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Published for Vestal Central School District parents, students, community and staff JULY 2016
Vestal High School’s 2016 Graduation
“Golden” Highlights
Please turn to page 22 for 2016 Graduation photos, and the rest of the above article on page 4.
Class of 2016’s Valedictorian & Salutatorian Congratulations to Montana Boone and Michael Spivak, valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, and best wishes to each VHS Class of 2016 graduate as they venture out into the world beyond Vestal.
Michael, left, plans a career in medicine. He will major in Pre-Med at Binghamton University, with a concentration in Spanish.
Highlights from Vestal’s 75th high school com-mencement on June 25, 2016, included the Class
of 2016’s so-designated “Mr. Vestal,” Joseph Seif, enthusiastically leading his classmates in their last Golden Bears’ cheer and one last roller coaster!
Continued on page 4
Vestal appoints new Superintendent of Schools
The Vestal Central School District’s Board
of Education announced on April 29 that it had offered Mr. Jeffrey Ahearn, interim superintendent, the position as the new Superintendent of
Vestal Schools.
He succeeds Mark LaRoach, who retired at the end of December 2015. Mr. Ahearn’s selection concluded a five-month search led by a profes-sional recruiting firm, which gathered input from stakeholders in the district.
“The Board is very pleased to have selected Mr. Ahearn as our new superintendent,” said Board President Michon Stuart. “He has served the district well as interim superintendent, and we are confident that he will be a good leader for our students and our staff.”
A native of Greenwood, New York, Mr. Ahearn has more than 32 years of experience. He began his career in the banking industry, then moved into education, where he served as Director of Finance at Alfred State College. He was also the school business administrator for Addison Central Schools and then the Greater Southern Tier BOCES before joining the Vestal Central School District in September 2012 as School Business Administrator. In July of 2015, he was named Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Personnel. Following Mark LaRoach’s retirement, Mr. Ahearn was appointed Interim Superintendent by the Vestal Board of Education in January 2016.
Montana, on the right, has been accepted to Georgetown University, where she will study International
Relations - and double major in Business and English.
District has two Reward Schools
Vestal continues to be recognized for excellence in education. Vestal Hills Elementary, a 2012
National Blue Ribbon School, and Vestal High School have both been identified as High Performing Reward Schools for 2016-17 by the NYS Department of Education.
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ChallengeDates to Remember:VMS Sixth-Grade OrientationAugust 29, 9 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.Vestal Middle School
VHS Student Orientation/Scheds.Gr. 12: Aug. 30, 8 - 9 a.m. or 7 - 8 p.m.Grs. 10 & 11: Aug. 31, 8 - 11 a.m.Gr. 9: Sept. 1, 8:45 - 10:15 a.m.Vestal High School
Universal Pre-K Orientation:Jewish Community CenterAugust 30, 7 p.m. (Parents only)Sept. 6, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. (Students)Cub Care Children’s CenterAugust 31, 6:30 p.m. (Parents only)Sept. 7, 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. (Students)
Superintendent’s Conference DaySeptember 6, 2016
First Day of School (Grs. 1 - 12)September 7, 2016
Kindergarten Orientation9:30 - 11 a.m., September 7, 2016Elementary Schools
Free Dental Care
Area dentists are pleased to once again offer free dental care to families in need with no money, job, means of welfare health care or health
insurance during the 21st Annual Doctors with a Heart Day on September 24, 2016. Those with urgent dental needs are invited to visit one of the following offices between 8 a.m. - noon for free dental care. Progressive Dental ● 565 Hooper Road, Endwell (754-2273) 1113 Route 11, Kirkwood (722-5464) ● 101 S. Broad Street, Norwich (334-8666) 57 Public Avenue, Montrose, PA (570-278-1186) Chenango Bridge Dental ● 528 Main Street, Chenango Bridge (648-4113)
Classroom Supply Lists for 2016 - 17
Classroom Supply Lists are posted on the website for students in Grades K - 8. Navigate to the home page of your child’s school and look under the News section (below the slideshow) for the link that reads “Class-room Supply Lists.”
Fire Inspection/AHERA ReportsThe annual Fire Inspection reports were completed in April 2016. The semi-annual Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) reports were completed in January and June 2016. All of these reports are available for review in the Vestal School District’s ad-ministration building, 201 Main Street, Vestal. For more information, please contact Joseph Loretz at 757-2231/[email protected].
New York State Commissioner MaryEllen Elia identified 220 schools across the state as high performing and high progress Reward Schools in an announcement last week. Both Vestal Hills Elementary and Vestal High Schools were identified as schools having the highest achievement in the state with no significant gaps in student achievement. This is the third consecutive year that Vestal Hills Elementary School has achieved this designation. Previously, Vestal High School was designated as a High Performing Reward School from 2012 – 2014, and last year Glenwood Elementary School was also named a Reward School.
In addition to being a Reward School, Vestal High School has been a long-standing International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Project Lead the Way School. These are three highly recognized college-credit courses in the nation.
As just one of the criteria required to be identified as a Reward School, a school must be among the top 20 percent of schools in the state for English language arts (ELA) and math performance for both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years, or be among the top 10 percent of schools in terms of gains in ELA and math in the 2014-15 school year.
Reward Schools continued from cover
SupportCelebrating Vestal’s Best: 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees
Three outstanding Vestal alumni were inducted into the district’s Hall of Fame on May 12. One after
the other, Captain Michael Giannetti, Dr. Dwayne King and Lieutenant Colonel Drew Watson took the podium to accept this honor, and, one after the other, they spoke about how the family, teachers, friends and community of Vestal built for them a strong foundation to go out into the world and follow their dreams.
“I look back with fondness at my teen years in Vestal,” said Captain Giannetti, Class of 1988, who was nominated for induction by his friend, classmate and 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee David Holbrook. “My experiences at Vestal High School prepared me very well for the academic rigors I faced in college, and the other challenges that I faced in life.”
Dr. Dwayne King, Class of 1960, was emotional as he looked out at the many family members and classmates who came to celebrate with him. “Tonight,” he said, “so many are here that represent those parts of Vestal that led and lit my path.”
King, who was nominated by a family friend, Sally Eldred, also had a message for the next generation of Vestal graduates. “ I want to challenge them to think about what they can do to make a difference in the world; to make a difference in people’s lives,” he concluded.
(Top) Vestal’s 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees are Dr. Dwayne King, Capt. Michael Giannetti and Lt. Col. Drew Watson.
(Right) Drew Watson spoke to Social Studies students on Hall of Fame Day.
The last inductee of the evening was Lt. Colonel Drew Watson, Class of 1975. Introduced by his brother, Daniel, Class of 1979, Lt. Colonel Watson compared part of the U.S. Marines’ symbol of an anchor to his education and childhood in Vestal. “From a symbolism standpoint,” he said, “my anchor is this place.”
Transferring to Clayton Avenue Elementary School in the fourth grade, Drew made it very clear to the guests that it was not happenstance that brought him
to Vestal. “My folks chose Vestal,” he stated emphatically. “My father was an educator; education was very important. So, they chose Vestal when they moved to the Triple Cities area.”
