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Batavia High School

Wrestling: Attica-Batavia defeats Canandaigua on Senior Night 43-36

By Steve Ognibene

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The Attica/Batavia Varsity Wrestling Team defeated Canandaigua last evening 43-36 on Senior Night at Batavia High School.

Attica/Batavia jumped ahead 29-0 to start the evening. Canandaigua battled back later to take the lead by one point 36-35. Batavia closed the gap on a win at the end by Gabe Yonkin (pictured above). The team lost a point in the 99-point class by a strap down on the mat.

Individual wins were, pins by Wyatt and Travis Kauffman, Zeshan Armstrong, Josh Barber and Gabe Yonkin. 

Casper Stewart received a forfeit at 113 pounds. Owen Strzelec won by decision. Overall it was a very tough match. 

To view or purchase photos click here.

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Make a Difference Day is next Wednesday for BHS seniors and the community benefits from it

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Make a Difference Day for all Batavia High School seniors will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

They will participate in the annual Make a Difference Day community service project in various nonprofit agencies throughout the community. 

Participating agencies include: All Babies Cherished, Arc of Genesee Orleans Rainbow Preschool, Batavia Agri-Business Child Development, Batavia Housing Authority, Batavia Peace Garden, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Crossroads House, Genesee County Parks, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Habitat for Humanity, Holland Land Office Museum, NYS Veterans’ Home, Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, United Memorial Medical Center, VA WNY Healthcare System of Batavia, YMCA, YWCA Children’s Center, and YWCA of Genesee County.

Batavia City Schools is dedicated to helping their over 140 seniors learn and develop the importance of giving back to their own community while helping to foster civic responsibility. This is an integral part of their Batavia High School academic curriculum, and is a component of their graduation requirements.

Palmer named 'Outstanding Artist of the Year' at Batavia High; six inducted into NAHS

By Mike Pettinella

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Mandi Antonucci, art teacher and advisor of the National Art Honor Society chapter at Batavia High School, presents Will Palmer with a unique plaque upon his recognition as Outstanding Artist of the Year during a ceremony Tuesday at the school library.

Palmer, who specializes in pencil and pen drawings, will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall to major in Industrial Design.

Six students were inducted into the NAHS – Maggie Anderson, Amelia Beckman, Samantha Davis, Bella Houseknecht, Emma Riley and Lilly Scafetta. Works of the school's finest art students are on display in the library.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

BHS honor student named Delegate of Congress of Future Medical Leaders next month in Massachusetts

By Billie Owens

Photo of Tate Fonda with her parents, Tina and Dwayne Fonda Sr.

Submitted photo and press release:

BATAVIA -- Tate Fonda, a sophomore at Batavia High School, will be a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, Mass., June 23-25.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields.

The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Tate's nomination letter was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. Tate will represent Batavia High School based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Tate will join students from across the country and hear Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, founder, National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Tate Fonda are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.”

The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to be physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy offers are: online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance, and much more.

The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was founded on the belief that we must identify prospective medical talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of this vital career.

Based in Washington, D.C., and with offices in Boston, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address the need for more physicians and medical scientists by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity in these careers.

For more information visit www.FutureDocs.com or call 617-307-7425.

Terelle Spinks wins seventh annual Mr. Batavia contest at BHS

By Steve Ognibene

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The seventh annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,100 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than 80 young men have participated. Each one picks a charity in case they win; but only the top three contestants each year get money for their charities of choice.

Each contestant performs their best in different categories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Griffin DellaPenna was second runner-up and he raised funds for the Michael Napoleon Foundation.

“I was happy to be a part of Mr. Batavia and help carry on Michael’s legacy to support the foundation," Griffin said. "I would like to thank the judges, coaches, his parents, sister Allison, other contestants and amazing audience for a day he will never forget, including the fondest high school memory.“

Sam Rigerman was first runner-up. His charity was Habitat for Humanity.

“Being (first) runner-up for Mr Batavia 2019 is truly an honor, especially to be placed among all the amazing and wonderful talent that was the other contestants this year," Sam said. "Huge congratulations to Griffin and Terelle for placing and to all the other contestants for all their hard work!

"It was truly amazing to be able to work with everyone and this experience will always stay with me and live on as one of the best memories of my high school career. This experience was the greatest I could have ever asked for during my senior year and I love everyone so much for this wonderful time. Thank you all so much!”

