achievements

Medina school district gets national music honor

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 April 2024 at 5:53 pm

Albion makes it 17 straight years recognized by NAMM Foundation

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Marching Band enters Vets Park on Sept. 23 for a performance at home during the Fall Festival of Bands. Medina is one of the smaller schools that competes in the field band competition and has won the New York State Field Band Conference Championship several times.

Two school districts in Orleans County has been recognized as a “Best Communities for Music Education,” two of the 975 in the country to receive the designation from the North American Music Merchants.

Medina made the list for the first time. The school district last year started doing its own musical in the junior-senior high school after about a decade of a shared program with Lyndonville. Medina has long had a stellar marching band program.

Albion was recognized for the 17^th straight year. Like Medina, Albion offers vocal and instrumental music programs from elementary, middle and high schools, with many performances in the schools and out in the community.

NAMM has been recognized school districts for 25 years. The award recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education, NAMM said.

Mike Thaine, the Albion High School band director, leads the band during a holiday concert on Dec. 20, 2023.

The NAMM Foundation’s list shows only these school districts in New York have matched or surpassed Albion for longevity on the list: Bayshore, 21 years; Clarence, 19; Fayetteville-Manlius, 19; Great Neck, 18; Jericho Union, 20; Johnson City, 19; Le Roy, 17; Monroe-Woodbury, 18; Monticello, 17; Nanuet Union, 17; North Babylon, 18; Northport Union, 17; Ossining Union, 17; Pittsford, 19; Port Jefferson, 19; Rush-Henrietta, 19; Syosset, 22; Webster, 18; West Genesee, 18; and West Irondequoit, 22.

Other nearby districts also were recognized including Batavia for the first time, Roy-Hart for the second year, Brockport for the seventh year, Pembroke for the fifth year and Lockport for the ninth year.

“Our unwavering commitment is steadfast in embracing and rewarding educators, administrators, parents and community leaders who applaud and support comprehensive music instruction as a fundamental part of core learning opportunities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “These leaders offer an extraordinary model of teaching that ignites a foundation of success we can all honor and celebrate.”

For more on the NAMM Foundation, click here.

3 from Job Corps earn high school diplomas, set plans for the future

Provided photos from Ashtin Fiegel, Iroquois Job Corps Recreation Department manager: Three students at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby recently celebrated earning their high school diplomas, including from left Quintin Mitchell, Javen Feliciano and Keyonia Pompey.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 April 2024 at 8:31 am

SHELBY – Three students at the Iroquois Job Corps center have recently received their high school diplomas. They are Javen Feliciano, Quintin Mitchell and Keyonia Pompey.

“Javen has been at Iroquois Job Corps Center since January 2023,” said Stephanie Kellogg, academic manager at IJCC. “He has completed the carpentry program, been active in student leadership and is a positive impact on center culture. He is preparing to begin work-based learning as he comes to the end of his Job Corps journey. After completing the program, he plans on joining the Air Force.”

“Quintin, 17, is from Rochester and is looking forward to completing the brick-laying trade and getting his driver’s license,” Kellogg said. “He will tell you that he struggled a bit in academics until he got the motivation to help him focus and finish his credits. We are very excited to see Quintin continue to succeed and complete his Job Corps program.”

The third student, Keyonia Pompey, came to Iroquois Job Corps Center from Buffalo in August 2023.

“While at IJCC, Keyonia got her driver’s permit and is nearing completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant program,” Kellogg said. “Upon completion of CNA, she is planning on doing work-based learning in a long-term care facility and then returning to the Buffalo area to work as a CNA.”

2 from Orleans selected for Girls State program

Staff Reports Posted 14 March 2024 at 8:16 am

Mallory Kozody, left, and MacKenzie Fiorito will represent Orleans County at the Empire Girls State program.

Two high school juniors in Orleans County have been selected for the Empire Gurls State program from June 30 to July 6 at SUNY Brockport.

Mallory Kozody of Albion and MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley have been picked for the program, which is run by the American Legion Auxiliary. Anna Hess from Lyndonville has been named an alternate.

Classified as an “Action Program,” Empire Girls State focuses on providing students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops highlighting the process of government, running campaigns, writing bills and other political activities.

