On May 20, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) awarded a total of 1,988 degrees - 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master's degrees, and 1,446 bachelor's degrees - to 1,957 students, some of whom earned multiple degrees.
The following local students earned degrees:
Sophia Jermy, of Le Roy, graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering
Summer Jeschke-Dean, of Alexander, graduated with a BS in Chemistry
Le Roy resident, Ellie Dambra, has been named to the Dean's List at James Madison University for the spring 2023 semester. Students who earn dean's list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Dambra is majoring in Public Administration - BS.
Congratulations to Charles Urbanczyk of East Bethany on being named to Pennsylvania Western University Dean's List for the 2023 spring semester.
Over 3,500 Pennsylvania Western University students earned placement on the Dean's List. Degree-seeking undergraduate students who achieve high academic standards are identified in accordance with the following criteria:
The student must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.40.
The student must earn a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester, not including credits by proficiency examinations, incomplete grades, temporary grades (e.g., Not Reported), or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.
Urbanczyk currently studies at PennWest's Edinboro Campus.
2023 Rotary Scholarship recipients. From left to right: Hannah Spencer GVEP LeRoy HS; Courtney Daniel, Notre Dame HS and Lauren Reimer, Batavia HS
Press Release:
The Rotary Club of Batavia has awarded college scholarships of up to $6,000 to each of the three local students. This year's Rotary Scholarships were awarded to: Hannah Spencer, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP), LeRoy; Courtney Daniel, Notre Dame High School and Lauren Reimer, of Batavia High School. 25 applications were received for 2023 rewards, according to Andrea Aldinger, co-chairperson of the Rotary Scholarship Committee.
“Narrowing the selection down to three was close to impossible,” Aldinger said, “after all the interviews, it still was unclear as these students were so incredibly talented.” She noted that many of the students had already achieved their Associate's Degree before graduating high school.
The Rotary Scholarship program began more than 40 years ago. Each year one student is selected from Notre Dame HS, Batavia HS, and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, formerly known as BOCES. Rotary awards each student $1,500 per year for four consecutive years as long as the student maintains a GPA of at least 3.0.
Committee Co-chair Mike Hodgins said at any one time, as many as 12 students are receiving annual awards totaling $18,000. The program is funded by various Rotary events throughout the year. The scholarships were awarded during a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Batavia. The students and their parents were invited to attend.
Hannah Spencer, who attends LeRoy HS, told Rotarians that she studied with the Justice Academy at GVEP. She plans to pursue a Nursing Degree at GCC and transfer to another school for a Bachelor’s degree.
Scholarship winner Lauren Reimer of Batavia High School said she plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Albany. She earned an unweighted cumulative high school average of 99.65%. Lauren will graduate high school with honors and has already earned an Associate’s Degree from GCC.
Courtney Daniels, Notre Dame’s awardee, is set to study Political Science at Fordham University. She was a member of the National Honor Society and attended The NY Governor’s Youth Council as a representative for Wyoming County. Her ultimate goal is to become a New York State senator.
Two previous winners attended this year's ceremony to update the club on how they were able to use their Rotary Scholarships. Carissa Kesler used her scholarship to buy a laptop computer in 2019 when the COVID pandemic hit. She said it was her pipeline for remote learning at GCC and later at SUNY Brockport. “With the help of Rotary, I graduated with no student debt,” Carissa said.
Taylor Sanders attended Niagara University and is now pursuing her medical degree at LECOM in Bradenton, Florida.
Photos submitted by Dan Fischer
From left to right: Carissa Kesler, Hannah Spencer, Courtney Daniel, Lauren Reimer and Taylor Sanders
Elijah Stringham of East Bethany, a member of the Class of 2025, has been named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List at Stonehill College.
To qualify for the Dean's List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have successfully completed all courses for which they were registered.
On May 20 Genesee Community College celebrated its 55th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 13 students from area high schools and home schools deserving special mention.
They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Twelve of these graduates participated in the fifth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.
These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jadyn Brummert (Oakfield), Jacob Debadts (Warsaw), Lydia Evans (Batavia), Megan Fialkowski (Attica), Grace Gregoire (home school), Abigail Lamphier (home school), Aidan McClurg (Elba), Emma McLaughlin (Perry), Sofia Oltramari (Buffalo Seminary), Lauren Reimer (Batavia), Zoey Shepard (Byron-Bergen) and Andrea Straub (Notre Dame). Audrey Pask (Albion) did not take part in the STEM Enrichment Program but did earn a GCC degree alongside her high school diploma.
The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college-level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.
"We are extremely proud of these 12 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements through our STEM Enrichment Program. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.
Genesee Community College's 55th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Benjamin Bonarigo Sr., Esq., Genesee Community College Trustee Emeritus. To view the ceremony, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Zachary Albright from Elba, and assigned to the Company D, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on March 8, to the rank of private 1st class.
Beth Britton from East Bethany, and assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment (Medical Evacuation), received a promotion on March 15, to the rank of sergeant 1st class.
Thomas Dalberth from Le Roy, and assigned to the 153rd Troop Command, received a promotion on January 31, 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.
Eva Marie Janofsky of Batavia graduated with a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Lee University during the 187th commencement exercises on May 6. Janofsky was among more than 560 students who received undergraduate and graduate diplomas. Congratulations on this academic milestone!
Ryann Stefaniak of Batavia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Nazareth College with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a minor in Anthropology during the 96th Commencement ceremony on campus at the Golisano Training Center on Saturday, May 13.
Morgan Sullivan of Leroy, received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nursing from Wilkes University. The degree was one of over 650 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at its 76th spring commencement ceremonies on May 20 in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, 169 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre.
