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Announcements

Castle named to the spring 2023 president's list at HVCC

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Natalie Castle, of Basom, was named to the Spring 2023 President's List at Hudson Valley Community College. Castle is studying in the Individual Studies academic program.

Each fall and spring term, the college's President's List names those full-time students and part-time students registered for at least six college credits who have a term average of between 3.5 and 4.0 and who received no grade of "D," "F," "I," "Z," or "W" on their record for that term. Students must have completed at least 12 college credits successfully.

Morasco honored for over a decade of service

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Pictured: (left to right) Captain Rachel Moore, Michael Morasco, Kathryn Moore, and Captain Bradley Moore
Photo submitted by Todd Rapp.

Press Release:

Michael Morasco was presented with a plaque honoring him for 13 years of service to The Salvation Army in Batavia as a Social Services Caseworker. Mike came to The Salvation Army after retiring from a career at DSS. “Mike was a valuable asset and will be missed” stated Operations Manager Todd Rapp.

HLOM announces Garth Swanson Memorial scholarship recipient

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The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the winner of the Inaugural Garth Swanson Memorial Scholarship. 

Dawson Young of Batavia has been selected as the recipient of our $500 scholarship in memory of Garth Swanson, a former board member of the museum and beloved professor at Genesee Community College.

Dawson Young is a 2023 graduate of Batavia High School. Dawson was a member of the Link Crew, Model UN Club, National Art Honor Society, and CloseUp while in High School. He also has volunteered with Care-A-Van Ministries and City Church. Dawson also worked through the Summer Youth Employment Program at Genesee Regional Arts Council (GoART!) and at the museum. 

Dawson will be attending GCC in the Fall to study History Education. There will be a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Samuel Zerillo of Le Roy named to spring 2023 dean's list at John Carroll University

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Samuel Zerillo of Le Roy has been named to the Dean's List at John Carroll University for the Spring 2023 semester.

Students eligible for the Dean's List must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours within one semester and have a quality grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Rachael Herold achieves spring 2023 dean's list at SUNY Delhi

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SUNY Delhi is proud to recognize Rachael Herold of Pavilion for being named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester.

Herold is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Nursing. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher for the semester.

Katrina Guile graduates from SUNY Delhi

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Katrina Guile of Pavilion graduated from SUNY Delhi in May 2023 with an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Science Technology.

Over 800 students graduated from SUNY Delhi in the Spring of 2023. Commencement was held Saturday, May 13, with certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees conferred upon the classes of Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.

Three students graduate from Clarkson University

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Students from Clarkson University were awarded bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees this spring on May 13.

Evan Dusky of Basom received a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, and Marketing Minor.

Matthew Grover of Batavia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Colin Graham of Oakfield received a Bachelor of Science degree with great distinction in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics minor.

Raven Quackenbush of Darien Center earns degree from UMGC

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Raven Alexis Quackenbush of Darien Center, earned a(n) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2023. 

Quackenbush was one of nearly 3,400 students who earned degrees from UMGC in the spring semester. Graduates came from all 50 states, four U.S. territories, and 22 countries. The average age of a UMGC graduate in the spring class of 2023 is 35 years old.

Alayna Streeter named to Hartwick college's spring 2023 dean's list

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Alayna Streeter of Le Roy was named to Hartwick College's Spring 2023 Dean's List. Streeter, who is pursuing a major in Nursing, was among close to 350 students named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List.

To be included on the Dean's List is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the term.

Napoleone Foundation and fireworks to highlight July 3 Muckdogs game

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The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Night will be held at the Batavia Muckdogs game on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. It will be an evening of friends, family, fun, and fireworks while we raise awareness about the Foundation and its mission. We will have raffles, 50/50, and activities for the kids. We invite the community to come celebrate with us and share in the fun.

We will be sharing our love of red, white, and blue for our country and purple as the color of the Napoleone Foundation. See you at the ballpark!

For more information on the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit https://michaelshope.org/.

Byron-Bergen graduates take the next step

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Class of 2023 graduation ceremony

Press Release:

On Friday, June 23, the Byron-Bergen Class of 2023 crossed the stage at Roberts Wesleyan’s Hale Auditorium and into the next chapter of their lives. Amidst the cheers of their friends and families, the graduates were recognized for their years of hard work and welcomed to the ranks of proud Byron-Bergen alumni. Although the graduates were not promised an easy ride, the mantra that echoed through the auditorium was “perseverance”.

A traditional rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, performed by the Byron-Bergen High School Concert Band under the direction of High School Music Teacher Kevin Bleiler, provided the ambiance for the practical but optimistic ceremony. Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo welcomed family, friends, and faculty present at the ceremony.

“You are a big part of the success we celebrate today,” said Grillo. Grillo enumerated some of the many accomplishments to which the seniors contributed including varsity athletic championships, the show-stopping spring musical “Hairspray”, and notable achievements for academic teams and clubs. Grillo then encouraged the graduates to take risks and never stop striving for their goals. “Move on to what is next. Choose your adventure. Don't be afraid to fail.”

Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee took to the stage with a personal message for each student. “I have known you for four years as principal and two years as superintendent,” said McGee. “I will miss your honest feedback, side conversations, and informal hallway check-ins. You will be missed.”

He then recited a poem by American author Shel Silverstein:

Listen to the Mustn’ts, listen to Don’t.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child,
Anything can be.

This sentiment was reinforced by Salutatorian Zoey Shepard. “I didn’t want to talk about COVID today,” said Shepard. “We are collectively a pretty challenging class, but the pandemic made us stronger.” She went on to tell her classmates to make sure they are happy and to work hard, have fun, and always stand tall. 

The graduating members of the Singing Silhouettes, under the direction of High School Music Teacher Joseph Paris, performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel. The arrangement featured a series of short duets allowing each member to shine. “But you know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old,” sang the young musicians, with the dedication of those ready to work for their goals. 

Then, invoking the iconic lyrics of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, Valedictorian Kendall Phillips said, “Everyone is unique. Everyone has their quirks. ‘Haters gonna hate’ but we have a wonderful support system back home.” 

“Being kind is so important,” said Phillips. “It’s such a simple thing, but a powerful thing. It can change the course of someone's day or even life.”

The diplomas were conferred by Board of Education President Debra List and the Class of 2023 tossed their mortarboards into the air. The collective congregation rallied around the graduates and, for that moment, blocked out the Mustn’t and the Don’t, the Impossibles and Won’ts. 

The graduates move on from high school knowing that they have weathered personal and global challenges and they are ready for what comes next. Haters gonna hate, but anything can happen. Anything can be.

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Mortarboard toss
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Grad is awarded a scholarship
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Grad shakes Superintendent’s hand
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Grad shakes BOE President Deb List’s hand
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Grads after moving their tassels

 

Photos submitted by Gretchen Spittler

23 students named RIT dean's list

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The following students were named to the Dean's List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed at least 12 credit hours.

Jake Humes of Batavia, who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Tori Russell of Pavilion, who is in the biotechnology and molecular bioscience program.

Jake Long of Batavia, who is in the civil engineering technology program.

Lexi Begin of Corfu, who is in the communication program.

Zach Wagner of Batavia, who is in the computer engineering program.

Tanner Richardson of Batavia, who is in the electrical engineering program.

Emily Eckdahl of Stafford, who is in the environmental sustainability, health and safety program.

Megan Johnson of Oakfield, who is in the finance program.

Megan Conibear of Corfu, who is in the global business management program.

Amelia Beckman of Batavia, who is in the illustration program.

Xishun Miller-Williams of Batavia, who is in the industrial engineering program.

Sophia Zwolinski of Corfu, who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Austin Hunt of Batavia, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Timothy Bessel of Le Roy, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Ella Llewellyn of Batavia, who is in the medical illustration program.

Fanny Venegas of Elba, who is in the photographic and imaging arts program.

Megan Watson of Le Roy, who is in the photographic sciences program.

Madison Maniace of Pavilion, who is in the physician assistant program.

Maddi Howard of Elba, who is in the psychology program.

Cambria Kinkelaar of Bergen, who is in the public policy program.

Robert Lin of Batavia, who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.

Isaac Ladley of Byron, who is in the supply chain management program.

Chase Roth of Alexander, who is in the web and mobile computing program.

Five Genesee Region ladies make all-state softball teams

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The 2023 NYS All-State Softball teams were released earlier this week. Batavia Notre Dame was the only Genesee Region team with two selections. The players that were selected were:

  • Loretta Sorochty from Batavia Notre Dame - Pitcher - Class D 1st team

  • Katie Landers from Batavia Notre Dame - SS - Class D 3rd team (this is Katie's second time making the team, 2021 Class D 2nd team)

  • Kendall Phillips from Byron Bergen - Pitcher - Class C 2nd team

  • Caitlin Ryan from Oakfield Alabama - SS/P - Class C 4th team

  • Lorelei Dillenbeck from Lyndonville - SS - Class D 4th team

GLOW offers chance to win a composting machine

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The GLOW Region Solid Waste Committee is pleased to offer the opportunity to win a composting machine and composting packet. Residents from Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate. 

Contact the GLOW office (glow@co.genesee.ny.us) for your opportunity to win! Participants will receive a questionnaire, to be completed based on GLOW’s composting demonstration site at the Genesee County Parks Interpretative Nature Center. 

The winner will be notified directly by the GLOW office. Please contact GLOW with any questions or concerns: glow@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-815-7906. 

“Everyone should compost! Composting allows for the conservation of water, healthier soil, and the reduction of waste in our landfills and waterways.”- Amanda Lee, Recycling Administrator. This program is made possible by the county's funding and DEC grants.

Elmira college students complete Soaring Higher leadership program

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Megan Fuchs of Le Roy, was among nine students to be recognized at the Soaring Higher Leadership Award Ceremony at Elmira College.

