N I A G A R A G A Z E T T E niagara-gazette.com
May 2, 2010NIAGARA FALLS — Eighteen of Niagara County’s top scholar-athletes
representing nine area high schools will be honored at the 45th Annual Thomas E.
Hewitt Sports Awards Dinner. The event, sponsored by the Board of Associates of
Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and health Center, will begin with a reception at 5
p.m.
Former WIVB-TV Channel 4 sportscaster and current WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Account
Executive Dennis Williams will be the guest speaker. Board of Associate Past
President James Fernandez, president of George Optical Co., is chairman of the
event and Ronald Villani of Villani Lawn and Landscape is Vice-Chair.
The dinner, named for the late city editor of the Niagara Gazette, will include
the presentation of $2,000 scholarships to the top male and female candidates,
as determined by a panel of judges. In addition, each student will receive a
$100 award for their nomination. The panel of judges included Niagara Falls City
Court Judge Mark Violante, Town of Lewiston Justice Hugh Gee and Peggy Allen of
the Lockport Family YMCA. Judging is based on scholastic achievement, athletic
achievement, school and community involvement, and a personal interview with the
judges.
Maritina Tsembelis
Grand Island
Maritina is the daughter of Athena and Ted Tsembelis. Maritina has earned a 3.8
non-weighted average. She is a member of the National Honor Society, earned a
Scholar Athlete award, a PTSA Academic Award, and a Rotary/PTSA Student of the
Month award. She was co-captain of the varsity cross country team, member of the
indoor track team, and member of the track and field team. Maritina is a member
of the DECA Club, Greenhouse Club, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and
president of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association. She plans to attend Brown
University and major in health Sciences. Her goal is to attend medical school
and study issues associated with cancer at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Jenna VanDusen
Lewiston-Porter
Jenna is the daughter of the late Dr. Lance VanDusen, and Cyndi VanDusen Roemer
and Lt. Col. Patrick Roemer. Jenna has earned a 104.951 weighted average. She is
the Class Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society, president of the
National Science Honor Society, earned a Harvard Book Award and earned a NYS
Academic Excellence Scholarship. She was named 1st Team All-League in Varsity
Soccer, is captain of the track and field team and holds the school record in
the pole vault. She also participated in the Empire State Games in gymnastics
and is a qualifier for the Junior Olympic National Championships. She is
president of the Lancer Council, member of the Key Club and Class Historian.
Jenna plans to attend Ithaca College and major in Biochemistry. Her goal is to
attend medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon.
Kathryn Whalen
Lockport
Kathryn is the daughter Anne and Joseph Whalen. Kathryn has earned a 99.79
weighted average. She is a member of the National Honor Society, earned a
Williams College Book Award, earned a Lockport High School Quality Student
Award, and was named to the All-WNY Scholar Athlete Team. She is co-captain of
the swimming team, and member of the basketball team and lacrosse team. She is
treasurer of the Wind Ensemble/Jazz Band, member of the Latin Club, co-president
of the Wilderness Club, vice president of the Recycling Club, and a volunteer
with Relay for Life. Kathryn plans to attend SUNY at Cortland and major in
physical education and health education. Her goal is to become a physical
education teacher.
Taraneh Jacobs
Niagara Catholic
Taraneh is the daughter of Laureen and Frank Jacobs. She has earned a 91.7
non-weighted average. She is a member of National Honor Society, earned Academic
Excellence Awards in Math and Religion, earned a Presidential Scholarship from
Daemen College, and Student of the Month Awards for 3 years. Taraneh is a member
of the soccer team, member of the basketball team, member of the softball team,
and a member of the cheerleading team. She was the recipient of the 2010
Leadership Niagara “Emerging Leader of the Year” award, participated in the
Niagara University NU-STEP Program, is a member of the Key Club and Transplant
Awareness Group, is a volunteer at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and the
recipient of the Niagara PAL “Do the Right Thing” award. Taraneh plans to
attend Daemen College in its physician assistant program. Her goal is to pursue
a career in medicine and become a surgeon.
Kristen Champoux
Niagara Falls
Kristen is the daughter of Mary and Richard Champoux. She has earned a 94.00
non-weighted average. Kristen is a member of the National Honor Society, earned
a Russell Sage College Award and earned a Striving for Excellence Award. She is
captain of the swimming team, a Section VI and NYS swimming finalist, member of
the track team, and won a bronze medal in track at the Empire State Games. She
is a member of the Wolverine Club, the school Athletic Advisory Council, the
Leadership for Youth of Niagara, and a volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
Kristen plans to attend SUNY at Fredonia and pursue a master’s degree in
secondary education, specializing in history. Her goal is to become a teacher
and coach.
