Schuylkill County’s top young female athletes will be honored at the annual Schuylkill County Women’s Athletic Association Banquet, set to take place on Sunday, April 27th at the Mountain Valley Golf Course.
Each of the 14 school districts in Schuylkill County has selected one standout female athlete to be recognized for her achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership.
This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Susan Rux, Associate Vice President of Professional Nursing Practice and Nursing Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Rux is a proud native of Saint Clair,
The event is sponsored by the Schuylkill County Women’s Athletic Association, a long-standing supporter of female athletics and youth development in the region.
This year's scholar athletes are:
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Alexandra Warke – Blue Mountain School District
Alexandra Warke, daughter of Jeremy and Alyson Warke, is the 2024 Scholar-Athlete representing Blue Mountain School District. She is the valedictorian of her class, ranked #1 with a cumulative GPA of 4.446. After graduation, Alexandra plans to attend a university to double major in Accounting and Finance, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Chief Financial Officer.
Alexandra is a dedicated and accomplished athlete. She has played soccer for 13 years, serving as team captain and helping lead her team to three league championships. In track and field, she competed for four years and was a league finalist in the javelin.
Academically, Alexandra has excelled at the highest level. She is an AP Scholar with Honor, a consistent member of the Distinguished Honor Roll, and a member of several honor societies. She serves as President of the Science Honors Society and Vice President of the English Honors Society, and is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math), the History Honors Society, and Phi Sigma (Language).
Alexandra’s leadership roles include serving as Senior Class President and Student Council Representative for seven years. She received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award in her junior year and was selected for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar as a sophomore. She is also a Big Impact Volunteer, showing her dedication to service and community.
In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Alexandra is heavily involved in extracurricular activities. She has participated in Aevidum (3 years), Mini-THON (4 years), All Things Business (1 year), FBLA (1 year), and the Interfaith Club (1 year). She also served on the Prom Planning Committee (Junior year) and the Senior Planning Committee (Senior year).
Her love for the arts is evident through her involvement in music and drama. Alexandra has been a member of Chorus all four years—serving as Vice President her junior year—as well as Chorale, Chamber Singers, Show Choir, and County Chorus (2 years). She also participated in Drama Club for three years.
Outside of school, Alexandra enjoys lifting, running, singing, painting, reading, and watching sporting events. Her wide range of achievements and passions make her a standout representative of Blue Mountain’s academic and athletic excellence.
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Zoe Katona – Hazleton Area School District
Zoe Katona, daughter of Anthony and Sybil Katona, is Hazleton’s 2024-2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Zoe ranks in the top 10 of her class with a GPA of 4.0. She plans to major in Health and Exercise Science at Syracuse University’s College of Sport and Human Dynamics.
Athletically, Zoe has been a standout in multiple sports. She has participated in softball from her sophomore to senior year, serving as captain during her senior year. In swimming, she has been a dedicated athlete from freshman to senior year, also captaining the team all four years. Zoe was honored as part of the 2022-2023 Republican Herald All-Area Swimming Team. In volleyball, Zoe has been a member from freshman to senior year and was selected to the Schuylkill League All-Star Team. She also participated in track during her freshman year.
In academics, Zoe has maintained Distinguished Honors throughout high school. She received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and earned recognition in the Immaculate Heart Society for her exceptional service hours.
Zoe has held leadership roles in several clubs and activities, including being a member of the National Honor Society during her junior and senior years, a member of Student Council throughout high school (with an executive committee role in her senior year), and a leader in the Evangelization Team during her senior year. She has also been involved in Catholic Athletes for Christ, Student Ambassador and Mentor, and served in various leadership roles.
Outside of academics and sports, Zoe has been actively involved in her community. She works at her parents' restaurant/movie theater as a waitress, is a lifeguard at two local pools in the summer, and started her own business teaching swim lessons to children ages 2-7 years old.
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Alexis Chilinskas – Mahanoy Area School District
Alexis Chilinskas, daughter of Matthew and Michelle Chilinskas, is the top-ranked student in her class at Mahanoy Area School District, earning a GPA of 102.2 (4.1 on a 4.0 scale). Following graduation, Alexis plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry and is considering the University of Pittsburgh, Saint Joseph’s University, and James Madison University.