The Hall of Fame Committee would like to thank our very generous sponsors for their support of the
2016 Hall of Fame. Our Gold Sponsor this year was the Brian K. Mather State Farm Agency. Silver Sponsors included Broome Bituminous Products, Inc.; Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, LLC; Hunt
Engineers, Architects, Surveyors; National Pipe & Plastics, Inc. and Tully’s. We are also pleased to recognize our many
Bronze Sponsors: Barney & Dickenson, Inc.; BC Bicycles, Inc.; Feduke Ford Lincoln; Patrick Giannetto (Class of 1983/2006 Vestal Hall of Fame); Mapes Auctioneers & Appraisers; Beverly Ochiai; Southern Tier Stages, Inc.; Vestal Wine & Liquor; and Bob (Class of 1966/2006 Vestal Hall of Fame) and Carla Warner.
(Inset) Capt. Giannetti receives his Hall of Fame plaque from then-interim
Superintendent Jeffrey Ahearn.
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FosterClass of 2016 continued from cover
Superintendent Ahearn remarked on the bittersweet moment of this occasion as he addressed the 296 graduate-elects. “Today we honor you for all of your accomplishments, but as we celebrate with you the many years of growth and development, we know we also must say ‘goodbye’ as we watch you begin the next chapter of your lives, full of hope and expectations.”
Valedictorian Montana Boone urged her classmates to open their hearts as they go out into the world, embracing others and empathizing with all who are different. “So please be kind,” she said. “ Listen, care and understand.”
Sawako Suzuki, the second student speaker, echoed that sentiment as she shared a personal experience that impacted her life. “No one is alone, and everyone has something that no one knows about,” she said. “It makes us closer; it makes us stronger.”
Both students commented on the uniqueness of their years in Vestal. Sawako asked her classmates to envision themselves down the road in a town where “you are the only one who knows what VHS is, the only one who knows how magical it is to play under the lights of Dick Hoover Stadium!”
Montana wrapped up her speech by saying, “In the words of Mr. Vestal himself, Joe Seif, ‘stay golden, Vestal!’”
We salute every Class of 2016 graduate, and to the following students who earned academic distinction:
Top 10 Students: Montana Boone (valedictorian), Michael Spivak (salutatorian), Sakshi Vasiu, Serina DeHart, Maitri Mangal, Sarah Mieczkowski, Nicholas Barney, Morgan Chadwick, Jamie Wu and Sawako Suzuki.
New Visions Graduates: Benjamin McCarthy and Andrew O’Hare (Business); Tyannah Anderson (Engineering); Zachary Davis, Hannah Hayford,
Superintendent continued from cover
Selena Haykal, Anthony Mangiacapra and Michael Spivak (Health Careers Academy); Samantha Fletcher and Casey MacDonell (Law/Government).
These students pursued International Baccalaureate Diplomas: Nathan Benjamin, Montana Boone, Sarah Boyd, Julia Ferrante, Thomas Hanes, Anthony Ivanov, Joshua Lewis, Maitri Mangal, Jared Miller, Yvonne Raychawdhuri, Sawako Suzuki, Sakshi Vasiu and Jamie Wu.
Vestal’s Scholar Certificate candidates included IB Diploma candidates and these students: Afrah Ahmed, Azva Alvi, Caroline Barrett, Natalia Basualdo, Madeline Beaulieu, Emily Brennan, Bailyn Brink, Morgan Chadwick, Kristian Cho, Tyler Cingranelli, Patrick Comerford, Jan Cygan, Corinne D’Andria, Maxwell Feinberg, Kristen Garrison, Brianna Hawkins, Alicia Kasson, Joseph Kuchera, Sean Kunz, Rani Marhaba, Evan McNierney, Sarah Mieczkowski, Courtney Moore, Sarah Mughal, Logan Murdock, Annie Murphy, Bach Nguyen, David Pirc, Marissa Pompeii, Samuel Rachmaninoff, Eamon Reynolds, Aubrianna Rice, Rebekah Schwartz, Mohammed Shah, Jordan Skube, Michael Spivak, Andrew Sprague, Ayla Stafford, Kiara Stafford, Emma Stockwin, Alison Van Dyke and Drew Williams.
“I’d like to thank the Board of Education, Vestal Central School District staff and the community for the level of support I have received as Interim Superintendent,” said Mr. Ahearn. “This support has given me a solid foundation as I officially step into the role of Superintendent of Vestal Schools, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to continue guiding our students along the path of academic excellence that Vestal epitomizes.”
After successful contract negotiations, Mr. Ahearn was formally appointed at a school board meeting on May 31, and officially assumed his duties immediately.
InvestExtending the IB Learner ProfileBy Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Laura Lamash
What sets Vestal apart from most school districts through-out New York State and the nation is that we are an International Baccalaureate district. Like our neighboring district, Binghamton, our high school is an accredited International Baccalaureate school offering students the opportunity to pursue IB coursework and, if they choose, an IB Diploma. More than a quarter of our students take one or more IB courses. Each year, enrollment in IB courses exceeds 700. Students taking IB courses experi-ence an international curriculum with a strong emphasis on written assessment and inquiry methods. The pages of this “Look At Us,” however, speak to another way the International Baccalaureate program touches all students by promoting a model of character development called the IB Learner Profile. There are 10 qualities that the IB Learner Profile inspires in students:
● Inquirers ● Knowledgeable ● Thinkers ● Communicators ● Principled ● Open-minded ● Caring ● Risk-takers ● Balanced ● Reflective
As you read the many stories of student achievement and leadership in the pages of this “Look At Us,” be mindful of how the IB Learner Profile influences the education of your child.
We promote curriculum that fosters inquiry through a strong foundation in core knowledge. Our Vestal community is a proud, international community with more than 15 languages spoken by our students. Our diverse cultures open students’ minds and hearts to the complex world that awaits them.
We see the learner profile in the stories of Communi-ty 101. Our teachers and principals promote commu-nity service to develop our students’ sense of caring and compassion for the needs of those around them.
We see the learner profile in the annual celebra-tion of Vestal alumni who show us how the spirit of service can shape a principled life, forging new and different paths to better the world.
We see the learner profile in the accomplishments of our faculty, as Master Teachers, or as masterful teachers helping students build relationships with each other and the community we are a part of.
Finally, we see it in our families, all of you, who contribute daily to the vibrant and thriving cul-ture of learning and caring that distinguishes our district.
In May, candidates for the 2016 IB Diploma help get the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park and The Discovery Center ready for the season as part of the Cre-ative Action Service Project require-
ment of their diploma. Clockwise from top, Sarah Mieczkowski cleans a carousel horse at the zoo, Rusty Virkler plants Black-eyed Susans in the Story Garden at The Discovery Center, and Natalia Basualdo and Annie Murphy, with Ashley Hall, get ready to plant a rose bush in the Story Garden.
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Challengespecial-needs dog who was born with a cleft palate and, unfortunately, is a past victim of animal cruelty. After the presentation, the group talked to Glenwood students about what they do for the Humane Society, and then gratefully accepted the school’s donation.
