Adriana Schiavone of Kendall wins the title

Photos and article by Natalie Baron

KNOWLESVILLE – Adriana Schiavone of Kendall sings “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia during the karaoke championship on Thursday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Adriana scored first place out of 11 participants in the annual karaoke contest. She received a $500 prize. The competition has been held for “at least 30 years here,” said DJ Brad London, who has led the popular event.

Adriana, a star of Kendall school musicals, had a humble start to the karaoke contest. “I did it last year, and I didn’t go through to finals, so I came into it with the goal of just making it to finals. I knew about it since I was a little girl.”

Adriana was not expecting any prize and was all smiles when she won. “When they said 2nd, I was a little disappointed, and when they called my name, I was like, wow!”

(Left) Amir Huzair, who placed second last night, performs “Why, God, Why?” from Miss Saigon. (Center) Heidi Feuerherm sings “At Last” by Etta James. (Right) Emily Schiffhauer confidently sings “Valerie” by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse.

Abigail Pratt, who placed third and won a $125 prize, sings “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. “I’m currently a music student at Fredonia,” Abigail shared. “Music has always been my specialty!”

Abigail’s interest in the karaoke competition grew as she wanted a new space to perform. “Usually I’m at a rehearsal for a summer theater program during this time, but I’ve grown out of this, so I thought, why not come to a little karaoke contest!”

Frank “Boomer’oke” Buell won the fan favorite prize for his engagement with the audience during his performance of Journey’s “Faithfully,” exiting the stage during his performance to mingle with the crowd.

This is Frank’s second year bringing his talents to the karaoke contest. “Friends at my work Wynland Foods asked me to join, and I said y’know what, I’ll sign up,” Frank said. “So, I came and ended up singing One by Creed, interacted with the audience and had a great time!”

(Left) Phoebe Allen enthusiastically sings “Unbelievable” by Diamond Rio. (Center) Samuel Robinson, placing fourth, energetically performs “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, dancing across the stage. (Right) Denin “Jersey Dee” Martino gets into it performing All Jacked Up by Gretchen Wilson, ultimately placing fifth.

There were five top scorers and two additional prize winners at the karaoke contest on Thursday. Six judges announced the winners of the competition based on the criteria of 1/3 cheering, 1/3 stage presence, and 1/3 vocals. The top five contestants were all only five point values apart from each other, a testament to each one’s talent.

From left include Adriana Schiavone, first ($500 prize); Amir Huzair, second ($250 prize); Abigail Pratt, third ($125); Emily Schiffhauer, the “Best New Performer,” Samuel Robinson, fourth ($75), Denin “Jersey Dee” Martino, fifth ($50), and Frank “Boomer’oke” Buell, the fan favorite.

Audience members take to the stage as the judges tally the contestants’ point values. They danced to a couple of songs, including Cotton Eye Joe.

Provided photos: This photo shows the IFO graduating class of 2025 near the fire training tower at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office

ALBION – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office (EMO) held a graduation celebration Wednesday night at the EMO Fire Training Tower to honor the 20 students who successfully completed the Interior Firefighting Operation (IFO) training course.  This course prepares graduates to operate as interior structural firefighters, meaning they engage in fire suppression and rescue operations within buildings and enclosed structures.

In his speech to graduates, Orleans County EMO Director Justin Niederhofer said, “The Interior Firefighting Operations course is no small milestone. You’ve learned to enter some of the most dangerous environments imaginable – where others run out, you’ve trained to go in. But tonight’s graduation is not the finish line. It is the starting point of a journey – a lifetime commitment to learning, to safety, and to serving others.”

In order to take the IFO course, students must have successfully completed Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO). The BEFO session is a total of 79 training hours and IFO is an additional 50.  All training is done by state fire instructors and skills instructor through the NYS Office of Fire Protection Control.

This rigorous IFO course covers a variety of areas including basic firefighter survival techniques, modern fire control methods, building fire search and victim removal techniques, firefighter survival skills, tactical ventilation, coordinated structure fire interior attack and much more. Students are also trained in use of firefighter personal protective equipment and of the self-contained breathing apparatus.

