BUFFALO – Buffalo State is pleased to congratulate the students who completed the requirements to earn their degrees in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. The following from Orleans County have graduated:
Tiffany Cree of Medina graduated with a MSED in Curriculum and Instruction.
Taylor DeSimone of Holley graduated with a MSED in Speech-Language Pathology.
Alexis Creasey of Albion graduated with a BA in Psychology.
Hannah Heil of Medina graduated with a BS in Fashion and Textile Technology.
Sari Rupp of Medina graduated with a BS in Speech-Language Pathology.
Emily Schoolcraft of Medina graduated with a BS in Childhood Education.
Buffalo State University is a State University of New York (SUNY) university located in Buffalo, New York, offering over 75 undergraduate majors, more than 60 graduate programs, as well as many minors and certificate programs. Founded in 1871, SUNY Buffalo State University offers the perfect blend of a small, caring environment with large university opportunities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2024 at 10:20 am
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Austin Gardner took first in Electronics Technology in the state competition and then was in the national event.
Local students who won the state competitions in April for SkillsUSA last week advanced to nationals and vied against other top students around the country.
Atlanta, Ga. hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships on June 26-27. More than 6,000 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education.
Austin Gardner of Lyndonville qualified for the event after taking first in Electronics Technology in the state competition. He won a “Skill Point Certificate” at the national competition.
A group of Orleans/Niagara BOCES students also won the gold award at the state competition for crime scene investigation. Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker) went to Atlanta for the competition and won a Skill Point Certificate. Those three plus Gardner are students at the Orleans Career Technical Education Center in Medina.
“More than 6,000 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”
The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
These students won the gold award for the state competition for crime scene investigation. Pictured includes, from left: teacher Gene Newman, Gabrielle Rosenbeck (Newfane), Shianne Beauman (Royalton-Hartland) and Sahara Holland (Barker).
BUFFALO – The following students from Orleans County graduated from the University at Buffalo.
• Ryan Taylor of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the School of Public Health and Health Professions. Taylor’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Brennan Lyon of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lyon’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Arella Biesinger of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from the College of Arts and Sciences. Biesinger’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Carly-Grace Woodworth of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability from the College of Arts and Sciences. Woodworth’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Natalie Wright of Kendall graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Wright’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Noah Pencille of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Arts and Sciences. Pencille’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Amber Salonen of Holley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Salonen’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Andrew Houseman of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Houseman’s conferral date was June 2024.
• Elle Gross of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences. Gross’s conferral date was February 2024.
• Carter Green of Medina graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in media studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. Green’s conferral date was June 2024.
UB is New York State’s flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. UB celebrated over 9,400 students across 23 school-based or university-wide recognition and certificate ceremonies held April 26 through May 19.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the students from Orleans County on the President’s List and Provost’s List.
Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Those on the Provost’s List are part-time students and earned a quality point index of 3.75 or higher.
President’s List:
Amaya Cleveland of Medina
Corey Saj of Medina
Austin Basden of Medina
Hannah Coolbaugh of Albion
Myrna Martin of Albion
Madison Flor of Albion
Grace Gregoire of Albion
Luke Gregoire of Albion
Tatum Gagne of Holley
Jacklyn Botello of Holley
Amanda Jones of Holley
Erin Harding of Holley
Jonathan Russo of Holley
Sara Kingdollar of Holley
Isabella Thom of Holley
Natalie Bertsch of Waterport
Provost’s List:
Luca Pylypiak of Lyndonville
Emma Carson of Medina
Rachel Hill of Medina
David Garrow of Medina
Willy Sanchez-Cabrera of Medina
Dominique McKinley of Medina
Alexander Balaban of Medina
Jenna Wildschutz of Medina
Alexandria Strong of Medina
Candice Baker of Medina
Adam Lindberg of Medina
Casey Conrad of Albion
Leah Knab of Albion
Isaac Neidert of Albion
Ethan Hofmann of Albion
Autumn Husfelt of Albion
Barbara Lamka of Albion
Meganne Moore of Albion
Sophia Smith of Albion
Zachary Schultz of Holley
Ashton Drought of Holley
Brendi Nunnenkamp of Holley
John Butler of Kendall
Quinn McCue of Kent
Pedro Santiago of Kent
Qasim Huzair of Waterport
Aaron Arnett of Waterport
Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.