The Notre Dame Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lindsay Warner has been named Assistant Principal, effective July 1. James Sutherland, Board of Trustees president, said, “We are very excited to welcome back a member of our own ND Family to such an important leadership position. Lindsay brings a passion for education and a real love of Notre Dame. We are confident that her return brings continuity and respect to our traditions and values.”
Mrs. Warner brings a vast array of talents and skills, having been in education and leadership for many years. Her intelligence, strong interpersonal skills, and intentional, values-driven leadership style are a strong match for Notre Dame. She believes in student-centered education and has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the potential of every student. Lindsay is a 2001 graduate of Notre Dame and previously served as a varsity coach and faculty member.
She was the founder of ND’s award-winning business program and was notably awarded the New York State Business Teachers Association’s outstanding new business teacher in 2015. For the last 6 years, Lindsay has served in and out of the classroom at the WNY Tech Academy as a teacher, work-based learning coordinator, program promoter, recruiter, and social media coordinator/developer.
When asked about this opportunity, Lindsay said, "I am grateful to have a place on the leadership team at Notre Dame. Mrs. Lindner and I share common goals: to positively impact the culture of Notre Dame, model an authentic love for learning, and tirelessly promote the value of an education rooted in faith. It is an honor and privilege to be here, and I am looking forward to earning the trust and respect of this school community!"
Please join the Board of Trustees, staff, and faculty of Notre Dame in welcoming Mrs. Lindsay Warner back to her alma mater and to her new position.
The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2023 during the College's 203 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 20. During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.
Local graduates include:
Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies
Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies
Megan Privatera of Leroy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
During the month of April, 618 WNY students participated in a lively, month-long competition of trading through their participation in the Junior Achievement Virtual Stock Market Challenge. Students represented twenty schools from across WNY and competed to take top prize.
Prior to the JA Stock Market Challenge, JA provides their JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum to introduce students to basic concepts about how the market works and the impact of current events. The curriculum also includes a series of self-guided extension activities for students to engage in deeper learning about the stock market and investing.
Wells Fargo is the Presenting sponsor of this unique and interactive JA learning experience, with one competition held earlier this school year and another session during this spring semester.
The competition was held online and allowed students to experience the real-life stock market in a simulated environment. Students chose to compete as individuals or as teams. Participants began with a $25,000 starting portfolio and were encouraged to make transactions throughout the month. Leaderboards were dynamic and shared weekly using the hashtag #JAWNYStockMarketChallenge.
At the close of competition, Junior Achievement of Western New York (JAWNY) is pleased to recognize our top three winners. Taking 1st place was Greta Nordwall from Jamestown High School, 2nd place Allison Wormley from Batavia High School, and 3rd place Maddison Dennis from Batavia High School.
Allison Wormley said, “It was a really great experience being able to see what the stock market was like and I loved having the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Maddison Dennis said, “I really enjoyed learning about the stock market and getting the chance to be involved, it really improved my understanding of the market. I definitely did not expect to win!”
Rounding out the Top 5 rankings are:
4th place: Connor Burkestone – Niagara Falls High School
5th place: Anna Baratta- Niagara Falls High School
Participating Schools:
Erie County: Alden High School, Amherst High School, East Aurora High School, Eden High School, Hamburg High School, Kenmore East High School, Pioneer High School, St. Francis High School
Niagara County: Lockport High School, Niagara Falls High School
Chautauqua County: Cassadaga Valley High School, Falconer High School, Jamestown High School
This program is not possible without support from our partners: Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsor; additional support from: Delta Air Lines; HSBC Bank USA N.A.; The Lenna Foundation; Bryant & Stratton College; Bank on Buffalo; Tops Friendly Markets; Zgoda & Associates CPAs, PC; Perry’s Ice Cream; PwC; Reid/Crosby’s; Seneca Foods Foundation; Deloitte; Evans Bank; KPMG; Lawley; Linde LLC; Lippes Mathias LLP; National Fuel; Phillips Lytle LLP; SEFCU; West Herr Auto Group; WSF Industries, Inc; Assure Partners Buffalo; Financial Trust Federal Credit Union; Freed Maxick CPA’s; L&M Wealth Management; Lakelet Capital LLC; Northwest Bank; and TriMain Development LLC.
The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.
Sabrina Richley of East Bethany has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.
Tammy Russell of Le Roy has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.
The Holland Land Office Museum’s Java with Joe E. presentation by David Reilly originally scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at 2 p.m. has been cancelled. It has been replaced by the following program: the HLOM is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, May 25 at 9 a.m. This month's presenter is our Director Ryan Duffy. His presentation, “Genesee County Civil War Medal of Honor Soldiers,” details the lives, service, and deeds of the four Civil War soldiers with a connection to Genesee County, who were awarded the Medal of Honor. Admission is free and coffee and donuts will be provided. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 23. The meeting will be at the Extension at 420 E. Main St. and is open to the public. For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.
The Le Roy Botts-Fiorito American Legion Unit #576 welcomes Quincey Williams as the newest Junior Member and our 2023 Poppy Girl.
Quincey is 8 years old and in 2nd grade at The Wolcott St. School in Le Roy. She is the daughter of David and Mindy Williams and the granddaughter of David and Beverly Hyde and Jim and Peggy Williams.
Quincey plays softball and participates in wrestling, takes piano and violin lessons and loves listening to music. Quincey also enjoys fashion and designing and making clothes. Her favorite time is spent with her family, camping and going on vacation and especially spending time with her brothers and sisters and her dogs.
