BALLSTON SPA — Stuart J. Williams, the Ballston Spa Central School District’s community relations coordinator, retired on June 27 after more than 25 years on the job.
“Basically, it is just time for me to move along and do some other things in life besides work,” Williams wrote in an email announcement.
Williams attended his final Board of Education meeting on June 26.
“Stuart has been a part of our board meetings for many years and he’s been a part of just about every single district event,” said Board President Jason Fernau. “We are absolutely very thankful for your service.”
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education has announced that Dr. Ryan Sherman will serve as its superintendent for the next five years.
Dr. Sherman was previously the superintendent of the district from 2009 to 2021. He was also the superintendent of schools for the Argyle Central School District from 2004 to 2009. In total, Dr. Sherman’s superintendent experience totals 18 years.
In February, the board approved a leave of absence for personal reasons for former Superintendent Gregg Barthelmas. At that time, Schuylerville High School Principal James Ducharme was appointed as Acting Superintendent.
In May, the board approved a resolution placing Barthelmas on paid administrative leave, and appointed Dr. Sherman as Acting Superintendent. In June, during a special meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Barthelmas and appointed Dr. Sherman as the permanent superintendent for the next five years.
MIDDLE GROVE — The Barkersville Christian Church in Middle Grove will be hosting its annual Vacation Bible School for children ages 4 to 12 from August 5 to 9, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This year’s theme is Breaker Rock Beach: learning God’s truth in a world of shifting sands. There will be crafts, music, snacks, Bible stories, games, prizes, and candy. A family picnic is scheduled for Saturday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To learn more or to register, visit www.barkersvillecc.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Karis Jones, an assistant professor at Empire State University, won an award last week from the National Science Foundation to serve as a principal investigator for a group research initiative.
Her project, “GP-IN: Communities of Aquatic Sciences in Teaching and Learning (COASTAL) Research Partnerships for Equity,” is a two-year initiative that will examine educational programming related to geosciences, including field trips and other outreach programs among middle school and high school students.
“This COASTAL Research partnership will build a cross-region innovative research group focused on equitable educational innovations to support historically excluded middle and high school youth in geosciences communities,” Jones said in a statement.
Jones said that her group hopes to create a network of researchers, teachers, and students across New York and Maine that will collaborate and develop equitable paths for participation in geoscience communities.
Tiffany Farrell and Maria Izzo, two additions to the Saratoga Central Catholic School leadership team. Photos provided by Aiden Lambert.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic School (SCC) announced this week that it has made two additions to its leadership team. Starting this month, Tiffany Farrell will assume the role of High School Assistant Principal, and Maria Izzo ‘84 will take on the role of Middle School Assistant Principal.
“With their administrative assistance, SCC is poised to enter into a new era of major innovations in Catholic identity, curriculum and instruction, student achievement, increased enrollment, and fiscal stability,” said Principal Christopher Signor in a statement.
Farrell is entering her eighth year at SCC, having previously spent ten years teaching at LaSalle Institute in Troy. At SCC, she has served as the Math Department Chair, head of the Math Department diocesan-wide, Testing Coordinator, Technology Liaison, and a member of the Diocesan Accreditation Steering Committee. Her daughter, Natalie, is an alumnus of SCC from the class of 2019, and her son, Aiden, will soon be entering the 11th grade at SCC.
Izzo is an alumna of the SCC class of 1984. She served as Dean of Students (2014 to 2023), Coordinator of Student Activities, and Social Studies Department Head. She has also chaired subcommittees for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation and the Cognia Accreditation at SCC. Beyond her administrative and teaching roles, Maria has served as Coordinator of Alumni Affairs (1992 to 2023) and coached softball, basketball, and volleyball at SCC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Starting this Fall, Empire State University will be offering a Master of Arts in Higher Education. The online, 30-credit degree program is designed to enhance students’ and professionals’ contributions to higher education, and prepare them for a broad range of administrative roles and research related to their work.
The program is flexible and accommodating for full-time and part-time students. Courses focus on contemporary perspectives on careers, policies, administration, history, organization, social justice and educational equality, and data-based decision making and teaching in post-secondary education.
The program provides a graduate-level assessment of prior learning and transfer credits for enrolled students at no additional fee, which can be combined for up to 12 credits toward the degree.