BATAVIA – 203 students from Genesee Community College named to Dean’s List, including many from Orleans County. Students honored on the Dean’s List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
Here is the list from Orleans County:
Calista Stinson of Lyndonville
Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
Kristi Oliver of Medina
Sade Poole of Medina
Ellisa Roath of Medina
Alexis Rizzo of Medina
Amanda Greenough of Albion
Derrick Murschel of Albion
Cheryl Root of Albion
Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
Joshua Riley of Albion
Lakshia Johnson of Albion
Heather Gnage of Holley
Amanda Schunk of Holley
Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
Megan Gentile of Holley
Kenley Fenton of Medina
Kobe Pugsley of Albion
Bradley Pierce of Albion
Rowan Hofmann of Albion
Melody Case of Albion
Derick Marr of Albion
Crushunda Johnson of Holley
Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.
ROCHESTER – Rochester Institute of Technology conferred nearly 4,500 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2023-2024 academic year. RIT’s academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Patricia “Pattie” Moore, a distinguished designer and trailblazing alumna of the class of 1974.
The following residents from Orleans County earned degrees:
Nathanael Strong of Albion received a BS in packaging science.
William Gregoire of Albion received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
Dwight Dinkins of Medina received an MS in applied and computational mathematics.
Gina Marshall of Holley received a BS in environmental sustainability, health and safety.
Hannah Sones of Albion received a BS in industrial engineering and ME in engineering management.
Keaton Freitag of Kendall received a BS in game design and development.
Erin Aaron of Albion received an ACT and MS in school psychology.
Noah Heinsler of Waterport received a BFA in film and animation.
Jace Conn of Albion received a BS in mechanical engineering.
Toby Kiebala of Medina received a BS and ME in mechanical engineering.
Provided photo: At the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, Jennifer Raduns presents the Liam’s Legacy scholarship to Layne Hodgins, who is joined by Lt. Steve Cooley of the Medina Fire Department.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Three students from Orleans/Niagara BOCES are the recipients of the Liam’s Legacy scholarships.
At the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, Layne Hodgins, a Medina student in the Allied Health program was announced as one of this year’s award winners.
At end-of-year celebrations at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, Landon Sabol (North Tonawanda) and Cooper Bulkley-Fish (Niagara Academy) in the Emergency Medication Services program were recognized.
The awards were started by Jennifer Raduns in memory of her grandson Liam. The 6-month old baby was beaten by his father in 2016 and later died from his injuries.
“I wanted to pay homage to the first responders who tried to save Liam’s life,” Raduns said. “I am happy to be able to celebrate Liam’s life by helping others.”
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: Pictured form left include Jackie Santiago Garcia, Meganne Moore and Finnegan McCue.
Posted 18 June 2024 at 3:44 pm
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – The Genesee Community College ACE Program has recognized several Albion students with the “Outstanding Scholar” semi-finalist or finalist award.
These students have risen to the top of over 2,000 students in over 40 high schools taking ACE classes across Western New York. There were 84 students nominated for this award. The selection committee chose 44 semi-finalists and 20 finalists.
Albion’s semi-finalists:
Ella Papponetti – Science
Jason Anstey & Lucy Rivers – English
Kevin He & Finn McCue – Mathematics
Jason Anstey, Kevin He, Ella Papponetti, Gina Sidari – Social Science
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2024 at 9:27 am
Keynote speaker: Students from Orleans County take ‘grit’ with them to college, new careers
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ted Lewis, president of the Lyndonville Board of Education, gives the closing message during the banquet on Tuesday. “A heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you,” Lewis said. “Thank you for inspiring your classmates, your teachers, and this entire community. Go forth, and make us proud. Leave your mark on the world, but most importantly, never stop learning, growing, and reaching for your dreams.”
LYNDONVILLE – The Top 10 graduates for the Class of 2024 in Orleans County’s five school districts were honored at a banquet on Tuesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.
Albion returned to the event for the first time in more than a decade, joining Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina. Albion stopped being part of the Top 10 because the district did its own academic honors convocation celebration for students with GPAs at 90 or above. The district, however, wanted to get back to being part of the Top 10 dinner with the other schools in the county.