Vestal Middle SchoolIn Mrs. Jackson’s Family & Consumer Science classes this spring, students made something to cheer up children. As they have in past years, eighth-graders sewed pillowcases in many child-friendly fabrics that were donated to children undergoing cancer treatment
at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse or the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This year the middle-school students sewed 280 pillowcases to send to young cancer patients through the organization “A Case for Smiles,” formerly known as ConKerr Cancer.
VMS students showed their solidarity on World MS Day, May 25, by wearing orange. In addition, Student Council headed a doughnut sale on that day, which raised $200 for multiple sclerosis.
VMS’ “Brass to the Future!,” an ensemble of brass instrumentalists under the direction of band director Chris Lewis-King, teamed up with a community quintet of local musicians, “A Touch of Brass,” for a joint performance on June 6 at Hilltop Nursing Center.
Vestal High SchoolStudents in Miss Doolittle’s Global History and Geography II classroom helped make a difference in the lives of Syrian refugees with a pinwheel project as part of the Students Rebuild Challenge.
Community service is practically part of the curri-culum at Vestal, not only in the International
Baccalaureate program, where creative, action, service projects are a program requirement, but service to others is encouraged wholeheartedly at the elementary level as well. As this column testifies newsletter after newsletter, year after year, our students earn an “A+” in empathy. Here are just a few of the charitable projects they accomplished before the 2016-17 school year wrapped up.
African Road ElementaryFrom June 3 - 9, Student Council helped coordinate a Pet Supplies Drive. In all, six boxes of pet food and other supplies were collected for local shelters, like the B.C. Humane Society and Animal Care Council. On June 10, the school celebrated with the second annual “Walk your Dog to School Day.”
Glenwood ElementaryStudents at Glenwood learned how to be good, caring stewards for animals during a charitable drive and educational campaign coordinated by the school’s Animal Care Club May 24 - June 1. This year’s theme was “Stop Animal Cruelty,” and altogether the drive collected over $500 for the B.C. Humane Society. At a special Glenwood Gathering on June 2, students of the Animal Care Club presented a slideshow on “What is Animal
Cruelty. What Can You Do About It?” Special guests were Kim Broderick, fundraising coordinator at the Humane Society, John Shea, cruelty investigator, Dave Titus, a volunteer
and “Chewy,” a Staffordshire Terrier Mix who was the Humane
Society’s animal ambassador. “Chewy,” who is being fostered by Mr. Titus, is a
“Community 101”
Mia Hogan and Angelina Zakrajsek present the school’s donation to Kim Broderick with the B.C. Humane Society on June 2.
Marina Jiao helped make pillow-cases for “A Case for Smiles.”
Grace Kelley and Rhian Kilmer hold some of the pinwheels they helped create.6
SupportThe students made about 170 pinwheels, which is symbolic of peace and innocence. The Students Rebuild program, which inspires young people worldwide to connect, learn and take collective action on global issues, matched the donation of pinwheels with a monetary donation to the International Rescue Committee’s “Healing Classrooms” project. For the pinwheels, a $425 donation was made to “Healing Classrooms,” which trains teachers in special techniques to engage conflict-affected children with social-emotional learning opportunities and creates secure, nurturing learning environments. (The donation in exchange for the pinwheels was made by the Bezos Family Foundation.) Funds generated by the Students Rebuild Challenge will support Syrian children in the IRC’s “Healing Classrooms” in Lebanon and Iraq.
Bailyn Brink organized a Crayon Drive in March as part of an Interact Club endeavor. A total of 30 pounds of crayons was donated for “The Crayon Initiative,” a non-profit organization that collects used crayons to be remolded into new crayons for schools and hospitals.
As part of her creative action service project toward earning her IB Diploma, senior Julia Ferrante coordinated a Spare Change fundraiser to benefit “Girl Up,” a United Nations’ sponsored organization that promotes the health, safety, education and leadership of girls in developing countries. From March 28 - April 8, students and staff at Vestal High School donated their spare change. Altogether, Julia was able to collect over $800 for “Girl Up.”
The fourth annual Running of the Bears 5K Walk and Run coordinated by Vestal High School’s
Varsity Club took place on April 2 this year. Almost 300 participants raised over $6,250 for Team Hopefull, a local organization that raises money for research into Prader-Willi Syndrome as well as bestows grants on local families dealing with this rare genetic disorder.
Two more seniors earning their IB Diplomas organized a creative action service project that not only raised money for a local non-profit organization, but also helped raise awareness of and educate fellow students about autism. Maitri Mangal and Yvonne Raychawdhuri, assisted by the VHS Lighthouse Committee, put together an “Autism Awareness Week,” which was April 11 - 15. During the week, “Facts of the Day” about different disorders along the autism spectrum were read during the daily announcements and also adorned educational posters throughout the school. On Friday, the week culminated with free face painting during lunch periods (of a puzzle piece - the national symbol of autism). That evening, an Autism Trivia Night helped raised over $831 for the local non-profit “Alive! with Autism.”
Race winners Casper and Colleen Magacs, J.P Sacco and Aaron Perry (finishing first, third and second, respectively;
with Colleen Magacs, the women’s first-place finisher).
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Maitri Mangal and Yvonne Raychawdhuri helped educate fellow students about autism.
It’s raining crayons! Interact Club members Sophie Barton and Andre Angeline shower
Bach Nguyen with donated crayons.
Foster
At the beginning of this school year, five more Vestal teachers were named New York State Master teachers -
Isabella, Natalie, Martino, Ty and Addison are ready to read with Clifford.
The Master Teacher Program
More Vestal Teachers named New York State Master Teachers
Since the inception of the New York State Master Teacher program in the fall of 2013, Vestal Central School District has seen a number of its teachers receive the Master Teacher designation through this program that
sets high standards for those teachers who make the commitment to mentor their colleagues.
Master Teachers in our area are paired with Binghamton University as their research institution to help them stay engaged in cutting-edge developments in their field and improve their content knowledge. For more information on New York State’s Master Teacher program, including the criteria used to select Master Teachers, visit the SUNY website at www.suny.edu/Master Teacher.
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JoAnn D’Angelo Eighth-grade Math (Vestal Middle School)
Sandra MignereyLiving Environments (Vestal High School)
Debra Ortloff Eighth-grade Math (Vestal Middle School)
Sonya SkinnerEighth-grade Physical Science & Regents Earth Science (Vestal Middle School)
Allison Weisel Geometry/Elements of Algebra (Vestal High School)
Universal Pre-K News: Literacy Day at JCC
A very special guest on Literacy Day this year, in addition to
Johnny Only, was “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” The day began on May 6 with the traditional parade where students dressed as their favorite literary character. It included other fun activities, including entertainment by Johnny Only and
story time with Clifford.
Special Ladies Tea at Cub Care
An annual tradition for UPK students at Cub
Care is the “Special Ladies Tea,” always celebrated just before Mother’s Day. Little knights and princesses work together on special snacks, songs and crafts to honor the special ladies in their lives.
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These five were among only 22 teachers from the Southern Tier region to be selected in this cohort, and this brings our total number of Master Teachers in the district to 12. Congratulations to all! They join Cathy Jeremko and Colleen Schultz at Vestal Middle School and colleagues Danette Berry, Peter Klimas, Stephanie Lewis, Tracy Suggs and Rosanne Van Wie at Vestal High School.
