Grand Island High School News Web Page 2001
Grand Island High School Website

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2001


Michael Mehltretter

Alexandra Heaney
   Michael Mehltretter has been a student of Grand Island schools since the fourth grade. Michael is active in his school and community by serving on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, the Shared Decision Making Team and Youth Court. He has also been awarded the Pride of the Island and the Adademic Award of Excellence. Michael is a varsity athlete in ice hockey, playing for over eleven years,the last few years as a member of the high school club team. He was the captain of the junior varsity team when he was in 10th grade and a member of the varsity team for both his junior and senior years. Michael is also a very active member of Saint Timothy Lutheran Church. He is a member of the youth group, participated in CROP Walk, volunteered at church youth camp and is also an usher.
   He has taken a number of Honor and AP courses and also attends the Harkness Center for computers. This year Michael is taking Cisco networking, which will help him build the skills needed for his intended major in college. During his junior year at Harkness he took A+ Computer Repair, which presented the opportunity to do an internship at a company. He went to GIECOM.NET, completed his internship, and was offered a job. Michael helped out with the web design of the GICOM.net online newspaper at IsledeGrande.com and is a staff reporter. Due to this job, he has become more active in his community. He has attended a Community Clean-up, and learned more about his community by working with Supervisor Peter McMahon. He has had the opportunity to work with several veteran organizations including the VFW, DAV and the American Legion.
   Michael has made the commitment towards a future with the Marine Corps. He is a member of the Delayed Entry Program after signing a contract with the Marine Corps Reserves. He is applying for the Marine Corps Option-NROTC scholarship. He plans to attend college to pursue a degree in Computer Information Systems, and is applying to a number of schools including the University of Buffalo, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Rochester.
   Alexandra Heaney entered the Grand Island School District in the sixth grade and has been active in all aspects of school life since then. She has achieved excellence academically and musically and has consistently demonstrated her civic-mindedness.
   Alexandra has been an avid figure skater for the past nine years. She is currently a member of the Niagara University Skating Club and is enrolled in Mitchell's Skating Center under the direction of Donald Mitchell. Alexandra competes regularly in the U.S. and Canada as well as at the Lake Placid Invitational for the past four years. She was featured in the opening ceremonies of the North Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships held in 1998 at Niagara University.
   Alexandra has taken voice and music lessons since kindergarten. She plays the piano, piccolo, flute and most recently, violin. During high school she has been a member of the prestigious Wind Ensemble since her sophomore year. Alexandra also plays in Concert Band, the Pit Orchestra for this year's musical and in Orchestra. She also played in the Jazz Ensemble in her junior year. Her musical honors include varsity blue and white letter, first and second pin in music, varsity bar and most improved musician award in her freshmen year. In her junior year, Alexandra was selected for NYSSMA All-County Orchestra where she was first seat flute.
   As a vocalist, Alexandra has entertained and sung at the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights for the past 12 years and at the Niagara Falls Faire for the past six years. In December of this year, she appeared as "Lois Lane" in Glenn Tilyou's Musical Portraits of Niagara held at the Niagara Arts Cultural Center. Alexandra also served as the play's choreographer. She has performed in the high school's musical productions for the past three years and was a member of the Spotlighters Club in her freshman year. Alexandra has also sung in the high school's Concert Choir since her freshman year.
   She is a member of St. Stephen's Church where she volunteers as a babysitter. During Confirmation ceremonies last June, she played "Concertino" on the flute during the annointing. Alexandra currently volunteers as a "practice buddy" mentoring sixth graders in music and has done this for the past two years. Her civic honors include "Pride of the Island" and being selected as a finalist for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador in 1999. During the summers, Alexandra participates in the community band.
   This past summer she worked for the Delaware North Companies at Goat Island and plans to work there again next year. Alexandra also teaches music after school. As a senior, she is pursuing All-county auditions and is participating in the Mock Trials where she will gain first-hand experience in the judicial system.
   During high school, Alexandra has consistently been an honor roll student earning the Certificate of Academic Excellence, Academic pin and Academic Letter from the PTSA. She recently was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law in Washington, D.C. Alexandra has been accepted into the freshman 2002 class at University at Buffalo under the early decison program where she will be majoring in pre-law and minoring in music. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career in law as an attorney.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2001


Lynn Conschafter

Stephanie Goris
   Lynn Conschafter started her schooling here on Grand Island in the Stay-To-Play pre-school program that once was held in Sidway School. She entered Kindergarten at age 5 and progressed through the Grand Island School system. As a fifth grader, Lynn was awarded the H pin upon moving up from Huth Road Elementary School. In the course of her attendance at Huth Road, Connor Middle and the High School, she was awarded the Pride of the Island for each school attended.
   While in high school, Lynn was a diver on the Girls' Varsity Swim Team, and qualified for sectionals with her scores. She was on the Varsity Cheerleading Squad for two years, and also played flute in the band. This year Lynn is involved in the Career Exploration Internship Program under the direction of Ms. Frizoni, and chose to intern at Kaegebein Elementary School with her past Kindergarten teacher. Working with children has been a longtime interest, which led to a part time job with the after school YWCA program in the Cheektowaga School District.
   Lynn is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of the youth group. She has participated in projects and retreats which have been very rewarding. Giving to the community is a goal in which Lynn strives to achieve. She participated in fundraising activities for the September 11 tragedy, visits the elderly in nursing homes, and gives regularly to local charities. Her favorite hobby is dancing, which she has been actively involved in for the past 14 years with Miss Cathy's Dance Academy.
   Interested in helping children, Lynn has been accepted and will attend Medialle College in its elementary education program in September 2002. In addition to interning three days a week after school, Lynn is currently employed part time at Eckerd's Drug Store.

   As a member of the Grand Island School District, Stephanie Goris has been involved in a number of musical, sport and extracurricular activities and enjoys being an active part of her community.
   During high school, Stephanie has been involved with many different oganizations. She has played in the high school's prestigious Wind Ensemble on the saxophone since her freshman year. She has also enjoyed playing in the Jazz Ensemble for three years and will be playing her saxophone in the pit orchestra during this year's musical. Stephanie has received her Varsity letter and first pin in music and this year serves as the vice president of the Wind Ensemble.
   Stephanie earned her Varsity letter in soccer this year. She also has particiapted in the extracurricular lacrosse team for the past two years. Stephanie has been an active member of the Student Council for the past four years by decorating and helping plan the school dances. She has also been involved in SADD, Ski Club, PTSA, the Corporate Bowl, Student Olympics, Spotlighters and the Superintendent's Student Advisory Group. During junior year Stephanie participated in the CEIP/Internship Program at the high school. She did a 52-hour on-site internship with architectural and engineering firms. With this program she earned her Certificate of Employability. Last spring Stephanie was inducted into the National Honor Society, and enjoys participating in the various Honor Society service activities.
   During high school Stephanie has been involved with St. Stephen's by helping with the chicken dinners, teaching religion and Vacation Bible School, and participating in the CROP walk against hunger. She also enjoyed mentoring fourth graders and being a practice buddy to sixth graders last year.
   Academically, Stephanie has consistently been on the honor roll. She received the Certificate of Academic Excellence, Academic Pin and Academic Letter from the PTSA. Stephanie was also nominated for "Who's Who Among American High School Students," and has served as the Class of 2002's vice president for the past three years.
   Stephanie has applied to Penn State, Philadelphia University, Ball State, and Syracuse University. She plans to pursue the five-year bachelor of architecture at one of these institutions. Her long-term goals include doing well in college and having personal fulfillment in her future career.

Grand Island High School Honor Roll
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2001-2002 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Joshua Billica, Erin Dent, Jill Endres, Natalie Fischer, Alicia Harrison, Sara Hilliard, Mary Lacki, Meghan Macguire, Jenna Meyer, Stacey Monaco, Melissa Roach, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Nicole Tates, Kari Tondera, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor
Grade 10: Cynthia Czapla, Michelle D'Addieco, Lindsay Fetzer, Matthew Fields, Karen Hutzler, Jennifer Reisdorf, Laura Remmes, Jaimie Stickl, Mohsin Syed, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz
Grade 11: Caren Bartosz, Madeline Cazenave, Christian Dommell, Michael Ferro, Rebecca Goelz, Jade Gormady, Elizabeth LoTempio, Sigrid Maerz, Patrick McCarthy, Stephen Pfetsch
Grade 12: Jennifer Breier, Adam Fetzer, Sally Head, Matthew Leuppie, Scott McMichael, Joseph Pasqualichio, Anna Quider, Megan Szymkowski, Danielle Wasson, Timothy Yore
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Tamika Adams, Amanda Albertsson, Julie Amato, Corey Angelo, Lindsay Aronica, Kelly Astridge, Joseph Balisteri, Amy Boutet, Alyssa Bowerman, Garrett Carlson, Brian Choi, Ryan Clarke, Alex Coates, Renee' Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Geoffrey Crossley, Dana D'Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Jennifer Farrell, Kathryn Figliotti, Jason Fritschi, Maria Fusco, Thomas Geblein, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Robert Goris, Meaghan Grotz, Ryan Harvey, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Lindsay Henderson, Gretchen Kiehl, Justine Kirsch, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Lisa Kurpiewski, Adrienne LaLiberty, Kevin Laurendi, Gregory Lazelle, Jason Manijak, Alex Marien, Matthew Masse', Tara McDonnell, Stephanie McGowan, Calvin Meaney, Kevin Mehltretter, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi II, Arianna Nelson, Jennifer O'Donnell, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Corey Ress, Nicole Roach, Theodore Royal, Adam Salemi, Jessica Samland, Michael Schimley, Scott Stanko, Shaina Starr, Robert Sugar, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth, Amanda Webb, Stephen Weigold, Erik Zito
Grade 10: Keriann Armusewicz, Kelly Beatty, Kyle Berger, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Andrew Boron, Puneet Brar, William Breier, Dana Brindisi, Paul Bucholtz, Heather Burkman, Scott Buyer, Patricia Carminati, Kelliann Carney, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Robert Christopher, Charles Dewey, David Dillen, Daniel Drabik, Ashton Duda, Amanda Elsaesser, Stephanie Fick, Nicholas Forysinski, Holly Gallagher, Patrick Gannon, Katharine Gaudy, Nicholas Gerace, Nicholas Giddings, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Nicholas Hahn, Hannah Hardy, Gretchen Hildebrandt, Carly Hudson, Anthony Hughes, Kari Johnson, Nicholas Jones, Amanda Kaiser, Scott Kaniecki, Lyndsay Kearney, Brett Kern, Margaret Kiehl, Kelly Knab, Robert Koryl, Jr., Kimberly Kraft, Mindi Kratz, Sarah Lang, Brian Lipp, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Emily Newsome, Kelly O'Brien, Shannon O'Brien, Emily Pici, Danielle Podlucky, Corinne Razem, Brittany Rogers, Theodore Rogers, Nichole Ryan, Steven Saxbury, Rebecka Schaber, Christopher Sica, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Karen Stipp, Lauren Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Alexandra Sutherland, Eric Ther, Johanna Turnwall, Benjamin Valentine, Christina Warner, Christine Webb, Jonathan Weber, Meghan White, Nathan Wolinski, Steven Zippier
Grade 11: Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Stephanie Brown, Kevin Buzzelli, Colleen Clarke, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Ingrid Dahlberg, Ashley Darin, Thomas Digati, Steven Duggan, Lee Ferguson, Ethan Gietz, Jason Gonda, Ann Marie Goss, Jo Anna Goulah, Christopher Heftka, Danielle Henry, Aaron Hesson, Natalie Ianni, John Itzo, Brian Kim, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Theodore Lee, Jennifer Long, Kathryn Manijak, Elizabeth Masse', Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Kali Mordaunt, Bradford Namaste', Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O'Donnell, Rosanne Oliverio, Lisa Otto, Stefanie Penque, Diane Pierce, Thomas Rajczak, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Nicholas Rossi, Matthew Royal, Kera Sauer, Gretchen Schumacher, Corinne Sexton, Balbir Singh, Melissa Sipos, Tierney Smith, Savannah Stolzenburg, Nicole Walker, Melissa Wilbert
Grade 12: Daniel Belue, Amanda Benko, David Blonski, Cory Bota, Kyle Bullock, Jeannette Buscaglia, Traci Certo, Ashly Cinelli, Jolie Dahlstrom, Allison Dinsmore, John Dougherty, Dawn Drozdowski, Christopher Duff, Kelly Duncan, Shannon Ellson, Laura Fik, Rachael Fraser, Christy Gibney, Stephanie Goris, Alexandra Heaney, Jamie Holmes, Terri Ingraham, Darryl Johnson, Michelle Kalisz, Anup Kang, Robyn Kania, Christine Knab, Kimberly Knab, Phillip Lee, James Lichtenthal, Adam Lock, Jessica Lundquist, Cindy Mao, John Martello, Carmella Martinez, Adam Mazenauer, Shannon McCormick, Michael Mehltretter, Lauren Mergel, Angela Miller, Stephanie Miller, Brian Monaco, Kathleen Moriarty, Katherine Neely, Kevin Rader, Neil Reddien, Harrison Rogers, Jr., Anthony Rossi, Nicole Saxbury, Allison Siehnel, Jeffrey Sipos, Yianna Tatman, Amber Tempest, Joshua Turnwall, Melissa Vrba, Joseph Walf, Stephanie Wiesnet, Tristan Wilkinson, Jodi Wroblewski, Emily Zimdahl, Nikki Zito

