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Milestones include engagement, wedding and birth announcements as well as job promotions, military service and similar personal accomplishments of you and your family that you wish to share with the community.

Le Roy's Daniel Weaver named to dean's list at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania

By Billie Owens

Bethlehem, Pa. -- Daniel Weaver, of Le Roy, has achieved dean's list status at Lehigh University of the fall 2019 semester.

Students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses are eligible. 

For more than 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research.The institution is among the nation's most selective, highly ranked private research universities.

Lehigh's four colleges -- College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science -- provide opportunities to 7,000 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience.

O-A grad Rebecca Cramer named to dean's list at Keuka College

By Billie Owens

Keuka Park -- Rebecca Cramer, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School, has been named to the dean's list at Keuka College for the fall 2019 semester.

She is a freshman studying Nursing. She is the daughter of Jarrod Cramer and Jaime Andrews.

A student must earn at least a 3.50 grade-point average for a minimum of 12 semester credit hours to be eligible for the dean's list.

Located in the Finger Lakes region near Penn Yan, Keuka is a private co-educational  college.

Byron's Shawn Turner promoted to Private First Class in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

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.

Shawn Turner, from Byron and assigned to the Company A, 2-108th Infantry, received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Four Genesee County students named Presidential Scholars at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- Four students in Genesee County were named Presidential Scholars for the fall 2019 semester at Clarkson University:

  • Colin Jacob Graham, of Oakfield, majoring in Aeronautical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering;
  • Farryn E. Kennedy, of Le Roy, majoring in Mechanical Engineering;
  • Samantha Paulette Salim, of Corfu, majoring in Chemistry;
  • Ben Edward Slenker, of Alexander, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. With its main campus located in Potsdam, and additional graduate program and research facilities in Schenectady -- New York's Capital Region, Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, Beacon in the Mid-Hudson Region, and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions.

Six Flags Darien Lake receives Platinum International Aquatics Safety Award for its waterpark

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, the “Thrill Capital of New York State,” today announced that Jeff Ellis & Associates Inc. – International Aquatics Safety and Risk Management Consultants, has awarded the Platinum International Aquatics Safety Award to the park.

This annual award is given to facilities that consistently exceed industry standards in risk management and epitomize aquatic safety excellence.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our waterpark staff to deliver a fun and safe experience for guests,” said Park President Chris Thorpe. “We are thrilled to receive this kind of recognition and look forward to welcoming our guests for the 2020 season at the best waterpark in Western New York.”

“It is apparent that the entire staff embodies the idea of setting the standard in aquatic safety,” said Jeff Ellis & Associates Vice President Richard A. Carroll. “Swimmers and guests who frequent this waterpark are afforded the highest degree of protection currently available for the aquatic industry.”

E&A’s International Aquatic Safety Awards are based on the results of multiple random unannounced aquatic facility operational safety audits conducted throughout the year. These audits include undercover surveillance of on-duty lifeguards, emergency simulations and facility evaluations.

Only the top 14 percent of E&A’s worldwide clients receive a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award each year.

Six Flags Darien Lake 2020 Memberships and Season Passes are now available. Members can enjoy priority park entry, preferred parking and tremendous discounts of up to 50 percent on nearly all food and merchandise purchases all season long.

Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite levels are available featuring all the perks of a Season Pass plus other benefits including admission to all Six Flags branded theme and waterparks, skip the line passes, unlimited soft drinks and much more!

For more information, visit the Membership Sales Center or go online to sixflags.com/darienlake and sign up.

About Six Flags Darien Lake

Six Flags Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment and top-notch thrill rides has made it the Coaster Capital of New York since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including seven world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, the region’s largest water park and a 20,000-seat amphitheater operated by Live Nation.

The park opens for the 2020 season May 8 and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations—from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs, and RV and tent campsites.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 59 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Nine local students named to Buffalo State College fall 2019 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Fall 2019 dean's list. In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State dean's list. Full criteria and grade-type exceptions can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

  • Kodian Becker, of Darien Center 
  • Holly Grayson, of Oakfield
  • Jenna Huntington, of Elba 
  • Brendon Kendall, of South Byron 
  • Angelina Miconi, of Batavia 
  • Mckenna Moran, of Darien Center 
  • Dylah Pantlin, of Batavia 
  • Miranda Schiller, of Alexander
  • Samantha Tatarski, of Corfu 

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Sheriff announces five new deputies in Road Patrol Division

By Billie Owens

New deputies above, from left: Jordan M. Alejandro, Kenneth A. Quackenbush III, Brock D. Cummins, Jared T. Swimline and Nicholas R. Chamoun.

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. has filled several vacant deputy sheriff positions with the hiring of Kenneth A. Quackenbush III, Jared T. Swimline, Nicholas R. Chamoun, Jordan M. Alejandro and Brock D. Cummins.

All five Deputies recently completed their field training programs after graduating from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Sept. 11.

