Albion Alumni Foundation awards over $200K in scholarships to Class of 2026

Posted 11 July 2026 at 9:24 am

Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: Ingrid Lamont congratulates Nisi Beltran Roblero as she receives the Lamont Family Scholarship. It is awarded to a student who demonstrates high academic enthusiasm, involvement in their community and a strong sense of personal integrity.

Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation

ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $208,350 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2026 graduates during their annual Class Night ceremony. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals after high school graduation.

The Foundation’s scholarship committee and some donors chose recipients for 59 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The donors and scholarship committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.

Two new annual scholarships were awarded for the first time this year in the areas of art and theater. Established by her family and friends, both of these scholarships are in memory of Kim Marie Nesbitt, a beloved high school art teacher who passed away in October, 2025.

Kim had a passion for art and she loved teaching. She could always bring out the best in her students and helped them to build confidence and find their artistic talent. She also played a role in the drama department shows as the set design coordinator. For many years she worked with students to design and construct sets for the fall and spring shows. It is our hope that these scholarships will help Albion graduates dream big and succeed in their endeavors.

Roger Hungerford meets with Albion High School Alumni Foundation board member Charles Nesbitt and President Steve Hicks before Class Night. Hungerford funded the Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship and was on hand for the inaugural presentation.

The new scholarships are:

The Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – This annual award and scholarship was established in 2026 and presented to a high school student who has had an outstanding high school art career. It consists of a $500 Excellence in Art award and a $4,500 scholarship, which is renewable in the amount of $5,000 for up to three additional years.This scholarship is funded by Roger Hungerford, a dear friend of the Nesbitt family.

Hanna Kumalac accepts the inaugural Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship from Charles Nesbitt.

The Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – This annual scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment and outstanding achievement in high school theater arts. It consists of a $5,000 scholarship. This scholarship is funded by the Nesbitt family and friends.

Charles Nesbitt congratulates Julia Button on receiving the Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship.

The Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our Albion Alumni members and the local community. We are grateful to them for their willingness to support so many Albion graduates through our scholarship program.

If you are interested in starting a scholarship or want to learn more about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please contact Steve Hicks, Albion Alumni Foundation President, at steve@albionalumni.org.

Congratulations to all 2026 scholarship recipients!

2026 scholarship recipients:

Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship – Julia Button, Alondra Santana Gonzalez, Juliana Newbould, Lindsay Crawford
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Golden Performance Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
Minier Family Scholarship – Xzavier Gerow
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Kaiden Froman
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Alondra Santana Gonzales
A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, Nathaniel Miesner
Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Hailey Lonnen
Horton Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Gideon Pask, Kailee Anstey
Glassner Family Scholarship- Xzavier Gerow
John Panek Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Alondra Santana Gonzales
Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Abigail Ferris
D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Julia Button
Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Lindsay Crawford
Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett, Lindsay Crawford
Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Hanna Kumalac (College), Rosalie McCormick (Trade School)
Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Kailee Anstey
Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Aubrey Gannon
Sherman Awards- Aubrey Gannon (Moses Sherman Award), Hunter Zambito (Margaret Sherman Award)
Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship- Gideon Pask, Hannah Kumalac, Juan Gomez-Roblero
Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship – Myles Beach, Neveya Barnes
Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship- Aubrey Gannon
Babbitt Family Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship- Kaiden Froman
Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship- Nathan Gibson
Craig Anderson Scholarship – Wesley Olles
Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero
Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Aubrey Gannon
Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Renzo Tomasi
Lamont Family Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Tristian Tilbe
Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlynn Basinait
Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship- Nathan Gibson, William Plummer
Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Kailee Anstey
Stewart New Scholarship – Abigail Ferris
Dick Tower Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac, Logan Poupore
Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Ava Ludwick
Bradley James Shelp Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
Jonathan Doherty Scholarship – Dejeanna Conner
Raymond M. Lissow Scholarship – Julia Button
Paganelli Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
Coach Robert Ord “Power of Perseverance” Award – Tristian Tilbe
Sacco Family Memorial Musical Scholarship – Gideon Pask
Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac
Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – Julia Button

(Left) Aubrey Gannon accepts the Moore Family Scholarship from board member Mollie Radzinski. Established by Ann R. Moore and Robert H. Moore, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement, school and community activities and potential for future accomplishment. (Right) Christine Fancher congratulates Gideon Pask on receiving the Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship. Ed was a very active Alumni Foundation board member and exemplified a life of service to his community. This award recognizes a student who exhibits traits of exceptional service and involvement in his community.

