Matt Mooney is a busy man in WNY show business

Provided photos – Matt Mooney portrays Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” during performances from May 31 – June 15, 2013 at the Lancaster Opera House.

ALBION – After starring on the Albion stage in high school, Matt Mooney went to college and earned a degree in theater and liberal arts from Nazareth College in Rochester. Then he followed his dream to New York City and worked in theater for four years in The Big Apple.

He was in the original cast for “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” that performed Off Broadway and went on tour. He appeared in Sex in the City on HBO, the movie Glitter with Mariah Carey, and another film called Strangers with Candy.

He left the big lights of the big city and returned to Western New York in 2001. He has juggled a full-time job with a busy schedule in theater.

“My whole life I’ve wanted to act and sing,” Mooney said.

He has been particularly busy in the past year, starring in many prominent roles, including his current portrayal of Marius Pontmercy in “Les Miserables” at Lancaster Opera House. The show opened last weekend and runs until June 22.

Matt Mooney, right, stars as Marius Pontmercy in Les Miserables, which will be performed at the Lancaster Opera House until June 22.

Mooney, 39, plays several demanding roles in casts each year. Besides Marius, he has recently played Jesus in “Godspell,” Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” as well as roles in “The Plow and the Stars” about the Irish Revolution, “Plaid Tidings,” and “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson.”

Mooney was honored with Artie, an award for Buffalo theater performers, last week for his work in the singing ensemble of “Plaid Tidings.”

Photo by Michael Walline – Matt Mooney, front, was part of the musical ensemble from “Plaid Tidings” that was honored last week with an “Artie” Award in Buffalo. That musical was performed in December.

“This year I was really lucky,” he said about the many shows. “Buffalo has a very diverse community of professional actors and community theaters.”

By day, Mooney works for a bank. He was a personal banker and insurance agent for a decade for Evans Bank before being promoted to the bank’s marketing coordinator about 18 months ago.

It’s a breakneck pace, up for work early and rehearsing or performing late at night. Mooney said he is thankful to be so busy.

“I don’t like to say no to shows that I love,” he said. “I get to work with amazingly talented people.”

After “Les Miserables,” Mooney gets a breather from theater for about three months. He will be back on the stage in September with the cast of “Hello Again.”

“There is a lot of theater in Buffalo,” he said. “People outside of Buffalo might be surprised but you can be busy nonstop.”

Provided photo

BATAVIA – Alyssa Mahnke of Lyndonville was one of two $1,000 scholarship winners through the GCASA Foundation.

Alyssa and the other scholarship winner, Hannah Waiter of Alexander, were honored during GCASA annual membership meeting on Wednesday.

Pictured, from left, include: John Bennett, GCASA executive director; Kathleen Maerten, GCASA Foundation Board president; Hannah Waiter; Alyssa Mahnke;and Jason Smith, GCASA board member and superintendent of Lyndonville Central School.

Provided photo

Press Release, Clarkson University

POTSDAM, NY – Ryan P. Golden of Kent, N.Y., a junior at Clarkson University majoring in computer science, received the Pi Mu Epsilon Award for Sophomores In Computer Science at the University Recognition Day ceremony during the spring semester. The award is given to the sophomore mathematics or computer science major who has made a noteworthy contribution in mathematics or computer science while at Clarkson.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company.

Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Photo courtesy of Thom Jennings – Thom Jennings of Albion and his son Thom Jr. both ran the Buffalo Marathon today, completing the 26.2-mile course.

BUFFALO – A year ago Thom Jennings and his son Thom Jr. finished the Buffalo Half Marathon together, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 11 minutes.

Today they both ran the full marathon, covering the 26.2-mile course. It was their second marathon together, after running the Rochester Marathon last September.

The elder Jennings, 47, finished the course in 4:45. His son, 25, crossed the finish line about 45 minutes later. The younger Jennings battled some intestinal issues, but he persevered and finished.

“He really gutted it out,” his father said.