 “As fire coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that well-trained, committed firefighters can make in our communities,” Niederhofer said. “The moments that test us most – structure fires, rescues, the 3 a.m. alarms in the dead of winter – are where your preparation and heart will shine the brightest. But don’t stop here. This course is a foundation, not a ceiling. Seek more training. Take the next class. Ask questions. Learn from the veterans around you, and one day, become the mentor that future firefighters will look up to. The fire service is constantly evolving – and the only way we stay effective and safe is by continuing to grow.”

The graduates and their fire department affiliation are:

• Cory Fults, Clarendon
• Jeffrey Casillo, Murray Joint Fire District
• Carter Prince, Hamlin Morton Walker
• William Parkin, Kendall
• Stephen Balka, Kendall
• Logan Gardner, East Shelby
• Joshua Fuller, East Shelby
• Robert Toman, Albion
• Andrew Austin, Ridgeway
• Dylan Taylor, East Shelby
• Austin Seefeldt, Ridgeway
• Victor Jefferds , East Shelby
• Nathan Fuller, East Shelby
• Alex Benz, Shelby
• Chyenne Tackley, Lyndonville
• Kalub Wilson, Hamlin Morton Walker
• Benjamin Croce, Hamlin Morton Walker
• Tervel Atanassov, Lyndonville
• James Nichols, Alabama
• Alexander Summers, Alabama

These photos show skills demonstrations – donning gear, forcible entry and wall breach. The firefighters include Will Parkin (Kendall), Alex Benz (Shelby) and Austin Seefeldt (Ridgeway).

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the students from Orleans County on the Dean’s List for the spring semester. There are 198 students from GCC in total named to Dean’s List.

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.

The honored students from Orleans County include:

• Haley Shaffer of Lyndonville
• Marah Ritzenthaler of Medina
• Amber Stawicki of Medina
• Casey Conrad of Albion
• Rebecca Smith of Albion
• Mckenzie Olmstead of Albion
• Lauren Rissew of Albion
• Micah Martin of Albion
• Rebekah MacNeill of Kendall
• Clancy Frearson of Kendall
• Abigael Delobbe-Scott of Lyndonville
• Catherine Wolck of Albion
• Alivia Fidanza of Albion
• Leeyah Rechtsiegel of Holley
• Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
• Crystopher Labonoski of Kendall
• Travis Baldwin of Kent
• Tyrell Wright of Knowlesville

BATAVIA – Several students from Orleans County are among the 217 to make Genesee Community College’s President’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.

The students from Orleans County on the President’s List include:

• Julia Wisniewski of Medina
• Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
• Emma Carson of Medina
• Bryn Grube of Medina
• Cayden Lilleby of Medina
• Amber Miller of Medina
• Kenley Fenton of Medina
• Marisa Tetrault of Albion
• Brianna Sample of Albion
• Isaac Neidert of Albion
• Miguel Aldaco of Albion
• Kayla Burgio of Albion
• Faith Chaffee of Albion
• Sara Turner of Albion
• Kimberly Weese of Albion
• Grace Gregoire of Albion
• Sadie Gregoire of Albion
• Keenan Washington of Kent
• Natalie Bertsch of Waterport

BUFFALO – The following local students from Orleans County were named to the University at Buffalo’s spring 2025 Dean’s List:

• Daniel Barry of Lyndonville
• Jylees Bermudez of Albion
• Adriana Botello of Kendall
• Caiden Class of Medina
• Thomas Costello of Medina
• Nathan Dillenbeck of Lyndonville
• Matthew Drum of Medina
• Anthony Gagliardo of Medina
• Kevin He of Albion
• Emma Jacobs of Medina
• Jonah Karnyski of Albion
• Jordan Marshall of Albion
• Elizabeth McCarthy of Medina
• Jaklin Mofardin of Lyndonville
• S’koi Sanders of Albion
• Hilda Santiago Bautista of Medina

UB is New York State’s flagship university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

“Each semester brings new opportunities to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students,” said Ann Bisantz, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. “The scholars named to this semester’s undergraduate dean’s list exemplify what it means to pursue academic excellence with purpose, passion, and integrity. We are proud to honor their achievements and look forward to the impact they will continue to make.”