As part of the program, participants become citizens of a fictional 51st state where they are in charge of building and establishing their own government.

According to the American Legion Auxiliary, the program “endeavors in one week to instruct the young women attending about the privileges of the vote, how political parties are formed and how leaders are chosen and elected to fill the various offices – it serves to instill in them the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of the American Citizenship as they actually participate in the process.”

Advanced Manufacturing students at Orleans/Niagara BOCES sign on for careers

Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: from left include Jerry Stadelman (Modern-Tec Manufacturing), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Chris Carnahan (Moley Magnetics Inc.), Riley Bloomingdale (Roy-Hart), Mikey Wilson (Pivot Precision), AJ Horne (Custom Manufacturing and Design), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Sam Burning (Roy-Hart), Joe Burg (J.W. Burg Machine and Tool), Joe Bruckner (Medina), Casey Childs and Mike Green (Amada Tool America Inc.), Tim Werth(Performance Manufacturing Inc.), David Merlin (Barker), RJ Shaughnessy IV (Newfane) and Braxton Schafer (Nuclear Alloys).

Posted 7 March 2024 at 4:27 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – We all have seen on the news where a high school student is recognized for “signing on” to a local college to play sports, correct? What about the students who want to enter the workforce after graduation?

Orleans/Niagara BOCES believes they should be recognized too. Congratulations go to: Riley Bloomingdale (Royalton-Hartland), Joe Brueckner (Medina), Sam Brunning (Royalton-Hartland), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Dakota Gilhousen (Lockport), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Dave Merlin (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Robert Shaughnessy (Newfane) and Cal Stevenson (Lockport).

Recently Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship’s “Signing Day Event.” Held at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center on March 5, the seniors who are participating in the paid co-op program were celebrated for their achievements in the workforce.

Company representatives, where the students have been working, were on hand for the signing event where students signed a commitment to work for them after graduation.

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program offers an unprecedented solution to our region’s skilled trades shortage in advanced manufacturing. It is a one-of-a-kind career exploration program where students are connected to advanced manufacturing companies through Matching Day events that lead to job shadows and paid co-ops.

Basically, our students make money as they continue their learning. Students can also receive college credit at Monroe Community College at no cost.

“I am so proud of my students,” said Mr. Rakonczay. “This is a great program that gives my students on-the-job training that prepares them for the workplace and college. I want to thank the companies that participate such as: Amada Tool America Inc., Custom Manufacturing and Design, J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Modern-Tec Manufacturing Inc., Moley Magnetics Inc., Nuclear Alloys, Performance Manufacturing Inc. and Pivot Precision. I also want to thank the parents and guardians who support us. Without all of them, none of this would be possible.”

After the event, each participating students received a swag bag, a caliper and micrometer set. A huge thank you to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program for partnering with us to ensure the students’ success and offering them this opportunity!

Orleans residents named to Provost’s List at GCC

Staff Reports Posted 5 March 2024 at 2:59 pm

BATAVIA – There 216 students from Genesee Community College named to Provost’s List. Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The following from Orleans County made the list:

Megan Gentile of Holley
Jason Grager of Lyndonville
Luca Pylypiak of Lyndonville
Anthony Moule of Lyndonville
Brent Oliver of Medina
Dominique McKinley of Medina
Jenna Wildschutz of Medina
Valerie Busch of Medina
Adam Lindberg of Medina
Leah Knab of Albion
Kobe Pugsley of Albion
Kaitlin Simons of Albion
Autumn Husfelt of Albion
Krista Lefrois of Albion
Barbara Lamka of Albion
Meganne Moore of Albion
Erin Harding of Holley
Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
Evangeline Cooper of Kent
Jacqueline Santiago Garcia of Waterport

RIT Dean’s List includes several from Orleans County

Staff Reports Posted 21 February 2024 at 8:26 am

ROCHESTER – The following students were named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Full-time 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.

Jacob Corser of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Conner Hollenbeck of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Nathanael Strong of Albion, who is in the packaging science program.
Reg Chuhi of Holley, who is in the computing and information technologies program.
Sierra Apicella of Holley, who is in the studio arts program.
Kyle Kuehne of Kent, who is in the software engineering program.
Sydney Wilson of Lyndonville, who is in the software engineering program.
Alanna Holman of Medina, who is in the human-centered computing program.
Isaac Becker of Waterport, who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.