Callie Updike, a 2021 Holley graduate, gave the keynote address at the 38th annual Orleans County Academic Excellence Awards Dinner at the White Birch Golf Course. Updike has completed three years at Columbia University, an Ivy League college where she is studying film and creative writing. She plans to graduate in 2025 and then pursue a career as a screenwriter in television or film.
The students, who will all graduate later this month, were praised for their hard work, and often late nights of study.
“We celebrate the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge,” said Ted Lewis, Lyndonville’s Board of Education president. “You’ve pushed boundaries, excelled in your academics, and left your mark on your school and on this county.”
The keynote speaker for the event was a recent Top 10 grad. Callie Updike was the salutatorian for Holley in 2021. She was the class president, Student Council president, and was heavily involved in the school music program. She just completed her third year at Columbia University, majoring in film and creative writing. She expects to graduate from the Ivy League college next year and then will pursue a career as a screenwriter in television or film.
Updike said she was only 16 when she was accepted into Columbia in New York City on a full-ride scholarship. She and 12 percent of her classmates come from rural areas.
She sees that as an advantage. Most of her classmates haven’t ridden a four-wheeler or seen a cow. Many of her classmates come from tremendous wealth, with parents paying $60,000 a year – for kindergarten.
“Even if they have a fancier education than me, I would not change a single thing about the way I grew up,” Updike said. “My work ethic, my grit, my ability to relate to people, my appreciation for life and the opportunities I’ve been given because of growing up in Orleans County give me an advantage.”
She remembered attending the Top 10 dinner three years ago, and feeling a sense of fear – “the fear of letting people down, of growing complacent, of living a life I’m not proud of.”
Even now, after three years at Columbia and internships in NYC, some feelings of fear creep in, Updike said.
But her Orleans County roots steady her, and motivate her to not only pursue her dreams but want to help lift up other people.
“You are going to make beautiful, successful and happy lives for yourselves, as long as you believe you will and trust your determination will take you all the way,” Updike said. “There are things out of your control but if you take all the things you can control and make the best of them, as you have done so far, you will get where you need to be.”
The Albion Top 10 include, from left: Erin Weese, Gina Sidari, Lucy Rivers, Ella Papponetti, Meganne Moore, Kevin He, Jett Conn, Kayla Burgio and Jason Anstey. Missing from photo: Finnegan McCue.
The Top 10 in Medina include, from left: Scott Schultz, Baileigh McAdoo, Iyla Lilleby, Sawyer Kingsbury, Emma Jacobs, Layne Hodgins, Camryn Eick, Conor Crandall, Caiden Class and Alexander Balaban.
Kendall honored its Top 11 – 10 seniors plus a junior graduating early. From left include Nathaniel Smith, Hunter Richards, Christopher Nettles, Sarah Laitenberger, Lucas Jones, Paige Hardenbrook, Megan Gates, Louis Conte, Noah Clark, Hannah Brundage and Sophia Barnard-DeCann.
Lyndonville’s Top 10 include, from left: Tisha Zeitz, Elizabeth Whipple, Hannah Songer, Hailey Skowneski, Jocelyn Mack, Bradley Jisa, Austin Gardner, Katelynn Breeze, Daniel Barry and Madalynn Baker.
Holley’s Top 10 include, from left: Ryleigh Weader, Leigha Walker, Layne Walker, Kayla Neale, Gabriel Lindsay, Grace Fuller, Caitlin Dobri, Cavan Bennage and Jasmine Apicella. Missing from photo: Isabella Thom.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Albert Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries gives the keynote address during the 42nd annual Youth Recognition Banquet last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 8:53 am
2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.
The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.
Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.
The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.
The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.
“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”
Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.
The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.
Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.
Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.
The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.
Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.
Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.
Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.
Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.
“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”
Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.
Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.
Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”
“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”
Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.
The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”
These three stars in school musicals were picked among 40 female or male leads in the Rochester region. From left include Elaina Huntington of Medina as Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables, Mallory Kozody of Albion as Jo in Little Women, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2024 at 11:12 am
Three school musicals that were performed in March in Orleans County have been recognized by the Stars of Tomorrow program through the Rochester Broadway Theatre League.
