
Grand Island High School News Web Page 2022
Grand Island High School Website
2022 News Page
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey
End of Year Festivities for DECA - June 2023

8th Grade DECA

Seniors
Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District
The Grand Island High School and VCMS chapters of DECA ended their year with a barbeque at Casey's Concessions at the David H. Myers Sports Complex. Seniors said their goodbyes as incoming 8th Grade DECA members learned about our program in the middle school. Advisors Amy Boutet, Cheryl Chamberlain and Leanne Winstanley congratulated everyone in attendance on a wonderful and successful year in DECA!June Viking Values Students of the Month - June 2023

The students honored for June are pictured in front of the rock. Front row, from left: Robert Ambrose, senior, Mathematics Department; Evan McMann, junior, Technology Department; Preston Pickard, freshman, Music Department; Riley Masterman, senior, Business Department; Connor Muehlbauer, freshman, Mathematics Department; Noah LeBrasseur, senior, English Department. Back row: Gabriella VeRost, junior, Social Studies Department; Micaila Valle, junior, Science Department; Anna Cipollitti, sophomore, Physical Education Department and World Language Department; Lily Buckingham, freshman, Art Department; and Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District)
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Andrew Williams of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for the months of May and June.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance. Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion. Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department; demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments. Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability. Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well mannered.
May Viking Values Students of the Month - May 2023

The students honored for May are pictured in the library courtyard. From left, front row: Esten Watt, sophomore, Music Department; Jenna Gorton, junior, Business Department; Alma Brown, junior, English Department; and Alyssa Pizur, sophomore, World Language Department. Back row: Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, Dean of Students Andrew Williams, Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Jasmine Nosbisch, sophomore Mathematics Department; Matthew Burridge, sophomore, Technology Department; David Hoover, freshman, Science Department; Jaxen Montana, sophomore, Physical Education Department. Not pictured: Noella Moyen, sophomore, Social Studies Department; and Megan Pinzel, senior, Art Department.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District)
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Andrew Williams of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for the months of May and June.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance. Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion. Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department; demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments. Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability. Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well mannered. Social relationships: The student displays leadership, a willingness to help peers, and shows respect toward others. Attendance – The student attends school regularly and arrives at school and classes on time.
Island Art Students Honored - May 2023

From left: Erick Wittmann and Salem Al Hajjaji.
Two Grand Island High School students have been chosen to receive the PAL (Police Athletic League) Award for Top Senior Visual Artist at GIHS. The organization hosts a special ceremony to honor one student from each area of the arts, from Niagara County School Districts, Ken-Ton District, Grand Island, and Boces. Those students will be put in the running for a PAL scholarship in each category. Representing GIHS with his paintings is Erick Wittmann in the 2D category, while classmate Salem Al Hajjaji’s pottery and sculpture are entered in the 3D category. The PAL Fine Arts Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 6pm at Lewiston Porter High School.April Viking Values Students of the Month - March 2023

