Grand Island High School News Web Page 2003

Grand Island High School Website
Sports Schedule - Winter 2004
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Principal
Dr. James Dempsey




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 31, 2003
Click "Sports Briefs 12/31/03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 24, 2003
Click "Sports Briefs 12/24/03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School To Produce "Guys & Dolls" - Seeks Advertisers - 2003
   The Grand Island High School Music Department has announced the dates for its musical production of Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser as February 5-7, 2004. Details as they become available.
   Over 2000 programs will be printed and distributed during the three performances and businesses are invited to advertise in the program by contacting Sarah Russo at 634-6042 or emailing her at srusso@k12.ginet.org




Island Students Help Relay For Life - 2003

Shown (right) are Matt Fields, Amanda Goris, Martha Martinic and Heather Burkman, representing the Internship Class in Community Service and the National Honor Society. (left) Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador Carly Hudson joined the group on Sunday with Mike Antonelli, Kelly Knab, Charlie and Tom Dewey.
Barbi Lare Photos - Click for a larger view.

Cheryl Chamberlain Photo - Click for a larger view.
   Dec. 24, 2003 . . Students from Grand Island High School were busy over the last weekend before Christmas (Dec. 20-21, 2003). Volunteering at the Prime Outlets, they raised money for The Relay for Life, scheduled for June 11, 2004. "These wonderful students raised almost $1,000 over the course of two days at the mall to benefit this event and the American Cancer Society," High School faculty member Cheryl Chamberlain said today. Teachers Mandy Becker, Daneen Gallagher and Mrs. Chamberlain, were on hand to help the students with their fundraising at the mall. Even Buffalo Idol Marc Scibilia stopped by and sang for the shoppers.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 18, 2003
Click "Sports Briefs 12/18/03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Highest Level Music Students
Perform At Eastman School of Music - Dec. 2003

(left) Emily Pici, Patrick Gannon, Kevin Laurendi and Lillian Cho.
By Kathleen Ganz
   Grand Island music students were selected to perform at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester during the 68th annual New York State School Music Association Winter Conference. They were chosen based on auditions last year, and are considered to be at the highest level in their field. From left are Emily Pici, Patrick Gannon, Kevin Laurendi and Lillian Cho. Also chosen was Jim Wright. Patrick, a trumpet player, is a student of band director Martin Allen, the others are students of vocal music director Carolyn Lokken.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 11, 2003
Click "Sports Briefs 12/11/03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Winter Concert - 2003
   The Grand Island High School music department will present a concert on Thursday, December 11, 2003 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Choirs, the band, and the orchestra will be featured.




Vikings Named To Honor Roll - 2003
   The following Grand Island Varsity Vikings have been named to the Buffalo News Football honor roll for Class A North:
First Team - Offense
Senior Mike Blocho, Running Back
Senior Doug Ingraham, Offensive Lineman
Senior Joe Podlucky, Offensive Lineman
Senior Mike Feathers, Kicker
First Team - Defense
Senior Chris Sica, Defensive Back
Senior Jeff Bull, Line Backer
Senior Casey O'Brien, Defensive Lineman
Senior Brett Kern, Punter
Offensive Player of the Year
Mike Blocho
Defensive Player of the Year
Jeff Bull
Coach of the Year
Grand Island Vikings Coach Dean Santorio
Second Team
Tom Rayhill, Dave Dillen, Mike Antonelli, Justin King
Honorable Mention
Glenn Bird, Dan Rossiter, Ryan Harvey, Bill Brier, Collin Thompson


Vikings' Mike Blocho - 2003
   Grand Island's Varsity Vikings running back, Mike Blocho was featured in a weekend edition of the Buffalo News. Click Mike Blocho for the complete story.




Girls, Boys Bowling Teams Victorious - Dec. 2003
   Grand Island High School's boys bowling team beat the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks, 5-2, at Parkside Lanes Thursday, November 4, 2003 in a Niagara Frontier League meet. High games for GI were:
• Geoff Crossley - 267 (692)
• Mike Steckelberg - 262 (683)
• Pinfall - GI 3,671 - NT 3,557
   The Grand Island girls team won over the Lumberjacks, 4-3:
• Chrissy Ray - 224 (589)
• Jackie Seifert - 201 (544)
• Pinfall - GI 3,080 - NT 3,051




GIHS Sports Briefs December 4, 2003
Boys Hockey - WNY Club - Grand Island 3, Olean 1
Girls Basketball - Sweet Home Tournament
Grand Island 54, Williamsville North 39
Scoring For Grand Island (1-0): Ashton Duda 8, Ashley Frieday 16, M. MacGuire 6, Sarah Mcleod 10, Remmes 7, J. Stickl 7. Halftime: GI, 33-23. 3-point goals: Frieday, MacGuire, Stickl, Miller 2. Ashleigh Frieday had 16 points, seven rebounds and eight eight steals as Grand Island opened with a 54-39 win over Williamsville North. Sarah McLeod grabbed eight boards for the Vikings. First names of players will be posted if they are submitted! (teddy@giecom.net)




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2003

   
Keriann Armusewicz                               Tom Rayhill                         Corinne Razem
   Keriann Armusewicz was born in Augusta, Georgia, but has been a resident of Grand Island for the past thirteen years. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten and has balanced an academically challenging curriculum with many extracurricular activities.
   Keriann has taken advanced classes since sixth grade, and is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, College Level Spanish, AP Literature and Composition, AP Microeconomics and AP Government. She has received many academic awards including an Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin, and Varsity Letter, and was the first recipient of the Math Student of the Month Award this past September.
   Keriann has also been involved in many exracurricular activities. She has been a member of the GIHS soccer program since eighth grade, and received her Soccer Varsity Letter last season. Keriann earned her Varsity Letter in Instrumental Music as a sophomore and was a featured dancer in the high school musical production of the "Wizard of Oz." In addition to rowing for the West Side Rowing Club, Keriann is currently a member of the National Honor Society and holds the position of treasurer for the senior class.
   Keriann has contributed to the Grand Island community by donating her time over the past four years to St. Stephen's Church as a religious education teacher. Other volunteer activities include participating in the Grand Island Music "Practice Buddies" Program, working with the High School Recycling Club, and participating in two work camps with the Trinity United Methodist Church youth group.
   After graduation, Keriann plans to attend college and pursue a major in the field of liberal arts and sciences.
   Tom Rayhill has lived for thirteen of his seventeen years on Grand Island. The other four he spent in Seoul, South Korea. While overseas, he traveled to many countries including China, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, England, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. As a student, he attended Kaegebein Elementary School from kindergarten through third grade, Seoul Foreign School from fourth through seventh grade, Veronica E. Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School from eighth through twelfth grade. Throughout his academic years, Tom has excelled both in and out of the classroom.
   In school, Tom has been very involved in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Varsity Football and Varsity Track and Field teams, plays tenor saxophone for the Wind Ensemble, is a member of the Ski Club and has participated in events such as the Corporate Bowl and the Student Olympics.
   Tom has also been a very active person in the community. He has been teaching religious education at St. Stephen's Church since tenth grade. Tom was a soccer coach this past summer for the ten and under house soccer league. He also volunteered at the Corporate Challenge and participated in the Loop for Lupus.
   Tom has received awards throughout his high school career includng "Who's Who Among American High School Students," (awarded twice) and "Pride of the Island." He has received a varsity letter in football, a varsity letter and bar in track and field, and a varsity letter in band. He also received two sectionals patches; one for a first place finish for his football team, and the other for a third place finish in the pole vault. He recently received the RPI medal, which is presented to the top math and science student in his class. It is a $60,000 scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, if he chooses to attend. In addition, he scored a perfect 800 on the math section of the S.A.T. college placement exam, plus a 710 on the verbal section, for a combined score of 1510. Tom received an Excellence in French award as well. He is currently a member of the National Honor Society and is enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes.
   Tom enjoyed working at the Grand Island Recreation Department last summer as a tennis and street hockey instructor. After high school he plans to attend either Harvard College or Rensselaer to major in technical engineering.
   Corinne Razem moved to Grand Island from Cleveland, Ohio in 1995 and has been in the Grand Island School District since 4th grade. She has received High Honor and Honor Roll status throughout all of the middle and high school years while receiving her academic certificate, academic pin and academic letter in recognition of her academic achievements. Currently, Corinne is ranked 10th in her class.
   During high school, Corinne has participated in National Honor Society, the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the Student Advisory Council (SAC), and DECA. Corinne has been a recipient of Pride of the Island, Scholar Athlete Award, and "Who's Who Among American High School Students." She has also found time to volunteer and do community service at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital in the surgical department.
   Corinne has a great passion for soccer. She plays year-round for the New York State Olympic Development Program '86 team and has played for a premier team in Rochester for the last four years. She has been on the Empire State Soccer Team for the last three years, winning two gold medals and one bronze. Corinne has played Varsity Soccer since 8th grade and has been a captain her junior and senior years. The team has won the Niagara Frontier League for the last four years and for the last two years, she led the team to the State Championship Semi-finals.
   After being recruited by such schools as Lehigh, University of Massachusetts, Mississippi State, Boston University and Illinois State, Corinne plans on attending Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina where she will major in business and play Division One Soccer.




