Students of the Month

Click here for Student of the Month 2024-25 honorees

Honoring senior students from the Bradford, Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen school districts is one of our Rotarians' favorite activities. Every month during the school year, teachers and staff from each high school are invited to select a student to be recognized for their achievements in their school and general communities. We invite the honorees and their nominating teacher or staff person to a regular Club meeting. The student also is encouraged to invite two guests. Rotarians are pleased to learn about these admirable students and their future plans.

March 2025

Bradford Central School senior Cheyanne Grandall was presented by her class advisor Dusty Baker, who commented that Cheyanne’s presence is “simply everywhere in the school.” She holds the treasurer position for five school clubs, volunteers with younger students and is the Student Council president. Though she is currently sidelined with an injury, Cheyanne is a varsity athlete in cross-country. She also had a strong role on last year's Section V championship girls basketball team. Cheyanne plans to attend Elmira College to pursue her long-time goal of a career in accounting.

Maggie Pentz of Odessa-Montour Central School was presented by teacher Danielle Fuschillo-Elliott. “Maggie is a remarkable young woman who is making a lasting impact on her community,” Fuschillo-Elliott said. Maggie is a varsity athlete in soccer, basketball and track and hopes to continue her running career in college. She is not competing this season due to an injury. Maggie is a member of Student Council, assists the theater program by painting props for productions and participates in a devotional group that combines her faith and service ideals. Maggie is set to attend Houghton University, to focus on ministry, teaching and coaching.

Watkins Glen High School senior Kendra Fish was presented by teacher Kaz Popovich, who stated that Kendra is "a rock star in and out of the classroom." Kendra is currently first academically in her class. She serves as president of the Varsity Club and treasurer of the Senior Class. She was captain of the girls varsity swim team, is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at the school’s student food pantry. Kendra also volunteers outside of school and was, notably, a participant in last year's Rotary District 7120 Oratorical Contest. Kendra plans to attend college to study environmental engineering.

February 2025

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Lucas Barr was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who stated that he has "emerged as a very successful and dependable student.” “I am proud of the student he has become," Campbell said. Lucas has been an integral part of the backstage team at O-M musicals and this year is playing the villain in the production of “Cinderella.” Lucas is a member of the varsity cross-country and track teams. He attends BOCES and recently was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Lucas will attend Alfred State College for electrical construction and maintenance, hoping to bring his knowledge and expertise back to our community upon graduation. Lucas has been an active member of the Burdett Fire Department for more than four years.

Watkins Glen High School senior Olivia VanSkiver was presented by ACE Biology teacher Lisa Jurusik, who said, "any challenge given to Olivia, she finds a way to meet it - and then exceed it." She also commented on Olivia's notable inner drive, focus on details and kindness. Beyond the classroom, Olivia is a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity soccer and basketball teams and Student Council. When Olivia graduates from high school, she also will have earned an associate’s degree from Corning Community College. She is planning to attend the University of Buffalo to study neuroscience, with the goals of earning a master's degree in cancer studies and becoming a pediatric oncologist.

January 2025

Senior Abigail Havens from Odessa-Montour Central School was nominated by teacher Randi Hauber who said she was impressed by Abigail's volunteering through Girl Scouts. Although she is quiet by nature, "She does her best to live by the Girl Scout law," Hauber said, adding that Abigail helps many other organizations and people throughout the local area with her service.

Watkins Glen High School senior Nick Brusso was nominated by teacher Sarah Jane Harrigan and presented by teacher Sam Brubaker. Nick was described as a student who is "always engaged in his education." He is involved in band, chorus, Lake Country Players and has sung the National Anthem at WGHS sports events. Nick is an accomplished pianist and organist and has been involved in Area All-State Mixed Chorus.

December 2024

Bradford Central School senior David Spangenberg was introduced by teacher Richard Liese, who began by saying, “If the entire teaching staff at Bradford could have been here today to honor David, they would have." Liese said that aside from his keen interest in the sport of boxing, David has demonstrated a true commitment to his peers and classmates and shows energy and enthusiasm in the classroom. David has been involved with the Digital and Media Arts program at BOCES and is still considering a career field for after graduation.

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Sarah Strobel was introduced by guidance counselor and coach Dan Batchelder, who noted that she is in the top 10 percent of her class and attends the BOCES New Visions program in Human Services. Sarah is "an extraordinary positive role model ... especially for younger students," Batchelder said. She always supports her peers and coaching staff alike on her cross-country and track teams. Sarah plans to attend Nazareth College, focusing on a degree in speech pathology.

Sam Caslin is the Watkins Glen High School November honoree, a recognition delayed due to the Senior Trip. He was introduced by teachers Kelsey Wood and Kaz Popovich. They both noted Sam's leadership and academic achievements, including serving as treasurer of the Varsity Club and president of the National Honor Society. His teachers said he: “has a brilliant mind ... knows a huge amount of information ... brings a lot of fun to the classroom." Sam said he is undecided about his choice of college, but SUNY Albany and West Point are among his options.

Watkins Glen High School senior Autumn White, the December honoree, was nominated by teacher Casey Doane and presented by teacher Sam Brubaker. Autumn was noted as having “a rare combination of leadership, empathy and dedication,” with her laugh and positive attitude uplifting everyone around her. Autumn is very proudly the only female in the BOCES Heavy Equipment Program and intends to make a career in the trades, with mention of additionally entering the welding program at Corning Community College.

November 2024

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Cara Reynolds was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who said that Cara is "well-written, witty, contributes much in a group setting, is willing to help and is compassionate.” Campbell said these qualities will serve Cara well in her planned career as a small-animal veterinarian. Cara, currently ranked No. 1 in her class, recently won four events in the Section IV, Class C swimming championships for the Schuyler STORM team. Cara also has served as stage manager for school musicals, for which Campbell is the advisor. Cara plans to attend SUNY Canton, and then Cornell University for her degree in veterinary medicine.

October 2024

Riley Brooks was introduced by Odessa-Montour Central School Secretary Judy Kastenhuber who praised Riley for her volunteerism. Riley is the treasurer for several school clubs, including National Honor Society, Student Council and the Class of 2025. Along with being a varsity swimmer and golfer, Riley also participates in band, the arts program and Drama Club, including the annual school play. Riley thanked her parents and teachers for "giving me the opportunities to be a leader" and said that she plans to attend either Florida State University or SUNY Canton to major in crime scene investigation.