Pictured, from right, left column: Samuel May, grade 12, selected by the Physical Education Department; Paishence Ducre, grade 10, selected by the Art Department; Hanna Pressley, grade 12, selected by the Business Department; Ranier Khan, grade 11, selected by the Social Studies Department; Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Andrew Williams. Right column: Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey; Sophia Todaro, grade 11, selected by the Technology Department; Jocelyn Parker, grade 9, selected by the Social Studies Department; Cora Pankow, grade 10, selected by the World Language Department; Julia Bielec, grade 11, selected by the Math Department; Ieva Stalyga, grade 9, selected by the Music Department. Not pictured: Audrey Satterlee, grade 11, selected by the English Department.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District)
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Andrew Williams of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for April.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance. Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion. Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department; demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments. Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability. Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well mannered. Social relationships: The student displays leadership, a willingness to help peers, and shows respect toward others. Attendance – The student attends school regularly and arrives at school and classes on time.
GIHS 3rd Quarter High Honor Roll - April 2023
9th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Marissa Aceti, Muthanna Ahmed, Thomas Alberalla, Gabriella Amato, Cleopatra Basiliko, Alicia Battaglia, Jillian Bland, Alayna Boyle, Mya Brandon, Elijah Castner, John Coram, Natalie DeCourcey, Rebekah Dolan, Jeetpal Gill, Aiden Golembiewski, Chase Gustafson, Camryn Harding, Audrey Holler, David Hoover, Ella Johnston, Bree Kolesar, Cassidy Kurtzhalts, Noah Magee, Ismail Masoodi, Kieran Meisel, Caylee Meyer, Colin Morgan, Jillian Moskala, Connor Muehlbauer, Jack Pachla, Natalie Payne, Preston Pickard, Cooper Pyc, Brianna Rejewski, Tanureet Saini, Harini Selvakumar, Janelle Spiesz, Ieva Stalyga, Charlotte Tower, Kennady Ulrich, Zachary Vinkle, Brooke Warner, Margaret Weselak, Kyla Wood
10th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Ghaliya Ahmed, Kailyn Ash, Jaelynn Bolock, Savannah Bukowski, Samantha Burridge, Isabella Burt, Grace Carpenter, Tori Cecere, Alper Celik, Anna Cipollitti, Arianna Conta, Jacob Csicseri, Addison Flegal, Madelyn Gallagher, Hayden Garey, Linzy Gray, Hailey Green, Hannah Hiscock, Rocquelle Hy, Lily Johnson, Natalie Kopf, Michael Leone, Julianna Leza, Annabelle Linenfelser, Gianna Masker, Jolie Mondoux, Keira Murray, Evan Pickering, Alyssa Pizur, Ryan Rai, Owen Redfern, Megan Reynolds, Emma Richards, Abigail Szyprowski, Carly Tilkins, Melina Valle, Kaitlyn Wadman, Olivia Wenner, Zoe Anna Weselak, Elizabeth Zherebilov, Cole Zorich
11th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Jack Benns, Natalie Berg, Julia Bielec, Alma Brown, Julianna Burgin, Brooke Caldwell, Samuel Castner, Douglas Crowley, Kathryn Czyrny, Kaitlyn Dudek, Meredith Ehlenfield, Nissa Elahi, Samantha Ennis, Brandon Farquharson, Jenna Gorton, Katelyn Grant, Timothy Grant, Hunter Hall, Jenna Hecht, Brady Hillman, Tyler Hoock, Alexandra Jensen, Grace Jones, Rachel Joseph, Gianna Karnath, Patrick Kruse, Claire LeFevre, Braeden Lenhard, Elijah Linenfelser, Kyto Magee, Jillian Manns, Hailey Martinez, Zainab Masoodi, Olivia Mayer, Evan McMann, Georgiana Nowak, Kendyl Ode, Megan Rebmann, Heavenlee Rehg, Christopher Sadkowski, Alexander Sandford, Emma Santorio, Emma Schoenrock, Ella Steinwandel, Micaila Valle, Gabriella VeRost, Casey Walowitz, Annie Weng, George Wenner, Alexandra Woloszyn, Catherine Zach
12th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Salem Al Hajjaji, Abigail Bentley, Jacob Berard, Emma Besl, Ava Brandon, Samantha Buckingham, Sofia Bukahri, Andrew Burke, Kaitlyn Burns, Julia Capage, Elizabeth Carpenter, Berin Celik, Joseph Cicero, Nathaniel Cohen, Lauren Coombs, Natalyn Cordero, Anna Donlon, Kayla Donovan, Paul Emmi, Reagan Fast, Caitlin Fay, Sara Fletcher, Madison Flory, Jackson Frey, Sara Glose, Amanda Gula, Sebastian Heffley, Zoe Heider, Jason Hill, Jenalynn Hoy, Mackenzie Ingalsbe, Zander Inman, Samuel Jayme, Eden Johnson, Gabriel Johnston, Alannah Kaifas-Concha, Jessica Kam, Harmanjeet Kaur, Jasmeen Kaur, Sydney Knight, Kathleen Krawczyk, Ryan Lysenko, Morgan Malush, Adriana Mann, Samuel May, Caleb Meyer, Mia Moran, Maia Nowak, Megan Pinzel, Gavin Rice, Matthew Rizzo, Maelee Roach, Wynonna Roberts, Kosmo Sarigiannis, Jacob Schiesser, Jack Sharp, Serenity Sikora, Kaden Smith, John Szczublewski, Mikayla Valentine, Grace VanderMey, Jillian Wadell
GIHS 3rd Quarter Honor Roll - April 2023
9th GRADE HONOR
Carl Beckley, Jacob Belous, Aidan Birtz, Ryan Brandys, Jacob Brzyski, Lily Buckingham, Avery Carpenter, Judah Chapman, Olivia Clark, Jackson DeGlopper, Joseph Donlon, Edward Falls, Logan Flynn, Noah Franco, Nicolas Genovese, Simran Gill, Jaymee Gray, Samantha Grover, Carson Hamilton, Carson Hinkle, Paige Horvath, Juliette Itzo, Andrew Kozlowski, Lucia Lanthier, Sarah Logar, Chase Mango, Camila Marques, Ava May, Chase McGuire, Payton McNamara, Sydney Neuhaus, Dominic Nucci, Miranda Page, Jasmine Rokicki, Owen Rosetti, Jack Roth, Allie Rumsey, Kabir Sandhu, Sienna Sarkees, Julian Savard, Talia Simone, Harvinder Singh, Zachary Talamo, Jordin Tanner, Sara Trevett, Riley Uribes, Hayden West, Teagan Willats, Cameron Willer, Madeline Williams