Grand Island High School Merit Roll
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained Merit Roll status for the first marking period of the 2001-2002 school year:
Grade 9: Ashraf Abdellatif, Tanya Ambellan, Shannon Barr, Deborah Basta, Dennis Brennan, Kelly Carter, Melinda Christie, Caitlyn Clingersmith, Tiffany Coburn-Garlock, Rebecca Cunningham, Michael Digati, Farra Dugan, Daniel Elmer Jr., Amanda Finn, Jarett Forysinski, Kelly Frantz, Eric Hajnos, Nicholas Heftka, Nakita Herlan, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Christian Karnath, Tamaria Kelly, Ashley Kowzan, Jamie Krupczyk, Allison Kulak, Catherine Kulak, Gary Leckey Jr, Andrea Lewis, Robert Lorence, Ashley LoVerde, Amanda Lunney, Christina Maddi, Victoria McCraith, Christopher Mehltretter, Timothy Mulvey, Paula Nuchereno, Patrick O'Laughlin, Nicole Patterson, Ashley Pearce, Ashley Perez, Noelle Pietras, Poonam Randhawa, Lucia Rossi, Pooya Rostami, David Santa Lucia, Salvatore Santa Lucia, III, Tracey Schmidt, Ashley Schmitt, Kelly Shoemaker, Brittani Smith, Justyn Smith, Jacqulene Sondel, Nicole Spada, Joshua Stein, JennaBeth Stockman, Jarilyn Stoorza, Colin Thompson, Alicia Vetter, Jason Wilkinson, Emily Winters, Scott Xie, James Zilliox
Grade 10: Michael Antonelli, Cole Aydelotte, Katie Bates, Ashley Bielec, Michael Blocho, Cortney Bota, Jeffrey Bull, Sara Burke, Kristen Burns, James Byrne, Jennifer Cammarano, Anthony Chambers, David Chambers, Robert Corrao, Thomas Dewey, II, Michael Disarno, Christopher Dlugokinski, Andrew Dlugosz, Christine Donner, Christopher Dziwulski, Paul Eberhard, Alicia Ellson, Brian Fahrner, Anthony Fanara, Michael Feathers, Callan Fernandez, Stephanie Fike, Michelle Fox, Bryan Funk, Alishea Gainer, David Garcia, Christine Gilbert, Mark Goff, Nicole Herman, Thomas Hooven, William Jaros, Emily Kowzan, Mary Kucharczak, Francesca Kustra, Christine Lang, Gabrielle Lanich, Donald LoVullo, Claire Maddi, Christopher Mahiques, Jamie Mallo, Amanda Mallwitz, Michael Martin, Laura Massaro, Nina Mastrangelo, Christina Mayes, Jon McGinn, Jason McInerney, Matthew Mergel, Rikki Nawotka, Lauren Nedwick, Casey O'Brien, Laura O'Donnell, Christina Petit, Shane Pingrey, Joseph Podlucky, Alexis Promowicz, Thomas Rayhill, Omar Raza, Ashley Remmes, Joshua Roberts, Daniel Rossiter, Rachael Rotella, Ashley Ruckinger, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jaclyn Seifert, Jessica Shanor, Christina Stickl, Michael Thoumire, Michael Vallina, Ginny Wilkinson, James Wright, Jr.
Grade 11: Nicholas Adreon, Benjamin Allen, Mark Anderson, Brieanna Bailey, Julie Anne Barber, Kevin Bates, Michelle Becker, Ashleigh Bennett, Taralyn Bielaski, Christina Breier, Jonathan Burchfield, Joseph Burns, Shayna Burzynski, Kristin Cadro, Alison Catalano, Christopher Ciechoski, Erica Cook, Jonathan Crossley, James Dahlquist, Alan Damiani, Karla Darby, Nicholas DiMatteo, Rene' Dodge, Devon Drost, Lindsey Edwards, Stacey Edwards, Alicia Fahrner, Marcella Ford, Jennifer Frey, Matthew Garrison, Katie Gillies, Kara Glose, Daniel Gray, Kevin Hall, Peter Hardman, Jason Hausle, Eleanor Henderson, Robert Hopkins, Naven Kang, Kathleen Kilian, Sara Knab, Benjamin Kozar, Meghan Kurzdorfer, Ashley Lasut, Aaron Lloyd, Katherine Loiselle, Marinos Maroulis, Manuel Martinez, III, Jessica McIntyre, Mindi Mietlicki, D'anna Mock, Christopher Monaco, Gabrielle Montemage, Joshua Moran, Katie Newell, Matthew Payne, Jessie Petit, Mitchael Pingrey, Heidi Pitcher, Jenna Podlucky, Jeremy Roberts, Brian Rock, Sara Rodriguez, Jennifer Rogan, Blaise Roman, Jennifer Rott, Paul Scappechio, David Schimley, Kevin Sharpe, Bikramjit Singh, Sara Slater, Lindsey Smith, Eric Snyder, Justin Sobol, Jason Sprague, Kari Sumner, Larissa Thompson, Michael Valentin, Tanya Violanti, Danielle Voltz, Kimberley Walker, Christopher Wright
Grade 12: Margaret Anderson, Diana Barun, John Black, Bryan Brown, Kaitlin Certo, Laura Cobello, Nadine Coffey, Michelle DelZoppo, Amy Forbes, Sean Ford, Shannon Freer, Shauna Freiermuth, Michael Gallagher, Christopher Goelz, Andrew Golembiewski, Joanna Grampp, Christina Hall, Jennifer Hansen, Justin Hoover, Michael Judson, Krystle Kasprzak, Brian Kopf, Michael Krisch, Jonathan Lacki, Brandie Lewis, Jill Lochren, Bethany Marohn, Christopher Martello, Adam McCollum, Dylan McLean, David Michaels, Amy Millar, Alexis Mioducki, Kathleen Mitchell, Paul Morath, Allison Moulin, Alexandra Naumovich, Ashley O'Brien, Derek O'Brien, Patrick O'Connor, Matthew Pangborn, Anthony Paolucci, Demetrios Papavramidis, Amy Pawlowski, Karin Perkovich, Rachel Perrelli, James Pioli, Robert Podlucky, Katherine Rebmann, Adam Reisdorf, Adam Rivers, Amanda Rodriguez, Valery Runick, Maria Saghir, Christopher Scott, Kimberly Shoemaker, Jason Snug, Lauren Spacone, Julie Sturtz, Renee' Torchia, Marc Violino, Vaninder Walia, Nicholas Walworth, Kory Watts

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2001


Lauren Spacone

Alexis D. Mioducki

Sally Head
   Lauren Spacone is a lifelong resident of Grand Island and has attended the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. She is currently enrolled in the Grand Island High School Career Exploration Internship Program. As a requirement, she will complete 57 hours of on-site, non-paid internship experience. Lauren is interning at Cannon Design in the area of architecture.
   Lauren has been on the Grand Island Varisty swim team for four years and this year, as a senior, is currently co-captain of the team with two other teammates. She also swims with the Piranhas Grand Island Swim Club ten out of twelve months a year and has been enrolled with the organization for four years.
   Lauren has received recognition for the following: Varsity Captain, Fall 2001; Qualified for state time in the 50 Freestyle, Fall 2001; Most Valuable Player (Swimming), Fall 2000; Varsity Letter (Swimming), Fall 1998; Varsity Gold Bar (Swimming), Fall 1999, 2000, 2001; Division Champions (Swimming) 1999, 2000, 2001; Attended Niagara Frontier championships (swimming), 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001; Scholar Athlete and Certificate of Academic Excellence, '98 and '99; Honor and Merit Roll throughout High School; Art work displayed in Grand Island Public library throughout high school.
   Lauren has participated in fundraising activities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Buffalo, NY, October 2001-February 2002 and has volunteered at Western New York's Children's Psychiatric Center, 2000-2001.
   She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
   A child care provider from June 2001 to August 2001, she will be a non-paid intern with Cannon Architecture and Design, Grand Island from February to June 2002.
   Lauren's field of interest for the future is in pursuing a career in the science (architecture) and medical fields. She is exploring the possibilities of attending the University of Buffalo, St. Bonaventure and Buffalo State.
   Alexis D. Mioducki moved with her family to Grand Island in 1982 when she was 8 and in the 3rd grade. She remembers the anxiety that the move brought thinking about a new home, new school, new friends and new community. Now, nine short years later, she's extremely grateful for the opportunity that Grand Island has given her. When Alexis refers to Grand Island, she's referring to both our school system as well as our town.
   Alexis feels very fortunate to have achieved academic, athletic and community awards during her high school years. Many individual teachers have been very influential in helping her develop as an individual, and she is most appreciative for their guidance and encouragement. This Rotary Club Award is the highlight of Alexis' senior year, and she's very grateful.
   Academically, Alexis has made the Honor Roll every semester of high school. She has received the Academic Excellence Award, President's Award for Academic Excellence, and the Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years. In 1993 and 1995, Alexis was the recipient of the Pride of the Island Award.
   Gymnastics and Track occupy her time athletically. She was the captain of this year's Gymnastic team, competed in the Sectionals since 1994, and was awarded the Coach's Award the last three years for her leadership abilities. Alexis will co-captain the 2002 Track team, and hopes to qualify once again for Sectionals in the 100 and 400 hurdles. She holds the Grand Island High School record for the 100 High Hurdles at 16.3 seconds.
   Her choice for college will either be Alleghany College or Ithaca College, where she will major in Sports Psychology and will also run track.
   Sally Head is a high honor roll student who is active in the high school and in the community. Her exceptional grades, service, and athletic participation contributed to her being nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Sally, a three-sport varsity athlete, serves as captain of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She has earned All-League honors in each sport and has been named the Outstanding Female Athlete of her class for the past two years.
   As president of the Wind Ensemble and secretary of the Concert Band, Sally is a talented musician who devotes much of her time to the many ensembles in which she participates, including All-County Orchestra, pit orchestra, jazz band, and pep band. She is a member of the percussion section which received the Outstanding Percussion Section Award at the Grand National Adjudicators' Invitational last April.
   Sally is the president of the senior class, a member of Dr. Field's Student Advisory Group, and the treasurer of the National Honor Society. She was instrumental in organizing the NHS' annual spaghetti dinner as well as its first Coats 4 Kids drive. Throughout her high school years, she has taught Vacation Bible School at St. Stephen's Church and has coached and refereed in the Island's youth basketball league.
   She has earned the Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and letter from the PTSA. Sally has received several awards from the science department, including the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and the awards for excellence in honors biology, honors chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. She has also received the Williams College Book Award and has been named an AP scholar and a National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student. Sally plans to study biomedical sciences in college.

Honor Society's Day of Caring

National Honor Society members taking part (not in order) were Nikki Zito, Lauren Mergel, Jolie Dahlstrom, Kevin Rader, Emily Zimdahl, Cory Bota, Christy Gibney, Jim Lictenthal, Jessica Lunquist, Rachael Fraser, Margo Anderson, Stephanie Goris, Allison Dinsmore, Robyn Kania, Laura Fik, Chris Goelz, Harrison Rogers. Missing from the photo are Allison Siehnel and Michelle Kalisz.
Fred Claus photo

   Student members of the Grand Island High School's National Honor Society joined other schools in their own day of caring. The students used their Friday off from school, November 23, 2001, to volunteer at the St. Vincent De Paul Society soup kitchen.
   The students volunteered their time from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help set up and prepare food before the 11:30 a.m. opening. When the guests arrived, the students then turned their attention to helping to serve the food and clear tables for the many needy and working poor who stopped in for a hot meal.
   Over 100 years old, the St. Vincent De Paul Society is one of the oldest in the area. Its soup kitchen opened in 1984 and is one of a few that is open on weekends. Open every day with the exception of Wednesday and Thursday, the kitchen relies on full time and part time volunteers such as the high school students to run the facility. Members of the society say that it is hard to determine the number of children and adults who come into the facility for a meal, but all are welcome to sit down and eat and no one is turned away.
   As with most soup kitchens, the food at the St. Vincent De Paul is 100% donated from local businesses, families, and charities. The holiday time, according to a society member, sees an increased number of people coming in for a hot meal, and monetary, as well as food donations are needed even more at this time of year. Those interested in donating food, money, or time to the society or its soup kitchen may contact the Society at 882-3360.

Honor Society Offers Spaghetti Dinner
Members of the National Honor Society will hold the Society's annual Spaghetti Dinner at the high school from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2001. For tickets, contact Mark Lamparelli, 773-8820. Proceeds will benefit scholarship funds and the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
October 2001


  Jennifer Breier                 Danielle Wasson               

Adam Mazenauer
   Jennifer Breier is an extremely motivated individual, active in all of her social, academic, and extra-curricular affairs. Not only does she maintain honor roll status at school, she volunteers at church, baby-sits, holds a part-time position at Eckerd, plays cello in the orchestra, is a member of the Madrigals and Vocal Jazz, both of which are singing groups at the high school, and plays varsity volleyball, basketball and softball.
   Jen plans on pursuing a career in art education. She has always had a great interest in the arts, and is currently participating in the AP Art History course offered at the high school. This is her second year taking the course; she was eligible to participate in this class as a junior to help put together a great collection of artwork for her portfolio, which will be shown to colleges in hopes of earning college credit. She plans on taking the regents Art history exam this May.
   Danielle Wasson has been a resident of Grand Island, and has attended Grand Island schools her entire life. Since she was young, Danielle has been greatly involved with the community through various clubs, volunteer work and athletics. In the past, Danielle has donated her time with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Crop to Stop Hunger, the Special Olympics, and various environmental clean-up groups. This past summer she volunteered at the St. Timothy Daycare Center, and is presently volunteering with SABAH. There, Danielle uses her talents as a figure skater to teach blind and handicapped children to ice skate. Danielle Wasson has been a member of the St. Timothy Church Youth Group for four years, and reads the lessons during Sunday church service. Both the cross-country and track teams also take up much of her time, and during her sophomore year, Danielle was given the honor of captain of the girls' cross-country team.
   For the past four years at Grand Island High School, Danielle has achieved either high honor, or honor roll for every marking period. Also, for the past two years she has received the award of Spanish Excellence, Scholar Athlete Award, as well as the Certificate, Pin and Letter of Academic Excellence. Danielle was inducted in the Grand Island Chapter of the National Honor Society this past May, and is also currently a member of the Student Advisory Group. Danielle enjoys photography, snowboarding, figure skating and traveling. This coming summer after her graduation, she will be taking a 10-day trip through Spain with her Spanish class. Since Danielle was 15 years old she has held a part-time job. Currently she is employed at North American Health Plans where she works doing data entry.
   After graduating, Danielle hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. She is looking forward to a challenging and disciplined educational experience, while serving her country. There she plans to major in environmental engineering, with a minor in Spanish.
   Adam Mazenauer has attended the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. He was a member of the Grand Island band where he played the baritone for eight years. He was selected as a peer mediator in middle school and served for three years. Upon entering high school he became a lab assistant. During the summer of his sophomore year Adam organized the high school's new collection of minerals and fossils which they received the year before. During his junior year he and Mr. Hooligan worked on the school's new weather system and soon he was in charge of running it which he continues to do this year.
   Adam belongs to the Grand Island Explorers Post 505 where he holds the rank of Lieutenant. This past summer he was awarded a scholarship from the Explorers program to attend the Law Enforcement Police Academy and represented his post. He has worked in community service events such as the Variety Club Telethon, Mercy Flight Anniversary celebration, Child Fingerprinting Identification Program at the Erie County Fair and assisting at the Buffalo Bills Game. Under the leadership of the Grand Island Rotary, Adam has worked on the Adopt-a-Highway project for three years, and the Reforesting Grand Island project.
   Adam has enjoyed being a member of the Grand Island Ski Club for the past four years. Through attending Adult Education classes, he earned certificates in Life Guarding and First Aid. As a member of the Buffalo Geological Society for the last three years he has worked on many promotional projects. Adam plans on attending a local college next fall to study science and criminal justice. While on campus his plans also include joining the Army ROTC.

Homecoming Game, Dance
The Grand Island High School Varsity Vikings will play Lake Shore at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27 on Masters Field, 1100 Ransom Road. The homecoming dance takes place from 8-11:30 p.m. that evening in the high school gym.

Cheerleaders Suds It Up At Car Wash

Fred Claus photo

Grand Island High School cheerleaders, out in the sun Sunday washing cars, raised some money for an August 18-19 cheerleading camp and managed to have some fun along the way.

High School Cheerleaders' Car Wash
The Grand Island High School Cheerleaders will hold their annual car wash fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 5 at Tops Supermarket Parking Lot. Price of a wash is $5. Presale tickets are $4 (Aimee, 773-1619).

High School Student/Parent Orientations
Grand Island High School Student Orientation will take place in the auditorium, 1100 Ransom Road at 10:50 a.m., Monday, August 27. A Parents Only Orientation the same day is scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m. Parents are welcome at either session. Call the high school, 773-8870 for further information.

Soccer Boosters Car Wash/Hot Dog Sale
   A Car Wash and Hot Dog Sale will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Ciffa's Automotive, GI Blvd. and Whitehaven Rd., for the benefit of the Grand Island High School Soccer Booster Club.