The two have both lost a lot of weight the past two years and have used long-distance races as motivation to stay healthy and trim.

“Once you lose a lot of weight, it’s hard to keep it off,” said the elder Jennings, who lost 100 pounds in the past two years.

He works as a social worker in Rochester, and also as a freelance writer and concert promoter. His son works in the digital sales division for The Buffalo News. The younger Jennings has lost 60 pounds in the past 18 months. He is working on becoming a certified personal trainer.

The two want to try other endurance challenges, including a 10-mile Tough Mudder, which features obstacles along a muddy course.

The elder Jennings also is toying with the idea of running 50-mile race before he turns 50. He also is interested in helping to plan a long-distance run in Orleans County. He thinks it would pull runners from both Rochester and Buffalo.

Top 10 grads told there are opportunities in WNY

Photos by Tom Rivers – Nicole Blackburn of Holley is recognized for being a Top 10 graduate. She shakes hands with Robert D’Angelo, Holley’s school superintendent.

Hannah Albone of Lyndonville is congratulated for being a Top 10 graduate by Ted Lewis, president of the Board of Education at Lyndonville.

HOLLEY – The top 10 graduates from four Orleans County school districts were celebrated on Thursday and given medallions, certificates and praise.

Hickory Ridge hosted the 28^th annual Academic Awards Excellence Dinner. The tradition honors the Top 10 from each district and is a chance for students, their parents, and school administrators and Board of Education members to get together.

“It’s all about building community support for education and recognizing the rural districts are doing great things,” said Jason Smith, superintendent of schools for Lyndonville, which hosted Thursday’s event.

The annual dinner and awards program helps the local districts build collaborations and partnerships, Smith said.

“We want to recognize academics,” he said. “We want to celebrate the best of the best.”

Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina all join for the annual event. Albion has its own convocation awards dinner and includes students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 90 percent in high school. Albion typically has 30 to 40 students at that level and didn’t want to limit its honors grads to the Top 10.

Medina school officials support the Top 10 dinner, where students meet other students from nearby districts and see where those students are going for college or their other plans for the future.

“They see beyond themselves and other kids who will be joining them at the next level,” said Jeff Evoy, Medina Central School superintendent. “These are great kids and they make us proud.”

James-Michael Soho of Medina is graduating in the top 10 and heading to Clarkson University to study engineering.

“It really feels great to achieve something so prestigious,” he said. “I feel so privileged to be here with others in the community.”

Soho said Medina creates a culture for striving in the classroom. Many of his closest friends are also in the Top 10.

“There is a lot of friendly rivalries,” he said. “We’re all there to push each other.”

Dustin Furness of Kendall is congratulated by Adam Tabelski, representative for State Sen. George Maziarz, during the Academic Excellence Awards Dinner at Hickory Ridge Country Club. Each honors student received citations from the State Senate and Assembly.

Lyndonville graduate Jonathan Oakes, a winemaker and grape grower from Lyndonville, addresses the Top 10 graduates.

Jennifer Hendel is graduating ranked sixth in Holley’s Class of 2014. She is going to Fredonia State College to major in liberal arts. She played volleyball at Holley, performed in school musicals and is a member of the marching band.

The Top 10 students all tend to be heavily involved in the school, maintaining high grades while doing numerous extracurricular activities.

“It’s a balancing act,” Hendel said.

She appreciated the dinner on Thursday, and the chance to be recognized with her parents and the other students.

“It gives us a chance to meet the other Top 10,” she said.

As the honors students prepare to head off to college or the military, they were encouraged to think of their hometown and Western New York region as their future destination.

Jonathan Oakes, 31, is a Lyndonville graduate. He returned to the family farm at age 20 in 2003 and worked with family members to establish the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road in Medina. Oakes studied wine making and viticulture across the border at Niagara College in Ontario.

Leonard Oakes has won numerous awards for wine-making and the business has allowed the farm to diversify.

