Students of the Month

2025-26 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.

April 2026

Lilian Artusa, a senior at Watkins Glen High School, was introduced by Kelly Zhang, who has had Lilian in her Mandarin classes for 3 ½ years. Zhang cited Lilian’s strong study skills and her “determination to pursue success in learning.” She noted that Lilian is working on earning a New York State Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes high school graduates who demonstrate high proficiency in English and one or more world languages. This would be a great achievement, Zhang said. She continued that many people now recognize Lilian for her impressive role as one of Henry VIII’s wives in the school musical, “Six.” A member of the school tennis team this spring, Lilian said she plans to attend Binghamton University to study biology and bio-medical engineering, with the goal of being a heart surgeon.

March 2026

Alivia Vogel, a senior from Bradford Central School, was presented by guidance counselor Brittany Reinard, who said she is "our go-to person whenever we need help." Alivia is involved in a number of school activities, including serving as co-chief editor of the student yearbook and as a member of National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She is student representative on the Bradford school board and also tutors younger children in the classroom. Alivia plans to attend Alfred University to pursue a career in education.

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Olivia Barr was presented by guidance counselor Dan Batchelder, who said she is “one of the school's best students" and noted that she is “really funny” and will go far in life. Olivia a member of the Student Advisory Council and participates on the varsity soccer, basketball and track teams. She will be attending college to study for a career in the health care field.

Watkins Glen High School senior Wendy Coleman was introduced by history and government teacher Kelsey Wood as the March honoree. Wendy was praised for her reliability, skill at making the best of a situation and her impressive talents as an artist. A skill, Wood said, that will “stop you in your tracks.” She has won multiple art awards, and a piece of hers hangs in the office of Congressman Nick Langworthy. She’s also creative in other ways, Wood said. Wendy and a New Visions classmate last month won first place in New York State in the Family, Career and Community Leadership of America Entrepreneur Project by designing a Christian clothing brand titled "Called and Clothed." Coleman has been a member of the swim, tennis and track and field teams. She said she plans to attend SUNY Geneseo and major in psychology to perhaps become a therapist.

February 2026

McKenzie Landon, a senior at Odessa-Montour Central School, was introduced by guidance counselor Dan Batchelder, who said that she is “an exceptional student” notable for her “quiet leadership.” Her “low-key, yet effective, style” has not gone unnoticed by her teachers and coaches, Batchelder said. McKenzie is a three-sport varsity athlete, participating in soccer, basketball and track and field. McKenzie said she will be attending college to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Watkins Glen High School senior Gabe Majors, was introduced by teacher Kaz Popovich, who described him as “so kind, and so pleasant ... (with) a great work ethic.” Gabe was one of her first employees at the school’s Hawk House, through a work-based learning program, Popovich said. Gabe is enrolled in the heavy equipment program at BOCES, and teaches and assists students in the WGHS industrial arts classes. He is involved with several industry-based organizations as well, including the SkillsUSA program. Gabe is looking toward a career in heavy equipment operation, with an eye on NYDOT employment or starting his own business.

January 2026

James Halpin, a senior at Odessa-Montour Central School, was nominated by teacher Nick Sgrecci, who said James “truly exemplifies the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self.’” James is president of the Rotary Interact Club and Student Council, belongs to the Yearbook Club, coordinates the lighting for school musicals, is a member of National Honor Society and takes an active role in the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church youth group. He is a three-sport athlete, participating in varsity soccer, basketball and track. James attends the BOCES New Visions program at the Elmira College campus and plans to study engineering.

Watkins Glen High School senior Ryan Dean was introduced by teacher Amy Planty who praised his “positive attitude, integrity, kindness and diligence.” Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, is on the varsity swim and track teams and is a lifeguard. Ryan is treasurer for the high school’s Dub G Market food pantry. He has been heavily involved in the project since its inception and can often be found working there during his study hall periods, Planty said. Ryan plans to attend SUNY Brockport to study nursing.

December 2025

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Kyler Erickson was nominated by teacher Holly Campbell who noted that Kyler “is thoughtful, polite and considerate and says thank you more than any kid I know. ... He is always looking to help.” Kyler participates on the Schuyler Storm swim team and O-M track teams, manages the girl’s swim team and is an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Rotary Interact Club. Kyler also has been both onstage and backstage with the school’s theater productions. He currently attends the New Visions program at Elmira College and is planning to attend college for early childhood education, with a focus on school administration.

Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons, a senior at Watkins Glen High School, was presented by Coach Ralph Diliberto. He highlighted her leadership skills, listing her involvement on the district school board as student representative, membership in the National Honor Society and a participant in the New Visions program. Zade is a force on the varsity soccer and basketball teams, he said. She also volunteers with the Seneca Santa program and the Dub G Market food pantry for students. Coach Diliberto noted that Zade “has a large heart, is a stellar representative and will be a wonderful contributor to society.” She plans to attend college to become an educator in the sciences.

November 2025

Odessa-Montour Central School senior Rilke Arrance was presented by guidance counselor Dan Batchelder. He noted that she “is very confident and seeks out challenges." Rilke plays volleyball and competes in track and field. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She will attend Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls to work toward her certification as an ultrasound technician.

Samuel Hohle, a senior at Watkins Glen High School, was introduced by teacher Mary DeBolt, who said “his character speaks to who he is. ... He takes time with everyone.” Samuel competes in soccer, indoor track and lacrosse. He is president of the National Honor Society. He is focused on applying for entry into the U.S. Naval Academy.

October 2025

Connor Foggie, a senior at Odessa-Montour Central School, was introduced by teacher Danielle Fuschillo-Elliott who said that Connor “is dedicated, has a positive spirit ... is respectful and excels in both academic and athletic life.” Connor is a three-sport athlete, playing varsity baseball, basketball and soccer. He participates in travel baseball as well and played in this year’s Gus Macker Tournament in Elmira. Outside of sports, Connor is a member of the National Honor Society, the Yearbook Committee, the Student Advisory Council, Rotary Interact Club, Varsity O and the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities. He is also very active in the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church, where he takes part in Youth Group, is a liturgist and assists with Sunday School and other special events. Connor leads a student-run Devotional Club and weekly Bible Study as well. He is currently attending the New Visions Medical Program, with a goal of attending medical school and specializing in anesthesiology. He is undecided on which college to attend, but has been accepted at Keuka College and Niagara University.