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Ballston Spa Announces Top of Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Ballston Spa has announced its top performing students in the Class of 2026.  
(Courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District)

Ballston Spa High School Principal Matthew Robinson has announced Lucas Guest as the Valedictorian and Nicholas Sharp as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026.

Lucas Guest: Valedictorian of the Class of 2026

Lucas is a dedicated scholar who has excelled in an extremely rigorous and challenging course load who will complete seventeen college level courses.  Due to his dedication and love of learning Luke will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. His cumulative GPA is an outstanding 99.75. 

Luke has served as Student Council President for three years, is a ten-time regional medalist and two-time state qualifier for Science Olympiad, for which he has been Treasurer and Vice-President, and was chosen as Captain for the Varsity Cross-County team. Music has been a central thread of Luke’s life, teaching himself the piano and guitar, then continuing to challenge himself in different music communities, including his involvement with the Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble. 

Luke will pursue a degree in Physics with aspirations to teach future generations.  He approaches challenges with thoughtful determination and collaborates gracefully with those around him. His ability to lead while uplifting others reflects both emotional intelligence and genuine kindness. Ballston Spa knows Luke will be successful in his future based on the impact he has made on our school and community. 

Nicholas Sharp: Salutatorian of the Class of 2026

Nicholas has sought extremely rigorous coursework and has excelled with natural ability. Nick completed sixteen college level courses and achieved a perfect score on the ACT. Nick will graduate with a remarkable cumulative GPA of 99.71 and will earn a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. 

Nick is a Sub team Captain of the Robotics team, four-year member of the Varsity Cross-Country and Track and Field teams, and Boy Scouts Senior Patrol Leader. With over 270 community service hours, he is projected to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank this year. Nick has greatly contributed to the field of engineering by creating a Java programming course and assisting in instructing students and community members for the past three summers. Nick is also a member of both the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Nick’s aspirations to pursue a major in Computer/Software Engineering are supported by his exceptional skills, creativity, and passion for technology.  He is not just academically brilliant, but also compassionate, hardworking, and a natural leader, who will be greatly missed in the Ballston Spa community.

Top 10 Graduating Seniors for the Class of 2026. 

1. Lucas Guest. Cumulative GPA: 99.75 

2. Nicholas Sharp. Cumulative GPA: 99.71

3. Lillian Frederick. Cumulative GPA: 99.18 

4. James DeLorenzo. Cumulative GPA: 99.111

5. TinaMarie. Cumulative GPA: 98.967 

6. Sonja Mankes. Cumulative GPA: 98.877

7. Logan Purcell. Cumulative GPA: 98.762

8. Alexa Cushing. Cumulative GPA: 98.315 

9. Alexandra Beck. Cumulative GPA: 98.315

10. Eric Lumley. Cumulative GPA: 98.196.

Saratoga Springs Rotary Club & Education Foundation Invite Applicants for 2026 Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Beginning February 1, high school seniors attending private or public school within the Saratoga Springs City School District can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation. 

Applicants must pursue a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or post-secondary vocational educational institution. Students’ financial need, extracurricular and work activities, community service, and academic performance are all considered when reviewing applications. 

In 2025, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $101,000 to fifteen students. 

 “All eligible individuals are encouraged to apply,” said Beth Post, President of the Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to offer this opportunity to local students, who have demonstrated time and again their impressive commitment to improving themselves and their communities through school and service to others.”

Established in 1997, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation raises funds to support the post-secondary education and vocational training of graduates from public and private high schools in the greater Saratoga community.

Scholarship applications must be uploaded to the Foundation’s website by the postmark deadline of April 1. Finalists will then be invited to interview with the Rotary Club’s scholarship committee.

Wilton Wildlife Leads Winter Walk at Ballston Creek Preserve

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, in partnership with Saratoga PLAN, will offer a guided winter walk at the Ballston Creek Preserve on Tuesday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m.

Led by a Wilton Wildlife environmental educator, the walk will introduce participants to the history of the preserve and its ecological transformation from former agricultural fields into a diverse forest of mixed conifer and hardwood trees, including several mature trees.

If there is snow, the walk will take place on snowshoes. Free snowshoe rentals are available to program participants thanks to the generous support of Brookfield Renewable N.A. If there is no snow, the program will be a trail walk. 

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Winter programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather or unfavorable trail conditions.

