SARATOGA SPRINGS — Six scholarships totaling $30,000 will be awarded to six graduating Saratoga Springs High School seniors by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.
The $10,000 Jack Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship will go to Gregory Duke McCauley of Saratoga Springs. Gregory was selected for the highest award based on his academic achievements as well as his commitment to community service. He will study engineering at Clarkson University.
Kristen Eyer of Gansevoort and Catherine Kelly of Saratoga Springs will each receive a $5,000 academic scholarship. Eyer will study biochemistry with the goal of becoming an ophthalmologist. Kelly will study marketing and sports management.
Victor Santabar of Greenfield Center will receive the $5,000 Continuing Technical Education Scholarship. A senior at Saratoga Springs High School and BOCES, where he studied small animal science, he will major in zoology with the goal of becoming a zoologist/wildlife biologist.
Ciara Meyer of Saratoga Springs will receive a $2,500 academic scholarship. She will major in English with the goal of a career in law or journalism.
The $2,500 Leos Scholarship will be given to Isabelle Savage of Wilton, an active participant in numerous community service projects and a member of the Saratoga Springs Leos Club, the high school branch of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. She will study nanoscale engineering.
Formal presentation of the scholarships took place at the June 22 luncheon of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club at Mama Mia’s Restaurant, Saratoga Springs.
GALWAY — Galway Central School Junior/Senior High School Principal Michael Miller has announced the Top 10 students of the Class of 2023.
Sara Conti, daughter of Marie and Joseph Conti of Galway, is the valedictorian of the class of 2023. Sara is the head editor of Eagles Media Center (EMC) and Impressions Literary Magazine, president of the Robotics Club, and vice president of Science Club. She served as treasurer of National Honor Society, and as an anchor on Galway TV (GTV). She has played volleyball since eighth grade, and joined the varsity track team her senior year. Sara plays the flute in the Galway High School Band, and has had multiple poems published in various anthologies. She plans to attend Hamilton College to pursue a degree in physics.
Sydney Kress, daughter of Shanon and Erich Kress of Amsterdam, is the salutatorian of the Class of 2023. Sydney dedicated most of her time to academic endeavors throughout her high school career. She began taking several college courses at the end of her junior year through various colleges. In the fall of this past year, she pursued Early College Admission at Fulton-Montgomery Community College, attending full time during her senior year. Sydney has been an avid member of the Senior High Band, participating in Pep Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and exploring solo opportunities through NYSSMA. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. She will be attending Russell Sage College in the fall, majoring in biology with a pre-med concentration in hopes of becoming a specialized surgeon.
Following is a list of Galway CSD’s Top 10 students for the Class of 2023, including their future college and major:
• Emma Jordan (Rochester Institute of Technology, electrical engineering with a focus on clean and renewable energy)
• Abigail Ehrenberg (American University, international relations)
• Thomas Villano III (United States Military Academy at West Point, life science or kinesiology, pre-med track)
• Stephanie Martin (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, environmental resource engineering)
• Joshua Lovelass (Coastal Carolina University, professional golf management)
• Sophia Fasolino (University of Tampa, biochemistry, pre-med track)
• Kerringtyn Davis (The College of St. Rose, forensic psychology)
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lake Avenue Elementary School held its 12th annual Reader’s Celebration with therapy dogs on Friday, allowing second-grade students the opportunity to practice their reading skills with some canine friends.
Lynn O’Rourke, Lake Ave’s K-2 reading teacher, had been offering a dog therapy program to second-grade students for over 20 years before it was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program returned this year, with O’Rourke saying students enjoy the experience.
On Friday, students sat outside in groups and discussed their books with two therapy dogs. One of the dogs was Luna, brought along by former Lake Ave librarian Kali Nagler, who said she began participating in the program as a way to continue working with children.
“I missed working with kids,” said Nagler. “Having a therapy dog gives me a good excuse to come and visit, or go to Skidmore … She’s got a perfect temperament for it, so it just seemed like a perfect thing to do, to share her with others.”
Nagler said it is “really rewarding” to be a part of the program.
“There’s nothing but pure joy in doing something like this,” Nagler said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something good. I had to take vacation time to come here today to do this, but that’s how much I love doing it.”
O’Rourke’s class saw four dogs throughout the year, and hopes to have six next year. She said that several classes who did not have the opportunity to participate in the program during the pandemic were invited to do so at various points this year.
O’Rourke said that the Reader’s Celebration is ultimately a positive program that helps kids grow their confidence and reading abilities.
Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship Winners with the VanBuren Family, from left: Bernice Osherowitz, Corey Hyde, Robert Brisbin, Jaelyn Cutright, Zachary Smith, Ronald VanBuren. Photo provided by WSWHE BOCES.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Early College Career Academy (ECCA), a partnership program between the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton Essex BOCES and SUNY Adirondack, held its Completion Ceremony at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls on June 8.
