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 2024
Odessa-Montour Central School’s Anabelle Crippen was nominated by Director of Student Services Veronica Lewis, who says that Ana is "very creative, always observing” and has “overcome many challenges and stayed strong, which makes her a role model to her peers." Ana was a member of the school’s bowling team. Ana is currently excelling in the audio-media program at BOCES and is leaning toward attending Corning Community College, with an eye to studying in the field of animation.
Watkins Glen High School science teacher Lisa Jurusik nominated Brandon Chiacchiarini, whom she described as a "self-starter, who is just an awesome kid ... He is very intelligent and kind ... and has a great sense of humor.” Brandon is co-salutatorian of the senior class. He was an integral part of this year’s school theater production, “Alice in Wonderland.” He will attend college and is focused on obtaining a degree in accounting, along with a CPA certification.
March 2024
Bradford Central School District senior Madison Sutryk was presented by teacher Tracy Parker, who said that Madison is a three-sport athlete who recently helped lead the Lady Bravescots basketball team to a Section V, Class C title. She also volunteers in Parker's kindergarten classroom and is very well-respected by both the younger students and her peers. Madison will be attending SUNY Brockport in the fall, with an eye on a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Odessa-Montour Central School senior David Patterson was presented by teacher Holly Campbell, who commented on his ability to write, to lead a discussion and to provide meaningful insight. David is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and the Superintendent's Advisory Council. He is participating in the New Visions program and is a three-season athlete. He also plays the piano and trombone. David will be attending Syracuse University in the fall, focusing on a major in business administration.
Watkins Glen High School senior Alyson Gibson was presented by teacher Marcy Brubaker. She said Alyson is a "strong role model...who demonstrates mastery in academics." Alyson participates in varsity volleyball, is the vice president of National Honor Society, Senior Class president and a member of the school Jazz Band. Alyson commented that she felt being an only child allowed for individuality and encouraged her love for school and being engaged with her peers. Alyson will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, majoring in physics.
February 2024
Odessa-Montour Central School’s Jenna Wolfe was presented by Judy Kastenhuber, who highlighted her involvement in numerous areas of school leadership: Diversity Club, Student Council, Rotary Interact, Prom Committee and Principal Search Interview Committee. Kastenhuber commented that Jenna has a "great love for animals and the outdoors" and "is a kind and caring person." Jenna plans to attend Corning Community College in the fall, with transfer to larger school in the future.
Vey Cowan from Watkins Glen High School was nominated by teacher Melissa Kissell and accompanied to the meeting by teacher Kelsey Wood. Wood outlined a long list of leadership roles for Vey, including Diversity Club president and a member of Student Council, Art Club and National Honor Society. She is also involved in bowling, takes four college courses and assists with the student-run food pantry, the 'Dub-G' Market. Vey will attend SUNY New Paltz this fall, eyeing a degree in fine arts.
January 2024
Odessa-Montour's Aidan Summers was presented by his wrestling coach Dan Batchelder, who said Aidan put a huge amount of effort into this past wrestling season and is "a fine young man, and I can't wait to see where he goes in life." Aidan attends GST BOCES as part of the welding program and said he will pursue a career in either welding or mechanical engineering.
Watkins Glen High School teacher Tammy Kellogg introduced Drake Croft, who, she said, is "not just good human, he is an exceptional human." Drake is an active member of the Odessa Fire Department, is employed at the school's Fitness Center and volunteers his time during school at the 'Hawk House' student lounge. Drake will be working in the security industry for a time after graduating and then will attend college with the end goal of entry into the New York State Police Academy, he said.
December 2023
Odessa-Montour Central School teacher Doug Chapman nominated Gordon Janack, whom he said is a "super-polite, nice kid." Gordon was praised as "having a strong work ethic, always having a smile and being very dedicated" by the custodial/maintenance department at the school where he worked this past year. Gordon hopes to continue in the custodial field after graduation.
Jaymes Forker was nominated by Watkins Glen High School teacher Mary DeBolt, who said he "has a very sincere nature, cares very much for people around him and his positive attitude lights up a room." Jaymes has been a three-sport varsity athlete, excelling in soccer, wrestling and track. He will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
November 2023
Odessa-Montour Central School senior Hannah Barr was nominated by teacher Holly Campbell, who said Hannah is "exemplary...bright, hard-working and incredibly kind." Campbell also commented that Hannah "volunteers freely of her time," which is demonstrated through her participation as president of the National Honor Society and editor of the school yearbook. She’s also a member of Rotary's Interact Club, Student Council and the Student Advisory Group. Hannah says she is looking forward to her college education, perhaps to study veterinary medicine.
Watkins Glen High School teacher Maggie Field, along with Coach Ralph Diliberto, nominated Thomas Field, a student they described as "selfless, a stellar performer both physically and academically...a polite, caring and knowledge-seeking person." Thomas is planning to attend college for exercise science with an eye on a career as a strength and conditioning coach or physical therapist.
October 2023
Maisie Robertson of Watkins Glen High School was presented by teacher Kaz Popovich. Popovich asked Maisie who in her life motivates her. Maisie said she counts both her father and her late grandmother Dr. Blanche Borzell as huge influences in her life. Maisie fills several leadership roles in the school, including as president of both the Varsity Club and National Honor Society. Maisie also competed on the girls varsity soccer team, which earned the IAC championship and the Section IV, Class C championship. Maisie said she was hoping for an early acceptance to Cornell University, where she plans to study industrial and labor relations, with an eye on a law degree in the future.