Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is accepting applications for its 2025-26 pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and kindergarten programs.

If you are a resident of the Lyndonville Central School District and your child will be 3, 4 or 5 by Dec. 1, 2025, they are eligible to enroll. If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program this year, they will automatically be pre-registered for the following year. Pre-K space is limited, but openings are available for all age groups.

Our developmentally appropriate Pre-K and kindergarten programs, which include breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, follow this schedule five days a week:

• 3-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 4-year-old Pre-K: 7:35 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
• Kindergarten: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If more students are pre-registered for Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year than available seats, a lottery will be held on May 1. If Pre-K seats remain, they will be filled per UPK and district guidelines.

It is important to begin the registration process as soon as possible! Pre-K and kindergarten screening will take place on June 23. The district will be hosting a Pre-K Open House on July 4, but seats fill up quickly. Getting your application in as soon as possible will ensure a higher chance of an available spot for your student.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please call or email Dr. Elissa Smith, Elementary School Principal, at (585) 765-3122 or esmith@lcsdk12.org.

You will need to provide your name, address, and child’s name and date of birth. More information and a pre-registration form can be found at lyndonvillecsd.org/registration.

Newsboys form union, seek fair pay in taking on wealthy publishers

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Newsboys join together in a strike in 1899. Lyndonville shares the story of the ragtag team of paperboys making a living selling newspapers on the street of New York City.

Lyndonville performed the first show on Friday evening and has performances at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Stroyan Auditorium, 25 Housel Ave.

Amir Huzair, in back, plays the lead role of Jack Kelly, who leads the youngsters in their fight to make a decent wage.

Jennifer Neroni-Trupo, the show’s director, said the musical brings a message for equality and fair pay, child rights and activism.

“Treat people with dignity and kindness all the time,” Neroni-Trupo states in the program for the musical. “We have been working very hard during this production to make sure that every person is welcome in our theater family and that this is a place they can safely be themselves.”

The newsboys go on strike after the newspaper owners increase the costs of the “papes” or the newspapers on the newsboys, cutting into their already slim profits. The newsboys form a union and go on strike against wealthy publishers, including Joseph Pulitzer.

James Giarla plays newspaper titan Joseph Pulitzer. When circulation starts to decline, resulting in lesser profits, Pulitzer decides to charge the newsboys more to sell the newspapers.

Jack and Crutchie (Auston Bentley), right, are excited to meet two new paperboys, Davey (Noah Fox), left, and his little brother Les (Gavyn Draper). Les gives a sad face to get sympathy from customers to buy his newspapers.

The Bowery Beauties join Medda Larkin (Hannah Marker) in performing at a theater. The Beauties include Robin Botsford, Sierra Frasier, Thalia Heinsler, Karalyn Klotzbach, Dixie Nowicki and Adrianna Vanderbrook. The newsboys take cover in the theater while being chased from the warden of a juvenile detention center.

Sarah Corser plays Katherine Plumber, a young reporter who covers the newsboys’ strike. She sees it as a chance to be taken more seriously as a reporter. She and Jack also have a romantic connection.

Aurora Avery plays the role of Finch and is fired up in seeking better wages and treatment.

Jack (Amir Huzair) is discouraged when the strike gets off to a rough start, with some of the newsboys, including his close friend Crutchie, apprehended and taken to the juvenile detention center. Huzair, blaming himself for the failure, sings “Santa Fe,” wanting to runaway forever.

Katherine and Jack later team to create their own paper, the Newsies Banner. Katherine, who is Pulitzer’s daughter, writes a story about the inhumane conditions in the juvenile detention facility, using many of Jack’s drawings of the abuse. That prompts the closing of the detention center.

Steve Colon faces write-in challenge from James White

LYNDONVILLE – Village residents will go to the polls today to choose a trustee for a two-year term. The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.

Steve Colon of the Village of Lyndonville Party is the lone name on the ballot, but he faces as write-in challenge from James White, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Colon has pursued public office before on the Town Board and the Republican Committee but so far hasn’t been elected. White also ran for the County Legislature when he was 21 in 2015, losing to Don Allport.

Colon has written many letters to the editors in recent years, and is staunchly conservative, saying he wants the government out of private lives. He also has written about being in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021, saying he was expressing his displeasure with voter fraud against Donald Trump.

Colon has lived in Lyndonville since 1998. He said he cares deeply for the community and touts the local architecture, fishing and hunting resources, the public library and school system. He said he often reaches out to public officials at the local, county, state and federal levels.

“I am not afraid to express myself,” he said. “I want to work for you, to hear your grievances and to address those things that are important to you, to work with you when issues arise in order to work things out. Let me be your voice in local government and we will work hard to improve things that you and our fellow neighbors can see. Together we will make a positive difference.”