Oakes was keynote speaker for Thursday’s dinner. He admitted when he was in high school he was eager to leave the small town. He attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., for anthropology. He changed his plans when his father and the family welcomed the idea of a winery at LynOaken Farms.

Oakes has been the driving force behind the winery, a venture that utilizes his love of history, science, art and a passion for the area.

Rachel Ackles of Kendall accepts a medallion and recognition from Kendall Central School Superintendent Julie Christensen, left, and BOE President Nadine Hanlon.

“I found something to believe in that centered around family, community and legacy,” Oakes told the crowd at Hickory Ridge.

Orleans County and the Niagara region are among the most beautiful places on earth. The land is fertile and the community rich in heritage, Oakes said.

“We live in a region with tremendous agricultural and historical wealth,” Oakes said. “The greater Western New York area is quickly reclaiming history and marrying it to our sense of place.”

Oakes shared a French term among wine-makers, the word “Terroir.” It means “a sense of place.” For grapes and wine, the Terroir is influenced by soil structure, geology and slope, hydrology and proximity to water, weather patterns and orientation to the sun, Oakes said.

The Top 10 have a Terroir, and their parents and families, town and community, teachers and friends have all had a hand in designing the students’ identity.

“They have helped to form the fingerprint of which you will leave on this world,” Oakes said. “Go out into the world but do not give up your sense of place.”

The following were honored from each school district:

HOLLEY – Nicole Blackburn, Daniel Flanagan, Jennifer Hendel, Emily Kordovich, Shelby Kunker, Nicole Mauro, Savanna Merriam, Claudia Passarell, Emily Skehan and Morgan Zona.

KENDALL – Rachel Ackles, Nicole Browe, Dustin Furness, Alyssa Hering, Kari Hurlbutt, Allison Knapp, Cuyler Nix, Tyler Smith, Tessa Vick and Caelan Welch.

LYNDONVILLE – Fauzia Aajan, Hannah Albone, Tiffani Durow, Justin Edwards, Abigail Feldman, Zachery Karp, Jonathan Marciszewski, Heather Mufford, Jacon Wachob and Ashley Woodworth.

MEDINA – Emilee Austin, Scott Barber, Alicia Cochrane, Anthony Levesque, Elizabeth Meyer, Cameron Morgan, Anthony Pane, Matthew Prawel, Barry Rogenmoser and James Soha.

Albion woman built company with 650 employees

Jodi Gaines

Every year the Boy Scouts of America Iroquois Trail Council honors a “distinguished citizen” from each of the five counties that are included in the Council. This year the Council’s Orleans County honoree is an Albion woman who has built a company that employs about 650 people locally.

Jodi Gaines, the CEO of Claims Recovery Financial Services, will be recognized during the BoyPower dinner Wednesday at Genesee Community College.

CRFS has been in expansion mode in recent years. Earlier this year the company moved into the former JP Morgan Chase site on East Avenue in Albion. Gaines started Claims Recovery Financial Services from her kitchen about a decade ago.

The company has become the leader in its industry, helping banks and investors recoup money when a home is foreclosed. Gaines and her 650 employees are committed to knowing the industry regulations in all 50 states and meeting all deadlines for clients.

CRFS employees work with attorneys, county clerks, utility companies and investors from all over the country. CRFS works to recover past-due interest, unpaid principal, unpaid taxes and unpaid insurance on houses.

Other distinguished citizens at the BoyPower dinner will include William Hayes from Genesee, Craig Bolesky from Livingston, Peter Robinson from Niagara, and James Rutowski.

The keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Boypower Dinner will be the Honorable Jeremiah Moriaty, NYS Supreme Court Justice and an Eagle Scout.

There are about 3,000 Scouts in the five-county Council. For more information about the Council, click here.

Photo by Sue Cook – Rob and Buffie Edick graduated from SUNY Brockport this morning with their Bachelor’s degrees.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KENT – Often one parent going through college can be a challenge for a family, but Rob and Buffie Edick accomplished the feat simultaneously while raising four children. This morning they both earned their Bachelor’s degrees from Brockport State College.

