Alayna Streeter of Le Roy was named to Hartwick College's Spring 2023 Dean's List. Streeter, who is pursuing a major in Nursing, was among close to 350 students named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List.
To be included on the Dean's List is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the term.
The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Night will be held at the Batavia Muckdogs game on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. It will be an evening of friends, family, fun, and fireworks while we raise awareness about the Foundation and its mission. We will have raffles, 50/50, and activities for the kids. We invite the community to come celebrate with us and share in the fun.
We will be sharing our love of red, white, and blue for our country and purple as the color of the Napoleone Foundation. See you at the ballpark!
For more information on the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit https://michaelshope.org/.
On Friday, June 23, the Byron-Bergen Class of 2023 crossed the stage at Roberts Wesleyan’s Hale Auditorium and into the next chapter of their lives. Amidst the cheers of their friends and families, the graduates were recognized for their years of hard work and welcomed to the ranks of proud Byron-Bergen alumni. Although the graduates were not promised an easy ride, the mantra that echoed through the auditorium was “perseverance”.
A traditional rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, performed by the Byron-Bergen High School Concert Band under the direction of High School Music Teacher Kevin Bleiler, provided the ambiance for the practical but optimistic ceremony. Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo welcomed family, friends, and faculty present at the ceremony.
“You are a big part of the success we celebrate today,” said Grillo. Grillo enumerated some of the many accomplishments to which the seniors contributed including varsity athletic championships, the show-stopping spring musical “Hairspray”, and notable achievements for academic teams and clubs. Grillo then encouraged the graduates to take risks and never stop striving for their goals. “Move on to what is next. Choose your adventure. Don't be afraid to fail.”
Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee took to the stage with a personal message for each student. “I have known you for four years as principal and two years as superintendent,” said McGee. “I will miss your honest feedback, side conversations, and informal hallway check-ins. You will be missed.”
He then recited a poem by American author Shel Silverstein:
Listen to the Mustn’ts, listen to Don’t. Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts. Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me. Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.
This sentiment was reinforced by Salutatorian Zoey Shepard. “I didn’t want to talk about COVID today,” said Shepard. “We are collectively a pretty challenging class, but the pandemic made us stronger.” She went on to tell her classmates to make sure they are happy and to work hard, have fun, and always stand tall.
The graduating members of the Singing Silhouettes, under the direction of High School Music Teacher Joseph Paris, performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel. The arrangement featured a series of short duets allowing each member to shine. “But you know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old,” sang the young musicians, with the dedication of those ready to work for their goals.
Then, invoking the iconic lyrics of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, Valedictorian Kendall Phillips said, “Everyone is unique. Everyone has their quirks. ‘Haters gonna hate’ but we have a wonderful support system back home.”
“Being kind is so important,” said Phillips. “It’s such a simple thing, but a powerful thing. It can change the course of someone's day or even life.”
The diplomas were conferred by Board of Education President Debra List and the Class of 2023 tossed their mortarboards into the air. The collective congregation rallied around the graduates and, for that moment, blocked out the Mustn’t and the Don’t, the Impossibles and Won’ts.
The graduates move on from high school knowing that they have weathered personal and global challenges and they are ready for what comes next. Haters gonna hate, but anything can happen. Anything can be.
The following students were named to the Dean's List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed at least 12 credit hours.
Jake Humes of Batavia, who is in the applied arts and sciences program.
Tori Russell of Pavilion, who is in the biotechnology and molecular bioscience program.
Jake Long of Batavia, who is in the civil engineering technology program.
Lexi Begin of Corfu, who is in the communication program.
Zach Wagner of Batavia, who is in the computer engineering program.
Tanner Richardson of Batavia, who is in the electrical engineering program.
Emily Eckdahl of Stafford, who is in the environmental sustainability, health and safety program.
Megan Johnson of Oakfield, who is in the finance program.
Megan Conibear of Corfu, who is in the global business management program.