The Stars held its 26th annual awards program last month and some of the schools in the Rochester region were able to perform a selection from their musicals on the RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre. Albion, Lyndonville and Medina all were able to take the stage and all won awards for their March productions.
Lyndonville and Medina are grouped in schools with population less than 500, while Albion is ranked larger schools with more than 500 students.
Lyndonville had a cast and crew of 75 students in the production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Lyndonville was recognized for Excellence in Vocal Ensemble, Excellence in Dance Ensemble, and Excellence in Student Orchestra.
Elizabeth Whipple, the Narrator, was recognized for achievement in a leading role.
Lyndonville’s director Jennifer Trupo also was honored with one of three “Impact Awards” given among all schools. She has built a strong program with large casts and student participation.
Albion received many awards for its production of Little Women. These main characters include, from left: Mallory Kozody as Josephine “Jo” March, Ella Trupo as Beth, Zack Baron as Laurie, Lily Brigham as Amy and Danielle Wyant as Meg.
Albion was a big winner and was honored with Excellence in Overall Production, Excellence in Acting Ensemble, Excellence in Vocal Ensemble, Excellence in Dance Ensemble, Excellence in Student Orchestra, Excellence in Production Design,
Achievement in a Leading Role: Mallory Kozody as Jo March, Mallory Ashbery as Marmee, Gideon Park as Mr. Bhaer, and Zackary Baron and Laurie.
Medina performed the ambitious Les Misérables, a story of the 1832 June Rebellion in France. In this scene the young revolutionaries prepare themselves for battle.
Medina won for Excellence in Vocal Ensemble, Excellence in Dance Ensemble, and Excellence in Production Crew,
Achievement in a Leading Role: Elaina Huntington as Madame Thenardier.
HOLLEY – Elise Quincey, a 2023 Holley graduate, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship through the Spencerport Rotary Club.
Quincey is the recipient of the 2024 Spencerport Rotary Scholarship in honor of Roger Ressman. Quincey is a sophomore at SUNY Brockport majoring in sustainability and minoring in political science. She plans to become a global sustainability advocate on graduation.
Elise served as president of the Holley Interact Club last year and has been involved in community events for several years. As a member of SUNY Brockport Rotaract, Quincey participated in leadership, team-building and community service activities including the annual Canal Clean-up in April.
A colleague states that Quincey “shows enthusiasm for making a positive impact on her small-town community and beyond…Elise aspires to work collaboratively with communities and policy makers to develop legislation that will support the protection of our planet, focus on ending poverty, and promote the well-being for people of all ages.”
The Spencerport Rotary Club took over the Brockport Rotary scholarship after Brockport Rotary folded about two years ago.
Provided photos: The Royalton-Hartland FFA Chapter was a top performer in many of the competitions held during the state convention in Buffalo.
Posted 9 May 2024 at 9:36 am
Press Release, Royalton-Hartland FFA
MIDDLEPORT – Last week, 40 Royalton-Hartland FFA members and 4 Royalton-Hartland educators traveled to the Buffalo Convention Center for the 99th annual New York State FFA Convention & Expo.
The Roy-Hart group included 28 high school members, 12 middle school members, Matthew Sweeney (HS Agriculture Educator & FFA Advisor) Madeline Keyes (MS Agriculture Educator & Jr. FFA Co-Advisor), Susan McLaughlin (Jr. FFA Co-Advisor), and Shelly Budziszewski (Elementary Green Team Co-Advisor).
Members participated in agriculture industry tours, assisted with day-of-service activities, networked with college and career professionals, earned state degree and proficiency awards, and competed in a variety of Career Development Event (CDE) competitions.
The CDE competitions build on what is learned in agricultural education classes and encourage FFA members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student’s technical, leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, as well as their knowledge of the subject matter.
The Milk Quality & Products CDE State Championship Team includes, from left: Phinn Cousins, Mackenzie Diamond, Caleb Verratti and Joshua Kennedy.
All 1st place CDE teams advance to the national level to represent New York State at the National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis, Indiana in October. Most 2nd place CDE teams advance to the regional level to represent New York State at “The Big E” (Eastern State Exposition) held in West Springfield, Massachusetts in September.
