achievements

14 students, 2 adults to be honored at youth recognition banquet on June 1

Posted 25 April 2023 at 9:47 am

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Board

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board will sponsor its 41st annual Youth Recognition Dinner at White Birch Golf Couse in Lyndonville on June 1.

Fourteen young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize an Adult Youth Worker and an Adult Youth Volunteer. During the banquet, the board members will also include a remembrance of Jonathan Doherty, who was one of Orleans County’s most active volunteers.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Nicholas Andrews, Natalie Baron, Samantha Basinait, Hunter Conner, Amari Jones, Matthew Miner, Tyler Moore, Trenton Muck, Casey Onisk, Jax Richards-Dyson, Ava Quincey, Elise Quincey, David Vanderwalker and Abigail Worsley.

Vivian Neroni is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from her position as a Social Worker at the Orleans County Department of Social Services. Vivian goes above and beyond her job requirements to do whatever she can for her youth and their families.

Alice Mathes is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for her extensive time spent leading the Adventurers 4H club and 4H events with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 6 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Orleans County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than May 12.

Albion 3rd-grader Gianna Hyde wins Tops essay contest

Posted 19 April 2023 at 4:18 pm

Press Release, Albion Central School

Gianna Hyde

ALBION – Third-grader Gianna Hyde loves to write. During a school break, her mom noticed an ad for the Tops Friendly Market Black History Month essay contest. Hyde got to work, ultimately winning the competition, resulting in a $50 gift card for herself and $100 donation for the school district.

The third annual essay contest held by Tops asks students in grades 3-8 to write about an African American that inspires them. Hyde researched Harriet Tubman but then thought about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin.

“I learned that he got hit in the heart and then his heart stopped,” explained Hyde. “But then they brought him back to life.”

Hyde found Hamlin’s recovery inspiring, but also admired his work away from the football field.

“He has a charity for kids, Chasing M’s Foundation, and if he wasn’t playing football he would do stuff for his neighborhood and all these kids,” she said.

As Hyde wrote in her essay, “Damar wrote this inspiring question in front of the doctors: ‘Who Won The Game?’ he wrote. That showed the world that he cares more about other people than himself.”

Winning the contest was a great surprise for Hyde and she said it made her feel really happy. The personal gift card was a bonus, but she mostly cared about having the opportunity to write and to win money for her school.

It is evident that the nine-year-old Albion student and the professional football player share something in common: both have the selfless intent to bring joy to others.

Hyde added about her essay, “Maybe he could read it sometime. He’s alive, it would probably make him feel happy.”

Local realtors honored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Provided photo: Mandy Gotham, left, and her brother Mark Zambito pose in Las Vegas, where they attended the annual sales convention of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Fourteen agents with Zambito Realtors were recognized

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 April 2023 at 7:47 am

Fourteen agents with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Zambito Realtors and Western New York Properties have been named among the best in the international network for 2022 at the company’s annual sales convention in Las Vegas.

Individuals receiving awards include Cynthia Petkus-Barna, Deborah Carpenter, Tammy Fearby, Brian and Sichel Cignarale, James Soliday, Diane Ziehl, Renee Schuner, Michael Manning, Michael Bartlett, Nathan Fox and Mandy Gotham, as well as the ownership.

The awards recognized the network’s top 18, 12 and 6 percent of sales professionals who exemplified great sales measures in closed GCI (gross commission income) or closed units during the past year.

Real estate professionals from across the globe attended the annual business conference to network, educate and celebrate the success of the network, said Mark Zambito, broker/owner with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Zambito Realtors and Western New York Properties.

Also attending the conference was Zambito’s sister Mandy Gotham, who runs the Orchard Park office.

“We applaud these amazing individuals for earning these awards among more than 50,000 agents worldwide in a very challenging market that was 2022,” Zambito said. “It is a remarkable achievement and is a testament to their dedication to the industry. Their knowledge, strong work ethic and natural leadership culminates their service to the local market. We strive to provide the best possible real estate experience for all of our clients, and these agents went above and beyond.”

Zambito Realtors entered the real estate industry in 2007 and joined Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices in February 2021. Since that time it has earned a host of honors, including Top Office in the region for 2022.

The global real estate brokerage franchise of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is boldly focused on building a personally connected future through relationship-driven business, with best-in-class leadership, mentorships. Business tools and a worldwide network that’s committed to making a lasting impact through lifelong relationships, Zambito said.

