In celebration of Veterans Day and in honor of the nation’s and CSIU’s veterans, the CSIU held its annual Veterans Day drive and program. This year, the CSIU again partnered with Our Orangeville Manor in Orangeville, Pa. The woman-owned organization provides healthcare services and temporary housing for homeless veterans with medical needs. A key partner in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to address veteran homelessness, Our Orangeville Manor operates residential facilities that offer therapeutic care, case management, short-term shelters, and transitional housing for veterans in need.
Our Orangeville Manor relies on community support to meet the needs of its residents. CSIU regional locations and the Center for Schools and Communities collected supplies and gift cards as part of the annual drive. The CSIU also contributed a $500 donation.
CSIU staff gathered via Zoom on Nov. 11 for its virtual program. Navy Veteran and CSIU nontraditional education teacher, Thomas Paternostro, was honored. Watch the video to learn more about Thomas’ military service.
In recognition of their service, veterans were released early from work following the program.
Mental Health Day
At the end of October, the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit hosted its Youth Mental Health Fall Event at The Well in Milton, bringing together more than 100 high school students from nine school districts for a day focused on empathy, connection, and peer leadership. Designed as a regional training opportunity, the event emphasized how students can strengthen mental health supports in their schools through understanding, communication, and collaboration.
Students participated in story circles, a dialogue model that encourages deep listening and authentic sharing. Icebreakers, storytelling games, and discussion circles guided by Susan Jordan, executive director of Susquehanna Valley Mediation, helped students explore the importance of trust and belonging. Partnering organizations, including University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's (UPMC) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant to Advance Care in the Elderly (GRACE) Project, provided materials from its Beyond the Hype campaign, which promotes awareness and healthy decision-making around vaping and mental wellness.
Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) and HRSA GRACE grants, the initiative has expanded from its beginnings as local Aevidum-style mental health clubs into a regional network of peer-led support across Central Pennsylvania. Students left prepared to take what they learned back to their districts, equipped with practical tools to foster compassion and connection in their school communities.
The CSIU thanks its behavioral health team, especially Jestine Myers, CSIU Educational Consultant, for organizing and coordinating the event.
The 35th anniversary of Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (ELECT) was celebrated during the program’s fall 2025 conference, held Nov. 3-5 at the Eden Resort in Lancaster. The anniversary luncheon brought together educators, staff and partners from across Pennsylvania to honor the program’s legacy of supporting expectant and parenting students through academic achievement and graduation.
The event featured remarks from Lisa Lockwood, ELECT program officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Education; Nicole Tile, program supervisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; and Nichole Hartman, former ELECT technical assistance coordinator at the Center for Schools and Communities. Multimedia presentations highlighted student stories, program milestones, and recorded messages from Sabrina Lindsay, bureau director of student services at PDE; Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski, longtime ELECT coordinator from Washington County; and Dr. Shileste Overton-Morris, Chief Programs Officer.
Three ELECT graduates also shared their experiences. Divine Justice, now working for a youth-serving organization in Washington, D.C., provided a recorded message. Two students from Lancaster County attended the celebration in person and offered reflections and appreciation for the program. Attendees shared memories, and ELECT staff members were recognized for service ranging from new hires to those with more than 24 years of commitment. The celebration closed with expressions of gratitude and a renewed commitment to advancing the program’s mission for future generations.
eSports Conference and STEM Activity The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit recently hosted two events highlighting student creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning.
The eSports Program Showcase brought together students and educators to explore how competitive gaming fosters teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. The event demonstrated how eSports can help students build real-world skills while encouraging digital citizenship. The day concluded with remarks from Dr. Sam Faulkner, who spoke about the program’s positive impact on students’ social well-being.
On Nov. 4, the CSIU held its third annual elementary gifted event, “Spark Park: Where Gifted Minds Come to Play.” Originating from the CSIU’s quarterly gifted networking meetings, the program has continued to grow as a hub for young innovators. Ninety-four students in grades 3-6 from 14 schools participated in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities, including Ferris wheel construction, roller-coaster engineering, and catapult design. The event featured a keynote presentation by Brian Knoebel, who discussed the science and creativity behind amusement park design. The day concluded with student reflections and ideas for next year’s theme.
The CSIU thanks Colleen Epler-Ruths, Kaitlyn Hock, and Pam Inch of the Professional Development Department for their leadership and coordination in making both events possible.