Alexis is a four-sport varsity athlete, excelling in volleyball, cross country, swimming, and track and field. She played volleyball in her freshman, junior, and senior years, serving as co-captain in 2024 and helping lead her team to a District 11 Class AA Championship. In 2022, she ran cross country, contributing to a Division Championship and a runner-up finish at Districts, which earned the team a state qualification. As a four-year swimmer, Alexis achieved significant success, including a 2022 League and District 11 runner-up finish in the medley relay and a state qualification. That same year, she placed second in the 100 butterfly at leagues and was named team captain in 2024. In track and field, she qualified for states as a freshman after placing second in the high jump at Districts and later earned third place in the event at the league meet during her junior year.
Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Alexis has been a Distinguished Honors student all four years of high school and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society. She is highly engaged in school clubs and leadership roles, serving as co-president of the Interact Club for four years and as treasurer for the Future Business Leaders of America during her junior and senior years. She is also an active member of the Diversity Club and Aevidum, and has contributed to school publications such as Bear Facts and Areascope.
In addition to her school involvement, Alexis has taken part in the Bloomsburg Math Contest in both her junior and senior years and serves on the Student Council as a senior. Her commitment to service extends beyond the classroom—she is a junior volunteer at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, a dedicated member and volunteer at St. Richard's Church, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels.
In her free time, Alexis enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, trying new restaurants, and going shopping. Her academic excellence, athletic dedication, and community involvement make her a truly outstanding representative of Mahanoy Area School District.
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Ayla Castle – Minersville Area School District
Ayla Castle, daughter of Susan and Michael Castle, is the 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete representing Minersville Area School District. Ranked third in her graduating class of 72 students, Ayla has consistently excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field. A four-year member of both the volleyball and basketball teams, she has earned varsity letters each season in both sports. In 2023, she was recognized for her efforts in volleyball by being named to the Republican Herald All-Area Second Team.
Ayla’s academic achievements include maintaining Distinguished Honor Roll status throughout high school. She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and has served as the organization’s Treasurer. In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Ayla is deeply involved in student life. She is a member of SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, Aevidum Club, Student Council, and Prom Committee, and she has proudly held the role of Class Treasurer for all four years of high school.
Outside of school, Ayla works as a cashier at Weis Market in Pottsville, has worked at an ice cream parlor in Minersville, and is employed by the Minersville Area Athletic Department as a ticket seller. She is also active in community service, volunteering for campground cleanups, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and local fire company breakfasts.
After graduation, Ayla plans to attend college and enroll in a Nursing program. With her strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication to academics, athletics, and service, Ayla Castle is a remarkable representative of Minersville Area School District.
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Sara Spolski – Nativity BVM High School
Sara Spolski, daughter of Stephen and Mindy Spolski, is Nativity BVM’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranked 6th out of 65 students with a GPA of 4.16, Sara plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a career as a neonatal nurse.
Sara has been a dedicated athlete throughout high school, earning eight varsity letters across four years in both track and volleyball. She has received numerous accolades in volleyball, including District XI First Team in 2023 and 2024, Schuylkill League Coaches First Team in 2023 and 2024, and a 2024 Team Captain role. Over her volleyball career, she achieved 500 kills and 700 digs, contributed to the 2023 District XI Team Championship, and helped her team earn the USMC AVCA Team Academic Award in grades 9, 10, and 11.
Academically, Sara has demonstrated excellence and leadership. She has served as Student Government President in her senior year, Class President during her freshman and sophomore years, and as a Student Representative. She is actively involved in numerous school clubs, including Interact Club (4 years), International Club (4 years), Aveidum (3 years), Evangelization Team (2 years), Spanish Club (4 years), Schuylkill County D&A Advisory Board (2 years), Prom Committee (1 year), and Diversity Club (4 years). Additionally, Sara has served her community and church as a Greeter, Lector, and Sacristan at St. Ambrose Church.
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Lindsay Brouse – North Schuylkill School District
Lindsay Brouse, daughter of Matt and Nicole Brouse, is North Schuylkill’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranking 4th in her class with a GPA of 4.1440, Lindsay plans to attend Shippensburg University, majoring in Environmental Biology with a minor in Marine Sciences.
An accomplished athlete, Lindsay has earned four varsity letters in softball, playing for 10 years with both the Frackville Fury and North Schuylkill teams. She has also played volleyball for four years, earning three varsity letters and serving as team captain. In addition, Lindsay has been a dedicated member of the North Schuylkill Marching Band for six years and served as both the flute section leader and band librarian for two years.