BUFFALO – Buffalo State University is pleased to congratulate students from Orleans County who completed the requirements to earn their baccalaureate and graduate degrees in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

• Nicolina Creasey of Albion graduated from Buffalo State with a BS in Speech-Language Pathology.

• India Green of Albion graduated from Buffalo State with a BS in Individualized Studies.

• Madison Williams of Medina graduated from Buffalo State with a BA in Media Production.

• Alexis Jones of Medina graduated from Buffalo State with a MSED in Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction.

Several students from Orleans County have made the Dean’s List at colleges and universities.

• At Buffalo State University, Nicolina Creasey of Albion, Brionna Raiser-Russell of Knowlesville and Madison Williams of Medina made the spring Dean’s List. To make the list, students need to have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• Leah Kania of Albion is majoring in voice performance at Baldwin Wallace University at in Berea, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. The Dean’s List recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded hours during the semester.

• Kylie Towne, a tourism/event and meeting management major from Holley, is among the more than 1,660 students named to Niagara University’s Dean’s List. To qualify, students must be registered for 12 credit-bearing hours during the semester and earn a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

• Alexa Adams of Paul Smith’s College has been named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. The college is located in the Adirondack Park. (Adams also graduated from Paul Smith’s College in May, earning a BS in Integrative Studies.)

• Daisy Perez Reyes and Shelly Reyes, both of Albion, earned Dean’s List honors for the spring at SUNY Oneonta in Central New York semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

• Emma Roush of Medina, a senior Psychology major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the spring 2025 semester. The Dean’s List with Distinction includes a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84.

• Several from Orleans made the Dean’s List at Nazareth University in Rochester including Joseph Nettles of Holley, Hailey Crawford of Albion, Tyana Burroughs of Kendall, Raine Baker of Lyndonville, and Kailie Regan of Holley. They all attained GPAs of at least 3.5 or above.

• Lillian Isabella Wilson of Medina has been named to Clarkson University’s Dean’s List. Wilson is a junior majoring in chemistry. Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

(Editor’s Note: These are from colleges and universities that sent in the local students on the Dean’s List. Not all schools send in the news to the Orleans Hub.) 

Press Release, Delta Kappa Gamma

Provided photo: Pat Turner, co-president of Alpha Theta, presents the Alpha Theta Woman of Distinction Award to Nelda Callard.

MEDINA – Every other year Delta Kappa Gamma Chapters recognize a Woman of Distinction. A Woman of Distinction is a woman who stands out and is recognized for her achievements, leadership and positive influence.

This woman is a chapter member who embodies what it means to be a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She is involved in all phases of the chapter and makes significant contributions to education.

Nelda Callard of Medina is a retired teacher from Royalton-Hartland Central School. She was an outstanding teacher and continues to foster education and learning in our society and the community.

Nelda is presently the Treasurer for Apha Theta and a treasured member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

ALFRED – The Spring 2024 Dean’s List features 755 Alfred State College students including several from Orleans County. To be named to the Dean’s List, students had to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.

“I’m continually impressed by the dedication our students show in both the classroom and the labs,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely, PhD. “Congratulations on achieving this milestone—keep pushing forward in your pursuit of academic excellence!”

The students from Orleans County on the Dean’s List include:

• Lorelei Dillenbeck of Lyndonville, majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Owen Hirschman of Kendall, majoring in Welding Technology
• Alex King of Kendall, majoring in Business Administration
• Xavier King of Medina, majoring in Welding Technology
• Ethan Kuhn of Kendall, majoring in Health Sciences
• James Salvatore of Albion, majoring in Motorsports Technology
• Jacob Wilson of Lyndonville, majoring in Elec Cons & Maintenance Electrician

BUFFALO – The following students from Orleans County graduated from the University at Buffalo.

• Jylees Bermudez of Albion graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Brooklyn Brown of Medina graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in public health from the School of Public Health and Health Professions.