Saratoga Schools Education Foundation to Host First-Ever Pizza Wars on March 4

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

The Saratoga Schools Education Foundation is excited to announce its first-ever Pizza Wars, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs High School Cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event will bring together community members, students, and families for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition. Attendees will sample pizzas from local favorites and vote for Best Sauce, Best Crust, and Best Overall Pizza. Participating restaurants include Pizza Etc, Pope’s Pizza, Caputo’s Pizzeria, West Avenue Pizza, Rustic Pizza and Eats, D’Andrea’s, and 9 Miles East.

Tickets are available for $5 online in advance, with a limited number sold for $7 at the door. Each ticket includes pizza samples from all participating vendors.

Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Saratoga Springs City School District. The Foundation funds innovative programs and grants for educators to enhance student learning and achievement through creative practices.

“Pizza Wars is a delicious way for our community to come together while supporting student success,” said Maura Manny, Director of Community Outreach and Communications. “We are thrilled to feature local restaurants and give attendees the opportunity to vote for their favorites.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pizzawars12866/.

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Offering Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Since 1990, the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has offered scholarships to high school seniors in the Saratoga County area interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. 

This year, the Guild is offering up to five $2000 scholarships. Eligible students must be accepted into college for September of 2026, have a grade average of 80 or higher, have a documented record of community service, especially in a healthcare environment, and submit the application with all required documents by the deadline. 

Applicants will be expected to submit an essay of approximately 500 words. 

Application deadline is March 31, 2026. Recipients will be personally contacted by Volunteer Guild Scholarship Chairperson, Irma Somich, upon decision of the Scholarship Committee. Recipients will be formally announced and honored at the May Guild Dinner, details to follow. 

Description, requirements, and application forms are available through local high school guidance offices and online at hltps://albanymed.org/saratoga/volunteering-saratoga-hospital/

State reports Increased Rates Increased Rates of Bullying in Schools.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Featured.

A new report has been released by the State Comptroller’s Office showing increased rates of bullying in New York State Schools. 

The report, which includes data from 2017-18 school year through the 2023-24 school year, shows that while rates of violent incidents have declined since the pandemic, rates of bullying have trended upwards. 

Statewide, schools reported .9 incidents of assault per 1000 students, .5 weapons offenses per 1000 students and .1 sexual offenses reported per 1000 students. This is down from 1.2 assaults, .7 weapons offenses and .3 sexual offenses. 

Drug offenses, meanwhile, saw a spike post pandemic but showed year-to-year declines in the latest data. Statewide, the Comptroller’s Office reported 6.5 drug offenses per 1000 students in 2023-24, down from 7.2 in 2022-23. Alcohol offenses meanwhile went from .6 offenses per 1000 students in 22-23 to .5 per 1000 in 23-24. 

While rates of drugs, alcohol and violence declined in New York, bullying did not decline. Across the State, New York reported 18.2 incidents of bullying per 1000 students in 2023-24, compared to 9.4 incidents in 2018-2019 and 17.2 incidents per 1000 in 2022-23. The Comptrollers Office noted that bullying had the highest number of total reported incidents. 

In terms of how Saratoga Springs and surrounding area did, in 2023-24 Ballston Spa reported eight incidents of bullying, nine incidents of cyberbullying, two assaults, two weapons possession incidents, one bomb threat, 35 drug incidents, three alcohol incidents and one threat of violence. 

This equated to 2 incidents of bullying, 2.3 cyber bullying incidents, nine drug possession incidents, .5 assaults, .5 weapons possession incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students. 

As for Saratoga Springs, the school district reported 3 bullying incidents, 0 cyberbullying incidents, 0 assault or weapons possession incidents, 50 drug possession incidents, four alcohol possession incidents and four threats of violence in 2023-24. 

Per thousand students, Saratoga Springs saw .5 incidents of bullying, 8.6 drug incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students. 

While Schuylerville saw the highest bullying incidents, it had the lowest alcohol and drug abuse incidents of the three school districts. Across all levels, the district saw 16 bullying, seven incidents of cyberbullying, two drug possession incidents and 0 alcohol incident in 2023-24. It also saw 0 assaults or weapons possession incident. 

Per 1000 students, Schuylerville saw 11.9 incidents of bullying, five incidents of cyber bullying and 1.5 drug incidents. 

In their report, the Comptroller’s Office noted that data may be underreported and may not reflect current conditions at the school. 