GIHS Wind Ensemble Plays At NYS Winter Conference - 2003

Director Martin Allen rehearsing with students
By Kathleen Ganz
   It's one thing to play for an auditorium full of appreciative family and classmates. It’s quite another when your audience includes over a thousand music teachers from across the state.
   The 52-piece Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform December 1, 2003 at the New York State School Music Association’s 68th annual Winter Conference in Rochester’s Riverside Convention Center. School districts from across New York State auditioned by tape last spring for the prestigious event, and only one band, one orchestra and one choir were chosen to play. Band Director Martin Allen said he was thrilled that Grand Island’s Wind Ensemble made the final cut. “The kids have worked hard for this honor,” he said. “They really deserve it.” The young musicians met Sunday evening at the High School for one final rehearsal before boarding a bus for Rochester. It was lights out at 10 p.m. Sunday, then an early wake-up call to travel to the convention center for more rehearsal, and the 10 a.m. concert to play Symphony No. 3, “Slavyanskaya,” “Ballade” and “Dance of the Jesters.” In addition to his fellow music teachers, Allen said a large group of the Grand Island students’ enthusiastic friends and family were at the concert.
   Grand Island students at the NYSSMA Winter Concert included Shannon O’Brien, Lindsay Fetzer and Heather Burkman, flute I/piccolo; Alicia Harrison, Jill Endres and Meagan Bognar, flute II; Kari Johnson and Julie Amato, oboe; Emily Pifer, Rebecka Schaber and Jessica Skelly, clarinet I; Meaghan Grotz, Shayna DiMatteo and Nicole Roach, clarinet II
   Also Rikki Nawotka, Lauren Kalisz and Chrissy Ray, clarinet III; Amanda Albertsson and Chelsea DeGlopper, bass clarinet; Margaret Kiehl and Marcellus Hogan, alto sax; Thomas Rayhill, tenor sax; Wes Burkman, baritone sax; Kate Bonaquist and Stephanie Cartwright, bassoon.
   Also Kevin Laurendi, Joe Orsolits, Steve Doermer, Andy Nawotka, Frank Rodriguez, Chris King and Mike Schimley, trumpet; Gretchen Kiehl, Rebecca Fetzer, Lauren Campbell, Laura Remmes and Emily Winters, horn.
    Greg Lazelle, trombone I; Alex Marien, trombone II; Ryan Clarke and Stephanie Fick, trombone III; Nathan Wolinski and Dave Nardozzi, euphonium; Hank Belding and Eric Skelly, tuba; Andy Boron, Mary Beth Lacki, Dan Victor, Rob Goris, Nathan Jayme, Ted Royal and Doug Ingraham, percussion.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - November 2003
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2003-2004 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Traci Aladeen, Lauren Aughey, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Kiel Clarke, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Rachael Kaplan, Sarah Mye, Joshua Snyder, Yiyu Zhang
Grade 10: Lauren Culp, Chelsea DeGlopper, Kate Dlugosz, Kyle Doyle, Robert Michaels, Lee Miller, Andrew Nawotka, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol, Nicholas Thompson
Grade 11: Lindsay Aronica, Brian Choi, Erin Dent, Sara Hillard, Justine Kirsch, Meghan Macguire, Jason Manijak, Calvin Meaney, Stacey Monaco, Yasmin Raza, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Kari Tondera, Stephen Weigold
Grade 12: Keriann Armusewicz, Andrew Boron, Lillian Choi, Margaret Kiehl, Shannon O'Brien, Rebecka Schaber, Jaimie Stickl, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Christine Webb
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Ryan Chrostowski, Anna Cislarski, Abigail Cliff, Vincent Covatto, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Brett Fiedler, Nicole Fischer, Joseph Fusco, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Jared Kazmierczak, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Jessica Kuehne, Matthew Lang, Cassandra Lange, Dustin Lange, Elise Loiselle, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Sean McDermott, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Kimberly McLeod, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Alicia Neutz, Sean O'Brien, Patrick O'Donnell, Ian O'Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Robert Potter, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Justin Samland, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Matthew Scibilia, Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Forrest Smith, Ryan Stanko, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Matthew Ward, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams, Rhianna Wing
Grade 10: Cortney Ambrosia, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, Wesley Brzezinski, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Lauren Campbell, Ian Clark, Catherine Cline, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Shawn D'Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Carlos Darby, Breanne DeMarco, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Ashleigh Frieday, Mallory Fulle, Russell Gaiser, Meghan Hartman, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Marcellus Hogan, Beth Huffnagle, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Ben Kim, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Sarah Lipp, Cristina LoVullo, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Lucas Mesmer, Kayla Nash, Jessica O'Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Christopher Prygon, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Sarnjit Samra, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Chelsea Sommer, Janice Sturtz, Dana Szczepaniak, Katherine Szpala, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Marcia Wilbert, Zachary Zarbo
Grade 11: Tamika Adams, Amanda Albertsson, Julie Amato, Tanya Ambellan, Kelly Astridge, Deborah Basta, Christopher Benninger, Katie Bitikofer, Kate Bonaquist, Amy Boutet, Gloria Calvaneso, Garrett Carlson, Kelly Carter, Melinda Christie, Ryan Clarke, Renee' Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Robert Coughlin, Geoffrey Crossley, Rebecca Cunningham, Dana D'Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Daniel Elmer, Jill Endres, Kathryn Figliotti, Amanda Finn, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Robert Goris, Meaghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Lindsay Henderson, Beth Huber, Christian Karnath, Gretchen Kiehl, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, David Kurpiewski, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Robert Lorence, Amanda Lunney, Christina Maddi, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Victoria McCraith, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerney, Sarah McLeod, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Arianna Nelson, Ashley Perez, Richelle Piccolo, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, Toni Quagliana, Sean Raffety, Poonam Randhawa, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Lucia Rossi, Theodore Royal, Adam Salemi, Corrine Stolzenburg, Robert Sugar, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth, Adama Ungaro, Alicia Vetter, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Erik Zito
Grade 12: Kelly Beatty, Kyle Berger, Michael Blocho, Sara Burke, Heather Burkman, Kristen Burns, Patricia Carminati, Kelliann Carney, Meghan Casey, Robert Christopher, Cynthia Czapla, Michelle D'Addieco, David Dillen, Daniel Drabik, Ashton Duda, Alicia Ellson, Amanda Elsaesser, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Matthew Fields, Alishea Gainer, Holly Gallagher, Patrick Gannon, Nicholas Gerace, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Nicholas Hahn, Hannah Hardy, Thomas Hoover, Carly Hudson, Anthony Hughes, Karen Hutzler, Douglas Ingraham, Kari Johnson, Amanda Kaiser, Lyndsay Kearney, Kelly Knab, Robert Koryl, Mary Kucharczak, Christine Lang, Stephanie Langers, Brian Lipp, Jamie Mallo, Christina Mayes, Allie McLean, Matthew Mergel, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Rikki Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Kelly O'Brien, Emily Pici, Sean Quinn, Thomas Rayhill, Corinne Razem. Jennifer Reisdorf, Laura Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Theodore Rogers, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Johanna Turnwall, Christina Warner, Earl Webb, Jonathan Weber, Meghan White, James Wright, Steven Zippier