Deputy Quackenbush was awarded "Top Gun" in his basic academy class. He is a 2004 Pavilion Central School regents graduate and was previously a correction officer at the Genesee County Jail, hired Nov. 26, 2016, before being appointed a deputy sheriff.

Deputy Swimline is a 2013 Pembroke Central School regents graduate. He attended Erie Community College and earned an Associate in Science degree in General Studies. Deputy Swimline was previously a correction officer at the Genesee County Jail, hired July 21, 2018, before being appointed a deputy sheriff.

Deputy Chamoun was awarded the Sgt. Jeff Juron Defensive Tactics Award and the Physical Fitness Award in his basic academy class. He is a 2012 graduate of Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, Calif. In 2013, Deputy Chamoun enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years and held the position of sergeant -- squad, and mortar section leader, and he was awarded several medals. He earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensics last year from Genesee Community College.

Deputy Alejandro is a 2004 Tonawanda Central School graduate. He attended Niagara County Community College where he earned an Associate in Arts degree in Humanities and Social Science. Deputy Alejandro was previously employed as an associate director of operations for ConServe.

Deputy Cummins is a 2002 graduate from Greenview Central School in Jamestown, Ohio, and enlisted in the Army right after high school. During the 11 years enlisted, Deputy Cummins was part of the “Old Guard,” the Army’s official ceremonial unit, escorting the president, and providing security for Washington, D.C. He held the position of platoon sergeant and squad leader and earned several medals while serving.

Sheriff Sheron said, “I am proud to have these exceptional individuals join the Road Patrol Division of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Bergen's Madeline Corcimiglia named to dean's list at Pensacola Christian College in Florida

By Billie Owens

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Madeline Corcimiglia, of Bergen, was named to the dean's list by Troy Shoemaker, Ph.D., president of Pensacola Christian College, for academic achievement during the 2019 fall semester.

This was a result of earning a semester grade-point average of 3.00 or higher.

Pensacola Christian College is a liberal arts college enrolling students from every state in the United States and from around the world. The College has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students (undergraduate, graduate, and seminary) and offers a variety of programs of study.

Two Le Roy students named to dean's list at Daemen College in Amherst

By Billie Owens

AMHERST -- Daemen College Dean Michael Brogan, Ph.D., announces the following students from Genesee County achieved dean’s list status at Daemen College for the fall 2019 semester.

  • Brianna Hill, of Le Roy 
  • Lindsey Coniber, of Le Roy

A matriculated undergraduate student who attains a grade-point average of 3.30 or better in any one semester is eligible for dean’s list status.

Le Roy's Amy Lowe named to dean's list at Bucknell University

By Billie Owens

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Amy Lowe, a Biomedical Engineering major in the Class of 2020, from Le Roy, was named to the dean's list at Bucknell University during the fall semester of the 2019-20 academic year.

A student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean's list recognition.

Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates. Graduate programs are available in select disciplines. Students benefit from a small student-faculty ratio of 9:1, personal attention from faculty, leadership opportunities, and excellent graduation rates and career outcomes.

Outgoing Corfu fire chief tapped to serve as county's deputy fire coordinator, West Battalion

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo of Brian Schollard and press release:

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Schollard as deputy fire coordinator for Genesee County effective Tuesday, Jan. 21. 

As deputy fire coordinator, Schollard will be assigned to the West Battalion of the County, which includes the towns of Alabama, Corfu, Darien, East Pembroke, Indian Falls and Pembroke.

Deputy fire coordinators assist the coordinator of Emergency Management Services with planning and supervising county programs of fire training and mutual aid, preparation for emergency situations requiring the services of a firefighter, as well as serve as liaisons between the fire companies and the coordinator's office.

Schollard brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to the position.

He is the outgoing chief of the volunteer Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. #1, incorporated in 1882 to provide fire, rescue, and first-responder emergency medical services to the residents of Corfu. He is an active member of the Genesee County Emergency Support Unit (ESU) as well as the chair of the Fire Advisory Board Communications Committee.

Schollard is currently employed by the Village of Corfu. 

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services staff looks forward to the knowledge and experience Schollard will bring to this position.

O-A grad Justina Pruski named to dean's list at George Washington University

By Billie Owens
Justina Pruski, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School -- Class of 2018, has been named to the dean's list at The George Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.
 
Pruski is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Public Policy.
 
To earn recognition on the dean's list, a student must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.75 while taking at least 12 credits -- a full course load -- and passing all non-graded credit courses.

Byron's Kyley Pascarella earns President's List honors at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran congratulates Kyley Pascarella, of Byron, for earning President's List honors during the Fall 2019 Semester. Pascarella is a SUNY Canton Management major.

"In recognition of your success, I'm pleased to include your name on the SUNY Canton President's List," Szafran said. "You have demonstrated a great commitment to your academic studies and should be proud of your accomplishments." 

This honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.75 or greater grade-point average.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton Online offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

Two Batavia students earn dean's list honors at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

Students are being recognized for earning dean's list honors during the Fall 2019 semester at SUNY Canton.

"On behalf of the college's deans, I congratulate all of our honor students for their exceptional commitment to their SUNY Canton education," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "This achievement serves as a milestone on their successful journey through college."

Dean's list recognizes full-time students who have earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74. All honors are a mark of distinction and recognition of outstanding academic efforts and scholarship.

Students who earned dean's list honors include:

  • Dominique J. Johnson, a SUNY Canton Management from Batavia;
  • Shea Norton, a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation from Batavia.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference.

Byron's Zachary Cratsley reenlists in NYS Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Specialist Zachary Cratsley, from Byron, reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

"It's great to see Soldiers staying in the Army and continuing to serve their State and Nation in the New York Army National Guard," Shields said. "The most important Army asset we have is the individual Soldier. The dedication, skills, and leadership traits they bring to our community and their employers are invaluable."

"By choosing to stay in the Army National Guard they directly contribute to our nation's security and to the governor's ability to respond to disasters, all while building a bright future for their family through the Guard's retirement, education, and health insurance programs," Shields said.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Teacher for Pavilion Central School District earns statewide leadership award

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Ferdinand DiBartolo NYS Distinguished Foreign Language Leadership Award was presented this year to Elizabeth Slocum (inset photo, right).

The award is presented annually to the president of New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers in recognition of his/her dedication and service to that organization and the profession.

Slocum is a teacher of French and Spanish at the middle, high school and undergraduate levels.

Slocum holds permanent New York State Certification in French and Spanish, as well as certification as a School District Administrator and Supervisor.

She currently is employed by the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership as a seventh- and eighth-grade Spanish teacher and serves both the Wyoming and Pavilion Central School districts.

Slocum also works with the Genesee Region Teachers’ Center as a member of the Policy Board and coordinator of the regional World Language Teachers’ Network.

“Serving on the executive board of New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers has been an incredible experience," Slocum said. "It has been an honor to represent New York State teachers and students of World Languages at the local, state and national levels.

"I teach because I believe that languages are at the heart of the human experience. Languages will open doors and make connections for our students at home and abroad.”  

As a 25-plus year member of NYSAFLT, Slocum has been an active member of the association through her participation on various committees as well as serving on the Board of Directors. She holds the distinction of chairing not one but two Annual Conferences, including the 100th Annual Conference and Gala.

She was selected to represent NYSAFLT at American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’s (ACTFL) inaugural Leadership Initiative for Language Learning (LILL) and remains an active member of LILL Cohort 1. She will participate in a LILL panel at ACTFL 2019 in Washington, D.C., on the topic of Growing Our Leadership.

In 2017, Slocum was honored by Genesee Community College with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence as an adjunct instructor of World Languages.

About the Ferdinand DiBartolo NYS Distinguished Foreign Language Leadership Award

Ferdinand DiBartolo was a pioneer in the establishment of what was then called “The New York State Federation of Foreign Language Teachers.” He was a foreign language leader and an officer of the federation. In l967, he received the "50th Anniversary Award" of the organization.

He was at the forefront of the effort to ensure the continuance of the Modern Language Journal when ACTFL was formed.

The study of world languages fosters an appreciation and understanding of other cultures, promotes a better understanding of one’s own language and culture, supports learning and improves performance in other content areas, and cultivates the qualities of global citizens who are well-educated and prepared to compete professionally in an increasingly interconnected world.

Research has shown that early language instruction not only facilitates the language learning process, but results in more native-like pronunciation and fluency in the second language. In addition, early language instruction has been shown to strengthen students’ performance in their first language as well as in other content areas.

About the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers

NYSAFLT is a professional organization dedicated to providing the foreign language teachers of New York State with professional development opportunities and promoting the study of foreign languages and cultures.

For more information about NYSAFLT, please visit the website.

Three Genesee County students named to Fall 2019 President's List at SUNY Potsdam

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 946 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall 2019 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Kristin G. Esterberg.

The students included:

  • Harmony Parker, of Pavilion, whose major is Archaeological Studies;
  • Megan Privatera, of Le Roy, whose major is Theater;
  • Hannah Rosicka, of Le Roy, whose major is Politics.

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.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence.

The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

Hunter Albright from Elba is promoted to Private in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

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.

Hunter Albright, from Elba, assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team received a promotion to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Two Corfu students named to Fall 2019 dean's list at Paul Smith's College in the Adirondacks

By Billie Owens

PAUL SMITHS, NY -- The following students were named to the dean's list at Paul Smith's College during the fall 2019 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

  • Megan Krebs, of Corfu, majoring in Baking Arts and Service Management.
  • Carley Sformo, of Corfu, majoring in Biology.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs -- in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences -- draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

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