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.

Schuylerville FFA members earned numerous honors and recognitions at the 2026 New York FFA Convention, including individual state titles, team awards, and national qualifications.

Timothy Cox elected NY FFA State Vice President, will compete at national convention

Schuylerville High School senior, Timothy Cox, earned two of the highest honors awarded at the 2026 New York FFA Convention: being named the New York State winner in Employment Skills and elected the 2026-27 New York FFA State Vice President. Cox will represent New York at the National FFA Convention and serve more than 16,000 FFA members statewide during the coming year, traveling throughout New York to represent the New York FFA Association at conferences, conventions, leadership events, chapter visits, and agricultural industry functions. In his role, he will help lead workshops, advocate for agricultural education, inspire FFA members, and work alongside fellow state officers to support the future of FFA in New York.

“From the moment he began his FFA journey, Timothy has demonstrated an incredible passion for agriculture, leadership, and service,” said Schuylerville FFA Advisor, Mary Foote. Watching him take the stage and accept the honor of serving over 30,000 FFA members across New York was truly a moment we will never forget.”

Agricultural Issues Team earns first place in NYS, advances to nationals

Schuylerville’s Agricultural Issues Team, consisting of team members Shane Barraclough, Bella Buettner, Kyla Brady, Peyton DeLisle, Ella Eichorst, Juliet Letzring, and Anika Laciokova earned first place in New York State and will advance to nationals.

“These members have spent countless hours researching, presenting, practicing, and refining their issue,” said Schuylerville FFA Advisor, Mary Foote. “We are so proud of the dedication, professionalism, and passion this team has shown throughout the year.”

Four students earn individual state titles and advance to nationals

• Shane Barraclough — Equine Science Entrepreneurship State Winner

o Barraclough’s family operation, Saratoga Glen Farm, specializes in breeding and marketing thoroughbred horses. The farm manages 50–85 horses annually and foals approximately 35–40 mares each season. Through his own breeding and sales enterprise, Barraclough has gained hands-on experience in horse management and business operations while working toward his goal of one day owning and managing the farm himself.

• Emily Gingrich — Equine Science Placement State Winner

o Emily works for Jaymes McAssey Racing Stable in Saratoga Springs, a Standardbred harness racing operation that trains and cares for client-owned racehorses. The stable manages 25–30 horses each season, and Emily helps maintain the horses’ health, conditioning, and performance while also assisting with travel and competition logistics throughout the Northeast.

• Peyton DeLisle — Nursery Operations Placement State Winner

o Peyton’s award-winning SAE takes place at Grasshopper Gardens, her family’s landscaping and nursery production business. The operation includes three nurseries totaling 150 acres and six greenhouses. Through her work, Peyton has developed skills in nursery production, plant care, landscaping operations, and equipment use.

• Timothy Cox — Employment Skills

Additional state convention recognitions

• The Food Science Team, consisting of team members Shane Barraclough, Jordan Battle, Peyton DeLisle, and Anika Laciokova placed third in New York State among more than 40 teams.

• Henry Peck: 4th place, Junior People in Agriculture

• Anna Schwerd, Gracie Wood, and Kyla Brady: Marketing Plans competitors

Supervised Agricultural Experience

The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project is a hands-on, student-led agricultural business or work experience that allows FFA members to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while developing career and leadership skills. Shane Barraclough was selected as one of just 12 statewide finalists to present his SAE project in a “Shark Tank”-style competition. Shane received grant funding to support “Dean’s Delicious Dog Treats,” a business he co-owns with his brother.

10 Saratoga County students have been awarded $500 from the Adirondack Area School Boards Association as part of their community service award.  

The 10 students were nominated by their home districts for the award to the organization. The award recognizes students who demonstrate “exceptional commitment to community service and making a positive impact both in and out of school.” 

In total, 32 students received the award from the organization. 

The 10 students from Saratoga County are as follows: 

• Vincent Rossetti, Ballston Spa CSD 

• Aiden Pavlick, Corinth CSD

• Kara Ferguson, Galway CSD

• Emma Summers, Mechanicville City SD

• Sydney Balzer, Saratoga Springs City SD

• Arden Talmage, Schuylerville CSD

• Isaac Goldstein, South Glens Falls CSD

• Thomas Mulderry III, Stillwater CSD

• Bayly Beauregard, Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD

• Nayeli Alikonis, WSWHE BOCES.

AASBA is an educational organization in upstate New York that represents and supports school districts across the Adirondack and Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES region. The organization provides advocacy, training, and recognition programs that celebrate educational excellence and student achievement.

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has awarded college scholarships of $2,000 each to five Saratoga County high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in healthcare. 

The recipients were selected for sharing the Guild’s dedication to education and community involvement. 

Three of the students have volunteered at Saratoga Hospital.

Scholarship recipients are:

• Sydney Balzer, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School planning to major in Pre­Medicine at the University of Tennessee. When Sydney began volunteering at Saratoga Hospital in her junior year, she realized that her true purpose was to help people. She also serves as an intern at Saratoga Dermatology.

• Arissa Gillani, a Saratoga Springs High School student, is planning to major in Biology/Pre-Med at Adelphi University. She has volunteered in hospice care at Glens Falls Hospital and homes for the elderly, connecting with patients who remind her that compassion is an essential skill and medicine is an act of humanity.

• Arden Talmage, a student at Schuylerville High School, plans to major in Psychology at SUNY Geneseo. Her community experiences include sorting donations at The Way, working as a camp counselor at Double H Ranch, and running the children’s theater program at the Schuylerville Public Library.

• Daniel Weed is a senior at Ballston Spa High School and will be attending Desales University and majoring in Physician Assistant Studies. His first-hand experience includes volunteering in the Emergency Department at Saratoga Hospital, as well as seasonal cleanups at St. Mary’s Church, distributing food at the Northeast Regional Foodbank, and being a recycling handler at the Schuylerville American Legion.

• Margaret Zito, another Ballston Spa senior, plans to major in Biology at SUNY Geneseo. Margaret volunteered in the SSOAR Program at Saratoga Hospital, a student summer volunteer program at Saratoga Hospital, and solidified the fact that she wanted to dedicate her future to helping patients and working with others in the medical field.

Since 1990, Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has awarded yearly scholarships to help support the next generation of healthcare providers. 

The 2026 scholarships were announced last week at the Guild’s annual Scholarship and Recognition Dinner, which honors both the recipients and Guild volunteers. Each year Guild members donate thousands of hours in service to the hospital and the community. The Guild also has provided millions of dollars to support Saratoga Hospital facilities, technology and program