The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum has issued a call for nominations for its fifth annual Saratoga County Public History Award. Each year, the SCHC confers the award on two individuals who have made a significant contribution in preserving, interpreting, researching, publishing, promoting or otherwise extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County.

William Allerdice, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees is excited about continuing this tradition. “I am honored to head the Award committee for a second year. The impact these individuals have on our community is outstanding. This award is a testament to their legacy and ours as a community.”

The Public History Award is designed to recognize the long-standing efforts of those who share a passion for Saratoga County history, and to encourage others to become involved in local history projects and activities.

Previous winners of the Award have made significant and varied contributions to local history. Past honorees include Carol Godette and Jim Richmond (2022), Charles Kuenzel and Paul Perreault (2023) Priscilla Edwards and Pat Peck (2024), and Anne Clothier and Russ VanDervoort (2025).

Nominations for the 2026 awards should be submitted by July 25, 2026. All nominations must be submitted online via Google Form at the following link. All nominations are encouraged, including those of past nominees who were not selected.  

The Award Selection Committee will review and select winners by August 25, 2026. An award ceremony will be held in early Fall at Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa to honor the recipients. The committee consists of prior winners Carol Godette, Jim Richmond, Russ VanDervoort, William Allerdice, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Anne Hollmuller, Executive Director of the Saratoga County History Center, and Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. 

The 80th Schuylerville High School Commencement Ceremony was held on Thursday, June 18 in celebration of the Class of 2026. 117 diplomas were awarded at graduation, which was held on campus at Black Horse Stadium. Musical performances were given by the Schuylerville Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Mrs. Jodi Ogburn.

Class of 2026 Top Graduates

• Valedictorian: Anika Laciokova

• Salutatorian: Hannah Yonkin

The Top Graduate recognition honors the hard work and achievement of graduating students with an average of 96 or higher. There are 16 Class of 2026 students that fall under this ranking. 

Class of 2026 Diplomas

• Advanced Regents with Honors: 15

• Advanced Regents: 45

• Regents: 49

• Local: 7

• SACC: 1

• Career Development and Occupational Studies: 19

• CTE Endorsement: 20

• Mastery in Math: 3

• Mastery in Science: 8

• Mastery in Math & Science: 13

Class of 2026 Future Plans

• Four-Year Colleges/Universities: 60 students

• Two-Year Colleges/Universities: 30 students

• Employment: 20 students

• Trade School: 2 students

• Military: 3 students

• Apprenticeship: 2 students

Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival presents “Where The Holocaust Came To America,” a special presentation by historian Paul Lear, on Sunday, July 26 at 11 am at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clifton Park.

This program is cosponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom and Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, with the help of a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York.

A Little Known Story

The Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter was the only U.S. camp for Holocaust refugees. Lear will describe the camp’s history, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ’s role in its creation, and efforts to preserve the site as a National Historical Park.

The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center in Oswego, NY tells the story of the 982 mainly Jewish refugees who fled Europe in the U.S. Government’s “Safe Haven” program. They came to the refugee shelter in August 1944.

“Safe Haven” was the only official U.S. Government activity to rescue Jewish refugees from the Nazi Holocaust during the war. The refugees were brought from Italy but originated from many parts of Europe.

They were placed in Fort Ontario behind barbed wire and were guarded by armed American soldiers. The U.S. granted them no official status. They were told they would be returned to their homelands after the war and would have no rights regarding re-entry into the United States.

It was crystal clear to those inside and outside government that the United States had no formal policy for the immigration of the Jewish refugees from Europe. “The local community of Oswego was openly hostile to those in the camp, and integration with the local residents was strictly forbidden and restricted by the military,” says Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCF.

However, under political pressure, at the war’s end the refugees were allowed to remain in the United States. Much of the detailed history of this story was written by journalist Ruth Gruber, who spent her career fighting injustice through her journalism.

There will be a small reception prior to the program. A donation is requested of $10.

How to Register

Pre-registration is required. Click the QR code or the link below or enter the URL in your browser:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/f5IJqVb/HolocaustCameToAmerica

Join Gloria May on Sunday, June 21 at 10:30AM for “Broadway in 1874,” as she leads you on a guided walking tour of Broadway, looking back at the vibrant summer of 1874. Be transported to a time when the city was at the height of its fame and meet the people who roamed the streets of Saratoga Springs during that era. The tour highlights the remarkable architecture of the Second Empire era, featuring four grand hotels—Grand Union Hotel, Congress Hall, United States Hotel, and Grand Central Hotel—operating simultaneously. These hotels showcased ornate designs with mansard roofs and sweeping porches. As you walk, gain a vivid sense of Saratoga at its peak popularity, where horse racing, mineral springs, and grand social events made Broadway one of America’s most fashionable streets. This tour, which meets at Congress Street and Broadway, is sponsored by Olde Bryan Inn.