Local students on Dean’s List at Buffalo State, Hamilton College

Staff Reports Posted 19 February 2024 at 8:46 am

Buffalo State University and Hamilton College have announced students from Orleans County made the Dean’s List for the fall semester.

The following had GPAs of at least 3.5 and were full-time students, making the Dean’s List at Buff State:

Alexis Creasey of Albion, majoring in Psychology
Nicolina Creasey of Albion, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology
Hannah Heil of Medina, majoring in Fashion and Textile Technology
Isabel Ramsey of Medina, majoring in Graphic Design
Emily Schoolcraft of Medina, majoring in Childhood Education

Hamilton College in Clinton, NY announced that Jonathan Pietrafesa of Medina made the Dean’s List with a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0. Pietrafesa is a senior majoring in cinema and media studies.

National Guard soldier from Holley gets promotion

Staff Reports Posted 14 February 2024 at 6:26 pm

HOLLEY – William Kelly of Holley, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to the rank of first sergeant, announced Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York.

Kelly is assigned to the Company B, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

Katelyn Spierdowis earns engineering degree from Clarkson University

Staff Reports Posted 12 February 2024 at 6:27 pm

POTSDAM – Katelyn Spierdowis of Albion received a bachelor of science degree with great distinction in civil engineering from Clarkson University on Dec. 16, 2023.

As a private, national research university with its main campus at Potsdam, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.

GCC announces Orleans County residents on Dean’s List

Staff Reports Posted 8 February 2024 at 10:39 am

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College announced students from Orleans County who made the Dean’s List in the fall semester. 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.

Brianna Smith of Lyndonville
Calista Stinson of Lyndonville
Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
Kristi Oliver of Medina
Melanie Poynter of Medina
Faith Oberther of Medina
Amanda Jones of Holley
Sara Kingdollar of Holley
John Butler of Kendall
Isabella Zasa of Knowlesville
Shawna Grabowski of Waterport
David Garrow of Medina
Alex Stahl of Medina
Logan Gardner of Medina
Makayla Heideman of Medina
Kenley Fenton of Medina
Faith Woody of Albion
Lucy Rivers of Albion
Sandra Hammond of Albion
Ethan Hofmann of Albion
Rowan Hofmann of Albion
Cheryl Root of Albion
Sandra Intorcia of Albion
Sadie Gregoire of Albion
Gabriella Olshefski-Koch of Holley
Hannah Knight of Holley
Kayleigh Bopp of Holley
Paige Struble of Kendall
Qasim Huzair of Waterport
John Troy of Waterport

Local students make Dean’s List at UB, Cortland and Hartwick

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2024 at 10:05 am

College students from Orleans County have made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Cortland and Hartwick College.

The following from Orleans were recognized for academic achievement at the University at Buffalo:

Cam Bell of Albion
Amaya Cancino of Holley
Jaklin Mofardin of Lyndonville
Arella Biesinger of Medina
Brooklyn Brown of Medina
Carter Green of Medina
Elle Gross of Medina

The Dean’s List at SUNY Cortland includes the following from Orleans County:

Paige Derisley of Waterport – Physical Education K-12
Tessa Heideman of Lyndonville – Psychology
Lacey Kenward of Medina – Early Childhood and Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6)
Olivia Morrison of Albion – Anthropology
Xander Payne of Medina – Sport Management

Hartwick College in Oneonta also announced that Erin Kiefer, an English major from Lyndonville, was named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.

20 from Orleans make President’s List at GCC

Staff Reports Posted 31 January 2024 at 8:18 am

BATAVIA – There are 198 students from Genesee Community College named to President’s List including 20 from Orleans County. 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.

The students from Orleans include:

Brianna Pasnik of Medina
Emma Carson of Medina
Sade Poole of Medina
Cayden Lilleby of Medina
Corey Saj of Medina
Alexandria Strong of Medina
Candice Baker of Medina
Michael Greybill of Albion
Myrna Martin of Albion
Reuben Rivers of Albion
Amanda Greenough of Albion
Derrick Murschel of Albion
Isaac Neidert of Albion
Madison Flor of Albion
Melanie Kuhmann of Albion
Rowan Ford of Albion
Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
Grace Gregoire of Albion
Luke Gregoire of Albion
Natalie Bertsch of Waterport

Students from Orleans make Dean’s List at Morrisville, LeMoyne and FLCC

Staff Reports Posted 27 January 2024 at 9:22 am

Students from Orleans County have earned academic honors by making the Dean’s List at SUNY Morrisville, Le Moyne College and Finger Lakes Community College.

