Pavilion beat HAC in Girls Basketball in the Class C2 first-round sectional playoff game on Wednesday, 68-31.
Scoring for Pavilion:
Pavilion, the #8 seed, faces #1 seed Keshequa in the Class C2 quarterfinal on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Keshequa.
Photos by Kristin Smith.
Press Release:
Katelynn Everett, of Pavilion, has been named to Merit University's Fall 2026 Dean's List in recognition of academic excellence.
Majoring in Psychology, Everett is among the 243 students named to the fall 2024 Dean's List.
Hiram College is proud to recognize academic excellence by naming high achieving students to the Dean's List. This prestigious honor recognizes students who have completed 12 or more hours of graded coursework with a semester grade point average of 3.6 or better.
Pavilion beat Mount Morris 81 to 47 in Boys Basketball on Thursday.
No stats were provided for the game.
Photos by Kristin Smith
Press Release:
There were 1,051 SUNY Cortland students who earned President's List honors for the Fall 2024 semester. To qualify for the President's List, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Those honored include:
- Olivia Halpin of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
- Kaylie Kratz of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
- Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia - Major: Healthcare Management
- Karlee Zinkievich of Pavilion - Major: Physical Education K-12
Press Release:
There were 2,971 students recognized for academic excellence on the SUNY Cortland Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester. The Dean's List is the highest ranking for undergraduate students in their respective academic areas of the university. Students must earn a minimum 3.3 grade point average for the semester to make the list.
Each of SUNY Cortland's three schools publishes its own Dean's List. They are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies and the School of Education.
Among those honored are:
- Gaige Armbrewster of Batavia - Major: Physical Education K-12
- Jocelyn Coburn of Batavia - Major: Musical Theatre BFA
- Olivia Halpin of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Education Childhood
- Kaylie Kratz of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Early Child Edu(B-2)
- Kirstin Mattice of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Early Child Education (B-2)
- Nathan Schildwaster of Batavia - Major: History
- Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia - Major: Healthcare Management
- Karlee Zinkievich of Pavilion - Major: Physical Education K-12
Press Release:
The Town of Pavilion Republican Committee is actively seeking individuals who may be interested in serving their community as a candidate for office for the following positions:
- Town Council (2 positions)
All interested parties should email their letter of interest to: Committee Chair, Erica Welch at: republicancommittee.top@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, February 18. Please include a good phone number. Interviews will be conducted on February 20.
Richard James Burdick, 46, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and aggravated unlicensed driver. Burdick was stopped at 6:22 p.m. on Jan. 30 on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. Burdick was allegedly found in possession of 62 grams of cocaine. He was held pending arraignment.
Teresa K. Hillin, 41, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, driving without insurance, and driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker; Peter Dercqu, 46, of Lyndonville, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th; and Steven Hadden, 43, of Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hillin was reportedly the driver of a vehicle stopped by a deputy at 2:25 a.m. on Jan. 29 in Pembroke. Deputies reportedly found cocaine in the vehicle. All three occupants were processed at the Genesee County and Released.
Brevin J. Mast, 27, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd and two counts of menacing, 2nd. Mast allegedly threatened two people on Jan. 15 at a location on Trumbull Parkway, Batavia. He was jailed following his arrest.
Tyler James Bull, 22, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bull, who is incarcerated, is accused of calling a person 142 times in violation an order of protection. he was arrested on Jan. 15. He was scheduled for arraignment.
Jacob Herbert Tillotson, 25, of Walker Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Tillotson was stopped at 8:58 p.m. on Jan. 17 on Linwood Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Julie Lynn Dutton, 29, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief 4th. Dutton is accused of stealing and damaging property from the La Quinta Inn & Suites at 8200 Park Road, Batavia. She was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment. Dutton was also arrested by Batavia PD on Jan. 15 and charged with two counts of petit larceny. She is accused of shoplifting from Tops. She was arraigned and held.