• Amaya Cancino of Holley graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Thomas Costello of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Ethan Creig of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history/social studies adolescence education from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Nathan Dillenbeck of Lyndonville graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Matthew Drum of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Anthony Gagliardo of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Ej Lloyd of Albion graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Allison Lyndaker of Holley graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Elizabeth McCarthy of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Jaklin Mofardin of Lyndonville graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Chris Shabazz of Albion graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geographic information science from the College of Arts and Sciences.

UB is New York State’s flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. The university awarded over 10,100 degrees across 18 school-based degree-conferral ceremonies held May 1-18 and earlier in the academic year.

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: From left include Scott Clark (Royalton-Hartland), Edward Grabowski (Medina Board of Education Representative for ONBOCES) and Sophia Goyette (Medina).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Four students, at the Orleans (OCTEC) and Niagara (NCTEC) Career and Technical Education Centers received the Dr. Clark J. Godshall Scholarships at their end-of-the-year ceremonies.

The following students were awarded the scholarships: Sophia Goyette (Medina), who is in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program; Scott Clark (Royalton Hartland), who is the Computer Technology Program; McKenzie Taggart (Niagara Falls) in the Allied Health Program; and Sean Kropp (Wilson) in the Computer Technology Program.

Sean Kropp (Wilson) is shown at left, while NCTEC Principal Michael Mann congratulates McKenzie Taggart (Niagara Falls).

The four scholarships recipients were chosen by retired Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ District Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall to receive $500 each to use towards furthering schooling and/or tools to start their careers.

Medina Board of Education Representative for ONBOCES Edward Grabowski commends Gloria Haller (Barker).

Gloria Haller (Barker), who is in the Security and Law Enforcement program, received the $500 Wayne Van Vleet, Esq. Memorial Scholarship.  Mr. Van Vleet was the former General Counsel and Executive Director of Personnel, Human Resources & Labor Relations.

Photos by Natalie Baron: The top 10 graduates for Lyndonville’s Class of 2025 stand and are recognized during a banquet on Wednesday at the White Birch.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

LYNDONVILLE – The top 10 graduates for the Class of 2025 from all five school districts of Orleans County were honored at the annual Top 10 banquet on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.

Top 10 graduates had plenty of advice to offer incoming high school freshmen. Jacob Pitcher, ranked No. 3 from Lyndonville, wanted freshmen to know they should be themselves and not procrastinate in order to have success.

Garrett Koch, the third-ranked student at Medina, and Dan Owen De Vera, the valedictorian from Medina, carried a similar sentiment: Even in your first years of high school, don’t slack off! That will only hurt you later on, they said.

Ava LaMay, ranked No. 5 from Kendall, said “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and instead focus on what really matters in order to be successful. Isabella Goodrich, the salutatorian from Kendall, advised freshmen that they should “Stick to a schedule” and prioritize themselves.

Dr. Steven Blount of Medina gave the keynote address.

In the keynote speech, students from Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville, Medina and Albion were lauded for their dedication to hard work.

The speaker this year was Dr. Steven Blount, a former top 10 graduate from Medina. Dr. Blount has a Doctorate in Health Administration from D’Youville University, as well as degrees in Physician Assistant studies and Nuclear Medicine Technology. He is working toward the completion of an MBA.

Dr. Blount practices family medicine in Medina and hospitalist medicine in Batavia. He is an assistant professor at D’Youville University and a captain in the Army National Guard, working with the Medical Detachment.

Dr. Blount is also a community leader. He has leadership positions within the Medina Central School District Board of Education and the Medina Zoning Board. In the past, he was also involved with the Hospice of Orleans.

In his speech, Dr. Blount expressed how he changed his major four times and at one point was working three jobs on top of doing college work. “Grit isn’t about never wanting to give up, it’s about committing yourself to feeling that way and then choosing to continue anyways,” he said.

Dr. Blount stated that in being from Orleans County, these graduates understand grit better than most. Orleans County’s farmers don’t stop after one good harvest or bout of bad weather, he said. Their continued achievement relies on ceaseless effort. “Success isn’t a destination. It’s a way of living. Grit is how you build a meaningful life.”