• Blake Dunton of Knowlesville and Olivia Kroening of Knowlesville made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Morrisville.

• Aubrey Schoolcraft, a freshman Accounting major from Medina, is on the Dean’s List at Le Moyne College in Syracuse.

• At Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, Adriana Botello of Holley and Ella Lewis of Lyndonville made the Dean’s List as full-time students with grade point averages at 3.5 or higher.

Albion farm family advances to final 4 in national Ag Innovation Challenge

Provided photo: Jody Neal and his sons Zachary, left, and Jayden, embrace technology on the farm.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2024 at 8:35 pm

ALBION – Jody Neal of Albion and his sons, Jayden and Zachary, advanced to the final four of an agricultural innovation challenge. The Neals moved from the top 10 semi-finalists nationally to final group of four in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is holding its annual meeting in Salt Lake City and the competition is among the featured events at the convention.

Jody is a partner a Poverty Hill Farms in Albion, a dairy farm on East County House Road. He also was a mentor in the Orleans County 4-H Robotics program, where his sons put their programming and tech skills to the test.

Jody and his adult sons have formed Udder Ways LLC for their innovations, including an udder cleaning system that they have worked on for the past eight years. The device is used just before a cow is milked.

Their invention uses a unique, brushless technology to gently stimulate cows and ensure clean and dry teats, the family states on their website.

“With our patented vortex-style application, you can achieve consistent stimulation and promote milk letdown effortlessly,” they said.

The Neals have a shot at the $50,000 grand prize. There will be $20,000 awarded to the runner-up, and $15,000 each to the two other finalists.

An additional $5,000 goes to the People’s Choice Team. The Neals welcome votes from the public for that award. Voting ends at midnight tonight. Click here for more information.

Several from Orleans make Dean’s List in fall semester at colleges

Staff Reports Posted 19 January 2024 at 7:10 pm

College students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List or President’s List for high academic achievement in the fall semester.

Nazareth University in Rochester recognized the following from Orleans with GPAs at 3.5 or above, putting them on the Dean’s List:

Karlee Robb of Kendall
Hailey Crawford of Albion
Joseph Nettles of Holley
Melissa Robinson of Albion
Hannah Stewart of Kent

Alfred State College said nine students from Orleans County are on the Dean’s List, including:

Jayce Ashton of Albion: Heavy Equipment Operations: Notre Dame High School in Batavia
Julia Buck: Business Administration: Holley Senior High School
Lorelei Dillenbeck: Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Lyndonville Central School
Samuel Doolan: Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning: Lyndonville Central School
Robert Dysard: Heavy Equipment Truck & Diesel Technician: Albion Senior High School
Ethan Kuhn: Forensic Science Technology: Kendall Jr-Sr High School
Reagan London: Nursing (AAS/BS): Lyndonville Central School
Jacob Thom: Welding Technology: Albion Senior High School
Slade Tower: CNC Manufacturing and Machining: Albion Senior High School

SUNY Oneonta announced Daisy Perez-Reyes of Albion earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester. Perez-Reyes is studying Sociology at SUNY Oneonta.

Grove City College in Pennsylvania named Emma Roush of Medina to the fall Dean’s List. Roush is a Psychology major at Grove City.

SUNY New Paltz congratulates Parker Penafiel of Albion for earning fall 2023 Dean’s List honors.

Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio announced Leah Kania of Albion, who is majoring in voice performance, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

SUNY Cortland congratulated Lacey Kenward of Medina for earning President’s List honors for the Fall 2023 semester. Kenward is studying Childhood Early Childhood Education. To qualify for the President’s List, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Southern New Hampshire University announced the following students from Orleans County earned GPAs of at least 3.700 for the fall and are on the President’s List:

Amanda Woodruff of Medina
Brenden Weed of Albion
Adam Kuhn of Holley
Jonathan Rissew of Kendall
Jarod Wachtel of Kendall