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Vestal High School Teacher Honored
Mr. Jeffrey Dunham, English department chair at Vestal High School, was honored as part of Cornell University’s Merrill Presidential Scholars program in May. Vestal High
School alumnus Joseph Spivak, Class of 2012, was selected as a Merrill Presidential Scholar.
Invest
Focus on Fables and Fairy Tales
Combining English language arts and writing with an always-fun cultural component, third-
graders in Mrs. Bogart’s and Mrs. Lanz’ classes wrote and studied fairy tales during a unit that took place throughout the month of May. Often passed down from generation to generation, different cultures all share a common affinity for fables and other stories that celebrate customs and often reinforce social values.
(Right) Wassim Hila shared a “Goha”
banner with his class that was made by his grandfather,
who is from the Middle East.
Goha stories have been passed down
for centuries in many Middle
Eastern countries.
African Road News:
Kindergarten, Here We Come!
W e blinked, and our district’s newest students grew up. Universal Pre-
Kindergarten students celebrated their first educational milestone as both the Cub Care Children’s Center and Jewish Community Center campuses held graduation ceremonies. On June 16 and 17, a total of 40 students attending Vestal’s Universal Pre-K program at the Cub Care campus graduated in three ceremonies attended by their families and other special guests.
At JCC’s campus, there were 59 Vestal UPK students receiving certificates this year in multiple ceremonies on June 23. Afterward, they joyously celebrated their transition to kindergarten with cake!
Jaora and Isabella line up before their UPK graduation at Cub Care Children’s Center.
Mianna, graduating from Vestal’s UPK program at the JCC, is excited to be “crossing the bridge” into Kindergarten.
Tea for Two... Avery and her mother, Thomasita, enjoy the “Special Ladies Tea” together.
Practice makes perfect! Bailey, Breanna and Evan proudly recite the “The Pledge
of Allegiance,” which they have been learning in preparation for Kindergarten.
This year the book they shared with their guests was “When a Dragon Moves in.”
Special Ladies Tea continued
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(Photo provided by Heather Bogart.)
ChallengeBiology in the Classroom
Bringing a science unit on amphibians up close and personal, Mrs. Bogart and Mrs. Lanz hosted
about 40 tadpoles in their classrooms from April until the end of school. Students had an in-depth opportunity to study the tadpoles as they made their exciting transition from amphibians to frogs.
The lab tied into class curriculum as the students finished studying about amphibians around the world, such as the goliath frog and the now-extinct gastric-brooding frog. The latter, which had been native to Australia, was unique because its offspring were incubated in the stomach of the mother.
Science Fair
Students had free rein to explore their scientific interests at this year’s Science
Fair on May 5. Over 60 students researched, hypothesized and recorded results in experiments that included hydroponics, magnetism, gravitational waves and more.
They presented their displays for classmates during the school day on May 5, and then parents and other family members were invited to the fair that evening.
The Science Fair provides an opportunity for self-guided learning. “I learned how the earth orbits around the sun,” said Kara Dhakal, when
asked what she found most interesting while studying gravitational waves for her science project.
Honoring Flag Day
A school-wide celebration on June 14 to celebrate Flag Day did not just honor the holiday, but also became a beautiful history lesson for African Road Elementary students. All classes took part as Principal Stenta shared the history and symbolism of “Old Glory.” She told them that the colors of the flag had meaning: red represents valor, hardiness and sacrifice; white symbolizes purity, innocence and peace and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Fourth-graders also read facts about the Flag Day holiday itself, Cub Scouts presented the flag, kindergarten students danced to “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” third-graders played their recorders and students in grades 4 and 5 sang while the school band played.
Xenia Smith takes a closer look at the tadpoles in her classroom.
Justin Colon demonstrates his experiment on magnetism and light. (With Ekamjyot Singh.)
Dania Sodhi and Raghad Farhat prepare their water-bottle volcano for eruption.
ARE Band members David Ojo and Addi-son Kalina recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.”
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Support
“TRY”athlon 2016
Clayton Avenue News:Tri-Cities Opera Go-Round
So what does a song from “Frozen” have to do with opera? Well, it’s a terrific way for
elementary students to experience a different type of musical style!
Members of the complimentary Tri-Cities Opera’s educational “Opera Go-Round” program introduced Clayton Avenue students to their craft on May 19. The program, called “Children’s Movie and Music Favorites,” is funded through multiple community partners, including The Roger L. Kresge Foundation, The New York Council on the Arts, and the Floyd Hooker Foundation of the Broome County Arts Council.
In addition to singing many popular children’s favorites, like “Let it Go” from “Frozen,” the performers took time to answer students’ questions about their jobs, and opera in general. It also gave them an opportunity to share a life lesson, when one student asked how long have they been singing. The performer who answered emphasized the importance of practice in all that you do.
Clayton Avenue Elementary students enjoyed a lesson in culture from members of the Tri-Cities Opera. Left to right, (front row) are McKenzie Healy, Nikolas Lewis, Angelica Colburn and Natalie Jackson; (second
row) Connor Freeman, Amy Williams, Addie Shipp, Jazlyn Burdick and Gavin Beers; (back row) Tri-Cities Opera members Eric Frei, Abigail Rethwisch, Jake Stamatis, Mary Beth Nelson and Quinn Bernegger.
It was “Move it May!” at Clayton Avenue, and the exercise (yes, pun intended) in disconnecting from
electronic devices and “screens” culminated on May 26 with the school’s annual “TRY”athlon. Students had the perfect day to visit their playground and Hoover Stadium to enjoy a variety of different activities. There was an obstacle course, staffed by CAPTO volunteers, healthy snacks and a place where students could ride bicycles and scooters. This initiative is designed to help students find activities that they can
build into a healthy lifestyle as they grow and develop.
Samantha Morse navigates through a tunnel on the obstacle course.
Glenwood News: Taking Earth Day to a Greener Level
It was a lean, environmentally clean, “green” machine! In celebration of Earth Day, April 22,
2016, Glenwood students got to tour a transit bus equipped with BAE Systems HybriDrive System. The bus rolled onto the Glenwood campus where the students could check it out by grade level. As part of their focus on taking care of the envi-ronment, the students had an opportunity to learn how the BAE Systems’ hybrid technology saves fuel and eliminates harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
Glenwood fifth-graders assisted employees from BAE Systems as they explained how the bus operates and shared the benefits of hybrid systems for the environment. Many thanks to John Hroncich, a Vestal Board of Education member and business development manager Continued on page 12
Foster
Discovering a Lost World
Nothing says “fun” to a second-grader more than dinosaurs... and sand. Yes, dinosaurs and playing in sand are the best - Oh! and
rocks, don’t forget how much we love rocks!
It was a trifecta of fun for Mrs. Cherevko’s and Mrs. MacCrabie’s second-grade students when The Discovery
Center came to school on June 15 with a program called “Fabulous Fossils.”