Katherine Kroening
Niagara-Wheatfield
Katherine is the daughter of Sandra and Ronald Kroening. She has earned a 100.26
weighted average. Katherine is Valedictorian of the senior class, a member of
the National Honor Society, and has earned High Honor Roll for four years. She
is co-captain of the basketball team and member of the soccer team. She is a
member of the All-County Band, the All-County Orchestra, Pit Band, and a
volunteer with the American Cancer Society and St. John’s Church. Katherine
plans to attend either Clarkson University or Valparaiso University and study
civil engineering. Her goal is to become involved in engineering and design.
Abbigal Doyle
North Tonawanda
Abbigal is the daughter of Ellyn and Arthur Doyle. She has earned a 95.3
weighted average. She is a member of the National Honor Society, earned Honor
Roll Recognition for 4 years, member of the Academy of Finance, earned a Quality
Student Award, and has been recognized by the National Society of High School
Scholars. She was captain of the soccer team and co-captain of the basketball
team, participated in AAU basketball and played indoor and outdoor travel
soccer. Abbigal is treasurer of the Student Council, treasurer of the National
Honor Society, member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and a volunteer
at DeGraff Memorial Hospital and for Habitat for Humanity. She plans to attend
Niagara University and enroll in the BBA/MBA accounting program. Her goal is to
become a Certified Public Accountant and work in a global company.
Sydney Palka
Starpoint
Sydney is the daughter of Jeanne and Robert Palka. She has earned a 97.28
weighted average. Sydney has earned a full athletic scholarship to Canisius
College for volleyball. She is a member of the National Honor Society, earned
honor roll recognition for 4 years, is a Top 10 Scholar in the Senior Class, and
has earned Student of the Month recognition. She was co-captain of the
volleyball team and participated in the Empire State Games in volleyball. She is
president of the Senior Class, member of the Varsity Club and the Lion’s
Outstanding Youth Club and is the girl’s basketball announcer. Sydney plans to
attend Canisius College and major in biology and pre-medicine. Her goal is to
attend medical school and become a physician.
Jordynn Koroschetz
Wilson
Jordynn is the daughter of Maureen and Henry Koroschetz. Jordynn has earned a
99.902 weighted average. She is her Class Salutatorian, member of the National
Honor Society, earned a NYS Academic Excellence Award, is a NYS Scholar Athlete
Award in volleyball, basketball and track and All-WNY, and is the recipient of a
University of Rochester Susan B. Anthony Award. She was also named a scholar
athlete in basketball. She is captain of the volleyball team, captain of the
track team, and member of the basketball team. She is a member of the Business
Club, the Model U.N., Global Awareness Club, Donate Life Club, school newspaper
staff and is a volunteer at Stevenson Elementary. Jordynn plans to attend
college and major in English, concentrating on creative writing. Her goal is to
pursue a career that promotes environmental conservation.
Christopher Stessing
Grand Island
Christopher is the son of Mary and Norman Stessing. Christopher has earned a
3.91 non-weighted average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the
Spanish Honor Society, earned an RIT Computing Medal, an AP Scholar Award, and
was named a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete. He is captain of soccer team, the indoor
track team, sailing team and the track and field team. He is a member of the
Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and is the stage manager. He is also a volunteer with
Relay for Life, the Youngstown Yacht Club Level Regatta, and a youth soccer
coach. Christopher plans to attend college to study aerospace or mechanical
engineering. He is currently considering Stanford, Notre Dame, Northwestern and
Maryland. His goal is to be an aerospace engineer.
Matthew Cattarin
Lewiston-Porter
Matthew is the son of Maura and Matthew Cattarin. Matthew has earned a 99.87
weighted average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, member of the
WNY All-Academic Football Team, and earned High Honor Roll recognition. He was
co-captain of the football team and named 1st Team All-League quarterback in
both 2008 and 2009 when he set five school passing records. He participated in
Ralph Wilson Winter Passing League. Matt is co-captain of the baseball team and
member of the basketball team. He is a volunteer at the Doris Jones Family
Resource Center and Fairchild Manor Nursing Home. He is a member of the Varsity
Club, the WNY Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and participated in the Sunrise
Optimist Passing League. Matt plans to attend SUNY at Geneseo and major in
physical therapy. His goal is to open his own physical therapy practice and
specialize in sports injuries.
Andrew Perilli
Lockport
Andrew is the son Kim and Frank Perilli. Andrew has earned a 96.4 weighted
average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, earned an Academic Letter
and a Physics Award of Excellence, and was named to the High Honor Roll for 4
years. Andrew was captain of cross country team and member of the indoor and
outdoor track teams. He is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, volunteer with
Big Brothers Program, the Relay for Life, with the Lockport High School Food
Drive and with the Catholic Charities Bowl-A-Thon. Andrew plans to attend Brown
University and study Physics and Mathematics while participating in Division I
cross country and track. His goal is to earn a degree to pursue a career in
Engineering.
