Wayne Hale of Medina has been appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve as a member of the New York State Canal Recreationway Commission.
Hale has worked as Director of the Orleans County Planning and Development Department since 1986, Tourism Project Director for Orleans County’s I Love NY Program since 1992, and Manager of the Orleans County Marine Park since 1998.
“Wayne is a consummate professional who is widely respected across the state for his experience and wisdom relating to tourism and planning matters,” said State Sen. George Maziarz. “He will be a great Orleans County voice and I was proud to recommend him for appointment to this important panel.”
The Canal Recreationway Commission maintains and revises the Canal Recreationway Plan and makes recommendations to the Thruway Authority, Canal Corporation, and state leaders concerning the future of the canal system.
“I’m deeply gratified that Sen. Maziarz considered me for nomination as a Commission member,” Hale said. “This is a capstone event in my 31-year career at the Orleans County Planning Department. We’ve lead sizable efforts in planning, development and promotion of the Erie Canal, locally and regionally, and my appointment brings the prospect of applying that experience to a new and greater challenge.”
Passionate as he is about canal and tourism matters, Hale has been active with the Genesee/Finger Lakes Region Erie Canal Corridor Plan, Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway, the New York State Heritage Areas Advisory Council, Western New York Canal Coalition, Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance, and several other groups.
Hale’s term as Canal Recreationway Commission member expires on March 23, 2017. For more information about the commission, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2014 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Chuck Nesbitt details the Orleans County budget during a public hearing last December at the County Courthouse.
Press release
Orleans County Legislature and the International City/County Management Association
WASHINGTON, D.C. Chuck Nesbitt, chief administrative officer for Orleans County, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.
Nesbitt is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program and one of only 20 in New York State.
ICMA’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s nearly 9,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students, and other local government employees.
“Chuck’s ICMA credential is well-deserved and certainly earned,” said David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “He is a valued partner to me, the Orleans County Legislature and the many department heads he leads. Chuck possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of the needs and challenges of local government and he is steadfast in his commitment to doing what’s best for the county and its taxpayers.”
Nesbitt has been the county’s CAO since 2005. Prior to that, he served as an economic development specialist with Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency.
He also serves as the President of the New York State Association of County Administrators and Managers, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance for the New York State Association of Counties and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Healthcare Alliance of Western New York.
To receive the ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; pass a detailed examination and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.
Provided photos – Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard volunteer to organize the costumes and props for Holley’s theater program.
Press release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each month, the Holley Board of Education honors people who have donated their time and abilities to benefit Holley schools. At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the board honored three people with Soaring to New Heights Awards.
The first award was presented to Holley residents Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard for the time they spent organizing the high school’s theater props and costumes. Thanks to their efforts, theater resources are now arranged, stored and ready for use next year.
The second Soaring to New Heights Award was presented to high school sophomore Cameron Benage for the work he provides to the district in running the lights and sound system in the Middle School/High School auditorium. Cameron provides this service as a volunteer and he offers his time and skill for events that take place during the day and at night.
Cameron Benage was recognized for his efforts running the lights and sound system at the Holley Middle/High School.
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club awarded three scholarships for $2,000 total to three graduates at Albion High School. Rotarians Bonnie Malakie, left, and Club President Cindy Perry, right, are pictured with the scholarship winners, from left: Arianna Smith, Abigail Squicciarini and Bradlee Driesel.
Squicciarini received the A. B. “Dick” Eddy Rotary “Service above Self” Scholarship. This scholarship for $1,250 is awarded in memory of Dick Eddy, a community leader, businessman, and Rotarian, who committed his life to the principle of service above self. The award goes to a senior who has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service and leadership, and displays high potential for future accomplishment.
Smith received the Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship for $500. Archbald was a farmer, philanthropist, outdoorsman and a 70-year member of Rotary. This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior pursuing a college education who shares a love for sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience.
Driesel received the Rotary Career Advancement Prize for $250. The award goes to a graduating senior entering a field that doesn’t require a traditional college education, such as a technical field, agriculture, law enforcement, or business. Key factors in selecting the recipient include community service, school activities, and work experience. Driesel wants to become a full-time firefighter.
HOLLEY – Four members of the Holley Class of 2014 were each awarded $500 scholarships by the Holley Rotary Club. The scholarship winners attended Monday’s Rotary Club meeting to meet the Rotarians.
Pictured in the photo, from left, include: Claudia Passarell, Jeff Martin (Rotary Club’s President Elect), Nicole Blackburn, Teresa Nicoletti, John Pedley (Club President) and Nicole Mauro.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Cameron Morgan earns a full ride to UR
Photos by Tom Rivers – Cameron Morgan was born without a left arm. He didn’t let that prevent him from playing percussion in the marching band and serving as the group’s drum major this year.