Amanda Florance, a school-age educator with The Discovery Center, assisted by parent volunteers guided the children through five stations to explore. Their math skills got a workout as they measured strings on the floor to compare the
lengths of different dinosaurs. Was the Apatosaurus the longest of them all?.. At the next station, they made fossil impressions in Play-Doh, then played “match those dinosaur prints.” They examined a variety of fossil and mineral samples at another station, and at the last station donned hat, goggles and vest as they played paleontologists, carefully excavating mini dinosaur parts and fossils from sand-filled bins. It was hard to tell who
was enjoying themselves more, the kids, their teachers or the photographer!
Miniature paleontologist Aishwarya Patel, above, brushes off one of her finds.
Second-graders learn about Earth Day, and how a hybrid system works.
Right, Gavin Rood, Anthony Cooper, Luke Sobel and Jerimiah Rue carefully inspect fossil and mineral samples.
with BAE Systems who helped coordinate the “bus stop” at Glenwood for Earth Day. “It’s all of our jobs to protect the Earth,” Hroncich told students as he went over the history of Earth Day with them. “This bus behind me helps do that.”
Earth Day continued
As the students studied the bus inside and out, BAE staff explained how the bus works, including where the battery is and how the engine system operates.
The Magic Paintbrush Project
What better way to celebrate our wonderfully unique differences than with a rainbow of
colors?! Thanks to a grant from The Vestal School Foundation, Glenwood Elementary students got to do just that on May 9 when The Magic Paintbrush Project came to their school.
With the opportunity to create together, this activity tied into the school’s character education program and reinforced the students’ understanding that we all are each exceptional in some way.
Third-graders Emily Kapczynski, Haley Carey and Elaina Hochdoerfer added their
handprints to a banner for the school.
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Invest
Tioga Hills News:
Along the way, they learned a lot about the science of paleon-tology, how fossils are made by the compression and hardening of sedimentary materials and the differences between dinosaur types, such as herbivores and carnivores.
Many thanks to the GSCA for sponsoring this “Lost World” adventure from The Discovery Center!
Left, Sidra El Ghissassi, Aiden Field and Zachary Geary make a fossil impression in Play-Doh.
Learning about Chemistry
Learning how DNA strands link together, exploring the properties of “memory metals,” creating a
fruit battery and investigating the consistency of the ever-popular Oobleck were all on the agenda for Tioga Hills students on May 6 when chemistry students from Binghamton University came by to share their knowledge of chemistry.
Student rotated through 13 stations, all with interesting
activities to demon-strate various chemical properties. They created UV bracelets, watched metal wires
dance and bend when heated, felt the texture
of hydroponic sand, and took home a tube of DNA (wheat germ DNA!) fashioned into
a necklace. “I think little bitty DNA strands are cool!” exclaimed Alex Bernstein after receiving his sample.
Tioga Hills students in grades 3 - 5 enjoyed the hands-on chemistry stations on May 6. The B.U. students returned on June 7 for a special presentation to introduce chemistry to students in grades K - 2. Many thanks to Binghamton University’s Department of Chemistry students and staff for this wonderful STEM experience, courtesy of its free outreach program.
Discovering continued
Speaking of Chemistry...
We are pleased to share that Jenna
Holleran, a first-grade student at Tioga Hills won first place in the National Chemists Celebrate Earth Day 2016 Illustrated Poem contest. Jenna was selected in the category of submissions from students in grades kindergarten through second. She received her award from Dr. Wayne Jones, Jr., Binghamton University professor and chair of its Department of Chemistry, during the chemistry presentations on June 7.
Jenna was inspired to enter the contest by her older brother, John, a fifth-grader. John won his age division of the Chemistry Poem contest in our region this year, and has won in past years. (See “The Chemistry of Caramel” article, which was published in the December 2014 edition of “Look at Us!”)
The theme of this year’s contest was “The Great Indoors - Your Home’s Ecosystem,” and Jenna’s award-winning poem entitled “Indoor Plants” explained how house plants help “clean” the air inside our homes. The American Chemical Society sponsors this contest annually to promote science literacy in kids.
Sophia Bruce and Jordyn Schake check out a polymer sample, affec-tionately referred to as “Oobleck.”
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John and Jenna Holleran with their award-winning poems.
Challenge
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STEM Day
It’s hard to tell which is louder – an entire school of students,
cheering and yelling like they are at a Nickelodeon concert, or a 6,000-pound power-lift helicopter in the process of landing. Put the two together, and the air is literally buzzing with excitement! That was the scene at Tioga Hills Elementary on Friday, May 13.
The day began with a series of fun, yet challenging, STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Math) activities. From 9:15 a.m. until lunch time, students rotated through three stations supervised by volunteers from Lockheed Martin Owego.
Station 1 was a Paper Airplane exercise in the gym. It was the perfect activity to demonstrate the process of scientific inquiry as students made predictions and then tested their hypotheses.
At Station 2, students practiced collaboration as they worked in teams to build the tallest structure they could out of pipe cleaners, one that must be self-standing.
Mini-Snap Circuit Kits at Station 3 brought a lot of the curriculum that fifth-grade teacher Corinne Schake has been covering with her class together. “This month in fifth grade we’ve been talking about Matter and Energy, and how every action has a reaction. (This station) just helps them see that what you’re talking about and reading about in books is applied in real life!”
One of her students, Abigale Wessner, made a big connection for herself. She noticed how the Snap Circuits tied into what they’ve been learning about coordinate graphing. “We used a coordinate plane to put the stuff on,” she explained proudly. “It was like ‘Battleship!’”
The best was yet to come, however. After lunch, the kids gathered in the school cafeteria to see a video about the KMAX power lift helicopter. They also watched a “Mini-Me” drone version of the KMAX in action. Then, walking outside with their classes, they waited with excitement, watching the sky above the field next to their school. At 1:50 p.m., the helicopter swooped into view, and the students began cheering. After the helicopter made a picture-perfect landing (see the video on the Tioga Hills’ web page) and the rotors stopped spinning, the children were allowed to surround the copter. Chief Test Pilot Jerry “Mac” McCawley answered students’ questions for half an hour. They asked how much it weighed (6,000 pounds, which is light for a helicopter), how much it can carry (it can lift a load equal to its own weight) and even how old you have to be to ride on a helicopter. (We think that was a hint for a test ride!)
Brandon Mancini, manager for engineering leadership development at Lockheed Martin, explained why he and his team were more than happy to present this opportunity for Tioga Hills students. “We want to get kids interested in technology fields; to be exposed to it at a young age,” he said.
Above, students follow Lockheed Martin Chief Test Pilot Jerry “Mac” McCawley out to the KMAX helicopter after it safely landed by their school.
Right, Lucas Tran, Lillian Tripp and Diana Kalashnik build team-working skills along with their pipe-cleaner structure.
Support
Vestal Hills News:Being Good Characters
So he breathes smoke... He also has wings and loves to dance! “Smolder the Dragon,” one of comedic
actress and ventriloquist Sylvia Fletcher’s cast of characters is happy with who he is.
That was the message for students when she presented her anti-bullying program “I Refuse to Hate” on April 22.