More information on the company can be found on their website at www.bhhswny.com.

Mark’s mother Rita Zambito started selling real estate 25 years ago, earning her real estate broker’s license one year later. In 2007 she decided it was time to go on her own with Mark and opened Zambito Realtors on Main Street in Medina with just four agents.

Since that time, the business has grown substantially, and today, consists of four offices in Western New York with more than 50 agents.

“We are family owned and have experience in selling all types of property,” Mark Zambito said. “Whether it be residential, waterfront, multi-family, commercial or foreclose properties, whatever your real estate needs, we have a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices realtor available to help find what you’re looking for. “

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors has offices in Medina, Batavia, Lockport and Orchard Park.

Velocitii in Medina named a ‘top workplace’ in the Rochester region

Posted 27 March 2023 at 12:13 pm

Press Release, Velocitii

Provided photo: Heather Smith is CEO of Velocitii, which is based in the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue in Medina. The company was founded in 2014 by Roger Hungerford.

MEDINA – Velocitii LLC, a business process outsourcing company, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 award by The Rochester Top Workplaces. Velocitii is one of 79 companies in the Rochester region to receive the honor.

This award recognizes the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, employee development, and engagement.

Velocitii’s win is a testament to the company’s strong focus on its employees. The company has implemented several initiatives to improve its workplace culture, including its Future Leaders Development Program, monthly town hall meetings, pay-for-performance structure, employee appreciation days and a generous holiday bonus system.

Additionally, Velocitii implemented Yammer, an internal social network, to keep employees connected and engaged, even while working remotely.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a top workplace in our region!” said Heather Smith, CEO of Velocitii. “At Velocitii, we believe that culture is the secret ingredient to success as a company. Employees who feel valued and rewarded provide exceptional service to our customers and that is a win-win. I want to personally thank all of our employees for continuing to provide input and suggestions that help Velocitii be an employer of choice. This award would not have been possible without open communication and mutual trust”

This prestigious award serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to its employees, and underscores the fact that a strong focus on employee satisfaction and fulfillment is key to achieving long-term success in the highly competitive BPO industry.

Velocitii’s ability to foster a workplace environment that promotes growth, innovation, and collaboration has positioned it as an employer of choice, that is well-poised to continue its growth and success in the years to come.

Editor’s Note: Velocitii, as a business process outsourcing company, provides support for other businesses, handling calls for customers about plans, billing and troubleshooting. Velocitii works with companies in healthcare, waste management, hospitality, e-commerce, auto insurance and technology.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES celebrates 9 new LPN grads

Provided photo: Pictured from left in front include Katie Dunning, Lauren Wiley, Tikera Ralands and Nina D'Arcangelo. Back row includes teacher Debra Dittmer, RN, Arianna Chiappone, Danielle Walker, Brennen O'Connor, Ashleigh Brownlee, Emily Koerner and teacher Roxanne Burke-Smith, RN.

Posted 14 March 2023 at 4:36 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

LOCKPORT – At a ceremony on March 8, Orleans/Niagara BOCES celebrated the accomplishments of Ashleigh Brownlee, Arianna Chiappone, Nina D’Arcangelo, Katie Dunning, Emily Koerner, Brennen O’Connor, Tikera Ralands, Danielle Walker and Lauren Wiley.

The nine adult learners graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at the Lockport Community Education Center.

Health Sciences Coordinator Diana Petrizzo, RN had this to say about the rigorous 13-month program and its graduates.

“This program requires much focus, dedication and commitment,” she said. “These graduates chose to enter the nursing profession at a critical, much needed time…a global pandemic. While many were isolating from others, they chose to reach out, to help others. Some of them were already health care workers and witnessed so many leaving the field, but instead of leaving, they stepped up and asked, ‘What more can I do?’”

The graduates thanked their instructors Debra Dittmer, RN, Roxanne Burke-Smith, RN, Diane Stauder, RN, Nicole Zglinicki, RN and Haley Alfieri, RN along with the support staff that helped them get through the program.

“When I reflect on this class, the thing that immediately comes to mind is teamwork,” Petrizzo said. “They all wanted to see each other succeed and they provided support to each other along the way. This class displayed amazing perseverance, tenacity, commitment and leadership skills.”

For more information on the Spring LPN programs offered at the Lockport Community Education Center and the Niagara Falls Workforce Training Center, go to the Orleans/Niagara BOCES website under Education and Programs (Adult/Continuing Education).