Jordan Nicholas Wieseltier, 43, of Route 20, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Wieseltier was stopped at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20 on West Main Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.
Sergiy Borkowski, 44, of Branch Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Borkowski was reportedly involved in a one-car motor vehicle accident at 9:22 p.m. on Jan. 9 on Reuben Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, and arrested by Deputy Matthew Wesolowski following an investigation. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
William Stanley Pyszczek, 72, of Pembroke, is charged with menacing 2nd and harassment 2nd. Pyszczek is accused of brandishing a knife and threatening the life of another person at 1:57 a.m. on Jan. 27 at a location on South Lake Road, Pembroke. Pyszczek was held pending arraignment.
Joseph Michael Degweck, Jr., 52, of Pine Street, East Aurora, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Degweck is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection at 1:20 p.m. on Jan. 24 while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail. He allegedly made third-party contact with the protected party. He was scheduled for arraignment at a later date.
Bryan Francis Walczak, 42, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Walczak was stopped at 11:43 p.m. on Jan. 26 on Alexander Road, Alexander, after the Sheriff's Office received a report of an erratic driver from a witness. Walczak was held pending arraignment.
Michael J. Difalco, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Difalco was allegedly involved in a disturbance on South Main Street on Jan. 9. He is accused of violating an order of protection. He allegedly fled on foot when officers attempted to take him into custody. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Joseph W. Freeman, 40, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman was allegedly on the property of the Budget Inn on Oak Street after previously being told he wasn't allowed on the property. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Joseph Hagen, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Hagan was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Jan. 9 on Highland Park, Batavia. His vehicle reportedly struck multiple objects. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Sean M. Conway, 47, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Conway is accused of shoplifting from Harbor Freight on Dec. 17. He was arrested on Jan. 11. He was arraigned and released.
Michael R Marchese, 34, of Honeoye Falls, is charged with DWI. Marchese is accused of driving a vehicle on Nov. 6 at an undisclosed location in Batavia that struck a tree, light pole, and another vehicle, before leaving the scene. Marchese was issued multiple traffic tickets on Jan. 9.
Elba beat Pavilion on Wednesday in Girls Basketball 73-31.
For the Lancers, Sydney Reilly scored 18 points, Brea Smith scored 13, Mariah Ognibene scored 10, Maddie Hall scored 9, and Lydia Ross scored 8.
For the Gophers, Ella Tillotson scored 10, Kylie Conway, 8, and Mia Bilkes, 8.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Press Release:
The Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Committee invites the community to participate in nominating outstanding PCS graduates who have distinguished themselves through significant achievements in their careers, contributions to their communities, or personal accomplishments.
These remarkable individuals will be considered for induction into the Annual Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor decided by the PCS Alumni Hall of Fame Selection Committee. This committee is a voluntary group made up of alumni, current and retired faculty, community members, and district administrators.
Since its inception in 2014, the PCS Hall of Fame has celebrated more than two dozen exceptional alumni whose stories inspire current and future Pavilion students to reach for excellence.
“The Hall of Fame Assembly is a unique opportunity for our students to witness the diverse possibilities that life after PCS offers,” says Pavilion Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman. “What I find especially meaningful about the ceremony is that students hear from alumni from all walks of life—people who have made remarkable contributions to both their fields and their communities. Many of our speakers were not necessarily top academic achievers in school, yet they went on to do great things. This reinforces the idea that success is not solely determined by grades.”
Ken Weaver, Deputy Director with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a 2018 inductee, reflects on the honor of joining the Hall of Fame: “Being inducted was a tremendous privilege. What made it particularly meaningful was the chance to connect with students and talk about their aspirations. One of the most rewarding moments for me was when a student expressed gratitude for my speech. Knowing that my words resonated with them and possibly inspired them is a powerful reminder of how shared experiences can impact future generations.”