100-Mile Club
When it comes to physical fitness, Vestal Hills students and staff kept on “keepin’ on” with
their 100-Mile Club program. This is the club’s third year, and the mileage keeps increasing! Over 40 students and staff reached their goals to walk (or run) 100 miles or more. Many, many more set and accomplished smaller mileage goals. The result? This year the school’s total mileage was an unbelievable 15,540 miles! Everyone helped exceed the goal set at the beginning of the year, which was 14,000 miles. Fifth-grader Liam Foran logged his personal best, 305.6 miles, the most of any student. Staff members Ms. Harvey and Mrs. Allen set the pace with 836 and 822 miles apiece.
Ms. Harvey congratulated everyone on their accom-plishments. “I am so proud of you all,” she said. “You set goals, sacrificed playground time, started early and took small steps to achieve your goals.”
Below, second-grader Lindsey Steele shared her love of cats during the
annual Special Interest Fair in May.
Above, Tioga Hills fifth-grader Bill Gorman V poses with his father, Bill Gorman IV, and little brother John (grade 2) after the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band played through the halls in March.
First-graders Jim Sysen, Aashrita Kandanati and Daniel Allen with kindergarten students Maelice and Seraphina meet Smolder and Mrs. Fletcher after the presentation.
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“It’s important to give YOU a positive image of yourself,” Mrs. Fletcher told the students, and her other characters who came to life through the art of ventriloquism repeated that theme. “Chico,” a little opossum, emphasized that being different is not bad. The program fit in with the school’s character education theme, and reminded students to be good characters and treat others the way they want to be treated. As they sang in the “Happy” song, “When you come to school, you have the right to be happy!”
Mrs. Fletcher last visited Vestal Hills in January 2009 with a pre-sentation reminding students that being different is not only okay, it is what makes us each special.
Wrapping Up THE News
Below, Ty Sullivan shows Ball-
winkle his thanks when the B-Mets’
mascot visited the Rock On’ Cafe in June.
Good Characters continued
FosterVestal Middle School News:“The Wizard of Oz had Heart, and More”
Take one plucky, homesick girl, a shaky scarecrow, creaky tin man and blustery lion... throw in some
adorable munchkins, mix with flying monkeys, add one cranky, aquaphobic witch, and you have a recipe for the best musical to hit the stage at the African Road Auditorium in over a year!
Vestal Middle School presented The Young Performers’ Edition of “The Wizard of Oz” April 1 - 3.
Sachiko Nicholson, Joshua Sifert, Abigail Sprague and Andrew LaClair are off to see the Wizard.Photo courtesy of Michelle LaClair
Odyssey of the Mind New York State Award
Right, Kiara Woolfolk focuses on identifying the
protist under her microscope.
Left, Ryan Symons pre-pares a wet-mount slide.
Leads for this musical included Abigail Sprague as Dorothy, Andrew LaClair as the Scarecrow, Joshua Sifert as the Tin Man, Sachiko Nicholson as the Cowardly Lion, Tayli Wrighter as Glinda the Good Witch, Dora Donacik as the Wicked Witch and Conner Smith as the Wizard. However, over 75 student actors from Vestal Middle School and “Munchkins” from all five elementary schools worked together to present three enchanting performances that took their audiences over the rainbow. And a cameo “appearance” by Miss Loose, chroma keyed in Vestal green... we mean, emerald green, was a highlight of the show!
Speaking of heart, Vestal Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind team presented an exercise in compassion at the New York State Finals on April 2. The team was recognized with a special OMER Award, when several team
members and their coach shaved their heads in March to raise awareness about the fight against childhood cancer. Their action also raised money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a childhood cancer charity.
The team received the OMER Award for serving as positive role models through their charitable fundraising.
Hands-on Science
Euglena, Paramecia and Amoebas, oh my! While the Naked Egg lab is always a popular
tradition in Karen Valenta’s science class, students are also fascinated when they get to break out the microscopes and look at live protists.
During a lab in the middle of May, seventh-graders did just that, identifying the different protists under the microscope, comparing their shapes and seeing how they moved.
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InvestStudents Learn “Which Way EJ?”
While national and world history is always an impor-tant part of curriculum, a unit immersing them
in the local history helps bring our community alive for students. Language Arts teacher Darren Herman helped his sixth-grade students make that link with a thesis pro-ject in May. They researched local history with a focus on the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company. Students spent several days reading, analyzing data and coding specific facts about Endicott Johnson or its founder, George F. Johnson, which led to supporting information they composed into a thesis statement with supporting claims.
Next they welcomed local expert and author Gerald Smith on June 6, who was happy to share information he has compiled over many years as Broome County Historian. He also answered some of the questions that piqued their curiosity after undertaking this research project.
“I think they have a stronger connection to the community, said Smith, “when they know its history.”
Many thanks to Mr. Smith for his time in speaking to our students. He has served as Broome County Historian for 28 years and City of Binghamton Historian for over 30 years.
Fly-Fishing 101
One of the Student Activity Day offerings has several students hooked on fly-fishing. Since
Vestal Middle School implemented these special-interest workshops on Early Release Days two years ago, physical education teachers Dennis Cluck and Matthew Wood have offered lessons in fly-fishing to interested students. Usually, the kids cast their lines in the gym, but on June 10, the last Student Activity Day of this school year, they enjoyed a field trip to practice their skills on a local pond.
Many thanks to Vestal alumnus Dr. Thomas VanGorder, who allowed the students to use his pond to catch and release a variety of fish. The students also learned how to be good stewards as they were instructed in the best way to make an optimal humane release, including ensuring that their hands were wet before touching the fish.
Quinn McKercher is excited when he casts his line and catches a nice sunfish. With one of his teachers, Dennis Cluck.
Ben Dieffenbaugher, Mason Lawrence, Colleen Godleski, Olivia Muse and Anthony Karnauch met Broome County Historian Gerald Smith following his presentation on the history of EJ.
Vestal High School News:Drumline Beats out the Competition
Vestal High School’s Talent Fest is always a popular, much-anticipated student event. Winning this year’s
Talent Fest on March 12 was the Vestal High School Drumline.
Taking second-place honors was junior Julia Padavona with a dance routine. Rounding out the top three, Afrah Ahmed and Serina DeHart paired up on a song-and-dance number to win third place. Thanks to all the students who shared their special skills with us.
The Drumline also shared their talents with the community, playing at the “March for Babies” on May 15 at Otsiningo Park.
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Challenge
Jessica Duff, Katelynn Ossege and Lauren Myers
Art
The Fine Arts Society of the Southern Tier held its
“Young at Art” student art show in March. Congratulations to the following Vestal High School students who won ribbons in several categories:
Caroline Guzewicz First-place winner in Mixed Media
Samantha Cooper Second-place winner in Painting
Anna Dzury Third-place in Painting
Margaret Winchell Honorable Mention in Photography
Student Accomplishments
Talent Fest continued
Drumline members (listed alphabetically) Jacob Barnes, Mira Dhakal, Kevin Fang, Abigail Klenchik, Colin McCarthy, Brian Miller, Joshua Tonkin, Matthew Whiteman and Ethan Willis stole the stage during the 2016 Talent Fest. (Photo from preview performance during First Friday student assembly on February 26.)
Music
It was pure “Gold” for VHS Music groups during the
NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Festival in May! The Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Vestal Voices each were awarded a Level 6 Gold with Distinction. The Concert Band received a Level 3 Gold.
