Press Release:

On Thursday, March 7 the curtain rose on the sold-out run of Byron-Bergen Drama Club’s presentation of “Beauty & the Beast”. More than just a replica of Broadway, the Drama Club created a uniquely local presentation with original costumes and set pieces, including a wood-chopping machine designed and built by the High School Technology Club. 

They also included several references to local businesses and humorous cast interactions such as a student actress facing off against her real-life father during the battle for the enchanted castle.

From the imaginative shadow puppet narrations to the enchanted cheese grater, the Drama Club had the audience completely under their spell.

The young cast was anchored by seniors HannahRae Amador, Aurora Hiscutt, Malachi Smith, pit band percussionist Quintin Rich, and numerous experienced performers from last year’s presentation of “Hairspray”. Amador supported the village and castle ensembles both as an enthusiastic pub manager with a Viking helmet and wicked pirouette as well as a feisty coatrack, not afraid to defend the castle with loud whistles and impeccable comedic timing.

Hiscutt joined Gianna Graff, Katherine Rogoyski, and Genevieve Smith as the hysterical quartet of “silly girls” swooning after the vain and villainous Gaston. Hiscutt is a team player, bringing beautiful harmonies, giggles, and shrieks to the quartet as well as stepping out into the spotlight for solo work.

Rich, the only student-musician in a pit band full of seasoned professionals, kept the beat rolling from curtain to curtain including an epic three-minute drum solo of his own composition which acted as the lone score for the castle battle scene.

M. Smith took on the title antagonist turned hero, cursed into a monstrous appearance and racing the clock to return himself and his enchanted household to human form. He balanced Beast’s fierce roar and explosive temper with soaring tortured ballads, highlighting his skilled vocals. M. Smith impressed both with his physical acting as he single-handedly battled a pack of acrobatic wolves and with the tenderness that transcended his claws and prosthetic headpiece during his interactions with Belle.

Sophomore Gianna Clark is masterfully expressive, creating a Belle who was more than just an avid reader, but whose affection for her father and enchanted friends was as real as her ever-growing contempt for her supercilious suiter, Gaston. Clark’s vocal performances showed not only her range and precision as a singer, but her talent for living the character through song.

Gaston, played by Sophomore Roman Smith, at first seemed nothing more than an arrogant buffoon with silly one-liners about his thighs, but R. Smith unleashed flashes of Gaston’s cruelty, which peaked as he and his sidekick Lefou whipped up a frenzied mob of townspeople to storm the Beast’s castle. Lefou, played by 7th grader Teagan Williams, demonstrated his talent for physical comedy in a performance full of pratfalls, spills, and some truly astonishing choreography which he nailed while also belting out lead vocals in the pub scene.

The enchanted castle is staffed by a cast of magical objects with personalities as huge as their dance numbers. They were led by key performers Rylee Burch (9th grade), Abby Cook (11th grade), Bradley Pocock (10th grade), Michael Rogoyski (8th grade), and Jade Wolff (11th grade).

Burch took the role of Madame de la Grande Bouche, an opera performer turned wardrobe whose commanding soprano melodies were as graceful as the unexpected ease with which she handled the complex choreography, as a large piece of furniture. Abby Cook doubled as Babette, the feather duster, and a primary dancer in several villager scenes. 

Also, as a Dance Captain, Cook’s fancy footwork brought energy to the dance numbers and helped maintain the storyline of ongoing flirtation with the debonaire candelabra, Lumiere played by Pocock. 

Pocock was effervescent, delivering over-the-top puns and punchlines in a rococo suit and powdered wig. His scene-stealing levity was in sharp contrast to the curmudgeonly clock, Cogsworth, played by Rogoyski. 

Rogoyski nailed the strait-laced, “tightly wound” timepiece with a pompous but good-natured air and bursts of hilarity and sincerity that brought the character to life. 

Wolff rounded out the troupe, literally, in a huge, willow-patterned hoop skirt, taking on the role of Mrs. Potts, the teapot. Wolff delivered charm, personality, and the iconic title solo. Her smooth, dynamic vocals set the scene for Belle and Beast to fall in love.

The supporting cast of villagers and enchanted objects brought depth to the musical as each performer embodied unique characters such as the baker, pin cushion, farmer, potted plant, tailor, or chandelier. The ensemble pulled in the crowd, filling the stage with energy during the epic musical numbers such as Belle’s opening stroll through town, “Human Again”, and the showstopping “Be Our Guest”. 

The stage crew, led by Estelle Dumuhosky and Maryn Meier, also played a pivotal role in moving the story seamlessly from village to castle and through to the storybook ending.

The Jr./Sr, High School students were joined by several elementary school students who danced their way through “Be Our Guest” as forks, spoons, and dinner mints. Third-graders Austyn Krol and Naylee Robinson share the role of Chip, the teacup. Both young ladies deliver energetic and adorable performances. Also joining the cast are 6th Grade Teacher Ken Rogoyski as the lovable, zany Maurice and Aaron Burch as the menacing asylum manager, Monsieur D’arque.

