BOCES celebrates literacy achievements of young writers in Orleans, Niagara

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: These students are recognized for their literacy achievements.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

PENDLETON – On the evening of May 13, the Starpoint Fine Arts Center was filled with excitement and pride as over 400 students, families, and educators came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young writers at the annual Literacy Celebration, proudly sponsored by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center.

Each year, the Teacher Center—a New York State grant-funded organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning—hosts a literacy contest for students in grades K–8. This year’s inspiring theme, “Get Outdoors and Be Active!”, encouraged students to explore the joys and benefits of physical and mental wellness through outdoor activities.

Hundreds of imaginative entries were created, with students sharing personal stories about hiking with friends, sledding in winter, camping with family, biking through nature, and more. In total, 40 teachers from 10 school districts across Niagara and Orleans counties submitted their best students work, resulting in 147 exceptional entries.

Students were invited to showcase their creativity in a format of their choosing—ranging from essays and electronic books to digital comic strips and multimedia slideshows. Each entry demonstrated impressive storytelling, originality and writing skill.

The evening’s festivities began with an engaging keynote by local author and certified yoga instructor Mari Irwin, who captivated the audience with readings from her book “Yay for Yoga” and led the crowd in a series of calming relaxation techniques. Her interactive presentation set a joyful and reflective tone for the evening.

Following the keynote, students took the stage to proudly read their winning entries and receive certificates and prizes—including writing journals and creative design books. Their courage, enthusiasm, and talent were truly inspiring, and the room was filled with applause, laughter, and plenty of proud parents and teachers.

The Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center, under the leadership of Director Cheryl Herman and the Teacher Center Policy Board, extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this memorable event. Special appreciation goes to Mari Irwin for her inspiring keynote, the O/N BOCES culinary students for providing delicious refreshments, and to all the teachers and families who continue to nurture a love for writing, creativity, and outdoor exploration.

Thank you for helping us celebrate literacy and inspire the next generation of storytellers!

Top winners for each grade level are as follows:

K: Gianni Chuilli (Holy Ghost Lutheran), Joseph Falsetti (Lew-Port) and Violet Purinton (Lew-Port); 1: Phoebe Belliveau (Roy-Hart), Jasmine Jaeckle (Holy Ghost) and Damien Udell (Roy-Hart); 2: Amelia Milazzo (Starpoint), Emmett Miller (Starpoint), Estella Printup (Niagara Wheatfield), Amiya Riches (Barker), and Adeline Wahl (Barker); 3: Sophia Harshman (Holy Ghost), Lucy Heimiller (Newfane) and Abram Phipps (Sacred Heart Villa); 4: Andrew Fisher (Holy Ghost) and Lily Hockenberry (Holy Ghost); 5: Amelia Linkowski (Barker), Hope Rasch (Holy Ghost) and Avery Snell (Barker); 6-8: Lydia Atwater (Barker), Mathea Johnson (NT) and Hannah Monaco (Barker).