Contributed Photo – Lyndonville players and coaches celebrate capturing the Section V Class D1 championship this evening with a 6-2 win over Fillmore at Houghton College.
Lyndonville’s baseball and softball teams both pulled off thrilling playoff victories today.
The second-seeded Lyndonville baseball team downed top-seeded Fillmore 6-2 to capture the Section V Class D1 baseball championship this evening at Houghton College.
Now at 17-2, Lyndonville will next face the Class D2 champion Lima Christian, an 8-4 victor over Arkport, on Tuesday for the overall Section V Class D title and a berth in the state playoffs.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Lyndonville catcher Miranda Lembcke tries to put the tag on Fillmore’s Macy Beardsley. The action took place during the Lady Tigers Class D1 semifinal this evening at Brockport High School.
Earning a spot in the finals for the fifth straight year, top-seeded Lyndonville bested No. 4 Fillmore 10-7 this evening in the semifinals of the Section V Class D1 softball playoffs at Brockport High School.
Lyndonville jumped out to an early 3-0 lead scoring once in the first on an error following a single by Anna Lewis, once in the second on a wild pitch following a single by Cassie Boyce and a double by winning pitcher Makenzie Muck and once in the third on a single by Miranda Lembcke following another hit by Anna Lewis and a walk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2017 at 9:42 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from April 30 shows the waves pounding the pier at Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze.
An online petition was started today asking the White House to provide relief from a lake level management plan for Lake Ontario.
Bill Reilich, the town supervisor in Greece, started the petition seeking relief for lake shore residents throughout the Great Lakes region.
The Orleans County Legislature sent an email to many local officials today, asking them to complete the survey which seeks relief from the International Joint Commission’s Plan 2014. By 9:30 p.m., 762 had signed the petition. It will take 100,000 signatures to get a response from the White House.
“Many towns and counties have been ravaged by high winds and rising lake levels and our communities and businesses are suffering,” Reilich said in the petition. “I am honored to take this first step on behalf of all residents near and far desiring relief from this burdensome plan.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 May 2017 at 6:38 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
HOLLEY – Elementary School students held their Memorial Day Assembly this morning with local veterans in attendance as honored guests.
The Posting of the Colors ceremony was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Star-Spangled Banner with the Elementary Chorus and Concert Band.
“They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways,” sixth grader Andrew Thomas said before introducing the honored guests. “Thank you for answering the call to duty.”
Andrew said the assembly is a way for students to say they remember and appreciate those veterans who are able to attend as well as those who, “are here in spirit…. you are very important to us and hold a special place in our hearts,” Andrew said. “Thank you simply isn’t enough. We are forever indebted to your service.”
The “Holley Boys” – the eight young men from Holley who died during their service in the Vietnam War – were especially remembered with teams of two students at a time reading excerpts from Michael T. Keene’s book, Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of the Holley Boys. The students paid tribute to the eight. Here, students read excerpts about John Davis, who was survived by three children, and David Case.
Next to be remembered were Ronald Sisson and Howard Bowen.
Next Gary Bullock and Gary Stymus were remembered. Stymus was killed in action 50 years ago yesterday, on May 25, 1967.
Lastly, George Fischer and Paul Mandraccia were remembered.
Hannah Bock directs the Elementary Band’s performance of The Lone Eagle March.
Members of the Elementary Chorus perform God Bless America under the direction of Sally Martin.
On the heels of the New York State Police’s 100th Anniversary, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) joined members of Troop A in Batavia to honor them with an official Assembly Proclamation.
Pictured, from left, include: First Sergeant Joseph Wilkinson, Major Steven Nigrelli, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Captain Eric Laughton and Lieutenant Kurt Schmitt.
The birth of the New York State Police began when 232 men rode out of the New York State Fair on horseback and began patrolling, and the organization has grown to include more than 4,900 sworn state troopers.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to meet with the brave men and women who represent the New York State Police Troop A headquarters right in my hometown of Batavia,” Hawley said. “These are some of the most prestigious and highly-regarded law enforcement officials in our state and their record of public service and professionalism is unmatched. I would like to once again congratulate the New York State Police on their illustrious history and dedication to our community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2017 at 2:31 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Thomas J. Walders, a member of the Medina VFW, plays “Taps” with the Honor Guard at the conclusion of the Memorial Day service at State Street Park in May 2015.
