ROCHESTER – Rochester Institute of Technology conferred some 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2019-2020 academic year. A virtual celebration was held May 8.
The following local residents received degrees:
Brian Bogan of Lyndonville received a BS in manufacturing engineering technology.
Carson Zgoda of Medina received a BFA in medical illustration.
Eva Vasquez of Medina received an MBA in business administration-executive.
Anne Jewell of Holley received a BS in diagnostic medical sonography.
Madeline Gibbs of Waterport received a BS in dietetics and nutrition.
Brady Smith of Holley received a BS in civil engineering technology.
Tommy Follman of Albion received a BS in criminal justice.
Nicholas Ettinger of Albion received a BS in electrical engineering technology.
Melissa DiMatteo of Albion received an MBA in business administration-executive.
Michael Stilwell of Albion received a BS in chemistry.
Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
ALFRED – Dr. Kristin Poppo, provost at Alfred State College, has announced the Dean’s List of academically impressive students for spring 2020. To be listed, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours for the semester and earned a 3.5 grade point average out of a possible 4.0. For the most recent semester, the dean’s list includes 980 students. In addition, 293 of these students achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. The 4.0 GPA students are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Those students honored were enrolled full-time in either the School of Applied Technology; School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology; or the School of Arts and Sciences.
The following Orleans County students were among those recognized:
Erin Smith of Albion, Healthcare Management *
Erik Balys of Holley, Heavy Equipment Operations
Brandon Dillenbeck of Holley, Mechanical Engineering Tech
Melody Purtell of Holley, Radiologic Technology *
Jessica Sedore of Holley, Nursing (AAS/BS) *
Mikala Smith of Holley, Architectural Technology
Dalton Thurley of Holley, Mechanical Engineering Tech
Hanna Waterman of Holley, Nursing (AAS/BS) *
Austin Clay of Kendall, Digital Media and Animation
Keegan Bayne of Lyndonville, Machine Tool Technology
Olivia Hill of Medina, Healthcare Management
Dylan Nicholson of Medina, Digital Media and Animation
Jacob Stehlar of Medina, Technology Management
Meadow Washak of Medina, Mechanical Engineering Tech
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2020 at 10:52 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike and Cheryl Wertman cover a local track and field competition in this photo from April 30, 2019. The two were honored by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York for their commitment to covering high school sports in Orleans and Niagara counties.
A husband and wife who have been covering local high school sports for several decades have received a state-wide award for their dedication.
Mike Wertman, the Orleans Hub sports editor, and Cheryl Wertman, the Hub’s sports photographer, have been recognized with the “Golden Media Award” by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York.
Brett Sippel, coach of the Wilson boys varsity team, nominated the Wertmans.
“Mike and Cheryl are relentless workers,” Sippel said today.
He has worked with them for 20 years, with both basketball and as the cross country coach. Even though Wilson is outside Orleans County, Mike Wertman does game summaries on the team for the Orleans Hub and previously for The Journal-Register in Medina.
Sippel said the daily papers that are closer by have stopped with the box scores on each game.
“We’re not even an Orleans County school district and he reaches out and wants to know how a game went,” Sippel said. “He does a tremendous job.”
Wilson is on the western end of the Niagara-Orleans League. It’s not in Orleans County, but it’s part of a league that plays schools in Orleans County. The Wertmans also cover Barker, Roy-Hart, Newfane and Akron, which aren’t in Orleans County but are in the N-O League. They also cover the Genesee Region League which includes Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville, as well as many rural districts in the region, mostly from Genesee County.
Mike Wertman has been covering the local sports scene for 42 years. He worked at former Journal-Register for 35 years before joining the Orleans Hub 7 years ago. He has posted 7,900 sports articles on the Orleans Hub.
His wife Cheryl has joined him at the games for more than 35 years. She credits Don Cook, a late JR photographer, for getting her started as a sports photographer.
Sippel said Mrs. Wertman can be counted on for awesome action shots from the games, and her husband gets the details on the players’ scoring, assists and rebounds. Sipped said Wertman did the league a big service by researching and chronicling all the league champs for nearly the past century.
“I think it’s so important to recognize them during this time when the media has dwindled,” Sippel said. “Mike still gets the results every night at a time when other papers don’t do nightly write-ups. They are appreciated by the kids and the coaches. They really do an excellent job.”
MONTOUR FALLS – Tyler Harrington, a Medina firefighter, is among 21 graduates from the state’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.
The graduates hail from 14 fire departments and represent the Academy’s 79th Recruit Firefighter Training class. The typical 11-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department.
However, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the training was adapted to accommodate remote learning for the classroom-based portions and to ensure the practical training conducted on-site was done so safely. Upon graduation, all recruits will become full-time firefighters in their respective fire departments when they return home.
