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.
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.
WILTON — The Wilton Water and Sewer Authority (WWSA) voted unanimously at a board meeting last month not to fluoridate the town’s water supply. The decision impacts Saratoga Springs School District’s Dorothy Nolan Elementary, which has around 700 students, and receives its water from the Town of Wilton.
The vote reaffirmed a previous March 19 vote that was deemed informal by the WWSA due to what it called a minor procedural error
The WWSA board meeting on May 21 was well attended, with a majority of speakers opposing fluoridation. Anti-fluoridation advocates primarily cited freedom of choice, arguing that if a majority of town residents wanted fluoridated water, the town would’ve had it by now.
Anti-fluoridation attendees also cited a recent University of Southern California study, which suggested that pregnant women exposed to fluoride could face an increased risk of their child demonstrating behavioral problems. Some experts have called the study limited in scope, and said that further investigation is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Pro-fluoridation activists cited the United States’ long history of fluoridating its water supply, as well as abundant research that demonstrates fluoride’s ability to reduce tooth decay in children. An online petition calling for Wilton to fluoridate its water had 336 signatures as of June 10.
Despite a claim to the contrary from one pro-fluoridation advocates, Dorothy Nolan is not the only school in the Saratoga Springs City School District that doesn’t have fluoridated water. According to Maura Manny, Director of Community Outreach and Communications for the district, Maple Avenue Middle School and Greenfield Elementary also lack fluoridated water.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts is hosting a Roller Coaster Camp, presented by The Innovation Center at Saratoga, for students ages 12 to 15. Working in small teams, students will learn the science behind roller coasters and then use Roblox to create their dream coaster as part of a theme park.
The camp runs from July 8 to 12. Registration includes four days of in-class exploration using physics, math, and computers; the incorporation of artistic components as students learn to theme their coasters and parks; and one all-expenses-paid day (including food and camp t-shirt) at The Great Escape.
For more information, visit www.saratoga-arts.org/event-5694488.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Fifteen Schuylerville 8th graders attended the 2024 “Let’s Go STEM” event at the SUNY Adirondack campus that highlighted opportunities for women in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Students participated in three hands-on workshops presented by female academics and professionals, in an effort to help students see themselves as future STEM professionals or spark an interest in pursuing a STEM career.
“From nursing labs, to marine biology and advanced weather forecasting, these were incredible, new educational experiences for our students,” said Schuylerville Middle School technology teacher Mark Belden in a statement. “All fifteen girls enjoyed the trip and we are very thankful to SUNY Adirondack for hosting the event.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation will honor theSaratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at its 24th annual scholarship awards banquet at Skidmore College on June 20.
Dennis Moench, Vice President of Education for SPAC, will accept an award on SPAC’s behalf and deliver remarks.
The foundation will also award $100,000 in scholarships to local students. The event includes dinner and a silent auction. All proceeds will fund future scholarships. To learn more or to RSVP for the banquet, visit https://rotaryscholarships.org/events/.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 will honor Saratoga Spring High School’s person of color with the highest GPA, Aditi Singh, who is also her class valedictorian. Singh will be honored at a reception on Friday, June 14 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
The annual event will take place at 69 Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs. Attendees can enjoy music, a cash bar, a silent auction, a raffle, deserts, and drinks.
Ten students from Ballston Spa High School heading to Division 1 and Division 2 colleges were formally recognized in a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo provided by Stuart Williams.
BALLSTON SPA — Ten Ballston Spa High School student-athletes heading to Division 1 and Division 2 colleges were formally recognized at a ceremony held in the high school library on Wednesday afternoon.
The following students were recognized:
Isabella Kaldy – Bentley University, Tennis Evan Wattie – Siena College, Cross Country Landon Potter – Mercyhurst University, Lacrosse Ryan Otten – Kutztown University, Swimming Hadley Donnelly – Iona University, Softball Calleigh Sisk – University of Tampa, Softball Natalia Guthrie – Florida Institute of Technology, Softball Harriet Healey – Penn State, Track and Field Blaine Zoller – Cornell University, Football Aidan Maloney – Park University, Volleyball
BALLSTON SPA — More than 55 Ballston Spa High School students from the class of 2024 have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB).
The NYSSB recognizes 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). Students need to meet certain grade requirements, complete a portfolio, and present their culminating project at the Seal of Biliteracy Showcase to a panel of judges.
“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,” said Matthew Robinson, Principal of Ballston Spa High School, in a statement.
Ballston Spa students will receive the seal of biliteracy on their diploma at graduation ceremonies on June 25 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Saratoga Builders Association scholarship winners Amy Grumbling and Jude Leight are presented with their $1,000 awards. Photo provided by Barry Potoker.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Builders Association awarded two students $1,000 cash scholarships: Amy Grumbling of Amsterdam and Jude Leight of Ballston Spa.
Grumbling is currently attending Russell Sage College pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior and Spatial Design. She also works for Teakwood Builders.
Leight is a senior at Ballston Spa High School and will be attending Hudson Valley Community College to pursue a degree in Construction Tech and Management.
The Saratoga Builders Association makes these student scholarship awards available annually to high school seniors or college students who are planning to pursue a career in the construction industry.
