For the tenth consecutive year, ESL Federal Credit Union has awarded 10 college-bound high school students with $2,000 scholarships each as part of the ESL College Scholarship program. ESL recognized students who demonstrated how they help their community in a unique and meaningful way.
This year’s scholarship award recipients are:
Aasera Amiger, Penfield High School
Kaylee Duda, Rush-Henrietta High School
Andrew He, Pittsford Mendon High School
Sawyer Hoyt, Pittsford Mendon High School
Aiden Johnson, Rush Henrietta High School
Anna McLaughlin, Byron-Bergen Senior High School
Mikalya Miller, Newark Senior High School
Abigail Provo, Mount Morris Senior High School
Hazel Roberts, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School, Rochester City School District
Blake Rule, Churchville-Chili Senior High School
“It is an honor to recognize the recipients of this year’s ESL College Scholarship whose commitment and leadership serves as an inspiration to us all,” said Rich Pulvino, vice president/director, Marketing, ESL Federal Credit Union. “This year’s scholars are positively impacting their communities throughout the Greater Rochester region in meaningful ways, and we are pleased to support them as they continue their pursuits into higher education.”
Application requirements included:
A member in good standing at ESL Federal Credit Union
A high school senior in the Greater Rochester area during the 2024/2025 school year
Attending an accredited college or university in Fall 2025
More than 150 applicants applied for this year’s ESL College Scholarship. Applicants needed to provide official copies of their transcripts, letters of recommendation from a school official and a community/volunteer organization, and a list of extracurricular activities and community service. In alignment with the ESL Purpose, students also needed to submit an essay about how they help their community thrive and prosper.
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.
As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.
Adam Charles Root
Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.
After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.
Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.
Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.
His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.
Greyson Irving Fix
Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood.
Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.
Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is. He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge. He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks.
Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.
Kaitlyn Kratz
Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.
She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.
Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.
Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.
Matthew Wittmeyer
Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.
Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.
He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.
Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.
His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.
Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”
Rocco Sprague
Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.
Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.
Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.
Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.
His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.
Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.
Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.
On Friday, May 9, the Pembroke Teachers' Federation hosted its third annual Sprinkles Night at Sprinkles Creamery in Corfu!
Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation took orders, scooped ice cream, created delicious sundaes, and made milkshakes all for a great cause. Sprinkles Creamery generously donated a portion of the night's sales and tips to the Scholarship Fund of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation.
"Our little community never ceases to amaze me," said Arron K. Brown, president of the PTF. "Amanda and the entire crew at Sprinkles are amazing, and I am so thankful for their partnership."
At the end of a very busy night, $773 was raised to help graduating seniors at Pembroke High School.
The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Martha M. Spinnegan Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The award is given in memory of the late Martha M. Spinnegan, who was a Foundation Trustee for over 30 years and served as the Foundation’s administrator for 15 years.
Martha contributed greatly to the quality of life in Genesee County, serving as Director of the Richmond Memorial Library for 34 years. She was active in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Batavia, Go Art, and the Children’s Home Board.
The nursing scholarship is an annual $1000 grant for four years, for a total of $4000, given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School who intends to pursue a career in Nursing.
The Jerome Foundation also sponsors the William F. Brown Jr. Scholarship, which is given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School who intends to pursue a career in journalism, communication, public relations or marketing.
Applications for these scholarships have been sent to area High School Counselors or can be found at thejeromefoundation.org. Applications are due Friday, May 9, and can be mailed to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia. If further information is needed, contact Chris Fix at thejeromefoundation@gmail.com.
The Genesee County Interagency Council is pleased to announce that we will be offering a $1000 scholarship for the fall 2025 semester. Those eligible will be students living in Genesee County and attending Genesee Community College; in good academic standing, and majoring in Human Services, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies or Psychology OR High School Seniors living in and attending high school in Genesee County; in good academic standing, and majoring in Human Services, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology ONLY.
Because the goal of this scholarship is to support those students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services, special consideration will be given to those students who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field through their employment, volunteer, academic, and/or extracurricular pursuits.
Completed applications must be received by Friday, May 9. The awardee will be notified by phone by June 6. The award will be presented at our June 18 picnic meeting at Dewitt Recreation Area (detailed information will be provided during phone notification).
We look forward to having the opportunity to support a Genesee Community College student in their pursuit of a degree in the field of Human Services. Please feel free to contact Kari Heidemann, Scholarship Committee member, at 716-550-0934 should you have any questions.
Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded through the annual UConnectCare Foundation Scholarship program in 2025.
The program, initiated several years ago, provides financial support to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services for the purpose of contributing to improving community health.
Scholarships will be given to one Genesee County high school student, one Orleans County high school student, one adult student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and one technical/trade school student.
Applications are available on the UConnectCare website – www.uconnectcare.org – or can be obtained by contacting Diane Klos at Diane Klos at 585-815-1883 or dklos@unconnectcare.org. Completed applications must be received via email or postmarked by March 7.
The scholarships will be awarded at the agency’s annual membership meeting in May.