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - November 2003
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the first marking period of the 2003-2004 school year:
Grade 9: Safah Ali, Benjamin Angelo, Michael Asbach, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Arielle Brzezinski, Krista Burzynski, Evan Busch, Kong Chen, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Karen Coughlin, Stacey Cyman, Vincent Daniels, Michael Davis, Megan DenBeste, Michael Dlugokinski, Corey Dudish, Matthew Eddy, Jonathan Figler, Colin Gallagher, Bianca Genova, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Erin Hanel, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Kristen Kobza, William Lewandowski, Ryan Link, Joseph Mash, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Connor Neff, Kelsey Nordvik, Brian Nusstein, Kyle Oursler, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, Jasmine Rivers, Sarah Rivers, Andrew Rogers, Alysse Schuster, Ajit Singh, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Kristen Swan, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Christie Utz, Jason Voltz, Mallory Zilliox
Grade 10: Sheri Ackendorf, Melissa Affuso, Vanessa Alvarado, Joshua Anderson, Stephen Beatty, Amanda Bentley, Ashley Bleistein, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Daniel Brierton, John Brucato, Erich Burchfield, Desmond Carswell, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Monique Dhand, Nathan Evans, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Jessica Fike, Caitlin Garrigues, James Geblein, Colleen George, Alexander Grande, Ryan Gratton, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Matthew Guidotti, Ashley Hansen, Adam Henry, Kevin Holzle, Christopher King, Justin King, Megan Koller, Catherine Lewis, Dana Ludwig, Amanda McCord, Diane Meyer, Mercedes Miles, Christopher Miller, Chad Moran, Krista Moran, Nathan Morey, David Nolf, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Eric Quattrini, Cole Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Stephanie Russo, Tatiana Salamone, Melinda Schultz, Andrew Sharpe, Lisa Sonnenberg, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Daniel Szyprowski, Ronald Warner, Aaron Wilson, Dane Wood, Cory Zaranek
Grade 11: Cory Angelo, Joseph Balisteri, Shannon Barr, Joel Becher, Henry Belding, Joshua Billica, Dennis Brennan, Kevin Buyer, Christopher Caruana, Kaitlynn Cook, Thomas Cope, Anthony Curry, Erik Deuble, Jeanmarie Dragonette, Sean Driscoll, Jennifer Farrell, Jarett Forysinski, Kelly Frantz, Jason Fritschi, Thomas Geblein, Jodi Gleason, Collin Griffiths, Ryan Harvey, Nakita Herlan, Cody Hool, Rick Ianni, Brian Judkins, Ashley Kowzan Allison Kulak, Catherine Kulak, Kevin Laurendi, Gary Leckey, Chantelle LeFevre, Andrea Lewis, Carl Lindquist, Megan Little, Matthew Masse', Brandon McDonough, Christopher Mehltretter, Kevin Mehltretter, Michael Norris, Paula Nuchereno, Jennifer O'Donnell, Patrick O'Laughlin, Nicole Patterson, Jeffrey Pickel, James Poupalos, Pooya Rostami, Robert Rumsey, Tiffinie Sadowski, Jessica Samland, Amrtpal Samra, Tionda Saylor, Michael Schimley, Tracey Schmidt, Kelly Shoemaker, Nicole Spada, Adam Sperrazza, Scott Stanko, Shaina Starr, John Stoneham, Jarilyn Stoorza, Colin Thompson, Elijah Thompson, Jason Wilkinson, Emily Winters, Scott Xie, James Zilliox
Grade 12: Stephanie Affuso, Mohammed Ali, Laura Bechtel, Amy Becker, Aubrey Belles, Federica Bentivegna, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Cortney Bota, Buneet Brar, William Breier, Dana Brindisi, Paul Bucholtz, Jeffrey Bull, Erica Burns, Scott Buyer, Jennifer Cammarano, David Chambers, Robert Corrao, Candice Curtis, Ashley Davis, Charles Dewey, Katy Domagala, Christine Donner, David Dworzack, Anthony Fanara, Michael Feathers , Callan Fernandez, Nicholas Forysinski, Michelle Fox, David Garcia, Nicholas Giddings, Christine Gilbert, Mark Goff, Terry Hashley, Nicholas Jones, Scott Kaniecki, Brett Kern, Joy Koritz, Emily Kowzan, Alexander Kuch, Francesca Kustra, Sarah Lang, Friederick Leitlein, Claire Maddi, Christopher Mahiques, Amanda Mallwitz, Carey Marrinan, Michael Martin, Laura Massaro, Stephanie Nabozny, Lauren Nedwick, Myles Passanese, Christina Petit, Shane Pingrey, Vincent Pittman, Danielle Podlucky, Joseph Podlucky, Omar Raza, Daniel Rossiter, Jennifer Rott, Nichole Ryan, Kori Sciandra, Jaclyn Seifert, Christopher Sica, Kaitlin Smith, Michael Steckelberg, Amy Stewart, Lauren Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Michael Thoumire, Ginny Wilkinson, Nathan Wolinski




High School Students Invited To Audition For Stage Play - 2003
   Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players children's production, "Hound of the Clackervilles," are being held at St. Stephen school from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th. The stage play, produced by St. Stephen's Parish Players, is a mystery and a comedy! Children in grades 3 through 12 from all Island and off-Island schools, including Grand Island High School, are welcome and encouraged to audition.
   No prior acting experience is required. For a copy of the script or for more information, call Linda Burkhart at 774-0447.




Girls Soccer Team Puts Grand Island On The Map
Loss Over Burnt Hills 1-0 Ends the Lady Vikings Fabulous Season - 2003
   The Grand Island Girls Soccer Team was dealt a bad hand, weather wise, on Friday, November 14, 2003 as they met their match, Burnt Hills, for the Class A State Semifinals played in Brighton High School in Rochester, New York.
   A wet and muddy and snow-covered field along with the snow flying most of the game made for anything but a typical championship soccer game. Grand Island Soccer Coach Peter Prozik, in his seventh year with the team, said, "The conditions were not soccer conditions. It seems like . . . we were spending more time on the ground than we did on our feet."
   The Grand Island girls played their hearts out and are a superior credit to Grand Island High School and the Town of Grand Island.


Vikings Lose at Far West Regionals - 2003
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team lost to V-Victory 31-28 on Saturday, November 15, 2003, settling for the Section VI Class A title they won November 8, 2003 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
   Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003 game, St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y. . . . According to the Buffalo News report, "The 5-foot-8, 170-pound senior (Mike Blocho) ran for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries in a valiant effort as the Vikings, playing most of the game without starting quarterback and defensive back Chris Sica, lost a 31-28 thriller to Victor in the Class A Far West Regionals on Saturday night at St. John Fisher College's Growney Stadium." For the complete News story, click Far West Regionals.




High School Parent/Teacher Conferences - 2003
   Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held Monday, December 1, 2003 in the Grand Island High School from noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teachers will be in their rooms and a list of room assignments will be posted. Appointments are not necessary. Parents may enter through the front door and see some of the changes to the building.


Four Vikings Named Section VI Championship MVPS - 2003
   According to a Buffalo News story of November 14, 2003, the Section VI Championship Most Valuable Players are going to four Grand Island Varsity Vikings football players. Those named MVP Offensive Players of the game in Class A and winners of the Jim Braxton Award are Mike Blocho and Chris Sica. Defensive players of the game Class A and winners of the Ace Caccitore Award are Mike Feathers and Tom Rayhill.




GIHS Sports Schedule 2003
Click "GRAND ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL Sports Schedule".




Girls Soccer Team Send-Off To Girls Soccer Send-off to States - 2003

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for a larger view.
   Thursday, Nov 13, 2003. . . The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings championship soccer team was set to leave the high school shortly after noon today (Nov. 13, 2003) following a press conference in the school. However, the bus sent to pick them up for a 12:00 departure had inoperable brake lights. Escorted by Grand Island Police and Erie County Sheriff's Department deputies, the group left the Island at 1:03 p.m. after another bus was sent out to transport them. The Lady Vikings travel to Rochester, NY where they will play Burnt Hills Spartans in Brighton High School at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 14, 2003).




Vikings Win Class A Title - 2003
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team won the Section VI Class A title on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at Ralph Wilson Stadium beating Lew-Port 45-12. A crowd of nearly 2,500 watched as the Vikings proved to be the best in the division.
   Mike Blocho rushed for 181 yards on 25 carries and scored twice. Unfortunately for Blocho, he suffered a minor ankle injury which forced him to leave the game during the third quarter. Glenn Bird, a high school junior, ran 120 yards on 14 carries and Jeff Bull, a senior, made two touchdowns with 81 yards on 10 carries.
   Other outstanding plays follow:
• Chris Sica - threw for 96 yards - three touchdowns
• Mike Kaniecki - caught a pair of touchdown passes for 48 and 5 yards
• Mike Feathers - caught a TD pass, went for 11 yards - was 6 of 6 on PATs - a 27-yard field goal - four touchbacks on kickoffs
• Senior Defenseman Tom Rayhill - an interception - 10 tackles
• Defenseman Dan Rossiter - interception
• Jeff Bull - recovered fumble
• Sam Deb - recovered fumble
   The Vikings broke a Stadium playoff record of 23, held by Southwestern since 2001. Grand Island finished with 27 first downs.
   The championship Vikings (9-1) meet Victor (10-0) for a 7 p.m. game at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y. on Saturday, November 15, 2003.




Girls Varsity Soccer Team Wins Regionals 3-2 - 2003
Team Heads For 2 p.m. Game In Rochester Friday, November 14
    October 25, 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team has remained unbeaten and has won the Far-West Regionals.
   (Game #23 ) G.I. 3 Pittsford-Mendon 2. . . - The Lady Vikings defeated Pittsford-Mendon in sudden overtime by the score of 3-2 in a very close game. Jessica Remmes scored in the first half from a cross by Sara Hilliard. Pittsford- Mendon tied the game 1-1 at the half time. In the second half Jessica Remmes scored the go ahead goal with a nice pass from Nicole Fischer for the Vikings. With seven minutes left in the game, Pittsford tied the score. In the two ten-minute overtimes neither team could score. In the first five minute sudden death, Corinne Razem made a spectacular save from a point blank shot. In the second five minute sudden death Sara Hilliard scored the winning goal from a pass from Jessica Kuehne. This is the second time in the past two years that the Lady Vikings are returning to the final four in the state. The whole team had a tremendous game especially the defense which is led by Jessica Skelly, Nicole Fischer, Amy Stewart, Lauren Nedwick and Jessica Kuehne. The midfield play by Courtney Bota and Alicia Barnaby was exceptional. The team thanks all of the parents and spectators for their support during the season. Good Luck Lady Vikings!
   The Girls Varsity Soccer Team will be playing at 2 p.m. this Friday, November 14, 2003 at Brighton High School in Rochester against the Burnt Hills Spartansfrom Section 2 in the first semifinal game for the New York State Championship game in Class A.




