Megan Fuchs of Le Roy was named to the Elmira College Dean's List for the Fall 2024 Term.
Full-time undergraduate students registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and earning a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher at the end of Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean's List at the College.
Congratulations to all of the Elmira College students who earned this academic accomplishment!
The 1st quarter High Honor and Honor Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Principal Paul Hazard. Hazard and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students.
GRADE 7:
HIGH HONOR ROLL – Jayda Amesbury, Zaria Aslam, Ian Bannister, Teagan Burch, Lillian Czachorowski, McKenna Diehl, Leonard Dykstra, Channel Edwards, Claire Fogg, Harlow Galves, Katelyn Gay, Nina Hammerl, Aaliyah Hawley, Hannah Hunt, Lacie Ivison, Jason Ivison, Jr., Grant Kuipers, Anastasia Kuszlyk, Brooklyn Louis, Ella Maher, Liam McAlister, Amelia Meier, Elizabeth Merrick, Lawrence Moore III, Christian Perkins, Jaelynn Reynolds, Hanna Richardson, Dylan Riedmiller, Jackson Senf, Lincoln Senf, Collin Starowitz, Emma Tanner, Ella Tatar, Brynn Weaver, Payton White
HONOR ROLL - Addison Alejandro, Amelia Baker, Anthony Chapman, Khloe Crocker, Diamond Dykstra- Culver, Jason Easterly, Kyler Kavanagh, Frank Manchester, Jayden Muntz, Nashdiel Santiago Tirado, Devin Stranc-Holmwood, Kylee Tirrell, McKenzie Wride
GRADE 8:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Faith Apley, Charlotte Bloom, Riley Boland, Evelyn Borycki, Alyssa Chupp, Emily Cubas Canizales, Tristen Davidson, Addyson Day, June Dorman, Katherine Erion, Olivia Galdun, Lydia Hammond, Connor Hoopengardner, Isabella Kessler, Delilah Malin, Sophia Matthews, Emmarose Michaels, Lia Ray, Ava Smith, Landon Starkweather, Gunner Starowitz, Contessa Vander Wyst, Benjamin Vargas, Kaylanah White, Teagan Williams
HONOR ROLL - Madison Carson, Ayden Day, Leland Fregoe, Hunter Jarosinski, Ce'Andre Johnson, Jack Miller, Maylee Moore, Riley Norman, Trevor O'Brien, Aleah Olander, Caleb Rassel, William Scharvogel, Miranda Stanton, Connar Tuerk, Sierra Vandenbosch, Dahlia Wolff, Logan Zaleski
GRADE 9:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Evan Bannister, Eala Coniglio, Samantha Copani, Emily Diehl, William Duell, Zachary Gay, Cambria Goodenbery, Lila Graff, Ruth Kuipers, Alexander Kuszlyk, Isabella Lewis, Taylor Louis, Annabella Madera, Levi McGrath, Lillian Meier, Timothy Michaels Jr., Liliana Moore, Evan Phillips, Alexandra Pocock, Natalie Randall, Lucy Rea, Jenna Redick, Michael Rogoyski, Owen Sinclair, Genevieve Smith, Miley Stalica, Xavier Vargas, Jillian Weaver, Paige Winkler
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Nataly Barrera Zuniga, Rylee Burch, Emalyn Canfield, Cody Carlson, Lauren Gartz, Brayden Gelsomino, Kai Gilbert, Gabriella Ivison, Taylor Lundfelt, Ian MacMillen, Logan Marou, Emma Matthews, Emma McJury, Lucia Mueller, Hannah Riedmiller, Theodore Schelemanow, Elliana Tanner, Bradley Tatar, Jack Walker, Rena Wilson
U.S. News & World Report has named Byron-Bergen Junior High School as a 2025 Best Middle School, placing 316 out of 1389 schools in New York State. Ranked schools were scored on their pupils’ state assessment tests results in the context of socioeconomic demographics.
The school exceeded state averages in math and English Language Arts (ELA), notably scoring 25% above the state average in ELA and 11% above the state average in math.
“Our junior high school ELA team is grinding every day for these kids,” said 6-12 ELA Content Leader Diana Walther. “We have benchmark tools to identify who needs extra support and use data-driven instruction to meet the kids where they are. We also focus on writing every day.”
