Dr. Clark Godshall

ALBANY – Dr. Clark Godshall, who retired June 30 after 53 years as an educator and 43 years as a school administrator, received a Distinguished Service Award this week from the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

The organization met at the Albany Capital Center for its Winter Institute & Lobby Day. Godshall was honored by the group for an “exemplary commitment to public education.” The Distinguished Service award is the organization’s highest honor.

Godshall recently retired as the Orleans-Niagara BOCES after 24 years as the district superintendent. While leading the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, he was a member of the NYS Council of School Superintendents and was one of the group’s youngest presidents and led the NY Commissioner’s Advisory Council. He also was past president of NYS Association of School Business Officials and ASBO International Associations.

He was previously named a New York State Superintendent of the Year and represented New York State on the national stage of the American Association  of School Superintendents.

His accomplishments included his 34 years at the BOCES including five interim BOCES superintendencies, completing over 76 superintendent searches, mentoring  hundreds of school administrators and providing training to school board members and his peers.

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Godshall credited his success to the great teams that he had been associated with at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, specifically, the Board of Education, component districts, New York State Education Department, the community and O/N BOCES employees.

“A great educational staff with community support is the foundation to a great education!” he declared.

A former high school science teacher, Godshall instructed biology, chemistry and earth science in the Hilton Central School District and started his administrative career as the assistant superintendent for the Penn Yan Central School District.

Jai Li McPhatter helped woman after she had been robbed

Provided photo: Jai Li McPhatter of Albion is presented with a “Do The Right Thing Award” last Thursday at the Public Safety Building downtown Rochester. He is joined by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith.

ROCHESTER – An Albion eighth-grader, Jai Li McPhatter, has been honored with a “Do The Right Thing Award” in Rochester for his efforts to help a woman after she had been robbed.

Jai Li did his good deed in June when he was on South Clinton Avenue in South Wedge of Rochester. He came to the aid of a woman who was in her parked car. A thief opened her car door, entered her car with her in the driver’s seat, reached over her and took her purse.

The woman, Marie, didn’t have a phone anymore because it was in her purse. She headed to the corner restaurant to get help and call the police.

Jai Li saw what happened and gave police a very detailed description of the robber. He also insisted he and a family member check on the lady to make sure she was safe. They waited with Marie for the police to come.

A Rochester PD lieutenant and the woman who was robbed both nominated Jai Li for the “Do The Right Thing Award.” He and other award recipients were honored last Thursday during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in downtown Rochester.

The ceremony is expected to be posted by Channel 10 (WHEC) in Rochester and award winners will be featured on billboards in the city.

Press Release, Baldwin Wallace University

Courtesy of Baldwin Wallace Student Government: Leah Kania, left, and Aniya Qualls are the new student government leaders at Baldwin Wallace.

BEREA, OH – Students at Baldwin Wallace University elected Leah Kania of Albion as student body president. Kania, a graduate of Charles D’Amico High School in Albion majoring in voice performance, is passionate about student advocacy and progress and is committed to fostering a forward-thinking campus environment.

“As I take on this new leadership position, I am most excited to continue the conversation for positive change and work to propel BW forward to benefit the current and future student body! #YJ4L,” said Kania.

Kania officially took office, along with vice president Aniya Qualls of Elyria, Ohio, during an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The new leadership team is eager to work alongside faculty, staff and students to address key campus initiatives and enhance student life at Baldwin Wallace. Their dedication to advocacy and meaningful change will help shape a vibrant and supportive community for all students. Their term of office runs until the spring election in 2026.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 3,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 65 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has named Orleans County to the fall 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 following from Orleans made the list:

• Ellisa Roath of Medina
• Alana Wilson-Drewery of Medina
• Amber Stawicki of Medina
• Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
• Devynn Pearles of Albion
• Micah Martin of Albion
• Jacklyn Botello of Holley
• Jonathan Russo of Holley
• Clancy Frearson of Kendall
• Carey Bradley of Albion
• Wayne Glasgow of Albion
• Daniel Marvin of Albion
• Kelly Werth of Medina
• Abigail Smith of Medina
• Leah Knab of Albion
• Catherine Wolck of Albion
• Emma Tucker of Albion
• Joshua Bovenzi of Holley
• Erin Salisbury of Holley
• Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
• Ashley Makowski of Kendall
• Pedro Santiago of Kent
• Travis Baldwin of Kent

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the students from Orleans County who are among 225 named to 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 following are from Orleans County on the President’s List:

• Sade Poole of Medina
• Alicia Frasier of Medina
• Emily Mayne of Medina
• Casey Conrad of Albion
• Kobe Pugsley of Albion
• Kaitlin Simons of Albion
• Brianna Sample of Albion
• Amanda Greenough of Albion
• Mckenzie Olmstead of Albion
• Isaac Neidert of Albion
• Miguel Aldaco of Albion
• Kayla Burgio of Albion
• Faith Chaffee of Albion
• Lauren Rissew of Albion
• Derick Marr of Albion
• Melanie Kuhmann of Albion
• Kimberly Weese of Albion
• Krista Lefrois of Albion
• Grace Gregoire of Albion
• Luke Gregoire of Albion
• Sadie Gregoire of Albion

OSWEGO – Four students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at SUNY Oswego. These students have attained grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying at least 12 academic credits.