More Than $28,000 in Scholarships
Awarded To Class of 2001 Graduates
By Lee Cohen
   In an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia, 204 members of the Class of 2001 walked across the stage at the Niagara Falls Convention Center Sunday, June 24, and received their high school diplomas. They were joined by 17 others, who had graduated either in August or in January.
   The program began with "Pomp and Circumstance" by Elgar and concluded with "Flourish for Wind Band" by Vaugn Williams, with music provided by the GIHS Wind Ensemble, led by Martin Allen. Also entertaining were the GIHS Concert Choir, conducted by Carolyn Lokken and accompanied by Leanne Kern (Class of 2001) and Leanne Pizur, who provided additional musical selections. The class theme was "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan.
   Student speakers were Satyugjit Virk, Peter Sabatowski and Kristin Ungaro, who ranked first, second and third academically. Class President Jill Cassert gave the Welcome, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Class Vice-President Lindsay Chambers. Principal James Dempsey gave military recognition and employability portfolio recognition. Military recognitions were given to Peter Sabatowski, recipient of an Air Force ROTC Scholarship; Robert Berry, U.S. Navy; Michelle Elmer, Air National Guard; William Garrison, U.S. Air Force; Mark Maloney, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves; and Nicholas Piccolo-Houck, U.S. Air Force. Ushers were provided by members of the Class of 2002. Class officers, in addition to Cassert and Chambers, are Leanne Pizur, Treasurer; Rachelle Colosi, Treasurer; Rebecca Chamberlain and Patrice Paolucci, Historians; and Katie Remus and Anthony Massaro, Student Council Representatives.
   School Board President Richard McCowan conferred the diplomas as Dempsey read the roll call of graduates. Scholarships were awarded by Assistant Principal Bill Miller and Superintendent Paul Fields, who also gave the farewell address. Advisors for the Class of 2001 were Donald Pray and John Arnone; Guidance Counselor Carolyn Fabiano was the Scholarship Chairman.
   Thanks to the support of the Grand Island community, 36 businesses, organizations, families and/or individuals now award scholarships. The scholarships and awardees are:
Chopra-Lee, Inc. Scholarship. . .Jennifer Davide
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. Scholarships. . .Rachelle Colosi, Stephanie Gill, Janelle Sturtz
Life Technologies, Inc. Scholarships. . .Vanessa Ovitt, Biological Research Award; Erin McCanna, Business Administration Award
Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Scholarships. . .Erin McCanna, Rachel Wilkinson
Business & Professional Women’s Club of Grand Island Scholarship. . .Megan Makowski
Riverwood Health Care Center Scholarship. . .Rachel Wilkinson
Rupp Family Scholarship. . .Gary Ashbach
Sterling Fluid Systems (USA) Scholarship for Engineering. . .Gary Ashbach
Howard C. Danzer American History & Government Scholarship. . .Nicole Kalisz
Grace & Frances Stewart Humanities Scholarship. . .Lori Vaylen
Grand Island Rotary Club Scholarships. . .Rebecca Chamberlain, Jeannie Morrison
Grand Island DAV Chapter 168 Scholarships. . .Anna Czapla, Nicole Kalisz
VFW: Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249 Scholarships. . .Jennifer Shoemaker, John Ochtyun
Grand Island Moose Lodge: Laverne Luther Memorial Scholarships. . .Nicole Kalisz, Stephanie McGinn
Greco-Trapp Achievement Award. . .Melissa Rayhill
Grand Island Lions Club Scholarships. . .Nicole Kalisz, Jeannie Morrison
Grand Island Soccer Club Scholarships. . .Kathryn Kendall, Katie Remus, Jessica Ritzenthaler, Matthew Waddington, Rachel Wilkinson
Grand Island Art Society Fine Arts Scholarship. . .John Ochtyun
John A. Gentz Memorial Scholarships. . .Leanne Kern, Melissa Rayhill
Grand Island Order of DeMolay: Stephen H. Jamieson Memorial Scholarship. . .Christopher Smith
Carl F. Laman Memorial Scholarship. . .Kristina Tetkowski
Leila C. Biancucci Memorial Scholarship. . .Sarah Rott
Michael T. Morrisey Memorial Scholarships. . .Stefanie DiPasquale, Jamie Mangus
Dean W. Rech Memorial Scholarship. . .Peter Sabatowski
Grand Island High School PTSA Scholarships. . .Gary Ashbach, Nicole Kalisz, Nathan Maerz, Nicole Tourot
June Glassman PTA Council Memorial Scholarship. . .Melissa Fabio
Connor Middle School PTA Scholarships. . .Jennifer Bullock, Stefanie DePasquale
Huth Road PTA Scholarships. . .Kimberly Beland, Rachel Pierce
Kaegebein PTA Scholarships. . .Leanne Kern, Kristina Tetkowski
Grand Island High School Yearbook Scholarships. . .Erin Frieday, Kelly Hayes, Erin McCanna, Zachary Roberts
Grand Island Art Club Scholarship. . .John Ochtyun
Grand Island High School Music Scholarships. . .Shannon Peters, Nicole Tourot, Kristin Ungaro
National Honor Society Scholarships. . .Rachel Parrino, Melissa Rayhill
Grand Island High School Student Council Scholarships. . .Alison Hudson, Jeannie Morrison, Rachel Wilkinson
Class of 1998 Scholarship. . .Lori Vaylen
Additional Scholarships and Awards

Grand Island Medal of Academic Excellence. . .Satyugjit Virk
Grand Island High School Medal of Excellence. . .Jacob Lange
Grand Island High School International Club Award. . .Jenny Leckey, Amy Padowski, Rachel Parrino
Grand Island Teachers Association Scholarships. . .Nicole Tourot, Jordan Funk
James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award. . .Jeesun Kim
Patricia S. Graczyk Memorial Scholarship. . .Rachel Pierce
Dr. H. J. Cougan C.E.P. Award. . .Shannon Pawlowski
American Legion School Award. . .Benjamin Rossiter
Visiting Foreign Student Recognition. . .Colette Stelzer
Advanced Placement Physics Award. . .Michael Pfetsch
Arts Awards. . .Erika Buriano, Jamie DiSarno, Adam Horrigan, John Ochtyun
Business Education Awards. . .Shawn Goss, Kelly Hayes, Erion McCanna
Excellence in English Award. . .Satyugjit Virk
Mathematics Awards. . .Patrice Paolucci, Michael Pfetsch, Peter Sabatowski
Social Studies Award. . .Jennifer Bullock
NYS Attorney General’s "Triple C" Awards. . .Karen Cross, Amy Golden, Erin McCanna, Jeannie Morrison, Asif Syed, James Walsh
NY Lottery "Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. . .Katie Remus
Family & Consumer Science Awards. . .Melissa Fabio, Mary Moore, Heather Oishei
National School Choral Award. . .Rachel Parrino
Outstanding Athlete of the Year Awards: Bea Bruno, Mark Hajnos

School Retirees Honored at District Reception

Barbi Lare photos

Retirees shown left are Lillian Wosilait, Tom Hoolihan, Sharon Kane, Betty Furgele, Toby Jewett, Nancy Hayes, Gail Click, Geri Witkowski, Ken Orlowski, Mary Ellen Kipley, Jackie Kazmierczak and Wayne Tahara. Missing from the photo are Nancy Hausler, Jean Wang, Norm Wessel and Maryann Patrosino. Click for a larger view.

 By Lee Cohen
    Inscribed walnut mantel clocks were presented to retiring school staff at an outdoor reception prior to Monday night’s school board meeting. Administrators recognized each retiree, and the clocks were presented by Dr. Richard McCowan, school board president, and Superintendent Paul Fields. Family and friends were on hand to share in the celebration, with refreshments provided by Dennis Donovan, food service director. Retirees include teachers Wayne Tahara (36 years of service), Tom Hoolihan, Jean Wang, Norm Wessel, Ken Orlowski (all with 33 years of service), Toby Jewett (32 years), Maryann Petrosino (29 years), Lillian Wosilait (26 years), Jackie Kazmierczak (23 years), Nancy Hayes (12 years). Secretaries honored include Sharon Kane (38 years of service), Betty Furgele (25 years), Nancy Hausler (23 years), Geri Witkowski (23 years), Mary Ellen Kippley (20 years), and Gail Click (14 years).

Top Ten Grand Island High School Graduates - 2001


  Satyvgjit Virk            Peter Sabatowski               

  Kristin Ungaro            Michael W. Pfetsch               

  Patrice Paolucci            

  Anna Czapla            Nicole M. Tourot               

  Nathan Maerz            Lindsay Chambers     
Satyvgjit Virk: Valedictorian, Excellence in Spanish Certificate, Harvard Book Prize, English Dept. Award, Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, National Honor Society, Erie/Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition, Academic Letter, varsity tennis, golf, musical, jazz band, Corporate Bowl, International Club, Student Olympics, NYSSMA Solo Festival
U. of California at Berkeley, undeclared
Peter Sabatowski: Salutatorian, RPI Medal, Air Force ROTC Scholarship, Pride of the Island, UFCW Local 1 Cultural Scholarship, Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, National Honor Society, Academic Letter, Hewitt Award nominee, Erie/Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition, varsity football (captain, 12), varsity baseball, JV basketball, varsity bowling, Website Club, Corporate Bowl, Student Olympics, community service
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, electrical engineering/A.F. ROTC
Kristin Ungaro: Clarkson Leadership Award, Rotary/PTSA Student of the Month, Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, Erie/Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition, National Honor Society (Vice President), Academic Letter, certificate, pin, & bar; track, Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, string quartet, musical, Chromatic Club, Madrigals, vocal jazz, woodwind quintet
Robert Wesleyan College, music ed.
Michael W. Pfetsch: Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, UB Honors Scholarship, Academic Letter, bar, pin & certificate; Harry Simpson Memorial Scholarship, Who's Who Among American High School Students, Medaille College Book Award, AP Scholar Award, National Honor Society, varsity tennis, jazz ensemble, vocal jazz, musicals, Youth Leadership & Creativity Camp, Corporate Bowl, Masterminds, Mathletes, Canisius College summer honors course
UB, electrical engineering
Patrice Paolucci: Pride of the Island, National Honor Society, Rotary/PTSA Student of the Month, Academic Letter, certificate, pin & bar; voted “Most Academically Inclined Female;” JV tennis MVP Award, Outstanding Singles Player Award, varsity tennis letter & bar; DECA Treasurer, Senior Class Historian, CEIP Internship Program
Canisius College, biology/veterinary medicine
Anna Czapla: Xerox Award in Humanities & Social Studies; Who's Who Among American H.S. Students; Academic Letter, certificate, pin, & bar; Pride of the Island; Presidential Award for Educational Excellence; Excellence in Spanish Award; National Honor Society, tennis (Rookie of the Year Award), golf, Youth Court, G.I. Youth Board, Masterminds Captain, Corporate Bowl winner, Kids Vote volunteer, Youth Leadership Conference, Ski Club, Mock Trial team, Website Club, Shared Decision Making
U. of Rochester, political science
Nicole M. Tourot: National Merit Commended Student, National Honor Society, Pride of the Island, Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, Academic Letter, pin & bar; Best Pit Orchestra Musician, 2000; Best Musician, 2000; Excellence in French Award; Music Varsity Letter, pins & bar; Masterminds, jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, Corporate Bowl, Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Community Band, Art Club, International Club, Spotlighters, pit orchestra, All-County Orchestra, Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, All-State Band
SUNY Fredonia, music ed.
Nathan Maerz: Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, Academic Letter, certificate, pin & bar; UB Scholastic Merit Scholarship, varsity volleyball, tennis, Concert Choir President, Madrigals President, vocal jazz, Spotlighters, All-County Choir, musicals, plays, Superintendent's Advisory Council
UB, engineering
Lindsay Chambers: Academic Letter, certificate, pin & bar; Presidential Award for Educational Excellence; National Honor Society Treasurer; Scholar/Athlete Award; All-County Choir & Orchestra; All-State Orchestra; Rotary/PTSA Student of the Month; Buffalo Credit Union Scholarship, tennis, lacrosse, track & field, JV tennis MVP Award, Sportsmanship Award, Senior Class Vice-President, musicals: (Spirit Award) sr. year lead, Pep Band, Community Band, Ski Club, vocal jazz group, Madrigals, woodwind quintet, brass choir
Ithaca College, speech pathology
   One student in the "Top Ten Grand Island High School Graduates 2001" has declined to be recognized on the internet.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
June 2001


  Mackenzie Hassan            Jennifer Bullock               
   Jennifer Bullock has had a very well-rounded career while a student at Grand Island High School. While remaining either on the High Honor or Honor Roll all four years, she has also actively participated in many extracurricular and volunteer activities.
   A member of the Varsity Tennis Team since ninth grade, Jennifer was Team Captain her senior year and was honored with the prestigious Viking Award. She was recognized as a Scholar Athlete all four years. She played softball throughout high school, varsity in her junior and senior years. Other activities include the National Honor Society in her junior and senior years, Concert and Pep Band, Grand Island Student Ski Club, Corporate Bowl, Student Council, and Student Olympics. She has also been active in Younglife.
   Jennifer has found her volunteer experiences in the community invaluable. Last summer she spent a week in rural Tennessee repairing the homes of the poor, and she will again volunteer a week this summer as part of Trinity United Methodist's Youth Group, helping those less fortunate in rural Vermont. Trinity has been an important aspect of her high school years. She spent many hours on the parsonage repair project, the financial Pledge Committee, Youth Advisory Council, Journey's End refugee resettlement project and Caribiners. Jennifer has volunteered as a teacher's aide at Grand Island Schools' summer enrichment program and at the Language Development Program. She has been a volunteer in the Intensive Care Nursery at Children's Hospital.
   Jennifer has found time to work part time and is presently employed by the Grand Island Recreation program as a playground leader, which she also enjoyed last summer. She is working at Tops and has been employed by Old Navy and at her family's business.
   She has been recognized for all her efforts by receiving her Academic Letter and Pin and the Pride of Grand Island Award in elementary, middle and high school. Jennifer has been recognized in Who's Who in American High School Studentsand most recently was given the 2001 Presidential Award for Educational Excellence.
   All her life Jennifer has wanted to be a teacher and is looking forward to achieving that goal by attending St. Bonaventure University in the fall, where she will be working toward a dual major in Elementary and Special Education.
   Mackenzie Hassan is a lifelong resident of Grand Island. She attended Huth Road Elementary, Veronica Connor Middle and Grand Island High School. Being a graduate of Grand Island High is a family tradition. Both of her parents and her sister, as well as five aunts and uncles, are Grand Island High School graduates. She has found that the teachers at Grand Island High have been wonderful and instrumental in preparing her for her upcoming college studies. She has enjoyed her years in the Island's public school system to the fullest.
   Mackenzie served as Treasurer of her class for three consecutive years. She has been awarded The Certificate of Academic Excellence, the Academic Pin, the Academic Letter and finally the Academic Bar, after achieving the Honor Roll for four years. She played tennis for two years and received her varsity letter as well as the Scholar Athlete Award. She also received a varsity letter for being the Manager of the Boys' Track Team. Mackenzie has received numerous French Awards for excellence. In May of 2000, Mackenzie had the honor of being awarded the prestigious RIT/USA Today Quality Cup Medal.
   Mackenzie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Recycling Club. She has been a member of the Grand Island Ski Club for five years and a Student Council Representative for four years. She is the voice heard on the morning announcements at Grand Island High School and also announces at numerous high school sporting events.
   Mackenzie is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and has been active in The Youth Group and Young Life for many years. She has donated many hours performing volunteer work such as picking up appliance donations for the needy.
   Mackenzie interned at the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School last year and volunteered as a teacher’s assistant to Mrs. Boron at Sidway Elementary School last fall. She has also volunteered her time and energy to participate in the annual DuPont Earth Day Clean-Up since she was a little girl.
   She has been working at Jefferson Elementary School for the YWCA After-School Program since last September and is planning on continuing her work with the Y's After-School Program through college.
   Mackenzie’s future plans include attending Niagara University in the fall to study Secondary French Education with the goal of becoming a French teacher at Grand Island High School.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2001

Mary Moore                Lori Vaylen               
   Mary Moore moved to Grand Island in the beginning of the eighth grade. It wasn't the easiest adjustment at first, but now she thinks it is the best move her parents could have made for her. Mary feels that while attending the Grand Island Schools, she has had some wonderful teachers and has made some friends that she will keep for many years to come. She also loves the community of Grand Island. She loves how she can play basketball, tennis, or even use the bike paths with her friends at the many convenient locations on Grand Island.
   Mary has volunteered at St. Stephen's Church every Sunday morning for five years; she teaches the five-year-old children religious education. Mary's activities include dance classes for 12 years, Student Council for two years, Interact Club for one year, and membership in the Grand Island Concert Choir. She also participated in the Internship Class, where she interned at the Buffalo Bisons for Public Relations office. Mary is the President of the Entrepreneurship Club, which runs the school bookstore. Her future plans include majoring in Communications at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY.
   Lori Vaylen, who has been an honor student for the past four years of high school, has decided to attend Buffalo State College to pursue a career in mathematics. She plans to teach at the secondary level and has recently completed a 57-hour internship at the Grand Island Middle School, assisting in eighth grade math.
   Lori was also inducted into the National Honor Society in May of last year. In order to qualify for this award, Lori demonstrated key qualities of character, leadership, scholarship and service. Last summer Lori worked a total of 48 hours at St. Mary's Hospital, helping out with the elderly. These traits have also been reflected in her receiving The Pride of the Island Award.
   Over the past four years, Lori has participated in many after-school activities. She has played JV volleyball and basketball. This is her fourth year as a member of the Varsity Track team, where she has obtained her Varsity Letter and Varsity Bar. Lori was awarded the captain's position for this year's Track Team. She has also been on the Yearbook Committee, with the position of Sports Editor. Lori has been involved with DECA and has been a member of Student Council.
   Last summer Lori assisted her sister in teaching religious education for their church.
   In May of this year, Lori was chosen as the recipient of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Scholarship.

