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Molly Simms of Bergen earns dean's list honors at SUNY Canton

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Press Release:

Molly Simms of Bergen, earned a spot on the SUNY Canton Dean's List during the spring 2023 semester. Simms is a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation major.

"The college's deans and I wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to all the SUNY Canton students who have earned a well-deserved place on the Dean's List," said SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke. "Your dedication to academic excellence and your commitment to your studies have propelled you to this prestigious achievement. May this recognition inspire you to reach even greater heights."

Dean's List recognizes full-time students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74.

BCSD receives Utica National school safety excellence award

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Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to announce it is one of at least 165 school districts and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group's "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2023 at the Titanium with Honors level. 

The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Batavia City School District officials received a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives. 

Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels—titanium, platinum, and gold—in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. 

Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys. 

“We’re proud and encouraged to receive this award from Utica National,” said Batavia City School District Superintendent Jason Smith. “The health, safety, and security of our students, faculty, staff, and community is our top priority. We’re consistently evaluating our programs, and this award will certainly go towards our continued efforts.” 

"Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts," explained Brian Saville, Senior Vice President of Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go 'above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count Batavia City School District among them."

For more than 45 years, Utica National Insurance Group has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone. 

Byron-Bergen students help 'lift' community with renewed nature trail

By Press Release
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Students, staff, and faculty enjoyed the trail re-opening day

Press Release:

In the fall of 2022, Byron-Bergen Central School District joined the Lifting Our School Community Challenge through the Genesee Area Healthcare Plan (GAHP) in partnership with Excellus BCBS.

The Lifting Our School Community Challenge is aligned with the internationally recognized initiative “The Lift Project,” created by award-winning educator, researcher, and well-being expert Dr. Darren Morton (PhD, FASLM). The Lift Project was designed to help individuals live a happier life by providing tools and tips to help “lift” your overall wellness.

According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, “Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.”

Through the Lifting Our School Community Challenge, Byron-Bergen School District secured funding to begin a revitalization and maintenance project for the established Nature Trail on the district campus. 

This project includes updated and increased signage created by BB engineering students as well as the newly created Star Trail in the Northeast quadrant of the woods.

Using the provided funds, students in Byron-Bergen High School’s Home Maintenance and Repair class were able to create new trail signage, including a Welcome Area and trail markers throughout the woods.

Byron-Bergen 11th-grade student Brody Baubie acted as team leader with the guidance of teachers Marc Palmer and Jay Wolcott. Brody created scale models and identified the necessary materials and techniques for his designs to take shape.

“This has been a good learning experience for me”, said Brody. “It helped me see and overcome challenges, problem-solving, and finding resources.” Brody is interested in carpentry work and plans to study construction management after graduation. The welcome kiosk he designed includes a roof and a sitting area.

The new trail map signage was geolocated and digitally designed by Buildings & Grounds Manager Roger Caldwell and Technology Teacher Marc Palmer and will be displayed in Brody’s welcome kiosk. Printing of the map signage was donated by Tom Chapell at Visual Impact Graphics in Byron, NY.

Throughout the years, the Byron-Bergen Nature Trail has been maintained by several groups and individuals, both district employees as well as valued members of the Byron-Bergen community. 

In the spirit of paying tribute to all of those who have helped to make the trail what it is today, Byron-Bergen Schools hosted a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony in June.

“A big thank you to Roger Caldwell and the Byron-Bergen Grounds Crews as well as our technology teachers and students for their hard work making the trails fresh and inviting,” said Superintendent Pat McGee. “Thank you also to our team of staff Wellness Champions for their organization and planning of the project.”

The community is invited to enjoy the Nature Trail during daylight hours and dogs are welcome outside of school hours. The trail entrance is located behind the Elementary School and is visible from the road leading back to the softball field and soccer stadium.

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Brody Baubie holds the scale model he created while designing the welcome kiosk
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Jay Wolcott and Brody Baubie test out the welcome kiosk bench

Photos submitted by Gretchen Spittler and Sam Herson

SUNY New Paltz announces dean's list for spring 2023

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Press Release:

SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load. The students are:

  • Macy Midla of Batavia 
  • Lucia Sprague of Le Roy

GCC team members honored with SUNY Chancellor's awards for excellence

By Press Release
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2022-2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Award winners

Press Release:

Six exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus, and the community. The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2022 - 2023 academic year.