White said is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, proactive leadership and being accessible to the community if he is elected to serve on the Village Board.

White said he has budget management experience, including when he was treasurer for the student government in college, managing finances for more than 30 campus clubs. He earned a master’s degree in business management from D’Youville University.

A former school resource officer at Kendall Central School, White said he has “extensive experience ensuring departmental compliance with organizational policies and procedures” during his time at Iroquois Job Corps for three years.

“Under my leadership, external independent audits consistently confirmed that standards were not only met but exceeded,” he said.

White is a 2012 Lyndonville graduate who grew up in the village. He and his wife moved to Lyndonville with their young son about a year and half ago.

“This community has always been special to me, and I believe there is no better place to raise a family,” he posted on social media. “As Trustee, I will work with people, not against them. The best solutions often come through collaboration and compromise, and I am committed to listening, understanding, and working together to make Lyndonville the best it can be.”

LYNDONVILLE – Two village residents have turned in petitions to run for a trustee position on the Village Board. The petitions needed at least 27 signatures from registered voters in the village for a candidate to be listed on the ballot in the March 18 election.

Steve Colon and Thomas Goetze both turned in petitions by the 5 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, said Teri Buffin, the village clerk/treasurer. Colon is running under the Village of Lyndonville Party while Goetze chose the Apple Party.

The position up for the election is a two-year term that was most recently held by Terry Stinson. She stepped down from the post in August.

Photos and information from Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club exited their den to hold a winter fundraising event at the Medina Lanes bowling alley on Saturday.

The first ever Snowflake Tournament saw over a dozen four-person teams compete for the coveted “Golden Champions” bowling pin award. Non-bowlers were welcomed as well, as a tailgate buffet of pizza and wings helped them to cheer on their favorite team. The competing teams donned their best Hawaiian apparel as they stayed true to this year’s tournament theme of “Lions Go Hawaiian.”

There was a large display of Bills gear in the crowd as bowlers and non-bowlers alike were in anxious anticipation of the Bills AFC Championship game. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing saw winners take home cash and prizes that included two, one hundred level Buffalo Sabres game tickets.

First, second, and third place awards were handed out as the sponsored team by Mr. Russell Martino bowled their way to the winner’s circle. The Lions awarded the Golden Champions pin to the winning team at the completion of the tournament festivities. Since the Lyndonville Lions are planning for this to be an annual event it will be incumbent for the reigning champions to return next year to defend their title.

Russ Martino sponsored the winning team and they hold the championship trophy, “The Golden Pin.”

The Lions would like to encourage and challenge other local Lions organization to bring teams to next year’s event in an effort to dethrone the champions. The planning committee has yet to confirm the exact date of next year’s tournament but the theme will be “Lions go to Mardi Gras.” Get your beads and hats ready for next year’s event.

Since the Lyndonville Lions have been awakened, they are planning several up-and-coming events. The Lions will be supporting the planned Lyndonville Area Community Easter Egg Hunt that has traditionally been sponsored by the local religious organizations in the Village of Lyndonville.

In early May, the Lions will hold their 4th annual community vision screening and free eyeglass clinic, with the exact date to be made available in the near future. Planning is under way for the 51st annual July Fourth Celebration, which hopes to return numerous marching bands to the parade, top level bands to the “Fire Cracker Concert” series and an evening fireworks display.

The leadership of the Lions, along with the bowling committee members, would like to thank all those who made this first tournament a big success. Committee members were extremely happy at the turnout and results of this fundraising event. They were so pleased that several members dusted off their recipe cards for shrimp creole and gumbo in anticipation of next year’s event.

The Lions would like to wish all a safe end to winter and speedy arrival of spring and the Easter season. May God continue to bless all of us and this great nation we live in.

Dan Dragula, Lyndonville’s Educator of the Year in 2020-21, embraces new role

Dan Dragula

LYNDONVILLE – The school district has a new business administrator who is already well-connected with students and staff.

Dan Dragula, a popular physics and science teacher, was appointed to the business administrator position last week. He had been working as the business administrator intern since July with business official Bart Schuler, who has retired after 2 ½ years with Lyndonville following a long career at Newfane. Schuler has been coming in the office once a week providing guidance for Dragula.

The new business administrator worked 11 ½ years as a Lyndonville teacher and was the district’s Educator of the Year in 2020-’21.

Dragula brought humor and creativity to his class lessons in physics and astronomy. He served as a class advisor, built sets for the school musical, and was a go-to person with sound, electrical, lights and technology. He also has been working in educational technology and integration.

“I love Lyndonville, the students, the community, and the school district,” Dragula said today. “We have amazing staff, faculty, and administration and this is where I wanted to work.”

Dragula said in his new role he can have an impact on the entire district and community. As a teacher he worked with about 100 students directly.