Gold for Grand Island Music Groups
By Lee Cohen
   The New York State School Music Association competitions, held earlier this month, saw several Grand Island groups walk away with gold medals for excellence.
   The concert choir, directed by Carolyn Lokken, received a gold medal in its first competition year at Level 5. The string orchestra, under Debra Remson's direction, also received a gold medal in Level 5. Both the high school wind ensemble (at Level VI) and the concert band (Level V), under the direction of Martin Allen, earned Gold with Distinction awards.
   Sarah Russo's 6th grade band received a gold medal in Level II, and the Huth 5th grade band, directed by Al Ripley, earned a Gold with Distinction in Level I. Remson's Connor Middle School string orchestra received a silver medal in Level III. More than 500 students prepared for and participated in the competition.

National Honor Society Inducts 51

By Lee Cohen
   In a candlelight ceremony earlier this month, 51 students - a larger number than usual - were formally inducted into the National Honor Society. The group included nine seniors; and Mark Lamparelli, the society’s new Faculty Advisor, complimented them on persevering in their application for admission. The number of males inducted - more than 20 - also was greater than in previous years.
   Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Karen Karmazin, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Other speakers included the Superintendent, Dr. Paul Fields; Mark Lamparelli; and Melissa Rayhill, Society President. Other officers are Kristin Ungaro, Vice President; Janelle Sturtz, Secretary; and Lindsay Chambers, Treasurer.
   Music was provided by the Grand Island String Quartet, featuring Kristin Ungaro, violin; Lillian Choi, violin; Jenney Leckey, viola; and Jill Lochren, cello. The pledge was led by Rebecca Chamberlain, and the tapping ceremony was conducted by Jacob Lange, Anna Czapla, Nicole Tourot and Ben Rossiter. Conducting the candlelighting ceremony were Lindsay Chambers, scholarship; Leanne Kern, leadership; Michael Pfetsch, character; and Jennifer Raham, service. Principal James Dempsey accepted the new members into the Society, and a reception followed.
   Senior inductees were Jordan Funk, Brian Griffin, Rachel Lazelle, Nathan Maerz, Sara Otto, Amy Padowski, Brett Rimes, Mark Rotella and Hunia Saghir.
Inducted as juniors were Margaret Anderson, Amanda Benko, David Blonski, Cory Bota, Jennifer Breier, Anthony Brindisi, Jeannette Buscaglia, Jolie Dahlstrom, Allison Dinsmore, Kelly Duncan, Adam Fetzer, Laura Fik, Rachel Fraser, Christy Gibney, Christopher Goelz, Stephanie Goris, Sally Head, Jamie Holmes, Daryl Johnson, Michelle Kalisz, Robyn Kania, Philip Lee, James Lichtenthal, Jessica Lundquist, Ciny Mao, Dylan McLean, Scott McMichael, Lauren Mergel, Alexandra Naumovich, Joseph Pasqualichio, Anna Quider, Kevin Rader, Neil Reddien, Harrison Rogers, Anthony Rossi, Allison Siehnel, Jeffrey Sipos, Danielle Wasson, Tristan Wilkinson, Timothy Yore, Emily Zimdahl, and Nikki Zito.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2001

Maureen McCarthy          Brett Rimes               Nicole Tourot
   Maureen McCarthy's years in Grand Island High School have always focused on challenging herself with a demanding curriculum, including accelerated and Advanced Placement courses. Her commitment to her education has been displayed by her attaining Honor Roll status, The Pride of the Island Award and the designation of AP Scholar. She has also participated in the girls' Varsity Tennis team, receiving the Varsity Letter and Bar and distinction of Scholar Athlete.
   She is equally dedicated to the welfare of the community. This has been exhibited through her active involvement as a volunteer for a variety of places. On Grand Island, she has worked at her alma mater, Huth Road Elementary School, teaching French. In addition, she volunteered as a teacher's assistant in the Art Department at Huth Road, combining her personal interests of art and children. Her interest in art was also expressed through her internship at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center in Buffalo, where she helped with the installation of the Frank Lloyd Wright Window Exhibition. Furthermore, through the high school's Career Exploration Internship Program, she volunteered in the Geriatric Department at Buffalo General Hospital, where she was an Assistant to the Activities Director.
After graduating from Grand Island High School this June, Maureen plans on attending Maclaester College in Minnesota. Her fields of interest are broad, but ultimately she would like to pursue classes that study people and how they express themselves, including psychology, art, history, and literature. She may eventually work with and help people in a career such as teaching, psychology, or art therapy.
   Brett Rimes believes that being involved in the community is a way of giving back after having been given so much. When people see students who actively participate in the community, they are left with a positive impression. For the last two years, Brett was a member of the percussion section of the Grand Island Wind Ensemble and of the Concert Band before that. As a member, he participated in community activities including Pep Band at football games, the Memorial Day ceremony at DeGlopper Park, and the dedication of the Foreign Wars Wall at Veterans Park. Additionally, he participated in last year's trip to Atlanta, where the Wind Ensemble received numerous awards.
Other community activities include helping disabled kids at the annual Lions Club Special Kid's Picnic and being a member of the Youth Group at Riverside Presbyterian Church. Recently, he was involved in the Corporate Bowl and became a member of the National Honor Society.
Brett also thinks that working hard and following the road less taken is what has brought him success throughout his life. One of his greatest challenges was being a Buffalo News carrier, where he had to deliver heavy Sunday newspapers in the early mornings through five years of Buffalo winters. He also worked as a Software Salesman for CompUSA for a year. Currently, he works for Tops Markets as a Produce Clerk.
Academically, he has been involved in advanced courses since middle school. He has taken computer courses, including Computer Applications, C++ Programming and Advanced Computer Programming. Presently, he is enrolled in the challenging AP Calculus and AP Physics courses. He credits his interest in physics over the last two years to his outstanding science teachers who made learning normally dry material quite enjoyable. Naturally, he hopes to pursue a career in the field. More specifically, he desires to go to and graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology and find a job with NASA or a similar research firm.
   A native Grand Island resident, Nicole Tourot is a well-rounded student who is talented both in academics and music. She has been on the Honor Roll every marking period throughout middle and high school, except the third marking period of this year, when she made the High Honor Roll. Nicole is a member of the National Honor Society and has received her academic certificate, pin, and letter; and she is a National Merit Commended Student. She has also received the Foreign Language Award for French and was selected as a recipient of the Pride of the Island Award this year.
   Nicole has participated in many after-school activities throughout high school. She has been a member of Spotlighters, taking part in the production of two plays. She has also taken part in Art Club, International Club, Masterminds, and Corporate Bowl.
   Nicole has been very active in the high school's Music Department. She has played the clarinet in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Community Band and played both clarinet and saxophone in the Pit Orchestra. She has also played electric bass and saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble, and she participates in the Practice Buddies program. She has won many awards in music, including the Varsity Letter, 1st and 2nd Pins, White Letter, and Varsity Bar. Last year Nicole received the Outstanding Musician Award and Best Pit Orchestra Musician Award. In addition to her musical work in school, she has been selected a member of All-County, Area All-State, and Conference All-State Performing Ensembles. She has been a member of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra for two years. This year she received the Erie County Music Educators Association Scholarship. In addition to playing the clarinet, Nicole plays the bass, guitar, and piano and likes to sing.
   Nicole plans to attend the State University of New York College at Fredonia next year, where she will be majoring in music education.

Western New York Science Congress Winner
Ana Quider won a gold medallion and $100 for her "Comparative Analysis of Domestic Organic Fertilizers in the Senior Projects Division of the Western New York Science Congress competition which drew more than 350 students from WNY schools. The awards presentation took place April 28, 2001, at Buffalo State College. Click for photo.

PTSA Geranium Sale
The Grand Island High School PTSA's 18th Annual Geranium Sale pick-up day is Friday, May 18, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. behind Sidway School. For pre-sale information call Deb Bota, 775-1727, or Nancy Pioli, 773-9484. Proceeds from the sale will be used for scholarships for high school seniors.

Grand Island Wind Ensemble Takes High Honors in Chattanooga

Standing proudly with the banner and trophy from the Dixie Classic Grand National are (from left) school Trustees Dave Goris and Sue Gill, Band Boosters Co-presidents Elaine and John Gibney, and Band Director Marty Allen.
   The Grand Island Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Martin Allen, received Superior ratings at the Dixie Classic Grand National Invitational held in Chattanooga, Tenn., in April. They competed successfully against 16 other groups, all from southern states.
   A special honor was given to the percussion section, which was named the Most Outstanding Percussion Section at the festival. Students earning this award include Sally Head, Doug Ingraham, Andy Boron, Nathan Jayme and Scott McMichael.
   Chaperones for the trip were John and Elaine Gibney (C o-presidents of the instrumental Boosters), Sherry Peters, Sharie Kiern and David Goris. Grand Island music staff members Clarke Elliot, Sarah Russo and Al Ripley also accompanied the group, at their own expense.
   In addition to the percussionists, the following students participated in the Dixie Classic: Alexandra Heaney, Kristin Ungaro, Nicole Kalisz, Nikki Zito, Sigrid Maerz, Jolie Dahlstrom, Rachel Pierce, Cara O'Donnell, Nicole Tourot, Sara Rott, Rachel Lazelle, Allison Siehnel, Christina Knight, Mike Amato, Stephanie Brown, Ashley Darin, Leanne Kern, Sara Otto, Sat Virk, Christy Gibney, Tim Yore, Stephanie Goris, Lizzie Masse, Jamie Disarno, Shannon Peters, Cindy Gratton, Melissa Rayhill, Drew Armusewicz, Brian Griffin, Joe Martino, Adam Fetzer, Chris Goelz, Bob Berry, Lindsay Chambers, Justin Hoover, Steve Asbach, Eric Snyder, Dan Gray, Jonathan Lacki, David Schimley, Jamie Mangus, Gary Asbach, Brian Monaco and Matt Royal.
   The music group will perform on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium for a free open-to-the-public concert.

Remus, Sabatowski Nominated for Hewitt Sports Award

Katie Remus     Peter Sabatowski
By Lee Cohen
   Seniors Katie Remus and Peter Sabatowski have been selected as Grand Island's candidates for the prestigious Tom Hewitt Sports Award.
Sponsored by the Board of Associates of Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, the award honors local high school athletes. From the nominees submitted by each school, the outstanding male and female are selected by a panel of judges to receive a scholarship to the college of their choice.
   Remus and Sabatowski have an impressive record in both scholarship and athletics. Both are members of the National Honor Society, have received Pride of the Island Awards and their Academic Letter and Pin. Remus is a member of the All-Western New York Academic Soccer team, has been named a scholar-athlete in soccer and basketball, and has maintained a 3.789 four-year average.
   Sabatowski is a member of the All WNY All-Academic Football Team and received the Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute Award. He earned Excellence ratings in Regents Physics, Chemistry and Spanish, and has a four-year average of 3.96.
The award is named in memory of Tom Hewitt, who, in his lifetime, believed in the value of active sports participation by young people. A former city editor of The Niagara Gazette, he took a keen interest in high school athletes, often covering their games during his years as a news executive.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2001

Melissa Rayhill                                  Jeannie Morrison
   Melissa Rayhill has attended Grand Island High School for the past two years, but still considers herself an Island native. Born in Buffalo, she quickly moved to Northern France for three years, and moved back to the Island until she reached the seventh grade. She then moved on to attend Seoul Foreign School in South Korea until her junior year when she returned to Grand Island to finish her high school career.
   Melissa has been involved not only culturally, but, extra-curricularly throughout high school. Since her freshman year, she has been Wind Ensemble treasurer, in All County Orchestra, first chair trumpet in Concert Band, vice president of Madrigals singing ensemble, active in the Jazz Band, Pep Band, Brass Choir, and participated in the school musicals for all four years. She became captain of the varsity volleyball team at Grand Island, having played volleyball since her freshman year. She also has participated in the newly developed Girl's Lacrossse program and is currently starting defensive wing. She also played a year of basketball during her sophomore year at Seoul Foreign School.
   Melissa has been elected president of the Grand Island chapter of the National Honor Society. Melissa also found time to tutor her peers at the learning center in the high school, teach second grade religion for two years, tutor several students on the trumpet, participate in the church folk group and Young Life, and build houses in the Philippines for Habitat for Humanity.
   She has been recognized as a scholar-athlete both years at Grand Island. She has received Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Pride of the Island Award, a National Merit Scholarship Commendation for her PSAT scores, and Business First's First Honors Award from the Buffalo News. Melissa was also nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Washington, D.C. this past summer to gain a greater perspective on her field on interest medicine. She will be attending either Boston College or Boston University in the fall
.    Jeannie Morrison is a kind, friendly, considerate, and generous person. She enjoys communicating and socializing with others. During holidays, Jeannie has volunteered and assisted the needy at Niagara Falls Community Missions. She has also taken part in collecting donations for the poor.
   Jeannie is a hardworking and committed student. Throughout her high school years, she has taken part in Student Council, Interact Club, National Honor Society and the track team. She is currently the Grand Island Student Council president.
   Throughout Jeannie's life, she has encountered many difficulties. During her middle school and high school years she had to cope with a seizure disorder. Having to do this made school very difficult for her, and she was forced to work as hard as she could in order to maintain her grades. One year and eight months ago, Jeannie was diagnosed as having a brain tumor. She underwent surgery, and the successful operation has greatly improved her life.
   Jeannie's experiences and difficulties have had a tremendous impact on her life. Following high school, Jeannie plans to attend Florida Atlantic University where she will major in psychology. She has been given a goal, and she plans to use her future in order to achieve it.