Kenneth G. Rainis was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Ken has been a member of GCC's Math/Science faculty since 2015 and has taught a wide variety of courses, including Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Human Nutrition. Ken's over 45-year experience in science education and as a science education author go well beyond the textbook since lessons need to come to life with real-world applications. Ken is a highly experienced individual known for his creativity, adaptability, and connectivity inside and outside the classroom. He is committed to high-quality standards and nurturing student curiosity.

Gary J. Boccaccio was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the Classified Service, a system-level award established by SUNY to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the University's commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Gary has been a member of GCC's classified staff in the position of Custodial Worker since 2005. He is an individual dedicated to his work and possesses an exemplary work ethic. Gary is reliable, takes pride in what he does, and is always willing to go above and beyond what is required of him. Gary finds joy in what he does and is committed to making meaningful contributions to the college. His positive attitude and commitment inspire others.

Karyn S. Bryson received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, which recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.

Karyn has been a member of GCC's Paralegal faculty since 2008. She has provided outstanding service both in and out of the classroom and truly is committed to the entire college community and learning environment. In addition to her excellence in the classroom, she has made significant contributions to the college through her service. A few examples include her instituting a chapter of the National Honor Society for paralegal students, implementing a HyFlex modality for the delivery of her instruction, reorganizing the Student Paralegal Association, and serving as a leader for the Genesee Educational Association.

Kristen L. Hargrave was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.

Kristen has been a member of GCC's Records Office since 2015, where she began as a Transfer Coordinator and was then promoted to Assistant Registrar. She is an individual dedicated to mastering her role and accomplishing a great deal of work beyond the outline of her position description. A few samples of her work include redesigning the college's transfer services web page, supporting student completion by maintaining and continuously improving the Degree Works system, creating shared resources to assist in campus-wide collaboration and advisement of students, and serving as the college's Curriculum Secretary and Genesee Educational Association Secretary.

Maureen "Moi" E. Dugan was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, which supports the pursuits foundational to sustaining the intellectual growth of SUNY institutions by recognizing consistently outstanding scholarly and creative productivity, conducted in addition to teaching by SUNY's instructional faculty.

Moi has been a member of GCC since 2006. Some of her career highlights include integrating art with the campus and community through an annual pottery fundraiser for the college's food pantry and implementing a summer studio fine arts camp for youth. She participated in the development of the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, working with the Gallery Advisory Board and architects in the evolution of the gallery design and vision. Beyond the classroom, she donates a significant amount of time to various organizations, exhibits her pottery nationally, and engages in regular professional development to learn new techniques that she can engage her students with.

Daniel E. Snyder was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate, or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Dan has been a member of GCC since 2007 and a full-time faculty member since 2019. His approach to teaching is customized, effective, and empowering. Dan understands the importance of connecting to each student and adapting to the various classroom atmospheres he encounters. He has an engaging personality that students find intriguing, does not get intimidated easily, and adapts to any learning environment.

President of Genesee Community College, Dr. James Sunser, said, "We are incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals who have received the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. Kenneth Rainis, Gary Boccaccio, Karyn Bryson, Kristen Hargrave, Maureen Dugan, and Daniel Snyder have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions to their respective fields, our campus, and the community. Their commitment to excellence and dedication have had a profound impact on our students and the overall educational experience at Genesee Community College."

Photo courtesy of Genesee Community College

Local student makes dean's honor list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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Press Release:

Ryan Sage of Basom, who is studying Civil Engineering, has made the Dean's Honor List for the Spring 2023 semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.

Rensselaer's Dean's Honor List is compiled at the end of each semester to recognize undergraduate students who have completed 12 or more credit hours with a 3.5-grade point average or better for that term. During the course of almost two centuries, Rensselaer has built a reputation for providing an education of undisputed intellectual rigor based on educational innovation in the laboratory, classroom, and studio.

Elijah Stringham joins Stonehill college chapel choir

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Press Release:

Elijah Stringham of East Bethany, NY, recently traveled to Italy as part of a pilgrimage sponsored by the Stonehill College Chapel Choir.