Medina volunteer with New York Guard state defense force recognized for service

Staff Reports Posted 1 March 2023 at 8:00 am

Spc. Samuel Maryjanowski of Medina serving with the 10th Area Command, received the New York Guard Achievement Award, NYS Lifetime Service Award and the New York Pandemic Response Service Ribbon during recent unit training events between December 2022 and February 2023.

The New York Guard is a force of 500 uniformed volunteers, organized as a military unit, who augment the New York National Guard during state emergencies. They provide administrative and logistics support to the National Guard.

Members of the New York Guard supported flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline in 2019 and 2020 and have been part of the statewide Covid-19 pandemic response since March 2020.

Unlike members of the New York National Guard, New York Guard members do not have a federal military role and do not deploy outside the state. New York Guard members usually train in a volunteer status and are only paid when they are placed on state duty during emergencies.

People who have served in the military can serve in the New York Guard up until age 68. Those who have never served in the military must be between age 18 and age 55 to join.

Candace Pitts named Job Corps employee of the year

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 February 2023 at 8:58 am

Provided photo: Candace Pitts holds her award as employee of the year.

MEDINA – Iroquois Job Corps has recognized a dedicated employee for her ongoing efforts toward guiding students throughout their journey at the Job Corps center in the Town of Shelby.

Candace Pitts was recently named the Job Corps “Employee of the Year” for 2022.

Her honor is a result of selflessly altering her work schedule to help with getting students to and from their work-based learning jobs, according to Jen Barr, senior administrative assistant at Job Corps.

Pitts has gone above and beyond to make connections with communities for partnerships for the work-based learning program, Barr said.

“Ms. Pitts often has lines of students waiting for her outside her door and she makes time to talk to each one individually to address all of their questions or concerns,” Barr said. “The results she has achieved are impressive. We are grateful to have her as our compassionate and caring teammate who is always willing to go above and beyond.”

Medina native honored with prestigious Wolf Prize in Chemistry

Posted 9 February 2023 at 3:20 pm

Press Release, Scripps Research

Dr. Jeffery Kelly, a 1978 Medina graduate, won a prestigious award for his work in chemistry. (Photo from Scripps Research)

LA JOLLA, CA — Jeffery Kelly, PhD, the Lita Annenberg Hazen Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research, has been awarded the distinguished 2023 Wolf Prize in Chemistry.

The honor recognizes Kelly’s research developing therapeutic strategies that amend misfolded proteins that toxically aggregate in the body—a hallmark of many severe diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Kelly shares this award with Chuan He, PhD, University of Chicago, and Hiroaki Suga, PhD, University of Tokyo, for “pioneering discoveries that illuminate the functions and pathological dysfunctions of RNA and proteins and for creating strategies to harness the capabilities of these biopolymers in new ways to ameliorate human diseases.”

“Receiving the Wolf Prize was a genuine surprise and is an immense privilege, especially considering all the incredible scientists who could have been chosen and who have been chosen before me,” Kelly says. “I am grateful to the remarkable scientists who selected me for this award, to numerous gifted trainees in my laboratory for their creative experimental contributions, and to my Scripps Research colleagues for cultivating the discovery culture that has made me a better scientist.”

In the award citation, the Wolf Foundation highlighted Kelly’s work in “developing a new and clinically impactful strategy to ameliorate disease caused by pathological protein aggregation.” Kelly has had a significant impact in understanding how proteins fold, misfold and aggregate in toxic quantities in the blood, the foundation noted, which leads to a host of severe diseases affecting both the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

With these key insights, Kelly and his lab have focused on translating their discoveries into therapies that can help alleviate these conditions. This includes the FDA-approved drug tafamidis (Vyndaqel® and Vyndamax®): a treatment that slows the progression of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (a neurodegenerative disease), and familial and sporadic TTR cardiomyopathy disease (a condition that ultimately causes heart failure).

“Kelly’s foundational research into protein folding homeostasis and novel therapeutic discoveries have made a global impact, which this award helps showcase,” said Peter Schultz, PhD, Scripps Family Chair Professor and President and CEO of Scripps Research. “His pioneering, multifaceted work—which is at the intersection of chemistry, biology and biophysics—has not only transformed the scientific world, but more importantly, has shaped the lives of countless patients.”