High School Honor Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were named to the honor roll for the third quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9:
Andrew Boron, William Breier, Lillian Choi, Cynthia Czapla, Matthew Fields, Karen Hutzler, Douglas Ingraham, Joanna Micco, Shannon O'Brien, Corinne Razem, Jennifer Reisdorf, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Benjamin Valentine
Grade 10
Michael Amato, Caren Bartosz, Colleen Clarke, Christian Dommell, Michael Ferro, Danielle Henry, Robert Kujawa, Elizabeth LoTempio, Sigrid Maerz, Patrick McCarthy, Melissa Wilbert
Grade 11
Margaret Anderson, Amanda Benko, Jennifer Breier, Jolie Dahlstrom, Sally Head, Matthew Leuppie, Jessica Lundquist, Scott McMichael, Lauren Mergel, Joseph Pasqualichio, Anna Quider, Neil Reddien, Allison Siehnel, Jodi Wroblewski
Grade 12
Ashley Northrup, Michael Pfetsch, Peter Sabatowski, Asif Syed, Nicole Tourot, Satyugjit Virk
Honor Roll
Grade 9
Michael Antonelli, Keriann Armusewicz, Kelly Beatty, Kyle Berger, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Michael Blocho, Cortney Bota, Puneet Brar, Dana Brindisi, Heather Burkman, Scott Buyer, Patricia Carminati, Meghan Casey, Robert Christopher, Michelle D'Addieco, Branden DeLong, Charles Dewey, David Dillen, Andrew Dlugosz, Christine Donner, Christopher Dziwulski, Alicia Ellson, Amanda Elsaesser, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Nicholas Forysinski, Alishea Gainer, Patrick Gannon, Katharine Gaudy, Nicholas Gerace, Monica Greco, Nicholas Hahn, Carly Hudson, Nicholas Jones, Amanda Kaiser, Scott Kaniecki, Lyndsay Kearney, Rochelle Kennedy, Brett Kern, Margaret Kiehl, Kelly Knab, Brian Lipp, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Nicole Miller, Rikki Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Emily Pici, Danielle Podlucky, Joseph Podlucky, Thomas Rayhill, Laura Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Theodore Rogers, Jonathan Savage, Rebecka Schaber, Christopher Sica, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Jaimie Stickl, Karen Stipp, Lauren Stipp, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Eric Ther, Christine Webb, Meghan White, Nathan Wolinski, Steven Zippier
Grade 10
Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Taralyn Bielaski, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Stephanie Brown, Jonathan Burchfield, Shayna Burzynski, Kevin Buzzelli, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Jonathan Crossley, Ingrid Dahlberg, Ashley Darin, Rene' Dodge, Devon Drost, Steven Duggan, Marcella Ford, Jamie Fuhr, Ethan Gietz, Kara Glose, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormady, Ann Marie Goss, Jo Anna Goulah, Peter Hardman, Christopher Heftka, Eleanor Henderson, Aaron Hesson, Natalie Ianni, Naven Kang, Brian Kim, Sara Knab, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Aaron Lloyd, Katherine Loiselle, Jennifer Long, Kathryn Manijak, Elizabeth Masse', Jessica McIntyre, Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Mindi Mietlicki, Christopher Monaco, Gabrielle Montemage, Bradford Namaste', Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O'Donnell, Lisa Otto, Stephen Pfetsch, Laura Piccolo, Diane Pierce, Mitchael Pingrey, Thomas Rajczak, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Sara Rodri! guez, Jennifer Rogan, Blaise Roman, Kera Sauer, Paul Scappechio, David Schimley, Gretchen Schumacher, Corinne Sexton, Kevin Sharpe, Robert Shoemaker, Balbir Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Melissa Sipos, Justin Sobol, Savannah Stolzenburg, Kelly Strano, Nicole Walker
Grade 11
Diana Barun, John Black, David Blonski, Cory Bota, Anthony Brindisi, Bryan Brown, Jennifer Burns, Jeannette Buscaglia, Kaitlin Certo, Traci Certo, Ashly Cinelli, John Dougherty, Dawn Drozdowski, Christopher Duff, Kelly Duncan, Shannon Ellson, Adam Fetzer, Laura Fik, Rachael Fraser, Christy Gibney, Christopher Goelz, Stephanie Goris, Christina Hall, Alexandra Heaney, Terri Ingraham, Darryl Johnson, Michelle Kalisz, Anup Kang, Robyn Kania, Krystle Kasprzak, Christine Knab, Kimberly Knab, Phillip Lee, Brandie Lewis, James Lichtenthal, Cindy Mao, Christopher Martello, Joseph Martino, Adam McCollum, Dylan McLean, Angela Miller, Alexis Mioducki, Kathleen Mitchell, Brian Monaco, Kathleen Moriarty, Alexandra Naumovich, Katherine Neely, Derek O'Brien, Katherine Rebmann, Adam Reisdorf, Harrison Rogers, Jr., Anthony Rossi, Valery Runick, Kimberly Shoemaker, Jeffrey Sipos, Lauren Spacone, Megan Szymkowski, Amber Tempest, Renee' Torchia, Melissa Vrba, Joseph Walf, Vaninder Walia, Danielle Wasson, Hannah Weinknecht, Stephanie Wiesnet, Tristan Wilkinson, Timothy Yore, Emily Zimdahl, Nikki Zito
Grade 12
Steven Ackendorf, Gerald Asbach, Aaron Beauregard, Janelle Becher, Nicholas Bergman, Beatrice Bruno, Jennifer Bullock, Lindsay Chambers, Rachelle Colosi, Colleen Coughlin, Anna Czapla, Stefanie DiPasquale, Jamie Disarno, Erin Frieday, Jordan Funk, Stephanie Gill, Amy Golden, Brian Griffin, Fawn Gross, Kelly Hayes, Michael Henderson, Nicole Kalisz, Leanne Kern, Jee Kim, Joshua Kruk, Daniel Kurzdorfer, Rachel Lazelle, Jenny Leckey, Nathan Maerz, Erin McCanna, Maureen McCarthy, Sara Otto, Vanessa Ovitt, Amy Padowski, Patrice Paolucci, Rachel Parrino, Shannon Peters, Rachel Pierce, Leanne Pizur, Jennifer Raham, Melissa Rayhill, Daniel Rees, Katie Remus, Brett Rimes, Benjamin Rossiter, Mark Rotella, Timothy Shea, Krystalore Stegner, Joel Stoorza, Janelle Sturtz, Stacey Szczerbiak, Jessica Trippy, Kristin Ungaro, Lori Vaylen, James Walsh, Elizabeth Webb

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
April 2001

Leanne Kern         Kristin Ungaro         Michael W. Pfetsch
   Leanne Kern has been an active student in high school and in her community. She is dedicated to being hardworking in the scholastic area and in being a good example in every area of life. She has been on the honor roll every semester in high school and received the Pride of the Island award her sophomore year. Leanne has received her Certificate of Academic Excellence, her varsity letter and her varsity pin.
   She is most actively involved with the music program at the high school. She played clarinet in concert band her freshman and sophomore years and was the treasurer of the band her sophomore year. She now has been the librarian and a bass clarinet player for the wind ensemble these last two years. Leanne was involved in the high school musicals every year: “Hello, Dolly!”, “My Fair Lady,” “Babes in Arms,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” She had the lead role of Susie last year in “Babes in Arms” and played the Sorceress of the North this year in “The Wizard of Oz.” She was in choir her freshman year and has been in concert choir the last three years as a singer and piano accompanist.
   Other co-curricular activities she is involved with are the Student Advisory Group and the National Honor Society.
   She is a leader of the First Priority Bible Club that meets every Wednesday after school. Leanne’s first priority is to God. She is very involved in the church she grew up in, where she sings and accompanies for the choir and sings on the Worship Team. She has sung solos in church services and has been involved with theatrical performance such as “My Vision.” Leanne is also a member of the Senior Adult Leadership Team in her youth group this year. She has spent the last four summers living and working at Circle ‘C’ Ranch summer camp in Delevan, NY where she has worked in the kitchen, on maintenance, and been head of the snack shop and laundry. During the year she is self-employed as a piano teacher while she takes lessons herself.
   Leanne discovered through the CEIP internship program, where she received her Certificate of Employability, that she would like to become a veterinary technician. Therefore, she is planning on attending Medaille College next fall, for which she has received an academic scholarship.
   Meet Kristin Ungaro: a short, blond teenage girl who sees life as an opportunity, and opportunity to build friendships, gain knowledge, gain wisdom, mature musically, mature spiritually, grow in character, raise standards, give love, receive love, care for someone in need, smile, and reach for the stars! Naturally, then, Kristin is involved in her school and in her community. In school she works to excel as a musician and as a student, and, very recently, as an athlete. In her community she strives to be a leader with character and integrity, praying that God will use her to spread His love.
   Kristin plays the flute, the violin and the piano, while recently taking up singing as well. She currently serves as concert mistress of the high school string orchestra and principal flutist in the high school wind ensemble. She has participated annually in ECMEA and area All-State festivals, while this year having the privilege of attending Conference All State. A regular “music rat,” as Mr. Allen calls her, Kristin is quite active in the music halls of Grand Island. She has participated in Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Community Band, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Vocal Jazz, music theory, Pep Band, and musicals (on stage and off stage).
   However, Kristin does feel her job as a student takes priority; there, she makes time to carry a heavy course load with advanced placement classes in English, social sciences, and mathematics. She has earned the AP Scholar with honors award as a result of this particular involvement. She is also vice president of the National Honor Society, and has received her Certificate of Academic Excellence, her Academic Pin of Achievement, and her Varsity Letter in Academics over the course of her high school career. In addition she was the recipient of the Clarkson University Leadership Award this year.
   Outside of school Kristin is involved in the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Chromatic Club, Whitehaven Road Youth Group, SALT Team, Mime Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Worship Team, Youth Evangelism Training, First Priority Bible Club, Young Life, Ski Club, and track. She even teaches privately on the side.
   Kristin plans to pursue a career in music education at either Robert Wesleyan College or Ithaca College; she has always had a passion to teach, and that passion continues to grow with every passing day. She hopes that her future will include teaching at any and all levels, possibly even doubling as both a band and orchestra director. She has a desire to spread her love of music with anyone and everyone who comes in contact with her.
   Lastly, but certainly not least, Kristin is passionately involved in her church, Whitehaven Road Baptist of Grand Island. She has a longing to serve the Lord with all her heart; she feels that all of her successes in life came directly from Him. She feels that her music, as a form of worship and thanksgiving, is a way to give back all that God has blessed her with.
   Michael William Pfetsch says that it is with great honor that he receives this award. As a member of the Grand Island School District he has been involved in music and sports, as well as a variety of church and school-related activities.
   He has received private lessons for the piano and for the bass guitar, and school-offered voice lessons at times since he was in 2nd grade. He was a member of the chorus in the musical “Babes in Arms.” In addition this year he sang in Vocal Jazz and in Concert Choir.
   Athletically, he has been involved in tennis, golf, bowling, and cross-country. He has taken Grand Island Recreation Department sponsored summer tennis lessons for nine years, and golf and bowling for two years. In 8th grade he was a member of the intramural cross-country team. In the summer of 1998 he participated in the Police Athletic League Youth Competition in golf, and this year he is a member of the high school tennis team.
   Serving God is something very important in his life. Michael has been involved in the middle school and high school youth groups at his church and has attended a few youth retreats. During his sophomore and junior years he played the bass guitar in the worship band at his youth group. He has also participated in an after-school Bible study and First Priority, a Christian club.
   Throughout high school he has been involved in several school-related activities. During the summers of 1998 and 1999 he spent a week at a Youth Leadership and Creativity Camp in Angola. In his junior year he participated in the Corporate Bowl and was nominated into the National Honor Society. During the summer of 2000 Michael took an honors course, Crime and Punishment in American History at Canisius College. He has been on either the honor roll or high honor roll throughout middle school and high school. In 1997 he received the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. He was nominated for Who’s Who Among American High School Students and received the Medaille College Bowl Award and the designation of AP Scholar during his junior year. He also has received an academic certificate, pin, and letter, and his current class rank is 4th. The colleges to which he has been accepted are the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, Clarkson University, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has received scholarships from all of these schools and has been accepted into the honors programs at University at Buffalo and Canisius College. He plans to attend the University at Buffalo and receive a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Again, he is honored to receive this award and believes it is very considerate of the Rotary Club and the PTSA to recognize seniors for their accomplishments.

Job Search at High School

Students are shown with Bobbi Frisoni, Job Search chair.
   Grand Island High School students had the opportunity to meet with representatives of 38 companies from the area, all looking for employees. Each representative had a table to display some of their information and students met with those with whom they were interested.
   One hundred ninety-four students took advantage of the opportunities to meet with the many representatives who took part, including Holiday Inn, Town of Grand Island, U.S. Air Force, Sun America Securities, United Parcel, Fujisawa and Tops Market. Banks, attorneys, health care facilities, schools, Adelphia Cable, and Delphi/Harrison were representd as were a host of others.
   The statistics of the program show that the number of student participants as well as the number of business participants has grown steadily over the past five years. The Job Search event was chaired by Bobbi Frisoni and Sandy Burns.

Grand Island Strings Concert
The Grand Island music departments' annual String Kaleidoscope Concert takes place 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 3 in the Grand Island High School auditorium, 1100 Ransom Road. The concert, which will include the elementary, middle and high school orchestras, is free and open to the public.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
March 2001

Jill Cassert         Katie Remus
   Katie Remus    - Excelling at sports as well as academics is a goal that Katie Remus continues to strive for and has had considerable success at achieving. Throughout her high school career Katie has developed a variety of interests that has enabled her to lead a very active lifestyle. Dedication to academics, sports, as well as involvement in her school and community are some of the things that keep Katie busy.    Sports including softball, basketball, and soccer have played a major role in her high school career. She has played two years of varsity softball. Katie was on the varsity basketball team since 10th grade and was named a captain during her senior year. Her first love in sports is soccer. She has played varsity soccer since 10th grade and contributed to the team in a leadership role as a team captain in both her junior and senior years. Katie was honored by being selected for the first All Academic All Western New York Soccer Team. Recently, Katie was recognized as the nominee from Grand Island High School for Hewitt Sport Award.
   In addition to sports Katie has been involved with school and community activities. She was elected a member of the National Honor Society as a junior. She has also been active in student council, where she serves as her senior class representative. Katie is also involved with Younglife, a Christian youth group. Although Katie believes that her studies and her other extracurricular activities are important, she also feels the need to invest time and effort into the community. She has been a youth soccer and basketball coach and referee. Interested in science, she has also been a volunteer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. As for her future, Katie is planning on attending SUNY Fredonia and majoring in secondary education in biology with a minor in coaching. She also plans to continue her soccer career and play on the Fredonia women’s intercollegiate team.
    Jill Cassert    - As a senior at Grand Island high School Jill Cassert has been involved in various activities in and outside of school. She has served on the student council since her freshman year and is currently president of the Class of 2001. As president Jill has successfully led her classmates in senior activities and fundraisers as they move toward a successful graduation.
   Jill has been on the honor roll since her freshman year and has received academic awards, including a Certificate of Academic Excellence, Academic Pin, and Academic Letter. In 2000 she received the All-American Scholar, a national award, presented by the U. S. Achievement Academy. Jill successfully completed an internship with Huth Road School. She has held membership in various clubs such as SADD, CEIP Internship, Superintendent’s Advisory Group, Recycling Club, student council, and Younglife, as well as played clarinet in the concert band. Jill served as sports editor for the yearbook in 1999. She coordinated the Grand Island High School Variety Show in 2000. Jill has participated in a variety of sports, which includes tennis, softball, and soccer. She was named Rookie of the Year for tennis in her junior year, and as a senior she was awarded Outstanding Doubles Player. Her various athletic achievements include an Athletic Award Certificate for the Varsity Bar Squad for tennis, a Scholar Athlete Award, and her varsity letter for tennis. For the last two years Jill has assisted the boys varsity lacrosse team as scorekeeper. She earned the National Physical Education Award and the Pride of Grand Island award in 2000. Jill has participated in Student Olympics and will do so again as a senior, raising money to be donated to the Special Olympics.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
February 2001