Boys Soccer Team Wins Sectional VI Title - G.I 1 - Williamsville East 0 - Nov. 2003
   Grand Island's Boys Soccer Team won the Section VI Class B boys soccer final beating Williamsville East 1-0. Adam Ungaro made the lone goal for GI. The game was played Tuesday night, November 4, 2003 at Elia Stadium at Lew-Port High School. Grand Island (15-15-1) plays Kenmore East (21-0-1) on Saturday, November 8 in the Western Regionals at Churchville.
    On Saturday, November 1, 2003, the Grand Island Boys' soccer team defeated Olean with a score of 2-0. Robert Lawerence added his goal with a penalty kick, while Chris Benninger added the shut out. Ted Rodgers held up the defense to help the Vikings win.




Girls Soccer Team Wins Sectionals- G.I 4 Iroquois 1 - Nov. 2003
   Played Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003. . . The Girls Varsity soccer team won their third consecutive Section VI Class A sectional final game against Iroquois by the score of 4-1. Iroquois came out very fast and scored in the first 6 minutes of the game but the Lady Vikings settled down as Jessica Remmes scored on two breakaways with Jessica Skelly and Corinne Razem having the assists. Grand Island had a 2-1 lead in the first half. In the second half Alicia Barnaby and Cortney Bota controlled the midfield. Jessica Remmes scored two more goals to give G.I. a 4-1 win. The defense led by Amy Stewart, Jessica Skelly, Jessica Kuehne and Nicole Fischer did a great job on defense. Sara Hilliard had another great game in the forward line. The team thanks all the fans and parents who came to support them. Congratulations Lady Vikings. Next game is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at Brockport High School against Pittsford Mendon of section V.
   Click October 29 Game for October 29, 2003 photos.




Football Playoffs Story - 2003
   November 2003. . . For an in depth feature story on the Niagara Frontier League Football Championship Playoffs, click FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2003

   
Lillian Choi                               Matthew Fields                         Emily Brooke Newsome
   Lillian Choi has been a resident of Grand Island for seven years. She has been in the Grand Island School District from sixth grade at Veronica E. Connor Middle School to her senior year at Grand Island High School. Lillian has been involved in many school and community activities. She participates in numerous extracurricular activities that allows her to be described as a well-rounded person.
   Throughout high school, Lillian has been involved in a great number of organizations, excelling in everything she has partaken in. She has been awarded various honors. Currently, she is the president of the International Club, vice president of Choir, historian in S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving) and is a leader in the school orchestra, Concert Choir, and Madrigals, a select ensemble. She became concertmistress of the orchestra in her junior year and continues to be first chair in her senior year. In the past two years, Lillian has played on the girls Varsity Volleyball team as the middle and right-side hitter. In the earlier years of her high school career, Lillian also took part in the art club, the drama club, the Corporate Bowl, the Humanities Culture Club, and Masterminds. She challenges herself as a student with five AP classes in her senior year and has always been on High Honor and Honor Roll. Lillian was inducted into the National Honor Society last spring and also received her academic certificate pin, and letter.
   Furthermore, she was awarded the Outstanding Musician Award for three years in a row for her efforts in orchestra as well as her Varsity pin, blue letter, white letter, and bar for her exceptional achievements in extracurricular musical activities. She played the role of "Bloody Mary" in South Pacific, the school musical in 2002, and participated in "The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz," and the school play, "Up and Down staircase."
   Outside of school, Lillian has partaken in the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Youth Leadership Erie County, the Trinity Methodist Church Orchestra, the Community Choir, the Buffalo Chinese Christian Church Choir, private violin, vocal and dance lessons, and modeling opportunities. She teaches violin lessons to younger students and enjoys applying herself during the summer by teaching in Vacation Bible School.
   After graduation, Lillian plans on attending University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music where she will major in vocal performance and marketing. She aspires to sing at the Metropolitan Opera someday.
   Matthew Fields came to the Grand Island community from Alden, New York when he was in first grade. Since that time, he has learned to call Grand Island his home and has enjoyed his many experiences both in and out of school.
   In school, Matthew has challenged and excelled in a rigorous academic program. He has achieved either high honor or honor roll status throughout his high school career. In recognition of his academic excellence, he has earned the PTSA academic certificate, pin, and letter. He has been awarded the outstanding French student award two times and a scholar athlete for a total of five times in Golf, Tennis and Volleyball. Last year, his team was a finalist in the Corporate Bowl Challenge. In recognition of his academic achievement and leadership, he was inducted into the National Honor Society in his junior year.
   Matthew has also been very active in interscholastic sports and music. He played JV basketball for two years, Varsity golf for one year, three years of volleyball, and four years of tennis. He has won recognition as Niagara Frontier League All Star team member for two years in tennis and last year for volleyball. He led his volleyball team this year as co-captain and will serve as captain of the tennis team this spring.
   Matt has been a member of the orchestra since elementary school. He served as treasurer in his sophomore year, and is the president of this year's orchestra. He was a member of all-county orchestra in his freshman year and was cited as a member of the outstanding section.
   Matthew believes that it is important to give back to the community. He has worked for three years on Kids Voting, was a teacher's aide in Vacation Bible School, collected food for his church's food drive, volunteered for his church's Summer Fest, and collected money for the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association. He also helped to serve at the Rotary Chili Dinner and raised funds for the Special Olympics by being a member of a student olympic team.
   Matt has had summer jobs at the KOA campground on Grand Island and the Grand Island Recreation Department where he taught golf, tennis and archery.
   Matthew is applying to several Jesuit colleges where he hopes to major in Biology, perhaps leading to research in genetics.
   Brooke Newsome moved to Grand Island the summer before 8th grade began for her at Veronica Connor Middle School. She is originally from North Carolina, where she grew up. Upon moving to Grand Island she quickly became active in her school and community.
   Soon, Brooke was involved in the band at Grand Island by playing the flute and French horn. Before long, she was involved in many things in the community including many activities with her new church, Trinity United Methodist Church. She participated in Trinity's orchestra, "Joyful Noise," and became a leader in her youth group.
   In her academic life she has always challenged herself. Brooke's goal in life is "carpe diem" (seize the day). She wants to learn all she can at Grand Island High School so she can take it with her into life. She has challenged herself by taking seven AP courses and various honors classes throughout her high school career. Brooke has taken AP European History, AP United States History, AP Government, AP Psychology, AP Economics, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition. She wants to pursue a career in either teaching history at the high school level or a career in psychology.
   Now as a senior, she is the Class of 2004's historian. She is also a member of the Grand Island Legal Team and the Mock Trial Team. Brooke is now a member of National Honors Society and enjoys community service. Every summer since 9th grade she has gone to work camps in various parts of the U.S. to help repair homes for the poor. Brooke has enjoyed living on Grand Island and looks forward to taking what she has learned here into the world with her.
   In the fall of 2004, she looks forward to going to school in the south, hopefully at Wake Forest University or Washington College.


Girls Volleyball Team Advances To Sectionals - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Girls Volleyball Team advanced to the sectionals semifinals by beating Springville on Thursday, October 30, 2003. The girls won in a series of four games, with the scores being: Grand Island 25, Springville 17, 21-25, 25-9, 25-19. The offense was led by Jaimie Stickl and Shayna DiMatteo; Jen Camerano added 2 blocks at the net. Katie Gaudy led the defense with over 30 assists. The girls will play 7th ranked Alden at home 5:30 p.m. November 3, 2003.




Varsity Vikings Win Semifinal 38-0 Over Lakeshore - Nov. 2003
Ralph Wilson Stadium Is Next!

Fred Claus Photo - Click photo for a larger view.
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island High School Vikings Football Team defeated Lakeshore on Saturday, November 1, 2003 in the Section VI Class A Semifinals. The final score of the game was 38-0. Mike Blocho ran for 167 yards and three touchdowns, while Mike Feathers added a 51-yard field goal. Mike Antonelli had 13 tackles and one sack for the defense. The boys head for Ralph Wilson Stadium to play the championship game against Lewiston Porter 3 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2003. Tickets are available for $5 pre-sale at the High School office, or Saturday at the stadium for $7. The Vikings also played in the championship game last year and have made it to the "big one" three times in the past four years.
   For more on the Vikings/Lakeshore game, click "Niagara Gazette".




Boys Volleyball Team Loses In Second Sectional Game - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Boys' volleyball team was defeated by Depew on Thursday, October 30, 2003. The game was the second game of sectionals and was played at Depew. Senior Sean Quinn led the team at the net, in kills, while Kevin Mehltretter led in assists. The team is looking forward to next, hoping to come out strong and win the Niagara Frontier League title.


Boys Volleyball Team Defeats Holland In First Sectional Game - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Varsity Viking Boys Volleyball Team, who are ranked fifth, defeated Holland to win their first sectionals game. In a series of three games the boys swamped Holland. The scores of the games were Grand Island 25, Holland 23, 25-18, 25-8. The team was led captains Matt Fields and Nate Wolinski. Hitting strong at the net was Joe Ballistari, and Mike Steckleberg played a tough back row. The boys play next at fourth ranked Depew on Thursday, October 30, 2003.