While abroad, the choir shared their musical talents with parishioners at St. Peter's Basilica, considered one of the holiest sites in the world. They also performed at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome. Before returning to the United States, the students represented the College at a Papal Audience, joining thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to see Pope Francis.

Attorney with Genesee County honored at Lamplighters luncheon

By Press Release
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First row (L to R): Antonia Gillison, Paula A. Campbell, Esq., Mary Jane Nevins, Esq. Second row (L to R): Michelle Parker, Esq., Ayoka Tucker, Esq., Jamie Summers. Third row (L to R): Lee Ann Lazarony, Kelley Buckley Fourth row (L to R): Hon. Laura Wagner, Colleen Gibbons, Jennifer Wilkinson, Esq.

Press Release:

On June 7, the NYS Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts – eighth Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee recognized 11 outstanding women in the law at its Biennial Lamplighters Luncheon held at the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo. Honorees included Kelly A. Buckley, Paula A. Campbell, Esq., Colleen Gibbons, Antonia Gillison, Lee Ann Lazarony, Mary Jane Nevins, Esq. Michelle Parker, Esq. Jamie Summers, Ayoka Tucker, Esq., Hon. Laura Wagner, Jennifer Wilkinson, Esq. and Helen Z.M. Rodgers (posthumously). 

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The honorees above are photographed with: Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders; Sgt. Angie Davis-Leveritte; Hon. Kevin M. Carter, Administrative Judge, 8th Judicial District, Kristy Holland, Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden, and Hon. Betty Calvo-Torres

 Photos submitted by Tasha Moore

Local students graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

By Press Release

Press Release:

On May 20, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) awarded a total of 1,988 degrees - 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master's degrees, and 1,446 bachelor's degrees - to 1,957 students, some of whom earned multiple degrees.

The following local students earned degrees:

  • Sophia Jermy, of Le Roy, graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering
  • Summer Jeschke-Dean, of Alexander, graduated with a BS in Chemistry

Ellie Dambra of Le Roy named to James Madison University dean's list

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Press Release:

Le Roy resident, Ellie Dambra, has been named to the Dean's List at James Madison University for the spring 2023 semester. Students who earn dean's list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Dambra is majoring in Public Administration - BS.

East Bethany student named to spring 2023 PennWest dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

Congratulations to Charles Urbanczyk of East Bethany on being named to Pennsylvania Western University Dean's List for the 2023 spring semester.

Over 3,500 Pennsylvania Western University students earned placement on the Dean's List. Degree-seeking undergraduate students who achieve high academic standards are identified in accordance with the following criteria:

  • The student must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.40.
  • The student must earn a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester, not including credits by proficiency examinations, incomplete grades, temporary grades (e.g., Not Reported), or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.

Urbanczyk currently studies at PennWest's Edinboro Campus.

Batavia Rotary announces 2023 scholarship recipients

By Press Release
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2023 Rotary Scholarship recipients. From left to right: Hannah Spencer GVEP LeRoy HS; Courtney Daniel, Notre Dame HS and Lauren Reimer, Batavia HS

Press Release:

The Rotary Club of Batavia has awarded college scholarships of up to $6,000 to each of the three local students. This year's Rotary Scholarships were awarded to: Hannah Spencer, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP), LeRoy; Courtney Daniel, Notre Dame High School and Lauren Reimer, of Batavia High School. 25 applications were received for 2023 rewards, according to Andrea Aldinger, co-chairperson of the Rotary Scholarship Committee.

“Narrowing the selection down to three was close to impossible,” Aldinger said, “after all the interviews, it still was unclear as these students were so incredibly talented.” She noted that many of the students had already achieved their Associate's Degree before graduating high school.

The Rotary Scholarship program began more than 40 years ago. Each year one student is selected from Notre Dame HS, Batavia HS, and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, formerly known as BOCES. Rotary awards each student $1,500 per year for four consecutive years as long as the student maintains a GPA of at least 3.0.

Committee Co-chair Mike Hodgins said at any one time, as many as 12 students are receiving annual awards totaling $18,000. The program is funded by various Rotary events throughout the year. The scholarships were awarded during a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Batavia. The students and their parents were invited to attend. 