“As we continue to move forward in this new world, it’s more important than ever we continue to provide critical training to the first responders out there every day helping communities stay safe and secure,” said Patrick A. Murphy, commissioner of the NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Achieving firefighter certification is no small task, and to have reached this goal amid a global pandemic is all the more impressive. I congratulate these recruits on a job well done and wish them nothing but the best as they begin their careers in public service.”
During the 11-week program, recruits participate in more than 500 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as emergency vehicle and pump operations, flammable gas firefighting, basic rescue technician skills and foundational firefighting training and operations.
Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.
ALBION – Ashley Ames, an incoming senior at Albion in 2020-21, is part of the first ever virtual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Ashley Ames
Ashley is one of 400 young women selected to attend the 79th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. The program started June 28 and continues until July 12.
As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.
This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.
Ashley is active in many ways at Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, including Student Council, the school newsletter, drama, concert and marching band, Pride Alliance, National Honor Society, and the Close Up club.
Madison Nardi of Kendall High School also has been picked for the program. Gina Fox of Albion was chosen as an alternate.
“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state and while we couldn’t hold the program in person, our team worked hard to ensure that this cohort of High School Juniors get to learn some of the important principles of democracy and about the American Legion Auxiliary ” said Jennifer Farley, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “Our hope is that after attending the virtual ALA Girls State, the girls will be inspired to participate in the democratic process, volunteer in their communities and be filled with patriotism and pride.”
ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States.
The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
CANANDAIGUA – Two residents of Orleans County made the Dean’s List at Finger Lakes Community College for spring 2020.
Samantha Vanacore of Albion and Kaylyn Holman of Medina were among 556 FLCC students to make the Dean’s List. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a 3.5 grade point average.
Provided photo: Madison Nardi and about 400 other students will be part of the first virtual Girl State program. The program runs from June 28 to July 12.
KENDALL – Madison Nardi, who will be a senior at Kendall in 2020-21, will be attending the first ever virtual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Madison is one of 400 young women selected to attend the 79th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government. Madison is sponsored by the Jewell Buckman Auxiliary Unit in Holley.
This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.
Madison Nardi is a rising senior at Kendall High School. She is active in many ways in her school and community, including varsity volleyball and various other clubs.
The program included workshops lead by a political instructor, presentations on women in leadership, Activities that inspired patriotism and pride, as well as information on the American Legion Auxiliary.
“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state and while we couldn’t hold the program in person, our team worked hard to ensure that this cohort of High School Juniors get to learn some of the important principles of democracy and about the American Legion Auxiliary ” said Jennifer Farley, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “Our hope is that after attending the virtual ALA Girls State, the girls will be inspired to participate in the democratic process, volunteer in their communities and be filled with patriotism and pride.”
ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States.
The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
SELINSGROVE, PA – Skyler Smith of Medina has been named to Susquehanna University’s Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester.
The dean’s list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for the semester. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.
Smith is a biomedical sciences major in the Class of 2021 and is a graduate of Charles D’Amico High School.
Susquehanna, a liberal arts university offering more than 100 majors and minors in business, humanities, arts and sciences, focuses on intellectual development, global competence and career success.
ROCHESTER – The following local residents made the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Spring Semester.
Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”, “D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.
Carson Zgoda of Medina, who is in the medical illustration program.
Flint Dilella of Holley, who is in the motion picture science program.
Ricky Daniels of Albion, who is in the chemical engineering program.
Hannah Sones of Albion, who is in the industrial engineering program.
Nicholas Bogan of Lyndonville, who is in the chemical engineering program.
Jessica Smith of Lyndonville, who is in the film and animation program.
Gillian Gallets of Holley, who is in the industrial design program.
Ben Miller of Albion, who is in the electrical engineering technology program.
Anne Jewell of Holley, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.
Madeline Gibbs of Waterport, who is in the dietetics and nutrition program.
Stella Russo of Medina, who is in the physician assistant program.
Noah Heinsler of Waterport, who is in the film and animation program.
Toby Kiebala of Medina, who is in the mechanical engineering program.
Rachel Gregoire of Albion, who is in the physics program.
Andrew Frank of Holley, who is in the software engineering program.
Brady Smith of Holley, who is in the civil engineering technology program.
Riley Starr of Lyndonville, who is in the mechanical engineering program.
Jesse Dilella of Holley, who is in the electrical engineering program.
Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.
Jillian Menzie, a senior at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, and Ashlyn LeBaron, a senior at Albion’s Charles D’ Amico High School, were selected as this year’s recipients of $1,000 scholarships from Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) Foundation.
Typically, the scholarship award recipients are honored at GCASA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon. Due to COVID-19, this meeting will be held virtually this year.
“We are disappointed that we are unable to recognize and honor these deserving young women in person with their parents and school representatives present,” said Shannon Ford, GCASA Director of Communications and Development. “Their scholarship applications were outstanding.”
LeBaron and Menzie both plan to pursue a degree in nursing.
GCASA Foundation supports the work of GCASA and other non-profit organizations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. Several organizations have received mini-grants in the past to help sustain the crucial work they do in our community.
