SARATOGA COUNTY —Applications will be received from now until September 15, 2023 for the Melvin D. Wrisley Scholarship Award. Selection will be made by a committee appointed by the President of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County Board of Directors.
Criteria will include a demonstrated interest in agriculture, satisfactory completion of at least one year of an accredited New York State College, character, leadership, and service.
Preference may be given to but not limited to applicants from Saratoga County and those with special interest in farming and pursuing an agricultural degree. To receive an application, email Wendy McConkey at wlm8@cornell.edu.
16-year-old Leo Quinn drowned just days before he was set to give a commencement speech as Valedictorian at St. Peter’s Academy in 1923. 100 years later, his great-nephew, also named Leo Quinn, read the speech at Saratoga Catholic’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony (Photo provided by Leo Quinn).
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In 1923, 16-year-old Leo Joseph Quinn was preparing for the next chapter of his life. Quinn was set to graduate as the class valedictorian at St. Peter’s Academy (now Saratoga Central Catholic School) and was set to give a speech at the commencement ceremony.
But he never received that opportunity. Just days before the commencement, the 16-year-old drowned in Saratoga Lake.
100 years later, Quinn’s speech has finally been read, by his great-nephew of the same name.
A 1986 graduate of Saratoga Catholic, Quinn was able to relay the speech to graduates at Saratoga Catholic’s 2023 commencement ceremony on June 23.
Quinn said he did not know much about his great-uncle growing up but became interested in the family history after finding old family possessions.
“I found a couple of my grandfather’s, Uncle Leo’s brother, found a couple of his journals from 1919 and 1920,” said Quinn. “I found out that my cousin Tracy had ‘21 and ‘22, so that sort of started my interest in that family’s history.”
Then, several years later, Quinn received more from his uncle’s things, which included a journal from his great-uncle Leo.
“It included a very old notebook with a sticker on the front that said, ‘Leo Quinn Physics,’” Quinn said. “I opened that up, and there were a bunch of old papers from his school and that one sheet of paper.”
On the back of the sheet, “Is this Leo’s speech?”, was written in pencil, Quinn said.
“I don’t know who wrote that or when it was written, but going through it, it certainly seemed like a valedictorian address,” said Quinn.
Quinn then found a pair of newspaper articles in The Saratogian, one covering his great-uncle’s death and one covering the 1923 commencement. He said all he knows of his great-uncle comes from “those two newspaper articles.”
“That’s all I know,” said Quinn. “My grandfather was the oldest of five kids. Leo was the youngest, and my grandfather was the oldest. Both their parents were dead. They had died in 1922 and 1923. My grandfather was in charge of things. When his brother died, I can only imagine the effect it has on him.”
A Saratogian article from June 21, 1923 states, “Although (Quinn) was but sixteen years old, he was president and valedictorian of this year’s class of St. Peter’s High school and was to have been graduated with his class at St. Peter’s Catholic church next Sunday morning.”
The article states that Quinn was an altar boy at St. Peter’s Church and was planning to attend Holy Cross University to study for the priesthood.
He was posthumously awarded with the St. Peter’s Alumni prize and the Scholarship Medal at St. Peter’s commencement ceremony, which occurred just four days after his death, according to an article in The Saratogian on June 25, 1923 covering the graduation.
Quinn said he initially pitched the idea to the school in January and followed up with Saratoga Catholic principal Christopher Signor in May.
“The principal loved the idea, thought the students would be moved by it,” said Quinn.
Quinn noted the “sad irony” of the speech, which partially discusses the prospect of being young with a full life ahead.
“Well, I just see the sad irony in it all, talking about a high school graduate not having really lived yet, and all this life to live,” said Quinn.
“The high school graduate is comparatively young in years. He has all his life before him,” part of the speech reads. “He has been getting ready for life during all the years of his past existence, but as yet, he has not really lived.”
Quinn said it was “great” to be able to read the speech, saying he knew “nothing about what happened after the graduation.”
“Did they find the speech? Did they think about delivering it?” Quinn said. “I knew nothing about that. I feel like I closed a long, open loop for Uncle Leo.”
“It is a fine thing to be alive, it is a fine thing to know you are alive, but it is a much finer thing to be able to contain the subtle essence of your aliveness, and put it to the highest possible use,” another part of the speech reads. “We intend to make the most of living in a religious and intellectual sense, with the aid of Him.”
At the commencement, Quinn noted the speech ends with a colon, saying to those in attendance, “I think he probably wasn’t quite finished with it yet.” However, he said this serves as a strong metaphor for current graduates.
“My cousin Tracy Quinn, here today, pointed out that the colon is a great metaphor for where you are right now,” Quinn said at the commencement. “Unfinished, could go anywhere, could do anything. And you have the opportunity that he did not. The opportunity to be men and women worthwhile. And I hope you use it well.”
SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School held its 77th annual commencement ceremony on June 22, honoring the Class of 2023.
105 diplomas were awarded at graduation, with an additional diploma awarded to the family of former student Dan MacMillan, who passed away January 2, 2022.
The commencement ceremony wasa held at Black Horse Stadium on the Schuylerville CSD campus for the fourth consecutive year. Musical performances were given by the Schuylerville Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Jodi Ogburn, with assistance from Christopher Tucker.
“Graduates, please know that your school community is truly proud of you and wishes you the very best in your future endeavors,” said Schuylerville High School principal James Ducharme in a statement posted to the district website. “To the Class of 2023: your story continues to be written every day. You have a choice each day as to what you make of that day. I believe each of you possesses the tools and abilities to accomplish extraordinary achievements. Be motivated for your dreams. Your inner drive. It’s your most powerful tool. Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
Photos courtesy of Schuylerville CSD Communications Director Taryn Kane.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ballston Spa High School honored 289 members of the Class of 2023 on June 23, hosting its annual commencement ceremony at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Student Government President Celina Beyer-Teal, Class of 2023 President Isabella Bennice, Valedictorian Mia Bedell, and Salutatorian Lee McKinley all spoke during the ceremony. BSHS interim principal Richard Murphy, Superintendent Dr. Gianleo Duca, and Board of Education president Jason Fernau also addressed those in attendance.
Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School presented over 185 seniors in the Class of 2023 with a NYS Seal of Civic Readiness as part of commencement activities. BSHS Interim Principal Richard Murphy indicated, “The Seal allows us to recognize the successes our students are having and will continue to have in the field of Social Studies and civic engagement.”
Students earn points for their successful completion of the four years of core Social Studies classes required by NYSED. Many earn additional points for the completion of advanced coursework in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or College in the High School Social Studies classes. Students also earn points toward the Seal by completing various Social Studies based electives.
“The Seal of Civic Readiness is designed to help students better understand the governmental world in which they live in as non-political a way as possible,” said High School Instructional Teacher Leader Heather Mazurowski. “Students, regardless of their point of view, need to graduate from high school ready to be active participants in our democracy and understand the institutions and issues which we face.”
It is the goal of Ballston Spa High School to help each student have a possible pathway to earning the diploma Seal as the program moved from the previous pilot stage to full implementation in 2022-23. The district will now look to add a Middle School Capstone project and a High School Capstone project in future years.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School celebrated the graduation of 492 members of the Class of 2023 on Friday, hosting its commencement ceremony at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Class president Clare Hegener, student council president Evan Griffiths, and student speakers Abigail Bundy and James O’Connell spoke during the ceremony, according to a release on the district website. Superintendent Michael Patton, SSHS Principal Michelle Tsao, and chemistry teacher Devin Scott also spoke.
The Yaddo Medals were awarded to Abigail Bundy and Jacob Munter. Each year, the prestigious Yaddo Medals are awarded to one female and one male from the graduation class who have excelled in scholarship and school citizenship, the release states. Katrina Trask began the tradition of presenting the Yaddo Medal, crafted by Tiffany & Company, in 1912.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School has announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2023.
The Saratoga Catholic Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Jessica Barnes. Barnes plans to attend The University of Rochester with a major in biology.
The Saratoga Catholic Class of 2023 Salutatorian is Aidan Dunne. Dunne plans to attend The University of Tennessee, Knoxville to major in chemical engineering.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic School honored the Class of 2023 with its annual commencement ceremony at St. Clement’s Church on June 23.
28 students received their diplomas from the school during the commencement ceremony. SCC principal Christopher Signor, Class of 2023 Advisor and Spanish teacher Susan Barbolt, Dean of Student Life & Coordinator of Affairs Maria Izzo, Class of 2023 Valedictorian Jessica Barnes, and Salutatorian Aidan Dunne spoke during the commencement.
Diocese of Albany Superintendent of Schools Dr. Giovanni Virgiglio, Very Rev. Robert Longobucco of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, and Very Rev. James Ebert of St. Clement’s Church also spoke during the ceremony.
The commencement included a special presentation from Leo Quinn, a member of the Saratoga Catholic Class of 1986.
Quinn’s great-uncle, also named Leo Quinn, was valedictorian of the St. Peter’s Academy Class of 1923, but tragically drowned four days before the ceremony. At Friday’s commencement, Quinn read his great-uncle’s original speech from 100 years prior.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — WSWHE BOCES School Library Services presented their annual School Librarian of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards on June 8.
Administrator of the Year and School Librarian of the Year award winners with colleagues. Far left, Al Mattice with award. Center with award, Sheila McIntyre (Photo provided by WSWHE BOCES).
This year’s recipient of the School Library System Administrator of the Year Award is the Ballston Spa High School Assistant Principal, Al Mattice, nominated by Sarah Gunner Moorfoot.
“Mr. Mattice always listens to concerns and is thoughtful and measured in his responses. When we have had to discuss challenging issues (such as parental objections to library materials), he has been steadfast in his support of our students’ right to information and has taken the time to read and understand our updated district board policy on library materials and objection to instructional materials and controversial issues. I have been fortunate in so many things this year as a first-year librarian–and [this principal] is a huge reason why my first year has been such a joyful learning experience. He has been a sounding board, a teacher, a leader, and a friend for me and the library this year. I believe that Al deserves to be recognized for the hard work he has done this year and for the support he has provided the library,” stated Sarah Gunner Moorfoot.
This year’s recipient of the School Library System School Librarian of the Year Award is Milton Terrace Elementary School Librarian Mrs. Sheila McIntyre, nominated by Dr. Kathleen Chaucer and others.
Mrs. McIntyre’s Award nomination included statements from a total of ten administrators, teachers, and students. A few of the comments were:
• “[Mrs. McIntyre] is the heart and soul of our school community, a total class act, and I am honored to call her a colleague.”
• “She is a fierce advocate for our students and is able to establish rapport with our most challenging students. She loves the children who feel unloved, meets the children who feel unreachable, and gets to know our students so well that she is able to anticipate and recognize their needs.”
• “She plants, cultivates and nurtures the love of reading as well as supporting all aspects of learning to read for all members of her school community. We love her beyond measure, are grateful for her leadership at the building, district, and professional level, and are excited to nominate her for this award.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In remembrance of Flag Day, the Saratoga Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution had over 60 essays to read about “What does the American Flag mean to me?” for the New York DAR Flag Essay Contest.
The winner was Marin Tolosky. Second place was Avery Nowicki, third place was Riley Gorman, and Airame Rivers earned honorable mention. All students attend Lake Avenue Elementary School. Cindy Hollowood, Vice Regent presented the winners with certificates and checks.
