Bryce Yockel of Byron was among over 680 students who earned named scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. Yockel, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School majoring in sports management, earned the Florence N. Gray Scholarship.
BW has a long history of scholarship support from alumni, faculty, trustees, and friends. Over 430 named scholarships provide more than $4.7 million to help students attend, persist, and graduate from BW. In addition, they carry on the donors' legacies through the lives of the students who receive their support. The scholarships vary in requirements, with many specifying financial need, a course of study, involvement on campus, or a commitment to excellence in a particular field. BW offers a wide range of financial support to its students - more than $56 million for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Erie County Agricultural Society hosted the Harvest Classic Cattle Show on the Erie County Fairground this past weekend. In its third year, the event hosted nearly 200 cattle and competitors and prize premiums totaled over $8,000. Exhibitors came from New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Results:
Charolais Heifers
Grand Champion, Charolais Heifer – Evie Groom, Lyons
Reserve Champion, Charolais Heifer – Lisa Compton, Ovid
Hereford Heifers
Grand Champion, Hereford Heifer – McKenna Broughton, Attica
Champion, Medium Weight – Amelia Hintz-Strub, Springville
Reserve Champion, Medium Weight – Cody Carlson, Byron
Honorable Mention, Medium Weight – Romey Slick, Edinburg, PA
Heavy Weight
Champion, Heavy Weight – Shelby Schrader, Ghent
Reserve Champion, Heavy Weight – Lydia Covert, Lakewood
Honorable Mention, Heavy Weight – Savannah Palmer, New Castle, PA
Supreme Champion Market Animals
Supreme Champion Market Animal – Payson Southers, Millmont, PA
Reserve Supreme Champion Market Animal – Lincoln Giebner, Canton, PA
Third Overall Champion Market Animal – Shelby Schrader, Ghent
Fourth Overall Champion Market Animal – Molly Decker, Scenery Hill, PA
Fifth Overall Champion Market Animal – Sarah Wilson, Dansville
A complete list of results can also be found online: The Harvest Classic (the-fairgrounds.com)
The show is presented by the Erie County Agricultural Society. Since its founding in 1819, the mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society has been to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Koree Mcallister from Batavia, and assigned to the Company C, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion on Aug. 18 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.
Army National Guard Citizen-Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com
University at Buffalo is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.
The University at Buffalo Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines.
Currently, 1,661 of UB's 19,118 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 587 first-year students for fall 2023 - the largest and most diverse Honors class yet.
"The Honors College's enriching and individualized curriculum spans a student's undergraduate career and offers a small college experience within a large research university," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "We foster leadership, independence, creativity, undergraduate research, global perspectives and civic engagement."
Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni.
Honors scholars must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Travis Herold from Byron, assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion July 10 to the rank of specialist.
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.
Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
Elmira College recently announced this year's recipients of its annual Key Award. This year's award was given to 783 students in 16 states. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.
This year's recipients included:
Bethany Gracie of Bergen
Brennan Royce of Pavilion
Isabella Walsh of Batavia
Loretta Sorochty of Batavia
Kaidance Kimble of Byron
Riannon Newbould of Oakfield
Austin Pangrazio of Oakfield
Ava Chatt of Oakfield
Corina Dunn of Le Roy
Ella Radley of Batavia
"This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders, and go on to enjoy success in life," said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. "We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place."
The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) recognized SUNY Cortland's Gaige Armbrewster of Batavia on its statewide 2022-23 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. Earning a place on the list required a minimum a 3.3 cumulative grade point average through the spring semester.
Save the date! Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala and Plant Sale at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.
This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most of which are grown by Master Gardeners. Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter. A wide variety of house plants will also be available for sale.
Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden, as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes! These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.
Don’t forget to stop inside for the Basket Auction. You never know what treasures may appear. The Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The Master Gardener Helpline will be open to answer your gardening questions. Not sure what your garden soil pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. No early birds, please.
Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.
For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia. Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information. Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.
Genesee Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ortel, LVT as the new director of Veterinary Technology. With a proven track record of leadership and expertise in the field, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience that will contribute to the continued growth and success of the college's Veterinary Technology program.
Stephanie is a Western New York native. She graduated from Medaille College with an AS in Veterinary Technology in 1999 and a BS in Veterinary Technology in 2005. Throughout her career her area of veterinary medicine has focused on pain management and physical rehab therapy for dogs and cats.
Stephanie earned a MS in Adult Education from Buffalo State College in 2018. She started as an adjunct instructor at GCC in 2016 and then became a full-time instructor in 2021.
Stephanie expressed her excitement about joining Genesee Community College,stating, "As program director, I hope to continue the tradition passed from Dr. Carrie Caccamise of a highly regarded vet tech program. The Vet Tech department is committed to producing quality graduates ready to enter the workforce."
“The Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy was another great success. The academy was held July 17 – 21 at Genesee Community College. This academy was made possible with the support of Genesee County STOP DWI, the Genesee County Legislature, and Genesee Community College. The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the various roles of law enforcement in our community, and they eagerly embraced all aspects of the curriculum. I want to thank the students for their hard work and dedication and all those that provided instruction throughout this week-long program. A special thank you to the Academy Director, Deputy/SRO Joshua A. Brabon, and all the Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Investigators for their assistance and efforts in coordinating such a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the students. We look forward to continuing this annual event for students throughout Genesee County for many more years to come,” stated Sheriff Sheron.
