By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 9:22 pm
KENDALL – Matt Kludt of Kludt Brothers Farm is back on the leaderboard among the top corn growers in the state.
Kludt finished third in New York with 307.8705 bushels in strip-till, minimum-till, mulch-till, ridge-till non-irrigated class.
Matthew Swede of Piffard was first at 311.2497 bushels, with Ryan Swede of Pavilion second at 309.0837 bushels.
Kludt won the state title three straight from 2014 to 2016.
The National Corn Growers Association has held the yield contest for 61 years. This year there were nearly 7,800 entries from farmers in 47 states. Entrants across 10 production categories had verified yields averaging 269 bushels per acre.
The highest yield for the year came out of Charles City, Virginia – 572.2589 bushels per acre in Class H (strip-till irrigated) for David Hula.
“The Yield Contest is really about finding out what this crop is capable of,” said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. “And as corn farmers, we get to show what we’re made of, too. It challenges participants to find innovative ways to succeed and contribute to decades of agronomic data that prove that American farmers are great at what we do.”
The winners will be honored at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, from February 25-27.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2025 at 5:25 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Barre will be able to build a new water tank in the Pine Hill area after being approved for a $2,097,940 grant from the state today. This photo shows the current 150,000-gallon water tank behind the firehall on Route 98. The new tank will be 250,000 gallons and will boost water pressure and allow for possible expansion of the water system on the western side, linking with Shelby.
Three towns in Orleans County have been approved for grants from the state for water infrastructure.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced nearly $8 million in grants for three towns – Barre, Clarendon and Kendall.
The grants are among $453 million approved for water infrastructure projects across New York State through the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs.
“New York families should not be burdened by rising water bills and outdated systems,” Governor Hochul said. “With this funding, the State is helping communities take on essential projects without passing unsustainable costs to residents and businesses. These investments will protect public health, support local economies, and help ensure reliable, safe water for years to come.”
The grants for Orleans County municipalities include:
• Town of Barre – $2,097,940 for water storage tank and pump station improvements.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said the grant will go towards a second water tank in town, with the new one in the Pine Hill area. The project also includes pump station upgrades.
Pogue said the exact location of the new water tower is to be determined. It will be a 250,000-gallon tank, which is bigger than the 150,000-gallon behind the fire hall on Route 98.
Barre also is waiting word on whether it will be approved for a grant for Water District. No. 10 through the Community Development Block Grant program.
• Town of Clarendon awarded $928,000 towards Water District No. 14 , which includes a section of Route 237, Boots Road, Merrill Road and McAllister Road. The project will link some water districts and close some dead-end lines while expanding public water access.
• Town of Kendall – $5 million for Water District No. 11, which covers 76,700 linear feet (nearly 15 miles) on Roosevelt Highway and Lakeshore, Petersmith, Norway and Center roads.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the project loops districts improving water flow and bringing more public water to residents.
“There are streets where half are with water half are without,” he said. “We’re trying to complete the puzzle. This will be the second largest water district in the town.”
The town and residents had wells tested, completed income surveys and took other steps to secure the grant.
“They deserve it,” Cammarata said about the need for the new water district. “We’re very thankful and very appreciative.”
Kendall also putting in a new sewer district that is currently under construction.
“We’re moving in the right direction to give our residents more reasons to work here and stay here and be part of our community,” he said.
Provided photos and information courtesy of Peggy Bropst
KENDALL – Twenty-five classmates, seven teachers and their guests met on Saturday, October 11th at the Back Porch 585 Tavern for an afternoon of reminiscing, visiting, music, good food and lots of laughing!
Pictured, in front: Rosemary Nix Steffen and Joan Smith Page.
Next row: Bill Uhl, Beverly Fair-Brooks, Peggy Wheelock Bropst, Debbie Hansen Thomas, Brenda Munzert Jackling, Joy Meiers Cliff, Cheryl Schepler Fishbaugh, Dona Wilson Maynard, Tina Knittle Harper, Cheryl Kludt Cole, Judy Smith Fox and Nanci Barthel Bogan.