Several inductees, such as Diane Davis Torcello, President of WNY Tompkins Community Bank, have continued to support the Hall of Fame by joining the Selection Committee to recognize even more inspiring graduates.
“I joined the Hall of Fame Committee because I believe in its mission,” says Torcello. “Honoring leaders from diverse professions is vital in sending the message to PCS students that they can achieve anything if they put in the effort. Attending a small school is not a limitation—it’s an advantage.”
Nominations are currently being accepted online at www.PCSHallofFame.com, and printed applications can be found at the following Pavilion locations: Kemp-Rudgers Service Station, Pavilion Public Library, The Lost Sock, Jazzy Creations, Blessings Café, Dorothy B. Bunce Elementary School, and the Pavilion Junior/Senior High School main office.
All nominations must be submitted by March 1. The PCS Alumni Hall of Fame Assembly will take place on May 30, 2025, at the Pavilion Junior/Senior High School Auditorium.
Latoya Denise Jackson, 39, of State Street, is charged with resisting arrest, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, driving with a suspended v vehicle registration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and driving without insurance. Jackson was stopped at 4:48 a.m. on Washington Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Flores. Jackson was allegedly found in possession of two different controlled substances, and she resisted arrest. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Rachelle Nicole Laney, 38, of River Road Xing, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, driving too slow, and equipment violation. Laney was stopped at 11:48 p.m. on Dec. 31 on Roanoke Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen. She was issued appearance tickets.
Kenneth Richard Sheard, 45, of South Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. Sheard is accused of striking a person under the age of 17 at 8:37 p.m. on Jan. 1 at a location on South Lake Road, Bergen. Sheard was held pending arraignment.
David Ryan Paddock, 25, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unregistered vehicle, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Paddock was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 7:18 p.m. on Dec. 21 at a location on Warsaw Road, Le Roy and charged following an investigation by Deputy Stephen Smith. Paddock was issued traffic tickets.
Vincent James Auguliaro, 34, of Maple Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Auguliaro was stopped at 12:21 a.m. on Jan. 3 on West Main Street, Corfu, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Auguliaro was issued traffic tickets.
Tyler James Bull, 22, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bull is accused of violating an order of protection by calling another person 142 times. He was arrested at the Genesee County Jail and released back into jail custody.
Nicholas Adam Pietrzykowski, 48, of East Road, Wyoming, is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Pietrzykowski is accused of being involved in a property damage accident at 2:50 p.m. on Jan. 5 on Galloway Road and fleeing into the woods. He was taken into custody by Deputy James Stack and K-9 Rayzor. He was held pending arraignment.
Nicholas Dean Kersch, 29, of Wyoming Street, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Kersch was stopped at 2:21 a.m. on Jan. 5 on Lake Street, Le Roy by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Kersch was issued traffic tickets.
Hugh Michael Rohrer, 22, of Brandford Place, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving left of the pavement, and moving from lane unsafely. Rohrer was reportedly involved in a two-vehicle accident at 5:56 a.m. on Jan. 1 on Alleghany Road, Alabama and was charged following an investigation by Deputy Jacob Kipler.
Adrian Joseph Aughenbaugh, 27, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Aughenbaugh was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 12:41 a.m. on Jan. 6 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. A search allegedly located a controlled substance. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Jared Ryan Burns, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with obstruction governmental administration 2nd, trespass, and disorderly conduct. Burns is accused of remaining at the Department of Social Services on East Main Street Road, Batavia, at 11:43 a.m. on Dec. 30. Burns was allegedly uncooperative and attempted to prevent deputies from removing him. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Travis David Gassman, 30, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Gassman was stopped at 6:38 p.m. on Jan. 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets.
William Edward Farnsworth, 40, of Eagle Harbor Road, Barre, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, speeding, and unlicensed driver. Farnsworth was arrested on Jan. 10. He was accused of possessing cocaine during a traffic stop by Deputy Zachary Hoy at 3:24 p.m. on March 30 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Feyza Gabriel Osmacikli, no age provided, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Osmacikli is accused of possessing a narcotic during a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 10:20 p.m. on Jan. 4 on Oak Street, Batavia. Osmacikli was released on an appearance ticket.