The fully online M.A. in higher education features course offerings such as:
Economics and Finance of Higher Education
Administration and Leadership in Higher Education
Fostering Student Success in Higher Education
Rethinking Experience and Learning in Adulthood
History and Philosophy of Higher Education
SUNY Empire’s higher education master’s program comes from a rising interest in higher education and student success. Many of SUNY Empire’s students are working professionals in higher education, faculty in community colleges seeking advancement, and others looking for ways to elevate student success.
For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit sunyempire.edu/graduate-studies/graduate-degrees/education-programs/ma-higher-education/.
On June 18, nearly 300 high school seniors received their completion certificates from the F. Donald Myers Education Center at a ceremony held at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Photo provided by WSWHE BOCES.
John Ellis and Amanda Ellithorpe were recognized by the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education for their years of service. Photos via the district website.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the final regular business meeting of the school year on June 20, two outgoing Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education members were honored by their colleagues.
Amanda Ellithorpe, who had been with the board for three years, and John Ellis, who served for nine years, both received special recognition by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton and Board President Tony Krackeler.
To commemorate their tenures, Ellithorpe and Ellis will have their names engraved on bricks outside the main entrance to the high school. They also received gifts and cards from the board.
“You’ve brought so much wise perspective and understanding of employees,” fellow board member Dr. John Brueggemann told Ellis. “We’re going to lose a lot of institutional memory and a lot of distinctive perspective when you go.”
“I always appreciated how both of you…you are who you are. There’s no veneer. I appreciate how real you are,” said board member Connie Woytowich.
Two new members will join the board for the upcoming school year: Deb Amory, a professor at Empire State University, and Matt Kopans, a development officer for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Krackeler said that Amory and Kopans would begin their orientation on June 21. Woytowich will also return to the board after winning reelection in May.
Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa High Schools celebrated their 2024 commencement ceremonies this week at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Photos via the SPAC live stream.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa High Schools both celebrated their Class of 2024 commencement ceremonies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) this week, with the Scotties gracing the SPAC grounds on Tuesday afternoon and the Blue Streaks following suit on Wednesday morning.
Speakers at both events praised graduates for persevering through the COVID-19 pandemic and for giving back to the community.
Ballston Spa
The Ballston Spa commencement ceremony opened with the high school ensemble performing an orchestral rendition of the Coldplay song “Clocks,” perhaps a nod to the young adults reflecting on the passage of time.
In a speech, Student Government President Catherine Miller praised her class for its open-mindedness. “The ability to question and appreciate the opinions and ideas of others made for a strong and respectful learning community,” Miller said.
“The changes coming will not be easy,” Miller added. “There will be days when you want to give up, but you won’t.”
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Valedictorian Brooke Cearley echoed Miller’s comments about challenging but exciting times ahead for her classmates. “It’s time to be uncomfortable and face change and walk into the unexpected,” Cearley said.
After all the diplomas were handed out to the Ballston Spa graduates, air horns and golden confetti filled the air in celebration.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs showcased its talented musicians and singers as attendees filled the SPAC amphitheater on Wednesday morning. 448 students gathered for the 151st high school commencement ceremony.
Speakers emphasized the Class of 2024’s commitment to bettering their community. The graduating class donated more than 180 pints of blood to the Red Cross; and on Seniors Giveback Day, more than 600 hours of time was donated to local nonprofits.
“Your school spirit and care for each other are what define you as a group of students,” said High School Principal Michelle Tsao.
Before diplomas were handed out, some students received special recognition. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton honored the six graduates who will go on to serve in the armed forces. Principal Tsao also awarded the 113th annual Yaddo Medal, which she called “the most prestigious award given by our school district,” to students Carlie Friedman and Adam Brown.
A moment of silence was observed for Anthony Stefanacci, a student who tragically passed away last month. Anthony’s tearful parents went up on stage to receive his diploma, as well as a medal honoring his civic engagement.
After being presented with their diplomas, the graduating class tossed their caps into the air in celebration of their achievements.
From left to right – Lions scholarship winners Lauren Ellnor, Samuel Lamere, and Eleanor McNamara. Photo by Lion Joe Brady.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Academic scholarships totaling $25,000 were awarded to five Saratoga Springs High School students by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.
The $10,000 Jack Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship for scholastic achievement and community service was presented to Lauren Ellnor; two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to Matthew DiGeso and Olivia Tetrault; and two $2,500 scholarships went to Samuel Lamere and Eleanor McNamara.
All five were cited for their scholastic achievements, their involvement in sports and music, and their ongoing participation in volunteer activities.