In New York State, 46% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 41% tested at or above that level for math. At Byron-Bergen Junior High School, 71% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 52% tested at or above that level for math.
“Math instruction at the junior high school is data driven,” said 6th grade math teacher Nicole Utz. “Our team uses benchmark data to determine successes and gaps in learning and are able to target our instruction to help meet the needs of our students. In addition, 6th grade student schedules include a FLEX math class every other day which provides opportunities to stretch their learning or receive extra support. Math Lab is also available at the 7th and 8th grade level to provide additional support when necessary.”
“Our students and staff are incredible, and this recognition highlights how the rigor of our teachers is matched by our hard-working students,” said Jr./Sr, High School Principal Paul Hazard. “I can’t emphasize enough the overall excellence of the entire staff working together to encourage thinking, caring, successful students. It took the help of the whole hive to achieve this recognition.”
This is the first year that the Junior High School has achieved a U.S. News & World Report rank. The Senior High School has been recognized on the list annually since 2019. For more information on U.S. News & World Report rankings visit https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/byron-bergen-junior-senior-high-school-13565.
The City of Batavia is pleased to announce the appointment of Bailey Groth to the position of Superintendent of Water and Wastewater for the City of Batavia. Groth was selected following an extensive search for candidates. She will assume her new role on December 18, 2024.
A Pembroke native, Groth holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Toxicology and Biology from Nazareth College. With a certification in Basic Environmental Health Programs from the University of Albany, School of Public Health.
Groth currently serves as an Environmental Analyst - Drinking Water Specialist with the New York State Department of Health facilitating and managing the development of municipal source water protection plans. She is a current Environmental Health board member for Yummies Ice Cream in Warsaw.
Previously she served as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Genesee County Health Department where she managed drinking water enhancement program, she was accountable for overseeing the public water supplies operating in Genesee County and compliance with State Sanitary Code.
“Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge in water planning and regulation as well as environmental sciences that will be an asset to the Bureau of Water and Wastewater for years to come. She is a data driven professional with strategic management skills, and I look forward to working with her on numerous Water and Wastewater projects that the City is undertaking,” said Rachael J. Tabelski, City Manager.
“Bailey will be a valuable asset to the City! With her extensive work background and education, her skills will contribute significantly to various projects and initiatives, helping to foster growth and improve in the City. Bailey has a wonderful mix of interests! Enjoying the outdoors and hiking allows her to appreciate nature and stay active, while spending time with friends and family helps strengthen her relationships. Crafting is her great way to express creativity and unwind, and having a pet like Tuna the cat adds companionship and joy. Whether she's hitting the trails or getting crafty at home, Bailey has a lovely balance of activities,” said Tom Phelps Director of Public Works.
Genesee County is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie L. Stein as the new Deputy County Treasurer. A lifelong resident, Katie brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to the position.
Treasurer-elect Kevin Andrews expressed enthusiasm about Katie joining the team, stating, “I am excited to work with Katie as we continue to serve the residents of Genesee County with transparency and fiscal responsibility.”
Katie resides in Le Roy and has deep roots in the Genesee County community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Hilbert College and a Master of Science in Forensic Accounting from The College at Brockport, which showcases her commitment to excellence and specialization in finance.
With extensive experience in compliance and financial management, Katie’s background positions her to bring valuable expertise and leadership to the Treasurer’s Office. Genesee County is confident that her knowledge and commitment to the community will further strengthen the office’s mission of fiscal stewardship.
Katie will officially begin her role as Deputy County Treasurer in January 2025.
Noah Pickard, of Batavia, was one of 83 SUNY Oneonta who received the Richard Siegfried Student Award in the fall 2024 semester for earning a total GPA of 3.9 or higher. To be eligible for the award, a student who meets the GPA requirement must either be a full-time first-year or transfer student.
Students received the award on Dec. 3 following the annual Richard Siegfried Junior Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence Lecture. Dr. Chelsea McCracken, assistant professor of media studies at SUNY Oneonta, was this year's Junior Faculty Prize recipient. McCracken delivered this year's Richard Siegfried Lecture, titled "Visualizing Hollywood's Gender Inequities Through Female Dialogue" at the Morris Conference Center on campus.
