TROY — Hudson Valley Community College has announced it has been awarded a $25,000 “Every Campus a Refuge” (ECAR) grant to help support refugee resettlement in the Capital Region.

HVCC will partner with Russell Sage College, “to deliver housing, education, and essential support services to assist families as they relocate to the area,” according to a press release. 

In 2021, Russell Sage became the first college in New York State to partner with ECAR, while Hudson Valley is the first SUNY school to partner with ECAR, the release states.

“We are so pleased to partner with neighboring Russell Sage College to forge a unique partnership that will help refugee families resetting in the area and to become the first SUNY ECAR chapter,” said HVCC President Roger Ramsammy in the release. “Our goal is to ease the burden of resettlement and assist those in our own community who need essential education, language skills, job training and wraparound services to start building a new life. By collaborating with Russell Sage, we are bringing together the strengths of both colleges and plan to support ECAR families in a way that neither college could independently.” 

Russell Sage will provide temporary on-campus housing, while HVCC will provide a program coordinator and a variety of courses, including English as a second language, career preparation and high school classes, employment advice, and more, the release states. It also notes the schools will work with the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants Albany Office (USCRI).

“This past year a number of refugees resettled by USCRI benefitted from the support of ECAR, specifically Russell Sage College, and we welcome and look forward to the opportunity to expand our partnership with HVCC,” said Dr. David Sussman, Director of USCRI Albany, in the release.

“Russell Sage College emphasizes its role in building healthier communities, and that mission includes welcoming newcomers to our community, who enhance the cultural landscape and provide us all with a deeper understanding of the world,” said Russell Sage President Christopher Ames in the release. “We are proud to partner with both ECAR and Hudson Valley in this work as it provides our students with opportunities to make a difference and helps them grow as citizens and future professionals.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Booster Club will be hosting its twelfth fall season of youth field hockey beginning on Aug. 28 and ending on Oct 1. 

The program is open to youths in grades third through sixth. No experience needed. 

The program features practices working on fundamental skills and at least four play days with other area school club programs. The youth program brochure can be downloaded from the Booster Club’s website at www.Saratogafieldhockey.teampages.com. 

Registration is now open. The cost is $120 for the fall season, which includes a team vest for new players. For more information please contact Jo-Anne Hostig, Saratoga head field hockey coach, at Togafieldhockey@gmail.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School has been named a 2022-2023 School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).

To earn the School of Excellence award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award, meaning the roster’s total grade point average must be 90 or above.

“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards exemplify the mission of NYSPHSAA, education through interscholastic athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “It is amazing to see the commitment to academic excellence from the schools, administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.” 

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 84 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 219 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. View the 2022-23 list of New York State School of Excellence recipients at nysphsaa.org.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs School District visit www.saratogaschools.org.

CAPITAL REGION —Girls on the Run Capital Region’s fall Coach Registration is now open. 

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident. 

The 10-week program incorporates running to teach critical life skills, encourage personal development and foster team building and community service. Volunteer coaches utilize a curriculum to engage teams of girls in fun, interactive lessons. Teams meet twice a week for 75-90 minutes and the program culminates with all teams participating in a 5K event. 

Girls on the Run of Capital Region currently serves girls at over 20 sites across five counties. Volunteers provide critical leadership, and the non-profit organization is currently seeking coaches to facilitate the program. 

Coaches do not need to be runners but are required to be a minimum of 18-years-old to serve as a coach. All volunteer coaches must complete a background check and attend a training session. 

For more information about coaching and Girls on the Run Capital Region, visit www.gotrcr.org/coach. 

Girls on the Run Capital Region, Inc. was founded in fall 2013 as an independent, 501(c)3 council of Girls on the Run International and serves girls in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Their first team of ten girls was held in spring 2014. 

CORINTH — The CARE Committee’s Back to School Fair will return on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 4-6 p.m. in the Corinth Middle School parking lot.

Families will be able to choose from several resources offered such as free school supplies, donations of gently used clothing and an opportunity to get a free haircut at the event. Registration is required; visit www.corinthcsd.org. 

Community support behind the Back to School Fair includes Saratoga YMCA, Corinth PTSA, Saratoga Children’s Committee, and six local hair stylists providing their time.

A door prize style raffle will be open to all attending Corinth families – prizes to include a three month Family Membership at the YMCA, children’s bicycles and a gift certificate to the Ninja Lab. Many Corinth teachers are busy working behind the scenes to get ready for this event and will be at the fair to help distribute school supplies and say hello to many of their students.

Donations in support of this event and to the CARE Committee can be mailed to Kerry Giumarra, CARE President at Corinth Central School District at 105 Oak St, Corinth, NY 12822.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — WSWHE BOCES held a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 honoring its 16 High School Equivalency (HSE) Program graduates.

Nearly 40 people were in attendance, which included graduates accepting their certificates and family and friends cheering them on. Student speaker, Nirendae Johnson, from Saratoga Springs, spoke to her classmates and the audience about the many times she wanted to give up, but instead persevered. 

“One of the most important things I learned throughout this journey is that it is always going to be hard, and scary and overwhelming, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. It might take you months or even years to reach your goals but the second you decided to try, you already completed the hardest part,” said Ms. Johnson.

Rose O’Neill, from Saratoga Springs, spoke to her class. O’Neill was inspired by her own sister’s courage who obtained her high school equivalency diploma and that allowed O’Neill to try for her own. She also thanked her instructor, who she believes helped her get to this point. 

“Everything changed when I met Mr. Frank Finch [HSE instructor]. The moment I walked into the HSE classroom, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Mr. Finch taught me academic subjects but also instilled in me a belief in my own potential,” said Ms. O’Neill. 

The high school equivalency diploma has opened up new possibilities for these students such as new job opportunities, goals for continuing education or attending technical school, a press release states.

District Superintendent, Dr. Turina Parker, spoke about celebrating the accomplishments of the students who persevered through challenges, ups and downs, setbacks and roadblocks. 

“This evening, we prove that everything is attainable when you put your mind to it. These students have made the impossible… possible. You made it to the finish line, one of many” stated Dr. Parker.