10th GRADE HONOR
Camilla Acquisto, Lydia Amato, Morgan Andrews, Gianni Anello, Aubree Battaglia, Zachary Bridenbaker, Rayyan Bukahri, Lily Burke, Matthew Burridge, Lauren Caizza, Sophie Cane, Amanda Carriero, Giana Caruana, Nicholas Castellino, Dylan Castiglia, Emma Chorey, Brooke Christensen, Gavin Clinton, Abigail Coombs, Samantha Crist, Bryan Decker, Hailey Donovan, Skye Dreher, Noah Evert, Grace Gramza, Alyssa Griggs, Sydney Hamilton, Jacob Hazel, Catherine Hegarty, Leah Hurley, Luke Hutton, Isabella Jayme, Jayden Kleinschmidt, Logan Kochanowski, Kyle Kowalczewski, Christian Krawczyk, Richard Kwarciak, Nicholas Lindsay, Aya Mahmood, Isaac Mallon, Natalie Malush, Peter Marston, Joshua McAuliffe, Hayden Miller, Madison Mondoux, Jaxon Moslow, Jack Nevans, Liberty Novak, Liam O'Kell, Alexandra Oldman, Lauren Olendorf, Rylee Pachla, Lorelei Popp, Kaitlyn Powell, Layla Rein, Adelyn Roach, Savannah Samplinski, Oliver Schmidt, Emma Sentz, Gianna Simone, Juliana Smith, Avery Smith, Anthony Soluri, Morgan Szathmary, Pavneet Toor, Cristina Torres, Mikayla Wagner, Alexandra Watt, Connor Weber, George Woloszyn
11th GRADE HONOR
Madison Ahearn, Sarah Ahmed, Roberto Anaya Fuentes, Lukacz Basiliko, Andrew Bongiovanni, Isabella Boyle, Alexia Bryant, Avery Burroughs, Victoria Caizza, Ella Campas, Emilie Carrig, Jacob Clark, Ryan Coutu, Talan Del Monte, Tessa DeMartin, Mariella DiCarlo, Taylor Duscher, Tyler Dworak, Samuel Fabiano, Benjamin Farrell, Gianna Genovese, Giovanni Granelli, Kanita Hajdini, Connor Hart, Perrin Huff, Jacob Joseph, Yauheni Kaniuk, Averyanna Kehr, Brooke Kenney, Raven Khreis, Mikaela Kitchen, Kailey Korkuc, Anna Kurtzhalts, Dominic Leone, Kaleigh Lockett, Cayden Luciano, Hollyn Lynch, Sarah Lysarz, Tyler MacNeil, Ava Marsala, LilyBeth Mazur, Addison McNulty, Nathan Meyers, Madalyn Montes, Gianna Mourgas, Marissa Mrkall, Cooper O'Leary, Sierra Palumbo, Nicholas Pilon, Gianna Potts, Aleksander Pyc, Tyler Robertson, Torin Roth, Adam Schnell, Tucker Schoen, Pearl Sciolino-Coffey, Sara Shugarts, Andrew Smith, Arly Soellers, Charlotte Steck, Sophia Steinbrenner, Hannah Susman, Logan Tanner, Blake Thauer, Sophia Todaro, Brooke Trower, Kyleigh Ulrich, Maddyson Valo, John Vinkle, Preston Whitfield, Ta'miah Wilkes, Brayden Willats, Luke Winarski, Jaimen Wright, Ella Zaremski, Sophie Zentz
12th GRADE HONOR
Alhanoof Ahmed, Raj Arumugam, Paige Bedell, Makayla Bender, Kyler Butcher, Riley Chen, Emmalee Currie, Riley Decker, Miranda DeCourcey, Noah Farmer, Joseph Fatta, Logan Fox, Aubrey Frank, Mya Genovese, Natalie Gojmerac, Sarah Grover, William Hanlon, Daniel Hawkins, Tanner Hawley, Colin Hurley, Zaina Hussein, Andrew Jenica, La'Nijha Jordan-Figueroa, Julia Juntunen, Cameron Kitchen, Lily Koslowski, Edward Kwarciak, Matthew Lavin, Patrick Lepine, Sydney Lomasney, Jacob Mazeh, Sean Mesmer, Josiah Neumann, Isabelle Pezdek, Matthew Rebmann, Olivia Ryan, Alexis Schad, Emma Schinnagel, Madison Schneider, Hope Sedita, Alexander Shivers, Ryan Smith, David Still, Annabella Tippett, Marcus Tittle, Kayleigh Vanderzell, Aiden Wagner, Reese Weigel, Patrick Whalen, Erick Wittmann, Joshua Wozniak, Niveen Zidan
GIHS 3rd Quarter Merit Roll - April 2023
9th GRADE MERIT
Jassim Al Hajjaji, Andrea Mikayla Apon, Max Broeker, Maxwell Bronson, Kenadi Butcher, John Chiarenza, Arianna Flippen, Madelyn Forbes, Aiden Galligan, Anna Gormady, Donovan Heacock, Haley Hillman, Colin Hurley, Nina Johnson, Alex Joyce, Michael Lewandowski, Adrianna Marinucci, Kate Mezhir, Evelyn Miller, Jonathan Neville, Sienna Potenza, Sophia Pyc, Maya Rizzo, Ahmet Savas, Ryan Scott, Caden Sharkey, Grace Simpson, Armani Smith, Sabrina Steffans, Trenton Tyrrell, Alexis Williams
10th GRADE MERIT
William Benz, Emma Beringer, Andrew Birtz, Max Black, Jacob Bonafede, Anthony Ciraolo, Antonia Cotroneo, Danika Fiebelkorn, Luke Gworek, Jacob Hamilton, Ian Hannon, Johanna Jackson, Jierui Jiao, Grace Kucinski, Vincent Lewis, Nico Macrides, Jaxen Montana, Brady Moran, Cora Pankow, Addyson Peck, Samuel Rastelli, Celine Rizek, Jackson Schmidt, Ryan Sharp, Lilian Shugarts, Sophia Sobrino, Brody Winarski
11th GRADE MERIT
Timothy Bentley, Lorenzo Buscaglia, Caitlyn Butcher, Trysten Cardin-Galeza, Ben Cipollitti, Nicolas Galligan, Kyle Haines, Cameran Hoffman, Ethan Hovey, Madison Keen, Morgan Khadra, Ranier Khan, Noah Lewis, Natalle Martineck, Joseph Martino, Rocco Misuraca, Dylan Novak, Brett Nowocien, Cameron Pachura, Isidora Ristic, Abbey Schneller, Justin Shores, Austin Shores, Avery Snyder, David Squires, Tala Steinbrenner, Julianna Tiedemann, Keira Tuohy, Dean Urbaniak, Luke Watkins, Joseph Wynne
12th GRADE MERIT
Dylan Andrews, Alexandrea Caudill, Edwin Cestero Mercado, Michael Christensen, Joseph Ciraolo, Rebecca Dilliot, Anthony Fratello, Christian Giddings, Kelsie Greene, Chase Harding, Aiden Hermanson, Asher Ireland, Phillip Lepine, Erica Marshall, Olivia Martinez, Riley Masterman, Kaylee Montana, Dylan Murray, Natalie Nichols, Jacob Ode, Cody Okelberry, Jacob Pangborn, Christina Pietromicca, Arden Randle, Mitchell Samplinski, James Soto, Jahzary Thomas, Joshua Zherebilov
Grand Island Senior High School - Distinguished Alumni Assembly - April 2023