 On Sunday, June 28 at 10:30AM, Georgia Horner leads “Post Time!,” a walking tour offering a fresh perspective on Saratoga’s world of racing—beyond the grandstands and finish lines. Explore the area surrounding the Saratoga Race Course, revealing the traditions, rivalries, and rituals that define Saratoga’s racing scene. This tour does not enter the Saratoga Race Course, including the Oklahoma Track, or the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. This tour is sponsored by Olde Bryan Inn.

 The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of the 2026 Summer Series Sponsor, Druthers Brewing Company. All Sunday morning tours begin at 10:30AM, last approximately 90 minutes, and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.

 For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call (518) 587-5030, email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org, or visit our website, saratogapreservation.org.

College Career Academy (ECCA) students from 17 school districts were celebrated on June 8 at the ECCA Completion Ceremony. The event, held in partnership between WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack, welcomed families, friends, faculty, staff, Board of Education members and special guests to recognize the Class of 2026.

ECCA offers students focused career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, New Media, and Pathways to Teaching. 

Participants gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology, earn certifications, complete work-based learning, job shadowing, mentorships with professionals and solve real-world industry challenges. Students also earn college credits toward an associate degree while still in high school.

Of this year’s graduates, 15 completed the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program, which is a rigorous, six-year track that prepares students for technology-driven industries. PTECH students begin in middle school and continue through high school into two years of college, equipping them with skills and credentials that make them career-ready.

SUNY Adirondack President Anastasia Urtz, J.D., praised the graduates for their maturity and determination going forward in life. 

“I want each and every one of my students to make sure that they look people in the eye and show them what you know. The skills, experiences, and confidence you have gained through this program have prepared you well for what lies ahead,” said President Urtz. “On behalf of SUNY Adirondack and our whole community, congratulations to each and every one of you. We believe in you.”

Special awards were given to students for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship. Students earned the Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the late ECCA Special Projects Administrator. The VanBuren family attended the ceremony to personally present the awards.

Student Citizenship 

Award Winners

• Allison Bartone, Queensbury, Pathways to Teaching

• Elisia Carpenter, Glens Falls, Business & Entrepreneurship  

• Cora Dennis, North Warren, New Media

• Lee Ellis, Hudson Falls, Information Technology

• Halley LaBrecque, Bolton, New Media

• Frank Marshall, Stillwater, Business & Entrepreneurship

• Ethan Williamson, S. Glens Falls, Advanced Manufacturing 

Student Leadership 

Award Winners

• Addison Barton, Cambridge, New Media

• Madison Braim, Corinth, New Media

• Kaden Dunkley, S. Glens Falls, Information Technology

• Ethan Gonzales, Argyle, Advanced Manufacturing

• McKenzie Johnson, Hartford, Pathways to Teaching

• Alessandra Ouellette, S. Glens Falls, Business & Entrepreneurship

• Cameron Porter, Queensbury, Business & Entrepreneurship

SkillsUSA Scholarship 

Award Winner

• Colton Shepard, Lake George, Business & Entrepreneurship

Maureen VanBuren 

Memorial Scholarship 

Winners

• Addison Barton, Cambridge, New Media

• Avell Donders, Cambridge, Information Technology

• Alexis Hatch, S. Glens Falls, Pathways to Teaching 

• Chloe Jasper, Corinth, Business & Entrepreneurship

• Miles Martin, Warrensburg, Advanced Manufacturing 

Newly added this year was the Keirdon Brunell Memorial Scholarship and Award on behalf of Nemer Motor Corp. Keirdon was a former IT PTECH student in the program who passed away. Members of his family and the Nemer family were in attendance to present the awards as well.  

Keirdon Brunell 

Memorial Scholarship & Award Winners

• Logan Benson, Argyle, Advanced Manufacturing

• Brody Dashnaw, Fort Edward, PTECH Graduate Award Recipient

• Isabelle Lumbra, Schuylerville, New Media

• Raegan McWain, Queensbury, Pathways to Teaching

• Caleb Stranahan, Fort Ann, Business & Entrepreneurship

Three student speakers took the podium to reflect, acknowledge and congratulate their classmates. The similar tone of each speech was one of resilience and hard work. But most importantly, the connections and true friendships they made with their classmates. 