Boys Soccer Team Defeats Lew-Port 2-1 - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Boys Grand Island Soccer Team, who are ranked second, defeated seventh ranked Lewiston Porter, to advance to the next round. The final score of the game was 2-1. Scoring for Grand Island was Dave Kurpiewski and Nick Giddings, who scored the winning goal. They will be playing at home next against third ranked Olean on Saturday, November 1, 2003.




Girls Soccer Wins Semi-final Sectional Over Williamsville South 2-0 - 2003

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photo for a larger view.
   Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003. . . The Lady Vikings defeated Williamsville South on Wednesday (Oct. 29) in a semi-final sectional game by the score of 2-0 as Jessica Remmes tallied a goal in each half. She was assisted by Alicia Barnaby and Cortney Bota. Corinne Razem broke her record of last year by recording her 16th shutout of the season. The defense led by Nicole Fischer, Jessica Skelly, Lauren Nedwick, Jessica Kuehne and Amy Stewart played another great game. It was a total team effort. Best of luck to the lady Vikings as they face Iroquois in the finals.




Girls Soccer Report - G.I. 3 Albion 1 (Shootout) - 2003
    October 25, 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team has remained unbeaten and has won the league championship.
   (Game #20) G.I. 3 Albion 1 (Shootout). . . - This was a quarterfinal sectional game between the Lady Vikings and the Purple Eagles from Albion. The score after regulation; two 10-minute overtimes and two five-minutes overtime was tied at 0-0. The Lady Vikings hit 3 crossbars and 2 goal posts during the game. In the shootout, Jessica Remmes, Sara Hilliard and Jessica Skelly scored for Grand Island but only one Albion girl scored as Corinne Razem stopped the other three shooters. The defense had another great game led by Amy Stewart, Nicole Fischer, Lauren Nedwick, Jessica Skelly and Adrienne LaLiberty. Both teams should be congratulated on their hard play and a special thanks to all the parents and fans who came to support the lady Vikings.




Varsity Viking Girls Volleyball Team Wins First Section Game - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Girls Volleyball Team won their first sectionals game in a series of five games. The number two ranked girls defeated eleventh ranked Olean. The scores of the games were Grand Island 22, Olean 25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21, and 25-18. Offensively Jaimie Stickl had six kills and Michelle D'Addieco had 16 service points. Defensively Katie Gaudy added 31 assists. The girls play next at home against fourteenth ranked Springville on Thursday, October 30, 2003. The game will start at 5:30 p.m.


Grand Island High School's New Office Gets Rave Reviews - 2003
Kathleen Ganz Photos and Story - Click Photo For Larger View
   The new office at Grand Island High School is getting rave reviews from staff and students. Located just inside the new front entrance, the office is a big improvement over the old rooms, said Principal Dr. James Dempsey. The suite has more space, conferences rooms that allow for privacy, and is much better organized.




Tour Of High School Wows Attendees

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for a larger view.
Shown with Dr. Dempsey are (left) Marla Crawford, Mike Endres and son, Allen, Lyn Laman, Justin Frentzel, Gary Roesch and Kim Schopp Baldassare. Cheerleaders are shown just before the Homecoming game.
   Grand Island High School Principal Dr. James Dempsey led a tour of the school before the Homecoming game, showing the recent improvements to future and former students, and a former teacher among others on Saturday, October 25, 2003. The tour before the homecoming game proved to be most interesting. The large and small cafeterias have had ceilings removed and replaced and sound proofing tiles added. In the past, the senior class has painted a wall in the senior cafeteria, repainting each year. The new plan is to keep these painted walls permanently and move out into the hallways as new seniors move up. The new administrative offices are bright and spacious and are now located at the new entrance to the building. The previous administrative offices will eventually contain a faculty room and additional space for the guidance department. The music wing was not available for viewing but is scheduled to be open at the end of November in time for concert season. A large foyer at the entrance greets new arrivals with doorways to the music wing, hallway to classrooms and administrative offices. The parking lots in the front of the school have been positioned much closer which will come in handy on those cold, concert evenings. The physical education wing is still under construction and is expected to be completed in January. Improvements include a new boys' locker room, weight room and team rooms. In high praise of the students, Dr. Dempsey noted that this year's enrollment is 1022 and said that "the past four years we have had a top notch student body. I'd go to war with these kids."
   There will be more tours in the future.




Grand Island High School Homecoming Dance - Spirit Assembly - 2003
 
Homecoming attendees enjoying their evening.


Ashton Duda, along with her friends Joe Szczepanski,
Laura Fitzpatrick and Andrew Berdych take time out
to pose for this photograph at the Homecoming 2003 dance October 25, 2003.
    Fred Claus Photos

The Grand Island High School Homecoming Dance was held on the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2003 in the school. It was a semi formal affair and the Island students were a picture to be proud of. Grand Island's Varsity Vikings Football Team, who had already clinched a spot in the Section VI playoffs on October 18th, played a close game against Niagara Wheatfield, losing by one point on Saturday afternoon on Masters Field. Final score, Grand Island 26 - Niagara Wheatfield 27.

Jodi Hayes Robinson Photo
The high school's Spirit Assembly took place on Friday, October 24, 2003 when all Vikings sports teams were recognized by tremendous applause and cheers from the student body.




GIHS National Honor Society Spaghetti Dinner - 2003
Members of the Grand Island High School National Honor Society will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2003 in the senior cafeteria. Take-out will be available from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.


Vikings Suffer First Loss Of Season To Niagara Wheatfield 26-27 - 2003
Head For Sectional Playoffs On Saturday
 
 
Fred Claus Photos
Story By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Vikings Football Team suffered their first defeat of the season by losing to Niagara Wheatfield on Saturday, October 25, 2003. The final score of the Homecoming game played on Masters Field was Grand Island 26, Niagara Wheatfield 27. Mike Blocho ran a kick return back for a touchdown early in the first quarter, which was unfortunately called back. Scott Kaniecki scored once for the Vikings, and Blocho scored twice. This was the last regular season game for the Vikings. They will begin section playoffs against Lakeshore 1:30 p.m. Saturday, (Nov. 1) at home. (Lake Shore, 5-3 - Grand Island, 7-1)




GISBA's Dinner Theater Exciting Event - 2003
By Kathleen Ganz
   This year’s most exciting event, a night full of murder and mystery, was held in the Veronica Connor Middle School cafeteria.
   The GISBA-sponsored Murder Mystery Dinner offered a raffle, door prizes, dinner and a night full of surprises.
   Participants watched as “We All Love Charlie” unraveled a curious tale about poor West High School Principal Charlie Shabbabis. Everyone loved him, especially his staff. And yet, one of them murdered poor Charlie. Guests were asked to figure out who that was, based on clues provided by the Weiss Players.
   GISBA, as the name implies, is an alliance of the Grand Island School District and the Grand Island business community. This alliance was formed to help promote career opportunities and provide a number of GISBA initiatives including student internships, Job Shadow Day, Job Search Seminar and Junior Achievement programs, K-12.
   Additional fund raising activities, including the Corporate Bowl, provide money for scholarships that are awarded each spring. Since its inception, GISBA has awarded $13,075 in scholarships to 25 Grand Island School District students.
   The GISBA Murder Mystery Dinner Committee would like to thank those who made donations or other contributions to this event: Grand Island Administrative and Supervisory Council; Nickel City Sales; H. Joseph Sgroi, CLU, CHF & Associates; Cayuga Piping, Invitrogen; Grand Island Teachers Association; Grand Island Chamber of Commerce; Fujisawa Healthcare; Summit Construction Group.
   Also, Mader Construction Co.; Tetrad Design Architecture & Engineering; C.G. Jones Engineering; Dr. Karen Karmazin; BCS; Frontier Produce; Hatch Leonard Naples; IPL Electrical & Communications; Buchholtz Glass Co.; Island True Value Hardware; John J. DelMonte, Attorney at Law; Grand Island Republican Elected Officials; The Keller Group.
   Also, LC Mechanical; G.D. Auto Body Supply; Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Ramming; Edwin G. Eagan, Architect; Douglas F. Wright, Orthodontist; Christine A. Learman, CPA: Junior Achievement of Western New York; The Book Corner; Grand Island Tops; LW Graphics; Holiday Inn Select Niagara Falls; Chris Trapp, Attorney at Law; Carol Jones, director of Pupil Services; M&T Bank, Grand Island branch; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; West Herr Automotive Group; Target Store, Niagara Falls.
   A special thank you to Michael Firth from Firth’s Jewelers in Niagara Falls for his generous and beautiful door prize, to Sandy Burns and her students for serving the meal and making appetizers and dessert, to Dennis Donovan and his staff for preparing a wonderful dinner and to Nancy Sandford for all her hard work.


Varsity Viking Girls Volleyball Team Defeats Lew-Port - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island High School Girls Volleyball Team defeated the Lewiston-Porter Lancers on Monday, October 20, 2003 in a series of four games. Led by captains Jaimie Stickl and Katie Gaudy, the scores of the games were Grand Island 23- Lew-Port 25, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-22. Sarah Tanbakuchi and Jaimie Stickl led in hits for the girls, while Katie Gaudy led in assists.