Fifty-four students from 20 school districts were recognized in the company of family members, friends, WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack staff and faculty, BOCES Board of Education members and honored award presenters.
This was the ninth class to complete this unique program that provides students with focused studies in the fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology / Computer Networking and New Media. Students in the programs are exposed to the latest technologies used in these industries, earn industry-recognized certifications, and participate in work-based learning activities that include job shadowing, mentoring by industry experts and real-world industry challenge projects.
Twelve students from the ECCA group were part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program. This unique, six-year program gives high school students the experiences, practical skills, qualifications and credentials they need to secure rewarding careers in technology-based industries.
Industry partner speakers were Nicholas Molik, Director of Sales and Marketing at INOC Data Centers as well as Tara McCaughey, Workforce Development Lead at GlobalFoundries.
Several students plan to continue their education at SUNY Adirondack. Others will enter the workforce or technical training. A majority will continue their studies at the following colleges; American University, Bentley University, Castleton University, Clarkson University, College of Saint Rose, Hudson Valley Community College, Lynne University, RIT, Siena College, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic, University of Connecticut, Vermont Technical College, Virginia State University.
Awards were presented to several students for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship.
Four Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarships were also awarded. The scholarship is named after the late Maureen VanBuren, who was the Special Projects administrator for ECCA. Each year, the VanBuren family travels to the completion ceremony to deliver the scholarships.
Awardees were, Robert Brisbin (Advanced Manufacturing), Zachary Smith (Business & Entrepreneurship), Corey Hyde (Information Technology) and Jaelyn Cutright (New Media). Each received a $1,000 scholarship for the “passion they have demonstrated to their field of study and their plan to further their education through college or technical school.”
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Community Theater has announced the recipients of this year’s scholarships. Applications were open to graduating high school seniors from a Saratoga, Warren, or Washington County school who plans to pursue a college degree in Music, Dance, Drama, or Theater Arts.
The SCT Vicki Wolfe Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 has been awarded to Christopher Buettner, son of Kevin and Karla Buettner of Gansevoort. Christopher will graduate from Schuylerville High School and will attend SUNY Fredonia seeking a BFA in Musical Theater.
Nicholas Noyes, who will graduate from Mechanicville High School, has been awarded the SCT June Corbett Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500. Nick is the son of Brian Noyes and Jamie Thompson and will attend Hudson Valley Community College for a degree in Theater Arts.
The SCT Edward ‘Ted’ Shuster Scholarship, in the amount of $300, has been awarded to Rhiley Sausville, who will graduate from Greenwich High School. The daughter of Bruce and Katherine Sausville, Rhiley will be attending SUNY Schenectady seeking a Music Performance degree.
The committee wishes to congratulate these talented seniors and wish them well as they pursue their future musical goals.
Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School once again provided the opportunity for graduating seniors to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB), with over 50 students qualifying in the Class of 2023. The NY State Education Department established the NYSSB in 2012 to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.
The NYSSB is awarded by the Commissioner of Education to students who meet criteria established by the Board of Regents and who attend schools in districts that voluntarily agree to participate in the program. Starting in 2016, the NYSSB is affixed to the high school diploma and transcript of graduating students attaining the NYSSB.
“We are very happy for these students who are receiving this credential,” said Superintendent Dr. Gianleo Duca. “We are very proud of their culminating project showcases that demonstrate the students’ strength in language. This accreditation is a testament to the hard work of the students and the teachers through six years of language study that will serve them well in college, the work force, and beyond.”
The State Education Department further notes that the intent of the NYSSB is to: affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society; encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; and recognize the value of world and home language instruction in schools.
The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and diploma for qualifying students and is a statement of their accomplishment for future employers and college admission. Ballston Spa students will receive the seal on their diploma at graduation ceremonies on June 22 at 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Additional information on the NYSSB is located on the New York State Seal of Biliteracy website at http://sealofbiliteracy.org/new-york.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Applications are now being accepted for those interested in being a part of the award-winning Leadership Saratoga program.
Sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, this popular program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future.
The purpose of Leadership Saratoga is to inform and educate members of the community who want to ensure its success by giving of their time, talents, energy and expertise. This is often in a volunteer capacity, such as serving on a board of an impact sector organization, a board of education, a land use board, or becoming an elected official.
The 2023-2024 Leadership Saratoga program will run from September 2023 to May 2024.
The application period, including interviews, is open through June 23.
Anyone interested in learning more about Leadership Saratoga or considering applying to be a member of the class of 2023-2024 can visit www.LeadershipSaratoga.org for additional information.
GLENS FALLS — The Grishkot Foundation has announced the awarding of $77,500, payable over up to four years, in scholarships for college students from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.
Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-24 college year, with some recipients receiving continued annual scholarships for up to three additional years, provided the recipient remains in the program of study in good academic standing.
