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National Honor Society

Byron-Bergen welcomes new National Honor Society and Alumni Hall of Fame members

By Press Release
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The Byron-Bergen National Honor Society
Photo by Amanda Dedie.

Press Release:

The Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 11 new student members to their distinguished company on March 19, 2025. The ceremony also honored the three latest inductees to the Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame: Scott Crosier (1982), James DeBottis (2001), and the late Kevin Heinzerling (1982).

The event began with a welcome and congratulations from District Superintendent Patrick McGee and Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard. McGee then presented Heinzerling’s award to his daughter, who spoke on his behalf.

Heinzerling graduated from Byron-Bergen Central Schools in 1982 where he was a member of the Varsity Swim Team and worked for Harris Wilcox Auctions. After graduation, joined the United States Marines Corp where he became a combat veteran after which he joined the Air Force Reserves. He also worked for Wegmans, NYS Corrections, and Millers Millworks Inc. He remained an active part of the Byron-Bergen community until his death in 2024.

The traditional National Honor Society candle-lighting ceremony followed. It acknowledges the high standards of knowledge, character, leadership, service, and scholarship students in NHS must exhibit. The new members were called individually to receive their honor, and then the group took the NHS pledge.

The ceremony was followed by the inductions of Crosier and DeBottis. Neither were able to attend in person. DeBottis’ sister, Christina Navratil, read a speech and accepted the award on his behalf.

DeBottis graduated from Byron-Bergen in 2001 where he participated in Varsity baseball, basketball, cross-country, ski club, and Student Council. After graduation, he attended Bismarck State College, Arizona State University, and served in the armed forces. Despite not living locally since 2018, DeBottis remains connected to the District through his parents, Jamie and Sharon DeBottis whom he visits regularly and reconnects with friends and family. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife Nicole and children Jackson and Olivia.

Scott M. Crosier graduated from Byron-Bergen in 1982 where he participated in Varsity Swim Team and band. After graduation, he earned an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science and Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Crosier worked in law enforcement and served in the Bergen Fire Department for over 30 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Flower City Pickers and is a Safety & Health Officer with the Webster Fire Department and Fire Investigator for Monroe County Fire Bureau.

National Honor Society membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. The organization has chapters in all 50 states, Canada, and beyond.

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Superintendent Pat McGee presents Kevin Heinzerling’s daughter with Alumni Hall of Fame award.
Photo by Amanda Dedie.
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National Honor Society inductees take pledge.
Photo by Amanda Dedie.
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New National Honor Society inductees shakes hands with Principal Paul Hazard.
Photo by Amanda Dedie.

SUNY Cortland's Allie Schwerthoffer inducted into Tau Sigma National Honor Society

By Press Release

Press Release:

Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia, was one of 45 SUNY Cortland transfer students inducted into Tau Sigma National Honor Society on Monday, April 1.

Tau Sigma, including its SUNY Cortland Pi chapter, is an academic honor society designed to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students.

To qualify, students must have transferred to SUNY Cortland from another academic institution with at least one full year's academic credits satisfied and must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 after earning 12 or more credits at Cortland.

More than 90 students, families, faculty, and staff attended the ceremony in the Corey Union Function Room, hosted by the Advisement and Transition Office. President Erik J. Bitterbaum provided a welcome and Ryan Vooris, chair of the sport management department and transfer student himself, presented the keynote address.

This year was the 20th year for the Pi chapter at SUNY Cortland, which has inducted over 1,000 students since 2004.

Johanna Knickerbocker inducted into Tri-Alpha National Honor Society

By Press Release

Press Release:

Johanna Knickerbocker of Linwood was recently inducted into the Elmira College Iota Pi Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society. This was the inaugural induction ceremony for the chapter established on April 7.

Tri-Alpha was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to recognize academic achievements, promote leadership, and provide support networks for first-generation college students.

Byron-Bergen School celebrates 16 new National Honor Society members, two new inductees to Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Byron-Bergen’s 2017 National Honor Society.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 16 new student members to their distinguished company on April 26. The ceremony also honored the two latest inductees to the Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame.

The event began with music from the school’s vocal group, the Singing Silhouettes; welcome and congratulations from Superintendent Mickey Edwards; then short addresses from alumnus Dr. Paul Brill (Class of 1982) and Pam McCarthy, the sister of the late Barry Miller (Class of 1983).

Dr. Brill spoke of his difficult years at school, and credited his teachers, especially Arthur Rohe, along with his older sisters and brother with challenging him to do better.

“There were mentors in my life that helped me change the path I was on,” he said. Today, he is a distinguished neurologist, involved community member, and dedicated husband and father in South Carolina.

Miller was a foundational member of the Bergen community: business owner, volunteer firefighter, and Genesee County coroner, among many other roles. McCarthy spoke of her brother, who was killed in 2015 while performing his duties as the chief of the Bergen Emergency Medical Services.

“He was always looking out for the little guy,” she said. “He touched many lives and made the world a better place.”

Both Barry Miller and Dr. Brill serve as inspirational role models to the youth of Byron-Bergen, and epitomize the purpose of the Alumni Hall of Fame.

National Honor Society President Brittany Rada introduced the second half of the evening, and welcomed guest speaker Coach Rich Krzewinski.

“Always put forth your maximum effort,” he said, “and never give up.”

New NHS members received traditional honor cords and certificates.

National Honor Society membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. The organization has chapters in all 50 states, Canada, and beyond.

The traditional candle-lighting ceremony, which acknowledges the high standards students in NHS must exhibit in knowledge, character, leadership, service, and scholarship, was performed by students Olivia Audsley and Chase Felton. New members took the NHS pledge and were presented with their honor cords and certificates.

Current Members of the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society: Olivia Audsley, Rose Bower, Cameron Brumsted, Catherine Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Chase Felton, Margaret Graney, Justin Hannan, Hayley Hoehn, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Peyton Mackey, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, , Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Leah Thompson, Dana VanValkenburg, Adam Walter and Michael Zwerka.

2017 Inductees to the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society: Larissa Ashton, Sarah Bleiler, Lydia Campbell, Jean Denson, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Morgan Fuller, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Brendon Kendall, Hunter Leach, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, Joshua Phelps and Brianna Shade.

Below: The school’s Singing Silhouettes sang “Build Me Up, Buttercup” to start the evening with music.

Le Roy inducts 34 students into National Honor Society

By Howard B. Owens

On Wednesday, Le Roy High School inducted 34 new members of the National Honor Society. These students have maintained an overall GPA of 90 percent and possess the five qualities of a model student: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Sr. High Math teacher Mr. Zach Paley was our induction speaker and gave a great motivational message challenging students to learn through their failures. 

From Principal Tim McArdle: "This is a wonderful honor and accomplishment for our students and their families. I would like to thank Mrs. Qadiri for organizing with our officers a quality program for our students. We would like to congratulate the families of our new members. We all know, it takes a team to be successful!"

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

 

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