Varsity Viking Boys Volleyball Team Defeats Lewiston-Porter - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Boys Volleyball Team defeated Lewiston-Porter in three games on Monday, October 20, 2003. The scores of the games were Grand Island 25, Lew-Port 12, 25-15, 25-14. Senior captain Matt Fields led the offense on the net, and senior Mike Stecklberg led on defense.




Girls Soccer Report - 2003
   October 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team has remained unbeaten and has won the league championship.
   (Game #19) Grand Island 7 - Depew 0. . . - Since winning the league championship, this was the team's first sectional game in a week but the girls were ready to play. Jessica Remmes scored three goals, Stephanie Nabozny, Mary Kucharczak, Alicia Barnaby and Kelly Beatty each added one goal. Corinne Razem had the shutout in goal with the help of Jessica Skelly, Lauren Nedwick, Nicole Fischer and Amy Stewart on defense. Cortney Bota had a strong game in midfield. Great job Lady Vikings!




GISBA's Dinner Theater A Success - 2003

Fred Claus Photo - Click photo for a larger view.
GISBA's "We All Love Charlie" Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Saturday, October 18, 2003 was enjoyed by a full house. The dinner theater took place in the Connor Middle School to benefit the GISBA. Shown are members of the Grand Island High School string orchestra who performed before dinner.




Vikings 35 - Starpoint 0 - October 2003
      
Click Photos For Larger View - (left photo) Mike Blocho brushing off two Starpoint denfenders to score one of his many touchdowns to help the Vikings beat Starpoint 35-0; (middle) Starpoint's Taylor along with a couple of his teammates came up a little short when it came to stopping Viking Mike Blocho as he scored another touchtown; (right) Being the phenomenal player he is, Mike Blocho still manages to fall into the endzone to get the touchdown even with two Starpoint defensemen on his legs.
Fred Claus Photos
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team increased its record to 7-0 by defeating Starpoint on Saturday, October 18, 2003. The final score of the game was 35-0, with four touchdowns scored by Mike Blocho, and one by Ryan Harvey. Blocho also ran for 144 yards, while Casey O'Brien had nine tackles and one sack. Senior Mike Feathers was perfect on his extra point kicks. The Vikings play their last game of the season at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2003, which is also the homecoming game. It will be played at home against the Niagara Wheatfield Falcons.




Intergenerational Community Sing - 2003
   Singers of all ages are invited to join forces with current members of the Grand Island Senior High School vocal department for an intergenerational sing. Singers of every age are welcome to attend an evening of song and fellowship 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2003 in Room 108 in the Senior High School. High school choral director, Carolyn Lokken, is hoping students, parents, grandparents, neighbors and Grand Island alumni will take this opportunity to join together for this event. "Sing-ins are popular in communities around the country and are unique is bringing together singers of different generations. No experience is necessary. Hope to see you there!" Mrs. Lokken said.




Girls Soccer Report - 2003
   October 23, 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team has remained unbeaten and has won the league championship.
   (Game #14) Grand Island 4 - Lockport 0. . .October 3, 2003 - The Grand Island Girls Soccer Team defeated Lockport by the score of 4-0. Nicole Fischer scored her first goal of the season to give G.I. a 1-0 lead. Sara Hilliard scored two goals and Alicia Barnaby added one more. Jessica Remmes had two assists and Jessica Kuehne and Meghan Macguire had one assist each. Corinne Razem registered her ninth league shutout with the help of Amy Stewart, Jessica Skelly and Lauren Nedwick on defense. The Lady Vikings are 9 - 0 - 2 in league.
   (Game #15) Grand Island 2 - Lew-Port 0. . .October 7, 2003 - The game was played at Lew-Port under the lights. The game was very physical but neither team could score in the first half. In the second half, the Lady Vikings picked the pace of the game as Jessica Remmes fought off three defenders to give G.I. a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, Alicia Barnaby took a hard shot that the Lew-Port goalie couldn't handle and Sara Hilliard scored on the rebound. G.I. won 2-0 and with the win the Lady Vikings won the league championship for the fourth consecutive year. The defense led by Jessica Skelly, Jessica Kuehne, Amy Stewart and Lauren Nedwick had another great game limiting Lew-Port to three shots on goal. Corinne Razem registered her 10th shutout of the season. the team is 10-0-2 in league play and 10-2-3 overall. Great job Lady Vikings!
   (Game #16) Grand Island 2 - Kenmore East 0. . .October 9, 2003 - The girls varsity soccer team defeated Kenmore East by the score of 2-0. Jessica Remmes scored the first goal assisted by Adrienne LaLiberty. A few minutes later Jessica Kuehne made a run from her fullback position and crossed the ball and Sara Hilliard one timed the ball into the net. Corinne Razem stopped a Kenmore East break away with an exceptional save to preserve her shutout. Amy Stewart, Cortney Bota and Lauren Nedwick played a very strong game for the Lady Vikings. The team is 11-0-2 in league play and 11-2-3 overall.
   (Game #17) Grand Island 3 - Clarence 0. . .October 11, 2003 - In the first half Clarence dominated the game but Keriann Armusewicz scored to give the Lady Vikings a 1-0 lead. In the second half, G.I. took control of the game as Jessica Remmes scored twice to give G.I. a 3-0 win. Corinne Razem had her 12th shutout of the season with the help of Jessica Skelly, Amy Stewart, Lauren Nedwick, Jessica Kuehne and Nicole Fischer on defense.
   (Game #18) Grand Island 4 - Niagara Falls 0. . .October 14, 2003 - This was senior recognition day. Corinne Razem, Jessica Skelly, Cortney Bota, Keriann Armusewicz, Amy Stewart, Mary Kucharczak, Amy Snyder, Jackie Seifert, Stephanie Nabozny, Lauren Nedwick and Kelly Beatty were all recognized at half time for their contributions to the high school soccer team. A special thanks to Mrs. Hilliard for getting the flowers to all the seniors. It was difficult to watch since this was the last regular game for the seniors at home. The Lady Vikings won the game by the score of 4-0 as Natalie Fischer scored the first goal of the game. Jessica Kuehne scored one goal and Jessica Remmes added two more goals. Corinne Razem had her 13th shutout of the season. The team finished in First Place in the Niagara Frontier League for the fourth consecutive year. The team is waiting for the sectional seedings. "Thank you to all the parents for their support and especially to all the seniors for all the memories and a great season," Coach Pete Prozik said after the game.




Girls Swim Team Beat Ken-East - 2003
   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Swim Team rallied 54 points over Kenmore East's 48 to win the NFL meet at Kenmore West on Thursday, October 16, 2003. Ashley Remmes, Nikki Miller, Holly Gallagher and Mallory Fulle won the 400-yard freestyle relay, the last event of the meet, in four minutes, 1.15 seconds. Mallory won the 200 free and the 100 free.


Vikings 48 - Williamsville South 7 - 2003
Jodi Hayes Robinson Photos - Click Photo For Larger View
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Vikings' Football team increased their record to 6-0 as they beat Williamsville South 48-7. Helping the undefeated Vikings was Mike Blocho, rushing for a total of 215 yards and scoring four of the Vikings' touchdowns. The team is now ranked fourth in the state. Come see their next game against Starpoint, on the Vikings' home turf, on Saturday, October 18, 2003.




Varsity Viking Boys Volleyball Team Defeats Kenmore East - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   The Grand Island Boys' Volleyball team defeated the Kenmore East Bulldogs on Friday, October 10, 2003. The boys won in four games with the scores of Grand Island 25, Kenmore East 19, 25-23, 9-25, and 25-16. Leading the team at the net was Matt Fields, while playing the back row was Mike Steckleburg.




Lady Vikings Volleyball Team Defeats Ken-East, North Tonawanda - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
   GI Vs. Ken-East . . .The Lady Vikings Volleyball team defeated Kenmore East once again on Friday, October 10, 2003. The game was played in a series of four matches; the scores were Grand Island 23, Kenmore East 25, 25-15, 31-29, and 25-17. Jaimie Stickl and Sarah Tanbakuchi each added 13 hits, while Katie Gaudy had 30 assists. Michelle D'Addieco led the team in serves with 20 service points. The girls play next at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, against the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks.
   GI Vs. North Tonawanda . . . The Lady Vikings went on to defeated the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks in a series of three games on Monday, October 14, 2003. The scores of the games were Grand Island - 25, North Tonawanda - 23, 25-21, and 25-15. Sarah Tanbakuchi led the team in service points with 15 serves. Jaimie Stickl and Shayna DiMatteo each had 7 hits, while Katie Gaudy added 15 assists.


Boys Varsity Soccer Team Shuts Out Niagara Falls 4-0 - 2003
By Alissa Pioli
    The Grand Island Boys Soccer team defeated the Niagara Falls Wolverines. The final score was 4-0 on Tuesday, October 14, 2003. Goals were scored by Michael Schimley, Erik Zito, Nick Giddings, and David Kurpiewski. Kevin Buyer increased his shutout record, and the defense played strong in the backfield. This game finished off the boys' season, and now they are looking to win in sectionals.





