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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.

Pavilion's Lydia Milligan inducted into Elmira College circle of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society

By Billie Owens

Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion, was one of 28 students inducted into the Elmira College circle, or chapter, of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.

The Society recognizes achievement in scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and the creative and performing arts.

Emphasis is placed on the development of the whole person, both as a member of the college community and as a contribution to a better society.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded Dec. 3, 1914, at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va. The Elmira College circle was established on May 21, 1995.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships.

The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Oakfield teen is the county's only recipient of the 2021 Girl Scout Gold Award, also gets $1K scholarship

By Press Release

Press release:

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) is proud to announce 56 Girl Scouts as the 2021 recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award, and 33 Girl Scouts as 2021 GSWNY scholarship recipients.

These exceptional change-makers took action to improve their local, national, and global communities while earning Girl Scouts’ most prestigious award in the world for girls.

In Genesee County, the sole awardee is Ava Flores, of Troop #42141, Oakfield, whose project was called "Feed the Need."

In addition to the Girl Scout Gold Award, Ava is one of the recipients to also be awarded a scholarship, in her case, $1,000 from Hans and Charlene Schoenenberger.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others.

The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.”

The project should fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be ongoing or sustainable.

Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project.

Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and she can enlist in the military at a higher starting pay grade.

For more information on the Girl Scout Gold Award, visit gswny.org.

Bergen's Alexander Dean named to Spring dean's list at Mansfield University

By Billie Owens

Alexander Dean, of Bergen, has been named to the Spring 2021 dean's list at Mansfield University. 

To be named to the dean's list, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

Mansfield University is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). For more information visit mansfield.edu.

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public, regional university committed to providing affordable and accessible education that fosters positive social mobility for a diverse population. The university offers personalized and transformative degree programs, taught by accomplished faculty, that meet the needs of regional, state and global economies.

By developing talented graduates who influence industry and enrich communities, Mansfield's impact begins in Northcentral Pennsylvania and extends around the world. Founded in 1857, Mansfield University is one of 14 institutions that comprise Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Learn more at mansfield.edu.

Batavia's Margaret Cecere named to spring dean's list at Kutztown University

By Billie Owens

Nearly 2,300 students have been named to the Spring 2021 dean's list at Kutztown University, including Margaret R. Cecere, of Batavia.

To be eligible for the dean's list, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.60. 

About Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia. 

As the region's center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU's programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU's NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery.

Three local students named to spring dean's list at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Three local students have been named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University

  • Evan Hunter Dusky, of Basom, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Colin Jacob Graham, of Oakfield, a senior majoring in Aeronautical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering.
  • Ben Edward Slenker, of Alexander, a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also 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. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon 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. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Batavia's Paige Haile and Elba's Jacob Gangi named Presidential Scholars at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Two local students have been named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University.

  • Paige Elizabeth Haile, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Biology, was named a Presidential Scholar.
  • Jacob Perez Gangi, of Elba, a senior majoring in Civil Engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar.

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. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, 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. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Six local students named to dean's list this Spring at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- The following local students were named to the Nazareth College Spring 2021 dean's list:

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia, is studying Public Health.
  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion, is studying Health Sciences.
  • Sarah Efing, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
  • Emily Overacker, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield, is studying Music Therapy.
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia, is studying Anthropology.

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

East Bethany's Charles Urbanczyk anmed to dean's list at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania

By Billie Owens

EDINBORO, PA -- Charles Donald Urbanczyk, of East Bethany, was named to the dean's list at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania for the Spring 2021 semester.

In order to attain this highly regarded academic honor, students must maintain a quality point average of 3.4 or higher, complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit and receive no grade lower than a C in any course.

Urbanczyk, whose major is Speech and Hearing Sciences, was among nearly 1,200 students named to the Spring 2021 dean's list.

Edinboro University is committed to excellence in academics and in every aspect of campus life. A passion for student success, a comprehensive catalog of offerings and a supportive yet challenging academic environment define the Edinboro experience. For more information, visit www.edinboro.edu.

Darien Center's Joshua Richard Fontaine earns bachelor's degree at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- Joshua Richard Fontaine, of Darien Center, received a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering, from Clarkson University this month (May, 2021).

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

With its main campus located in Potsdam, and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, 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. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Batavia's Eric Stroud named to Spring Dean's Honor List at Cedarville University

By Billie Owens

CEDARVILLE, OHIO-- Cedarville Student Eric Stroud, of Batavia, majoring in Broadcast, Digital Media, Journalism, was named to the Dean's Honor List for Spring 2021. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Located in Southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study.

Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Basom's Zachary Tyler Dusky earns bachelor of science degree with distinction from Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Zachary Tyler Dusky, of Basom, received a bachelor of science with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, from Clarkson University on Dec. 31.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.