The award is named in memory of Richard K. Siegfried, SUNY Oneonta Professor of Theatre from 1958 until 1995. Professor Siegfried (or Sieg as generations of students fondly called him) epitomized excellence in his academic life, through imagination, meticulous scholarship and discipline, and through his expectation of the same pursuit of excellence in his students and colleagues. His dedication brought excellence to his work in such historical theater worlds as Aristophanes, Moliere, Ibsen and Chekhov, his rigorous study of the skills of voice and movement, and his leadership in improvisation's imaginative creativity.
The University at Albany is welcoming students back to campus for the start of the Fall 2024 semester, including some 5,430 new Great Danes.
More than 2,800 first-year students, from 32,320 applicants, are joining UAlbany's Class of 2028, with 223 students selected to be part of the University's Honors College, and 226 students enrolled as Presidential Scholars.
In addition, more than 1,000 transfer students, including about 200 transfers from the College of Saint Rose, and 1,630 new graduate students are joining the campus community this fall.
The Class of 2028 is among the most diverse in University history, with 55.6 percent coming from historically underrepresented groups. Students also hail from 23 different states and 33 countries. The class boasts an overall high school average of 90.3 percent.
The following students are joining the University at Albany for the Fall of 2024:
Ryan Bowen of Batavia, majoring in Business Administration
Sophia Minuto of Batavia, majoring in Political Science (intended)
Anneka Pray of Corfu, majoring in Political Science (intended)
Genesee Community College (GCC) is pleased to announce the GCC Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center recently welcomed three new staff members to its team with the addition of Christa Palmer, Corinne Saluste, and Maria Velazquez de Machado in the roles of assistant director, coordinator of community education, and coordinator of technical programs, respectively. Palmer began her new role on July 1. Saluste and Velazquez de Machado began their new roles with the College in September.
"The BEST Center is extremely pleased to welcome Christa, Corinne and Maria," Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of workforce development and The BEST Center said. "All three individuals bring outstanding professional credentials to our team, including new program development and training design experiences, and creative and innovative ideas to further expand our presence in the GLOW area."
Christa Palmer
Palmer, a Batavia native, is the assistant director of workforce development. Christa has over 26 years' experience in education and in her former role at GCC, developed programming for the new technical programs in HVAC, Refrigeration, Industrial Electric and Computer Numerical Controls (CNC). In her new role as assistant director, she will oversee corporate training contracts for The BEST Center. Christa holds a bachelor's degree in communications, master's degree in elementary education and educational administrative certification from SUNY Brockport.
Corinne Saluste
Saluste, also from Batavia, is the coordinator of community education, specializing in courses designed for personal and professional growth. Corinne collaborates closely with the GLOW community to provide courses that promote both personal and professional advancement to strengthen the workforce. Her programs cater to a wide range of learners, offering everything from driving courses for new drivers to leadership, healthcare, and public safety courses for emerging professionals. Corinne, also a GCC alumna, has an associate degree in Business Administration.
Maria Velazquez de Machado
Velazquez de Machado, originally from Venezuela, is the coordinator of technical programs. Maria oversees the development and management of various technical courses and training programs. Her role includes increasing non-credit enrollment and expanding program offerings to meet the needs of the regional economy. She brings extensive experience in program management, strategic communications and content creation. Maria holds Social Communications and Business Administration degrees and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her commitment to serving underrepresented communities and proficiency in digital tools makes her an asset to The BEST Center.
The BEST Center at GCC is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local economic growth. The Center serves individual employees as well as businesses large and small with seminars, workshops and trainings designed to improve the performance of people and processes.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
The Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club proudly celebrated a momentous occasion on October 9 as they honored founding member Janet Fitch on her remarkable upcoming 105th birthday. Surrounded by friends and fellow garden club members, Janet was greeted with heartfelt wishes, a beautifully decorated cupcake, and a vibrant bouquet of flowers.
Janet Fitch has been a cornerstone of the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club since its inception in 1954. Members expressed their gratitude for her guidance and passion for environmental stewardship. Her passion for gardening and her commitment to nurturing both plants and relationships have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege to know her.
For more information about the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club and upcoming events, please contact LeRoyNYGardenClub@gmail.com.
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.