Green has her best round at Amundi-Evian

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 July 2026 at 9:20 am

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

Putting together her best round of the tournament to date, Medina’s Melanie Green fired a solid 3 under par 68 today on day three of the LPGA Tour’s Amundi-Evian Championship being held at Evian-les-Bains, France.

That score boosted Green’s total to 4 under par 219 for the tournament and into a tie for 33rd place.

Starting on the back 9, Green had birdies on 12 and 15 to more than offset a bogey on 13.

Green then played bogey free on the front nine registering birdies on 3 and 9 to finish the day at 3 under and improve to 4 under heading into Sunday’s final round.

Green opened the tourney with rounds of even par 71 on Thursday and 1 under 70 on Friday.

Medina 15U splits in tournament twin bill

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 July 2026 at 8:49 am

The Medina 15U baseball split a pair of games at a Niagara Falls area tournament on Friday defeating Central Amherst Orange 11-6 and losing to Lou Gehrig 3-0.

The tournament continues today.

Medina 15U 11, Central Amherst Orange 6
A four run first inning sparked Medina 15U to an 11-6 win over Central Amherst Orange.

Jacob Duffina had an RBI double and Mason Berry and Shawn Robertson RBI singles in the opening frame which also included hits by Viktor Snyder and Evan Collins.

Medina later put a lock on the win by scoring six times in the fifth frame highlighted by a two-run triple by Zachary Graham, a two-run double by Snyder and an RBI single by Duffina.

Snyder had a total of 3 hits as Duffina and Brayden Calabro both had 2.

Lou Gehrig 3, Medina 0
Medina was stymied on only 4 hits in the 3-0 loss to Lou Gehrig which scored twice in the first inning on 3 singles.

600 cyclists make their way to Medina on Sunday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2026 at 8:28 am

Cycle the Erie Canal heads east through Orleans on Monday

Photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists cross the lift bridge in Holley on July 14, 2025 as part of a 62-mile ride that day from Medina to Fairport. The Cycle the Erie Canal journey starts in Buffalo and the cyclists then go about 400 miles over eight days, ending in Albany.

MEDINA – More than 600 cyclists will leave Buffalo on Sunday and will be headed to Medina for the first day of the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal adventure.

There will be participants from 37 states and Canada on the ride, which will stretch about 400 miles over eight days on the way to Albany.

Orleans County communities welcome the cyclists with refreshments in Medina on Sunday, and then in Albion and Holley on Monday. The cyclists stay overnight in a tent city in Medina at the school district.

The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York. It is the state’s largest multi-day bike tour. The cyclists will go 40 to 60 miles a day, visiting historic canal communities, local businesses and landmarks at the canal communities.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jose Corte of Long Island, left, and Yang Chen of Queens pose with their bikes in front of their tent, set up for the night in Medina at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. This photo was taken on July 13, 2025, the end of the first day of last year’s Cycling the Erie Canal.

Fear-mongering politicians do disservice to public, especially with criminal justice issues

Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:29 pm

Editor:

It is interesting that the District Attorney of Orleans County, Susan Howard, is criticizing Albany’s attempt to make the judicial system fairer while supporting Rob Ortt and Steve Hawley, who support a convicted felon and sexual predator as the President.

Research and data show that New York’s bail reform and the Clean Slate Act make New Yorker safer and communities stronger by addressing recidivism. The Data Collaborative for Justice, at John Jay College of Criminal Justice research center, in a long-term study found that individuals released under New York City bail reform had significantly less rates of recidivism than those who had bail set pre-reform.

The Brennan Center for Justice analyzed the results in 33 cities and found that bail reform does not cause an increase in crime rates. The Clean Slate Act reduces recidivism, according to studies by the Clean Slate Initiative and the R Street Institute, a policy research organization that promotes free markets and limited effective governance, show that long-term recidivism rates are reduced.

The general public is not expected to keep up with research on recidivism rates and judicial reform while the district attorney for the county should be aware. It is also easier politically to scare the general public than to debate policy research.

It is time to stop being led by fear-mongering politicians. It is time to support intelligent policy making decisions. I support Thomas Arida for State Senate district 62 and Sara Wolcott for Assembly district 139.

William Fine

Brockport

Brunner welcomes public to open house, job fair at Medina facility on July 18

Posted 10 July 2026 at 3:25 pm

File photo: Saamir Rahman, materials manager and director of continuous improvement for Brunner, shows some of the brake components made by Brunner during a public tour in December 2024.

Press Release, Brunner

MEDINA – Brunner, a Hendrickson company, will host an open house and job fair on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility located at 3959 Bates Road in Medina.