Rob graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Earth Science. His final GPA was 3.54. Rob is currently working overnights at Wegmans in Brockport. He had begun his degree in 1989 and had left college in ’93 when the couple decided to have children. He began attending Brockport in 2010, the same time with wife returned to the classroom.

“The biggest problem was being able to think after working overnights,” Rob said.

With lab classes often falling in the afternoon, it was difficult to schedule in time to sleep. He attended school part-time to accommodate his work/sleep schedule.

Buffie achieved Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Pscyhology with a GPA of approximately 3.8. She also earned the Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education Award (RACCE) with an Outstanding Adult Student Award. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, and a member of the National Leadership Honor Society through Omicron Delta Kappa.

“I did my homework at two in the morning or with headphones in,” she said. “They learned that when mom had headphones in, I was busy. Everyone would laugh because we’d go to a waterpark for a birthday party and I’d be doing homework. They just knew me as the homework mom sitting in the corner.”

Buffie had worked at Wegmans for 14 years, but had lost her job due to a back injury. She required retraining to find a new career. She was able to go back to school through  Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), which offers training opportunities to disabled adults, such as college.

“I got sent back to school through ACCES. They really helped me. The paid for college and my books and let me choose a core system,” she said. She wanted to specifically thank her ACCES counselor Ida Goekel. “If it wasn’t for that, I probably wouldn’t have gone back.”

Buffie plans to continue her summer job at the college while looking for other employment. Rob is going to remain at Wegmans. The couple has been married for nearly 24 years. They are both planning to return to school for their Master’s degrees while continuing to work once Buffie has stable employment.

The couple’s 22-year-old daughter, Amanda Edick, attended Canisius College while her parents were getting their degrees. She majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science. She said that they all made sure they helped and encouraged each other.

“I hope that they can find something soon in their degrees that goes along with their field,” Amanda said. “I’m happy for them. I’m excited that they’ve passed this first big step and have a new chapter in their lives. I’m very proud of them. It really taught us four kids to go to school, get it done. It’s really important to our family to have an education.”

Rob and Buffie also have three sons, Matthew, 19; Derek, 10; and Devin, 9. Matthew is attending Genesee Community College for Criminal Justice.

Buffie said she is very grateful for her Psychology professors. “I want to thank Dr. Gillespie, Dr. Forzano, Dr. Brennan Jones and Dr. Margolan. They were just wonderful. If I had a question, I could go in and sit down. They would answer; we’d have a discussion. They were really good mentors.”

Rob also felt thankful for one of his professor’s guidance. “Dr. Autin, he was my confidant, my advisor. He took more of an interest than anyone else.”

When asked what she’d say to other adults or parents who aren’t certain about going back to college, Buffie said, “Just do it. The faculty, staff, and students are all welcoming. They take you on as a peer. I mean, it’s hard, but just do it.”

Photos by Sue Cook – Alexis Bartell of Kendall won first place in the art show with “Contemplation,” an Acrylic on Canvas.

Press release, GO ART!

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is delighted to host the 11^th Annual Genesee-Orleans Student Art Show, featuring works by over 60 students from six different school districts in Genesee and Orleans counties.

There will be a reception today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Shirt Factory Café, 115 W. Center St. Medina. That site serves as GO ART!’s satellite gallery. The exhibit opened on May 5 and continues until Friday.

Alicia Shuley of Kendall created the pen and ink, “Floral Study,” (above) while Austin Brown of Medina created “Untitled,” in India ink.