Back row: Dave Cole, Kim Smith, Mark Elmore, Rob Kraynik, Kathy Redshaw Gardner, Karen Waye St. John, Andy Keyser, Ron Graham, Mark Maynard, Garry Schildt and Ray Oehlbeck.
Mark Maynard led us on a wonderful walk down memory lane and the Rev. Kim Smith blessed our class, our meal and those we have lost from the class – Mary Cataldi, Valerie Coolbaugh, Tim Graham, Mike Gray, Rick Lardner, Judy Rowles, Tim Tytler, Wayne Vanderlaan, Kevin Van Orden and Mike Woodhams.
The class enjoyed a Kendall-themed cake for the milestone reunion.
Teachers in attendance were Linda Curtis, Jerry Greenlee, Gail Johnson, George Lonnen, Gary Kent, Carla Petronio and Jim Sauberan.
The replica of the Norwegian ship, the Restauration, is re-enacting the 14-week long voyage taken 200 years ago in 1825 by a group of 52 emigrating Norwegians bound for the deep dark woods of Murray on the southern shore of Lake Ontario.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 35
On Thursday, October 9, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will welcome the ship “Restauration” on its arrival in New York City. This will culiminate its successful re-enactment of the journey undertaken in 1825 by the group later referred to as the “Kendall Sloopers.” This event is part of a celebration of 200 years of Norwegian emigration.
It may come as a surprise to many Orleans County residents to learn that the Kendall Sloopers are still celebrated in Norwegian history. From an early age, Norwegian students learn about this brave group who are hailed as the first group of organized emigrants to America.
Their journey is referred to as the Norwegian Mayflower because of its impact on later emigration trends. It is estimated that, following the inspiration of the original group, some 800,000 people, about a quarter of the population, left Norway in the following years.
The story of that first Norwegian group is remarkable. Two factors influenced their decision to embark on this journey to America: freedom of religious expression and better economic prospects.
In the course of the Napoleonic Wars, a young Norwegian named Lars Larsson was imprisoned in England for seven years, 1807-1814. Members of the newly formed Society of Friends, or Quakers, visited the prisons. Their philosophy of pacifism, equality and rejection of rituals and ministers appealed to the Norwegian prisoners. The prisoners also learned to speak English. Upon his release, Larsson chose to stay in England for a year, working for Margaret Allen, whose son, David, was a prominent Quaker.
Back in Norway, Larsson proclaimed his new Quaker beliefs. Many people were attracted by the Quaker philosophies. Lutheranism was enshrined in the Norwegian Constitution, and a strict version was observed at that time. Hefty fines would be imposed on those who did not pay Church taxes. Larsson was soon in trouble with the authorities for convening Friends meetings.
Another group of religious dissidents emerged at that time, the Haugean Lutherans, who were also reacting against the strictures of the established Church. Both groups were harassed by the authorities. It became obvious that they would not be permitted to practice their beliefs. Some English Quakers who visited them had also been to America. They told of the freedom of religious practice permissible here and of the opportunities to purchase land and prosper.
Cleng Perrson, an adventurous Norwegian, acted as a scout. He journeyed to America in 1823, He made contact with Quakers in Farmington, Ontario County, and learned about land available in Western New York. He went to the land agent in Geneva, bought a parcel of land and arranged for five additional parcels to be held for a year. The land was located in northern Murray, which was split off to form the Town of Kendall in 1835.
Cleng returned to Norway with news of good prospects and plans were soon made for departure. Lars Larsson was a shipbuilder. He and a crew retrofitted a 54-foot sloop for an ocean voyage and named it the Restauration.
The ship set sail on July 5, 1825, with 52 people aboard: a crew of seven, and six families. Conditions were very cramped. The ship took a long and circuitous route, presumably to take advantage of the trade winds.
