Scranton Stories is an oral history video series featuring 33 individuals who have lived or worked in the city of Scranton. These videos are part of the larger project, Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story, which is a community-wide exploration of themes such as history, belonging, and identity. DiscoverNEPA will share these unique, personal “Scranton Stories” in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
A Neighborhood Legacy and the American Dream
Jerry Skotleski’s family is embedded within the South Side; the house they moved into in the 1880’s is still in the family to this day. He has fond memories of the neighborhood, specifically his before-school trips to the mom-and-pop stores where he would buy cupcakes. After being inspired to pursue teaching by his mentor, he realized in college that he was not quite ready for the world, and saw to it that part of his educational approach was to ensure his students wouldn’t face the same dilemma. Over the years he’s watched both Scranton and his classroom become more diverse settings. Those same mom-and-pop stores he bought cupcakes from as a youth are now owned and operated by Spanish-speaking families, some of whom send their kids to his Scranton High classroom. He believes the American dream – not so much about the procurement of wealth but rather being able to care for one’s family – is alive and well. He sees it in the eyes of his students.