Amelia Beckman of Batavia, who is in the illustration program.
Xishun Miller-Williams of Batavia, who is in the industrial engineering program.
Sophia Zwolinski of Corfu, who is in the mechanical engineering program.
Austin Hunt of Batavia, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Timothy Bessel of Le Roy, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Ella Llewellyn of Batavia, who is in the medical illustration program.
Fanny Venegas of Elba, who is in the photographic and imaging arts program.
Megan Watson of Le Roy, who is in the photographic sciences program.
Madison Maniace of Pavilion, who is in the physician assistant program.
Maddi Howard of Elba, who is in the psychology program.
Cambria Kinkelaar of Bergen, who is in the public policy program.
Robert Lin of Batavia, who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.
Isaac Ladley of Byron, who is in the supply chain management program.
Chase Roth of Alexander, who is in the web and mobile computing program.
The 2023 NYS All-State Softball teams were released earlier this week. Batavia Notre Dame was the only Genesee Region team with two selections. The players that were selected were:
Loretta Sorochty from Batavia Notre Dame - Pitcher - Class D 1st team
Katie Landers from Batavia Notre Dame - SS - Class D 3rd team (this is Katie's second time making the team, 2021 Class D 2nd team)
Kendall Phillips from Byron Bergen - Pitcher - Class C 2nd team
Caitlin Ryan from Oakfield Alabama - SS/P - Class C 4th team
Lorelei Dillenbeck from Lyndonville - SS - Class D 4th team
The GLOW Region Solid Waste Committee is pleased to offer the opportunity to win a composting machine and composting packet. Residents from Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate.
Contact the GLOW office (glow@co.genesee.ny.us) for your opportunity to win! Participants will receive a questionnaire, to be completed based on GLOW’s composting demonstration site at the Genesee County Parks Interpretative Nature Center.
The winner will be notified directly by the GLOW office. Please contact GLOW with any questions or concerns: glow@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-815-7906.
“Everyone should compost! Composting allows for the conservation of water, healthier soil, and the reduction of waste in our landfills and waterways.”- Amanda Lee, Recycling Administrator. This program is made possible by the county's funding and DEC grants.
Megan Fuchs of Le Roy, was among nine students to be recognized at the Soaring Higher Leadership Award Ceremony at Elmira College.
The students made up the second cohort to complete the leadership program since it launched in the fall of 2022. Students apply and are selected to attend the program facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students, Larry Parker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Ytzel Flores Cristiansen, Assistant Dean of Students.
The content for the program is based on the book, "The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices For Becoming an Exemplary Leader" by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.
Throughout the 10-week program, students participated in individual and group activities that uncovered insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
They learned to use their self-knowledge, such as identifying their values, to make better choices. Every other week, they listened to a new guest speaker about what they've learned as leaders.
Just prior to the Awards Ceremony, the Soaring Leaders presented multi-year plans they hope to achieve. The presentations provided the students an opportunity to practice their newly learned skills and take their first steps as leaders.
The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 716 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Spring 2023 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Suzanne Smith.
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.
The students included:
Lydia Geiger of Batavia, whose major is Musical Studies.
Erin Parnapy of Byron, whose major is Theatre.
Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, whose major is Psychology.
Megan Privatera of Le Roy, whose major is Music Education.
Boy Scout Troop 6650 trailered canoes and kayaks to Glenwood Lake in Medina on June 11. Boy Scout leader Jeremy Green, a certified canoe expedition guide, led the group after discussing water safety & first aid, canoe handling, and confirming that strict BSA guidelines were met for all equipment and PFD's.
Fourteen Scouts and leaders paddled their way from the lake's boat launch to the falls and back again. It was the perfect day to wrap up another year of Scouting.
Troop 6650 begins the new Scout season this Fall at the Alexander Fireman's Rec Hall on Route 98 at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12. Anyone wanting more information about the Scouting program can contact the Western NY Scout Council at (716) 891-4073.