Daniel Bax
Niagara Catholic
Daniel is the son of Patricia and Dr. Joseph Bax. Daniel has earned a 96.01
non-weighted average. He is Valedictorian of the senior class, member of the
National Honor Society, earned High Honor Roll for 4 years, and is the recipient
of a Bausch & Lomb Science Award. Daniel is captain of the baseball team,
named the baseball team MVP in 2009, and was a member of the basketball and golf
teams. He is president of the Senior Class, Head Attorney with the Mock Trial
Club, member of the Student Council, a HANCI Senior Prom Volunteer, and
volunteer at the St. Francis Center and the Venture Forth Brain Injury Center.
Daniel plans to attend college and major in Biology/Pre-Med. His goal is to
attend medical school and become a physician or surgeon.
Joseph Grozio
Niagara Falls
Joseph is the son of Lynda and Mark Grozio. He has earned a 93.0 non-weighted
average. Joseph is a member of the National Honor Society, has earned Honor Roll
recognition all 4 years, earned NYS Scholar Athlete recognition for 4 years, is
a Salutatory Honors Graduate and recipient of a NYS Regents Scholarship. He is
assistant captain of the hockey team, former captain of North Buffalo Bisons
hockey organization, and a member of the baseball team. Joseph has been honored
with the Hobey Baker High School Character Award and named WNY Varsity Hockey
All-Star Federation Division I Honorable Mention. Joseph has served as treasurer
of the junior class, volunteered with the Niagara Police Athletic League, at
Heart & Soul Soup Kitchen, at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and at
Vacation Bible School. He recently attended the National Youth Leadership Forum
on Medicine in Boston, Mass. He plans to attend SUNY at Buffalo. Joseph’s goal
is to become a mechanical engineer.
Joseph Ditto
Niagara-Wheatfield
Joseph is the son of Ann and Joseph Ditto. He has earned a 95.04 weighted
average. Joseph has earned NYS Regents Honors recognition, a Scholar Athlete
Award, and a President’s Award. He is a member of the lacrosse team and
football team. He is a member of the Native American Club, the 701 Jazz Band,
and volunteers at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, with the Holy Family Parish Food
Drive, and the WNY Riverkeeper Beach Cleanup. Joseph plans to attend Niagara
County Community College to earn an associate’s degree in math and science.
His goal is to pursue education at St. John Fisher College and earn a degree in
secondary education and a coaching certificate. His career goal is to become a
math teacher and coach high school lacrosse.
Michael Tuzzo IV
North Tonawanda
Michael is the son of Kimberly and Michael Tuzzo III. Michael has earned a 96.72
weighted average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, earned a Great
American Rivalry Series Scholarship, was named to the All-WNY Academic Team in
Football and earned the highest GPA on the football team. He is co-captain of
the football team, captain of the baseball team, and member of the powerlifting
team. He was named Class AA North Offensive Player of the Year, 1st Team Class
AA North, a Connolly Cup Nominee, and All-WNY Honorable Mention in Football. He
is a member of the Academy of Engineering and Architecture, participated in the
Science Olympiad, is a member of the Technology Club, president of the
Powerlifting Club, and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Michael plans to
attend either Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or the University of Notre Dame
and study in the field of architecture. His goal is to own his own architectural
firm.
John Billingsley
Starpoint
John is the son of Mary and Gary Billingsley. He has earned a 98.51 weighted
average. John is Salutatorian of the Senior Class, a member of the National
Honor Society, was named to the All-WNY Academic Scholar Athlete Team, earned an
AP Scholar Award, was recognized as a 2009 volleyball Scholar Athlete, and
earned Honor Roll recognition for 4 years. He is co-captain of the tennis team
and co-captain of the volleyball team. John is president of the Student Council,
treasurer of the Senior Class, volunteer with Niagara Hospice and Habitat for
Humanity and a member of the Foreign Language Club. He plans to attend SUNY at
Buffalo and earn a degree in Engineering. His goal is to pursue a career
involved in the development of technology.
Collin Okoniewski
Wilson
Collin is the son of Tanya and Joseph Okoniewski. He has earned a 95.457
weighted average. Collin is president of the National Honor Society and the
Student Council, earned High Honor Roll recognition (4 years), and recipient of
the University of Rochester George Eastman Leadership Award. He was named to the
All-WNY Scholar Athlete Team and is a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete. He is co-captain
of the soccer team, co-captain of the basketball team, and co-captain of the
baseball team. Collin is a member of the Scholastic Bowl team and Model UN. He
is also a member of the Men’s Choir, Show Choir, Chamber Choir and Drama Club.
He is a volunteer at events of the Wilson Fire Company and the WNY Food Bank and
initiated the Kan-Jam Tournament to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation. Collin plans to attend college and earn a degree in political
science/history education. His goal is to become a teacher and coach.