The following students are featured in the art show:

Alexis Bartell – Kendall grade 11: “Contemplation” – Acrylic on Canvas

Spencer Grande – Kendall grade 12: “A Friend” – Bleach and Charcoal

Jacob Weed – Kendall grade 11: “Fountain” – Pastel

Quentin Soules – Kendall grade 12: “In Honor of Hopper” – Acrylic on Canvas

Molly Gross – Medina grade 9: Untitled – Tempera

Alayna VanderVeer – Kendall grade 10: “Retrofan” – Bleach and Charcoal

Taylor Hurrell – Medina grade 9: Untitled – Tempera

Nick Bogan – Medina grade 10: “It’s a ‘G’ Thing” – Tempera

Alicia Shuley – Kendall grade 12: “Floral Study” – Pen and Ink

Carson Zgoda of Medina created “Rainbow Eagle” in colored pencil/linoleum block.

Carson Zgoda – Medina grade 10: Untitled – Tempera, “Self-Portrait” Marker and Xerox, and “Rainbow Eagle” – Colored Pencil/Linoleum Block

Austin Brown – Medina grade 11: Untitled – India Ink

Derek Howland – Medina grade 10: Untitled – Photography

Asazi Harris – Medina grade 10: “Cute” – Marker and Xerox

Cassandra Sargent – Medina grade 10: “Self-Portrait” – Marker and Xerox

Orleans County Student Art Show winners:

1st Place: Alexis Bartell for “Contemplation”

2nd Place: Spencer Grande for “A Friend”

3rd Place: Jacob Weed for “Fountain”

Spencer Grande of Kendall won second place overall with “A Friend,” a bleach and charcoal portrait.

Honorable Mention: Quentin Soules for “In Honor of Hopper”

Honorable Mention: Molly Gross for “Untitled”

Honorable Mention: Alayna VanderVeer for “Retrofan”

Honorable Mention: Taylor Hurrell for “Untitled”

Honorable Mention: Nick Bogan for “It’s a ‘G’ Thing”

Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you to our volunteer judges: Carole LaValley and Kim Argenta in Genesee County, and Kim Martillotta and Tony Barry in Orleans County.

There is also a gallery featuring student artwork in Batavia at the GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 East Main St. There is an opening reception there today from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

HOLLEY – The Orleans County Youth Bureau recognized 19 Orleans County youths last week at the 32^nd annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

The honorees were nominated by community members. The youths have all committed themselves to helping with community causes.

The following were honored during the banquet at Hickory Ridge Country Club:

Fauzia Aujan, 20, Lyndonville High School

Fauzia is  a volunteer for Project Life in Waterport and spends countless hours working with youth that are facing similar situations to the one she encountered as a young girl. She helps teach English, makes pottery with children and chaperones field trips. Fauzia is a great role model for the students showing that it is possible to preserve and achieve in the face of difficulties. Fauzia is a conscientious, caring young lady with unbelievable perseverance.

Parent(s): Idris Salih and Stella Gresham-Salih

Nominator: Jeff Kingsbury, School Counselor

Jayne Bannister, 16, Albion High School & Orleans-Niagara BOCES

Jayne raised money for Roswell Cancer Park Institute by agreeing to shave off her long hair in return for donations. Jayne did this with her sister because their father was recently treated for cancer at Roswell and they wanted to give back to the organization that took good care of him. Jayne had hoped to raise $1,000 but was able to surpass that goal and raise $3,250! Jayne is an outstanding young woman.

Parent(s): Roger and Christine Bannister

Nominator: Kara Kirk, Orleans-Niagara BOCES Counselor

Justin Behrend-Jones, 16, Kendall High School

Justin is a junior member at the Kendall Volunteer Fire Department. For the second year, Justin has been recognized for making the most calls during the calendar year. He has training every Tuesday night for at least two hours to acquire fire prevention knowledge and skills. Justin is always the first to volunteer to help fellow students at Skills USA Night event which is a fundraising project for students to compete in their respective career areas against all other students in the state.

Parent(s): Vangie Behrend and Douglas Jones Sr.