Lindsay has demonstrated leadership on and off the field, acting as captain for both her volleyball and softball teams. Her athletic accolades include multiple MVP medals with the Frackville Fury softball team at tournaments.
In academics and extracurriculars, Lindsay is deeply involved in numerous clubs and activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as Vice President for the Subject Honors Societies in Science, Math, English, and Social Studies. She is also actively involved in the Friends Forever Club (4 years), Diversity Club (3 years), Pep Club (3 years), and has volunteered for the Spartan Games and the Annual Powder Puff Game for three years.
Lindsay has earned several accolades, including the Helen Roulin Memorial Scholarship and the Senator David G. Argall Good Citizenship Award. She has also volunteered for the Youth Volleyball Clinic at North Schuylkill.
In her free time, Lindsay enjoys wreath making, baking, fishing, swimming, and traveling. She also participates in softball/baseball clinics at the Diamond Mine.
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Brenna McAndrew – Panther Valley School District
Brenna McAndrew, daughter of David and Dolores McAndrew, is Panther Valley’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranked second in her class with a 4.1 GPA, Brenna has balanced academic excellence and athletic achievement throughout her high school career. After graduation, she plans to attend Villanova University, where she will pursue a dual major in Marketing and International Business.
A four-sport athlete, Brenna has competed in basketball and softball for four years, track for three years, and golf for two years—earning four varsity letters along the way. Her dedication on the field is matched in the classroom, where she has achieved the distinction of Salutatorian and was named to the LCCC Dean’s Honors List.
Brenna has also demonstrated strong leadership throughout high school. She is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and has served as Class Vice President for two years. Her commitment to school involvement is reflected in her participation in Student Council all four years, Student Forum for one year, and Scholastic Scrimmage for two years. In addition, she has contributed to the school’s newspaper as both photographer and editor for four years and was a two-year member of the Art Club.
Brenna is passionate about giving back to her community. She has volunteered her time at local food pantries, nursing homes, Panther Valley Elementary School, various churches, and youth sports camps.
With her blend of academic rigor, athletic talent, leadership, and community involvement, Brenna McAndrew is an outstanding representative of Panther Valley School District.
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Eve Kurtz – Pine Grove Area School District
Eve Kurtz, daughter of Eric and Katie Kurtz, is Pine Grove Area’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranked 6th in her class with a GPA of 101.6, Eve plans to attend Arcadia University, where she will pursue a certification in Art Education and a minor in Art Therapy. She will also be part of the university’s inaugural women's wrestling team, starting next year.
Eve is a dedicated athlete, excelling in multiple sports. She has been a Varsity member of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams for two years and played for the Berks County Rugby team for one year, where she served as team captain. In wrestling, she has had a standout career, participating for four years and serving as team captain for one. She earned the title of District 11 Women’s Wrestling Runner-Up in the 148 lbs category and placed 8th at the state level in women’s wrestling.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Eve has been a committed student. She is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and has been involved in numerous clubs and activities throughout her high school years. These include Art Club (3 years), County Chorus (4 years), County Band (2 years), Pine Grove Choir (4 years), and Cardinal Marching Band (5 years). Eve also served as the Travel Club Treasurer for one year and was an active member for three years. She participated in the Prom Committee for two years and was involved in Cardinal Spotlight Theater for four years.
Eve’s involvement in both academics and extracurricular activities, along with her leadership roles and athletic success, makes her a standout representative of Pine Grove Area School District.
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Lauren Kelly – Pottsville Area School District
Lauren Kelly, daughter of Chris and Stacey Kelly, is Pottsville Area’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranking 2nd in her class out of 218 students with a GPA of 4.380, Lauren plans to attend Penn State University Park to major in Biology.
A dedicated athlete, Lauren has been a varsity letterman for the Lady Tide soccer team for four years. During her tenure, she helped the team win the league championship in 2021, was part of the division champion team for four consecutive years, and contributed to the historic wins of Pottsville’s first district championship titles in 2022 and 2024. Lauren was also one of the team captains and earned a spot on the Republican Herald All-Area second team as a forward in her junior and senior years. In addition to her high school soccer career, she played club soccer for Penn FC for seven years.
In track and field, Lauren has lettered for three years, medaling in multiple invitationals in events such as the 4x400 meter relay and the 300-meter individual hurdles. This past season, she was part of the gold-medal-winning 4x400 meter relay team at the Schuylkill League championships.
Academically, Lauren has maintained distinguished honors for four years and is a two-year member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She has earned the RIT Social Sciences Award and the Top Spanish Student Award. She was also honored as October’s Rotary Student of the Month and recognized at a luncheon.
Lauren is highly involved in extracurricular activities as well. She is a four-year member and fundraising officer for Mini-THON, President of the Student Council, and a four-year member of both the Key Club and AID (school sorority).
In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading novels, which help her relax after a busy day of schoolwork.
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Anna Schaeffer – Schuylkill Haven Area School District
Anna Schaeffer, daughter of Jeff and Laura Schaeffer, is an accomplished student-athlete representing Schuylkill Haven Area School District. Ranked first in her class with an impressive GPA of 115.465 on a 100-point scale, Anna has balanced academic excellence with an outstanding athletic career. She plans to attend Shippensburg University to major in Economics and continue her athletic pursuits in cross country and track and field.
A three-sport varsity athlete, Anna has been a standout in cross country, basketball, and track and field throughout all four years of high school, serving as a team captain in each sport. In cross country, she is a four-time league all-star, three-time Schuylkill League individual champion, and a District XI champion. She qualified for states in all four years of her high school career, helped her team earn two division championships, and holds both the Schuylkill Haven course record and the Schuylkill League course record.
On the track, Anna has earned multiple league and district medals across events and claimed Schuylkill League championships in the 800, 1600, and 3200-meter runs. She is a district champion and state qualifier in the 1600 and 3200 meters, and she holds school records in both the 1600-meter run and the 4x400-meter relay. In addition, she was part of a track and field team that won a division championship. On the basketball court, she was a four-year member of the team and served as captain during her senior year.
Anna’s academic accolades include the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Leadership, the Widener University Leadership Award, the AP School Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award. She is actively involved in a wide range of school organizations, serving as President of the Biology Club and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. She is also a four-year member of the Student Council and Spanish Club, a three-year class officer, and a participant in the SHHS Gifted Program, Junior Honor Guard, Prom Committee, Veteran’s Committee, and Quiz Bowl team.
Her leadership extends into the community, where she is an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. There, she serves on the consistory, plays in the bell choir, and participates in service projects. Anna also supports local youth athletics by volunteering at camps, clinics, and youth sporting events.
With her exceptional combination of academic achievement, athletic excellence, and community leadership, Anna Schaeffer is a shining representative of Schuylkill Haven Area School District.
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Morgan Labosky – Shenandoah Valley School District
Morgan Labosky, daughter of Michael and Beverly Labosky, is Shenandoah Valley’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranking 2nd in her class with a 101.6 average, Morgan has been accepted into the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program after graduation.
An athlete with a strong commitment to her sports, Morgan has participated in softball for four years, basketball for four years, and volleyball for one year. Her dedication and skill in these sports are a testament to her athletic abilities.
Morgan has made significant contributions to her school’s leadership and extracurricular activities. She serves as the secretary of the SVHS National Honor Society in her senior year and as Vice President of the SVHS Student Council, having been a member for four years. Morgan has also been the Senior Class Historian and Sophomore Class Historian. Additionally, she co-founded and has been a member of the SVHS Aevidum Club for four years, serving as Co-President in her senior year. She is also the President of the SVHS Art Club and a two-year member of the National Arts Honor Society.
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Andrea Betz – Tamaqua Area School District
Andrea Betz, daughter of Richard Betz and Dr. Amy Houm, is the 2025 Female Scholar-Athlete representing Tamaqua Area School District. Ranked first in her graduating class of 159 students with a weighted GPA of 100.741, Andrea has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a passion for learning. Following graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university where she will major in Biochemistry and minor in Literature.
Andrea is a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer, swimming and diving, and track and field. As a member of the Tamaqua Area Lady Raiders Soccer Team for four years, she earned varsity letters each season and was named a Lehigh Valley Female Soccer Scholar-Athlete for 2025. In her senior season, she was selected for the County All-Star Second Team. She has also lettered all four years in both swimming and track, qualifying for league meets from 9th through 11th grade in track and competing at the District XI Meet in the 4x800 meter relay as a freshman.
Academically, Andrea is an AP scholar with high achievement on multiple AP exams, including a score of 5 on the AP U.S. Government and Politics test. She has participated in the Bloomsburg Math Contest, earned a Super SAT score of 1280, and received the Special Foreign Language Award in Spanish. Her honors include membership in the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society.
Andrea’s leadership roles reflect her strong commitment to her school and community. She currently serves as Vice President of the Student Government Association and has been a student senator or representative throughout high school. She is President of the World Language Club, a member of the Honor Card Review Committee, and actively participates in FBLA, where she has competed at the regional and state levels. She is also involved in Raider Step-Up, the Biology Club, Environmental Club, Quiz Bowl (where her team placed second in 11th grade), and the Schuylkill Youth Conference.
Music and the performing arts are major parts of Andrea’s life. She serves as Band President and previously held the role of Quartermaster. She performs on the bassoon and clarinet in multiple ensembles, including district and county bands and orchestras, jazz band, and marching and concert band. Andrea is also a dedicated vocalist, participating in Concert Choir, Jazz Chorale, and Schuylkill County Chorus, where she has performed as both a Soprano II and Soprano I. Her theatrical credits span over six years in Tamaqua’s Drama Club, with ensemble roles in numerous productions from Les Misérables to Sweeney Todd.
Outside of school, Andrea enjoys reading, crocheting, baking, cooking, and exercising. She is certified in CPR and lifeguarding by the Red Cross and is a certified youth soccer referee. Her exceptional work ethic, talent, and leadership make Andrea a well-rounded and inspiring representative of Tamaqua Area School District.
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Cassidey J. Snyder – Tri-Valley School District
Cassidey J. Snyder, daughter of Troy and Heather Snyder, is Tri-Valley’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranked 12th in her class with an impressive 98.9% GPA, Cassidey plans to attend Bloomsburg University to pursue a nursing degree after graduation. A dedicated student and athlete, she has earned a soccer scholarship and is a four-year letter winner in both soccer and softball.
Cassidey has made her mark on the soccer field, where she has been a four-year participant and letter winner. Her soccer accolades include being named First-Team Midfield All-Area in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and earning a spot on the Republican Herald Second-Team Midfield in 2022. She was named to the Coaches' All-Area First Team in 2023 and the Coaches' Team as First-Team Forward in 2024. Cassidey was also honored with All-State recognition in 2024 and scored over 100 career goals in her high school career.
In softball, Cassidey has been a key player for four years (pending her senior season) and has earned several accolades, including being named First-Team Infielder by the Republican Herald in 2023, as well as receiving Second-Team All-Area recognition from the Schuylkill League Coaches in 2023. She was also named to the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association (PAHSSBCA) First Team All-State as a 3rd baseman in 2023 and Second Team All-State as a shortstop in 2024. Cassidey was part of a team that claimed the Schuylkill League Championship and District 11 Championship in 2022 and 2023, and helped secure a PIAA State Championship in 2023. She has accumulated over 100 career hits.
Academically, Cassidey is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She serves as Vice President of the Senior Class and is an active member of the FFA and Student Council, having participated in both organizations for three years.
Outside of academics and athletics, Cassidey enjoys hobbies such as fishing, hunting, ice skating, and ice hockey.
With her impressive athletic career, academic achievements, and leadership skills, Cassidey J. Snyder is a proud representative of Tri-Valley School District.
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Sage Smeltz – Williams Valley School District
Sage Smeltz, the daughter of Greg and Sally Smeltz, is Williams Valley’s 2024–2025 Female Scholar-Athlete. Ranked 1st in her class with a 4.20 GPA, Sage plans to attend college and double major in History and Religious Studies, aspiring to become a college professor in Religious Studies.
A dedicated athlete, Sage has earned an impressive 15 varsity letters across multiple sports: four in soccer, four in softball, four in basketball, and three in football. Her accolades include being a 1st Team All-County goalie and All-League goalie in soccer, an All-League Utility player and All-County Utility player in softball, and an All-State Utility player in softball. In football, Sage earned Eastern PA AA Honorable Mention as a kicker.
Beyond athletics, Sage has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to her school community. She serves as Senior Class President and has held the role of National Honor Society President. Additionally, she has contributed to the Student Council, International Travel Club, Drama Club, Big Vike Little Vike Club, and Yearbook Club.