SARATOGA SPRINGS— The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation hosted its 25th Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, June 24, at

Skidmore College, awarding $101,000 in scholarships to 18 local high school students pursuing higher education. 

Scholarships ranged from $2,500 to $20,000, with an average award of over $5,000. The event welcomed more than 130 attendees, including students and their families, community leaders, donors, and Rotarians.

The Foundation also honored Ed and Lisa Mitzen, co-founders of Business for Good Foundation, for their philanthropic leadership and commitment to equity and opportunity.

Their work exemplifies the Rotary mission of service above self.

The evening’s top honor, the $20,000 Rotary Presidential Scholarship, was awarded to Carol Wang, a Saratoga Springs High School senior who will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study Computation and Cognition. Other recipients received named scholarships in memory or honor of local leaders and families and will pursue diverse fields such as engineering, nursing, business, education, and wildlife science.

“These students represent the best of our community—hardworking, compassionate, and driven to make a difference,” said Beth Post, Foundation President. “We’re proud to support their journeys and grateful to our donors for making this possible.”

Since its founding, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships, helping local students turn college aspirations into reality.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) recently held an awards ceremony for the 15 women selected as this year’s Women of Distinction. 

Each awardee, nominated by a community member, resides within the 113th Assembly District, which includes parts of Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

 “Each year, it’s my great honor to celebrate the inspirational women who are making a lasting impact in our community,” Woerner said. “Far too often, the extraordinary women in our lives do not get the recognition they deserve for their dedication and passion. Taking the time to highlight the work of this year’s awardees was incredibly uplifting and reminds us of the positive force we can be in the lives of others. I thank those who took the time to nominate a woman this year and encourage everyone to celebrate a woman who is making a difference in their life.” 

Women are at the forefront of business success, military service, medical breakthroughs and the fight for social, environmental and cultural change. The incredible women of our area break down barriers daily and deserve celebration. 

The 2025 Women of Distinction awardees are Sarah Bachinger, Mai Banh, Beverly Lazar Davis, Margaret Farrell, Kelly Goldenberg, Andrea Grom, Julie Lewis, Ashley Livingston, Peggy Lounsbury, Debra Nicastro, Gina Peca, Megan Harris-Pero, Kassondra Roach, Taylor Suprenant and Bonnie Underwood.

Seventy-seven students from 18 school districts were honored June 5 at the Early College Career Academy (ECCA) Completion Ceremony, celebrating their hard work, achievements and bright futures. 

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 2025.

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, 20 completed the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program – 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 Dr. Kristine Duffy, who is retiring, addressed the graduates in one of her final speeches as president.

“You did it. You showed up early, literally, for college courses. You put in the work and you accomplished something truly remarkable,” Dr. Duffy said. “Regardless of what you want to do, know this – you are ahead of the game. You have ideas and ambition. You are exactly where you need to be. Keep going forward.”

Several students received special awards for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship.

In addition, four 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 to Trevor Baker (Advanced Manufacturing), Kendall Merlow (Business and Entrepreneurship), Austin Hart (Information Technology) and Aydan Higgins (New Media). Each was recognized for their passion, dedication and plans to further their education.

Graduates Robin Carroll (Business and Entrepreneurship) and Trevor Baker (Advanced Manufacturing) also spoke at the event, reflecting on their experiences in ECCA, the 

A number of graduates have accepted full-time job offers in their fields, and one student will be joining the United States Navy.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sculptor and Skidmore College alumnus Fitzhugh Karol unveiled a permanent large-scale sculpture on Skidmore College’s campus last month.

The new installation, located just outside the Saisselin Art Building, is an evolution of Karol’s work “Tingwon,” which was previously exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea on Bondi and Cottesloe Beaches, one of Australia’s most-attended sculptural events. The piece has been reimagined and adapted specifically for its new home at Skidmore, where Karol first began his formal educational and artistic journey. 

“Having an artwork come to campus feels full circle indeed,” Karol said in a statement. “It’s very exciting for me. I love that students will sit on and around the work. They’ll have it in their everyday background and be in conversation with it. My process is about play, immersing myself and transporting myself within the landscape of work. Large-scale sculpture allows the viewer to take part in that as well.”

Thank you to all who submitted photos!

Spring Contest Closed. Contest Resumes Summer 2025!