Nominator: Daniel Boyler, Monroe 2 Orleans Teacher

Bradlee Driesel, 17, Albion High School

Bradlee is a regular volunteer with the Barre Fire Company where he has participated in responding to fires and with the emergency medical services. Bradlee also helps the department with controlled burns and regularly volunteers to help with the parades, taking the trucks to schools, and he is very active with the Boy Scouts. Bradlee is very proud of his work with the fire department.

Parent(s): Karl and Susan Driesel

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Lydia Erakare, 18,  Albion High School

Lydia  has been heavily involved in her community and in her school. She has been the president of her class for four years and is an active member in various clubs at school. Lydia has served as a Peer Mentor for several years and assists with the Special Olympics. She has been active in churches, Vacation Bible School and Sunday School Programs where she uses her musical and acting talent to assist with services. She is also a volunteer with the Albion Main Street Alliance, and helps with fundraisers and organizing kid events.

Parent(s): Jan-Mikael Erakare and Maarit Vaga

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Michael Hinkley, 17, Medina High School

Michael is a dependable member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Department and has been recognized by the fire company as one of the top ten firefighters for responding to emergency calls. He has completed his Firefighter 1 Course while maintaining his school responsibilities and working construction for Barden homes periodically. Michael has also completed his coursework for his Certified First Responder Certificate which allows him to take part in EMS calls. He also is very helpful at home! Michael is a mature and hardworking young man.

Parent(s): Megan and Steve Wolter

Nominator: Mrs. Bronwyn Green, Fellow Fire Company Member

Aaron Ierlan, 18, Holley Central School

Aaron is one who graciously dedicates his time to his peers and to his teammates. Aaron takes on leadership within his wresting team by informing them of cancellations, make up dates and other general information. Aaron is always encouraging and motivating his younger teammates. He volunteers at the Holey Youth Wrestling Club and has also helped to raise money for food banks in Holley. Aaron also joined the Clarendon Fire Company after he turned 14 and works at many fundraising functions associated with the fire company.

Parent(s): Fredrick Seeman and Melissa Ierlan

Nominator: John J. Grillo, Teacher/Coach

Emily Klimack, 16, Holley Central School

Emily has been volunteering for her church for over a year where she mentors younger children and is a role model for peers. She spends Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings helping with a program that reaches out to children from difficult home situations. At school, Emily has volunteered to keep score at wrestling matches and maintains good relationships with her teachers and counselor. Emily is a positive influence at school. Emily also plays a big role at home by helping her mother and brother.

Parent(s): Donna Tadeo

Nominator: Darlene Moore, Associate at Church

Allison Knapp, 18, Kendall High School

Allison has been a peer mentor for several years and volunteers her time to several young students that are struggling. She has an amazing ability to the younger students and is always willing to go above and beyond. Allison is a great role model for others. She is a part of the Leo’s Club, National Honor Society, band, tennis, volleyball, track and softball. She also works at Browns Berry Patch and volunteers at the community kitchen at the Christ Church in Albion.

Parent(s): Christopher and Dawn Knapp

Nominator: Mirkam Bauer, Counselor

Kourtni Mietlicki, 18, Albion High School

Kourtni is committed to excelling in school and in her community.  She is in the top ten of her class and hopes to one day become a history teacher. Kourtni is regularly helping with cheerleading camps and volunteers with her cheerleading squad teammates at school activities. She is also an assistant coach for t-ball and has also helped with the annual Ghost Walk. In addition, Kourti volunteered her time helping at a triathlon to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital.

Parent(s): Aaron and Christine Robinson

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Daniel Mofardin, 18, Lyndonville High School

Daniel is deeply involved in his community church and it is through this involvement that he contributes to the larger community where he participates in a lot of community service. Beyond his involvement in faith based community service, he has also involved in Lakeside Karate  for the past nine years where he has earned his brown belt black stripe.  He has volunteered hours doing demos highlighting the benefits of karate. Daniel has achieved the delicate balance of strong academics, extracurricular involvement, and community service.