Erin Frieday                  Katherine Yaksich

Asif Syed
   Erin Frieday    - As a student at the high school Erin Frieday has been involved in various activities in and outside of school. Currently in the middle of her senior year, Erin is involved in two internships, one with the office of the superintendent of schools, and the other with The Tower Group, an import/export company. She also completed two other internships during her junior year, along with her portfolio, which earned her an NFIEC Certificate of Employability. Erin is also the sports editor for the 2000-2001 edition of the Venture yearbook.
   Erin has played varsity basketball since her sophomore year, receiving her letter, pin, and bar. Going into her senior year, Erin was named one of the four captains. Her senior year has been the most accomplished one; not only did the team have a great season, Erin was invited to play in the 3rd annual Senior High School Ladies Basketball Classic, sponsored by the Cheektowaga Lions. She also played varsity volleyball her junior and senior year, earning her letter and bar.
   Throughout her high school career Erin has received various awards based on academics and athletics. She was named one of Business First Honors Student of the Month for October and has been the recipient of Who’s Who Among American High Schools Students in 2000-2001. She has been awarded her academic certificate and pin, and also has made scholar-athlete three times.
   Outside of school Erin is very active in her community. Much of the time goes to the Town Boys and Girls Club, whether it’s volunteering in the day camp in the summer, helping out with fundraisers, or coaching kids in basketball. She has coached an eight-and-under basketball team for the last two years in Grand Island’s Community Education Department. She has volunteered her time during the summer at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and has also donated blood to the American Red Cross.
   In the fall of 2001 Erin will be attending St. John Fisher College, where she has been awarded the Founders Scholarship and also has been nominated for the Service Scholarship Program.
Katherine A. Yaksich    - As a senior at Grand Island high School Katherine A. Yaksich participated in three varsity level sports, plays in the concert band, and is a member of various other clubs and organizations.
   Katie was on the varsity swim team for three years. During her senior year she was a captain and received her varsity letter. She has played basketball for four years, and two of those years were on the varsity level. In her junior year she received her varsity letter. This year she is a senior captain and will receive her gold bar. Katie has played varsity softball for three of four years and has already received her varsity letter and will receive her gold bar this year.
   As a member of the concert band Katie has been the president and the secretary of the ensemble. She is a member of the Grand Island Volunteers, the Masterminds team, the Superintendent’s Advisory Group, the yearbook staff, and she is involved in the CEIP/Internship program. Katie also participates in the Corporate Bowl and has won a $1000 scholarship. Her community involvement includes refereeing youth basketball teams at Sidway Elementary as well as helping run a summer youth basketball camp. Katie also volunteers her summers as a camp counselor for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. For the last three years she has competed in the Student Olympics and has won awards for raising the most money to be donated to the Special Olympics. Katie also donated blood to the American Red Cross.
   Awards that Katie has received include: Defensive Player of the Year in JV softball, Most Valuable Player in JV basketball, her academic certificate, the National Physical Education Award, the All American Academic Student Award, the National Service and Leadership Award, and three Scholar-Athlete awards.
   Katie is planning on attending either SUNY Oswego or SUNY Geneseo with a major in secondary history education and a minor in geology.
Asif Syed    - Even in the shadow of some life-threatening physical problems, Grand Island high School senior Asif Syed has devoted much of his time performing well academically as well as remaining very active in the school and community throughout his high school career.
   He emigrated to the U.S. from Kashmir five years ago and is fluent in three languages. He has achieved honor and high honor roll distinction throughout his high school career and has received numerous scholastic and leadership achievement awards, including Academic Excellence, Academic Pin, Academic Letter, Earth Science Excellence Award, Pride of the Island award and National Honor Society acceptance award, which is based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
   Furthermore, Asif has taken advantage of the online services that led him to be certified by Brain Bench Administration in Windows 95, MS Outlook Express and Internet Explorer. These certifications are given to people who complete all requirements and criteria set by the world’s largest provider of high quality, structured skills certification exams on the Internet.
   His sense of social responsibility for human rights has drawn him into an activist role and earned him commendations from former president Bill Clinton, the U. S. Senate, U.S. Foreign Relations Committee and many U. S. congressmen. His many response letters toward human rights violations throughout the world have been published in several foreign newspapers. Since he has lived in politically turmoiled Indian occupied Kashmir, he can relate to the pain and suffering cause by war. To make the rest of the world aware and knowledgeable about human rights violations, he has created a website called “Holocaust in Kashmir” (whoever interested can visit: www.holocaustinkashmir.50megs.com). He has been the editor-in-chief of this website for more than a year.
   In addition he has been involved in many school activities. He is the vice president of SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk), website club, and a member of the National Honor Society. The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has benefited from his many hours of volunteer service. He has also volunteered at Kids Voting and was an employee of Martin's Fantasy Island. Currently he is a non-paid intern at the Computer Search Corporation.
   Asif plans to continue his education at the University of Buffalo, where he will major in computer engineering and minor in political science. He will continue to take an activist role against human rights violation as well as do what he loves to, and that is, to work on the computers.
   Lastly, Asif Syed has remained strong, active, and determined after undergoing chemotherapy for more than two years in order to fight the battle with a life-threatening disease.

Mock Trial Team Competes Saturday

   The Mock Trial team will take on Sacred Heart Academy on Saturday, March 3, 2001 after making it into the playoffs with their victory over Canisius High School. Seated (left): Kristia Gatti, Kristina Tetkowski, Diana DeLorenzo, Anna Czapla; standing (left), Michelle Kalisz, teacher Mike Murray, Chris Smith, Jack Burns, Shawn Goss, teacher Lynn Makowski, and Attorney Tom Jebb.

High School Parent/Teacher Conferences
   Grand Island High School students will be dismissed at 9:50 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, March 2, 2001) due to parent/teacher conferences being held in the school from noon to 2:30 p.m. Teachers will be in their classrooms and a list of room assignments will be posted. Apppointments are not necessary.

Island Students Take Top DECA Honors

James Blocho and Anna Quider
   Senior Anna Quider took top honors at the DECA Region 12 annual competition last month, placing first overall and first in her topic of prepared public speaking. James Blocho took top honors in the area of economics. They will advance to state competition, to be held in Rochester in March. Also participating at the state level are James Breier, Tony Brindisi, Mick Gallagher, Heather Oishei, Patrice Paolucci, Leanne Pizur, Zack Spiesz, Mary Szczerba, and Nicolette Thompson. DECA, an association of marketing students, was founded in 1946 and is dedicated to the development of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. Its program reflects and reinforces workplace skills taught in the classroom as well as development employability skills necessary for the transition from school to work.

High School Mock Trial Team To Next Level
By Lee Cohen
   Grand Island High School's mock trial team, with a stunning victory over Canisius High School, has made it into the next round of playoff competition, sponsored by the NYS Bar Association, whose members judge the competition. Of 300 high schools statewide that sponsor mock trial teams, 40 schools compete in Western New York.
   Only 32 teams are selected for the first round of playoffs and Grand Island was the 32nd. With its upset victory over Canisius, however, the team is now one of 16 in the next round of playoffs, which will take place March 3 when the Islanders debate Sacred Heart High School.
   The team consists of upperclassmen Anna Czapla, Diana DeLorenzo, Kristia Gatti and Chris Smith, who acted as attorneys in the trial, with Kristina Tetkowski, Michelle Kalisz and Jack Burns serving as witnesses and Shawn Goss providing support. Mike Murray is advisor for the team with Lynn Makowski as assistant advisor.
   Legal counsel for the team was provided by attorney Tom Jebb. Murray had high praise for the team. "They were relaxed, they were prepared, they handled themselves professionally." This is the first time, in the 10 years that the high school has sponsored a team, Grand Island has reached the playoffs.

High School Weather Station Up And Running

Shown looking over the new weather station in the high school are (left) Barb Sobol,
Anne Fetzer, Kathy Tim, Bonnie Benko, and Melinda Tim.

Teacher Tom Hoolihan and 11th grader Adam Mazenauer check out weather data on the new station.
   The Grand Island High School Weather Station is finally in place! With overwhelming excitement, the students, faculty, staff, administration and parents welcomed the addition of Grand Island Central School District to the Automated Weather System network. This wonderful addition to the high school allows users to monitor a massive set of weather data specifically focused at our exact latitude and longitude on planet Earth. Students are now able to access, through the computer network, an incredible array of weather information not only locally but nationally and even globally!
   With proper training through the Earth Science Programs and the Meteorology Elective offered at the high school, students are challenged to gather, analyze, illustrate and interpret weather data with emphasis on understanding the relationships of weather variables as to their impact on weather forecasts both locally and regionally. As students pass through the hallways on their way to classes, a weather monitor on display in a showcase supplies current atmospheric readings which include: temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind velocity and direction, wind chill, dew point, heat index, and more. Students are fascinated with the weather system and very interested as to what is currently happening at our location and what is going to happen in the next number of hours. The weather monitor is one of the first things that is checked by the students as they start their day at Grand Island High School. . . It's really exciting stuff!
"We are most appreciative for the wonderful donations that came in to allow us the opportunity to purchase the "weather system," said instructor Tom Hoolihan. "The students, faculty, staff, parents and admnistration will benefit for years to come! Many, many thanks and "Happy forecasting!" he said.

High School Honor Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9:
Kelly Beatty, Andrew Boron, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Cynthia Czapla, Matthew Fields, Nicholas Hahn, Carly Hudson, Karen Hutzler, Margaret Kiehl, Brian Lipp, Joanna Micco, Shannon O'Brien, Jennifer Reisdorf, Jaimie Stickl, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Christine Webb
Grade 10
Ingrid Dahlberg, Michael Ferro, Jo Anna Goulah, Danielle Henry, Brian Kim, Jacob LaLiberty, Patrick McCarthy, Catherine Remmes, Nicole Walker
Grade 11
Margaret Anderson, Amanda Benko, David Blonski, Jennifer Breier, Jolie Dahlstrom, Stephanie Goris, Sally Head, Robyn Kania, Scott McMichael, Anna Quider, Neil Reddien, Jeffrey Sipos, Emily Zimdahl
Grade 12
Nicole Kalisz, Daniel Kurzdorfer, Michelle LeClaire, Nathan Maerz, Patrice Paolucci, Michael Pfetsch, Mark Rotella, Peter Sabatowski, Asif Syed, Satyugjit Virk
Honor Roll
Grade 9
Keriann Armusewicz, Kyle Berger, Shelbey Bidell, Cortney Bota, Puneet Brar, William Breier, Heather Burkman, Scott Buyer, Patricia Carminati, Kelliann Carney, Robert Christopher, Michelle D'Addieco, Branden DeLong, Charles Dewey, David Dillen, Andrew Dlugosz, Alicia Ellson, Amanda Elsaesser, Michael Feathers, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Nicholas Forysinski, Alishea Gainer, Holly Gallagher, Katharine Gaudy, Nicholas Gerace, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Douglas Ingraham, Amanda Kaiser, Rochelle Kennedy, Kelly Knab, Gabrielle Lanich, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Rikki Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Emily Pici, Danielle Podlucky, Thomas Rayhill, Omar Raza, Corinne Razem, Laura Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Theodore Rogers, Jonathan Savage, Rebecka Schaber, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Karen Stipp, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Johanna Turnwall, Benjamin Valentine, Meghan White, Steven Zippier
Grade 10
Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Caren Bartosz, Taralyn Bielaski, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Stephanie Brown, Jonathan Burchfield, Shayna Burzynski, Kevin Buzzelli, Colleen Clarke, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Ashley Darin, Christian Dommell, Steven Duggan, Marcella Ford, Krystina Geschwender, Ethan Gietz, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormady, Ann Marie Goss, Daniel Gray, Christopher Heftka, Eleanor Henderson, Aaron Hesson, Sara Knab, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Theodore Lee, Aaron Lloyd, Jennifer Long, Elizabeth LoTempio, Sigrid Maerz, Kathryn Manijak, Marinos Maroulis, Elizabeth Masse', Jessica McIntyre, Caitlin Meaney, Bryan Mesmer, Mindi Mietlicki, Gabrielle Montemage, Bradford Namaste', Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O'Donnell, Lisa Otto, Stephen Pfetsch, Diane Pierce, Mitchael Pingrey, Thomas Rajczak, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Sara Rodriguez, Blaise Roman, Paul Scappechio, Gretchen Schumacher, Corinne Sexton, Robert Shoemaker, Balbir Singh, Francis Sirianni, Savannah Stolzenburg, Kelly Strano, Melissa Wilbert
Grade 11
Diana Barun, John Black, Cory Bota, Kaitlin Certo, Ashly Cinelli, John Dougherty, Dawn Drozdowski, Christopher Duff, Kelly Duncan, Shannon Ellson, Adam Fetzer, Laura Fik, Rachael Fraser, Christy Gibney, Christopher Goelz, Alexandra Heaney, Terri Ingraham, Darryl Johnson, Michelle Kalisz, Anup Kang, Krystle Kasprzak, Kimberly Knab, Phillip Lee, Matthew Leuppie, James Lichtenthal, Jessica Lundquist, Cindy Mao, John Martello, Joseph Martino, Dylan McLean, Michael Mehltretter, Lauren Mergel, Alexis Mioducki, Kathleen Mitchell, Brian Monaco, Kathleen Moriarty, Alexandra Naumovich, Katherine Neely, Joseph Pasqualichio, Kevin Rader, Katherine Rebmann, Harrison Rogers, Jr., Anthony Rossi, Kimberly Shoemaker, Allison Siehnel, Megan Szymkowski, Amber Tempest, Renee' Torchia, Joshua Turnwall, Melissa Vrba, Danielle Wasson, Hannah Weinknecht, Tristan Wilkinson, Jodi Wroblewski, Timothy Yore, Nikki Zito
Grade 12
Gerald Asbach, Aaron Beauregard, Janelle Becher, Kimberly Beland, Nicholas Bergman, Charles Bernoski, Beatrice Bruno, Jennifer Bullock, Maria Casey, Lindsay Chambers, Steven Coe, Rachelle Colosi, Jeffrey Critelli, Anna Czapla, Diana DeLorenzo, Stefanie DiPasquale, Jamie Disarno, Michelle Elmer, Jennifer Falvo, Erin Frieday, Jordan Funk, Kristia Gatti, Stephanie Gill, Amy Golden, Angela Goulah, Jade Greenwood, Brian Griffin, Fawn Gross, Mackenzie Hassan, Michael Henderson, Alison Hudson, David Jakubowski, Leanne Kern, Jee Kim, Kevin Kloesz, Joshua Kruk, Jacob Lange, Rachel Lazelle, Jenny Leckey, Jamie Mangus, Erin McCanna, Maureen McCarthy, Ashley Northrup, Vanessa Ovitt, Rachel Parrino, Shannon Peters, Drew Pierce, Rachel Pierce, Leanne Pizur, Jennifer Raham, Melissa Rayhill, Daniel Rees, Katie Remus, Brett Rimes, Benjamin Rossiter, Jennifer Shoemaker, Krystalore Stegner, Colette Stelzer, Mary Szczerba, Nicole Tourot, Kristin Ungaro, Lori Vaylen, Jennifer Williams, Katherine Yaksich

High School Merit Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were named to the merit roll for the second quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
Grade 9: Stephanie Affuso, Michael Antonelli, Andrew Asbach, Henry Belding, Arielle Blanton, Michael Blocho, Dana Brindisi, Paul Bucholtz, Lisa Burns, Jennifer Cammarano, Ashley Davis, Thomas Dewey, II, Christopher Dlugokinski, Christine Donner, Christopher Dziwulski, Paul Eberhard, Patrick Gannon, David Garcia, Mark Goff, Hannah Hardy, Terry Hashley, Gretchen Hildebrandt, Nathan Jayme, Nicholas Jones, Scott Kaniecki, Brett Kern, Kimberly Kraft, Mary Kucharczak, Christine Lang, Sarah Lang, Donald LoVullo, Claire Maddi, Christopher Mahiques, Jon McGinn, Jason McInerney, Matthew Mergel, Caroline Miller, Lauren Nedwick, Kelly O'Brien, Christina Petit, Vincent Pittman, Joseph Podlucky, Ashley Remmes, Joshua Roberts, Daniel Rossiter, Nichole Ryan, Steven Saxbury, Jessica Shanor, Christopher Sica, Michael Steckelberg, Lauren Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Michael Thoumire, Christina Warner, Ginny Wilkinson, Nathan Wolinski.
Grade 10: Mark Anderson, Brieanna Bailey, Ashleigh Bennett, Christina Breier, Joseph Burns, Angel Busch, Kristin Cadro, Kimberlee Carter, Alison Catalano, Christopher Ciechoski, Erica Cook, Jonathan Crossley, Shawn Crowley, James Dahlquist, Alan Damiani, Nicholas DiMatteo, Rene' Dodge, Devon Drost, Stacey Edwards, Daniel Farmer, Jessica Feeley, Sara Franklin, Jennifer Frey, Jamie Fuhr, Brett Gleason, Kara Glose, Matthew Hagen, Peter Hardman, Leah Harris, John Havens, Glenn Holler, April Hooper, Robert Hopkins, Natalie Ianni, Ryan Jankowski, Deborah Jones, Naven Kang, Kathleen Kilian, Derek Kirkendall, Benjamin Kozar, Meghan Kurzdorfer, Jessica Labus, Eric Lloyd, Katherine Loiselle, Thomas Lorenz, Laura McDonnell, Malcolm Merriweather, Christopher Miller, D'anna Mock, Christopher Monaco, Joy Monaco, Katie Newell, Rosanne Oliverio, Matthew Payne, Stefanie Penque, Jessie Petit, Jenna Podlucky, Crystal Robbins, Jeremy Roberts, Jennifer Rogan, Jennifer Rott, Matthew Royal, Kera Sauer, Kevin Sharpe, Bikramjit Singh, Melissa Sipos, Sara Slater, Eric Snyder, Justin Sobol, Michael Stanko, Ronald Stipp, Larissa Thompson, Michael Valentin, Kimberley Walker, Jessica Walsh.
Grade 11: Megan Ayers, James Blocho, III, Anthony Brindisi, Kyle Bullock, Jaclyn Cadle, Michelle Cammarano, Traci Certo, Laura Cobello, Jonathan Dann, Laura DeLong, Matthew Dlugosz, Amy Forbes, Sean Ford, Shannon Freer, Shauna Freiermuth, Michael Gallagher, Valerie Gasbarro, Joanna Grampp, Christina Hall, Jennifer Hansen, Jamie Holmes, Justin Hoover, Holly Jellison, Michael Judson, Christine Knab, Brian Kopf, Michael Krisch, Jonathan Lacki, Steven Lew, Adam Lock, Bethany Marohn, Christopher Martello, Adam Mazenauer, Adam McCollum, Shannon McCormick, David Michaels, Amy Millar, Angela Miller, Stephanie Miller, Paul Morath, Nicole Novack, Derek O'Brien, Anthony Paolucci, Derek Polizzi, Adam Reisdorf, Valery Runick, Nicole Saxbury, Jason Snug, Lauren Spacone, Kim Swain, David Vergari, Joseph Walf, Vaninder Walia, Kory Watts, Stephanie Wiesnet, Marvin Zimmerman.
Grade 12: Steven Ackendorf, Robert Berry, Nicole Booker, David Boyce, Erika Buriano, Craig Buzzelli, Robin Call, Jill Cassert, Rebecca Chamberlain, Lesley Connell, Colleen Coughlin, Nicholas Covatto, Kris Crowley, Jodie DeCarolis, Lindsey Dotson, Melissa Fabio, David Franckowiak, Sara Garcia, William Garrison, Jr., Michael Golden, Cynthia Gratton, Kelly Hayes, Ashley Hollinger, Adam Horrigan, Kristie Jankowski, Kathryn Kendall, Christina Knight, Patrick LaLiberty, Sarah LaRocque, Crystal Lewis, Megan Makowski, Mark Maloney, John McCarthy, Stephanie McGinn, David Meyers, Jennifer Miller, Adam Mills, Mary Moore, Andrew Morath, Rachel Morgan, Jeannie Morrison, Timothy O'Laughlin, Heather Oishei, Sara Otto, Amy Padowski, Shannon Pawlowski, Cheryl Reagan, Zachary Roberts, Sarah Rott, Melissa Ruckinger, Hunia Saghir, Matthew Schumacher, Timothy Shea, Ryan Sherman, Bryan Smith, Christopher Smith, James Stockman, Jr., Janelle Sturtz, Jessica Trippy, Nicole Vanderbrook, Alyssa Vergari, James Walsh, Rachel White.