Dr. Blount challenged the students to look around them and identify someone in the room who helped them to see and meet their potential. “Build your team,” he advised. “Find that person who will push you, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and never forget to be that person for others.”

In ten years, no one will be thinking about the graduates’ GPA, he said. They will be thinking about what the graduates did using that GPA, their treatment of other people, the problems they solved, and whose lives they touched along the way. “That’s the legacy of grit.”

As a takeaway, Dr. Blount implored the students to never back down, even when they want to fail, and challenged them to do something that scares them in the next thirty days.

“Talent without effort is just unmet potential,” Dr. Blount said. “Talent might open the doors, but grit keeps you walking through them.”

The Albion Top Ten include: Bottom Row: Tye Talbot, Kelli Dingle, Kenadie Patten, Ella Trupo, Mallory Ashbery and Oliver Beach. Top Row: Sawyer Brigham, Zackary Baron and Tracy Garrett. Missing from the photo: Leo Bolton. Included in the photo are principal Jennifer Ashbery, superintendent Mickey Edwards, and board president Linda Weller.

The Holley Top Ten include: Bottom Row: Zoey Wolf, Allison Merle, Maggie Skehan, Natalie Foose and Mason Hein. Top Row: Alexia Renner, Alivia Wolf and Owen Schultz. Missing from the photo: Abigail Merkley and Gabriel Stevens. Included in the photo are superintendent Karri Schiavone, board president Anne Winkley, and principal Matthew Feldman.

The Kendall Top Ten include: Bottom Row: Isabella Goodrich, Inez Stangler, Savannah Holzschuh, Adareli Contreras Solis, Ava LaMay and Lia Larson. Top Row: William Kludt, Colby Hughes, Nicholas Baxter and Michael Hallowell. Included in the photo are principal Melissa Strelick, board president Rachel Fisken, and superintendent Nicholas Picardo.

The Lyndonville Top Ten include: Bottom Row: Emma Freas, Ava Austin, Aidan Allen, Evee Heinsler, Addison Dillenbeck and Alyssa Prine. Top Row: Elisabeth Ingersoll, Jacob Pitcher, Hannah Marker and Madison Davis. Included in the photo are board president Jerod Thurber, principal Aaron Slack, and superintendent Sharon Smith.

The Medina Top Ten include: Bottom Row: Abigayle Wright, Theresa Biesinger, Dan Owen De Vera, Sofia Gagliardi, Josephine Pollock and Makenzie McGrath. Top Row: Cameron Kenward, Garrett Koch, Riley Tompkins and Ryder Jones. Included in the photo are principal Michael Cavanagh, superintendent Mark Kruzynski, assistant principal Mollie Mark, and board president Alissa Mitchell.

Photo from Arc GLOW – The eight graduates show their certificates and citations from State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley. The graduates were recognized on May 31 during a celebration at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

KNOWLESVILLE – Eight people with Arc GLOW recently celebrated their graduation from SANYS-U, a six-week course developed by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.

The graduates on May 31 stood proudly with certificates from SANYS-U in front of local representatives, friends and family at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

This program is designed to provide people with developmental disabilities and their direct support staff with a deeper understanding of self-advocacy through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning. Arc GLOW had a second cohort of five self-advocates and three self-direction assistants successfully complete the program.

Willow Baer, the newly appointed commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), had a recorded message for the graduates, and Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard gave words of encouragement.

Sophia Roberts and B.J. Stasio from SANYS presented the graduates with their certificates with Julia Bauer, constituent relations staff and community liaison for state Sen. Rob Ortt, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley giving each graduate a citation.

This graduation was a special one as it was held on the 4th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day, established in honor of two self-advocates and founding members of Orleans County Self-Advocacy All-Stars.

“At the time of his passing, Jonathan was deeply committed to creating a day that celebrated and empowered self-advocates. To carry forward his vision and legacy, our group came together to make his dream a reality—and Self-Advocacy Day was born,” said Andrew Johnson, President of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars and graduate of SANYS-U. “Each year, we bring together individuals, advocates, and organizations to share resources, ideas, and inspiration. We invite community partners to speak or host informational tables on a variety of topics that support independence, well-being, and advocacy.”