Kelly has won numerous additional awards and honors for his groundbreaking research in protein folding mechanics and multi-disciplinary therapeutic strategies. This includes the 2022 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the 2021 Royal Society Robert Robinson Award in Synthetic Organic Chemistry–SuFEx team, the Edward E. Smissman Award from the American Chemical Society and the 2016 American Institute of Chemists Chemical Pioneer Award, among many others.

Kelly earned his PhD in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina and went on to Rockefeller University for postdoctoral work. He also graduated from Fredonia in 1982. He joined Scripps Research in 1997 and served as dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences from 2000 to 2008.

“I thank the Wolf Foundation for celebrating humankind’s quest for basic scientific knowledge and for creating an awareness in young people through this award that pursuing fundamental knowledge is fun and wholesomely addictive,” Kelly said.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Kelly is a 1978 graduate of Medina High School. He is the son of Janice Kelly-Mack and the late John W. Kelly. He heads The Kelly Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. He was recognized in 2003 in the inaugural group of distinguished alumni at Medina High School.

6 from Orleans earn dean’s list honors at Alfred State

Staff Reports Posted 9 January 2023 at 1:17 pm

ALFRED – Six students from Orleans County were among the 901 Alfred State College students who earned dean’s list honors for their academic success during the fall 2022 semester.

The students from Orleans County include:

Jayce Ashton of Albion, a Note Dame High School graduate in Batavia
Julia Buck, Holley Senior High School
Ethan Kuhn, Kendall Jr-Sr High School
Reagan London, Lyndonville Central School
Joshua Smith, Kendall Jr-Sr High School
Jacob Thom, Albion Senior High School

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, to qualify for the dean’s list.

Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Craig Clark, PhD is pleased to see the success. “Our students are learning real world skills through our hands-on approach. Congratulations to all that have achieved this academic success and I encourage them to continue to excel in our classrooms and labs.”

Patrick Fitzsimmons, an Albion native, named partner at Hodgson Russ LLP

Posted 21 December 2022 at 3:50 pm

Press Release, Hodgson Russ LLP

Patrick Fitzsimmons

BUFFALO – Patrick E. Fitzsimmons, an Albion native, has been named a partner at Hodgson Russ LLP, effective January 1, 2023, the Buffalo firm announced.

Fitzsimmons is a litigation and cybersecurity attorney at Hodgson Russ and focuses his practice on white-collar criminal defense, privacy, and data security matters.

As a criminal defense lawyer, he represents individuals and companies facing criminal investigations and charges. In his privacy and data security practice, Fitzsimmons regularly counsels clients under an array of international, federal, and state privacy and data security laws.

He also assists clients in managing ransomware attacks and other data breaches and advises clients on breach notification obligations. Fitzsimmons currently serves on the Firm’s Security Committee.

A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, Fitzsimmons served as an assistant district attorney in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office before joining Hodgson Russ.

Hodgson Russ attorneys facilitate business transactions around the world. As a full service law firm, Hodgson Russ utilizes multidisciplinary work teams to meet clients’ specific, often complex needs. Clients include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Greensboro, Hackensack, New York, Palm Beach, Rochester, Saratoga Springs and Toronto.

Orleans off the leaderboard in annual NY corn yield contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2022 at 9:50 pm

Farms in GLOW region have top yields in 3 categories

Orleans County farmers have typically fared very well in the annual National Corn Yield Contest.

Last year, Adam Kirby of Albion won for top yield in the state with a yield of 293.1 bushels in the strip, min, mulch, ridge – till non-irrigated category. Kirby also won in 2019, and 2020.

Kludt Brothers in Kendall won the state title in 2009 and 2010, and finished fourth in the country in 2009 with 295.9 bushel yield.

The results of the National Corn Yield Contest were announced on Tuesday and no farm in Orleans made the leaderboard, but several entries from the GLOW area were among the biggest yields.

Matthew Swede of Piffard in Livingston won the conventional non-irrigated category with a yield of 284.0 bushels. Lance Rovers of Crazy in Clinton County won the no-till non-irrigated category with a yield of 265.3 bushels.

Ryan Swede of Pavilion in Genesee County is tops in the strip, min, mulch, ridge-till non-irrigated category at 282.2 bushels. Thomas W. Jeffres of Wyoming in Wyoming County is first in strip, min, mulch, ridge-till irrigated at 257.9 bushels, and Paul Campbell of Nichols in Tioga County won conventional irrigated with 246.4 bushels.

For more information on the contest, and results from other states, click here.