The following participants are graduates of the Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy:
Robert Villano - Squad Leader
Michael Ehrmentraut
Derryk Gacek
Kayden Crocker
Anna McLaughlin
Macie Parton
Submitted photos courtesy of Genesee County Sheriff Office.
176 students from Genesee Community College were named to Dean's List. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
205 students from Genesee Community College named to President's List. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
243 students from Genesee Community College named to Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT) conferred more than 4,800 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2022-2023 academic year. RIT's academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Thomas Zurbuchen, astrophysicist and the longest continually serving associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in NASA's history.
The following local residents received degrees:
Nicholas Kelly of Byron received a degree in software engineering (BS)
Andrew Pickard of Batavia received a degree in software engineering (BS)
Sophia Zwolinski of Corfu received a degree in mechanical engineering (BS)
Maddi Howard of Elba received a degree in psychology (BS)
Megan Conibear of Corfu received a degree in global business management (BS)
Jacob Gualtieri of Le Roy received a degree in computer engineering (BS)
Kyle Tezanos of Batavia received a degree in materials science and engineering (MS)
Rachel Schauf of Batavia received a degree in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (MS)
Ella Llewellyn of Batavia received a degree in medical illustration (BFA)
Will Palmer of Batavia received a degree in new media design (BFA)
Callee Norton of Elba received a degree in biomedical sciences (BS)
Chase Roth of Alexander received a degree in web and mobile computing (BS)
Colin Hunt of Batavia received a degree in packaging science (BS)
Michaela Mesiti of Le Roy received a degree in science, technology and public policy (MS)
A total of 696 SUNY Cortland students earned President's List honors for the Spring 2023 semester. To qualify for the President's List, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
More than 2,400 undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University were named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester, including Brady Fix, from Le Roy. Students who make the Dean's List have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (3.25 for freshmen) for the semester.
On July 6, Byron-Bergen Secondary Science Teacher Pete Spence boarded the U.S. EPA Lake Guardian for a seven-day voyage to conduct research on Lake Ontario. Spence was one of 15 participating teachers taking part in the annual expedition which collected data in several locations looking at algae, zooplankton, and benthic organisms.
“I was interested in doing research on the Great Lakes, so I applied and was accepted,” said Spence. He requested and was assigned to the team examining differences in zooplankton populations from the east to the west end of the lake. “We also used acoustic (sonar) techniques to locate migratory shrimp species that stay on the bottom of the lake during the day and move toward the surface at night.”
Spence also assisted in research teams collecting blue-green algae levels at depths up to 40 meters and quagga mussel populations from 60 to 120 meters deep. The Lake Guardian docked in Youngstown and the participants toured the Niagara Falls gorge, an experience which many of the out-of-state teachers had never had. They then set out to collect a series of samples starting from the Welland Canal and crossing the lake to Toronto.
During one memorable experiment, the crew submerged Styrofoam cups in one of the deepest parts of Lake Ontario to observe how pressure impacts volume. The water pressure compressed them to approximately half of their original size. “I plan to have my students write their names on Styrofoam cups which I will send to the EPA for this experiment,” said Spence. “After they have been submerged in Lake Superior and returned to us, the students can measure the changes.”
Seven days after setting out on Lake Ontario, the crew disembarked at Port Rochester on July 12. “One of the things that I’m bringing back to Byron-Bergen is using the Great Lakes in my Environmental AP class,” said Spence. “The Great Lakes have always been of interest to me, being that we live so near them, I think it’s a great opportunity for students to see the bigger picture.”
During Hartwick College's Athletics Award Ceremony held in late spring, Alayna Streeter of Le Roy, received the Philip S. Wilder Jr. Award for Academic Distinction.
Streeter, who is majoring in Nursing, was among a group of student-athletes and/or managers of teams recognized for attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Carli Kirkwood, of Byron, earned dean's list honors at The University of Tampa for the Spring 2023 semester. Kirkwood is a Junior majoring in International Business and Marketing BS. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean's list.
Advanced Podiatry Associates is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Ben Heddy to the practice. Dr. Heddy is board qualified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
He specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle problems including diabetic foot and wound care, heel pain/plantar fasciitis, reconstruction and correction of foot deformities including bunions/hammertoes/flat foot, excision of ganglions and neuromas, tarsal tunnel release, treatment of foot and ankle tendonitis, ankle sprains, foot and ankle arthritis, ingrown toenails, warts and a multitude of skin conditions of the foot an ankle.
“Dr Ben” was born in California and raised in New Jersey where he later earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, completed a two year mission in Buenos Aires Argentina, and earned his medical degree at Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.
He completed his 3-year surgical residency at Rochester General Hospital where he served as “Chief Resident” and, like most residents, perform nearly 900 surgeries involving the foot and ankle including CO2 laser certification.
He has attended many courses on advanced foot and ankle reconstruction. During his graduation, his fellow residents and attending physicians resonated that Dr. Ben was one of the kindest and most passionate residents to graduate always willing to go the extra mile for his patients and his colleagues.
Dr. Ben will reside in Batavia with his wife and three children, helping provide immediate care to patients in emergent situations involving foot and ankle problems. Dr. Ben also is fluent in Spanish and enjoys volunteering at his church, road trips, hiking, swimming cooking, and reading.
We look forward to adding his expertise to Advanced Podiatry Associates and helping provide the community with much quicker access to appointments and emergent podiatric care. He will be on staff at United Memorial Medical Center and Orleans Community Hospital.