2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple award recipient Jay Wolcott
Byron-Bergen Teacher Jay Wolcott received the 2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple Award On Friday, May 5 at the Terry Hills Country Club. Award recipients are chosen by the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Board of Directors.
“Mr. Wolcott’s years of hard work and dedication to promoting technology and industry with students and involvement in the GV BOCES Tech Teacher Cohort Group and GLOW Tech Wars makes him the perfect recipient of this honor,” said Genesee County Business/Education Alliance Director Karyn Winters.
Wolcott has taught Technology at Byron-Bergen for 21 years. In addition to teaching technology, he is the Steppin' Up Club and Technology Club advisor.
“Jay is an incredible educator and role model for our students,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “He is also a valuable mentor for other teachers, and it is my privilege to call him a friend and colleague. Congratulations, Jay.”
“I was very honored to be recognized for the work I do for my students and for fellow Technology teachers in the region,” said Wolcott. “I feel it is so important that students see the many opportunities for careers in our area. Karyn Winters at BEA is a great asset for any teacher to help gain access to local companies. Best of all, my wife, daughter, son, and grandson were present at the ceremony to hear the humble introduction speech by Karyn.”
Area students have earned Part-Time Honors at SUNY Canton during the spring 2023 semester.
"Your commitment to balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing your education is truly admirable," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "By earning Part-Time Honors, you have demonstrated exceptional determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. You have shown that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. Keep up the remarkable work, and may your academic journey continue to inspire others."
The college created this award to recognize students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in 6 to 11 credit hours of coursework. It stands alongside the college's Dean's and President's lists as one of the top awards for academic success during a single semester. A complete list of all honor students runs on www.canton.edu.
The Part-Time Honors list includes:
Dawn Hunter, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major from Batavia.
Tonya D. Dioguardi, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Le Roy.
SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran recognizes students for earning a spot on the spring 2023 President's List.
"Congratulations to all the exceptional SUNY Canton students who have earned a well-deserved spot on the President's List for the Spring 2023 Semester," Szafran said. "Your remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication, perseverance and outstanding academic abilities. I take immense pride in witnessing your success and seeing you excel in such a highly competitive academic environment. I hope this accomplishment serves as a stepping stone towards even greater achievements in your future endeavors."
To earn a spot on the President's List, full-time students must earn a 3.75 or greater GPA during a single semester. A complete list of all honor students runs on www.canton.edu.
Katharine N. Smallwood, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Corfu.
Zechariah Gowanlock, a SUNY Canton Emergency Management major from East Bethany.
Molly Simms of Bergen, earned a spot on the SUNY Canton Dean's List during the spring 2023 semester. Simms is a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation major.
"The college's deans and I wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to all the SUNY Canton students who have earned a well-deserved place on the Dean's List," said SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke. "Your dedication to academic excellence and your commitment to your studies have propelled you to this prestigious achievement. May this recognition inspire you to reach even greater heights."
Dean's List recognizes full-time students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74.
The Batavia City School District is proud to announce it is one of at least 165 school districts and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group's "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2023 at the Titanium with Honors level.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Batavia City School District officials received a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives.
Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels—titanium, platinum, and gold—in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety.
Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys.
“We’re proud and encouraged to receive this award from Utica National,” said Batavia City School District Superintendent Jason Smith. “The health, safety, and security of our students, faculty, staff, and community is our top priority. We’re consistently evaluating our programs, and this award will certainly go towards our continued efforts.”
"Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts," explained Brian Saville, Senior Vice President of Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go 'above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count Batavia City School District among them."
For more than 45 years, Utica National Insurance Group has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.
Students, staff, and faculty enjoyed the trail re-opening day
Press Release:
In the fall of 2022, Byron-Bergen Central School District joined the Lifting Our School Community Challenge through the Genesee Area Healthcare Plan (GAHP) in partnership with Excellus BCBS.