Fifth class graduates from Leadership Orleans program

Posted 12 December 2022 at 4:40 pm

123 people have now completed program highlighting strengths and challenges in community

Provided photos: Members of the 2022 Class of Leadership Orleans celebrate their graduation last Thursday at the White Birch in Lyndonville. Pictured include front row, from left: Faye Conley, Miranda Bennett, Marlene Seielstad, Jennifer Hill-Young, Patricia Neuman and Becki Gibson. Back row: Susan Howard, Natasha Wasuck, Cyndi Stumer, Jerry Pasnik, Michele Chatfield, Tim Elliott, Benjamin Jones, Jim Doyle, Gloria Brent, Matt Holland, David Warren, Katie Leach, Jennifer Ashbery, Katrina Chaffee, Dawn Borchert and Wayne Wadhams. Missing from photo include Mindy Frasier and Christopher Cappetta.

Press Release, Leadership Orleans

LYNDONVILLE – The Leadership Orleans program held its 5th annual graduation ceremony on Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.

Leadership Orleans is a year-long education program focused on building leadership skills while exposing participants to the necessary knowledge, experiences and people that make Orleans County work.

Its mission is to create the nucleus for investment in the community through continuing education, volunteerism, and networking to enhance leadership potential throughout our region.

The 2022 Leadership Orleans Class included 24 individuals from a wide array of sectors in our communities, from agriculture to manufacturing, education to government, small business owners to nonprofit service providers.

With this class, the number of those who have completed the program since its inception in 2018 and become LO alumni totals 123.

This year’s graduates include:

Jennifer Ashbery, Principal, Albion High School
Miranda Bennett, Bookkeeper, Town of Shelby
Dawn Borchert, Director, Orleans County Tourism
Gloria Brent, President, MDS Consultants
Christopher Cappetta, CFO, Harris Seeds, Garden Trends, Inc.
Katrina Chaffee, Director of Community Services, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Michelle Chatfield, Quality Supervisor, Baxter Healthcare
Faye Conley, Event Manager, Bent’s Opera House
Jim Doyle, Guitar Teacher, Jim’s Guitar Studio
Tim Elliott, 810 Meadworks, Village of Medina Trustee
Mindy Frasier, Operations Manager, CRFS
Becki Gibson, Senior Client Relations Manager, CRFS
Jennifer Hill-Young, President, Art Hill Excavating
Matt Holland, Grant Writer, United Way of Orleans County
Susan Howard, 1st District Attorney, Orleans County
Benjamin Jones, Asst. Winemaker, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery
Katie Leach, Digital Literacy Prog. Coord., OC Cornell Coop. Ext.
Patricia Neuman, Administrative Assistant, Millennium Roads
Jerry Pasnik, Supported Employment Manager, Arc GLOW
Marlene Seielstad, Associate Broker, Snell Realtors
Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner, Orleans County DSS
Wayne Wadhams, Board Member of O/N BOCES and President of Albion Board of Education
David Warren, Board Member, Kendall Central School District
Natasha Wasuck, Owner, The Lockstone & Tinsel

(Left) Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action, accepts the award for alumna of the year. (Right) Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee and Orleans counties, was recognized by Leadership Orleans with the “distinguished leader” award.

In addition to honoring the LO2022 graduates, the evening’s agenda involved several special awards:

First Impression (voted by class) – Torrey Dairy Farm
Presenter of the Year (voted by class) – Elissa Smith (LO21)
Alumna of the Year – Renee Hungerford (LO21)
Distinguished Leader of the Year – Paul Pettit

The program was kicked off with a welcome by former NYS Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt, comments by Orleans County Legislature Chair Lynne M. Johnson, followed by LO Steering Committee Chair Kelly Kiebala and LO Program Director Skip Helfrich. 2022 LO Class Comments were presented by Miranda Bennett and Susan Howard.

The Leadership Orleans program is thankful for the support of its sponsors: Orleans County, Talis Equity, Barre Stone Products, Baxter Healthcare, Bentley Brothers, Brigden Memorials, Brighton Securities, Brian Bourgraf, Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Claims Recovery Financial Services, Friends of Steve Hawley, Holley Rotary Club, Kast Farms, Medina Area Partnership, Medina Sandstone Society, Orleans County EDA, Orleans Ford, Takeform Architectural Graphics, Watson Enterprises, and Western New York Energy.