More Gold!
A number of Vestal High School students earned the Girl Scout
Gold Award, the highest honor that a Girl Scout can achieve. Jessica Duff, Katelynn Ossege, Lauren Myers and Valerie Waters all worked many hours on sustainable projects that will benefit their community for years to come.
Photography
Maggie Winchell took first place in the Preservation
Association of the Southern Tier’s “Everyone has a Home-town” photography contest in May.
Her entry was a black-and-white photo of the former New York State Inebriate Asylum.
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Above, Margaret Winchell with her
winning photo.
Writing
Bailyn Brink followed up her Tri-Cities Women’s Club writing-
contest win earlier this year with another first-place award from the Southern Tier Authors of Romance short-story contest in June. Her story, “The Room across the Hall,” was written in the horror genre.
Right, Bailyn Brink wins another
writing contest.
Support
Vestal High School congratulates these new
members of its National Honor Society chapter. Selected in May, they will be formally inducted in the Fall of 2016:
Julia Alt Amber Bowen Madison Card Katelyn Engleman Cecilia Flores Sarah Kotchey Lauren Lee Bailey Matthews Matthew O’Hara Anuj Patel Daria Pronina Leyna Ruvola Eric Salomons Michelle Truesdell Nealy Van Dyke Samantha Vellenga
IB Art Show 2016
The International Baccalaureate Art Show was open to the public on March 31 at Vestal High School. This year’s show was, as usual,
breathtaking, and showcased the portfolios of 16 students taking the two-year IB Visual Arts HL course. The course requires students to exhibit their studio work, show their research journals and discuss their development as
an artist during interviews. The art exhibited was created by Catherine Bracken, Montana Boone, Samantha Cooper, Samantha Eder, Sarah Foran, Emily Goldenberg, Dylane Gray, Mandlenkosi Mandizha, Sarah Mieczkowski, Emma Milligan, Courtney Moore, Yvonne Raychawdhuri, Sarah Mughal, Kiara Stafford, Rebekah Schwartz and Emily Tartamella.
National Honor Society Students Inside Albany Conference
John Restuccia was sponsored by the League of Women Voters to attend The Students Inside Albany Conference, which took place May 22 - 25.
The only student selected to represent Broome and Tioga counties, John attended various workshops on topics such as “Successful Citizen Lobbyists and “Shadow a New York State Senator.” He also had the opportunity to tour the New York State Capitol. John presented on his experience to the local chapter of the League of Women Voters upon his return.
Alicia Kasson and Marissa Pompeii(File photo from May 23.)
SUNY ESF Award
Two representatives of Vestal High School’s Environmental Club,
Alicia Kasson and Marissa Pompeii, won the oral presentation portion of the SUNY ESF’s Environmental Summit Research Symposium on June 2. They presented their club’s findings on a year-long project to research the impact of Styrofoam meal trays on the environment.
The Environmental Club is comprised of students enrolled in the IB Environmental Systems & Societies course. Due to an agreement with SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Vestal High School students taking this course can earn college credit with ESF.
Artwork by Courtney Moore, above, and Kiara Stafford, right.
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FosterFuture Business Leaders of America
Just three months after forming a Future Business Leaders of America chapter, Vestal High School students cap-tured several awards at the District 8 Spring Meeting of the FBLA on April 6. A special certificate was awarded
to senior Maxwell Feinberg, for his initiative and hard work in helping establish the FBLA chapter at Vestal High School in January.
The FBLA District Meeting was hosted by Vestal and featured competitive events during the morning, followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. Approximately 50 students from three of the four local schools with FBLA chapters attended. The schools included Oneonta, Vestal and Windsor. The areas in which teams competed included Impromptu Speaking, Public Speaking, Emerging Business Issues, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Management Decision-Making and Sports Management.
Of note, despite its fledging status, Vestal’s teams swept the Entrepreneurship category of the competition. Taking first place was the team of Maxwell Feinberg, Zexi Jin and
Brandon McCreary. The second-place team was comprised of Hanna Bogart, Muzna Mahmood and Susannah Tokarz. Taking third-place honors was the team of Skylar Abraham and Colin McCarthy.
Other Vestal High School winners included Joshgua Mertens, who was awarded first place in the area of Impromptu Speaking, and the team of Nicholas Barney, Eamon Reynolds and Eric Salomons, who took first place in Marketing and second place in Sports Management.
A Lesson in Forensic Anthropology
Seniors in Andrea Smith’s elective Forensics II
class and Mitzy Benjamin’s Mystery and Crime course enjoyed a lesson in Forensic Anthropology on May 11 from an expert in the field. Binghamton University Assistant Professor Dr. Elizabeth DiGangi and some of her students brought in specimens and shared their knowledge on the subject. This was a first-time collaboration, which was very well-received by students. During the presentation, they were
able to rotate through three “bone” stations on species identification, gender identification and bone type.20
Abigail Klenchik and Brianna Cordi examine some of the
specimens Dr. DiGangi brought in.
Safety Assembly focuses on Impact of Heroin Abuse
As a follow-up to a panel discussion presented in January on “Heroin and
our Community,” Vestal High School’s Lighthouse Committee, in conjunction with community partners, sponsored two assemblies on May 13 to build insight into the heroin epidemic from a student’s point-of-view.
Some of the speakers, including Captain Pat Garey, New York State Police; Caitlyn G., a person in recovery; Chris Musser, Brandon Youngstrom Foundation; Sergeant Chris Streno, Vestal Police Department; and Alan Wilmarth, UHS New Horizons, prefaced their comments with a reassurance to students that “we’re not trying to scare you.” Except for Capt. Garey, that is.
Vestal High School Interim Principal, Dr. Albert Penna, VHS FBLA advisor Annette Mezzadonna, VHS FBLA President Max Feinberg and Ryan Allo, FBLA Vice Chair.
Continued on next page
Invest
Consistent affirmation... A biennial tradition, the Student Recognition Breakfast serves to underscore to students that their teachers, fellow
students and other staff are paying attention. Someone has noticed when they have made an extra effort to become better students, more conscientious classmates and quiet leaders. On May 19, VHS staff and administrators took time to recognize these students at the Spring breakfast:
Grade 11
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 12
Gr. 9: Kaitlyn Cooke, Hannah Moyer, Ben Huckabone, Nate Knipscher, Daniel O’Brien, Sharon Ojo, Brock White and Samantha White.Gr. 10: Zachary Aiosa, Harrison Barnes, Carter Beaulieu, Zayne Benedict, Vivi Mandizha, Sarah Martin, Victor Virgilio, Dominic Warren and Walter Yacynych.
Student Recognition Breakfast
Gr. 11: Amber Bowen, Sydney Cogswell, Alexander Cox, Cassie Grossman, Sarah Kotchey, Nicole Leska, Joseph Pirc, Ambyr Salisbury, Dallas Whitney, Cassandra Wickman and Brandon Wilson. Gr. 12: Kaitlyn Bailey, Montana Boone, Emily Brennan, Bailyn Brink, Shannon Farley, Hannah Keister, Erin Kelley, Lizz Marcello, Brandon McCreary, Bach Nguyen, Paige Osinski, Amarissa Scelsi, Joseph Seif, Michael Spivak, Valerie Waters, Evan Weber and Margaret Winchell. 21
“I’ve seen what this stuff does, and I’m NOT afraid to scare you,” he stated emphatically.