The Lifting Our School Community Challenge is aligned with the internationally recognized initiative “The Lift Project,” created by award-winning educator, researcher, and well-being expert Dr. Darren Morton (PhD, FASLM). The Lift Project was designed to help individuals live a happier life by providing tools and tips to help “lift” your overall wellness.
According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, “Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.”
Through the Lifting Our School Community Challenge, Byron-Bergen School District secured funding to begin a revitalization and maintenance project for the established Nature Trail on the district campus.
This project includes updated and increased signage created by BB engineering students as well as the newly created Star Trail in the Northeast quadrant of the woods.
Using the provided funds, students in Byron-Bergen High School’s Home Maintenance and Repair class were able to create new trail signage, including a Welcome Area and trail markers throughout the woods.
Byron-Bergen 11th-grade student Brody Baubie acted as team leader with the guidance of teachers Marc Palmer and Jay Wolcott. Brody created scale models and identified the necessary materials and techniques for his designs to take shape.
“This has been a good learning experience for me”, said Brody. “It helped me see and overcome challenges, problem-solving, and finding resources.” Brody is interested in carpentry work and plans to study construction management after graduation. The welcome kiosk he designed includes a roof and a sitting area.
The new trail map signage was geolocated and digitally designed by Buildings & Grounds Manager Roger Caldwell and Technology Teacher Marc Palmer and will be displayed in Brody’s welcome kiosk. Printing of the map signage was donated by Tom Chapell at Visual Impact Graphics in Byron, NY.
Throughout the years, the Byron-Bergen Nature Trail has been maintained by several groups and individuals, both district employees as well as valued members of the Byron-Bergen community.
In the spirit of paying tribute to all of those who have helped to make the trail what it is today, Byron-Bergen Schools hosted a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony in June.
“A big thank you to Roger Caldwell and the Byron-Bergen Grounds Crews as well as our technology teachers and students for their hard work making the trails fresh and inviting,” said Superintendent Pat McGee. “Thank you also to our team of staff Wellness Champions for their organization and planning of the project.”
The community is invited to enjoy the Nature Trail during daylight hours and dogs are welcome outside of school hours. The trail entrance is located behind the Elementary School and is visible from the road leading back to the softball field and soccer stadium.
Brody Baubie holds the scale model he created while designing the welcome kiosk
Jay Wolcott and Brody Baubie test out the welcome kiosk bench
Photos submitted by Gretchen Spittler and Sam Herson
SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load. The students are:
Six exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus, and the community. The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2022 - 2023 academic year.
Kenneth G. Rainis was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Ken has been a member of GCC's Math/Science faculty since 2015 and has taught a wide variety of courses, including Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Human Nutrition. Ken's over 45-year experience in science education and as a science education author go well beyond the textbook since lessons need to come to life with real-world applications. Ken is a highly experienced individual known for his creativity, adaptability, and connectivity inside and outside the classroom. He is committed to high-quality standards and nurturing student curiosity.
Gary J. Boccaccio was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the Classified Service, a system-level award established by SUNY to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the University's commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.
Gary has been a member of GCC's classified staff in the position of Custodial Worker since 2005. He is an individual dedicated to his work and possesses an exemplary work ethic. Gary is reliable, takes pride in what he does, and is always willing to go above and beyond what is required of him. Gary finds joy in what he does and is committed to making meaningful contributions to the college. His positive attitude and commitment inspire others.
Karyn S. Bryson received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, which recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.
Karyn has been a member of GCC's Paralegal faculty since 2008. She has provided outstanding service both in and out of the classroom and truly is committed to the entire college community and learning environment. In addition to her excellence in the classroom, she has made significant contributions to the college through her service. A few examples include her instituting a chapter of the National Honor Society for paralegal students, implementing a HyFlex modality for the delivery of her instruction, reorganizing the Student Paralegal Association, and serving as a leader for the Genesee Educational Association.
Kristen L. Hargrave was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.