The event will invite local community members to tour the operation, learn about Brunner’s continued growth in Medina and explore career opportunities with the company.

The announcement is intended to help local media and community audiences learn more about the investments being made at Brunner, including new manufacturing equipment that delivers automation capabilities and supports Hendrickson’s broader manufacturing strategy across its footprint. Brunner’s Medina facility is now adding capacity for a new product line, bringing an existing Hendrickson product into local production.

Brunner became part of Hendrickson in October 2023 and operates as a division of Hendrickson Brake and Wheel-End, supporting the commercial vehicle, bus and trailer markets with premium brake shoes and S-cams that complement Hendrickson’s broader portfolio. As part of Hendrickson’s reliable portfolio, Brunner’s growth in Medina reflects the company’s ongoing focus on manufacturing excellence, product expansion and long-term investment.

What attendees will see:

New manufacturing equipment delivering greater automation capabilities at the Medina facility.
How Brunner supports Hendrickson’s Brake and Wheel-End business and growing product portfolio.
Information on current job openings in manufacturing, plant operations and automation-focused roles.
A facility tour and the chance to connect directly with the Brunner team in Medina.

Brunner is seeking local talent to support its next phase of growth in Medina, including positions in manufacturing, plant operations and jobs specifically focused on automation. Local residents interested in long-term careers in manufacturing are encouraged to attend the open house and job fair to learn more about available opportunities, meet team members and get a firsthand look at the facility.

The July 18 event gives the Medina community an opportunity to see Brunner’s investments firsthand, learn how automation is shaping the facility’s future and explore new career opportunities with a Hendrickson-owned business that continues to grow locally. By opening its doors to the community, Brunner is putting its Medina growth story, product expansion and hiring needs front and center to support both awareness and recruitment.

ABOUT BRUNNER

Brunner, a Hendrickson company, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium heavy-duty brake components for the global commercial vehicle industry. Because every stop matters, Brunner has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and reliability, producing S-cams and brake shoes trusted by major OEMs and fleets.

Based in Medina, NY, USA, with manufacturing operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Brunner has served the transportation industry for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.brunnerbrakes-intl.com.

ABOUT HENDRICKSON

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy‑duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions; integrated and non‑integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi‑leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and other components for the global commercial transportation industry. Based in Woodridge, IL, USA, Hendrickson has served the transportation industry for more than 100 years. Visit www.hendrickson-intl.com.

Transit Road canal bridge in Murray closes temporarily

Posted 10 July 2026 at 3:09 pm

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge that carries Transit Road over the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, has been temporarily closed to traffic to facilitate bridge work.

Motorists should use the Densmore Road bridge to the west. Signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure and NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the bridge.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Green makes the cut at the LPGA Tour’s Amundi-Evian Championship

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 July 2026 at 1:09 pm

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

It is one of the LPGA Tour’s five major tournaments and Medina’s Melanie Green has made the cut at the Amundi-Evian Championship being held at Evian-les-Bains, France.

Green fired a 1 under par 70 at today’s second round after opening with an even par 71 on Thursday’s opening round. That gives her a two day total of 1 under 141 which advances her to the weekend by one shot as the cutline is even par.

Her acomplishment is even more impressive as Nelly Korda, the LPGA’s top ranked player, missed making the cut as she finished with a two day total of 1 over par 143.

Green had birdies on 3, 9 and 15 today which more than offset a pair of bogeys on 12 and 16 enabling her to advance in the tourney.

This is Green’s second appearance at the Amundi-Evian as she also competed there two years ago as an amateur.

The tourney will conclude with championship deciding rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Holley U18 girls win to improve to 6-1

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:43 am

Holley blanked Greece United 4-0 Thursday evening to improve to 6-1 in Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U18 Division action.

Ava Mosier scored two goals for Holley off assists from Gina Burris and Carson Mogle.

Holley also got goals from Burris off an assist from Veronica Flow and by Lilly O’Brien from Addison Bevins.

Batavia 6, Albion 3
In another U18 Division game Batavia downed Albion 6-3.

Ava Woolston, Jane Nesbitt and Isabelle Truelson each scored a goal for Albion.

On Wednesday Albion played to a 0-0 tie against Wayne United.

Fast start ignites Albion 18U romp

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:39 am

A five run first inning set the tone as Albion went on to romp past host Mt. Morris 19-0 in a GLOW League 18U Division baseball game Thursday evening.

Mason Snook and Drew Pritchard both had RBI singles to highlight the big first inning which also included singles by Rocco Sidari and Gavin Boyce.