“We take great pleasure in being able to continue this important program,” said John Bennett, UConnectCare chief executive officer. “More than ever, substance use and alcohol use treatment and prevention agencies are seeking qualified, educated and dedicated employees.”
Students enrolled in a Genesee or Orleans County school can apply for the scholarship even if their primary residence is in another county.
Other pertinent scholarship information is as follows:
Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major.
Eligible programs or majors include Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services.
Current UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members are NOT eligible.
Relatives of UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members ARE eligible.
Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts.
Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted.
Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extra-curricular activities.
Applicant must provide an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of UConnectCare. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.
The scholarship monies will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.
Applicant may be invited for an interview before final awards are made.
Photo of Edward and Otis Leach with Justin Johnston and Dr. Craig Lamb, courtesy of GCC.
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.
Photo of (from left to right): Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Scholarship Winner Colton Tarbell, Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute provides a $500 scholarship to one student majoring in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a similar program from each community college in New York State, and SUNY Canton, each year.
This year, Colton Tarbell, who is currently enrolled in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College was nominated by the college’s Criminal Justice faculty.
Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, and Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff presented Colton with a $500.00 check to be used to further his Criminal Justice education, along with a scholarship certificate from the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute.
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
John Antsey (left) with Conductor John Bailey. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
At the final concert of the Batavia Concert Band's Centennial Season, which concluded on August 7, the Band awarded two scholarships to band members and future music educators.
Congratulations to John Antsey and Abigail Hoerbelt.
The Batavia Concert Band look forward to our next season, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. We will see you in Centennial Park!
Abigail Hoerbelt (right) with Board Member Ann Arent. Submitted photo.
Alexandra Manley and Emily Rowe, winners of RENY’s scholarships. Submitted photo.
The Genesee County Retired Educators’ Association held its annual spring luncheon meeting at Byron Presbyterian Church. Members attending were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by members of the church.
After lunch, the winners of two $500 scholarships awarded by the GCREA were introduced. The scholarships are given to high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in education or to people who are already students in an education program at an institution of higher learning.
The winners for this year are Alexandra Manley and Emily Rowe.
Alexandra is a senior at Elba Central School. She will attend Nazareth University in the fall, studying to become a music teacher. Emily is currently a student at SUNY Geneseo in the Childhood with Special Education program. Congratulations to both winners!
After the conclusion of the awards, Dan Lyon from Lifespan presented a program to attendees titled “Name That Scam.” In a fun, game-themed presentation Dan introduced many scams that senior citizens have been victimized by. He provided a great deal of valuable information in the presentation and provided flyers and pamphlets to help our members avoid falling victim to a scam.
After the program, a short meeting was held. Changes in the bylaws were approved, and officers were elected.
One of GCREA’s missions is to assist the community. A collection of personal care, laundry, and cleaning items and a monetary collection was taken. These will be donated to Community Action of Genesee County.
The Jerome Foundation is sponsoring the William F. Brown Jr. Scholarship. The award is given in memory of the late William F. Brown Jr., noted author, broadcaster, and journalist who contributed greatly to the quality of life in Genesee County through his writing, and as a member of numerous community and civic organizations.
An annual $1000 scholarship for four years for a total of $4000 given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School whose intention is to pursue a career in the field of journalism, marketing, communication or public relations (in print, radio, television or digital media).
Applications for the scholarship have been sent to area High School Counselors or can be found at thejeromefoundation.org. Applications are due May 10 and can be mailed to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia. If further information is needed, contact Chris Fix at thejeromefoundation@gmail.com.
New York State Senator George Borrello announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 college scholarships, two academic and two athletic.
Scholarships are available to residents of the 57th Senate District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form.
The application deadline is Friday, March 15.
“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 57th Senate District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers, and intend to pursue higher education,” said Senator Borrello. “With college costs continually rising, these scholarships give young individuals and their families the opportunity to lessen the financial burden associated with higher education. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”
Applicants should have a grade point average of 85 or higher; be active in community service and extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport(s).
Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in April, and the winners will be honored at a ceremony in Albany.
The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.
Join in to celebrate Matthew’s birthday and bring a “Plus One” with you to give blood and help patients in need celebrate more birthdays with their loved ones. The event includes a t-shirt sale and basket raffle with all proceeds for the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund for students at Notre Dame High School and Byron-Bergen Jr./ Sr. High School.
At a very young age, Matthew Kota, of Byron, knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up - a doctor. But sadly, his dreams were cut short. In memory of Matthew for his birthday, the Batavia community and surrounding areas are encouraged to give the gift of life and donate blood at the largest annual American Red Cross blood drive in Genesee County on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Northgate Church South Campus in Batavia.
“Matthew never waited for anything to happen, he made things happen,” said Jason Kota, Matthew’s father. “He was truly one of a kind and I’ve yet to meet anyone else on this earth like him.” Matthew, the eldest of four children, was just 17 years old when he passed away in 2008 from complications of brain surgery.