Jillian Menzie
The Foundation also invests in the future substance use disorder workforce by supporting individuals pursuing a degree in health sciences or human services.
The board of directors of both GCASA and GCASA Foundation are committed to providing quality services. Educated, skilled employees and board members are the necessary for effective service delivery.
“As a member of the selection committee, it was wonderful to read about all the applicants’ academic accomplishments and their commitment to community service,” said GCASA Foundation Board Treasurer Virginia Taylor. “Our recipients, Ashlyn and Jillian, were exceptionally impressive and we are thrilled to award scholarships to help cover some of their college costs.”
GCASA Foundation has been pleased to honor many commendable students over the past several years.
GROVE CITY, PA – Alyce Miller of Albion is one of 449 seniors to earn a degree from Grove City College on May 16, 2020. Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts degree Psychology.
Grove City College is a highly ranked, nationally recognized private liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience.
CANANDAIGUA – Kaylyn Holman of Medina is one of 188 students at Finger Lakes Community College named Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges.
Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. FLCC’s chapter, Alpha Epsilon Chi, was chartered in 1981 and provides leadership, service and scholarship opportunities for members.
Membership requires completion of 15 hours of associate degree coursework and a GPA of 3.0. Phi Theta Kappa members also serve as campus ambassadors.
Alayna Trautman named New York State SkillsUSA President; Michael Huntington wins $5,000 scholarship
MEDINA – Two students at Orleans Career and Technical Education Center has received high recognition.
Alayna Trautman
Alayna Trautman, a junior at Royalton Hartland High School and an Electricity/Electronic student at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, has been named the New York State SkillsUSA President.
Orleans/Niagara BOCES has not had a NYS president for many years. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student to excel by empowering them to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
“This will be a great opportunity to be able to network with other state and national leaders,” Trautman said. “I really could not have done this without my great Electricity and Electronics teacher, Mr. Bill Leggett. He challenges me every day and is always there for me. I am also fortunate to have great classmates and wonderful SkillsUSA advisors: Mrs. Sarah Ivory and Mrs. Anne Carnahan who have supported me 100 percent and spent countless hours running me through mock interviews and helping me to settle my nerves.”
Trautman was chosen president of the New York State SkillsUSA organization for her dedication to the organization, excellent communication skills, her display of professionalism, her ability to work well as part of a team, her sense of responsibility and the way she represents Orleans/Niagara BOCES in different situations.
“A good leader communicates clearly, delegates, has a positive attitude, displays confidence and is creative,” she said.
At Orleans/Niagara BOCES, she was elected to serve as the chapter’s SkillsUSA Officer Vice President by her peers, teachers and principal. Trautman vows to be a great leader and live by the Skills USA Motto, “Preparing for Leadership in the World of Work.”
“We have all been impacted by the current health pandemic surrounding COVID-19, as the future workforce of America we must remain on track to fill the essential careers that support the American economy,” she said. “This crisis has quickly taught us the values of our SkillsUSA framework of being flexible, adaptable, organized, self-motivated, to communicate clearly, and most importantly computer and technology literacy. My goal as your New York State SkillsUSA president is to ensure that we are confident and prepared meet America’s need.”
When asked why career and technical education she says, “Career and technical education is a great opportunity to gain skills, make new friends and prepare for college and/or a career. It has been a great opportunity for me in helping me achieve my goals.”
Alayna is the daughter of Anedda and Don Trautman. Her future goals are to be gainfully employed in the skilled trades field of electricity. She is exploring attending a two-year technical school or a four-year university after graduation next year. Her ultimate goal is to own her own contracting company.
She has been active with the American Legion Post #1593 for 16 years and Girls Scouts Troop #70257 for the past 11 years.
In figure skating, she has represented New York State in the State Games of America in both 2017 and 2019, and medaled at the NYS Empire State Games every year since 2015.
Michael Huntington
Michael Huntington, a Building Trades student at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Construction Exchange of Buffalo and Western New York.
The Construction Exchange is a not-for-profit organization that has served the local construction industry since 1981 and is the largest construction association in Western New York.
Michael, a senior from Royalton-Hartland, will be attending Alfred State College this fall to get his associate’s degree in Building and Construction. After Alfred, he hopes to work for a construction or development company building homes. He will also decide if he will continue on to complete the four-year program in Construction Management while working in the field. His long-term goal is to build his own business designing and building custom homes.
His Building Trades teacher Matt Anastasi says, “I am so proud of Mike and this is incredible news from our new partners at the Construction Exchange. wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.”
Michael’s mother Nicole Huntington said. “We are so incredibly proud of Michael. Mr. Anastasi has been fantastic and I am certainly confident in saying that he is Michael’s favorite teacher.”
Michael also recently took home a silver medal at the Regional SkillsUSA competition in Carpentry.
POTSDAM – Jorge Phillips of Medina, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.
As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.