Volunteers For Animals will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Terelle Spinks.

“What I liked most about Mr. Batavia was the group dance and all the practices with the other 10 contestants," Terelle said. "And it feels great to win -- I didn’t expect it -- one of the best feelings in my life.”

Batavia High School Cheerleading Coach Stacy Squires said "I am so proud of Terelle. I actually told him last year that he should do Mr. Batavia because I knew he could win. He has the most outgoing and confident personality. Everyone who meets him loves him. He deserved it and I'm overwhelmed with pride!"

During the question-and-answer interview John Bruggman wished they could all give money to their charities, but if he had to say why he should win: Who else could do a two-minute picture of Bob Ross*?

Other contestantants were Harley Radley, Will Palmer, Taiyo Iburi-Bethel, Cameron Austin, AT Thatcher, Kris Kuszlyk, Alec Frongetta and John Bruggman.

Local Judges new this year were: Zach Korzelius, Batavia City School District BOE; Shelly Dale-Hall, GCASA; Jeff McKinney, Batavia City School District IT coordinator; and Vic and Brenda Marchese, owners of Main St. Pizza.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses, Main St. Pizza Co. gave one free pizza a week for a year. Many additional sponsors and staff also contributed to this yearly event.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

*(Bob Ross was a bushy-haired American painter, art instructor and TV host who created the PBS show "The Joy of Painting"; his legacy lives on in today's pop culture.)

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'Music in Our Schools' -- free, public concert is March 26 at BHS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Music in Our Schools Month" will be celebrated this year by the Batavia High School Music Department’s annual Music In Our Schools Concert. It will be held in the High School (260 State St.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26th and will feature music from every school and grade level in the district.

It is free and open to the public.

Emily Caccamise, a graduating senior, has performed in this concert for many years.

“I think the concerts are fantastic!" Emily said. "I love performing for my school and my district, but I especially think it is important that younger kids get to see what is possible.

"They watch the older kids play and, if they stick with it, they will grow and get better with practice.”

Freya Mellander and Lily Burke are both Middle School students who will be performing that night.

Lily said, “It’s really fun when you’re a younger kid and you get to play for and alongside the older kids! It’s great to see where you’re headed and exciting to see what you’ll do and grow into!”

Freya added, “One favorite memory was when I saw Mary Murphy (a senior) as a singer. I’ve only known her from Winter Guard, so it’s fun to see kids that you know perform on their instruments when you usually don’t hear them in that way!”

Jane Haggett is a strong advocate for the music program at Batavia. As department head, she strives to find many ways for music to enrich the community. She points out that the National Association for Music Education -- AKA NAfME, states “All Music All People,” that everyone is affected by music not just during the month of March.

Stefaniak erupts for 35 as Batavia rolls past Livonia in Class B1 sectional action

By Mike Pettinella

Senior point guard Ryann Stefaniak, playing in the final home game of her stellar career at Batavia High School, came out shooting tonight and she didn’t stop until she scored 35 points – including eight three-point baskets – in her Lady Devils’ 78-43 victory over Livonia in a Section 5 Class B1 girls’ basketball second-round contest.

“I knew it was my last home game and I came out with so much energy,” Stefaniak said. “I worked with my shooting coach, Billy Truitt, before the game and I felt like I was going to be on.”

She certainly was “on” – scoring nine points in the first quarter with a pair of three-pointers and exploding for 14 points in the second quarter as top-seeded Batavia turned an 18-12 advantage into a 44-22 halftime lead.

Stefaniak had four three-point baskets in the closing three minutes of the half to help Batavia, now 18-2, blow the game open. She added two more three-pointers in the third quarter as the Lady Devils maintained their 22-point cushion.

Sophomore point guard Mackenzie Reigle put forth another fine all-around effort, scoring 13 points on a variety of drives and spin moves while coming up with six steals. Sophomore guard Bryn Wormley sank a trio of three-point shots and finished with 10 points.

Junior forward Emma Krolczyk added seven points and senior guard Jenae Colkey had four. Senior center Meghan Houseknecht and sophomore guard Tess Barone scored two apiece.

For eighth-seeded Livonia, 13-8, junior forward Sydney Lockwood tallied 21 points – eight in the final quarter as the teams traded baskets. Junior forward Vanessa Galbraith had nine and junior guard Sara Shellenbarger added seven.

Batavia Coach Marty Hein stated that he was impressed with his team’s offensive prowess, but said his defense need to tighten things up.

“The defense wasn’t as sound as I wanted it to be,” he said. “We allowed too many open shots and drives, especially against number 12 (Lockwood). And we had three girls in foul trouble (Krolczyk, Reigle and Stefaniak).”

Still, top-seeded Batavia moves on to the next round where it will face No. 4 Palmyra-Macedon in the second game of a doubleheader Monday night at Caledonia-Mumford.

Pal-Mac, 15-5, defeated visiting Notre Dame of Batavia, 50-43, tonight.

The first game of Monday’s twin bill has No. 2 Midlakes facing No. 3 Greece Odyssey, with a 6 p.m. starting time.

The BHS vs. Pal-Mac game is expected to tip off around 7:45.

BHS seniors made a difference in the community Wednesday by helping others

By Billie Owens

Above photo: Taiyo Iburi-Bethel working at the Habitat for Humanity job site on East Main Street in Batavia.

Submitted photos and press release:

Batavia High School seniors participated Wednesday in the annual Make a Difference Day. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., various community service projects were carried out in nonprofits throughout the community.

Benefitting agencies included: All Babies Cherished, Arc of Genesee Orleans, Batavia Agri-Business Child Development, Batavia Housing Authority, Batavia Peace Garden, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Crossroads House, Genesee County Parks, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Habitat for Humanity, Holland Land Office Museum, NYS Veterans’ Home, Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, United Memorial Medical Center, VA WNY Healthcare System of Batavia, YMCA, YWCA Children’s Center, and the YWCA of Genesee County.

Batavia City Schools is dedicated to helping their seniors, more than 140 of them, learn and develop the importance of giving back to their own community while helping to foster civic responsibility.

This is an integral part of their Batavia High School academic curriculum, and is a component of their graduation requirements.

Above photo: Kate Folger is busy at the Habitat for Humanity job site on East Main Street.

Above photo: Elise Hoerbelt weeding at Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Photo above: Alex Christensen making decorations for a Halloween party.

Above photo from left: Felicity Anderson, Karissa Kesler, Shay Kilner and Tracy Lin at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation setting up for games with residents.

Above photo from left: Jocelyn Castaneda, Elizabeth Cohen and Nia Ross helping out at the YMCA Preschool.

Above photo from left: Amanda Jackson, Hannah Finkney, Garrett Harloff, Damien Sprague, Tom Ognibene, Anthony McMaster and Cristina Kolberg helped with yard work at the VA Medical Center.

Schedule of events at Van Detta Stadium tonight

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Tonight at Van Detta Stadium, Batavia will play Attica in the last football game before construction starts next week on the new stadium. 

List of scheduled events:

  • 7 p.m. -- Football senior players will be recognized.
  • At halftime, Homecoming winners will be announced.
  • The Batavia High School Varsity cheerleaders will perform.
  • The pep band will play to lead alumni on the field.
  • Announcer Paul Spiotta will read a speech from the school district.

Photos: BHS students painted parking spaces

By Steve Ognibene

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Some Batavia High School seniors have completed the design and painting of their parking spaces. Here are a few photos to share before the official full day of school starting next Thursday, Sept. 6th.

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Car wash at Empire Tractor, Batavia

By Steve Ognibene

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Some member of the Batavia cross-country team are looking for vehicles to wash for their fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 .pm., today at Empire Tractor 5072 E. Main St. Road, Batavia.

Proceeds will help support the team's New York City trip.

Summer Regents test-prep classes offered at BHS

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
To help Batavia City School District students prepare for the August Regents exams, Batavia High School (BHS) will offer summer review classes in the following subjects:
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Global History
  • Living Environment
  • Earth Science
  • English Language Arts
  • Chemistry

The classes will be held on Aug. 13, 14, and 15, from 1-3 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Register by Aug. 10 by calling the Batavia High School Counseling Office at 343-2480, ext. 2002.

BHS students inducted into National Art Honor Society; Keenan named 'Artist of the Year'

By Mike Pettinella

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National Art Honor Society: Inductees into the Batavia High School National Art Honor Society pose with teacher Mandi Antonucci. Front from left, Juliana Branche, Dominic Grazioplene, instructor Mandi Antonucci, Jenae Colkey, Jaden Torcello; back, Aubrey Towner, Grace Rudolph, Brianna Bromley, Will Palmer, Anand Patel, Evan Bellavia, John Bruggman. Also inducted were Mollie Harding, Megan Ladd and Shelby Weis.

Fourteen Batavia High School students who have excelled academically and creatively were inducted into the National Art Honor Society tonight in a ceremony at the BHS Auditorium.

Teachers Mandi Antonucci and Nicole Tamfer recognized the new NAHS members before announcing the selection of senior Madeline Keenan as the "Outstanding Artist of the Year" for her quality of work, enthusiasm and dedication to her craft.

The inductees (see photo above) join the previous honor society members: Keenan, treasurer; Kiara Cherry, president; Isabel Gentry, vice president; Chloe Rapone, secretary; Stephanie Hoy, public relations; Sophia Alkouri-Stuart, Sophia Dinehart and Alex Christensen.

Excellence in Art Awards were presented to: Gentry, Grace Rudolph and Juliana Branche, printmaking; Rapone, Cherry, Dinehart and Tao Iburi-Bethel, photography; Rhorri Fix and Dominic Grazioplene, painting; Aubrey Towner, Ella Frank-Doyle, Charissa Waldmiller and Christensen, drawing; and Will Palmer, John Bruggman, Anand Patel and Brianna Bromley, portfolio.

After the award presentations, parents and friends were treated to videos of a dozen AP studio artists’ works.

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Outstanding Artist: A sample of the works of Madeline Keenan, earning her "Outstanding Artist of the Year" honors. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Photos: Girls softball, Batavia wins Pembroke tourney

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia High School Girls Varsity Softball Team went undefeated for both games to win the Pembroke tournament this past Saturday at Pembroke Town Park. Batavia High School defeated Akron 10-9 in game one, then beat Perry/Mount Morris in the championship game 16-1. 

Irelyn Curry was named MVP of the tournament by pitching two complete games. Irelyn and the defense only allowed one run in the championship game.  

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Against Akron, the Lady Devils were challenged by a deficit of six runs early on but battled back to win the game 10-9. Taylor and Ryann Stefaniak, Bri Janes, and Mackenzie Reigle each scored two runs, while Bri Janes, Alaina Bowman and Bryn Wormley all drove in two runs. Jenae Colkey doubled twice. 

In the championship game, Taylor Stefaniak scored five times, with three hits along with her sister Ryann Stefaniak who had three hits. Maiya Reinhart hit a three-run home run and 5 RBIs, and Bri Janes had three hits as Batavia collected 18 hits to win the game 16-1.

Batavia improves to 10-7 on the season and face a rematch of last year sectional finalists Pittsford Sutherland home today at Anderson Field. Game time 5 p.m.

Top two photos provided by Lori Reinhart. Bottom photos by Steve Ognibene.

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CANCELLED: Color-A-Thon event coming June 16th register today

By Steve Ognibene

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UPDATE June 2, 2018: We were notified two days ago this event has been cancelled.

Press release:

Batavia High School baseball, softball and girls tennis teams are sponsoring their premier color run 5K event at Batavia High School (260 State St.) on Saturday, June 16th.  

Check in / registration starts at 8:15 a.m, race starts at 9 o'clock. This event is open to all ages. Cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and color pack if registered by June 1st. After June 1st T-shirts are not guaranteed.

Registration is open now; register here.

After the event there will be a color blast party with music. Come out and support these athletes and help make this a great event.

For more information, contact coordinator Nickie Fazio at 356-1690.

Photos: Boys baseball -- Batavia dominates Greece Olympia 9-1

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia High School Boys Baseball Team celebrates a big fourth inning, six-run lead to beat visiting Greece Olympia by a score of 9-1 at Genesee Community College, Batavia, Thursday afternoon.

Senior Jordyn Schmidt (pictured below) picked up the win on the mound allowing two hits, one run and six strikeouts for the Blue Devils.

Brandon Betances, Chandler Baker and Andrew Frances got hits for Batavia as the Devils remain undefeated with three wins and are 3-1 overall on the year.

Next game will be home on Saturday vs. Pittsford Sutherland at GCC.

For more game photos click here.

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Nominations wanted for BHS Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame, deadline is May 16

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Nominees are sought for the Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame. Nomination deadline is May 16.

The purpose is to recognize players, coaches and administrators who have attained a high degree of success in Batavia High School Athletics.

To nominate an individual you should either fill out the nomination form located under Athletics/Hall of Fame at www.bataviacsd.org or contact the Batavia High School Athletic Office at (585) 343 - 2480, ext. 2003.