Here is the list for Memorial Day parades in Orleans County for Monday:
Albion – Parade starts near the Orleans County Court House on Main Street at 10 a.m. and proceeds to the Albion Middle School front lawn where there will be a service near the Vietnam Memorial.
Holley – A ceremony will start at the American Legion Post at 9 a.m. and proceed to the VFW Post. Veterans will also visit cemeteries.
Lyndonville – The parade will start at 9 a.m. at the Catholic Church and end near the library. A ceremony will be held there. For the second year, the Yates Community Library arranged to have many flags in the school front yard.
Medina – The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Olde Pickle Factory building and proceed to the State Street Park where a ceremony will be held.
Kendall – The town has its Memorial Day observance on Tuesday, May 30. Kendall alternates the location among three cemeteries. This year Memorial Day will be observed at Beechwood Cemetery, at West Kendall Road and Woodchuck Alley. A short parade starts at 7 p.m. at the corner of Carr Road and West Kendall Road and concludes at Beechwood Cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2017 at 1:12 pm
Mary Ann Tillman recognized locally and in Albany for contributions to many local efforts
Provided photo: Mary Ann Tillman, right, accepts an award on May 12 from Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging in Orleans County. Tillman was recognized during a program at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
KNOWLESVILLE – A long-time community volunteer was recently recognized in Orleans County and at the State Capitol.
Mary Ann Tillman traveled to Albany on May 9 and was recognized there, joining senior ctiizens who were honored throughout the state for making a difference in their communities.
Tillman then on May 12 was honored during the Office for the Aging’s annual Spring Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Tillman is the former owner of the Carlton Grill for 12 years. She also worked as executive director of the American Cancer Society in Orleans County.
Since she retired, she has been active in many organizations, including:
• Hospice of Orleans with nursing/indirect care/companionship/promotional activities/fundraising
• Office for the Aging with newsletter/special event support
• Holy Family Parish with fundraising, as a eucharistic minister delivering communion to homebound members, the local soup kitchen, President of Ladies of Charity, and director of the support group for her church’s bereavement committee.
She also volunteers with the American Red Cross, local libraries, St. Joseph’s School, the VA in Batavia, Catholic Daughters, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, the Garden Club, Carlton Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus, Board of Public Health office and at her exercise class.
“She is a prime example of what a volunteer is,” said Melissa Blanar, Office for the Aging director. “She is active in her community and making a difference. She is staying active in life which is very important for older adults.”
Mary Ann Tillman wears an apron about her “Famous Polish Bread,” which makes each year at the annual Lawn Fete to benefit the Holy Family Parish in Albion. This photo is from August 2015.
Tillman, a Kent resident, and her late husband Robert raised two children, Richard and Patricia. Mary Ann has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Tillman in 2016 also was named “Volunteer of the Year” by Hospice of Orleans. She said there are numerous ways to get involved in the community.
“She does not like to hear peple say there is nothing to do,” Blanar said. “There is a world full of possibilities if someone wants to help.”
Tillman said she has made many friends by volunteering. She urges others to find ways to give of their time and help local organizations.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 May 2017 at 8:26 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Damp weather forced the National Honor Society 27th Annual Spring Walk in Memory of Grace Lang, Amber Liese and Libby Jurs inside Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Thursday afternoon.
Students, teachers, administrators, family and friends of Lang, Liese and Jurs walked the halls inside instead of walking laps outside on the track. Organizers said participants made 20 “laps” around the school between 3 and 4:30 pm.
Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino (in blue Team Libby T-shirt) walks with her “team” including members of Libby Jurs’ family. D’Agostino said the annual Walk is one of the many ways the Kendall community comes together to help others.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate their lives,” D’Agostino said of Lang, Liese and Jurs.
Grace Lang was a Kendall school nurse who died of cancer in 1990. Amber Liese was a Kendall student who died of cancer shortly after graduating in 2010, and Libby Jurs, also a Kendall school nurse, died of cancer in 2015. D’Agostino noted money raised helps to fund cancer research.
A photograph of Libby Jurs welcomed participants to the fundraising event.
Participants in the Grace Lang, Amber Liese and Libby Jurs Walk make their way through the halls of Kendall Jr./Sr. High School. Organizers said they hope the event will raise more than $1,000.