MEDINA – About a year ago the announcement was made at the Medina Marching Band’s annual banquet: Cameron Morgan would serve as drum major in 2013-14.
Morgan was a percussionist in the band, playing the marimba. He pulled that off despite only having one arm. And now he would be drum major, setting the pace for the band in parades and competitions.
Morgan, 17, didn’t miss a beat in the role. He was named best drum major of all the schools at the Gorham Pageant of Bands.
Jeff Evoy, the Medina Central School superintendent, recalled Morgan’s speech to the band about a year ago, after he was named drum major. Evoy said it was one of the best addresses he has ever heard, a call to take pride in the marching band, the school and the community.
“It was all about having high expectations for success,” Evoy recalled.
The Medina Marching Band had won the previous four state championships. But Morgan said the group of 130 musicians could do better. The band extended its streak to five straight state championships this school year.
“The band program is truly an incredible thing,” Morgan said during an interview this week. “Every band member is invaluable. There is no bench in the band program. There is no one waiting to replace you. You are a crucial part of something much bigger.”
Cameron Morgan leads the band last September during a rainstorm at Vets Park.
Morgan will graduate tonight ranked fifth in his class. He has a full ride at the University of Rochester where he will be a renaissance and global scholar. He wants to try out for the Eastman School of Music to play marimba. He developed a technique where he can hold three mallets at once in his right hand.
“The U of R provides a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom as well as inside,” he said.
Morgan plans to be involved in the Model United Nations, the Debate Team and student government. He said he may pursue a career as a lawyer, in public policy or another role in the government.
He was born on the Fourth of July in 1996, missing his left arm. Morgan doesn’t bemoan that fate.
“It’s forced me to work harder,” he said. “I don’t consider it a disability. It’s all I have ever known.”
“I’ve learned that people are different and there’s nothing strange or awkward about that.” – Cameron Morgan
He gets some stares at the band competitions, and he knows some people are curious. He tried youth sports, but never liked it much and not because he was missing an arm.
“I’m a little too laid back,” he said. “When I played soccer, I wasn’t too aggressive.”
He felt at home with the marching band, joining as a seventh grader. It can be overwhelming that first year, meeting the demands of the program, learning the music and marching formations.
Photo by Sue Cook – Cameron Morgan, right, plays the Baker in a combined Lyndonville-Medina musical production of “Into the Woods.” He was joined on stage in March by the Witch (Heather Mufford) and the Baker’s wife (Rebekah Hoffee).
“The band program sets a high bar for excellence,” Morgan said. “The band program shows kids that their potential is limitless if they set their minds to it. It’s very demanding but it’s invaluable and absolutely worth the effort and stress. Through my experiences with band and music, it made me realize I have as much potential as anyone else.”
Morgan’s birth defect likely made him more sensitive to others, he said. If he sees someone in a wheelchair, he looks them in the eyes and doesn’t fixate on the chair.
“I’ve learned that people are different and there’s nothing strange or awkward about that,” he said.
Evoy said Morgan has been a role model in the school.
“Cameron is a true leader,” the school superintendent said. “He’s a caring young man. I’m extremely proud of him and we expect great things from him.”
Morgan said he would like to reach out to children and others with disabilities to show them they can still achieve – with lots of hard work.
“Much more than the circumstances is your perception of the circumstances,” Morgan said. “I feel I’ve been very fortunate.”
Click above to see a video of Cameron Morgan playing the marimba.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club honored two people last night as Paul Harris Fellows, the highest award given out by Rotary.
Cindy Perry and Gary Simboli were both recognized and the club will give $1,000 in each of their names to the Rotary Foundation to fight polio and do other humanitarian projects in the world.
Perry is the director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health. She served as the Rotary Club president the past year. Last night was her final meeting as president. Bill Diehl will take the reins from July 1 to June 30, 2015.
Simboli was recognized for his success as a teacher in Albion and his efforts to bring the music program out into the community. Simboli directs the high school musicals and plays, and is a vocal instructor.
He started as a special education teacher and developed the music program at Camp Rainbow for The Arc of Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2014 at 12:00 am
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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2014 at 12:00 am
CSE chairwoman named ‘Educator of the Year’
Photos by Tom Rivers – Margy Brown, president of the Albion Board of Education, congratulates Paula Shipe, left, on her retirement after 22 years as secretary in the middle school.
ALBION – The school district honored teachers and staff for milestone anniversaries, impending retirements and for attaining tenure during a reception before the Board of Education meeting this evening.
The district also named its “Educator of the Year” and the honor this year goes to Jessica Beal.
She worked as a special education teacher for 11 years for Albion before being promoted to chairwoman of the Committee on Special Education this school year.
She assists about 200 students in grades K through 12, working with teachers, parents and students to identify students’ needs to attain academic success.