Joan Grishkot Memorial Scholarship recipients for careers in nursing and related health care fields:
• Samantha Rocco, a graduating senior at Mechanicville High School who will attend Union College in the fall as a pre-med student majoring in biology.
• Sydney Keenan, a graduating senior at Hudson Falls High School who will attend Vassar College in the fall as a pre-med student majoring in neuroscience.
• Jacqueline Hogan, a Glens Falls High School graduate who is a medical student at SUNY Upstate at Syracuse
• Garrett Lamouree, a Queensbury High school graduate who is enrolled at Binghamton University and will be enrolling at Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate at Syracuse.
Honorable Mentions:
• Norah Niesz, a graduating senior at Greenwich High School who will major in biomedical science at St. Lawrence University in the fall.
• Sophia Herzog, a graduating Saratoga Springs High School senior who will attend SUNY Upstate at Syracuse in the fall to study for a career as a physician/scientist.
• Shauna Mower, a graduating senior at Queensbury High School who will enroll at Connell School of Nursing at Boston in the fall.
• Matthew Shakow, a graduating senior at Saratoga Springs High School who will study for a career as a dermatologist.
Walter Grishkot Memorial Scholarships for careers in aviation, aeronautics engineering and related health care careers:
• Ishan Swali, a graduating senior at Shenendehowa High School who will enroll at Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to study aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence.
• Andrew Hope, a graduating senior at Saratoga Springs High School who will enroll at University of Michigan in the fall with majors in physics and aerospace engineering.
• Sahil Swali, a Shenendehowa High School graduate who is studying aerospace engineering at the University of Toronto.
Honorable Mention:
• Kara Davenport, a graduating senior at Ballston Spa High School who will study to become a corporate pilot.
The scholarships were presented June 7 at a meeting of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club at The Queensbury Hotel. The Grishkot Foundation partnered this year with the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation to administer the scholarship application and review process, with The Grishkot Foundation making the final decision on awards.
The scholarship distribution is, by far, the foundation’s largest distribution of scholarships since its founding in 2009. The distribution is possible due to a generous bequest from Joan Grishkot, the foundation’s co-founder.
Joan Grishkot, who died July 8, 2021, was Warren County director of public health for 31 years. The foundation added the Joan Grishkot Memorial scholarship program this year.
Information about the foundation and about the legacy of Walter and Joan Grishkot can be found at grishkotfoundation.org.
Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Education Foundation recently presented $7,732 in Spring 2023 grant awards to educators in the Ballston Spa Central School District for educational enrichment projects in the schools. The recent spring cycle included the following grants:
• $430 for a Function Machine to make learning math fun and engaging at the Ballston Spa Middle School
• $391 to fund yoga mats and yoga bricks for use in the library at the Ballston Spa High School to provide a place where students and staff can focus on self-care and increase productivity
• $765 to fund flexible seating options to keep kids engaged in reading instruction at Gordon Creek Elementary School
• $713 to fund cameras for the Wood Road Elementary School Yearbook Club and Art Department.
An additional grant for $5,432 was given to BSMS and BSHS for Physics Lab equipment to provide quality hands-on learning for students in 8th grade science and physics courses as they implement new curriculum. This funding is being provided through the generous Fred Reiners Memorial Grant for Educational Enrichment.
With these latest grant awards, the BSEF has, since its inception in 1996, funded over $436,135 in enrichment grants to the school district.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Central School District has announced its Top Graduate recognitions for the Class of 2023.
Schuylerville’s Top 10 recognition was expanded in 2022 to a Top Graduate recognition, in an effort to honor the hard work and achievement of more students. Students with an average of 96 or higher qualify to be featured in the annual Top Graduate recognition.
The Schuylerville Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Lillian Letzring. Letzring is a member of National Honor Society, has acted as co-president of Student Council, and has been involved with Student Government, Drama Club, Spanish Club, and prom committee.
Letzring is a co-captain of the Schuylerville varsity cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field teams, and is a member of both the NYSSMA All-County Band and Chorus. She is a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Award.
Letzring plans to attend SUNY Potsdam with a major in geology and environmental science.
The Schuylerville Class of 2023 Salutatorian is Alayna Wian. Wian is also a member of National Honor Society, has acted as the Class of 2023 treasurer and vice-president, co-president and parliamentarian in Student Council, and vice-president of Drama Club.
Wian is also a member of Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Yearbook Club, and prom committee. She is a member of All-County Chorus and Area All-State Chorus. Wian played six sports, serving as captain of the varsity girls soccer team in addition to competing in cross country, basketball, indoor and outdoor track and field, and lacrosse.
Wian was a representative at the Section II Athletic Leadership Summit, and also received the St. Michael’s Book Award. She plans to attend Hobart & William Smith Colleges and major in physics/mathematics.
See below for a full list of Schuylerville’s Class of 2023 Top Graduates:
