It’s that time of the year again for Punxsutawney Area High School. The Winter Queen’s Court Queen and Princess will be crowned at halftime during the boy’s basketball game tonight. The senior class nominated six girls that they wanted to have on the court. The court includes: Lauren Brauer, Ashlyn Catarouche, Maisie Eberhart, Kaylin Smith Bailee Stello, and Karli Young.

Lauren Nicole Brauer, the daughter of James and Dana Brauer, is involved in Marching band and Concert band, Her honors and recognition include being the Band president, District Band, high honor roll, and being named student of the month in 10th grade. 

“My favorite thing about being involved in extracurricular activities is being able to spend time with my friends doing the things we enjoy,” Brauer said.

“It is an honor to be selected for Winter Formal court and it gives me the opportunity to grow closer and make memories with my classmates also selected on court,” Brauer said.

Brauer’s favorite activities include hanging out with friends and family, playing with her dog, doing puzzles, working at Walmart, and playing with the IUP community band. Her future plans include attending college to become a dental hygienist. 

“I am most excited to experience a new chapter in my life and learn something new. I chose to go to college to become a dental hygienist because I find it to be something I will enjoy and it is a job that will always be in demand,” she said.

Brauer’s escort is Zack Schiel. 

Ashlyn Marie Catarouche, the daughter of George and Lisa Catarouche, is involved in Art Club, Science Club, Powderpuff, Softball, and Soccer. Her honors and recognitions include being the Art Club Vice President.

“My favorite thing is to be able to talk to so many different people and be able to participate in activities that I really enjoy. I participate most in the Art Club,” Catarouche said. I love being in an art club because it’s such an amazing opportunity to do things for our community and just have fun with a shared hobby.”

“Getting on court means a lot to me, I think it’s a great opportunity to represent our school and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of this experience with these amazing girls,” Catarouche stated.

Catarouche’s favorite activities include going to the gym, working at the Hock’s Nest, traveling, modeling dresses at MB Prom, hanging out with friends, and dressing up her dog. Her future plans are to attend Westmoreland County Community College for Phlebotomy and Specimen Testing. 

“I’m excited that it’s a job needed everywhere and I can travel to different places,” Catarouche said. “I’m very excited to start working and to plan my future. I’ve always wanted to work in health care.” 

Catarouche’s escort is Bryce Horne.

Maisie Faith Eberhart, the daughter of Adam Eberhart and Cammi Kunselman, is involved in Bible Club, Future First Responders Club, Varsity Club, Student Council, Mock Crash, Powderpuff, Powderbuff, and Volleyball. Her honors and recognition include being a two time Volleyball letter winner and Track and Field letter winner. Her community activities include being a member of The Way Youth Group at Steffey United Methodist Church.

“It keeps me busy and I get to make lots of new friends and experience new things,” Eberhart said.

“[Being a part of the court] means a lot to me,” she continued. “It’s definitely a great experience and so much fun to share with other senior girls.”

Eberhart’s favorite activities include spending time at the AWRCS Races, napping, camping, hanging out with friends and family, running, and hunting. Her future plans are to work at Fetterman’s Auto Body and eventually obtain a notary license. She is most excited to, “just to accomplish everything [she has] in mind for [herself] and just see where [her] career takes [her]” in the future. 

Eberhart’s escort is Ezekiel Bennett.

Kaylin Anne Smith, the daughter of Tony Smith and Tina Catanzarito, is involved in Ski Club, Art Club, Foreign Language Club, Varsity Club, Science Club, Student Council, and Tennis. Her honors and recognition include being a member of National Honor Society, Ski Club President, and Art Club Secretary. 

“Being involved in extracurricular activities is a great way for me to spend time with friends, and have something to look forward to throughout the week,” Smith said.

Smith stated that, for her, getting on the Formal Court is an accomplishment. “It feels like an accomplishment to get on Winter formal court,” Smith said. “I try to be nice to everyone and make friends with as many people as I can, so getting on court makes me feel like I have accomplished that.”

Some of Smith’s favorite activities are playing tennis, hanging out with friends, baking, and going shopping. Her future plans include attending Slippery Rock University to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Smith’s escort is Grant Miller.

Bailee Lynn Stello, the daughter of Scott and Traci Stello, is involved in Art Club, Powderpuff, Powderbuff, and Tennis. Her honors and recognition include being on the high honor roll. Stello’s community activities include being a member of SSCD Church and Americorps. 

“My favorite thing about being involved in extracurricular activities is creating new relationships with teammates or people I am working with,” Stello said. “Specifically for tennis I loved playing doubles with my partner Kaylin Smith who also happens to be on the winter formal court.”

“To me, winter formal court is an exciting experience I get to do with my friends also on the court,” Stello said.

Stello’s favorite activities include hanging out with friends, going on drives, playing tennis, and helping with the kindergarten class. Her future plans are to double major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. 

“I am most excited to have my own classroom to teach students in,” Stello said. “I do AmeriCorps at the Punxsy Elementary School and work with the Kindergarteners. Seeing them learn truly inspired me to become a teacher.” 

Stello’s escort is Cameron Powell.

Karli Ann Young, the daughter of Chuck and Katie Young, is involved in Science Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, Varsity Club, Student Council, Powderpuff, Powderbuff, Softball, and Volleyball. Her honors and recognitions include being named January’s Career Women’s Club Girl of the Month, being a letter winner for Volleyball and Softball, high honor roll, and being student of the month in 10th grade. Her community activities include being a member of Woodland Avenue United Methodist Church. 

“I like being involved in extracurricular activities because I like being around my friends and it gives me something fun to do,” Young said. “I like softball because I like to be around my friends and it challenges me to push myself.”

“I think getting on court is an honor and shows what others think of me,” Young said

Some of Young’s favorite activities are traveling, camping, and hunting. Her future plans include attending Saint Francis University to obtain a degree in nursing. Young stated, “I chose nursing because I wanted to be in the medical field and help people.” She also said that she is excited for the new opportunities and experiences her future will bring her. 

Young’s escort is Zach Dinger.