The students from Orleans County include:

• Brandon X. Boyce, Medina, majoring in psychology
• Miles W. Hartway, Medina, majoring in wellness management
• Alex E. Stahl, Medina, majoring in operations management and information systems
• Isabella R. Zasa, Knowlesville, majoring in public relations

CORTLAND – Four students from Orleans County are on the Dean’s List for the fall semester at SUNY Cortland. The Dean’s List is the highest ranking for undergraduate students in their respective academic areas of the university. Students must earn a minimum 3.3 grade point average for the semester to make the list.

The following from Orleans made the Dean’s List:

• Paige Derisley of Waterport – Major: Physical Education K-12
• Olivia Morrison of Albion – Major: Anthropology
• Xander Payne of Medina – Major: Sport Management
• Nathan Sherman of Medina – Major: Business Economics

A 2021 Medina High School is among the new graduates for the State Police Academy.

Jack Rutkowski, now of Pine Bush in Orange County, graduated last week from the academy.

Eric Miller of Medina also was in the class. Oliver Valenti of Akron also completed the 216th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The new State Troopers increases the State Police ranks to 5,034 sworn members.

Rutkowski was a Boy Scout in Troop 35 in Medina, and played on the school’s soccer and baseball teams.

AMES, IOWA – Zachary Fike of Medina has made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Iowa State University. Fike is a senior majoring in agronomy.

He is one of 11,500 Iowa State University students who have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2024 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Makenzie McGrath of Medina first recipient of the honor

Provided photo: Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise, left, congratulates Makenzie McGrath on being awarded the Scholar Artist Award from the Orleans County Music Educators’ Association.

The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association has created a new honor to recognize and celebrate graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.

Makenzie McGrath, a senior at Medina, is the first recipient of the award. She received it during Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Kendall.

“It is the intention of OCMEA to make this a long-standing recognition for years to come,” said Zach Busch, president of the Music Educators’ Association and a band teacher at Holley.

His wife Andrea, a Medina music teacher and vice president of the OCMEA, pushed to create the award. Mrs. Busch presented it during Saturday’s concert.

County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: a GPA of 90.0 or above, active participate in their school’s music department, and leadership in their school district and/ or community.

Makenzie McGrath has a GPA of 98.28 and is a leader in her music department. She plays clarinet in the high school wind ensemble, tenor saxophone in jazz band, sings soprano in choir and is the drum major of the Mustang Marching Band. McGrath also is involved in Medina’s Winter Guard, and both theater and dance productions at her school and in her community. She plans on attending college next year to major in music education.

“Beyond her musical talent and leadership, what truly sets Makenzie apart is the kindness and thoughtfulness she shows to others,” said Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise in nominating McGrath. “In every rehearsal, she is patient and understanding with peers, taking the time to offer constructive feedback and encouragement without ever seeking recognition. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. Makenzie has an innate ability to make others feel comfortable and confident, which is an essential quality in a team-oriented setting like the music classroom.”

McGrath was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Logan Trillizio from Medina, who was nominated by Matthew Jaeger, high school band director at Medina; Mallory Kozody from Albion, who was nominated by Michael Thaine, high school band director at Albion; and Owen Schultz from Holley, who was nominated by Zach Busch, band director at Holley.

“I am so proud of Makenzie and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education,” said Andrea Busch. “All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Makenzie McGrath, second from left, sings during the All-County Festival on Saturday at Kendall. She is next to Mallory Ashbery, left, and Madelyn Elliott, to the right of McGrath.

KENDALL – Kassidy Primmer from Kendall, assigned to the Company C of the NY National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion, received a promotion Jan. 30 to the rank of private.

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

Army National Guard citizen soldiers who serve the state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

ALBANY – Eric Miller of Medina is among the 176 new State Troopers who were recognized in a graduation ceremony at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

“I commend these 176 new troopers for dedicating themselves to public service, and their commitment to protecting the people of New York State,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The members of the New York State Police put their lives on the line each day to keep the rest of us safe — in a world where their mission has grown more challenging and complex. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank the graduates for their hard work and perseverance — and welcome them to the long gray line.”

Miller graduated in the 216^th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The new State Troopers increases the State Police ranks to 5,034 sworn members.

“Today’s graduation is the culmination of six months of difficult classwork, physical training, and sacrifice, and we now welcome our newest members to one of the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “I am confident they are equipped to carry out our mission to serve our communities with the same professionalism and pride the State Police have exhibited for the past 107 years.”

CANANDAIGUA – Three students from Orleans County are among the 917 full- and part-time students named to the Dean’s List at Finger Lakes Community College for fall 2024.

To be named to the Dean’s List, students must complete 5 credits with a combined 3.5 grade point for the semester with no class withdrawals or incompletes.

The Orleans students include:

• Erik Coleman of Holley
• Zachary Barrett of Kendall
• Colm Cooper of Medina

BUFFALO – Buffalo State University is pleased to recognize the following students from Orleans County who have been named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State dean’s list.

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

• Nicolina Creasey, Albion
• India Green, Albion
• Lorelei Sanders, Medina
• Madison Williams, Medina

Buffalo State University is a State University of New York university located in Buffalo, New York, offering over 75 undergraduate majors, more than 60 graduate programs, as well as many minors and certificate programs.