We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, 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.

Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Pavilion's Collin Lajoie to graduate from SUNY Potsdam with degree in Biology

By Billie Owens

Collin Lajoie, of Pavilion, is set to graduate from SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize Collin at Commencement, on Saturday, May 22.

SUNY Potsdam will honor the Class of 2021 with a series of three livestreamed socially-distanced ceremonies, including special recognition of "virtual" graduates joining the celebration from afar.

To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

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.

Lifelong Batavian honored by Consulting Magazine with Women in Technology, Excellence in Innovation award

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

Emily Underhill-Carlson, a graduate of Alexander High School and lifelong Batavia resident, was honored by Consulting Magazine on Thursday, May 20 as an award winner for Women in Technology, Excellence in Innovation.

Underhill-Carlson serves as the VP of Technology for Divurgent, a healthcare consulting firm based in Virginia Beach, Va.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, she led the creation of TOBIAS, Divurgent’s first AI chatbot.

It enables real-time chat, screen sharing, and video support, which helped clients respond to the coronavirus pandemic in an efficient, economical way, often leading to a 30- to 50-percent reduction in response costs.

As the world has responded to the COVID-19 crisis, the use of technology has been and will continue to be a lifeline for clinicians.

Telehealth has grown rapidly out of necessity and has changed the way healthcare is delivered. 

Batavia's Natalie Rogers named to Provost's List for spring 2021 semester at Capital University

By Billie Owens

Capital University is pleased to announce Natalie Rogers, of Batavia, was named to the Provost's List for the spring 2021 semester.

To be named to the Provost's List, full-time, degree-seeking students must have achieved a grade point average of 3.70 to 3.849.

Located in the Columbus, Ohio, neighborhood of Bexley, Capital University is a private, four-year undergraduate institution and graduate school. Capital prepares students for meaningful lives and purposeful careers through a relevant liberal arts core curriculum and deep professional programs. Influenced by its Lutheran heritage, Capital places great emphasis on the free and open exchange of ideas, seeking out diverse perspectives, active participation in society, leadership and service. With a focus on rigor and experiential learning, the University capitalizes on its size, location, and heritage to develop the whole person, both inside and outside the classroom.

Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation names four 2021 scholarship winners

By Billie Owens

Amanda Bergman, senior at Notre Dame High School, is the daughter of Keith and Gina Bergman. She believes her Italian-American heritage can be summed up in how she has been raised with emphasis placed on values stemming from faith, food and family.

Amanda is a member of the National Honor Society, ranking first in her class. She plans to attend Robert Wesleyan College to pursue bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing.

She has been involved in Drama Club, Softball, Choir and Winter Cheerleading. Amanda has also volunteered at the Wyoming Association for Catholic Youth, Diocese Youth Board at the Catholic Center in Buffalo, and she is active at the St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield.

Amanda has volunteered for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Crossroads House, and Stone’s Buddies, which is a support group for pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease. She looks forward to caring for patients, working with their families and making a positive impact in their lives.

Natalie Clark, daughter of Paul and Patricia Pellegrino Clark, Batavia High School senior, ranks 13th in her class, and believes her close knit Italian-American family, along with the Batavia community has shaped her into the well-rounded person she represents.

Natalie plans on attending Niagara University to pursue an undergraduate degree in Nursing, with plans to achieve her goal of pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, BHS Student Government, Source of Strength Club, Link Crew, Prom Committee and a member of Homecoming Court.

Her involvement in sports included Varsity Cheerleading, Softball and Dance. Natalie’s cheer squad was awarded Section V Girls Champions 2017 and Cheerleading Second team All-County (Division 2, Small A school sectional title) in 2019.

Natalie balanced her learning and sports to achieve Scholar Athlete Award from seventh through 12thgrade.  

She also was awarded the Elmira College Key Award and BHS Gold Award Honor Roll.

Her family encouraged Natalie to be active in her community, to give of herself for others. Her volunteering at “Friends of Strong,” Youth Camp Cheer volunteer, and her religious education has given her the confidence of helping others.

Natalie, from a young age, believes the importance of her faith has encouraged her to fulfil her goals. Natalie said “I need to work for what I want and when I work hard, everything is possible.”

Alex Hale, son of Larry and Diane Hale, is a senior at Batavia High School. He attributes the value he has received by growing up in a Italian American household has had a tremendous impact on his life.

Alex plans to attend Niagara Community College to study Health Services, in hopes to one day to become a physical therapist. He has also committed to play baseball for NCC, which has been a huge part of his life,

Alex has been a high honor student since fourth grade to the present, ranking 28thin a class of 153. He has been involved in basketball, football as well as baseball, in which he has received many awards. He was also involved in Faith Formation at Ascension Parish, attending Religious Instructions and as a altar server at Resurrection Parish.