“Stakeholders should keep in mind, however, that a school reporting zero incidents through the SSEC report may have records of individual disruptive and violent incidents that are stored locally,” The report stated. “For example, records of an individual incident involving fighting or bullying would be maintained by the district if it resulted in disciplinary action, even if school officials determined the incident did not meet the threshold for SSEC reporting.” 

Already the numbers have brought about calls to action from one local politician, State Senator Jim Tedisco (R-44), who called on the legislature to pass a law that would require school districts to districts to notify parents if their child is being bullied. The bill, named “Jacobe’s Law” is named for a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide in 2015 after severe bullying. 

“We ask a lot of parents right now as it relates to being involved in their children’s education,” Sen. Tedisco said.  “Shouldn’t parents be made aware of threats of violence to their children so they can take the action they deem appropriate and have input on decisions of how best to protect their children’s safety? Unfortunately, due to a loophole in state law, many parents are not being kept informed about incidents of bullying taking place in the institutions we trust to educate and look after the safety and well-being of our children each day,” 

The bill was first introduced in 2016 and has been reintroduced in every legislative session since 2019. To date, however, it has never made it out of committee.

Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs: Cultivating Understanding, Not Just Checking Boxes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Waldorf School takes a different approach to learning.

At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, learning is measured not by the speed at which tasks are finished, but by the depth of understanding that students bring to their work. Midway through the academic year, classrooms become spaces of reflection and exploration, where students revisit lessons, projects, and exercises with care, curiosity, and attention.

Whether engaged in handwork, math, literature, or science, students are encouraged to slow down, observe, and reflect on the ideas and meaning behind each assignment. Lessons are approached with the intention of nurturing both skill and insight, allowing students to connect ideas across subjects and to apply their knowledge creatively. This process builds focus, confidence, and a lasting love of learning, reinforcing the school’s commitment to teaching children how to think, not what to think.

This approach to thoughtful learning carries beyond the classroom, equipping students with the patience, perseverance, and insight to meet challenges thoughtfully. Midyear reflection offers an opportunity for students, teachers, and families to recognize growth, revisit accomplishments, and discover new insights in previously explored work.

At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, the measure of success is not in finished tasks, but in the understanding, care, and engagement each child brings.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is an independent school serving children from early childhood through middle school. Rooted in Waldorf education, the school offers a hands-on, screens-off curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, and practical skills to support the healthy development of the whole child.

Home Made Theater Brings Arthur Miller’s Powerful Masterpiece, The Crucible, to Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

For two weekends starting February 20th, Home Made Theater will present Arthur Miller’s classic American masterpiece, The Crucible, at the Anthony “Skip” Scirocco Music Hall in the Saratoga Springs City Hall. 

Set against the backdrop of the 1692 Salem witch trials, The Crucible remains one of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon. While it serves as a gripping historical tale, the play is also a timely parable of mass hysteria and the fragility of justice. The story follows John and Elizabeth Proctor; a farming couple caught in a web of accusations spun by a group of local girls led by Abigail Williams. As the town is consumed by fear, John Proctor must face an agonizing choice: save his life through a lie or preserve his dignity and his “name.”

The Crucible will be directed by Toni Anderson-Sommo, whose previous directing credits include The Wizard of Oz and The Jungle Book with Home Made Theater, A Bad Year for Tomatoes with both Glens Falls Community Theater and Schuylerville Theater, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee also with Glens Falls Community Theater. As an English teacher, Ms. Anderson-Sommo has been teaching The Crucible to her students for 38 years. When asked why it is important for people, especially young people, to experience this play Ms. Sommo responded “Now, more than ever, Miller’s play, The Crucible seems prescient. Although written as a direct response to the McCarthy Trials and the Red Scare, his themes of mass hysteria, fear, condemnation that sparks cruelty, and intolerance of others, cloaked in morality and religious fervor, is evident in all corners of our society. It is my hope that our production not only moves the audience, but enlightens them, and forces us all to confront the injustices that occur when we fail to learn from our past.”

In alignment with Home Made Theater’s mission to foster a lifelong passion for the arts, the company will host three weekday morning performances specifically for local schools, including Saratoga Springs High School, in addition to the six public performances.

Saratoga Builders Association offering Two student scholarship awards in 2026!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Builders Association is proud to announce their continued monetary commitment to education and will be awarding two student scholarships once again in 2026. One is the $1000 SBA Scholarship award and the other is the $1000 “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship award. The organization makes these cash scholarships available annually to students who are planning to pursue a construction related education.