The hallways became congested at times as participants made their “rounds.” Organizers said more than 40 people took part in the 2017 Walk which benefits the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Teens Living with Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, Kendall Volunteer Ambulance and the Kendall Senior National Honor Society.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 May 2017 at 10:58 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina players and coaches poise with the sectional trophy and banner after nipping top seeded Eden 5-4 this evening at Williamsville North for the Mustangs first ever sectional softball championship.
Surviving a huge last inning scare, No. 3 seed Medina nipped No. 1 Eden 5-4 in the Section VI Class B2 title game this evening at Williamsville North earning the Mustangs their first ever sectional softball championship.
The victory advances Medina to a May 30 meeting with B1 champion Depew for the Section VI Class B berth in the state playoffs. That game will be at 5 p.m. at Williamsville North. Top seeded Depew defeated No. 2 Alden 2-0 for the B1 title.
Ashlee Howell bangs out a hit for Medina.
Leading 5-1, Medina saw Eden rally for three runs in the bottom of the seventh on two walks, two singles and an error to slice the deficit to just one.
However, Medina pitcher Emily Kams and her defensive mates weathered the storm by getting the next three batters out on a grounder back to Kams, a pop out to Kams and a pop out to Lacey Kenward at second to lock up the title.
“It’s an amazing win for us,” said Kams. “No words can describe how hard everyone on the team has worked for this. Everyone on the team has just worked so hard all season.”
“They’ve worked their tales off all season,” agreed Mustangs Coach Amber Cleaveland.”And they’re getting better all the time.”
Breaking away from a scoreless deadlock, Medina erupted for 4 runs in the top of the sixth inning. A fielders choice play off the bat of Alyssa Beyer opened the scoring. Destiny Satkowski followed up with an RBI single and then Alisha Scroger banged out a two-run double. An error and a bunt single by Brandi Guild ignited the uprising.
Mustang captains Kayla Cuadra, Nicole Cooper, Emily Kams and Lexi Neuman hold up the sectional championship trophy.
Eden answered with a run in the home half of the frame but Medina got that one back in the top of the seventh for what proved to be the game winner as Ryenn Oliver tripled and came home on a sacrifice fly by Kenward.
Both teams had plenty of big scoring opportunities earlier.
Medina left runners stranded at second and third in the first inning after a walk and a bunt single by Ashlee Howell.
The Mustangs then got the bases loaded in the third after an error, a hit batter and a walk but could not capitalize. Runners were also left stranded at third in both the fourth and fifth frames.
Eden likewise left runners stranded at second and third in the first as Guild caught a line shot at first base for the final out. The Lady Raiders then loaded the bases in the second but Kams and Scroger at shortstop combined to turn a huge inning ending double play as an Eden squeeze bunt attempt misfired.
The Lady Raiders again loaded the bases in the fourth on two walks and a hit batter but couldn’t capitalize as Medina got out of the jam on a pop out to Kenward.
Medina, which last reached the sectional finals in 1983, advances to the overall Class B final with a 13-4 record.
Medina first baseman Brandi Guild stretches to make an out.
Medina players surround pitcher Emily Kams after the Mustangs earned the final out of the narrow win over Eden.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Carl Akeley was only 16 when he preserved this fox in Clarendon. Akeley would go on to become one of the world's most acclaimed taxidermists. The fox is on display at the Cobblestone Museum after a $6,000 refurbishment.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2017 at 3:51 pm
Cobblestone Museum has fox from Carl Akeley
Provided photo: Carl Akeley is pictured with a leopard in Africa that he killed with his bare hands after it attacked him.
GAINES – Two years ago, a fox in a display case at the Cobblestone Museum was missing an eye, with its fur matted. The animal, then about 135 years old, was in rough shape and wasn’t given a prominent spot at the Cobblestone Museum.
But it was an early example of Carl Akeley’s taxidermy work. Akeley, who grew up in Clarendon, stuffed the fox when he was 16. It was an ambitious effort after he started with birds. Akeley would become one of the world’s most renown taxidermists and remains an industry legend 153 years after his birth.
He earned acclaim after stuffing the giant elephant Jumbo, and made several trips to Africa, hunting animals and displaying them in New York City at Akeley’s Hall of Mammals in the American Museum of Natural History.
Locally, he gained renewed prominence three years ago when the Clarendon Historical Society celebrated his 150th birthday.
Jay Kirk, author of the Carl Akeley biography “Kingdom Under Glass,” was the featured speaker during a program about Akeley on May 21, 2014. Kirk chronicled Akeley’s life during the golden age of safaris in the early 20th Century.