The Wizard Of Oz Made Memories



(Barbi Lare photos)

   The Grand Island High School presented The Wizard Of Oz on February 1, 2, and 3, 2001 in the Grand Island Senior High School Auditorium. The cast included Amy Padowski as Aunt Em, Mike Krisch as Joe, Nate Maerz as Uncle Henry, Angela Miller as Dorothy, Jessica Trippy as The Wicked Witch of the West, Lindsay Chambers as the Scarecrow, Mark Maloney as The Tinman, and Adam Fetzer as The Cowardly Lion.
   The play was directed by Nancy Lang and Carolyn Lokken and produced by Martin Allen. Others to be recognized for their help with the performance are Carol Horrigan (accompanist), Carolyn Lokken (vocal director), Martin Allen (orchestra director), Nancy Lang (choreographer) Mark Tollner (set design), Stephanie Giff (poster/program design), Cindy Wynne (art advisor), the team of Ian Cap, Meghan Kurzdorfer and Laura McDonnell (set construction/painting), the team of Matt Schumacher, Alex Sutherland and Anna Quider (stage crew), John Ochtyun (stage manager), the team of Dan Befue, Erika Burriano and Yianna Shafer (technical crew), and Emily Pici (production assistant).

Little Munchkins

Pictured are three of the Many Marvelous Musical Munchkins who performed in the high school's recent production of "The Wizard of Oz." They are (left) Rebecca Donnelly, Kurt Makowski and Bailey DeGlopper, members of the Huth Road School Select Chorus, which provided wonderful singing, dancing and a rainbow of fluorescent color to the production. Children audition for the chorus and sing under the capable direction of Carol Horrigan.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
February 2001

Pizur         Shawn K. Goss         Cheryl Reagan
Leanne Pizur
   Throughout her life Leanne Pizur has valued the importance or academic excellence and school and community involvement while showing exemplary leadership abilities. Leanne’s achievements in her education have proven her dedication and determination to succeed. While maintaining a place on either the honor roll or high honor roll throughout high school, she has also received the PTSA award for academic excellence the last two years and is currently enrolled in an Advanced Placement psychology course. She was recently honored for NYS PHSAA award for being a scholar athlete on the tennis team. In addition to these academic accomplishments Leanne was selected to be Western New York’s Women in History Design recipient. This organization honors women’s achievements throughout history while recognizing the artistic and literary talents of young adults. Leanne has become actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities at the high school. In her freshman year she was a member of the Grand Island Drill Team and as a junior, she became a member of the Grand Island girls tennis team, in which she played doubles, earning herself a varsity letter and bar. Currently Leanne is a representative of DECA, in which she has competed regionally and will be competing in state competitions later this year. As of last year Leanne was elected a member of the student council, and as the treasurer of her senior class. One of the reasons she joined student government was to convince others that they can and should participate in their education and community activities, so our town and schools will continue to thrive. Leanne Pizur always has a desire to give back to her community and leave a positive influence on others. Through DECA Leanne annually participates in the Food for Friends Drive, which involves sorting food for needy families of Grand Island. She donates her time to St. Stephen's, as well, by babysitting and being involved in community activities. Also, Leanne is an active donor in the Red Cross Blood Drive. While going to school, she has been able to focus on her studies while maintaining a wide variety of part-time jobs. She has been involved in a summer internship at Niagara University and is currently employed at the Grand Island Holiday Inn as a restaurant server and hostess. Through the Career Exploration Internship Program, Leanne will also have the opportunity of interning with Frentzel and Costello, attorneys on Grand Island. She hopes to gain the experience and knowledge necessary for her future career. Leanne’s future plans include attending college as a pre-law student, majoring in psychology or criminal justice. She has been accepted locally to Canisius College and the University of Buffalo, and to St. Francis University in Pennsylvania, receiving academic scholarships from each. Shawn K. Goss
       Throughout high school Shawn has been very involved in various activities inside and outside school. As a freshman he participated in the concert band and provided child care services outside of school. During his sophomore year he returned to the concert band and joined the jazz ensemble as well. Shawn was also involved in ski club. Towards the end of his sophomore year Shawn gained employment as a stock clerk and cashier at the local Wilson Farms. As a junior Shawn participated in concert band and in his first musical, "Babes in Arms,” and the play, “M*A*S*H.” Both of these activities required a great amount of commitment. Shawn also served as the assistant editor of the Grand Island Central School District’s website for the year. As a participant in the Career Exploration Internship Program, Shawn interned at Computer Search, where he helped develop a website for the company. He also found time to compete on a mock trial team, which advanced to the playoffs. In his senior year Shawn continues his employment at Wilson Farms. He is also employed by Picasso’s Pizza as a delivery person and cook, and he also works as an usher at HSBC Arena. Still participating in band, he was elected to the position of treasurer and has a major role in the financial aspects of the band and wind ensemble. He served as editor of the district’s website for the first semester before leaving to pursue other options and opportunities within the district. Still involved in the internship program, Shawn will be interning with the U.S. Air Force during the second semester. He also helps with several internship classes, helping his peer develop portfolios. Shawn also participated in this year’s production of “Up the Down Staircase” as well as in the production of “The Wizard of Oz.” In the future Shawn plans to join the U. S. Air National Guard and pursue a degree in computer engineering.
Cheryl Reagan
       In her freshman year Cheryl joined the choir and that spring went to Solo Festival, where she learned to improve her singing. She also joined Student Council, which organized school activities such as Homecoming and Winter Ball. Through Student Council she was chosen to attend a Rotary Conference for the New Generations. This conference was sponsored by the Clarence Rotary Club and run by the High School Interact Club. At this conference area schools joined together to discuss topics that teenagers are dealing with. This was such a great experience that she returned to the second annual New Generations Conference.
   Attending the conference inspired her to start an interact Club at Grand Island High School. She made phone calls and worked with the Student Council advisor to get the club organized and approved. It started in her sophomore year and she was elected its first president. The club went to soup kitchens, raised money for charity, went on the Rotary District 7090 Best of Friends International Bike Trek, and helped out the community by picking up trash on the parkway.
   Cheryl participated in teaching religious education and in the spring of 2000 she made her confirmation. In her sophomore year she helped teach 2nd grade religion classes and in her junior year, she taught 3rd grade religion classes and got the children ready to make their First Communion. She belonged to the Whitehaven Youth Group and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Sunday School and youth group. She participated in the mentor program at Kaegebein Elementary School. Cheryl supported the Student Olympics at the high school in 9th grade, but in 10th and 11th grade she joined a team, donated money and participated in the events. For four consecutive years she collected money to donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. To raise money each year she walked 10 miles.
   In 9th grade Cheryl was elected president of the Class of 2001. In 10th grade she was elected president for the second year. For the third year she was elected president and organized the variety show, Junior Prom, got things ready for the graduating class, and also for the senior year. Being president of her class has been a great honor for her. She was captain of the junior varsity soccer team her sophomore year. She received her varsity letter in soccer, bowling and track. She also received her bar for varsity track and varsity soccer.
   Cheryl has been preparing herself for her future career by teaching religion classes, mentoring, providing childcare and working with others. She is currently taking an internship through the high school and teaching kindergarten and where she taught 5th grade. She plans to go to a four-year college, preferably an outstanding teaching school. From her experience Cheryl would like to pursue a career in teaching.

Pepsi Notes Benefit Band Boosters
   The Grand Island High School Instrumental Band Boosters are collecting Pepsi Notes from specially marked Pepsi Cola and Frito Lay products. The deadline for contributions is February 15. Pepsi Notes should be dropped off at the high school music room, 1100 Ransom Road or mailed to Marie Duncan, 18 Blue Jay Lane.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month

Kristina Tetkowski               Patrice Paolucci

Kristina Tetkowski
   Kristina Tetkowski has grown up on the Island and has a strong passion to make the Island a better, more positive place to live. She is involved in many activities and committees in and out of school and is currently the Grand Island Youth Ambassador. She serves on the Connections Committee, is a member of the League of Women Voters, and is a Kids Voting volunteer
   In school Kristina is captain of the cross-country team, and has received her varsity letter this year. She has been a distance runner in track for the last three years. Kristina has been in two musical productions at the high school, is on the NYS Mock Trial Team, and is on the Recycling Team. She has served on the Shared Decision Making team for two years and is now also on the Grand Island School/Business Alliance and the Superintendent’s Advisory Group. Last summer she was nominated to go to a Leadership/Living a Healthy Lifestyle Camp for a week, held by the Creative Education Foundation. She has also helped with the United Nations Common Ground World Project, of which her father is the founder. The project involved collecting clay from every member country of the UN and then creating a mandala which will be in the foyer of the UN building.
Patrice Paolucci
   Throughout high school Patrice Paolucci has excelled in academics, given back to the community, and showed leadership qualities. Patrice has always pushed herself academically. She has been in honors classes throughout high school and is currently taking three Advanced Placement classes. Besides being among the top five of her graduating class, Patrice was also voted the “Most intelligent Female” by the senior class.
   The community is also very important to Patrice. She believes that just helping one person makes a difference. Through DECA Patrice has participated in the Food for Friends drive every Christmas. This involves sorting food for needy families on Grand Island. She also has volunteered her time through her church, St. Stephen's. Patrice’s extracurricular activities include tennis, DECA, National Honor Society, student government, and the Career Exploration Internship Program.
   In her first year on the tennis team Patrice was voted the Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player. Patrice had an amazing senior year in tennis. She played either second or third singles varsity and finished with a 13-3 record. She was voted the Outstanding Singles Player by her teammates.
   In addition to being a member of DECA, Patrice has also been treasurer since her junior year. Last year she was elected one of two class historians for the senior class. Patrice has participated in two internships in high school. Her first one was at Animal Kingdom, a veterinary hospital on Grand Island. The second one was at LensCrafters, where she observed an optometrist. Patrice not only gained hands-on experience from these incredible opportunities, but they also helped her to come to a decision about her future. Patrice’s future plans include attending college. She would like to major in biology and hopes to become a veterinarian. She has currently been accepted at the University at Buffalo and Canisius College. Patrice has received academic scholarship offers from both schools and has also been accepted into the honors program at the University of Buffalo.

Youth Assistance Helps Neighbors Foundation
   Grand Island has many great kids, eager to help in any way they can. Gail Lazenby of the Neighbors Foundation has pointed out that the several hours work on December 18 by sixteen Grand Island High School students, saved the Foundation members about 500 man hours of work. The students had to make up time lost at school while they were at Fire Station #2 on Stony Point Road sorting tons of groceries that were distributed along with gifts and toys to 51 needy families on Grand Island. Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Fields said, "I think this is a good indication of what the majority of Grand island kids are all about."
   DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) members from the high school who assisted the Neighbors Foundation are Kim Beland, James Blocho, Jim Breier, Anthony Brindisi, Mick Gallagher, Kyle Gleason, Andrew Golembiewski, Bill Hillman, Heather O’Shea, Vanessa Ovitt, Patrice Paolucci, Leanne Pizur, Anna Quider, J. Spiesz, Mary Szczerba, and Nicolette Thompson. Their advisor is Tim Oldenburg.

High School Merit Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were named to the merit roll for the first quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
Grade 9: Michael Antonelli, Henry Belding, Arielle Blanton, Paul Bucholtz, Jeffrey Bull, Erica Burns, Kristen Burns, Lisa Burns, Kelliann Camey, Ashley Davis, Thomas Dewey II, Christine Donner, Christopher Dziwulski, Paul Eberhard, Ashlee Edwards, Anthony Fanara, Michelle Fox, Bryan Funk, Holly Gallagher, Patrick Gannon, David Garcia, Christine Gilbert, Alex Gregorski, Kevin Hajnos, Terry Hashley, Nicole Herman, Gretchen Hildebrandt, Thomas Hooven, Sean Hoyt, Nathan Jayme, Kari Johnson, Nicholas Jones, Emily Kowzan, Francesca Kustra, Christine Lang, Donald LoVullo, Christopher Mahiques, Amanda Mallwitz, Laura Massaro, Jason McInerney, Matthew Mergel, Caroline Miller, Lauren Nedwick, Christa Pawlowski, Shane Pingray, Omar Raza, Ashley Remmes, Danial Rossiter, Ashley Ruckinger, Michael Steckelberg, Christina Stickl, Karen Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Michael Vallina, Jason VanDusen, Kelly Voltz, Christina Warner, Earl Webb III, Ginny Wilkinson and James Wright Jr.
Grade 10: Jeffrey Adamek, Mark Anderson, Brienna Bailey, Christina Basta, Ashleigh Bennett, Jessica Booker, Christina Breier, Joseph Burns, Angel Busch, Christi Busch, Kimberlee Carter, Delene' Collins, Erica Cook, Rachelle Cote, Shawn Crowley, Brian Culp, James Dahlquist, Alan Damiani, Karla Darby, Douglas DeLucca II, Joseph DeMarco, Thomas Digati, Rene' Dodge, Jamie Dougherty, Stacey Edwards, Alicia Fahrner, Nicole Firnstone, Sara Franklin, Jamie Fuhr, Danielle Gatti, Krystina Geschwender, Alex Giangreco, Kara Glose, Matthew Hagen, Peter Hardman, Leah Harris, John Havens, Glenn Holler, Robert Hopkins, Ryan Jankowski, Naven Kang, Derek Kirkendall, Meghan Kurzdofer, Aaron Lloyd, Eric Lloyd, Krista LoPresti, Manuel Martinez III, Laura McDonnell, Christopher Miller, Joy Monaco, Andrew Moran, Kali Mordaunt, Katie Newell, Stefanie Penque, Morgan Perry, Laura Piccolo, Brett Pietras, Jenna Podlucky, Crystal Robbins, Jeremy Roberts, Nicholas Rossi, Matthew Royal, Stephen Rumsey, Chad Ruzich, Kevin Sharpe, Robert Shoemaker, Bikramjit Singh, Sara Slater, Lindsey Smith, Eric Snyder, Justin Sobol, Alyssa Sacone, Ronald Stipp, Kari Sumner, Michael Valentin, Tanya Violanti and Kimberley Walker.
Grade 11: James Blocho III, Heather Brenon, Anthony Brindisi, Bryan Brown, Traci Certo, Ashly Cinelli, Laura Cobello, Lynn Conschaffer, Jonathan Dann, Michelle DelZoppo, John Dougherty, Shannon Freer, Shauna Freiermuth, Michael Gallagher, Joseph Gnacinski, Andrew Golemblewski, Lindsay Hahn, Christina Hall, Jennifer Hansen, Jamie Holmes, Justin Hoover, Holly Jellison, Michael Judson, Brian Kopf, Michael Krisch, Jonathan Lacki, Jill Lochren, Adam Lock, Christopher Martello, John Martello, Carmella Martinez, Adam Mazenauer, Shannon McCormick, Michael Mehltretter, David Michaels, Amy Millar, Angela Miller, Stephanie Miller, Derek O'Brien, Anthony Paolucci, Karin Perkovich, James Pioli, Robert Podlucky, Luke Price, Kevin Rader, Christina Reaser, Adam Reisdorf, Amanda Rodriguez, Anthony Rossi, Valery Runick, Kimberly Shoemaker, Jason Snug, Lauren Spacone, Jonathan Steele, Julie Sturtz, Joseph Walf and Stephanie Wiesnet. Grade 12: Steven Ackendorf, Kimberly Beland, Charles Bernoski, Robert Berry, Sally Brzezinski, Erica Buriano, Robin Call, Maria Casey, Jill Cassert, Steven Coe, Lesley Connell, Colleen Coughlin, Nicholas Covatto, Kris Crowley, Diana DeLorenzo, Joseph Edwards, Erich Enser, Melissa Fabio, Anthony Florio, Erin Frieday, William Garrison Jr., Kristia Gatti, Stephanie Gill, Shawn Goss, Angela Goulah, Cynthia Gratton, Fawn Gross, Mark Hajnos, William Hillman, Ashley Hollinger, Adam Horrigan, David Jakubowski, Kristie Jankowski, Heather Keller, Kathryn Kendall, Christina Knight, Sarah LaRocque, Crystal Lewis, Jonathan Louth, Megan Makowski, Mark Maloney, Eric McCarthy, Meagan McCormick, Stephanie McGinn, Adam Mills, Valerie Mondoux, David Montemage, Mary Moore, Kathleen O'Keefe, Timothy O'Laughlin, John Ochtyun, Heather Oishei, Sara Otto, Philip Razem, Cheryl Reagan, Katie Remus, Jessica Ritzenthaler, Zachary Roberts, Crystal Rumsey, Hunia Saghir, Nicole Saj, Matthew Schumacher, Timothy Shea, Ryan sherman, Krystalore Stegner, James Stockman Jr., Joel Stoorza, Mary Szczerba, Stacey Szczerbiak, Nicole Vanderbrook, Alyssa Vergan, Matthew Waddington, James Walsh, Elizabeth Webb, and Jennifer Williams.

Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
     
Jessica Trippy Rachelle Colosi Brian Griffin

Jessica Trippy
    Jessica Trippy has been active in both school and community activities throughout her four years of high school. She takes the most pride in her participation in the high school music and drama departments. She has participated in Choir and Concert Choir for the last four years, for which she has earned a letter in music, and during her junior and senior years has been a member of Vocal Jazz and Madrigals. She has had parts in musicals such as "Hello Dolly," "My Fair Lady," "Babes in Arms," and is currently rehearsing for "The Wizard of Oz," in which she is the Wicked Witch of the West. She is also vice president of Spotlighters, and she has appeared in all of the Drama Club's productions, including "You Can't Take It with You," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Mash," and "Up the Down Staircase." As well as being involved in music and drama, Jessica is a member of National Honor Society, Art Club, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), GIFTS, and Grand Island Volunteers.
   Jessica also finds great gratification as a member of Having Empowered Leaders as Peers (HELP), which is an organization based on promoting AIDS awareness, for which she helps to design informational presentations for both the middle and high schools, as well as assisting AIDS infected and affected families in the Western New York area. She enjoys sculpting and writing in her free time, as well as performing in her band "From Tulsa." Jessica strongly believes in giving back to her community and she is an active volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York and the March of Dimes. She plans to major in music technology at a college in New York City and pursue a career in recording and production for a major recording studio.
Rachelle Colosi
Leading a very active lifestyle is an aspect that has become very familiar to Rachelle Colosi. Throughout her high school career she has developed a variety of different interests leading her in many different directions. She has excelled in several different fields including academics, sports, cosmetology, as well as involvement and leadership in her school, community, and church youth group.
   Throughout high school Rachelle has been an active participant and student leader in several extra curricular activities. She has been a member of in the leadership aspect of these teams. Her involvement has included two years of soccer, one year of varsity cross country, in which she was appointed captain, one year of JV basketball, where she was elected captain, and one year varsity basketball, plus four years of varsity track, two in which she also held the position of captain.
   In addition to sports she has also been an active student leader. As a junior she was elected and is currently vice president of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) at the Ken/Ton Career Center where she is enrolled in the cosmetology program. Furthermore, as a senior she was elected to serve as secretary of her class and has also been elected a member of the National Honor Society.
   In addition Rachelle has been a very active member in her church youth group the last four years and has recently become a member of the Student Active Leadership Team. Even though Rachelle is an active participant in a variety of extracurricular activities, her number-one priority has been to successfully maintain excellence in her academic studies. She has recognized the important of her studies. As far as her future is concerned, Rachelle is going to attend a liberal arts college in pursuance of a physical education degree.
   Although Rachelle believes that her studies, as well as extracurricular activities, are important, she also feels the need to invest time and effort into the people of the community. She has assisted with the Vacation Bible School run by her church, Whitehaven Road Baptist, and she has attended several work weekends cleaning the grounds at Word of Life Bible Camp. Last winter she spent her time as a volunteer basketball coach for an eight-and-under team. Another awesome opportunity in which Rachelle was able to give back to the community was attending a mission trip to El Centro, California last summer. While there she was given the opportunity to interact with Hispanic children who live in an economically depressed area through a Vacation Bible School directed by her mission team. Rachelle is a true believer that the Lord has blessed every person with talents and resources, and it is their obligation to use those talents in order to help others.
Brian Griffin
Brian has been very active in the community since he moved here at the beginning of 9th grade. He has been active in the Boy Scouting program since he was five years old, and his involvement has allowed him to learn a lot, as well as help the community. He has participated in food drives, flag retirement ceremonies, and projects that have contributed to his involvement on Grand Island. As a requirement for his attainment of the Eagle Scout rank, the Boy Scouting program's highest honor, he organized and gave leadership to a blood drive at St. Stephen's Church and succeeded in collecting 20 pints of blood. He is also involved with the Order of the Arrow, which is an honor society of Boy Scouts. He gives leadership to the membership of northern Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Grand Island, and Tonawanda. The main ideal of the organization is service to the community as well as the scouting program, and the organization has performed many projects in the Buffalo area.
   In addition to his involvement with the Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow, he participated in the High School Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Jazz Band, where he plays the trumpet. He has performed solos for acceptance into All-County and All-State bands and was selected to participate in the Area All-State Band in November at Fredonia. Brian also holds two part-time jobs, at Media Play and Holiday Inn Grand Island, while maintaining honor roll status, a class rank of 47 of 216, and an accumulated GPA of 3.4. He plans to attend Union College in upstate New York or Pace University in New York City for a six-year accelerated law program.

Madrigals perform
at Wilcox Mansion


Pictured above are the Grand Island High School Madrigal Singers performing Sunday, December 3rd at the historic Wilcox Mansion on Delaware Ave., Buffalo. The Madrigals are a long standing choral group that performs at many venues for organizations throughout Western New York.
Madrigal Advisor Carolyn Lokken praised the 26 member group for their excellent work ethic, noting they meet at 6:30 a.m. for their practices and dutifully take care of their other responsibilities, including jobs, sports, and school.
The singers and their families toured the historic Wilcox Mansion after their performance. The mansion was built in 1838 for a US Army installation. It was later purchased by the Wilcox family. In 1901, the mansion was the inaugural site for US President Theodore Roosevelt, immediately after the assassination of President William McKinley who was shot while visiting the Buffalo Pan American Exposition. Today,the building serves as a historical museum and banquet facility.
On Monday, December 4 the Madrigals performed at the M&T Bank in Downtown Buffalo. For more information or to have these talented, hard working Grand Island singers perform at an upcoming event, call 773-8868.

Students Left Off Honor Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were left off the first quarter honor roll and inadvertently placed on the merit roll.
Grade 9: Andrew Asbach, Dana Brindisi, Jennifer Cammarano, Callan Fernandez, Mark Goff, Gabrielle Lanich, Christina Petit, and Christopher Sica.
Grade 12: Jeffrey Critelli, Michelle Elmer, and Janelle Sturtz.

High School Honor Roll
The following Grand Island High School students were named to the honor roll for the first quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Karen Hutzler, Margaret Kiehl, Allie McLean, Shannon O'Brien, Jaimie Stickl, Mohsin Syed, Stefanie Szczykulowicz, and Meghan White.
Grade 10: Caren Bartosz, John Colosi, Ingrid Dahlberg, Christian Dommell, Jo Anna Goulah, Christopher Heftka, Danielle Henry, Brian Kim, Robert Kujawa, Jacob LaLiberty, Sigrid Maerz, Kathryn Manijak and Patrick McCarthy.
Grade 11: Jolie Dahlstrom, Sally Head, Phillip Lee, Scott McMichael, Lauren Mergel, Joseph Pasqualichio, Anna Quider, Neil Reddien and Emily Zimdahl.
Grade 12: Jennifer Bullock, Daniel Kurzdorfer, Michael Pfetsch, Mark Rotella, Peter Sabatowski, Satyugjit Virk and Katherine Yaksich.
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Stephanie Affuso, Keriann Armusewicz, Andrew Asbach, Kelly Beatty, Kyla Berger, Shelbey Bidell, Michael Blocho, Andrew Boron, Cortney Bota, Puneet Brar, William Breier, Dana Brindisi, Heather Burkman, Scott Buyer, Jennifer Cammarano, Patricia Carminati, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Robert Christopher, Cynthia Czapla, Michelle D'Addieco, Branden DeLong, Charles Dewey, David Dillen, Andrew Dlugosz, Alicia Ellson, Amanda Elsaesser, Michael Feathers, Callan Fernandez, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Matthew Fields, Nicholas Forysinski, Alishea Gainer, Katharine Gaudy, Nicholas Gerace, Nicholas Giddings, Mark Goff, Monica Greco, Nicholas Hahn, Hannah Hardy, Carly Hudson, Douglas Ingraham, Amanda Kaiser, Scott Kaniecki, Rochelle Kennedy, Brett Kern, Kelly Knab, Kimberly Kraft, Mary Kucharczak, Sarah Lang, Gabrielle Lanich, Brian Lipp, Claire Maddi, Carey Marrinan, Joanna Micco, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Rikke Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Kelly O'Brien, Christina Petit, Emily Pici, Danielle Podlucky, Joseph POdlucky, Thomas Rayhill, Corinne Razen, Jennifer Reisdorf, Laura Remmes, Joshua Roberts, Brittany Rogers, Nichole Ryan, Jonathan Savage, Rebecka Schaber, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jessica Shanor, Christopher Sica, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Lauren Stipp, Alexandra Sutherland, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Johanna Turnwall, Benjamin Valentine, Christine webb, Nathan Wolinski, and Steven Zippier.
Grade 10: Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Amusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Taralyn Blelaski, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Stephanie Brown, Jonathan Burchfield, Shayna Burzynski, Kevin Buzzelli, Kristin Cadro, Christopher Ciechoski, Colleen Clarke, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, Jonathan Crossley, Ashley Darin, Devon Drost, Steven Duggan, Jessica Feeley, Michael Ferro, Marcella Ford, Ethan Gietz, Brett Gleason, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormady, Ann Marie Goss, Daniel Gray, Eleanor Henderson, Aaron Hesson, April Hooper, Natalie Ianni, Deborah Jones, Sara Knab, Benjamin Kozar, Andrea Kurpiewski, Theodore Lee, Katherine Loiselle, Jennifer Long, Elizabeth LoTempio, Marinos Maroulis, Elizabeth Masse', Jessica McIntyre, Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Mindi Mietlicki, D'anna Mock, Christopher Monaco, Gabrielle Montemage, Bradford Namaste', Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O'Donnell, Rosanne Oliverio, Lisa Otta, Matthew Payne, Jessie Petit, Stephen Pfetsch, Diane Pierce, Mitchael Pingrey, Thomas Rajczak, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Sara Rodriguez, Jennifer Rogan, Blaise Roman, Kera Sauer, Paul Scappechio, David Schimley, Gretchen Schumacher, Corinne Sexton, Balbir Singh, Melissa Sipos, Francis Sirianni, Tierney Smith, Michael Stanko, Savannah Stolzenburg, Kelly Strano, Larissa Thompson, Nicole Walker and Melissa Wilbert.
Grade 11: Margaret Anderson, Diana Barun, Amanda Benko, John Black, David Blonski, Cory Bota, Jennifer Breier, Kyle Bullock, Jeannette Buscaglia, Kaitlin Certo, Allison Dinsmore, Dawn Drozdowski, Christopher Duff, Kelly Duncan, Shannon Ellson, Adam Fetzer, Laura Fik, Sean Ford, rachael Fraser, Christy Gibney, christopher Goetz, Stephanie Goris, Alexandra Heaney, Terri Ingraham, Darryl Johnson, Michelle Kalisz, Anup Kang, Robyn Kania, Christine Knab, Kimberly Knab, Jillian Leffler, Matthew Laupple, James Lichtenthal, Jessica Lundquist, Cindy Mao, Joseph Martino, Adam McCollum, Dylan McLean, Alexis Mioducki, Kathleen Mitchell, Brian Monaco, Kathleen Moriaty, Alexandra Naumovich, Katherine Neely, Katherine Rebmann, Harrison Rogers Jr., Nicole Saxbury, Allison Siehnel, Jeffrey Sipos, Megan Szymkowski, Amber Tempest, Renee' Torchia, Joshua Turnwall, Melissa Vrba, Vaninder Walia, Danielle Wasson, Hannah Weinknacht, Tristan Wilkinson, Jodi Wroblewski, Timothy Yore, Marvin Zimmerman and Nikki Zito.
Grade 12: Gerald Asbach, Aaron Beauregard, Janelle Becher, Nicholas Bergman, David Boyce, Beatrice Bruno, Rebecca Chamberlin, Lindsay Chambers, Rachelle Colosi, Jeffrey Critelli, Anna Czapla, Jennifer Davide, Stefanie DiPasquale, Jamie Disarno, Lindsey Dotson, Michelle Elmer, Jennifer Falvo, Jordan Funk, Sara Garcia, Amy Golden, Michael Golden, Jade Greenwood, Brian Griffin, Mackenzie Hassan, Kelly Hayes, Michael Henderson, Alison Hudson, Nicole Kalisz, Leanne Kern, Jee Kim, Kevin Kloesz, Joshua Kruk, Patrick LaLiberty, Jacob Lange, Rachel Lazelle, Jenny Leckey, Nathan Maerz, Jamie Mangus, Erin McCanna, Maureen McCarthy, Rachel Morgan, Jeannie Morrison, Ashley Northrup, Vanessa Ovitt, Amy Padowski, Patrice Paolucci, Rachel Parrino, Shannon Peters, Drew Pierce, Rachel Pierce, Leanne Pizur, Jennifer Raham, Melissa Rayhill, Daniel Rees, Brett Rimes, Benjamin Rossiter, Jennifer Shoemaker, Christopher Smith, Coletta Steizer, Janelle Sturz, Asif Syed, Nicole Tourot, Jessica Trippy, Kristin Ungaro, Lori Vaylen and Rachel White.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.

Other Grand Island Pages to Visit:
| Businesses | Churches | Email Directory | Government | Groups
GIHS Grad List | Guestbook | Please sign in! | Local Artists | New! Photo Album | Recreation |
| Schools | Seneca Law Suit | Town History | UsefuLinks | Weather |
| Website Design | Wildlife | Home Page |

This website is sponsored by

GIECOM.NET
1869 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, New York, 14072-1803 USA
Copyright © 1995-2002 All rights reserved.