There were some misadventures. The ship stopped at the coastal town of Lizette in England but ran afoul of the authorities when they tried to trade alcohol for supplies and had to make a hasty departure. On their approach to Funchal, in Madeira, they were almost fired on for being a plague ship as the crew, who had enjoyed the contents of a floating cask of Madeira wine, failed to raise their flag.
After 14 long weeks, the ship arrived in New York on October 9, 1825 with 53 people aboard. A daughter, named Margaret Allen, had been born to Lars Larsson’s wife.
It is this journey that the Crown Prince will celebrate on October 9. While in America, he will also visit the Norwegian-American communities in Decora, Iowa and Minneapolis, Mn. As befitting the times, this event is chronicled online at www.vesterheim.org, https://vesterheim.org/programs/200th-immigration-anniversary or the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum’s posts on Facebook.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2025 at 4:49 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The scarecrows were a little scary today for the Kendall Scarecrow Festival. The top photo shows a group of scarecrows, many with characters from horror films. These scarecrows were created by Girl Scouts in Kendall and they were promoting an upcoming Girl Scout cookie drive.
The festival had nine entrants to be judged in a contest with a theme: “Spooky, Scary and a Little Creepy.”
These painted pumpkins dry near the entrance of Kendall’s Community Park across from the elementary school. Panek Farms in Albion donated about 200 pumpkins for the event.
Kendall has had the festival since 2010. The activities are free with donations accepted.
Eloise Baker, a seventh-grader, climbed the wall at the festival. The climbing wall was one of the new activities at the event.
Colleen Fanton made this crow-themed scarecrow.
Katie and Lee Robinson brought their kids, Isla and Cami, to make scarecrows. Usually more than 100 scarecrows are made during the festival.
Jeffrey Lutes created this scarecrow.
The public could vote for their favorite scarecrow. The winner gets $75 worth of gift certificates, followed $50 for second place and $25 for third.
Mavis Williams, a member of the Kendall Scarecrow Committee, took the lead in creating this RIP scarecrow.
John Becker drives a tractor down Kendall Road. The Kendall Lions Club offered the wagon rides as part of the festival.
Dylan Bushnell, 10, and his brother Winston, 6, decorate their pumpkins. They were visiting from Big Flats. Their mother, Hannah Billings Bushnell, grew up in Kendall.
The Boy Scouts in Kendall made this display with a giant spider.
Becky Charland, who leads the Scarecrow Festival Committee, posed with the festival’s mascot. There was a naming-contest for the mascot as part of today’s events.
Preston and Everett Swetz created these “Ghost Basket” scarecrows.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2025 at 5:19 pm
Photos courtesy of ABATE in Orleans County
KENDALL – The Orleans County chapter of ABATE (Americans Bikers Aimed Toward Education) recently resented $500 checks to three fire departments in eastern Orleans County.
The top photo shows Chuck Persons, second from right, and Becky Persons, right, of ABATE presenting a $500 check to the Kendall Fire Department. They are joined by Fire Chief Randy Davis, second from right, and Mike Schultz, president of the Kendall FD.
Last year ABATE presented similar checks to the central battalion departments, and they donated to the western battalion in 2023.
The donations to the eastern battalion are the result of a fundraising ride and a basket raffle this summer.
Becky Persons of ABATE presents a $500 check to Bob Freida, fire chief of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company.
ABATE also donated $500 to the Murray Joint Fire District.
ABATE leaders said firefighters are often the first on the scene if a motorcyclist is an accident.
Site includes climbing tower, a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners and shaded seating areas
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Central School
KENDALL – It was a special time on Wednesday evening at the Kendall Elementary School when the community celebrated the opening of a new school playground.
This is Kendall’s first community-accessible playground, a one-of-a-kind facility in the Northeast that will serve both students and families for years to come.
This playground is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility.
“Our early vision was to ensure that our students and residents had a space to come and spend time with family and friends right in our community,” said Nick Picardo, the school district superintendent. “I believe this playground will become a central place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors right here in Kendall.”
The playground was funded as a part of $12,680,000 capital project that was approved in December 2023.