Johnson added the Self-Advocate Annual Talent Show raised $900, and they wanted to give back this year. They donated $200 to SANYS-U and Mercy Flight each.

Arc GLOW is a public non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. To learn more, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Karter May of Kendall accepts commendations on Thursday as one of 14 youths honored during the annual youth recognition banquet. May has dedicated over 600 hours of community service, and also is involved as a leader of several clubs at Kendall.

Clockwise starting in back right: Karter May of Kendall, Aidan Oberther of Medina, Hannah Rowland of Shelby, Kylee Dann of Holley, Grace Goodrich of Medina, Madison Davis of Lyndonville, Garrett Koch of Medina, Noah Fox of Lyndonville, MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley, Keira Zambito of Albion, Theresa Biesinger of Medina and Morgan Bidwell of Kendall. Not pictured include Christina Molina of Medina and Makenzie McGrath of Medina.

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board recognized 14 students and three adults on Thursday for their service to others.

About 100 people attended the 43^rd annual youth recognition banquet at the White Birch Golf Course. They received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt.

Students give many hours of community service and find ways to assist others through clubs and organizations in their schools, or outside of school through the fire department or other programs.

The following students were recognized: Morgan Bidwell, Theresa Biesinger, Kylee Dann, Madison Davis, MacKenzie Fiorito, Noah Fox, Grace Goodrich, Garrett Koch, Karter May, Makenzie McGrath, Christena Molina, Aidan Oberther, Hannah Rowland and Keira Zambito.

Father Mark Noonan, a priest with the ONE Catholic Parish in Orleans County, was the keynote speaker. He thanked the students and the adult honorees for committing themselves to service and kindness for others.

“The best things are yet to come,” Father Noonan shared in his message.

John Grillo, a Youth Borad member and Albion’s recreation director, thanked the students for setting a good example for their peers.

“You are the leaders in the community,” Grillo said. “We only hope others will follow in your footsteps.”

The Youth Board accepted nominations from the community for the awards for the youth and the adults.

“We have great hopes for them to become the best they can be and to continue to be great contributors to their communities now and into the future,” the Youth Board stated.

These adults were recognized for their service to youth and the community, from left: Pastor Al Wilson, Katherine Anderson and Saul Harrison.

Two adults received the Eileen Heye Adult Youth Volunteer Award: Katherine Anderson of Medina and Pastor Al Wilson who leads the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion.

Anderson was nominated for helping many of her neighbors mow their lawns and shovel sidewalks. She volunteers at the YMCA, helping children with pointers on shooting basketballs and kicking soccer balls.

“I just like helping others,” she said.

Anderson is a member of the Self-Advocacy All Stars through the GLOW Arc. She is a role model for every young person with her positive attitude and willingness to help others.

“She makes a huge impact on the Medina community,” said Allison Gursslin, who nominated Anderson for the award.

Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion leada a church that serves 2,000 chicken barbecues for free every year near Christmas, runs an easter Egg Hunt with about 15,000 eggs full of treats on the Courthouse lawn, donates food throughout the year, provides lunches once a week during the summer parks program in Albion, and provides lots of encouragement through words and hugs, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.

“Pastor Al has a passion for youth in our community and has been volunteering his service in Orleans County for many years, especially in the Village of Albion,” Grillo said. “His message and blessings are spoken with love and peace, all with a touch of humor,” Grillo said.

Wilson urged the group to keep loving others and sharing grace.

Saul Harrison of Albion receives the Helen R. Brinsmaid Adult Youth Worker Award. He is congratulated by Barb Flow of the Youth Board.

Harrison started as a youth care worker with the county in 2008, assisting children in foster homes.

“Saul is a gentle giant and is an inspiration in our community while spreading the message of love in his profession,” Grillo said.

Harrison does supervised visits with parents and children during the day or evening. His kindness and generosity are apparent while he works with others in challenging situations.

Harrison helps the youths work on goals, taking them to fitness gyms and also to local libraries.