High School Maintenance Freshens Artwork On Masters Field - October 2003
Click Photo For Larger View
Jodi Hayes Robinson Photo
   Long time Grand Island High School maintenace men Jim Webb and Jeff Kirsch are shown Friday, October 10th giving a fresh coat of paint to the artwork on Masters Field. What a glorious week it was for outside activities. Temperatures in the low 70's were a treat after fall started out so poorly. The Vikings and flags featured on the playing field are done with stencils and a mini-driven paint machine. Two home games are left in the season. This Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 the Vikes go up against Starpoint followed by the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 25 against Niagara Wheatfield.




Dean Santorio, Bills HS Football "Coach Of The Week" - 2003

   Grand Island High School's Head Coach Dean Santorio has been named the Buffalo Bills’ high school football “Coach of the Week” for the fifth weekend of the 2003 season (Oct. 3-4). Santorio led the undefeated Vikings (5-0) to a 13-7 victory over Class A North rival Sweet Home High School last Saturday (Oct. 4, 2003). Sweet Home defeated Grand Island twice last season, once in the regular season game and again in the Section VI Class A Championship game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
   Grand Island scored twice to post a 13-0 score before halftime, but Sweet Home (3-2) scored a rushing TD with 1:55 left in the game to force a tense ending. The game was decided when the Vikings punted and pinned the Panthers down at their own 6-yard line with 44 seconds remaining in regulation. They ended the game by recovering a fumble after a QB sack.
   This is the second “Coach of the Week” award for Grand Island High School. Legendary coach Gene Masters won the award in the 1997 season. The late Hall of Fame coach retired after the 2000 season and Santorio took over as head coach.
   This is the seventh consecutive year that the Bills have sponsored the “Coach of the Week” program. Each week during the 11-week high school football season a head coach is selected by a committee appointed by the Bills. The honoree receives a framed certificate signed by Bills coach Gregg Williams, president/general manager Tom Donahoe and NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, plus a special cap designating him as a winner of the award. Each week the winning coach will be honored on Coach Gregg Williams’ television show (11:30 a.m. on Sunday on WKBW-TV7) as well as on the Bills’ internet website (www.buffalobills.com).
   At the end of the season, one of the weekly award winners will be named the “Coach of the Year” and will receive an additional $1,000 donation to his program from NFL Charities. The 2003 "Coach of the Year" will be honored at the Bills-NY Jets game on December 7 and at the final luncheon meeting of the Monday Quarterback Club on December 8.
   All head football coaches in Western New York are eligible, regardless of their school’s division or affiliation. Listed below are the weekly winners to date:
  • Week 1 - Mike Finn (Lockport)
  • Week 2 - Joe Shifflet (Niagara Falls)
  • Week 3 - Mark Johnson (Lewiston-Porter)
  • Week 4 - Dan McGrath (Depew)
  • Week 5 - Dean Santorio (Grand Island)
       The Buffalo Bills Coach of the Week Award is co-sponsored by the Buffalo Bills and the National Football League and is supported by the Monday Quarterback Club.




    Vikings Girls Soccer Team Wins 4th NFL Championship - 2003
       October 10, 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team has taken the Niagara Frontier League Soccer Championship for the fourth year in a row. The girls shutout Kenmore East 2-0 on Thursday, October 9, 2003. Scoring for Grand Island were Jessica Remmes and Sara Hilliard. The Viking Girls ended the season 11-2-3 overall and 11-0-2 NFL. Remmes scored her 21st goal of the season and Corinne Razem had her 11th shutout of the season, making five saves in the championship game.




    Girls Soccer Report - 2003
       October 9, 2003. . . The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team played Kenmore West on September 25, 2003 ending with a score of 0-0.
       (Game #11) Grand Island 0 - Kenmore West 0 - This was a very hard fought game for both teams. Each team had a few chances of scoring but both goaltenders made great saves. The defense led by Jessica Skelly, Jessica Kuehne, Lauren Nedwick and Amy Stewart all played a very strong game. Corinne Razem registered her sixth league shutout. The team is 6 - 0 - 2 in league and 6 - 2 - 3 over all.
       (Game #12) Grand Island 4 - North Tonawanda 0 - The Lady Vikings played an excellent game against North Tonawanda as Sarah Hilliard and Jessica Remmes each scored two goals to lead GI to a 4-0 win. It was a great team effort as Cortney Bota, Alicia Barnaby and Corrie Stolzenburg controlled the midfield. Corinne Razem registered her seventh league shutout.
       (Game #13) Grand Island 4 - Niagara Wheatfield 0 - The Lady Vikings had another strong game as they defeated Niagara Wheatfield by the score of 4-0. Sara Hilliard scored 2 goals and Jessica Remmes and Cortney Bota each added one. The defense had another great game led by Jessica Kuehne, Jessica Skelly, Amy Stewart, Lauren Nedwick and Nicole Fischer. Corinne Razem registered her eighth shutout in league play. The Lady Vikings are 8-0-2 in league play and 8-2-3 over all.




    Vikings Beat Defending Champ Sweet Home 13-7 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island Football team defeated their long lived enemy, Sweet Home, on Saturday, October 4, 2003. The final score of the game was 13-7. Even in the chilly air, Mike Blocho was able to rush for 195 yards out of a team total of 252. Scoring for Grand Island was Jeff Bull and Chris Sica; both touchdowns were scored in the first half. Bull also had 10 tackles as did Tom Rayhill. The Grand Island Vikings are now 5-0. Come cheer the Vikings on in their next game at Williamsville South starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2003.




    Viking Boys Soccer Team Defeats Lew-Port - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       GI Vs. Lew-Port . . .The Boys' Vikings Soccer Team defeated the Lewiston Porter Lancers, Tuesday, October 7, 2003 with the final score of 2-0. Goalie Kevin Buyer led the way for the team with another shutout. Coach Peter Kuehne is very proud of the team this year and feels they will have a winning season. Come out and watch the boys compete for their next win on Thursday, October 9, 2003, against the Kenmore East Bulldogs. The game starts at 4:30 p.m. and will be played on their home turf.




    Girls Volleyball Victorious Over Tonawanda, Niagara Falls - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       GI Vs. Tonawanda Warriors . . .The Grand Island High School Girls' Varsity Volleyball team defeated the Tonawanda Warriors Thursday, October 2, 2003 in a series of four games. The scores were Grand Island 25, Tonawanda 21, 25-12, 24-26, and 25-13. In the third game everyone was tired but played their best to get ready for the next game. Leading the team in serves was Janice Sturtz, who served 15 consecutive points in the fourth game.
       GI Vs. Niagara Falls . . .The Girls went on to defeated the Niagara Falls Wolverines in a series of four games on Wednesday, October 8, 2003. Scores of the games were Grand Island-25, Niagara Falls-16, 22-25, 25-19, and 25-11. Leading the team in hits were Shayna DiMatteo and Sarah Tanbakuchi who each had 10 kills. Michelle D'Addieco led the way for serving with 25 serves. Katie Gaudy had 12 assists and Jaimie Stickl added 15. The girls are looking for their next win against the Kenmore East Bulldogs on Friday, October 10, 2003. The game will be in the Grand Island high school gym and will begin at 4:30 p.m.




    Commended Students In 2004 National Merit Scholarship Program - October 2003

    Grand Island High School students (left) Brett Kern,
    Shannon O’Brien and Douglas Ingraham have been
    named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
    Story and Photos By Scott Conroe
       Dr. James Dempsey, Principal of Grand Island High School, announced today that Douglas Ingraham, Brett Kern and Shannon O'Brien have been named Commended Students in the 2004 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
       About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2004 competition for Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than one million students who entered the 2004 competition by taking the 2002 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
       "Recognition of academically talented students and of the key role played by schools in their development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation," commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "The young people being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and that they will continue to pursue scholastic excellence and to develop their abilities to the fullest. These young people represent a very valuable national resource."




    Girls Volleyball Team Wins Championship - September 2003

    Barbi Lare Photo - Click photo for a larger view.
       The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Vikings Volleyball Team took first place at the Amherst Tournament held Saturday, September 20, 2003. Viking Janice Sturtz helped the Vikings beat Niagara Wheatfield in the championship game with 25 assists. Jaimie Stickl had 15 hits and five kills. Michelle D'Addieco had 12 serves and three aces and Katie Gaudy had 20 ace passes against the NF offense. Teammates shown (left front) Jessica Stickl and Alissa Pioli; (2nd row) Shelley Bidell, Michelle D'Addieco, Amy Boutet and Katie Gaudy; (3rd row) Jen Cammarano, Kari Tondera, Amanda George and Jamie Stickl; (top) Coach Mary Colpoys, Lillian Choi, Shayna DiMaatteo, Janice sturtz and Sarah Tanbakuchi.




    Grand Island High School Boys Volleyball Team Wins NT Tourney - 2003

    Barbi Lare Photo - Click photo for a larger view.

       Grand Island High School Varsity Boys Volleyball team members proudly display the trophy they won at the North Tonawanda Boys Varsity Tournament on September 20, 2003. Shown from left are Athletic Director Jon Roth, Dave Cole, Nick Tim, Kevin Mehltretter, Sean Quinn, Sean Steckelberg, Joe Balister, Mike Steckelberg (holding trophy), Matt Fields, David Linenfelser, Co-Captain Mike Corraro and Andy Asbach. Missing from the photo are Co-Captain Nate Wolinski and H. Sboysvoli.




