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.
Saratoga Independent School celebrated the graduation of fourteen 8th grade students on June 14. Photo provided by Brooke Rouse.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fourteen 8th graders at the Saratoga Independent School (SIS) celebrated their graduation on Friday, June 14.
Head of School Robert Ahrens highlighted the achievements, perseverance, and growth of the class of 2024. “Be confident in your abilities, be courageous in the face of challenges, and be compassionate in all your interactions,” Ahrens said. “The world needs your talents, your creativity, and your leadership.”
Students will continue their education at local high schools, as well as PTECH and Early College Career Academy (ECCA), Northfield Mount Hermon (MA), Albany Academies, Brown School, Emma Willard, Proctor Academy (NH), and Academy of Holy Names.
Flier image provided by Pam Stott.
GANSEVOORT — An inaugural Construction Summer Camp for middle school girls will launch next month, thanks to the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. The camp aims to break down gender barriers in the construction industry.
“By hosting this unique camp tailored specifically for middle school girls, we aim to cultivate their interest in construction early on, providing them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to pursue rewarding careers in this traditionally male-dominated field,” said Doug Ford, president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, in a statement.
The camp will take place on July 22-26 at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center in Gansevoort. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and learn how math, technology, science, and design apply to construction. They will tour local businesses and contraction sites. The camp culminates in a Construction Olympics.
For more information, visit https://nctwc.org/girls-construction-summer-camp-registration/.
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Central School District announced its top high school graduates of 2024 earlier this month. The recognition honors graduating students with an average of 96 or higher. 26 students from the Class of 2024 made this year’s list.
Valedictorian: Mallory Sickles
Future Plans: Mallory will attend Clemson University and study communications.
Salutatorian: Jenna Hart
Future Plans: Jenna will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point majoring in life science, pre-med track.
Madisyn Awilow
Future Plans: Madisyn will attend SUNY Delhi and study veterinary science technology.
Taylor Barraclough
Future Plans: Taylor will attend Cornell University and study animal science.
Sophie Bodnar
Future Plans: Sophie will attend Flagler College and study early childhood education/psychology.
Anika Buff
Future Plans: Anika will attend LeMoyne College and study biology.
Meghan Cowles
Future Plans: Meghan will attend Hudson Valley Community College and study architectural technology.
Carter DeBusk
Future Plans: Carter will attend University of New Hampshire and study environmental sustainability.
Kathryn Elder
Future Plans: Kathryn will attend University of Alabama and study criminology/criminal justice.
Martin Flanders
Future Plans: Martin will attend Alfred University and study pre-health.
Eleanor Hughes
Future Plans: Eleanor will attend Williams College and study political science.
Jaedus LeForge
Future Plans: Jaedus will attend SUNY Plattsburgh and study digital media production.
Nate Levin
Future Plans: Nate will attend Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Hunter College and study political science & psychology.
Presley MacNaughton
Future Plans: Presley will attend University of Tampa and study communication and media studies.
Reilly McCormick
Future Plans: Reilly will attend LeMoyne College and study nursing.
Mary McGloine
Future Plans: Mary will attend Plymouth State University and study meteorology.
Joshua Merrill
Future Plans: Joshua will attend Rochester Institute of Technology and study chemical engineering.
Brenna Moran
Future Plans: Brenna will attend North Carolina State University and study aerospace engineering.
Austin Mosher
Future Plans: Austin will attend Clarkson University and study aerospace engineering.
Victoria Piteri
Future Plans: Victoria will attend Rutgers University-Camden and study business management.
Keira Rogan
Future Plans: Keira will attend Hamilton College and study literature and creative writing.
Ryan Stark
Future Plans: Ryan will attend SUNY Cortland and study pre-physical therapy.
Olivia Swinton
Future Plans: Olivia is taking a gap year.
Emily Tavares
Future Plans: Emily will attend Syracuse University and study broadcast and digital journalism.
Anthony Tyler
Future Plans: Anthony will attend SUNY Geneseo and study psychology.
Sophia Wahl
Future Plans: Sophia will attend SUNY Cortland and study early childhood education.
Graduates from the Early College Career Academy New Media Program pose with their certificates. Photo provided by Dawn Neville.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – 94 students from 18 school districts graduated from the Early College Career Academy, a partnership program between the WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack, on June 6.
It was the tenth class to complete the program, which provides students with focused studies in the fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, New Media, and Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity.
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.
From left to right – Sophia Wahl, Keira Rogan, Lukas Sherman, and Martin Flanders Jr. pose with their awards. Photo via the Schuylerville School District website.
SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Central School District’s athletic department announced its 2023-2024 Scholar-Athletes of the Year and Athletes of the Year last week.
The Scholar-Athletes of the year, who demonstrated high achievement in both athletics and academics, were Sophia Wahl and Martin Flanders Jr. Wahl was the only member of the Schuylerville softball team to be invited to the inaugural 518 Futures High School Softball Classic. Flanders Jr. was a standout football player who played defensive end and running back.
The Athletes of the Year, who achieved athletic success at the highest level, were Keira Rogan and Lukas Sherman. Rogan was part of the girls track and field team that won its third-straight sectional title last month. Sherman broke his school’s all-time boys basketball scoring record in January.
The Wilton Water and Sewer Authority board listens to public comments prior to voting on whether or not to fluoridate the town’s water supply. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
BURNT HILLS — The Charlton School, a treatment center and high school for young women experiencing mental health challenges, broke ground on a $13.8 million construction project Wednesday morning. Four new dormitories will be built as part of the campus’ largest redesign since 1955.
The dorms will help the school expand its capacity, which is being overwhelmed due to a significant increase in referrals, according to Charlton’s Executive Director Alex Capo. Mental health-related hospitalization rates for girls across the country have increased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You get scared when you’re looking at the possibility of sending your child, a 14-year-old girl in the middle of a healthcare crisis, two-and-a-half hours away from home to live with a bunch of strangers,” said Bob Clapp, an alumni parent and member of the school’s board of trustees. “The school was beautiful, the grounds were incredible, the staff was top-notch,” Clapp said. “The one area that was a little iffy were the dorms. Dorms are important. That’s your child’s home away from home. During her time here, it needs to be home. That’s why I’m so excited about this project.”
Renderings of the future dorms showed porches, picnic tables, and a courtyard-like garden where students could study, socialize, and heal.
The Charlton School attracts students from all over the country, many of whom have experienced multiple hospitalizations and struggle with issues such as self-injurious behavior, anxiety, and depression. They typically stay on campus for about 18 months, participating in family therapy, equine therapy, art therapy, and New York State-accredited special education curriculum and individual treatment plans.
In addition to the new dorms, a Career Development and Occupational Studies Building will also be built to house woodworking, screen printing, podcasting, and maintenance equipment. The entire project, managed by LeChase Construction Services, is expected to be completed by March of 2025.
