AP Biology students worked on a project in which they were challenged to develop a business around an innovative product or service that utilizes biotechnology.  As part of the final piece to the project, the students pitched their businesses to potential investors, with the hopes that these investors would provide them “money” to start up their venture.  Congratulations to everyone! Your hard work was evident and impressive.

Madison Adams - (2nd Place- $126,000) BioHarvest – Creating genetically modified corn that is capable of fixing its own nitrogen, reducing its dependence on fertilizes and improving overall soil health

Brielle Cox – Cetagel – Development of a nutrient gel that supports connective tissue health and improves rehabilitation outcomes in injured whales, dolphins, and porpoises

Kaylana Ebling – GlucoPatch – Development of wearable microneedle patch that checks glucose levels and delivers insulin when needed in diabetic patients

Olivia Kauffman – BioPanels – Creation of wall mounted living air-purification systems that naturally absorb and break down harmful airborne pollutants through the use of genetically enhanced plants and engineered microbes that can naturally absorb, process, and break down pollutants

Arianna Naranjo – (3rd Place-$121,000) NeuroLink Therapeutics – Creation of a patch that uses dissolvable microneedles to release nanoparticles containing brain-derived neurotrophic factor that can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver these factors to neurons to help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety

Kaylum Riegel – NeuroEndocrine Modulation System – Creation of a small implant placed into the central nervous system that monitors the system for the presence of amphetamine. If the drug is detected, the implant sends out chemical signals to increase cortisol production to create feelings of stress and sadness to counteract the typical euphoric feelings these drugs typically create as a potential treatment for amphetamine addition.

Alyssa Umberger – LaPatch – Development of a wearable allergy desensitization patch that uses dissolving microneedles and controlled-release hydrogel technology to deliver small, safe does of allergen proteins into the skin to build long-term tolerance and reduce allergic reactions over time.

Madeline Wilkes– (1st Place: $146,000) Smart Food Freshness Wraps – Creation of advanced food packaging materials that monitor food freshness in real time. These wraps contain biosensors that detect spoilage gases, bacterial growth, moisture building, and temperatures. When food beings to soil, the wrap changes color to warn consumers about consumption.

Spring Keystone & Modified HS Schedule

The High School will be operating on a two hour delay schedule due to Keystone Testing on May 11th -May 21st.
Testing will take place from 7:30-9:30. Only students testing are required to report to school for a 7:30am start. An email was sent to families in April with details.

Yesterday on Hawk Hill, under clear blue skies, Hamburg Area School District hosted the 2026 Hawk Olympics, a special education track and field event for students in Berks County. The event promotes camaraderie, competition, and inclusivity. This event would not be possible without support from many who invested their time and resources, including:

• Kristin Newpher (Event Coordinator)

• Rob Marra

• Tracy Herber

• Hamburg Area Custodial Staff

• Aaron Menapace

• Our many sponsors

• Our partner school districts

• Our many student and staff volunteers

Without your help, this event would not be possible! Congratulations to all athletes!

Keystone Exam Information (HAHS Spring 2026):

Read about the upcoming Spring Keystone testing and adjustments to the school schedule.

Please help us in congratulating Hamburg Area School District's candidates for the Lauretta Woodson Award for the 2025-2026 school year. The award recognizes employees for their exemplary contributions to our schools and students. This year, HASD had the privilege of nominating support staff for the award. The following individuals were candidates nominated by their supervisors:

Joy Kramer - Paraeducator, Perry Elementary
April Reitenauer - Paraeducator, Perry Elementary
Heidi Gilbert - Custodian, Middle School
Mel Brown - Paraeducator, Perry Elementary
Richard Narducci - Technology Support Specialist, HASD
Susan Deisemann - Food Services, Tilden Elementary
Diane Ringler - Paraeducator, Middle School
Jen Stanish (not pictured) - Paraeducator, High School

Special congratulations to Mrs. Lisa Eisenhower, Kitchen Manager at Hamburg Area High School, for being named Hamburg Area's official nominee for the 2025-2026 Lauretta Woodson Award. Mrs. Eisenhower has dedicated over 30 years to a career working in education. Her strong work ethic, loyalty, resourcefulness, and leadership skills have been instrumental in building and sustaining a high-functioning Food Services Department at HASD that supports students daily.

Congratulations to Lisa and to all of our candidates! Your efforts are noticed and deeply appreciated.

We are proud to share that our Athletic Director, Aaron Menapace, is the PSADA Athletic Director of the Year by the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.

This well-deserved recognition was presented today, March 19, 2026, during the PSADA Conference Program. The conference featured outstanding speakers, valuable professional development opportunities for athletic directors, and meaningful time to connect with colleagues and friends, all culminating in a celebratory banquet.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Menapace for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students. His time, wisdom, and passion continue to make a lasting impact on our school community!