The Grand Island Distinguished Alumni committee honored six graduates at this year's assembly, on Friday, April 14th. This large class was due to the pause over the Covid pandemic. They are:
Dr. Christopher Hejmanowski - Class of 1990, Naval Flight Surgeion, Award-Winning Author of "Collider"
Dr. Milan (Mitch) Nikolich - Class of 1977, Former Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Research and Technology, Office of the Secretary of Defense
Lois (Conn) Gibbs - Class of 1969, Environmental Activist - Love Canal 1978, Founder of Center of Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
Bryan Castellani - Class of 1989, Executive Vice President of Finance for Disney Media & Entertainment (DMED) Former Executive Vice President and CFO at ESPN
Kelly Landen - Class of 1982, Conservationist - Co-Founder, VP, Project Manager of Elephants Without Borders, Professional Photographer, Videographer, Author
Jeffrey W. Stone - Class of 1976, Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP;, School Capital Project Financing Lawyer and Community Volunteer.
See assembly here. The Grand Island Distinguished Alumni award is chosen for exemplary candidates who have graduated at least ten years ago and have made significant contributions to their field of expertise. Worthy candidates must also demonstrate a sincere concern for humanity through their charitable actions. We will be reviewing all of the nominations and selecting the best candidate(s) who exemplify the distinguished Grand Island alumni tradition. Recipients or a representative, if given posthumously, will be invited to speak to our high school students at a date and time to be determined.
March Viking Values Students of the Month - March 2023