Matthew enjoyed the outdoors and had a smile that would light up a room, but it was his humanitarian spirit that friends and family say was contagious. Matthew had a desire to help people, and that’s one of the reasons why he became a blood donor and volunteered with the Red Cross. He had hoped to join the Gallon Donor Club and even though he did not achieve that goal, his family and friends are now carrying out his wishes by holding blood drives in his memory. He was posthumously awarded the 10-gallon milestone from donors on his behalf in 2021. “Matthew was our son, a friend, leader and now our Angel,” Jason Kota said.
Family and friends say hosting this blood drive is a unique way to memorialize what Matthew stood for - helping others. They are now giving back by turning their heartbreak into hope for other families in need. At this point, the Kota family has now collected 906 units - and counting - in their 15 years of hosting the blood drive.
How to Sign Up
Schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code bataviany or zipcode 14020. Walk-ins are welcome around appointments.
Donate at the 16th Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northgate Church South Campus – Community Room located at 350 Bank St. Batavia.
New York high school seniors who are graduating and interested in pursuing a career in agriculture can apply for New York Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Youth Scholarship. Eligible students can use the financial award for college or advanced training in the skilled trades. Statewide winners can earn up to $3,000 towards their future education.
The applicant or their family must be a New York Farm Bureau member, and the student must live and/or work a farm or be involved with agriculture in the state. The student must also complete the application which includes writing an essay addressing what they value and stand for in agriculture and life and how these values have impacted their decision to pursue an agricultural career.
Scoring will determine both county and district winners and may include a personal interview. Each district winner will receive $250 and then compete for one of two state scholarships worth $3,000 and $2,000, based on their submitted applications. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2022, and the judging will take place prior to April 20, 2022.
For more information, including the online application, go to New York Farm Bureau’s website at www.nyfb.org. The scholarship information and web-based application can be found under “Promotion and Education” in the programs section of the website. You can also call the New York Farm Bureau office at 1-800-342-4143 for more information.
Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) is proud to announce 56 Girl Scouts as the 2021 recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award, and 33 Girl Scouts as 2021 GSWNY scholarship recipients.
These exceptional change-makers took action to improve their local, national, and global communities while earning Girl Scouts’ most prestigious award in the world for girls.
In Genesee County, the sole awardee is Ava Flores, of Troop #42141, Oakfield, whose project was called "Feed the Need."
In addition to the Girl Scout Gold Award, Ava is one of the recipients to also be awarded a scholarship, in her case, $1,000 from Hans and Charlene Schoenenberger.
The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others.
The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.”
The project should fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be ongoing or sustainable.
Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project.
Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and she can enlist in the military at a higher starting pay grade.
For more information on the Girl Scout Gold Award, visit gswny.org.
Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 BCSD Foundation Inc. Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Batavia High School.
The nominee has been successful in his/her educational program and has sought out skills to further his/her career. In addition, he or she has exemplified our Batavia school culture and climate of “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Connected and Be Ambitious.”
Any member of the local community may nominate a Batavia HS senior who meets the above criteria. Nomination forms are available on the Batavia City School District website. You may complete the Google Form or this pdf document to nominate a deserving senior.
All nominations need to be received by May 21.
BCSD Foundation -- Our Mission:
To develop, procure, and manage resources, contributions, and educational funding and ensure that these will be used directly to support the City of Batavia School District, its population, programming, property development, and student scholarship funding.
The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will livestream a free memorial concert next Friday honoring the late musician and educator Bob Knipe, who played in the orchestra and served on the board for many years, among his other contributions.
Music Director and Conducter S. Shade Zajac, in a note to friends and supporters about the concert, says Bob was truly a "force for the arts," one who "worked tirelessly to make our GSO a vibrant part of our GLOW region."
The Robert Knipe Memorial Concert will be held virtually via the streaming service Vimeo beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 26.
A few days prior, a lnik will appear on the GSO website and its social media pages with a link that will allow you to access the concert. The link will go directly to the livestream, which will be activated at 7:20 p.m. March 26.
Here's the program for next Friday's concert:
Der Freischütz Overture -- Carl Maria von Weber
Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 - Nocturne -- Felix Mendelssohn
Trois (3) Gymnopédies, Gymnopédie No. 1 -- Erik Satie, orchestrated by Claude Debussy
English Folk Song Suite, March -- Ralph Vaughan Williams
String Quarter No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135, III. Lento assai, cantate e tranquillo -- Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68, Finale -- Johannes Brahms
"Nimrod" from Enigma Variations, Op. 36 -- Edward Elgar
Also be aware that GSO's board and the Knipe family have decided to create a scholarship in Bob's name.
About the Robert Knipe Memorial Fund
It will be used to expand opportunities for elementary, middle school, high school and college-bound students to further advance their music education. The funds will promote their musical growth through attending music camps, festivals, Area All State and All State festivals -- empowering them to enter music and stay involved in their musical growth. It is hoped young musicians who are beneficiaries will be influenced to continue in their musical career.
GSO hopes to raise donations from the memorial concert to support this new project and you can donate on the GSO website.
"Bob was passionate about many things ... One of his many passions was creating opportunities for young musicians to further their growth and love of the art," says Zajac.