Akeley’s adventures connected him with Theodore Roosevelt, P.T. Barnum and George Eastman. Akeley died in 1926 and is buried in Africa.
The taxidermist community worked with the Clarendon Historical Society last year to put a monument at Hillside Cemetery in honor of Akeley. Donors, many of them taxidermists around the world, contributed to have the $8,000 monument in Akeley’s honor. The monument is in the shape of the African continent and the stone is black African granite.
The memorial includes a quote from Akeley, who survived being mauled by an elephant and vicious bites on his arm from a leopard. “Death Wins! Bravo! But I Laugh In His Face As He Noses Me Out At The Wire.” The stone will note Akeley’s birth, May 19, 1864, and his death, Nov. 17, 1926.
When Clarendon made a big push to recognize Akeley, retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin told Clarendon Historian Mellisa Ierlan the Cobblestone Museum had an early example of Akeley’s work.
Provided photo: The Akeley fox had lost a lot of color and had deteriorated after more than a century. But the Clarendon Historical Society, Cobblestone Museum and other community members were determined to have the animal refurbished by a professional taxidermist.
The community was able to raise abut $6,000 to give the fox some needed attention. In July 2015, Ierlan took the fox to George Dante, a professional taxidermist in New Jersey. Dante, owner of Wildlife Preservations, gave the fox new life. When the case with the fox was opened, the fox’s missing eye was found. Dante put the eye back where it belonged.
He gave the fox a new tail, which had to be dyed to match the fox’s body. Dante also had to replace the fox’s feet and fill in some gaps by the ears.
He vacuumed the body and the fur popped back up. He also replaced the bird as part of the display. Akeley had the fox with feathers in its mouth. Dante kept the scene created originally by Akeley nearly 140 years ago.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Ierlan: John Janelli, left, is past president of the National Taxidermy Association. He is pictured with George Dante and the refurbished fox at Dante’s studio in New Jersey.
Irelan, the Clarendon historian, brought the fox back to Clarendon on May 10. The fox was on display in Clarendon for over a week during the kickoff of the Clarendon Historical Society’s season. On Monday, the fox returned to the Cobblestone Museum in the Proctor Room in the basement of the Cobblestone Universalist Church.
“It was in rough shape,” Ierlan said about the fox’s condition two years ago. “I knew George would do a good job but he exceeded our expectations. Carl would be proud.”
Doug Farley, the museum director, said there will likely be a reception and program about the fox in September as part of the Orleans County Heritage Festival in September.
This fox was stuffed by Carl Akeley nearly 140 years ago. It is back on display at the Cobblestone Museum after getting some needed attention. The fox used to be in Farmer’s Hall at the museum, but now is displayed inside the Cobblestone Universalist Church, the most prominent building at the museum on Route 104 in Gaines.
Members of the Albion High School Rotary Interact Club recently visited East High School in inner city Rochester as part of a student cultural exchange.
The students learned how life in an urban school is both similar and different than one in a rural district. Earlier in the year East High students visited Albion, enjoying both time at the school as well as a visit to a dairy farm and Mt. Albion Cemetery.
Tim Archer, advisor of the Albion Interact Club, called the activity an “enriching experience” for both sets of students. AHS Interact students who attended East High included Emily Blanchard, Nikki Eldred, Shannon Broda, Riley Seielstad, Evan Steier, Jarod Hollinger, Celeste Hoffman, Emilie Barleban, Haley Bader and Matilda Erakare.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Megan McAnn, a Soil and Water Technician, discusses the impact of soil erosion on the environment – both in farm fields and in cities and towns.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 May 2017 at 11:21 am
KNOWLESVILLE – Sixth-graders from all five school districts in Orleans County are taking part in the annual Orleans 4-H Conservation Field Days on Wednesday and today.
The event at Orleans County Fairgrounds in Knowlesville brings Cornell Cooperative Extension and many agencies in the community together. It’s a hands-on, outdoors event that allows students to interact with professionals and experts from many fields, including environmental conservation, wildlife management, energy conservation, horticulture and water/boating safety with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.
“The students get a lot out of it,” said Orleans County 4-H Program Coordinator Missy Call. “It sticks with them, many people as adults remember their Conservation Field Days experience. It’s a great tradition that we are proud to keep going.”