“In my new role, I can support 70 teachers, who impact 100 kids each,” he said. “My direct impact is diminished, but my overall impact is multiplied. By serving the community and the district behind the scenes, I can now serve more students than I could in my previous classroom.”

Dragula enrolled in SUNY Brockport’s School District Business Leader program in 2023. The certification program requires 20 graduate hours in budgeting, accounting, school finances, school law, and data management.

He has earned his initial certification and has 20 more graduate hours and needs to pass two more state tests to earn his permanent certification. He expects to complete have the permanent certification next spring.

Sharon Smith, Lyndonville’s district superintendent, said Dragula has proven to be an asset to the school district, and now is doing it in a different role.

“He’s a great guy,” Smith said. “Kids and parents really respect and love him. He has built great relationships with kids and families.”

He brings a strong work ethic and diligence to the details as school administrator.

“He believes he can help more people,” Smith said about the new role for Dragula. “He has a servant’s heart.”

District will work with Orleans/Niagara BOCES to pick successor

Sharon Smith

LYNDONVILLE – Sharon Smith, the school superintendent for the past three years, announced she will be retiring on Aug. 1.

“It has been my greatest honor to serve as the Lyndonville Central School District Superintendent,” Smith said in a letter to the Board of Education on Jan. 14. “I am proud of the work accomplished together with my administrative team, faculty, staff and the Lyndonville Board of Education.”

Smith’s educational career spans 40 years, with her first 22 years as a teacher and the past 18 as an administrator. Prior to being Lyndonville’s school superintendent, she worked three years for Lyndonville as Director of Instruction and Student Services.

Previously, she worked as Kendall’s elementary principal, a curriculum coordinator for Frontier Schools and assistant principal, CIO and grants coordinator for Newfane schools. Prior to her administrative career, she worked as an elementary teacher for 22 years.

“I am so grateful for all the opportunities afforded me in my 40-year career, but it has been my greatest honor to serve as the Lyndonville Superintendent of Schools,” Smith wrote to the Board of Education.

Smith helped lead the district through a successful vote on a $19.5 million capital project. That was approved on Dec. 14, 2023.

Jerod Thurber, president of the Lyndonville BOE, said praised Smith for her service to the school district.

“We wish her the best in this next chapter of her life,” Thurber said.

The board will work with Dr. Taweepon Farrar, district superintendent of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, in the search for a new district superintendent. This consultation service is provided to the district at no cost, Thurber said.

“A defined timeline will be shared with the community in February,” Thurber said in a letter posted on the district website. “Information about the search and critical updates will be provided to the community regularly.”

He welcomed input from residents and district stakeholders in the selection of the next superintendent.

“The Lyndonville Central School District Board of Education is committed to ensuring our students continue to receive exceptional education and set their path for future success,” Thurber wrote in the letter. “To uphold this commitment, our community must come together and work on finding an outstanding superintendent who will lead our schools into the future with vision, excellence and tiger pride.”

Provided photos: Lyndonville School Board President Jerod Thurber, center, congratulates Hank on completing therapy dog training. Sharon Smith, the district superintendent, is at right and Jason Barnum, the school resource officer, is at left.

Jason Barnum holds Hank soon after the dog became a part of the school community about a year ago in January 2024.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district celebrated a special graduation during the Board of Edcation meeting on Tuesday.

Hank, an English Cream Golden Retriever, has completed therapy dog training. Hank has been in the schools for about a year with his handler, Deputy Jason Barnum of the Orleans County Sheriff’s office. Barnum is also the school resource officer.

“Deputy Barnum and Hank have certainly made a positive impact on the students and staff at the Lyndonville School,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “I appreciate the partnership the Sheriff’s Office has with Lyndonville School District to provide a school resource deputy and Hank.”

Bourke said Hank and Barnum are a “dynamic duo” that make a positive impact in the school community, by fostering trust, safety and emotional support for students and staff.

Hank stays with Barnum and his family when not at school. Hank doesn’t do police work  but is a school therapy dog, supporting the social, emotional and mental health of students.

As part of Hank’s year-long training, school counselors, administrators, and members of faculty and staff also attended trainings to develop programing, supervise Hank in a school setting, and support him. Hank and Barnum received training from the Eye of Oden K9 Training from Kent.

Hank is at Lyndonville through a collaboration between the school, county and Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. The Lyndonville Area Foundation and the Lyndonville Lions Club donated towards materials and supplies for Hank.

LYNDONVILLE – There is one position up for election on the Village Board. The election will be on March 18 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.

Potential candidates can pick up petitions from the village office. Those petitions need at least 27 signatures from registered voters in the village and must be turned in by Feb. 11.

The position up for election is a two-year term. Terry Stinson was in the spot until she stepped down as village trustee in August.