“A lot of people can see when a kid isn’t getting it, but the question is why aren’t they getting it?” said Michael Bonnewell, the district’s superintendent. “She is very good at diagnosing a child’s needs and then designing supports to help them succeed.”
Jessica Beal, chairwoman of the district’s Committee on Special Education, was named the district’s ‘Educator of the Year.’
Beal praised a supportive district that she said is very student-focused. Some students may only need short-term assistance, perhaps for speech. Others may need an out-of-district placement, although Albion tries to keep students within the district when possible, school officials said.
Beal was nominated by several of her teaching colleagues for the educator award.
“Jessica is always thoroughly prepared, organized, sensitive and effective in addressing the multiple needs of students, parents, programs and our district,” one teacher said in nominating Beal.
Margy Brown, the BOE president, said Beal has earned a reputation for being professional, articulate and passionate. Albion students have a strong advocate in Beal, Brown said.
The district also recognized the following retiring teachers and staff: Debbie Karas after 32 years as a teacher in the elementary, Sally Grimm after 22 years as a math teacher in the middle school, Patrick Holman after 33 ½ years as middle school science teacher, Paula Shipe after 22 years year as secretary in the middle school, and Maura Pierce after 28 years with the district as an English teacher and in several administrative roles.
The district also recognized Kevin Doherty for his 12 years of volunteer service on the Board of Education.
The following were recognized for attaining tenure: Greta Bohn, a speech pathologist in the elementary school; and Della Morales, a media specialist in the high school.
The following were recognized for 10 years of service: Janie Bentley, Patrick Brawn, Kelli Ciliberto, Kathryn Fischer, Duncan Hughes, Jay Kovaleski, Kim Nesbitt, Chad Owen, Val Pettit, Kristin Roche and Margaret Swan.
Sally Grimm, a middle school math teacher, receives a book that will be put in the library in her name. Middle School Principal Dan Monacelli, right, said Grimm has been a distinguished teacher, devoted to her students.
The following were honored for 15 years of service: Keith Akers, Jennifer Ashbery, Bonnie Baldwin, Carmen Rose Brittan, Lisa Burlison, Theresa Christopher, Deborah Jones, Lizabeth Krenning, Peggy Lemcke, Jeremy Petrus, David Plewinski, Jeff Radder, Debbie Schomske and Gloria Short.
Four people were honored for 20 years of service: Kelly Kovaleski, Kym Metz, Greg Martillotta and Paula Shipe.
Two teachers reached the 25-year milestone: Judy Azzolino and Janet Husung.
Four teachers were recognized for 30 years of service: Annette Pearl, Mark VanDerKarr, Nancy Wickman and Debra Wood.
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2014 at 12:00 am
Robert June
ALBION – Robert June has completed a rare feat at age 17. He has earned a college degree and he is still a senior in high school. He will graduate from Albion next month.
June on May 18 walked the commencement stage at Genesee Community College for his associate’s degree. He actually completed the needed coursework for the GCC degree a year sooner when he was a junior in high school.
“I’ll be completely honest with you, I just love learning and education in general,” June said.
He plans to study finance at the University of Denver. But he will first take a year off from college to work and save up money.
June took classes at GCC during the summers after his freshman and sophomore years in high school. He took other classes during the school that counted for college credit at both the high school and at the GCC campus center in Albion.
He praised his Albion math teacher, Shelly Daggs, for pushing him in the classroom.
“Mrs. Daggs is one of the best teachers ever,” he said.
June said he was motivated to complete as many courses as possible while in high school partly because of the low cost of the college credit. He estimates his associate’s degree only cost about $2,000 for textbooks and gas.
He juggled the coursework while playing center for the Albion football team, competing in track, and being active with the school’s Chess Club and Masterminds team.
June’s achievement, earning a college degree before graduating from high school, is unusual, but not unprecedented. Machaon Bonafede also earned a GCC degree before he graduated from Albion about 15 years ago.
“He is a very tenacious young man with his eyes on the prize,” Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC’s associate director of marketing communications, said about June. “He has saved a ton of money.”
Provided photo – Air Force Airman 1st Class Camron M. Quaranto
Press release
Hometown News Releases
Air Force Airman 1st Class Camron M. Quaranto graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Quaranto is the son of Paul and Christy Quaranto of Holley.
He is a 2012 graduate of Holley Central High School. He earned an associate degree in 2013 from Genesee Community College, Batavia.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2014 at 12:00 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2014 at 12:00 am
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 28th 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.
MEDINA – Emilee Austin, Scott Barber, Alicia Cochrane, Anthony Levesque, Elizabeth Meyer, Cameron Morgan, Anthony Pane, Matthew Prawel, Barry Rogenmoser and James Soha.
