Wesley Shipley said the district is unable to announce a name. The board also hired a full-time custodian and approved summer cafeteria workers (Stephanie Borroni, Debra Lewis, Jennifer Greco, and Brandi Lippman as a substitute), 2025 Summer Academy K-6 elementary teachers and aides for…


NOTICE: Ellwood City Area School Board of Directors Meeting Changes

The Ellwood City Area School Board of Directors following meetings are changed or added as follows:  A Special Voting Meeting for hiring purposes and any other agenda items needing to come before the board will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Lincoln High School Board Room at 7:00 p.m. The Combined Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. will now be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at North Side Primary School, 501 Orchard Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117 in the cafeteria. The Combined Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. will…


Primary Election Series Part 3: Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 3 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Parts 4 & 5  will feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and Office of the Mayor.  [VIEW PART 2] The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors include: Victoria Kincaid, Claire Fauzey, Robyn Nicklas, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, Kathy Tillia, and Norm Boots. We caught…