That project was nearly entirely focused on the elementary school. The work included:
An estimated $11,122,076 at the elementary school with site improvements and new paving, and a new playground with age-appropriate equipment. Inside the elementary school, projects include safety and security upgrades to interior doors, entryways, and alarm systems, as well as energy- efficient classroom lighting, corridor enhancements and auditorium upgrades, according to the district.
The project includes $153,089 in work at the junior-senior high school for common area improvements with new flooring and lighting.
In the transportation building, the capitol project includes two bus lifts at a cost of $1,065,278.
A new roof for the Buildings & Grounds facility at a estimated cost of $339,557.
The new playground features cutting-edge structures including the Volo Aire, a multi-level climbing tower with covered slides that is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Other highlights include a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners, and shaded seating areas.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility. Dedicated areas for both younger and older elementary students ensure that children of all ages can play safely and comfortably.
Kendall school officials, including Board of Education President Rachel Fisken with scissors, celebrate the new playground on Wednesday.
This new addition is a major milestone not just for the district, but for the region: a protected design radius has been placed around Kendall, ensuring that no other nearby playgrounds will feature the same exclusive components, the school district stated in a news release.
“In early January 2025, with a completed design in hand, the superintendent received a frantic call from me thanks to a brand-new, never-before-seen structure having just been released to the market,” said Andy Walsh, Genesee Regional Manager of Parkitects. “Under Nick Picardo’s leadership and with the support of the Kendall team, the decision was made to pivot and include the first Volo Aire in New York State. That bold move brought one of the most inclusive and accessible tower structures ever built to the Kendall community.”
Planning for the playground began with a unique focus on student voice and research. A student-led committee worked alongside staff and design experts to test playgrounds across Western New York and cast votes on preferred features—including the curly slide, which won by a landslide during Kendall’s own “Voting Day” in November 2023.
“This vibrant new space is more than just a place to play, it’s a reflection of our community’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to joyful learning,” said Elementary Principal Kevin Watson. “From the first sketch to the final bolt, this playground was designed with our students in mind. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
Image courtesy of Kendall Central School: The new elementary school playground at Kendall is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility.
Press Release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Kendall Central School invites the public to the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new elementary school playground on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kendall Elementary School, 1932 Kendall Rd.
The celebration will mark the opening of Kendall’s first community-accessible playground, which is a one-of-a-kind facility in the Northeast that will serve both students and families for years to come.
“I am beyond excited to finally share the finished product with our school and larger community,” said Superintendent Nick Picardo. “Our early vision was to ensure that our students and residents had a space to come and spend time with family and friends right in our community. I believe this playground will become a central place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors right here in Kendall.”
The playground was made possible through the district’s 2023 Capital Project Vote and features cutting-edge structures including the Volo Aire, a multi-level climbing tower with covered slides that is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Other highlights include a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners, and shaded seating areas.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility. Dedicated areas for both younger and older elementary students ensure that children of all ages can play safely and comfortably.
This new addition is a major milestone not just for the district, but for the region: a protected design radius has been placed around Kendall, ensuring that no other nearby playgrounds will feature the same exclusive components.
“In early January 2025, with a completed design in hand, the superintendent received a frantic call from me thanks to a brand-new, never-before-seen structure having just been released to the market,” said Andy Walsh, Genesee Regional Manager of Parkitects. “Under Nick Picardo’s leadership and with the support of the Kendall team, the decision was made to pivot and include the first Volo Aire in New York State. That bold move brought one of the most inclusive and accessible tower structures ever built to the Kendall community.”
Planning for the playground began with a unique focus on student voice and research. A student-led committee worked alongside staff and design experts to test playgrounds across Western New York and cast votes on preferred features—including the curly slide, which won by a landslide during Kendall’s own “Voting Day.”
“This vibrant new space is more than just a place to play, it’s a reflection of our community’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to joyful learning,” said Elementary Principal Kevin Watson. “From the first sketch to the final bolt, this playground was designed with our students in mind. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together. We invite you to come explore, play, and celebrate with us. This playground is a gift to our students, families, and neighbors, and we can’t wait to see it filled with laughter and joy!”