Alex has been active in the community, volunteering for the Michael Napoleon Memorial Foundation, basketball summer camps, Crossroads House, and the Ricky Palermo Foundation, which holds an annual golf tournament and fundraisera for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Alex said he is proud of his Italian heritage and "it is very important to carry out Italian traditions.”

Bryn Wormley, senior at Batavia High School and daughter of Christine Cecere and Brian Wormley, is a member of the National Honor Society ranking eighth in her Class of 2021. 

Bryn participated in the Link Crew, received Honorable Chemistry Award, Keuka College Scholarship Award and Top 10 Senior Class Award.

Currently she's a student in the Health Career Academy, a stepping-stone to her next phase in learning at St. John Fisher College in Pre Health Professional studies, with her goal to be a Physical Therapist or Physician’s Assistant. She also looks forward to being on the St. John Fisher College Women’s Basketball Team.

Bryn said she "is more willing to give her time and work hard for others."

Volunteering is part of who she is --assisting in bowling fundraisers, helping out at meat raffles, serving at concession stands, and she likes to write encouraging letters to nursing home residents and those who reside at the NYS Veterans' Home in Batavia. During the coronavirus pandemic, she did chores for the elderly, too. Bryn has volunteered at training camps to help children develop social skills. 

Italian-American values have taught her the value of caring for others.

Bethany bids farewell to long-serving Town Clerk

By Press Release

Photos and information from Glenn Adams:

Residents from the Town of Bethany said farewell to its long-serving Town Clerk on Monday evening, May 10. Debbie Douglas (in top photo) was presented with a number of gifts by the Town. But, she and husband, Tom, made their own donations to the Town.

"Bethany has done so much for us," she said, "and we wanted to give back in some small way."

Debbie and Tom donated two defibrillators, one for the Town Hall, and one for the highway garage.

They also donated a trainer to get employees up to speed on how to use the defibrillators.

In addition to gifts for the Town, they donated a second defibrillator trainer to the fire department, along with two seek retractors, and two thermal imaging cameras, which will be useful in fire situations where dense smoke precluded being able to see inside buildings.

We will sorely miss her as Town Clerk, and wish her and Tom the very best in retirement.

Below, Interim Town Clerk Ruth Bodkins presents Debbie Douglas with a gift from the Town.

Below, Bethany Fire Chief Jeff Fluker, Debbie Douglas, Tom Douglas, and Bethany Town Supervisor Karl Hyde.

Two local students took part in Canisius College's Virtual Service Week

By Billie Owens

Nearly 200 Canisius College students participated in Virtual Service Week 2021, held in April.

Service Week included virtual and in-person engagement activities and each day centered around a different theme. Among those themes represented during Virtual Service Week: racial justice, health care and mental health, hunger and the homeless, the environent and sustainability, and issues surrounding borders and migration.

The following local students participated in Virtual Service Week 2021:

Calvin Herrick, of Le Roy, who's a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Biology.

Jenna Whitmore, of Batavia, who's is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2022 and pursuing a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Virtual Service Week 2021 was organized and sponsored by the New Buffalo Institute (NBI) at Canisius College. The NBI aligns research, service and educational programming toward the many neighborhoods on Buffalo's East Side, including Canisius' own Hamlin Park neighborhood. Additionally, the NBI is committed to social justice, and provides a welcoming place for community partners to convene, voice concerns and exchange ideas.

One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders -- intelligent, caring, faithful individuals -- able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.

Two girls to represent Elba FFA chapter in competition at upcoming NYS FFA convention

By Press Release

Photos and information from Tracey Dahlhaus, Agriculture Science instructor -- Elba Central School District, and Elba FAA chapter advisor.

Amelia Brewer and Maggie Winspear will both be representing the Elba Future Farmers of America chapter at the upcoming New York State FFA convention.

Both young ladies placed in the top two spots in their substate contests to qualify and compete at the state competition.

Amelia (inset photo right) will be participating in the Senior Prepared Public Speaking event.

Amelia will be presenting her speech on the "Misconceptions in the Dairy Industry."

Maggie (inset photo left) will compete in the Junior Prepared Public Speaking Event. 

Maggie will be presenting her speech on "Why We Should Bring Whole Milk Back Into Schools."

Elba FFA advisor Tracey Dahlhaus, says she "is very excited to have Elba FFA represented at this level and at the NY State FFA Convention.

"What an awesome opportunity for both these young ladies. I am very proud of their accomplishments!"

East Bethany's Sabrina Richley earns Award of Excellence

By Billie Owens

Sabrina Richley, of East Bethany, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Health Professions. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 133,000 students nationwide and has more than 210,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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