The panelists shared a lot of sobering information. From how opiates can permanently change your brain’s chemistry to how many times a week local first responders are encountering instances where they need to administer Naloxone (in an attempt to reverse an opioid overdose), they were blunt about the effects from using heroin. “At 24, I overdosed and flat-lined for the first time,” said Caitlyn G. about her spiral into heroin addiction, which began with trying prescription drugs in ninth grade.
They all stressed the importance of personal re-sponsibility and making the right decisions. “Just say ‘no’ doesn’t cut it anymore, said Sgt. Streno.
“You have to take ownership of the decisions you make, and the repercussions of those decisions,” urged Chris Musser, speaking on behalf of the Brandon Youngstrom Foundation. “Be conscious of the person you want to become.”
Safety Assembly continued Year-End HighlightsSwing into Spring DanceOnce again, students from Vestal High School clubs, athletic teams and other student groups asked area senior citizens “can I have this dance?”
The third annual “Swing into Spring” Dance was May 20. Vestal Senior Matthew Benko took a turn on the dance floor with Maria Tinklepaugh.
International FestivalGraduating seniors Sakshi Vasiu and Montana Boone
hope to leave a lasting legacy at Vestal High School. As part
of their IB Creative Service Action project, they organized
the International Festival to bring the school and commu-nity together in a celebration of our cultural diversity. The second annual International
Festival was on June 3.
Together, we are Golden
Ready for action! Maria Paula Chapero, Tatiana Rivera, Samantha Eder, Samantha Cooper and Jared Reester are ready to take part in a fun Vestal Graduation tradition.
Above, Lillian Clark has accessorized for the occasion.
Above, Afrah Ahmed, Tyler Cingranelli and Daria Pronina are picture perfect
before the ceremony.
Leyna Ruvola shows off her diploma.
Above, Drew Sprague, Marissa Pompeii, Alicia Kasson, Aubrianna Rice and Alex Niermeyer enjoy a moment before the ceremony.
Joshua Lewis accepts his diploma from School Board member Mario Nunes while Feng Lin waits for his big moment.
Left, Vestal High School graduate Dhyani James is congratulated with flowers by her family outside the Events Center.
Left, “Mr. Vestal” himself, Joseph Seif, is now a proud Vestal grad!
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Challenge
Vestal High School 2016-17 Officers
Student Government:
President - Cassie GrossmanVice President - Sydney CogswellSecretary - Michelle AndersonTreasurer - Haashim Shah
Senior Class:
President - Shelby VirklerVice President - Caitlin Jennings Secretary - Andrew WagnerTreasurer - Andrew Struble
Junior Class Officers: President - Shaniya MorrisonVice President - Gavin BleirSecretary - Yuval Tessman-Bar-OnTreasurer - Meaghan Farley
Sophomore Class Officers: President - Jonathan ShapiroVice President - Trevor BarnesSecretary - Alyssa WarrenTreasurer - Noah Bruster
Freshmen Class Officers: President - Catherine DeskurVice President - Xandria HeidrichSecretary - Angelique de RouenTreasurer - Ashley Sinicki
The 2015-16 Student Government President Josh Walsh hands off the gavel
to President-Elect Cassie Grossman at the school board meeting on June 14.
Section 4 and STAC Champs
Many seniors who played on Spring athletic teams saw the final season of their high school careers finish on a high note.
The Girls Lacrosse team was crowned Section IV Class B champs in May for the fifth straight year after they defeated Horseheads in the title game. Undefeated, in April they helped Coach Williams score his 100th career victory!
Also on the Girls Lacrosse team, Nicole Leska scored Section IV All-American honors!
Eight members of the Track team qualified for States. They were Angelina Fahrenkrug, Jasmine Fahrenkrug, Tia Jones, Rani Marhaba, Muzna Mahmood, Jecholiah Stephenson, Johannes Stromhaug and
Emily Xiao.
Also in Track, Tia Jones broke Section IV records in both the 100- and 200-meters. Breaking the school record in the pole vault was Johannes Stromhaug with a 14-foot vault.
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Letter of Intent SigningOn April 11, Nicholas Barney accepted a golf scholarship from Division II Le Moyne College. The dual varsity golf and lacrosse player also scored a New York State scholarship for Academic Excel-lence from Section IV, the fourth Golden Bear in four years to do so! At Le Moyne, Nick plans to study Biology as a Pre-Med student. Nicholas Barney
Students are asked to identify the high school teacher and Cornell Uni-versity professor who have most impacted their academic success and career. Joseph chose to honor his former teacher, Mr. Jeffrey Dunham, who teaches IB English.
“It was the highlight of my career as a teacher,” said Mr. Dunham, after attending a reception, dinner and other ceremonies at Cornell University for the occasion. “It’s just such an honor for a student to remember you in that way.”
Teacher Honored continued
(For more information on the Merrill Presidential Scholars Program, visit www.alumni.cornell.edu/merrill)
In conjunction with the Town of Vestal, the Vestal High School pool and weight room are open to the public. Swimming lessons for children are offered June through August. Contact the Town of Vestal Recreation Dept. for times and fees at 754-3368 or visit www.vestalny.com. Open swimming and adult-lap swimming are offered weekends, October to March. See the district’s Public Use of Facilities web page for Town of Vestal costs at http://www.vestal.stier.org/PublicUseofFacilities.aspx
The weight room at Vestal High School is available to district residents at no charge 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through March. On Saturdays during the same time period, the weight room hours are noon - 2 p.m. For your own safety, sneakers are required when using the weight room.
The track inside Dick Hoover Stadium is open to community residents for walking 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. or dusk, when not being used by students. At Tioga Hills Elementary, the tennis courts are available Spring through Fall from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., when not reserved for Vestal athletes. (Courts are reserved for Vestal athletes 3 - 7 p.m. from March 1 to June 15 and August 15 to November 1.) Tennis lessons through the Town of Vestal are available from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday from June through August. Contact the Town of Vestal for fees.
Senior citizens are welcome at the Town of Vestal’s Senior Center located in the Vestal Central Junior School building, 201 Main Street, Vestal. It is open to everyone and offers lunch daily, plus a variety of activities. For more information, please call Jennifer Fontana at 754-9596.
Public Use of Facilities
Student Registration ProceduresBeginning July 2016, new students registering in the Vestal Central School District will be registered at the district’s administration building, 201 Main Street, Vestal. This change will include kindergarten student registrations. For more information, please contact Pat Ackley at 607-757- 3500.
Board of EducationMichon Stuart, PresidentJerry Etingoff, Vice PresidentRick BrayLinda DainoDavid HansonJohn HroncichMario NunesSylvia PlaceTony Turnbull
Superintendent of SchoolsJeffrey J. [email protected]
Public Information CoordinatorRegina M. [email protected]
201 Main StreetVestal, NY 13850
Postal Patron
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 4
Vestal, New York13850
ECRWSS
Current Resident or