Results from the 2024 NYS FFA Convention:
STATE CHAMPION (1st Place) Milk Quality & Products CDE Team:
Mackenzie Diamond – 1st Place Individual
Joshua Kennedy – 2nd Place Individual
Cayla Burch – 6th Place Individual
Phinn Cousins – 8th Place Individual
Caleb Verratti
They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 National FFA Convention.
The Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE State Championship Team includes, from left: Sean Labiak, Sophia Santella, Garrett Armenia and Vanessa Grant.
STATE CHAMPION (1st Place) Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE Team:
Vanessa Grant – 3rd Place Individual
Garrett Armenia – 7th Place Individual
Sophia Santella
Sean Labiak
They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 National FFA Convention.
2nd Place Food Science & Technology CDE Team:
Phinn Cousins – 1st Place Individual
Nicholas Armenia – 4th Place Individual
Caleb Verratti – 6th Place Individual
Scott Clark
They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).
2nd Place Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE Team:
Sophia Santella – 3rd Place Individual
Nicholas Armenia – 4th Place Individual
Phinn Cousins
Mackenzie Diamond
They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).
2nd Place Forestry CDE Team:
Adam Yanicki – 4th Place Individual
Joshua Kennedy
Judson Heck
John Konstanty
Nathaniel Wolf
They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).
2nd Place Sr. People In Agriculture LDE:
Mackenzie Diamond
3rd Place Maple CDE Team:
Nathaniel Wolf
Joshua Kennedy
Judson Heck
John Konstanty
3rd Place Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE Team:
Camden VandenBosch – 10th Place Individual
Anthony Adams
Adam Yanicki
Cayla Burch
3rd Place Agricultural Sales CDE Team:
Garrett Armenia – 6th Place Individual
Caleb Verratti
Calvin Dent
Camden VandenBosch
Aquaculture CDE Team:
Anthony Adams – 4th Place Individual
New York State FFA Empire Degree (Highest FFA Degree in NYS):
Sophia Santella
Proficiency Awards:
Joshua Kennedy – Gold in Forest Management & Products; State winner – Advancing to National Convention
Caleb Verratti – Gold in Diversified Crop Production; State winner – Advancing to National Convention
Vanessa Grant – Silver in Agricultural Services
Cayla Burch – Bronze in Vegetable Production
Mackenzie Diamond – Bronze in Veterinary Science
Nicholas Armenia – Bronze in Agricultural Mechanics & Fabrication
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2024 at 9:02 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans Hub held an awards program on Thursday evening at the Hoag Library, presenting plaques to “Outstanding Citizens” from 2023. We also presented two from 2021.
Pictured from left in front includes Susan Walders, Jenn Thom, Joe Gehl, Scott Christ and Annette Finch. In Back: Gary Kent, Brooke Kemblowski (accepting for her father Gary Derwick), Melisa and Jovannie Canales, Brett Sobrieski, Diane and Neil Valentine (parents of Evan Valentine). Missing from photo: Susan Oschmann.
Orleans Hub used to have an annual awards program to recognize our Outstanding Citizens that we pick for each year. These are people who pulled off a major community project or inspired others to take action on pressing issues.
We stopped having the awards program in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. Last night we were thrilled to have the winners back for a gathering. We also presented the awards for Annette Finch and Evan Valentine from 2021. Back then there wasn’t a bigger gathering and we wanted to give out those awards in front of other people.
Annette Finch retired in 2021 after working 44 years on the front lines of helping local people in need work through a crisis. Finch worked as director of emergency services for Community Action, a high-stress job where she managed food drives, toy drives and other events to bring in resources for people served by the agency.
Finch did a lot behind the scenes in helping people to not have utilities shut off and find emergency housing. She was a steady presence, a voice of encouragement and master problem solver for people in very challenging predicaments.
Evan Valentine of Holley pushed to finish his Eagle Scout project, despite being hospitalized with leukemia. He fought the disease for 2 ½ years and inspired the Holley community with his optimism and perseverance through it all.
Evan would pass away from leukemia on Feb. 21, 2021. His Eagle Scout project was dedicated on June 5, 2021. A team of scouts and volunteers follow his instructions and built a veterans’ wall around the war memorial in Holley by the Post Office and the American Legion. The stone wall includes a sitting area in front with an inscription, “Forever Remembered – Forever Missed.”