Jose Reyes Ramirez-Perez, 29, of Malone, is charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, speeding, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ramirez-Perez was stopped at 2:05 a.m. on Jan. 12 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was issued traffic tickets.
Claudie Vern Goodenow, Jr., 42, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation with five or more suspensions, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, lights not to standards, and no inspection sticker. Goodenow was stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Goodenow was issued an appearance ticket.
Jessica Lynn Goodenow, 43, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Goodenow was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany. A search allegedly located controlled substances in the vehicle. Goodenow was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Salvatore Michael Schwable, 27, of Oakfield, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 1st and two counts of petit larceny. Schwable is accused of using counterfeit currency to purchase merchandise from a gas station on South Main Street, Oakfield at 10:58 p.m. on Nov. 28. He was arrested Jan. 13 following an investigation by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was held pending arraignment.
Warren Thomas Cotton, 47, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd. Cotton is accused of possessing homemade alcohol under the bunk of his bed at the Genesee County Jail at 7 a.m. on Jan. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with DWAI drugs. Cleland was arrested Jan. 1 in connection with a vehicle accident reported in Septermber. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Davor E. Hodgson-Aguilar, 36, of Long Beach, was arrested on Jan. 8 on a warrant. Hodgson-Aguilar was initially charged with petit larceny in October of 2023. The warrant was issued for alleged failure to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Julie L. Dutton, 29, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dutton was allegedly involved in a fight on Jan. 2 where she grabbed and shoved another person. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Antwoine D. Lara, 28, of Endicott, was arrested on Jan. 5 as a fugitive from justice. Lara was taken into custody when Batavia PD responded to an incident on Liberty Street. During the investigations, police determined there was a warrant for her arrest issued in Pennsylvania. She was jailed pending extradition.
Zachary R. Whitehead, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation and multiple traffic violations. Whitehead was stopped by Batavia PD on Oct. 8 and allegedly provided officers with another person's name. He was arrested Jan. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.
Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Greece, was arrested on Jan. 3, on a warrant. The warrant stems from a traffic stop on Jan. 18, 2024. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Hunter M. Court, 25, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Court was stopped on Dec. 24 on Court Street. He was issued traffic tickets.
Maresa A. Lodowski, 20, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lodowski is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General on Dec. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Le Roy beat Pavilion in Boys Basketball on Wednesday, 45-56.
Le Roy stats:
No stats were provided for Pavilion. p
Le Roy improves to 2-2
Press Release:
Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Lucy and Otis Leach Endowed Scholarship. The endowed scholarship is made possible through a generous $100,000 endowment created by Edward and Otis Leach to benefit students graduating from Pavilion High School and attending Genesee Community College.
The Lucy and Otis Leach Endowed Scholarship is named in recognition of the donors' deceased parents. Despite not being able to attend school beyond the elementary level, Lucy and Otis Leach were true believers in all levels of education. Edward and Otis Leach, in establishing this endowment, expressed their hope that it will serve as a source of genuine support and inspiration for generations of Pavilion High School students attending Genesee Community College.
The scholarship funds may be used for various educational expenses, including tuition, course materials, fees, residence life, and other costs associated with student success. This comprehensive support aims to alleviate financial barriers and allow students to focus on their studies and personal growth. Preference will be given to students demonstrating financial need.
"We are immensely grateful for the generosity of Edward and Otis Leach," said Dr. Craig Lamb, President of Genesee Community College. "This endowment will make a significant impact on the lives of students from Pavilion High School, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams at Genesee Community College."
The first scholarships from this endowment are expected to be awarded for the 2025-26 academic year. Eligible students will be able to apply through the college's standard scholarship application process. For more information about the Lucy and Otis Leach Endowed Scholarship or other scholarship opportunities at Genesee Community College, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid/scholarships/.