Bob Barrus and Tyler Barrus of the Orleans County Sheriffs Department, discuss water and boating safety with students.
Students visit the log cabin on the fairgrounds and learn about the use of hunting and trapping in wildlife management. Mark Gregoire discusses the need for wildlife management and how it effects the environment.
Meaghan Boice-Green of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation helps students learn about “energy contenders.” Students had a chance to see if their “energy company” could come out ahead in the battle for natural resources.
Siblings Andrew (back to camera) and Claudia Drechsel of Holley returned to Conservation Field Days with their heritage sheep. Both are 4-Hers and students at Holley Middle School/High School. They shared their knowledge of heritage breeds, what makes them unique and why it is important to preserve heritage breeds.
The Drechsels brought samples of the sheep’s wool for students to touch and hold. The Drechsels discussed how sheep’s wool is processed.
One of the most popular stations is station #10 – “Conserve electricity – turn off Xbox and play with a dog”. 4-Hers in the Orleans County 4-H Dog Program teach students about dog agility. Here “Gemma” runs through an obstacle course with the help of Amber Kiefer.
Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Judy Larkin shows students from Lyndonville Central School worms working to compost food scraps. Master Gardeners discussed backyard composting and vermi-composting (worm composting) – which utilizes a worm bin.
Other topics covered by educational stations included a wildlife habitat walk, green power/energy conservation, rabies with the Orleans County Health Department, mammal identification with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Sunrise Bees with information on the importance of honeybees in agricultural production as well as the importance of beekeeping to human survival.
Students from Holley, Lyndonville and Medina Central Schools visited the fairgrounds on Wednesday. Students from Kendall and Albion Central Schools will participate in Conservation Field Days today.
HOLLEY – The newly formed Interact Club at Holley led a clean sweep of the canal park on Wednesday. The Interact Club opened the effort up to other students, and about 70 joined the effort with students from Baseball, Softball, Unified, Football, Cheerleaders, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and both Student Councils.
“All wanted to do something nice for the community,” said Samantha Zelent, a school social worker and Interact advisor. “The Holley DPW was absolutely amazing in making this work for the kids.”
The students pushed for the clean up in time for the Holley June Fest set for June 3.
Senior Interact Club members Andi Carpenter and Katie Morgan use teamwork to get trash out of the pond.
Varsity Cheerleaders Maddie Rowley and Alessia Giancursio look for elusive trash at the park.
These middle school students helped with the clean up.
Members of the Varsity Baseball Team also were out hunting for trash in the park system.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2017 at 9:49 am
ALBION – Orleans County remains a holdout in changing its fireworks law to make it legal for residents to let off “sparkling devices” – ground-based fireworks that spew sparks, colored smoke or crackling noises.
More than 40 of New York’s 62 counties have changed the law since New York state gave counties the option in 2014 for sparkling devices.
The County Legislature on Wednesday was asked by TNT Fireworks, based in Alabama, to change the local law.
“Just over 40 counties have opted in for sparkling devices,” said Matthew Jones, an attorney for TNT.
Most of Western New York allows sparkling devices. Niagara County is the top-selling county for TNT in the state, Jones said.
Right now there is a “patchwork of laws” in New York, which makes it difficult for law enforcement, he said.
Orleans County residents, for example, could buy sparkling devices in Niagara County, but it would be illegal to set them off in Orleans County.
The sparkling devices raise sales tax revenue for counties, and also can be used for fundraising options in a program through TNT.
Because TNT already sells its products at WalMart and other well-known stores, Jones said the company could quickly have its sparkling devices available in Orleans County if the Legislature allows the items.
Lynne Johnson, vice chairwoman of the County Legislature, said she wants to first hear from the local fire departments and Public Safety Committee before the Legislature votes on the issue.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2017 at 8:20 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson speaks during the news conference at Point Breeze on July 2, 2014, when local officials and Congressman Chris Collins spoke out against a new plan for regulating Lake Ontario water levels. The following week she travelled to Washington, D.C. to speak with State Department officials about Plan 2014 and its potential havoc on the southshore counties. Her concerns about the lake level plan are coming true as the shoreline is eaten away by erosion. “This is definitely one of those, ‘Told you so’s,'” she said on Wednesday.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is calling on President Trump to fire the current U.S. commissioners who serve on the International Joint Commission, the binational group that regulates Lake Ontario water levels.