2023 Outstanding Citizens
• Three of the directors of the Albion Betterment Committee worked about a decade to raise money and work out the details for a new bronze statue in Albion in honor of Charles Howard, who started a school for Santas in 1937 that continued in Albion until his death in 1966. The school, which is now in Michigan, continues in Howard’s name.
Gary Derwick, Joe Gehl and Gary Kent launched an ambitious project to honor Howard with a bronze statue, which was unveiled on June 10 last year during the Strawberry Festival with many of Howard’s family members present. The Albion Betterment Committee has spent years honor Howard’s legacy, putting up “Believe” signs, convincing the state to name a portion of Route 31 in memory of Howard, and backing other projects promoting Howard, including two Santa murals in Albion.
The bronze statue was the biggest effort. They raised about $80,000 for the project and hired Brian Porter to create the statue in a likeness of Howard in his Santa suit.
• Pastor Jovannie Canales of the Oasis Church in Medina wants students to be well-stocked with supplies when the school year starts. He also wants their families to be connected to agencies and churches that can make their families stronger. For six years Canales has organized a Family Fun Day at Butts Park in Medina. The event attracted 600 people on Aug. 5. It has grown from the first one in a parking lot. Now there are musicians, many non-profit organizations, lots of free food, BMX bikers and skateboarders, many from the faith community, and numerous school supplies.
• Susan Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard Park in ALbion, lining up fundraising and support for the project. Oschmann rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete. They opened on Oct. 26.
• Jenn Thom of Medina leads an organization – Operation Honor – that raises money for veterans. She has put on a 5K on Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11 since 2018 as one of the group’s biggest fundraisers.
Thom hasn’t served in the military. She runs an accounting business. Operation Honor is her way of serving veterans who she said sacrificed so much for the country. Many of those vets often find themselves in financial stress. Operation Honor is able to lighten that load whether covering utility bills, car payments, or purchasing heating pellets for veterans in need.
• Susan Walders has been determined to help senior citizens, especially those in nursing home and other care facilities, get outdoors and connect with nature. She sees bike rides as a great way to meet that goal.
Last year she was able to raise $12,000 for a new tri-shaw, a 3-wheeled bike with cushions for two passengers. She has formed a non-profit organizations, Cycling Without Age in Orleans County, with a board of directors.
The bike arrived in late August and Walders took it to The Villages of Orleans on Sept. 27 for the first bike rides, taking residents on a path behind the nursing home. She and her group of volunteers expect to be busy this year going to nursing homes and other care facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
• Scott “Spanky” Christ brought back the Murray Tractor Pull last year after a four-year absence. There was a record-setting crowd of about 1,600 that watched the pulls on July 22, and raised $8,500 for the Ronald McDonald House, which provides hospitality for families with children fighting a serious illness.
Christ is part of a three-generation family that competes in tractor pulling. Christ drives “Just For Fun” in the Super Farm Class and is regularly among the points leaders in that class for the Empire State Pullers. His father Lloyd drives his Heavy Super Stock tractor, “It’s Only Money,” and Scott son’s Travis also competes in the Super Farm Class with “No Expectations.”
• Brett Sobieraski ran a marathon every day for 50 straight days, honoring the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.
Sobieraski, a retired Rochester police sergeant, lives in Kent. He started his “8 States for Maz” jounrey in Florida and worked his way up to Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day.
Sobieraski sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family and topped that goal. Along the way he inspired people in the eight states.
Sobieraski said he wanted the officer’s family to feel love and respect from the community, and know Maz’s life of service is deeply appreciated. The response was far more than Sobieraski could have imagined. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him in Rochester.
Provided photo: Kelli Dingle of Albion holds her winning design.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
ALBION – Congratulations to Kelli Dingle, an Albion junior in the Graphic Communications program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
She was recently informed that her submission for the 2024 Taste of Buffalo Tops Poster Art Contest not only was selected for the First Prize winner for the 13 to 17-year-old age category, but also the Overall Grand Prize winner.
She will receive $1,000 for her prize money and her artwork will be used in the creation of the official Taste of Buffalo poster!
“I am so proud of Kelli,” says her Graphic Communications teacher Karen Krull. “She is an amazing artist, extremely talented and has so much potential. This is very exciting.”