The students made up the second cohort to complete the leadership program since it launched in the fall of 2022. Students apply and are selected to attend the program facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students, Larry Parker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Ytzel Flores Cristiansen, Assistant Dean of Students. 

The content for the program is based on the book, "The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices For Becoming an Exemplary Leader" by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.

Throughout the 10-week program, students participated in individual and group activities that uncovered insights into their strengths and weaknesses. 

They learned to use their self-knowledge, such as identifying their values, to make better choices. Every other week, they listened to a new guest speaker about what they've learned as leaders.

Just prior to the Awards Ceremony, the Soaring Leaders presented multi-year plans they hope to achieve. The presentations provided the students an opportunity to practice their newly learned skills and take their first steps as leaders. 

Soaring Higher Leadership Awardees:

  • Linda Avery '25
  • Sophia Compeau '25
  • Megan Fuchs '26
  • Madison Morton '24
  • Olivia Nittinger '26
  • Nathan Romano '25
  • Lillian Sensinger '26
  • Gabriella Swift '26
  • Miranda Waterman '25

SUNY Potsdam names area students to president's list

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The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 716 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Spring 2023 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Suzanne Smith.

To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The students included:

  • Lydia Geiger of Batavia, whose major is Musical Studies.
  • Erin Parnapy of Byron, whose major is Theatre.
  • Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, whose major is Psychology.
  • Megan Privatera of Le Roy, whose major is Music Education.

Boy Scout troop 6650 ends year with a canoe convoy

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Troop 6650 paddling on Glenwood Lake, Medina

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Boy Scout Troop 6650 trailered canoes and kayaks to Glenwood Lake in Medina on June 11. Boy Scout leader Jeremy Green, a certified canoe expedition guide, led the group after discussing water safety & first aid, canoe handling, and confirming that strict BSA guidelines were met for all equipment and PFD's.

Fourteen Scouts and leaders paddled their way from the lake's boat launch to the falls and back again. It was the perfect day to wrap up another year of Scouting.

Troop 6650 begins the new Scout season this Fall at the Alexander Fireman's Rec Hall on Route 98 at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12. Anyone wanting more information about the Scouting program can contact the Western NY Scout Council at (716) 891-4073.

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Byron-Bergen HS teacher receives recognition from BEA

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2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple award recipient Jay Wolcott

Byron-Bergen Teacher Jay Wolcott received the 2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple Award On Friday, May 5 at the Terry Hills Country Club. Award recipients are chosen by the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Board of Directors.

“Mr. Wolcott’s years of hard work and dedication to promoting technology and industry with students and involvement in the GV BOCES Tech Teacher Cohort Group and GLOW Tech Wars makes him the perfect recipient of this honor,” said Genesee County Business/Education Alliance Director Karyn Winters.

Wolcott has taught Technology at Byron-Bergen for 21 years. In addition to teaching technology, he is the Steppin' Up Club and Technology Club advisor.

“Jay is an incredible educator and role model for our students,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “He is also a valuable mentor for other teachers, and it is my privilege to call him a friend and colleague. Congratulations, Jay.”

“I was very honored to be recognized for the work I do for my students and for fellow Technology teachers in the region,” said Wolcott. “I feel it is so important that students see the many opportunities for careers in our area. Karyn Winters at BEA is a great asset for any teacher to help gain access to local companies. Best of all, my wife, daughter, son, and grandson were present at the ceremony to hear the humble introduction speech by Karyn.”

Photo submitted by Gretchen Spittler

SUNY Canton Announces Part-Time Honors for Spring 2023

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Area students have earned Part-Time Honors at SUNY Canton during the spring 2023 semester.

"Your commitment to balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing your education is truly admirable," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "By earning Part-Time Honors, you have demonstrated exceptional determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. You have shown that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. Keep up the remarkable work, and may your academic journey continue to inspire others."

The college created this award to recognize students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in 6 to 11 credit hours of coursework. It stands alongside the college's Dean's and President's lists as one of the top awards for academic success during a single semester. A complete list of all honor students runs on www.canton.edu.

The Part-Time Honors list includes:

  • Dawn Hunter, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major from Batavia.
  • Tonya D. Dioguardi, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Le Roy.

SUNY Canton announces spring 2023 president's list

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SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran recognizes students for earning a spot on the spring 2023 President's List.

"Congratulations to all the exceptional SUNY Canton students who have earned a well-deserved spot on the President's List for the Spring 2023 Semester," Szafran said. "Your remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication, perseverance and outstanding academic abilities. I take immense pride in witnessing your success and seeing you excel in such a highly competitive academic environment. I hope this accomplishment serves as a stepping stone towards even greater achievements in your future endeavors."

To earn a spot on the President's List, full-time students must earn a 3.75 or greater GPA during a single semester. A complete list of all honor students runs on www.canton.edu.

  • Katharine N. Smallwood, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Corfu.
  • Zechariah Gowanlock, a SUNY Canton Emergency Management major from East Bethany.

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