The IJC pushed a new lake level plan through the Canadian and US governments. Former President Obama approved the plan near the end of his administration.
The southshore counties, including Orleans, railed against the plan for several years, with Orleans legislators travelling to Washington D.C. to voice their concerns to the State Department that property would be flooded and eroded from a higher Lake Ontario.
“We told them it would harm us,” said Lynne Johnson, vice chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “The International Joint Commission has failed us and they failed all the southshore counties along the lake.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for the southshore counties, now in its 36th day due to flooding and erosion. More than 135,000 sandbags have been distributed in Kendall, Carlton and Yates to help property owners stave off some of the flooding and erosion.
Many property owners have lost 10 feet or more of land to the lake, which is creeping closer to homes.
“I think we’re in for a long haul,” said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.
Ken DeRoller, speaking on Wednesday, said the new lake level plan has been harmful to property owners on the southshore of the lake.
He told county legislators on Wednesday that Kendall, Carlton and Yates highway departments would each have 5,000 more sandbags available for residents this weekend. The lakeshore remains under a flood warning today.
The County Legislature on Wednesday passed an official resolution calling on President Trump to rescind “Plan 2014” and appoint new IJC commissioners. Plan 2014 was called “an absolute disaster” for Orleans County, legislators said in the resolution.
The Legislature wants the three U.S. and three Canadian commissioners on the IJC to all resign. The Legislature also wants Congress to hold hearings on the IJC’s culpability “in a manmade disaster on a financial scale comparable with the contamination of the Flint, Michigan, water supply.”
County Legislator Ken DeRoller, R-Kendall, moved the resolution.
“The changed the rules of the game for lake levels,” DeRoller said. “We are asking for aggressive actions from the president to appoint new members to the board.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Laurence’ Walker was among 37 honor grads recognized during an Academic Honors Convocation Dinner on Monday at Hickory Ridge Country Club. The honored students are all graduating with cumulative grade point average at 90 percent or higher. Walker is shown shaking hands with members of the Board of Education and school administrators.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2017 at 7:08 am
Jamie (Chappius) Edwards served as keynote speaker Monday during the dinner. “Don’t be afraid of what comes next,” she said.
FANCHER – The 37 students from Albion graduating with a 90 percent of higher grade point average all have big plans for the future.
However, they shouldn’t think success is only possible following a narrow path. Jamie Lee (Chappius) Edwards, a 2007 Albion graduate, told the soon-to-graduate seniors that she went to college to become a kindergarten teacher.
The job market was tough for teachers a decade ago so she switched her major to nursing. But she didn’t feel like that was the right career for her.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and then a master’s in higher education administration. She works for Genesee Community College in Batavia as a career services specialist.
She showed pictures of her closest classmates from 2007, with their career goals at the time and what they are currently doing. Everyone of her closest friends found a career that differed from what they were expecting at the end of their senior years in high school.
One classmate, Jeremy Reamer, is a New Hampshire police officer. Kit Lyman wrote a book and is working in Boston as an inbound consultant. Morgan Eastlack started her own wedding videography business. Joshua Kirby started his own health and wellness company in Washington. Kerri McKenna Richardson runs an agriculture program for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership in Batavia.
“Be open to whatever comes next,” Edwards said.
Katie Mann receives her honor cords from her mother Christine Mann and father Scott.
The honor grads include: Nicholas Arieno, Rose Arnold, Kari Ashworth, Emilie Barleben, Lauren Becht, Kastriot Bela, Emily Blanchard, Shannon Broda, Sierra Chudy, Jillian Doyle, Nicole Eldred, Owen Foos, Elizabeth Furmanski, Celeste Hoffman, Jared Hollinger, Megan Leight, Mackenzie Luft, Joseph Madejski, Bailey Maier, Katherine Mann, Isabella Prest, Jacqueline Quintana Aragon, Shelby Restivo, Vivian Rivers, Donato Rosario, Karina Rosario, Katherine Rustay, Yasmeen Shabazz, Samuel Slick, Skyler Smith, Clara Stilwell, Angela Tarricone, Catherine Thom, Emma Wadhams, Laurence’ Walker, Savanah Wirth and Stephen Zayac.
Owen Foos is congratulated by his parents, Sherrie and John Foos.
Nikki Eldred shakes hands with the Board of Education members. This is the eighth time Albion has done the convocation dinner. Students and their families like the special dinner that is off campus, district officials said.