These scholarships are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate who lives or works in Saratoga County who is planning to pursue a construction education at a 2 or 4-year accredited college, university, technical school or for students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must demonstrate current or past involvement in the construction field, including classes taken in high school or college, to be eligible for these awards. Each applicant must also submit a high school or college transcript or list of trade classes taken plus a short essay (or video) describing why they are interested in a construction industry career.

Applications for the Saratoga Builders Association Scholarship program must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2026. Only the first 25 completed applications will be accepted so please apply early. The winners and their schools will be notified by June 1, 2026. To receive a scholarship application, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org

Stacy Marzullo named next Schuylerville High School Principal

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Stacy Marzullo is to be hired as Schuylerville High School’s new Principal. She currently serves as principal of the elementary school. (Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District).

The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education plans to appoint Mrs. Stacy Marzullo as the next principal of Schuylerville High School during its regular business meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, effective July 1. 

Marzullo currently serves as Schuylerville’s elementary school principal, a role she has held for the past three years. Since joining the district’s administrative team, she has played a key role in strengthening instructional practices and student support systems. At the elementary school, she helped revamp the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, aligning academic intervention systems with character education and Response to Intervention (RTI.)  

This work included implementing Walk to Read structures, strengthening AIS supports to provide more targeted skill-based intervention, and creating consistent opportunities within teacher schedules for professional learning and data review. These improvements have supported stronger instructional alignment across grade levels and a more proactive approach to meeting student needs.

“The Board of Education conducted an in-depth interview with Stacy, which resulted in unequivocal support for her being named the next high school principal,” said Board of Education President, Bernie Buff. “Stacy’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, consistency, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. She has a clear understanding of how a cohesive PreK–12 experience drives student success and has already made a lasting, districtwide impact. We are confident she will bring that same vision, strength, and leadership to Schuylerville High School.”

“I have always had a long-term commitment to Schuylerville,” said Marzullo. “Three years ago, when I pursued the elementary principal position, Schuylerville was the only district I considered because of its incredible reputation. Being selected to serve as principal of one of the top high schools in the area is a tremendous honor, and I’m truly grateful.”

To support a smooth and thoughtful transition, there will be a five-month period of intentional, transitional leadership. This overlap will help ensure continuity and stability at the high school, while allowing for purposeful planning and collaboration. Additionally, Stacy’s continued leadership as elementary principal through the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year will ensure a successful close to the school year for students, staff, and families.

“Stacy brings stability, continuity, and a deep understanding of our district to this role,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “She is a trusted leader who already knows our students, staff, and community, and that familiarity is incredibly important. Because she is not new to Schuylerville, she can step into the high school principal position with a clear sense of purpose and direction that will continue to drive student success.”

Prior to joining Schuylerville, Marzullo served as Director of Elementary Special Education (PreK–5) for the Niskayuna Central School District. In that role, she led the elementary special education department and served as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson for grades PreK–5, overseeing data-informed decision-making related to student programming, MTSS modifications, resource room services, and related service projections.

Earlier in her career, Marzullo worked for the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery County BOCES Special Education Division, serving first as a Curriculum & School Health Support Specialist for two years, and later as an Administrative Coordinator for two and a half years. She began her career as a classroom teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District, where she spent seven years and also served as a fifth-grade curriculum leader.

“Stacy came to Schuylerville with an impressive resume and a wide range of leadership experience,” said Board of Education Vice-President Katie Brunson. “Over the past three years, she has built on that foundation in a meaningful way through her work at the elementary school. Her impact on students and staff has been clear, and the Board is confident that she is a natural choice to lead Schuylerville High School.”

As she transitions to the high school, Marzullo is eager to build on the connections she has already established, particularly with students she first worked with at the elementary level.

“One of the things I’m most excited about is continuing relationships with the first group of students I had as principal when they reach high school in the next year or two,” she said. “That continuity means a great deal to me.”

Schuylerville will now begin the important process of selecting its next elementary school principal. A committee will be formed to lead the search, ensuring that the next leader upholds the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong community relationships. The committee will include input from faculty, staff, parents, and administrators to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process. Schuylerville parents who are interested in being part of the committee can email Communications Director Taryn Kane (kanet@schuylerville.org) with their contact information by Feb. 13.