Skip Helfrich, director of Leadership Orleans, welcomes the class and guests to the graduation program.

In addition, the program sincerely benefits from the leadership of its director, Skip Helfrich, and its Steering Committee: Kelly Kiebala-Chair, Delano Alvarez (LO19), Jackie Dunham (LO20), Ellen Eaton (LO19), Nadine Hanlon (LO18), Jerod Thurber (LO19), Kathleen “Kitty” Maerten, Charlie Nesbitt, Laura Olinger, Paul Pettit, Barbara Shine, Lisa Tombari (LO18) and Patrick Weissend (LO18).

During her acceptance speech as presenter of the year, Elissa Smith (principal of Lyndonville Elementary School) challenged audience members to “…imagine an issue or problem plaguing your work or community. Really think of something difficult.”

She then paused to allow all to have time to think, and then followed up with, “The answer to solve that issue is in this room. Collaborate with those outside your sphere; join forces with the alumni network for Leadership Orleans to find and leverage resources; or lobby to change policies and procedures.”

Congratulations to all the graduates of the Leadership Orleans Class of 2022!

Welding teacher at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES receives national recognition

Posted 9 December 2022 at 7:47 am

Press Release, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

Joshua Padlick

SPENCERPORT – Joshua Padlick has been named a winner of the 2022 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial CTE Teacher Candidate Award presented by the NOCTI Board of Trustees. Padlick is a Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES career and technical education (CTE) welding teacher.

This award recognizes an outstanding CTE teacher or CTE teacher candidate. Criteria for the award includes an application describing personal goals, work experience, awards/honors received, professional memberships and leadership and community service activities.

Padlick has served as a welding instructor at WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center in Spencerport for the past eight years. He has also offered his expertise as a Subject Matter Expert for NOCTI’s welding micro- credentials over the past two years.

In addition to teaching, Padlick is a SkillsUSA advisor, a chair for the department’s shared decision making team and the president for the Rochester American Welding Society (AWS) chapter. Since taking the AWS role, he has expanded both the chapter’s board and overall membership.

“Josh is an outstanding teacher who is active both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Theresa Alampi-Cortez, WEMOCO assistant principal and nominator. “Since he came onboard at our school, the welding program has grown significantly. Josh’s students enjoy his energy and sense of humor and learn greatly from his expertise and feedback. Josh forges great, lasting relationships with his students and he always gives 100% effort to whatever he is doing.”

Padlick received a personalized award and $500 to be used toward tuition, room and board, books, or any other educational-related expense.

The Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award was established in 2013 to honor Dr. Carl J. Schaefer. As a lifelong champion in CTE, he gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author. He was also one of NOCTI’s founding fathers. This memorial award is a tribute to Dr. Schaefer’s memory.

NOCTI is the nation’s largest provider of industry partner certifications and industry-based credentials for career and technical education programs.

Todd Eick, Medina ag teacher, selected for national award

Posted 6 December 2022 at 3:33 pm

Provided photo: Todd Eick (second from left), a Medina agricultural teacher, was honored by the National Association of Agricultural Educators for his exemplary performance and dedication to agricultural education.

Press Release, National Association of Agricultural Educators

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Todd Eick, an agricultural educator at Medina, is one of six agricultural educators nationwide who received the 2022 National Association of Agricultural Educators Ideas Unlimited award.

The awards were presented during the 2022 NAAE Convention, which was Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, in Las Vegas.

The NAAE Ideas Unlimited award is presented to NAAE members to recognize them for their innovative ideas that optimize student success and development. The Ideas Unlimited Award is sponsored by National Geographic Learning | Cengage Learning.

Eick received this award for his Blackout Poem lesson plan. To celebrate Ag Literacy Week, Eick collaborated with his school district’s English department to promote ag literacy with his high school students.

Utilizing ag-based magazines, Eick’s students create a Blackout Poem, a form of poetry that uses another authors words, in their written order, to create something else.

For this past year, Eick provided articles to his that were related to growing their own food, but challenged them to select words to create a poem that focused on the theme of hunger. The unused words are then blacked out or colored out to leave just the desired text. Eick has found that this project drastically increases the reading comprehension of his students.

NAAE is the professional organization for agricultural educators with over 8,000 members nationwide. The organization advocates for agricultural education, provides advancement through professional development for agricultural educators, and works to recruit and retain agricultural educators in the profession. NAAE offers a variety of programs and services to support this three-pronged mission.