Parent(s): Gracijano and Tatiana Mofardin

Nominator: Jeff Kingsbury, School Counselor

Gaje Papponetti, 15, Holley Central School

Gaje has taken on the responsibility by volunteering his time and his technical expertise to write a program that allow for more information to be shared daily through the TV monitor in the main foyer at school. This program now shows the time, class period, weather, and the daily announcements. Pictures of various activities throughout the school year are also displayed on the TV Monitor. Gaje has patiently instructed the administrators on how to utilize the program and to update the information. Gaje’s commitment is greatly appreciated.

Parent(s): James Papponetti and Cheryl Servais

Nominator: Susan Cory, Principal

Elizabeth Pearson, 18, Kendall High School

Elizabeth is very involved in her church and her school community. She is a member of her church council, youth group, ski club, marching band and concert band. Elizabeth is also a Girl Scout and is completing her Gold Award. At church, Elizabeth participates on her church softball team, works at Vacation Bible School and helps her Pastor with youth groups. Elizabeth is an ideal student when it comes to volunteering her time to help with clubs, organizations, and her community.

Parent(s): Terry and Vern Pearson

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Kelsey Schmitt, 17, Albion High School

Kelsey is a driven student who has always looked to better herself while being actively involved in her school and community. She has been a team captain for the school’s soccer and softball teams and has also been active in the FFA while assisting in organizing the 2013 State Convention. Kelsey also volunteers after school as a math tutor for sixth graders. Outside of school, Kelsey has completed countless hours of community service working at the local community kitchen and assisting with soccer and softball camps.

Parent(s): Kurt and Cathy Schmitt

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Emily Skehan, 18, Holley Central School

Emily has been involved with activities and volunteer work since a young age. Currently, Emily works at the school store assisting other students with skill development and social interactions. She is a red blood donor, Girl Scout, and volunteers with the Big Brother/Big Sister Program along with scorekeeping for JV and Varsity Girls Basketball teams. During the Holiday season, Emily assists with Holley’s Christmas Drive for needy families. Emily’s work ethic is extraordinary and rare.

Parent(s): Roderick and Beth Skehan

Nominator: Kristina Mack, School Counselor and Coach

Joseph Velez, 15, Medina High School

Joseph is extremely active in wrestling and has spent many hours working diligently with the younger students in our intermediate/elementary school assisting in helping them to develop skills in the area of wrestling. He has amazing work ethic which has helped him to move forward in the classroom and be a positive role model for his peers.

Parent(s): Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Velez

Nominator: Sarah Ha, School Counselor

Caelan Welch, 17, Kendall High School

Caelan is extremely involved in the school community. He participates in Masterminds, Model U.N., student council, Leo’s Club, and Spanish Club. Caelan is also a Varsity Athlete and has earned a sectional title in Cross Country and has participated in tennis and track and field. He is also the President of National Honor Society and Leo’s Club, the secretary of Student Council, and the treasurer of band. Caelan is a peer mentor and a member of the Youth Board and Youth Court.

Parent(s): Brian and Luci Welch

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Olivia Welch, 17, Kendall High School

Olivia is extremely involved with the school community. She participates in the Science Olympiad, Leo’s Club, the volleyball and softball teams, along with being the treasure for her class for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. Olivia is also a peer mentor and volunteers her time to help young students. She is always the first one to sign up to help out at events and goes above and beyond. Olivia also is a Girl Scout and is completing her Gold Award.

Parent(s): Brian and Luci Welch

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Alexa Wolf, 17, Kendall High School

Alexa is a very dedicated member of her community. In her free time, she is an active member of her church and selflessly donates her time to help younger children. She also works with them as a positive role model, serving as a church-school teacher. Alexa is an active member in band and has given her time to play at local nursing homes and has also visited elementary school students to encourage them to play a musical instrument. Alexa works at the school blood drives and also participates in the annual Spring Walk which benefits local organizations.