Kristen has been a member of GCC's Records Office since 2015, where she began as a Transfer Coordinator and was then promoted to Assistant Registrar. She is an individual dedicated to mastering her role and accomplishing a great deal of work beyond the outline of her position description. A few samples of her work include redesigning the college's transfer services web page, supporting student completion by maintaining and continuously improving the Degree Works system, creating shared resources to assist in campus-wide collaboration and advisement of students, and serving as the college's Curriculum Secretary and Genesee Educational Association Secretary.
Maureen "Moi" E. Dugan was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, which supports the pursuits foundational to sustaining the intellectual growth of SUNY institutions by recognizing consistently outstanding scholarly and creative productivity, conducted in addition to teaching by SUNY's instructional faculty.
Moi has been a member of GCC since 2006. Some of her career highlights include integrating art with the campus and community through an annual pottery fundraiser for the college's food pantry and implementing a summer studio fine arts camp for youth. She participated in the development of the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, working with the Gallery Advisory Board and architects in the evolution of the gallery design and vision. Beyond the classroom, she donates a significant amount of time to various organizations, exhibits her pottery nationally, and engages in regular professional development to learn new techniques that she can engage her students with.
Daniel E. Snyder was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate, or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Dan has been a member of GCC since 2007 and a full-time faculty member since 2019. His approach to teaching is customized, effective, and empowering. Dan understands the importance of connecting to each student and adapting to the various classroom atmospheres he encounters. He has an engaging personality that students find intriguing, does not get intimidated easily, and adapts to any learning environment.
President of Genesee Community College, Dr. James Sunser, said, "We are incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals who have received the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. Kenneth Rainis, Gary Boccaccio, Karyn Bryson, Kristen Hargrave, Maureen Dugan, and Daniel Snyder have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions to their respective fields, our campus, and the community. Their commitment to excellence and dedication have had a profound impact on our students and the overall educational experience at Genesee Community College."
Ryan Sage of Basom, who is studying Civil Engineering, has made the Dean's Honor List for the Spring 2023 semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.
Rensselaer's Dean's Honor List is compiled at the end of each semester to recognize undergraduate students who have completed 12 or more credit hours with a 3.5-grade point average or better for that term. During the course of almost two centuries, Rensselaer has built a reputation for providing an education of undisputed intellectual rigor based on educational innovation in the laboratory, classroom, and studio.
Elijah Stringham of East Bethany, NY, recently traveled to Italy as part of a pilgrimage sponsored by the Stonehill College Chapel Choir.
While abroad, the choir shared their musical talents with parishioners at St. Peter's Basilica, considered one of the holiest sites in the world. They also performed at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome. Before returning to the United States, the students represented the College at a Papal Audience, joining thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to see Pope Francis.
First row (L to R): Antonia Gillison, Paula A. Campbell, Esq., Mary Jane Nevins, Esq. Second row (L to R): Michelle Parker, Esq., Ayoka Tucker, Esq., Jamie Summers. Third row (L to R): Lee Ann Lazarony, Kelley Buckley Fourth row (L to R): Hon. Laura Wagner, Colleen Gibbons, Jennifer Wilkinson, Esq.
Press Release:
On June 7, the NYS Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts – eighth Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee recognized 11 outstanding women in the law at its Biennial Lamplighters Luncheon held at the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo. Honorees included Kelly A. Buckley, Paula A. Campbell, Esq., Colleen Gibbons, Antonia Gillison, Lee Ann Lazarony, Mary Jane Nevins, Esq. Michelle Parker, Esq. Jamie Summers, Ayoka Tucker, Esq., Hon. Laura Wagner, Jennifer Wilkinson, Esq. and Helen Z.M. Rodgers (posthumously).
The honorees above are photographed with: Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders; Sgt. Angie Davis-Leveritte; Hon. Kevin M. Carter, Administrative Judge, 8th Judicial District, Kristy Holland, Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden, and Hon. Betty Calvo-Torres