The mission of NAAE is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” NAAE is headquartered in Lexington, Ky.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES students inducted into National Technical Honor Society

Posted 17 November 2022 at 11:14 am

Photos and information courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Congratulations go to students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education program who have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

The students include: Samantha Andrews (Early Childhood Ed Program/Lockport), Alyson Berner (Early Childhood Ed Program/Royalton-Hartland), Bryce Broeker (Diesel Technology Program/Barker), Anthony Cercone (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program/Lockport), Michael Chisler (Electricity/Electronics Program/Medina), Hannah Coder (Early Childhood Ed Program/Newfane), Tyler Currie (Building Trades Program/Lockport), Arie Decker (Allied Health Program/Royalton-Hartland), Angelina Delgrolice (Health Occupations Technician Program/Barker), Cameron Fisher (Electricity/Electronics Program/Royalton-Hartland), Gabriella Flores-Medina (Allied Health Program/Medina), Dillion Freiburger (Electricity/Electronics Program/Lockport), Alexander Gagne (Building Trades Program/Royalton-Hartland), Miranda Gebo (Allied Health Program/Albion), Miya Goodale (Health Occupations Technician Program/Barker), Kayla Guerin (Computer Technology Program/Lockport), Tyler Halifax (Computer Technology Program/Lockport), Rylee Hallows (Culinary Arts Program/Royalton-Hartland), Rachel Hill (Allied Health Program/Medina), Ian Jones (Computer Technology Program/Lockport), Jaiden Just (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Lockport), Drew Kauffman (Electricity/Electronics Program/Lockport), Madison Kelley (Allied Health Program/Royalton-Hartland), Olivia Kroening (Cosmetology Program/Medina), Zachary Luick (Electricity/Electronics Program/Lockport), Samantha McIntyre (Allied Health Program/Royalton-Hartland), Lydia Samson (Health Occupations Technician Program/Barker), Emily Scott (Allied Health Program/Royalton-Hartland), Jazmyn Shaw (Early Childhood Ed Program/Lockport), Sara Smith (Cosmetology Program/Medina), Logan Tolliver (Electricity/Electronics Program/Barker), Zachary Walker (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program/Royalton-Hartland), Tyrell Wright (Computer Technology Program/Medina) and Alexa Zglinicki (Health Occupations Technician Program/Barker).

The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.

Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES center, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives.

Students at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society include: Logan Becker (Electricity/Electronics Program/Starpoint), Lorna Becker (Conservation Program/Royalton-Hartland), Andrew Birtch (Electricity/Electronics Program/Starpoint), Colby Blake (Culinary Arts/Christ the King Prep), Ryan Butler (Animation, Film & Visual Effects Program/Starpoint), Matthew Cake (Building Maintenance & Management/North Tonawanda), Marianna Campione (Cosmetology Program/Starpoint), Joshua Chesterfield (Electricity/Electronics Program/Wilson), Melania Deabes (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Carter Galyen (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Jami Gerwycki (Emergency Medical Services Program/Lewiston-Porter), Evan Husarrek (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Anhelina Kavalchuk (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Blair Kephart (Early Childhood Ed Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Henry Jack Leible (Electricity/Electronics Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Joshua Linderman (Diesel Technology Program/Starpoint), Tyler Lorence (Computer Technology Program/Lewiston-Porter who attend Niagara Academy), Thomas May (Welding Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Lenora Mercurio (Fashion Design & Interior Decorating Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Sarah Morrow (Culinary Arts Program/Christian Academy of WNY), Serena Nice (Fashion Design & Interior Decorating Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Nicholas Paszt (Welding Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Eoin Potwin (Culinary Arts Program/Niagara Falls), Zelda Pulver (Culinary Arts Program/Starpoint), Sally Rick (Animal Science/Niagara Falls), Savannah Shine (Graphic Communications/North Tonawanda), Kayla Simmons (Early Childhood Ed Program/Wilson), Ranvir Singh (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Evan Strong (Electricity/Electronics Program/Starpoint), Patrick Stryker (Diesel Technology Program/Niagara Falls), Cameron Thomas (Computer Technology Program/Niagara Wheatfield), Damon Tunnicliff (Project Based Engineering Program/Niagara Falls), Cassidy Wagner (Conservation Program/Wilson), Emily Yarington (Health Occupations Technician Program/Wilson) and Brian Zatkos (Project Based Engineering Program/Niagara Wheatfield).