Emmanuel Fisher from Le Roy, assigned to the Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion September 15 to the rank of private.
Makenzie Lafreniere from East Bethany, assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company, received a promotion August 16 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.
Cassidy Ertel of Bergen has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Summer 2024 Dean's List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Crossroads House is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand, MS, BSN, RN, as the new Director of Resident Care.
Marilyn brings with her more than 30 years of extensive experience in nursing, management, and healthcare leadership, making her a vital asset to our comfort care home.
With a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Keuka College, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Genesee Community College, Marilyn’s educational foundation is complemented by a stellar career across various health sectors, including hospice care, acute care, and nursing management.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Crossroads House, Marilyn served as Chief Executive Officer at Hospice of Orleans in 2023, where she provided compassionate leadership and operational oversight to hospice care services in Albion.
Marilyn's career also includes two decades at Rochester Regional Health – United Memorial Medical Center, where she held progressively responsible roles culminating in her position as Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer from 2017 to 2019. During her tenure, she led various initiatives, such as:
Steering the nursing team toward achieving Baby Friendly status.
Leading the hospital’s initial Magnet Journey, a prestigious designation in nursing excellence.
Implementing a Nursing Investment Program to promote professional development and certifications among nurses.
Achieving recognition for Stroke Center of Excellence and Joint Center of Excellence certifications.
Marilyn’s earlier roles included serving as the Director of Professional Practice, overseeing nursing standards, quality control, regulatory compliance, and policy development. She also held nursing leadership positions at Medina Memorial Health Care System, where she excelled as a Nurse Manager in Intensive Care and the Emergency Department.
Leadership and Vision
Crossroads House Executive Director, Tracy Ford, expressed excitement about Marilyn's appointment, "Marilyn’s remarkable career and deep commitment to quality patient care make her the perfect fit for Crossroads House. She is taking on the role previously held by founder, Kathy Panepento. Her leadership will be pivotal as we continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our residents and their families."
A Commitment to Excellence in Care
Marilyn is a long-standing member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and currently serves on the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department Quality Assurance Board. Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen Crossroads House’s mission to offer compassionate, quality care for those nearing the end of life.
Over 800 students graduated from SUNY Delhi in the Spring of 2024. Commencement was held Saturday, May 18, with certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees conferred upon the classes of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
Rachael Herold of Pavilion graduated from SUNY Delhi with a bachelor's degree in Nursing.
Horizon Organic, a pioneer in organic dairy and the largest USDA-certified organic milk brand in the world, today announced the 2024 recipients of the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program scholarships, which encourage young people to seek careers within organic or sustainable agriculture and/or large animal veterinary science.
The scholarship recipients, who must be the children or grandchildren of Horizon Organic producer partners, are each awarded $2,500 to use toward their college education. Horizon Organic became the first national organic dairy brand to offer scholarships designed to build the next generation of organic leaders through the initiation of the HOPE Scholarship program in 2007. During the past 17 years, the HOPE Scholarship program has awarded 105 scholarships totalling more than $290,000 in financial support.
“Farmers are the heart of Horizon Organic, and the HOPE Scholarship program is one way we are helping ensure organic farmers keep farming for generations to come,” said Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Organic. We believe in the organic difference, and we’re proud to share this value with the 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients along with our shared passion to shape positive impact and educate communities about the importance of organic agriculture.”
This year’s HOPE Scholarship recipients include:
Rachel Hatch (Freedom, N.Y.), age 18, is the daughter of producers Jeremy and Sara Hatch of Emary Springs Farm who have been shipping milk to Horizon Organic for 21 years. This year Rachel began attending State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree that will fuel her passion to promote organic agriculture, whether it be to return to the family farm or other opportunities within the organic agriculture system.
"Being a HOPE scholarship recipient means a lot to me and my family,” said Rachel. “It shows that Horizon Organic is a company that is willing to give back to the community and to farmers that have been a part of their success for many years,” shared Rachel. “It also means that they are willing to support young adults like me in our passion for agriculture and are very encouraging in our futures."
Zackary Tillotson (Pavilion), age 19, is the grandson and son of producers Paul and Jason Tillotson, respectively, of Cottonwood Farms LLC. The farm has shipped milk to Horizon Organic for 19 years. Zackary is a two-time HOPE Scholarship recipient and recently started his sophomore year at State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree. His goal is to enhance his family farm's productivity and sustainability to ensure the farm and his family can continue to thrive for future generations, all the while committing to upholding and advancing organic standards through innovative and efficient practices.