CRITERIA:

1.  The Hall of Fame will recognize outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and significant contributors. These might include worthy booster club presidents, parent volunteers, team doctors and other individuals who have contributed significantly to our athletic program.

2.  Athletes will become eligible five years after graduation and coaches five years after retirement from coaching. The same time frame will be used for significant others.

3.  The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to his or her sport. Typically this would be attaining All County or All State honors, all-time leading scorer, winning a state championship, etc.. The nominee must have exemplified character while representing Batavia Athletics and also in his/her lives following graduation. He/she must be a positive role model, worthy of being emulated by current and future students.

4.  A member must continue to be a positive role model or they may be removed.

Joe Marchese wins Mr. Batavia competition at BHS

By Steve Ognibene

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The sixth annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,400 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than $20,000 has been raised, said Lisa Robinson, Mr. Batavia advisor and co-advisor of student government. Each contestant performs their best in different catagories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Crossroads House will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Joe Marchese.

"Going into the show I felt really confident," Joe said, "then about 30 minutes before the show, I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, literary choking up and said to myself 'I cannot do this.'

"I went to get some water, got out there, did the group dance and feeling good, then took the momentum all the way through the night and had a such great time."

Joe continued "I have wanted to do Mr. Batavia since my freshman year. Working with these group of guys was so amazing, which made my senior year come full euphoria and (I) have no words to describe the feeling at this moment."

His mom, Sandra, said "What stands out for me is Joseph's confidence and creativity in public speaking and performance. You are amazing, Joe! All the time and effort over the years that you have put into your personal development and leadership skills is shining through!"

Anand Patel was first runner-up. His charity was Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Cameron Hardy was second runner-up and he raised funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses. Many other members of staff, volunteers, students and additional sponsors also contributed to this annual event.

Local Judges were: Peter Cecere, VP of Batavia City School District BOE; James DeFreeze, City of Batavia Police Department; Matt Morasco, City of Batavia Fire Department; and Shellye Dale-Hall, Prevention Education, GCASA.

Other contestantants were Nichalas Neid, Chase Monachino, Brandon Buck, Valentino Zinni, Jon Liciaga, Nate Loria, John Kindig, Julio Vazquez and Evan Bellavia.

To view photos or purchase prints click here.

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Pictured above are hostesses Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal Lullo.

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Batavia HS Students Participate in National Walkout

By James Burns

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Students of Batavia High School stepped outside and into the wind and the snow for 17 minutes today. They were there to express their concern for their safety and for a moment of silence for the 17 people that lost their lives in the mass shooting at Parkland HS in Florida.

The Batavia HS students all had slightly different views on how to stop mass school shootings including: gun control, more police, better mental health, less bullying, and students taking responsibility for their own safety. Certainly these feelings reflect the feelings of the rest of society.

Perhaps the wisdom of the crowd is pointing to the fact that not one single thing is responsible for these mass shootings and there are multiple causes that need to be addressed simultaneously.  

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Along with the varied solutions, all but one of the students interviewed felt that our political system has failed them. To address this issue there is a push for voter registration along with the protest.

Sydney Atchinson one of the students who helped with the organization of the protest said, “We are fed up with talking and politics (nothing is getting solved). Students will change politics by voicing their opinions and with votes.”

Students with pro gun signs stood in solidarity next to students with #neveragain signs. Despite not all pushing for the same solution, the students stood united to end the extreme violence in schools. This is very much a grassroots movement; there is not a leader of this walk out, just a collective understanding something needs to be done.

The student government body did not officially sanction this event but there are members who actively participated.

Not all students were involved the in walk out. Some stayed inside because they disagree with Woman’s March organization, others said they just don’t care enough. For some, it was just too cold to go outside.

A student made a point to tell me that they do understand the importance of the Second Amendment. They also do believe in the students' right to “live without fear and without being shot and massacred.” Living without fear and persecution, isn’t that one of the main reasons the Constitution was written? 

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Show must go on -- 'Into the Woods' is all set to debut tonight at BHS

By Billie Owens

"Into the Woods" is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Despite the snow conditions, school officials say it will be performed by the Batavia High School Production Club tonight at 7:30.

It will also be performed Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m.

This announcement, of course, is barring any mitigating weather advisory. Tickets available at Roxy's Music Store and at the door.

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