He has been a long-time volunteer coach for youth football and baseball programs. Harrison is also a deacon at the Shiloh Church and cooks his barbecue fundraisers, often donating the funds to sports teams, Grillo said.

Harrison said he is thankful for his career and co-workers. He noted that many of his colleagues donating their personal and vacation time during his recent cancer treatments that kept him out of work for five months. Harrison didn’t have to collect disability because of his co-workers’ generosity.

Harrison said the cancer is treatable and his health has improved. He said the experience has been an opportunity to testify about God’s mercy and power in his life.

“I look forward to helping more youth,” he said.

Hannah Rowland, a junior who is home-schooled, was recognized for her service to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. She is a firefighter who has been an active volunteer with the fire company the past four years.

Garrett Koch, a senior at Medina, has been a trustworthy volunteer at Boxwood Cemetery, the MAAC Thrift Shop and with Medina IMPACT Day.

Photos courtesy of GCC: Top row from left include Barry Chow, Heather Jones and Kelly Starchok. Bottom row: Paul Brew and Amy Westfall.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Five exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

“The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards represent the highest recognition of excellence across the SUNY System,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff whose passion, innovation and dedication have earned this distinguished honor. Their work exemplifies the very best of Genesee Community College and our commitment to student success.”

The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Paul Brew won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Mr. Brew has been a member of Genesee’s history faculty since 2008 and has taught a variety of courses including American History, World History, and American Government to name a few. History can be a challenging subject to engage students and they may often not recognize its value.

Mr. Brew uses a variety of strategies and approaches to spark curiosity and guide students to make connections between historical information and the present. He also effectively engages students in historical inquiry through active learning strategies, debates and collaborative projects.

Amy Westfall won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the Classified Service. These are system-level awards established by the university to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the university’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

During her career in the library, Westfall has demonstrated an exceptional ability to anticipate and meet the needs of faculty, ensure continuous and efficient library operations, and foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the campus community.

Her contributions extend beyond her daily responsibilities, as she consistently advocates for students, identifies opportunities to enhance services, and offers guidance and support with the utmost compassion and discretion. Her role in facilitating a seamless transition during the relocation of the Learning Center and her personal commitment to student safety and well-being, are testaments to her profound impact.

Barry Chow won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. This award recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.

During his 26-year career at Genesee, Chow has been instrumental in fostering innovation, curriculum development and faculty leadership. His service to the college includes impactful presentations, committee leadership, and mentorship, shaping both academic policies and student engagement.

He has advised multiple student organizations, including the TV Club and Phi Theta Kappa, providing hands-on learning experiences that bridge theory with real-world application. Beyond the college, Barry has made contributions to the media and education fields, serving in leadership roles within the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Television Academy. His professional expertise has influenced both institutional advancements and industry standards.

Kelly Starchok won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.

Her passion for fostering student engagement led her to her current role as Director of Student Engagement & Inclusion, where she has redefined student involvement post-pandemic, creating an inclusive and dynamic campus environment. She has launched impactful initiatives and spearheaded the establishment of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter at GCC.

Starchok’s management of over 30 student clubs, supervision of major campus events and hands-on approach (e.g., stepping into the College mascot costume when needed) demonstrates her tireless dedication. Beyond her position, her creativity and problem-solving are evident in her successful implementation of GCC’s Bus Services, ensuring accessible transportation for students. She actively participates in key campus committees and represents GCC in external leadership initiatives, including Leadership Genesee and national student engagement conferences.

Heather Jones won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Jones has been a GCC faculty member since 2008 teaching a range of courses including Drawing, Painting, 2D Design, Art History and Portfolio Development. Her teaching philosophy, rooted in learner-centered strategies and Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, creates an engaging learning environment for students.

She utilizes a “5C’s” rubric to empower students to create and critique artwork using a guided approach to assessment that fosters a deeper understanding of the creative process. Beyond the classroom, Jones has demonstrated leadership through her work in art exhibits, illustration publishing, study abroad programs, collaborations with international institutions and innovative uses of technology. Her work as a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholar demonstrates her commitment to enhancing cross-cultural understanding through art.