The community is encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting on Oct. 1 to explore the new playground and celebrate this exciting milestone. For more information about the new playground, visit http://www.kendallschools.org/playground or follow @kendallcsd on Facebook.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2025 at 11:34 am
Summer tours end this evening at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on East Avenue in Albion
Photos courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller: Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper speaks last Sunday at Greenwood Cemetery at a plot for one of the Norwegian families that settled in Kendall about 200 years ago.
KENDALL – About 30 people attended last Sunday’s tour of Greenwood Cenetery in Kendall. The tour put a special emphasis on some of the Norwegian settlers who came to Kendall beginning in 1825.
The Orleans County Historical Association has been leading cemetery tours each Sunday at 6 p.m. during August. The torus conclude today at St. Joseph’s Cemtery on East Avenue in Albion.
Tour guides at Greenwood noted the Kendall cemetery has links to this year’s Orleans County bicentennial celebration.
Catherine Cooper, the county historian, shared notes on some of people highlighted on the tour:
Felix Augur donated the land for this cemetery. Born in Lisbon, Ct. in 1759, he served in the Revolutionary War. He and his family moved to the area now known as Kendall in 1816. He donated land for the cemetery and was buried there in 1818. Kendall Road was known as Augur Road for many years.
Robert Clark, 1801-1873, is buried in the Augur family plot. Another early settler in the area, he was married to Felix’s daughter, Anna.
Ken DeRoller recounted Clark’s recollections of his early years as recorded in the Pioneer History of Orleans County, the backbreaking work, sickness and fever.
(Left) Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, also spoke on the tour at Greenwood Cemetery on Rpoute 18, near the Route 237 intersection. (Right) Ken DeRoller noted the contributions of Robert Clark who died in 1873 and is buried in the Augur family plot.
On July 5, 1825, the Restoration, a retrofitted sloop with a crew of seven, and forty-five passengers, fifteen of them children, set sail from Norway, bound for America. The expedition, later lauded as the “Norwegian Mayflower” started the exodus of Norwegians to America.
Some fourteen weeks later, on October 9, 1825, this intrepid group landed in New York and made their way to the area around Norway Road. Some families later moved to Illinois and Indiana, but a nucleus remained and welcomed later immigrants. Several descendants of the Norwegian settlers were in attendance for the tour of Greenwood Cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 August 2025 at 8:00 am
KENDALL – Jen Orr sent in this photo of a waterspout in Lake Ontario near Kendall at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
A waterspout appears as a funnel-shaped cloud in a vertical direction over water. It is rotating column of air, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The NOAA advises people not to move closer to a waterspout because some of them can be as dangerous as tornadoes.
A tornadic waterspouts form over water and some move from land to water. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning, the NOAA said.
Fair weather waterspouts are generally not associated with thunderstorms. A fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward.
“By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity,” the NOAA said. “Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.”
Photos courtesy of Kendall Central School: Kendall the Bus now stays alongside Lake Miekojärvi in Sirkkakoski, Finland.
Press release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – From a small town in New York to the edge of the world, the story of Kendall Central School District’s retired school bus is a testament to adventure, creativity, and the unexpected connections that unite us across the globe.
Formerly known as Bus 126, the bright yellow vehicle once transported students throughout Orleans County. These days, the bus—renamed “Kendall” as a nod to the district it once served—sits peacefully on the shores of Lake Miekojärvi, having embarked on an unexpected journey to the heart of Finnish Lapland to be converted into a lakeside retreat.
The interior living area of “Kendall” features two sets of bunk beds, a seating area, and a small kitchen, along with other small luxuries.
The adventure began with a simple message to the district’s website earlier this year:
“I have purchased an American school bus in northern Finland,” wrote Joakim Nordstrom, who—along with partner Jennifer Carver—is now the proud owner of the converted vehicle. “On the side of the bus there are old stickers saying Kendall Central Schools. After some research, I believe this is your school.”