“While I learned a great deal through my college experience at ECCA, I learned much more than just academics. I learned people skills. I learned how to collaborate with others who may not always see eye to eye with me. I learned how to pursue a career in art even when it feels out of reach. No dream is impossible unless you believe it is. So do what seems like the impossible thing, no matter how hard, because we only live once,” said Addison Barton from Cambridge, a New Media student, who is also an ex-officio board member for WSWHE BOCES.

A number of graduates accepted full-time job offers. Others are continuing their education.

Dr. Turina Parker, District Superintendent and CEO of WSWHE BOCES closed the ceremony with words of gratitude and encouragement. 

“The willingness of regional business and industry representatives to be our partners in supporting this program has truly made the difference in its success and we thank you,” said Dr. Parker. “Students, you are the next generation of professionals who will be forging paths and doing great things in the years ahead. We honor you and we wish you all the best as you continue to accomplish great things.”

The Early College Career Academy provides students with a competitive edge as they move confidently toward their future careers and academic pursuits.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club will award $30,000 in academic scholarships to six graduating seniors. They will be presented at a special Lions dinner on Tues., June 9, at the Holiday Inn.

Arisa Gillani and Daniella Fleming will each be awarded a $7,500 academic program award. Katherine Morrone will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Madison Finn and Ava Otte will each receive a $2,500 scholarship.

The Leos Club Member Scholarship award of $5,000 will go to Carina Schneider.

All are seniors at Saratoga Springs High School, and all were chosen because of their academic achievements, community service, essay based on the Lions Club International Motto of “We Serve,” letters of recommendations from faculty and mentors, and extra-curricular activities and employment.

Gillani, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aqueel Gilliani, will study biology in a pre-med program at Adelphi University, with the goal of becoming a physician. While at Saratoga Springs High School, she was enrolled in a three-year science research program through the University at Albany, focusing on non-small-cell lung cancer. She served as president of the Future Medical Leaders, vice president of the Women’s Empowerment Club, and SSHS class president.

She volunteered at the Gateway House of Peace and the Home of the Good Shepherd, was involved with the Saratoga Springs Board of Education, and earned several leadership awards. 

Fleming, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josh Fleming, will major in human biology at the University of Virginia, with the goal of becoming a physician.

During her high school years, Fleming was involved with the SNACPack program which provides food bags for local children in need to take home each weekend. She served as a day camp counselor at the Saratoga Springs YMCA and as a set designer at Caroline Street Elementary School and is a server at the Prestwick Chase Retirement Community.

Morrone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Morrone, will attend the University at Albany, with a major in chemistry and a minor in forensics. Her career goal: a forensic chemist.

She has been a volunteer with Saratoga Recreation for several years, as well as Give a Child a Christmas and Lake Avenue Elementary Volunteer Childcare.

Finn, daughter of Megan Kayser, will major in international business at the University of Tennessee. She is a founding member, co-president and secretary of the non-profit Global Girls for Change which supports women and children in Uganda. She has participated in fund raisers for Wellspring, braved the icy waters of Lake George in a polar plunge, and volunteers with Best Buddies.

 She is vice president of the SSHS Class of 2026, president of the Key Club and Math Club, historian of the Venture Capital & Investment Club, and a representative to the Suburban Student Leadership Conference. 

Schneider, daughter of Yvette Cortes and Eric Schneider, will major in environmental studies at Fordham University in the Bronx. She is president of the Leadership, Experience and Opportunity (LEO) Club and organized events for funding vision care, diabetes, and disabled children’s causes. LEOs is the high school branch of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. 

She is president of the SSHS Mock Trial Club, founder of the Green Ribbon Initiative at SSHS, founder and organizer of the Ecobricks Library Project at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and a volunteer with Sustainable Saratoga. She also interned with the NYS Court System and Saratoga Springs City Court. 

Otte, daughter of Patti Otte and Frank Otte Jr., will major in aerospace engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, with the goal of becoming a propulsion engineer.

For the past four years, Otte has organized STEM nights and science fairs at elementary schools. This past year she received numerous science-related awards plus the Young Women Making a Difference Award. She is president of the Science in the Community Club and, as an 11th grader, made an “Earth Day” claymation video for the Geyser Road Elementary School.

The scholarships will be presented by members of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club: Joe Brady, chairman; Wayne Stevens, Ann Alexander, Shelley Riley, Brian Fredette, Sal Bonsangue, Jim Flynn, and Tony Wright.