Byron-Bergen’s production of “Beauty & the Beast” was directed by Alyson Mercedes Tardy, musical direction by Joe Paris, pit band direction by Kevin Bleiler, and choreography by Solange Rodrigues. Congratulations to the cast, crew, staff, and volunteers.

Byron-Bergen Senior High School was named on the 2023 list of America’s Best High Schools as determined by U.S. News & World Report. To qualify for this title, Byron-Bergen Senior High School ranked in the top 40% of schools nationally. This is the fifth year in a row that Byron-Bergen Senior High School has earned this distinction.

“It is an honor for the Byron-Bergen Senior High School to be named an America’s Best High School again this year,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “I remember when our High School first achieved this recognition in 2018. I’m so pleased to see that our learning community has sustained this level of distinction. It is a testament of proof that we didn’t just have an exceptional year or two, Byron-Bergen is an exceptional district.” 

According to the publication’s website, the list identifies top-performing high schools based on scoring comprised of six factors:

1. College readiness (30 percent of the ranking): This is the percentage of 12th graders from the class of 2020-2021 who took at least one AP or IB exam by the end of their senior year and the percentage of 12th graders who earned a qualifying score on at least one AP or IB exam in high school. Earning a qualifying score is weighted three times more than simply taking the exam.
2. College curriculum breadth (10 percent): This is the percentage of 12th graders from the class of 2020-2021 who took a wide variety of AP and IB courses across multiple disciplines and the percentage of 12th graders who earned a qualifying score on them. Earning a qualifying score is weighted three times more than taking. 
3. State assessment proficiency (20 percent): This measures how well students scored on state assessments that measure proficiency in reading, science, and mathematics. Passing these assessments can be required for graduation. Examples of assessments include Smarter Balanced in California and the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. This state assessment proficiency indicator is either based on 2020- 2021 or 2018-2019 state assessment data or an average of those years.
4. State assessment performance (20 percent): This is the difference between how students performed on state assessments and what U.S. News predicted based on a school's student body. U.S. News' modeling across all 50 states and the District of Columbia indicates that the performance percentage of students from historically underserved subgroups – defined as Black students, Hispanic students, and students who are eligible for free and reduced price lunch – are highly predictive of a school's reading, science and math scores. This state assessment performance indicator is either based on 2020-2021 or 2018-2019 state assessment data or an average of those years. 
5. Underserved student performance (10 percent): This is how well the student population receiving subsidized school lunch and Black and Hispanic populations perform on state assessments relative to statewide performance among students not in those subgroups. This state assessment underserved student performance indicator is based on 2018-2019 state assessment data.
6. Graduation rate (10 percent): For the 2023-2024 rankings, the graduation rate corresponds to the 2021 high school class graduation cohort who would have entered ninth grade in the 2017-2018 school year. High school graduation rates were collected directly from each state along with the math, reading and science assessment data.

For more information on Byron-Bergen’s ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/byron-bergen-central-school-district/byron-bergen-junior-senior-high-school-13565

Not to be outdone by anyone in Batavia, proud grandmother Mayja Andrews, of Le Roy, sent us this photo Tuesday of her granddaughter, Eva Goff, and her 12-foot-high sunflowers.

Eva, a student at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, has been "staying busy" this summer by tending garden and getting her sunflowers to flourish, according to her grandma.

The Salvation Army in Partnership with Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church and Foodlink will be holding a Mobile Pantry food distribution at 3 p.m. tomorrow, June 10th, at the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School parking lot, 6917 W. Bergen Road in Bergen.

It goes until all the food has been given out. Please be aware that this is a location change. We will not be at the church.

This distribution will take place every other week at the school parking lot until the end of August.

This is a drive-thru distribution. Guests will remain in their vehicle and be directed how to proceed. A valid photo ID is required for each vehicle. Each vehicle will receive three boxes weighing approximately 25 pounds each (1-dairy, 1-produce and 1-meat) these portions are designed for families of four or more.

This is food that has been redirected to food banks for those needing assistance due to COVID-19. It is not excess food.

We will only be able to provide one portion (3 boxes) per vehicle. No multiple pickups allowed.

Please have your trunk/hatch cleared out as volunteers will not be permitted to move your belongings. Back seats are highly discouraged for social distancing reasons.

If you have any questions please call The Salvation Army at (585) 343-6284. Leave a clear message and someone will call you back.

Top photo, Charles Nielans gives the life-saving gift of blood this morning at Notre Dame.

By noon today, 50 blood donors had participated in the 12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

The event runs until 2 p.m. and includes a bake sale and donation opportunity for the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund for students at Notre Dame High School and Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

Jason and Nancy Kota along with their children Sean, Sara and Tyler are the hosts. The family lost their son and brother Matthew in 2008 at the age of 17 due to complications from brain surgery.

At this point, the Kota family has now collected 675 units -- and counting -- in their 12 years of hosting the blood drive.

Genesee County residents Jason and Nancy Kota lost their son Matthew in 2008 who died at the age of 17 due to complications from brain surgery.