The students are pictured, from left, front row:
Brett Russell, junior, English Department; Harmanjeet Kaur, senior, World Language Department; Max Zentz, freshman, Technology Department; Zoe Weselak, sophomore, Art Department; Jacob Hamilton, sophomore, Social Studies Department; Riley Decker, senior, Physical Education Department;
and Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey. Back row: Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, Jayden Kleinschmidt, sophomore, Music Department; Patrick Whalen, senior, Business Department; Matthew Rizzo, senior, Math Department; Zachary Vinkle, freshman, Science Department; and Dean of Students Clare Battle.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District)
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Clare Battle of Grand Island High School have announced the 10 Viking Values Students of the Month for March.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance.
Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion.
Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department; demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments.
Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability.
Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well mannered.
Social relationships: The student displays leadership, a willingness to help peers, and shows respect toward others.
Attendance – The student attends school regularly and arrives at school and classes on time.Delaware North Visit - March 2023

From left: Max Zentz, Kabir Sandhu, Ahmet Savas, Harvinder Singh, Danielle Novak, Dean Harris, Giovanni Vanacore, Evan Crockett, and Alex Joyce.
Iconic Locations and Careers Brought to GIHS Students. The Career and Financial Management course at Grand Island High School provides students with useful tools for the real world. Cheryl Chamberlain brings in guest speakers from business, technology, hospitality, military, and many other career areas. This week, management from The Delaware North Company came in and discussed the food, beverage and retail industry for this global company. Delaware North operates concessions at Niagara Falls, Buffalo Airport, the Bills Stadium and hundreds of venues around the world. Students were surprised that simply by working the Casey's Corner School Store and concessions counter gave them experience to try a job for Delaware North! For more information on careers for ages 14 and up email kclark1@delawarenorth.com.February Viking Values Students of the Month - February 2023