Their message kicked off a delightful investigation into the bus’s history, which revealed its sale by Kendall Central School in 2019 and eventual shipment overseas. After being heavily renovated by a previous owner, Kendall the Bus is now being transformed into a one-of-a-kind arctic getaway for travelers near the Arctic Circle.
“It was a surprise when we found out that one of our buses made it all the way to Finland and is being repurposed and will be used for years to come,” said Superintendent Nick Picardo. “I hope ‘Kendall’ brings as much joy to others as it did to the many students it greeted each morning with smiles on their faces!”
The back of the bus where the emergency exit door is located has been converted to a bedroom with a queen-sized bed and the perfect doorway to gaze out at the scenery through.
Plans for the bus’s next chapter include a lakeside terrace, a hot tub, and a redesigned cozy interior. Photos from its time at Kendall CSD will also be featured in the final design, giving guests a glimpse into small-town student life in upstate New York.
“It is amazing that a bus I used to drive here at Kendall when I was a substitute driver has made it all the way to Finland – 3,826 miles and an ocean apart,” said Karen Jones, Director of Transportation. “Now as Director of Transportation, I always wonder what happens to buses once we are done with them. I love that Bus 126 was reinvented into something for people to use for years to come and that a little piece of Kendall history is now in Finland.”
Joakim and Jennifer plan to launch a website and social media channels to document Kendall’s transformation. The district looks forward to following along and seeing how this once-routine ride becomes a global story of connection, creativity, and second chances.
From the streets of Kendall to the forests of Finland, Bus 126 proves that sometimes the ride doesn’t end when the wheels stop turning—it just finds a new road to travel.
Former Bus 126 on the first day of school, 2016. Bus 126 was retired at the end of this school year in 2017.
Photos courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: A helicopter was damaged in an open field in Kendall on Wednesday night. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bouke
Kendall, NY – At approximately 8:33 PM on July 30, 2025, deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a helicopter incident involving an experimental aircraft in an open field near Creek Road in the Town of Kendall.
The aircraft, a RotorWay EXEC 162F helicopter bearing tail number N843WB, sustained substantial damage after reportedly experiencing a rollover during a low-altitude hover maneuver.
The pilot, who is also the registered owner of the aircraft, was not present at the scene when deputies arrived. He later reported that while attempting a lateral hover, one of the helicopter’s skids contacted the ground, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The pilot sustained a minor injury and was treated at a local hospital.
Deputies secured the area and conducted an initial assessment, noting significant damage to the rotor system, airframe, and skids. No fire, fuel leak, or hazardous materials were observed at the site.
At this time, there is no indication of foul play or any threat to public safety. The incident has been referred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for further investigation. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to assist federal authorities as needed.
Investigator Kevin Colonna, a licensed helicopter pilot, led the investigation for Sheriff’s Office.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2025 at 3:09 pm
KENDALL – Karter May, a high school student at Kendall, is urging community members to donate blood on July 8 at the Kendall Town hall.
Karter said there is currently a critical need for blood and a donation can make a life-saving difference for some of the recipients.
Karter has donated blood before during a drive organized by the school. He wanted to assist the American Red Cross during a summer drive when school is out.
The drive on July 8 will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Town Hall is at 1873 Kendall Rd.
Donors will be given a pair of sunglasses. If there are 25 units of blood donated, the donors will have a chance of winning two free passes to Darien Lake.
For more information on the blood drive, click here.
Photos courtesy of Kendall Central School: The Class of 2025 was seated on stage for Friday’s commencement in the school auditorium.
Press Release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Fifty-three seniors graduated from Kendall Junior/Senior High School on Friday.
The students entered the JSHS Auditorium to “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by the Presentation of Colors, which was carried out by Somer Baker and Vincent D’Agostino. The graduation band then played “America the Beautiful” and Vocal Effect followed up with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
After Superintendent Nicholas Picardo welcomed attendees and stage guests, Salutatorian Isabella Goodrich took a moment not to reflect on time spent on school, but on the future and its overwhelming – yet exciting – uncertainty.
