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Alaina Margaret Samar, daughter of Lisa and Michael Samar of Limestone Township, has spent her high school career pursuing a goal she has already clearly defined: a future working with animals. Her academics, activities, employment, and leadership have all helped prepare her for that future, making her a fitting choice for the September Business and Professional Women Student of the Month.
Alaina is a leader throughout Jersey Shore Area High School. As a senior, she serves as president of both Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of YDTF. She is also a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Pep Club.
Her involvement doesn't stop when the school day ends. Alaina has competed in softball and swimming throughout high school and added tennis to her activities as a senior. She has earned varsity letters in both swimming and softball. She was also selected to represent Jersey Shore as Miss Jersey Shore at the 2026 Flaming Foliage Festival.
Perhaps the clearest picture of Alaina's future comes from the experiences she has pursued on her own.
She works part-time at Loyalsock Animal Hospital, job shadows monthly at RoseBird Veterinary Hospital, and helps at Paul-Haven Century Farms. Her experiences have included everything from daily animal care to helping deliver piglets. She also works part-time at Nippenose Valley Village.
Alaina enjoys hunting, exercising, running and walking, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family--but working with animals remains one of her greatest interests.
After graduation, Alaina hopes to attend Penn State University to study Animal Science, followed by veterinary school. Her ultimate goal is a distinctive one: to become a traveling large-animal veterinarian.
Jersey Shore Area High School is pleased to recognize Jacob Glenn Machmer, son of Brian and Stephanie Machmer of Anthony Township, as the September Lions Club Student of the Month.
Jacob has built his high school experience around hard work, hands-on learning, athletics, and helping others. A four-year member of the Track and Field team, Jacob has qualified for districts in discus and shot put and served as a team captain during his junior year. He has also competed in Unified Bocce, earning varsity letters in both Track and Field and Bocce.
Some of Jacob's most meaningful contributions, however, happen outside of competition. He has been an active member and treasurer of Bulldogs Better Together and regularly volunteers his time assisting in the Life Skills Classroom. Jacob also helped restart the school's Manufacturing Club and served as its vice president. His academic accomplishments earned him induction into the National Honor Society during his junior year.
Jacob's interests extend naturally into his life outside of school. He has been involved with the Nothing But Dust 4-H Shooting Club since age nine and has twice qualified for national competition through the state shooting competition. He also assists with Bulldog Cancer Chompers Relay for Life activities.
Hard work has been a consistent part of Jacob's high school years.
He has held jobs on farms and in local businesses throughout both the school year and summer, gaining experience at PaulHaven Dairy Farm, Heavens Blessins Jersey Farm, Long Lanes Flower Farms, WMR Firearms, Johnny's Speed and Customs, and Paulhamus Diesel Performance. He is currently employed at Ulmer Farms through Diversified Occupations program.
When he isn't working or competing, Jacob enjoys hunting, fishing, truck and tractor pulling, restoring trucks, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, he plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to study Heavy Equipment Diesel Technology--a path that perfectly complements the skills and interests he has already spent years developing.