For more information, contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email at jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Fillmore won the Warsaw Kiwanis Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday, beating Pavilion in the final 73-38.
In the consolation game, Byron-Bergen lost to Warsaw 50-47.
Liam Campbell and Landon Stoddard each scored eight points in the final for the Gophers. For Fillmore, Jonah Blakek scored 31 points.
In the consolation game, Cody Carlson scored 17 points, and Cole DiQuattro scored 11 points.
Press Release:
GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the fine art collection of Ryan Gaebler at an exhibition reception on Thursday, November 21.
Ryan grew up in Pavilion and was influenced by his parent's love for antiquing. They would often explore auctions, yard sales, and thrift stores together in search of hidden treasures.
One particular childhood memory that stands out for Ryan is when he was eight years old. He spent a night in a camper and woke up the next morning to set up his stand at a flea market, showcasing and selling baseball and football cards - a hobby he would continue for many years.
In 2006, Ryan relocated to Batavia, and in 2011, another nostalgic memory of visiting flea markets with his parents in his youth was triggered by a visit to a small flea market at the Fairgrounds in Batavia, where he met Dave Thompson; an encounter that would significantly help to guide his path into the world of collecting, and played a pivotal role in his career as a fine arts collector.
Dave Thompson sold different kinds of art, antiques, and glassware.
Ryan said “I bought a couple of nice paintings from him for $15-$20 apiece. I saw the beauty in them! I started going back week after week talking to Dave. He told me about some of the local artists to look for and I started going to Bontrager’s Auction and other types of sales looking for these artists. One of the first pieces I found was a RW Ware drawing at Bontrager’s.”
We could assume that Ryan's journey into the world of art collecting reached a significant milestone in 2013 when he participated in his first antique show and sold three RW Ware paintings to Jim Owen.
We invite you to see the impressive collection featuring artists such as Roy Mason, and RW Ware, meet Ryan during the reception, and hear more about the journey that got him to the place of a successful fine art collector this Thursday, November 21, starting at 5 p.m.(Ryan’s talk at 6 p.m).
You will learn more about some of the individuals and opportunities that have influenced his development in this field and how dealing with art, antiques, and collectibles has brought him joy and changed his life.
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!
The Elba Lancers beat Pavilion three sets to zero in the D2 Section V quarterfinal on Friday.
Sets: 25-10, 25-15, 25-16
Elba:
Pavilion:
Next up for Elba, at the #3 seed, Arkport-Canaseraga, the #2 seed.
Photos by Kristin Smith
Press Release:
The Genesee County Department of Public Works announces the temporary closure of Junction Road between Hartwell Road and Covell Road in the Town of Pavilion, effective Monday, October 28. This closure is necessary for critical repairs to a steel deck bridge in the area.
The bridge repair is expected to take approximately four weeks. During this time, a section of the bridge will be removed, and no traffic will be able to cross the bridge. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and plan accordingly.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat York Pavilion on Saturday in football 41-14.
OAE stats:
"A complete team effort in today's win," said Coach Tyler Winter. "From a competitive standpoint, it's nice to pick up a big win like this while knowing we still have not played our best ball yet this season. We have a quick turnaround to the next challenge, but we are excited to get back to the grind."
Photos by Debra Reilly
Press Release:
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.
Press Release:
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/.
You might call it an open house -- those timeless school events that bring parents to the school to meet their children's teachers.
But in Pavilion, folks call it the Gopher Gathering.
On Thursday, Pavilion High School held its 5th annual Gopher Gathering.
The event is a chance for the school community to come together to enjoy good food, live music, and games and also learn about academic opportunities available at the school.
Besides learning about classes they might have overlooked, it's a chance for students and parents to learn about campus activities, including clubs students might join.
Photos by Howard Owens.
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