(Left) Retired teacher Carolyn Sweeting gives the keynote address during commencement. (Right) Isabella Goodrich, the class salutatorian, will be attending Penn State to pursue a degree in pre-medicine, with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon.
Goodrich urged them to lean into unpredictable moments, as it’s only by pushing past fears and navigating roadblocks that opportunities arise.
“Don’t be afraid to choose the path that feels a little uncertain – because that’s usually where the best adventures begin,” she said. “Take risks. Trust yourself. Make choices that reflect who you really are – not who others expect you to be. The most important decision you’ll ever make is to live a life that’s entirely your own. The future is wide open – and it’s ours to explore.”
Next, Carolyn Sweeting, a retired Kendall Spanish teacher, addressed the graduates. She was chosen by the Class of 2025 as a teacher they felt connected with to give this year’s commencement address.
Sweeting shared three pieces of advice: travel often, know your worth, and be resilient.
She emphasized that travel teaches life lessons and broadens perspectives. “When you travel, you realize the world is way bigger than your problems and your hometown,” Sweeting said.
She urged graduates to value themselves not for what they do, but for who they are. They don’t need to earn approval from others or compare themselves to people on social media. “You’re great because you have unique qualities… and the world is better because you’re in it,” she assured them.
Finally, she spoke about resilience, reminding students that while life will bring challenges, they have control over how they respond. “Resilience is not about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t,” Sweeting said. “We have very little control over what happens to us, but we do have control over how we react to it.”
Vocal Effect sang the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Principal Melissa Strelick addressed the graduates, speaking to the power of taking chances.
“This is your moment,” said Strelick. “Your chance to take a step forward, to grow, and to begin your next chapter. Life has a funny way of offering chances when you least expect them. And sometimes, the greatest ones come when you feel the least prepared.”
She noted how when growing up in a small district like Kendall, you learn something special: you’re not just part of a school, you’re part of a community. Being raised in this type of community, where people show up, lend a hand, and genuinely care, is a gift and a spirit that she hopes graduates take with them.
William Kludt stands while a biography is shared about his time a Kendall. Each graduate was highlighted during the program.
Strelick quoted author Kobi Yamada, saying, “‘A chance is something you have to chase, because it’s not always going to wait for you.’ As you step across this stage tonight, I want you to ask yourself: ‘What will I do with my chance?’ I hope you run after it. I hope you mess up a little and get back up stronger. I hope you surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. I hope, years from now, you look back on this school, in this town, and smile – knowing that this was the place where your first big chances began.”
The Presentation of the Class of 2025 followed, with student names and biographies being read by Assistant Principal Mark Driesel, Counselor Jourdan Kludt, and Advisors Mirjam Bauer and Katherine Driesel. Diplomas were presented by Picardo, Strelick and Board of Education President Rachel Fisken.
Colby Hughes gives the valedictorian address. He will be attending Daemen University to pursue a degree in Natural Science, with plans to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Valedictorian Colby Hughes then took the stage to address his classmates. He reflected on failure as an unavoidable part of life that builds character.
“I’ve failed many more times than I have found success,” he said. “But out of all these failures has come one of the most valuable lessons: success cannot be achieved without failure. Failure is not a measure of achievement. It is a measure of growth. The ability to fail without giving up is the key to succeeding.”
He reminded classmates that their worth isn’t defined by accolades like Top 10 or National Honor Society, but by their journey of self-discovery and hard work.
“It is not what others deem as success that matters,” Hughes said. “These moments have made us realize that it is not the result that is the prize, but the journey to that ending.”
Hughes concluded, “No specific moment of failure defines you as a person. The response to said hardship is the real challenge. Do not view failure as a negative, but instead an opportunity to grow… remember your roots here in Kendall and all of the community members who have helped you grow.”
At the end of the ceremony, as a class, the graduates moved their tassels from one side of their caps to the other, signifying the end of their high school years.