Albion went on to also score five times in both the second and third innings. An RBI single by Boyce was the lone hit in a walk filled second inning. Snook and Brayden LaMartina then had the only hits in a likewise walk filled third inning.

Sidari capped off Albion’s high scoring evening with a three-run home run which keyed a four run fourth frame.

Snook finished with 3 hits as Sidari and Boyce both had 2.

Five pitchers – Sidari, Elliot Trapiss, LaMartina, Omer Fugate and Jack Conn combined to hurl a no hitter with 12 strikeouts for Albion which improves to 6-0.

OC Rivals host joint summer camp practice

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:25 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Continuing to prepare for their debut season, the Albion/Medina Orleans County (OC) Rivals varsity football team hosted Barker/Roy-Hart in a joint summer camp practice session Wednesday evening at Vets Park. Here Noah Harrison picks up yardage for the OC Rivals after catching a pass.

Boe Preston, left, and Preston Woodworth shared the quarterback duties for the OC Rivals which will open the season on Thursday September 3 at Akron. Barker/Roy-Hart will open on September 4 against Newfane at Barker.

Faces from Kendall’s patriotic parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:23 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – George Mann, a 97-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Navy, waves to people along the Kendall Road parade route on Thursday evening during the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade. He was joined in the car by veterans Pat Condo and Fred Conrad.

Many in the crowd clapped and showed their appreciation for Mann, Condo and Conrad, the three veterans in the car.

Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.

Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 51^stanniversary this year.

Max Equipment Rentals brought a foam cannon to the parade to the delight of many kids.

Rich Harpole, owner of Foam Hippo, was happy to spread joy with the foam cannon.

Mattison Maxon is covered in foam while riding the float for Max Equipment Rentals.

Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.

Scouts in Pack and Troop 94 created a float with a Statue of Liberty.

Adele Mathes, a member of Troop 94, waves to a friend along the parade route.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer promoted activities on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, including fireworks at 10 p.m.

Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley tosses frisbees to the crowd.

State Sen. Rob Ortt hustles to get a reload of candy.

The Safety Pup waves to people from the top of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s new armored vehicle, a Bearcat.

Some older John Deere tractors were part of the parade procession.

A woman signals for Kendall highway trucks to honk their horns.

A young dancer from Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin shows her moves.

Head Over Heels Dance & Acrobatics in Holley brought a big contingent for the parade.

A passenger in a Kendall fire truck tosses candy to kids.

Carnival brings bright lights, lots of fun to Kendall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 8:37 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – These kids are delighted to be on the “Little Wheel” at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Thursday. From left include Sylas Herring, 4, of Holley and Brody Buschang, 3, of Hilton.

This is one of 12 rides brought to the carnival by Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville. The carnival continues today and on Saturday.

Chris Casale sings “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the main stage of the carnival. There are bands performing each night.

Brynn Hardenbrook, 15, joins volunteers serving up hamburgers, sausage, fries and lots of other food. Carol D’Agostino, a long-time volunteer, is next to her.

The “Rock O Plane” ride flips people upside down.

Mackenzie Cooper, 12, tosses a ring during a game of Ring A Knife. She was on target and won a pocket knife. Her sister, 10-year-old Kayla, is next to her. Mackenzie had just played a soccer game for Kendall against Albion.

Elmora Arena, 2, of Greece rides the Merry Go Round and looks back at her mother.

Kendall firefighters are busy in the food pavilion. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis work the hot grill on Thursday evening. The hamburgers were served with peppers and onions.

The Gondola Wheel is a new ride at the carnival this year.

An open field has been transformed into a midway for the carnival.

Kids get on the Go Gator at the carnival. Kendall is the last community doing a firemen’s carnival in Orleans County.

These kids have fun on the Dizzy Dragon ride.

A hay bale by the Kendall Town Hall is decorated for the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America.

Medina Mustangs FC bows in makeup contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 July 2026 at 6:13 pm

The postseason playoff hopes for the Medina FC took a bit of a hit Wednesday as the Mustangs dropped a 3-0 decision to Ukraine in a Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division makeup game at Ukraine.

Ukraine is now in second place at 7-1 while Medina drops to 3-4-1 (10 points) and into a tie for the sixth and final playoff berth with the Sporting Cavs. Medina and the Cavs tied 2-2 earlier in the season.

Needing a win to stay in the playoff chase, Medina will host fifth place Mes Que FC (4-4-0, 12 points) at 6 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.

The Mustangs will then close out the regular season by hosting undefeated (8-0) division leading Buffalo Italia at 6 p.m. July 19 at Vets Park.