The students are pictured, from left, front row:
Megan Reynolds – selected by the World Language Department; Colin Morgan – selected by the Mathematics Department; Juliette Itzo – selected by the Science Department; La’Nijha Jordan-Figueroa – selected by the Business Department. Back row: Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, Braiden Jaroszewski – selected by the Technology Department; Anthony Borzillieri – selected by the Physical Education Department; David Still – selected by the Music Department; Miranda DeCourcey – selected by the Art Department; Yauheni Kaniuk – selected by the English Department; Chase Mango – selected by the Mathematics Department; Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, and Dean of Students Clare Battle. Not pictured: Casey Walowitz – selected by the Social Studies Department.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District.)
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Clare Battle of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for February.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.
The Viking Values Students of the Month are chosen based on character, academic performance, effort, behavior, social relationships, and attendance. Character: The student demonstrates the Viking Values of respect, responsibility, safety, and compassion. Academic performance: The student is passing all classes taken within the department; demonstrates excellent class participation and completion of assignments. Effort: The student demonstrates good effort in class and works up to or exceeds innate ability. Behavior: Both inside and outside of the classroom, the student obeys rules, shows respect to peers and adults, and is well mannered. Social relationships: The student displays leadership, a willingness to help peers, and shows respect toward others. Attendance – The student attends school regularly and arrives at school and classes on time.
National Technical Honor Society Inductees - February 2023
NTHS Welcomes Grand Island Seniors. A total of 163 students from 20 Western New York high schools have been inducted into Erie 1 BOCES’ chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).This year’s cohort includes seven seniors from Grand Island High School. Those seniors include – with their Erie 1 BOCES Career and Technical Education program – Olivia Martinez (Animal Science), Colin Hurley (Auto Technician Training), Kayla Donovan (Culinary Arts), Makayla Bender (Early Childhood Education) Julia Capage (Health Careers), Zachary Przybyl (Sports Science Careers) and Amanda Gula (Connections – Health Related Careers – New Visions).
Students were inducted into the NTHS during a ceremony at Villa Maria College in Buffalo on January 24. In order to qualify for acceptance into NTHS, a student must be nominated by his or her teacher, have a 90 percent or higher average in their career and technical education (CTE) course, and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 85. Furthermore, students must demonstrate skill development and leadership and hone their responsibility and good character. NTHS takes a holistic approach to evaluating students’ success in the classroom.
January Viking Values Students of the Month - February 2023

The students are pictured, from left, front row: Catherine Zach, nominated by the English Department; Wynonna Roberts, nominated by the Technology Department; Charlotte Tower, nominated by the Business Department; Nina Johnson, nominated by the Math Department; Camryn Harding, nominated by the Music Department; and Grace Carpenter, nominated by the World Language Department. Back row: Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey; Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio; Janelle Spiesz, nominated by the Art Department; Alex Domanski, nominated by the Social Studies Department; Danylo Tkachenko, nominated by the Physical Education Department; Kailyn Ash, nominated by the Science Department; and Dean of Students Clare Battle.
(Photo by Larry Austin/Grand Island Central School District.)
GIHS announces January Viking Values Students of the Month
Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Assistant Principal Jon Lattanzio, and Dean of Students Clare Battle of Grand Island High School have announced the Viking Values Students of the Month for January. The Viking Values Students of the Month are nominated by the departments of World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, English, Business, Art, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Science.Student Council Beautification Project Fundraiser - January 2023

The Grand Island Alumni Association made a $1,000 donation on Dec. 22 for the ongoing beautification project at the Grand Island High School main entrance. From left: Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, Student Council co-advisory MaryLis Rustowicz and Brodie Kaiser, and Student Council officers Anna Kurtzhalts (secretary) and Alex Schad (social media director) accepting a check from GIAA's Dick Crawford, Kim Kalman, and Jodi Robinson.
A fundraising drive to pay for a beautification project at Grand Island High School’s main entrance has surpassed its $10,700 goal. Brodie Kaiser, co-advisor of Grand Island High School Student Council with MaryLis Rustowicz, said, "Our goal is to create a new entryway to our high school that represents the enthusiasm and school spirit that our students share at Grand Island High School. This will also be a display of the Viking pride shared throughout our entire Grand Island community, which will last for many years to come."Fundraising began in November. Kaiser believes the project "will not only embrace the pride of Grand Island, but it will also further enhance our positive school culture." In addition to running fundraisers, Student Council accepted donations from Grand Island High School graduates. On Dec. 22, alumni visited the school (on the last day of school before the blizzard and winter recess) to make check presentations. Student Council received $1,000 from the Grand Island Alumni Association, $5,000 from the Class of 2022, and $1,497 from the Class of 2021, putting the fund drive over the top in its $10,000+ goal.
Grand Island Academy of Finance travels to Leadership Conference - January 2023