Hannah Spencer, who attends LeRoy HS, told Rotarians that she studied with the Justice Academy at GVEP. She plans to pursue a Nursing Degree at GCC and transfer to another school for a Bachelor’s degree.

Scholarship winner Lauren Reimer of Batavia High School said she plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Albany. She earned an unweighted cumulative high school average of 99.65%. Lauren will graduate high school with honors and has already earned an Associate’s Degree from GCC.

Courtney Daniels, Notre Dame’s awardee, is set to study Political Science at Fordham University. She was a member of the National Honor Society and attended The NY Governor’s Youth Council as a representative for Wyoming County. Her ultimate goal is to become a New York State senator.

Two previous winners attended this year's ceremony to update the club on how they were able to use their Rotary Scholarships. Carissa Kesler used her scholarship to buy a laptop computer in 2019 when the COVID pandemic hit.  She said it was her pipeline for remote learning at GCC and later at SUNY Brockport. “With the help of Rotary, I graduated with no student debt,” Carissa said.

Taylor Sanders attended Niagara University and is now pursuing her medical degree at LECOM in Bradenton, Florida.

Photos submitted by Dan Fischer

 

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From left to right: Carissa Kesler, Hannah Spencer, Courtney Daniel, Lauren Reimer and Taylor Sanders

Students named to Clarkson University dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

Students have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester at Clarkson University

  • Lucy Coniber of Corfu
  • Colin Graham of Oakfield
  • Brooke Jarkiewicz of Byron
  • Colby Leggo of Bergen
  • Cooper Mattice of Batavia

Dean's List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

Elijah Stringham named to spring 2023 dean's list at Stonehill college

By Press Release

Press Release:

Elijah Stringham of East Bethany, a member of the Class of 2025, has been named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List at Stonehill College. 

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have successfully completed all courses for which they were registered.

2023 STEM grads earn GCC degree alongside high school diploma

By Press Release
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Press Release:

On May 20 Genesee Community College celebrated its 55th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 13 students from area high schools and home schools deserving special mention. 

They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Twelve of these graduates participated in the fifth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jadyn Brummert (Oakfield), Jacob Debadts (Warsaw), Lydia Evans (Batavia), Megan Fialkowski (Attica), Grace Gregoire (home school), Abigail Lamphier (home school), Aidan McClurg (Elba), Emma McLaughlin (Perry), Sofia Oltramari (Buffalo Seminary), Lauren Reimer (Batavia), Zoey Shepard (Byron-Bergen) and Andrea Straub (Notre Dame). Audrey Pask (Albion) did not take part in the STEM Enrichment Program but did earn a GCC degree alongside her high school diploma.

The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college-level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

"We are extremely proud of these 12 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements through our STEM Enrichment Program. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.

Genesee Community College's 55th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Benjamin Bonarigo Sr., Esq., Genesee Community College Trustee Emeritus. To view the ceremony, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.

Photo of graduates courtesy of GCC

New York Army National Guard announces promotions

By Press Release

Press Release:

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

  • Zachary Albright from Elba, and assigned to the Company D, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on March 8, to the rank of private 1st class.
  • Beth Britton from East Bethany, and assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment (Medical Evacuation), received a promotion on March 15, to the rank of sergeant 1st class.
  • Thomas Dalberth from Le Roy, and assigned to the 153rd Troop Command, received a promotion on January 31, to the rank of sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential.

These promotions recognize the best-qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Eva Marie Janofsky earns master's degree from Lee University

By Press Release

Press Release:

Eva Marie Janofsky of Batavia graduated with a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Lee University during the 187th commencement exercises on May 6. Janofsky was among more than 560 students who received undergraduate and graduate diplomas. Congratulations on this academic milestone!

Ryann Stefaniak earns bachelor's degree from Nazareth college

By Press Release

Press Release: 

Ryann Stefaniak of Batavia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Nazareth College with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a minor in Anthropology during the 96th Commencement ceremony on campus at the Golisano Training Center on Saturday, May 13.

Wilkes University announce Le Roy graduate Morgan Sullivan

By Press Release

Press Release:

Morgan Sullivan of Leroy, received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nursing from Wilkes University. The degree was one of over 650 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at its 76th spring commencement ceremonies on May 20 in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, 169 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. 

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