Parent(s): Richard and Angela Marie Wolf

Nominator: Gretchen Rosales, Teacher

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

HOLLEY – Four adults who have shown a commitment to helping youths were honored last week during the Orleans County Youth Board 32nd Annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award was presented to Alan Lee Dillenbeck and Merle “Skip” Draper. That award goes to adults in a paid position whose work exceeds normal expectations.

The Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award was presented to Elisa Casey-Robinson and Leanne Serrato for their volunteer service with youths.

Dillenbeck

Alan Lee Dillenbeck is the athletic director and dean of students at Lyndonville High School but contributes to the youth of the community in many ways.

Lee has dedicated both his working and personal life to the youth in the small Orleans County Village where he and his family of five reside. Over the past several years, Lee has run two volunteer programs for the children of Lyndonville.

From December to February, he runs a Youth Basketball Program where he provides coaching, mentorship, and guidance to residents ages six through twelve. Lee ensures that all children are treated equal as they focus on key skills, sportsmanship, and civility relative to basketball and athletics in general.

Lee also leads the Youth Soccer Program in the summer. From registration to scheduling, coaching and officiating, Lee provides skills-based instruction that emphasizes cooperation, teamwork, and grace in both defeat and victory. Lee’s time and expertise provide the students with a precious opportunity that would not otherwise exist.

Draper

Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina is employed as Corporate Business and Community Liaison for Iroquois Job Corp. He also serves them as a mentor. Skip is compassionate and has a true gift of influencing the students and guiding them to be amazing individuals.

His energy he puts toward advocating and working for the students of Job Corp is boundless and carries over to this private life. Skip takes every opportunity in his community to give a person a chance and works to make sure that “chance” is successful.

The students truly respect Skip and have a sense of trust in him. Skip also arranged for the painting class at the Iroquois Job Corp to come in and paint the town offices. He also brought the students in on occasion to show them different things going on in the town. He also has brought two or three youth to the Orleans County Fair for the Supervisor and Legislators Association picnic.

Skip is the one to get these students out into the world to show them what it is all about. Skip has a magnetic personality and kids just love him. He is a true role model for the youth today.

Casey-Robinson

Elisa Casey-Robinson of Kendall spends her spare time helping others. Although she has a busy life working and raising three children, she is one of the best Catechists. She keeps the children focused, has taught them faith, their prayers and introduced them to the Bible, the saints and the sacraments.

Elisa also bakes for the parish functions and leads a breakfast team and a coffee hour team. She collects food for the local pantry and is instrumental in obtaining turkeys and hams for the holiday baskets for the poor. At Christmas time, Elisa sets up an angel tree to make sure needy children get something for Christmas.

Elisa and her husband also coach their children’s sport teams. The greatest volunteers are the ones who do it just for the love of others and they do it quietly, not looking for praise and recognition. The town of Kendall is blessed to have a person like Elisa. The best volunteers teach others, which is what her mom did for her and what she is doing for her children.

Serrato

Leanne Serrato of Albion gives a new meaning to the word volunteer. She devotes her time and energy to the participants at the Holley Youth Center when she is there. She is energetic and enthusiastic in everything she does which is replicated by the children.

Leanne spends time with each individual child to get to know them and once she determines their needs, she does her best to accommodate them. She works hard to resolve issues the children may be having.

Leanne is always researching the newest trends in nutrition and health to ensure she is providing the children with the tools to live healthy lifestyles. She also provides tutoring services to the youth as needed because she believes education is important regardless of age.

The children at the Youth Center love when Leanne is there, as she treats each child as if they were her own. She find ways to get the children interested in the activities she has planned out for them and also encourages the children to participate in volunteer projects.

Leanne is reliable and always picks up extra volunteer hours to ensure the Youth Center can stay open in the absence of an employee. Leanne also participates in many community projects herself, such as creating the float for the holiday parade, volunteering at the children’s carnival in Albion and raising awareness for breast cancer at the walk at Watt’s Farm. Leanne is a wonderful person and truly cares about each child in the community.