"I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a past and now a 2024 HOPE scholarship recipient,” said Zackary. “This scholarship not only alleviates a portion of the financial burden for school, but also allows me to continue my education in agricultural business. I am very excited to bring the knowledge I gain to our family farm. I look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with Horizon Organic throughout my college journey and as I return full-time to the farm."
The HOPE Scholarship program is more relevant than ever as consumers are seeking out organic foods and beverages at an unprecedented rate. According to the 2024 Organic Trade Association Industry Survey, U.S. sales of certified organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, a new record for the sector. Organic dairy and egg sales specifically were up 5.5 percent last year. This increasing demand points to the continued need to support and cultivate organic farmers and others in sustainable agriculture who are dedicated to advancing the organic industry and delivering the high-quality organic products consumers are craving.
Horizon Organic is committed to putting its farmers first, and the HOPE program is just one way the organization supports these essential business partners. From providing farmers with profitability consulting, intergenerational transition planning to keep farms in the family, and estate and retirement planning, to traveling vet care to offer individualized guidance for farmers’ specific concerns about their herds, and availability to collaborate on milk quality and continuous improvement, Horizon Organic aims to nourish a happy, healthy future for farmers, families, animals and the land.
The 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients were selected by a committee of organic and agricultural industry leaders, including: John Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Wolf & Associates; Tina Owens, VP Agriculture Transition, Intrinsic Exchange Group; and Kelly Shea, Chief Executive Officer, Shea & Associates.
More about Horizon Organic and the brand's commitment to supporting family farmers and organic agriculture can be found at https://horizon.com/organic-dairy-brand/organic-farmers/farmer-support-program/.
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.
Nicholas Seymour from Darien Center and assigned to the Company C, Recruiting & Retention Battalion, received a promotion on August 14 to the rank of private 1st class.
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
The following local students are enrolled in the University at Buffalo Honors College for the 2024-25 academic year:
Angelina Luker of Alexander
Connor Domoy of Basom
Lydia Evans of Batavia
A. Jo Tarbell of Corfu
Elli Schelemanow of Byron
Ella Mattice of Le Roy
UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.
"The Honors College is made up of students who are intellectually ambitious and interested in pushing themselves and others to maximize their undergraduate experiences," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "Our inclusive curriculum and dedicated staff nurture and support honors scholars as they grow as leaders, creative thinkers and globally-minded citizens."
The UB Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines. Currently, 1,788 of UB's approximately 20,170 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 537 first-year students for fall 2024. The college had one of the largest out-of-state enrollments to date, and welcomed 42 international students representing over a dozen different countries.
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.
Photo of Baldwin Wallace University faculty-led study abroad program in Guatemala. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Brooke Kennedy of Basom was among 11 students who participated in Baldwin Wallace University's(BW's) faculty-led study abroad program in Guatemala during the spring semester.
Kennedy, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School majoring in international studies, completed an experience led by Drs. Javier Morales Ortiz of political science and Kelly Coble of philosophy who took students to Guatemala to learn about cultural and ethical perspectives while exploring pathways to positive social changes.
The BW Center for Global Exploration engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown. For more photos, follow @bw.explore on Instagram.
Photo of (from left to right) Genesee County Interagency President Lisa Smith, Kenna MacKenzie, Executive Board Member Lisa Wittmeyer, and Scholarship Committee Member Meme Yanetsko. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Genesee County Interagency Council presented a $1000 educational scholarship to Le Roy High School graduate Kenna MacKenzie. Kenna plans to study Psychology at SUNY Geneseo this fall.
Scholarship applications were accepted from all Genesee County High Schools. Applicants were required to be in good academic standing, and majoring in the fields of Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology.
The mission of Genesee County Interagency Council is to create fellowship and understanding among community human service agencies. The council helps to identify community issues and encourages development of resolutions.
For more information about Genesee County Interagency Council please contact President Lisa Smith at (585) 344-2042 ext. 4237 or email Lisa at Lisa.Smith@ geneseeny.gov