Twelve years later, they’re still keeping his memory and spirit alive.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, Jason and Nancy Kota along with their children Sean, Sara and Tyler will host the 12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive in his honor at Notre Dame High School.

Time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 73 Union St. in the City of Batavia.

The family gathers every year, with many family members, friends and the general public, to make this blood drive a big community event and scholarships are raised for Notre Dame and Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

The Kota family has collected 625 units in their first 11 years of hosting the blood drive in memory of their late son and brother, Matthew.

The public is invited to donate blood for this worthy cause. Proper ID is required. Walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org

There will be a bake sale, too, and donations are accepted to benefit the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund.

The students named to them are listed in The Batavian's Announcements section.

View them by clicking here or clicking on the Announcements section link at the top of the Home Page.

GRADE 7

High Honor Roll  --  Brody Baubie, Trevor Beale, Braedyn Chambry, Tyler Chapman, Hallie Coleman, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Mackenzie Hagen, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Callista Kinkelaar, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Lincoln McGrath, Stephanie Onderdonk, Nathan Parsons, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Travis Shallenberger, Dylan Shanley, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Lydia Zaffrann, Megan Zwerka

Honor Roll  --  Coral Allbright, Emma Balduf, Carlee Barons, Kylee Baxter, Daniels Dawson, Chloe Gilbert, Autumn Hafner, Hendrik Haymon, Aurora Hiscutt, Dru Nowatchik, Brendan Pimm, Quintin Rich, Emma Starowitz, Liliana Vanegas, Lukas Volkmar, Natalie Zastrocky, Sawyer Zinter

Effort Roll  --  Brody Baubie, Kylee Baxter, Trevor Beale, Braedyn Chambry, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Mackenzie Hagen, Hendrik Haymon, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Callista Kinkelaar, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Lincoln McGrath, Stephanie Onderdonk, Nathan Parsons, Carter Prinzi, Lynnea Rehberg, Victoria Rogoyski, Travis Shallenberger, Dylan Shanley, Riley Sharpe, Emma Starowitz, Connor Windhauser, Lydia Zaffrann, Megan Zwerka

GRADE 8  

High Honor Roll  --  Cassidy Ball, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Haydin Perez, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Abigail Raccuia, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz

Honor Roll  --  Alyssa Ball, Molly Belknap, Jack Benstead, Robert Gaylord, Emily Henry, Alec Kulikowski, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Andrew Rimmerman, Joshua Tardy, Emily Yun

Effort Roll  --  Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Haydin Perez, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Abigail Raccuia, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Emily Yun, Nicholas Zwerka

GRADE 9

High Honor Roll  –  Corin Abdella, Camryn Brookhart, Madison Burke, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Johnathon Klafehn, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Kyle Schramm, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman

Honor Roll  –  Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Caleb Calhoun, Angelique Heick, Meghan Kendall, Brenda  Ramos Francisco, Jorie Strzelecki, Alexandra Vurraro, Kolbie Walker, Ashley Weit, Emma Will, Claire Williams

Effort Roll  --  Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Camryn Brookhart, Madison Burke, Payton Buzzell, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kolbie Walker, Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman

GRADE 10  

High Honor Roll  –  Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Joshua Swapceinski, Morgan Vincent

Honor Roll  –  Matthew Gonyea, Trebor Johnston, Aiden Kulikowski, Julia Pangrazio, Mason Singer, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter, Xavier Thomas

Effort Roll  –  Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Hallie Calhoun, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Joshua Swapceinski, Morgan Vincent

GRADE 11

High Honor Roll  –  Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Rose Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Jillian Menzie, Wyatt Sando, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Bryce Walker, Isabella Wilder, Grant Williams, Luke Williams, Nathan Zwerka

Honor Roll  –  Megan Bogue, Jefferson Bradley, Jacey Donahue, Kelsey Fuller, Mikaela Hubler, Travis Lambert, Melissa MacCowan, Enson Nieves, Samuel Pringle, Anastasija Rebisz, Clayton Sadler, Kevin Smith, Peter Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Isabelle Stevens, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver, Bryce Yockel, Braeden Zimmerman

Effort Roll  –  Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Ariana Bobzien, Megan Bogue, Sydney Brown, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Coltin Henry, Rose Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Travis Lambert, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Enson Nieves, Anastasija Rebisz, Wyatt Sando, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Brandon Stefanski, Isabelle Stevens, Cameron Sweet, Garrett Swinter, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro, Isabella Wilder, Grant Williams, Luke Williams, Bryce Yockel, Nathan Zwerka

GRADE 12

High Honor Roll  –  Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, Jason Hoehn, William Johnson, Janae' Meister, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun

Honor Roll  --  Peyton Armison, Cory Bater, Sarah Bleiler, Nicholas Brown, Cole Carlson, Ryan Cooper, Joshua  Hohn, Hunter Leach, Alexandra Lord, Kevin Paasch, Dekota Schmidt, Jose Cardona Tirado, Rebecca Velasco

Effort Roll  --  Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Ryan Cooper, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, Jason Hoehn, William Johnson, Trinitty Madison, Janae' Meister, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson, Jose Tirado Cardona, Rebecca Velasco