    Meet The Lunch Ladies - 2003

    Candy Geblein Potenza, head cook-manager, GIHS
    Story and Photo By Jodi Robinson
       I am pleased to introduce you to Candy Geblein Potenza, head cook-manager at the Grand Island High School. Candy has been with the kitchen at the High School for 23 years, Starting as a dish washer and working her way up as cashier, prep cook, assistant cook-manager and for the last 10 years head cook-manager. A very busy woman, she usually arrives an hour before her 5:45 a.m. scheduled start time, and begins by getting all the equipment turned on and warmed up for her 12 employees who arrive later. These ladies, who are all organized and proficient at their jobs, produce 500-600 meals every day with Candy at the helm. The best selling item is chicken fingers. Two thousand fingers, in subs or just plain, will be consumed along with 17 pounds of butter, two gallons of hot sauce and nine cases of rolls. Second best on the favorites list is steak-um sandwiches.
       Candy is well known for her made from scratch soups. When Candy was out last spring having surgery, everyone missed her soups and her upbeat attitude. Candy's second in command, assistant cook-manager Colleen O'Donnell, took over for her and says, "She works harder than any one person I know! I learned last year from experience how difficult her job really is. Candy is a very sweet, kind and caring person who is so very dedicated to her job." Colleen was very happy when Candy came back to work at the beginning of the school year.
       Candy credits School Lunch Manager Dennis Donovan's focus on the students' food preferences in keeping her busy. The kids really enjoy the menu, she said. New with Mr. Donovan's arrival are a Taco Bar open every day, breakfast that includes cappuccino, a deli sandwich and soup bar, pizza and even fried shrimp!
       Candy and her crew serve five different lunch periods that start at 9:40 a.m. and go to 12:35 p.m. In September and October a different type of apple is featured every week, and delivered from Lyndonville Farms. Candy says the kids love rice and pasta also. On any given day 20 pounds of rice or 60 pounds of pasta will be eaten by the hungry teens. The trend has gone from homecooking to fast food type items in the years Candy has been in the kitchen.
       When she is away from her job, Candy still likes to cook. At home her favorite recipe is making spaghetti sauce, learned from her Italian mother-in-law years ago. For the past 14 years she has also been in charge of the kitchen during the annual Rotary Club Chili Dinner. Other interests include babysitting for her first grandchild and crafts.
       Candy and her kitchen crew are all friends outside of work also. According to Candy,the best thing about her job are the people she works with. Colleen O'Donnell wanted to make sure everyone knows how great Candy is. "She is truly an amazing person. She should have the recognition, and I want people to know how hard she works and all her extras that make the Grand Island High School a "Grand place to eat."




    Sergio Buriano To Leave School
    For Chance At Professional Soccer in Europe
    Click Niagara Gazette for feature story on GIHS star soccer player Sergio Buriano.




    GIHS Sports Briefs October 2, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 10-2-03".




    GISBA's "We All Love Charlie" Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - Oct. 2003

    Photo and Story By Kathleen Ganz
        "We all Love Charlie"… so who wanted him dead? That’s the crime the public will be asked to solve on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 when the Grand Island School Business Alliance sponsors a murder mystery dinner at 6:30 p.m.
       In the photo, Rob Graham as ace detective Floyd Wynn Jr., standing, questions Robin Hall as history teacher Vicki Carlson, and Joel Weiss as physical education teacher Gary Burcham about their possible involvement in the horrible crime.
       Tickets are available by calling 773-8801. (Click "Charlie" for more information).




    Vikings Defeat Hamburg Bulldogs 24-8 In Non-League Game - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island Vikings Football Team increased their record to 4-0 by defeating the Hamburg Bulldogs 24-8 on Saturday, September 27, 2003. Viking Mike Blocho led the offense, running 186 yards and two touchdowns. He also added nine tackles. Also scoring for the Vikings' was Jeff Bull. Brett Kern finished off Bull's touchdown with a 45 yard field goal. Ryan Harvey led the defense with 11 tackles. Come cheer the boys on in their next game at Sweet Home High School 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2003.




    Girls Volleyball Team Defeats Lew-Port - Loses To Lockport - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       GI Vs. Lew-Port . . .The Grand Island Lady Vikings Volleyball Team defeated Lewiston Porter in a series of four games on Friday, September 26, 2003. Led by captains Katie Gaudy and Jaimie Stickl, the scores of the games were Grand Island 25, Lew-Port 8, 25-20, 19-25, and 25-14. Leading Grand Island in hits were Shayna DiMatteo and Sarah Tanbakuchi. Serving was dominated by Lillian Choi and Michelle D'Addieco.
       GI Vs. Lockport . . .The Grand Island Girls' Volleyball team took a hard loss on Tuesday, September 30, 2003. The Lockport Lions defeated the girls by scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-23. Playing well were Viking hitters Michelle D'Addieco and Lillian Choi, setter Jessica Stickl, and server Sarah Tanbakuchi. The girls are looking for a win against Tonawanda today (Oct. 2, 2003). The game is at Tonawanda and will start at 4:30 p.m.




    PTSA Meeting October 8 - 2003
       Grand Island High School PTSA invites parents and students to the next PTSA meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 in the High School Library. After the meeting, high school Principal Dr. James Dempsey will give all attendees a tour of the High School areas that have been recently completed. High School PTSA membership is ongoing! Those interested in purchasing a membership may send a check for $5.00 along with name and address to the Grand Island High School, Attn: PTSA Membership, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Checks are to be payable to: G.I.H.S. PTSA. New members will receive a free window cling and a membership card!




    Girls Soccer Team Beats Ken-East - 2003
       The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team beat Kenmore East on September 19, 2003 with a score of 5-0.
       (Game #8) Grand Island 5 - Kenmore East 0 - It was a very close game, but with 3 minutes left in the half, Jessica Remmes scored with a pass from Courtney Bota to give GI a 1-0 lead. In the second half, the Lady Vikings controlled the play as Natalie Fischer, Cortney Bota and Alicia Barnaby each scored a goal to give GI a 5-0 win. Corinne Razem registered her fifth shutout of the season. Amy Snyder, Corrie Stolzenburg, Mary Kucharczak, Lindsay Fetzer and Megan McGuire had a very strong game for the Lady Vikings. The team improved to 5-0-1 in league play.
       (Game #9) Nichols 2 - Grand Island 1 - It was a rainy day for soccer and it was difficult for both teams to play. The Lady Vikings scored first as Sara Hilliard scored from a pass from Jessica Remmes. Just before half-time, Nichols tied the game at 1-1. In the second half, GI had the better play but couldn't score. Nichols scored the winning goal which was a perfect shot in the opposite upper left hand corner. Nicole Fischer almost tied the game but her shot went just wide of the right hand corner. Amy Snyder, Amy Stewart and Cortney Bota played very well.
       (Game #10) Grand Island 5 - Niagara Falls 0 - The game was played on a very small field but the Lady Vikings made the adjustment early. Jessica Remmes scored two goals and had three assists. Lauren Nedwick, Stephanie Naboszny and Sara Hilliard each scored one goal. Corinne Razem had her sixth shutout of the season. Jessica Kuehne, Jessica Skelly and Nicole Fischer played very well in defense. The team is 6-0-1 in league play and 6-2-2 over all.




    Vikings Defeat Williamsville East 25-7 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       Mike Blocho and Mike Feathers helped the Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team to increase their record to 3 wins and 0 losses in their September 20, 2003 game against the Williamsville East Flames. Blocho ran for 236 yards with 21 carries. He had touchdown runs in the second half of 46 and 56 yards. Mike Feathers added two fields goals of 24 and 25 yards. The final score of the game was 25-7. Each coach was proud of the effort put in by the players and hopes this season will be a winning one. Come cheer the boys on at their next home game 2 p.m.Saturday, September 27, 2003, against Hamburg.




    Viking Boys' Volleyball Team Loses To N.T. - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island Mens' Viking Volleyball team was defeated by the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks on Friday, September 19, 2003. They lost in four games winning only the first one. The scores were Grand Island 25, NT 23, 17-25, 19-25, and 14-25. Captain Matt Fields played an exceptional game in the front row, leading the team in hits and kills. Mike Stecklberg led the defensive end of the team. Each member participated in the event and all are now getting ready for their next game on Tuesday, September 23, 2003, at Kenmore West. Go cheer on the boys as they work for a win.




    Viking Boys' Soccer Team Defeats Niagara Falls - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island Boys' Varsity Viking Soccer Team defeated the Niagara Falls Wolverines on Tuesday, September 23, 2003. The final score of the game, which went into overtime, was 2-1. Viking David Kurpiewski scored the first goal of the game. In overtime with one second left, Nick Giddings took the winning shot. The boys outshot Niagara Falls by 50 goals. Come cheer the boys on in the next game on Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 4:30 p.m., against the Kenmore West Blue Devils. The game is at home behind the high school.




    Girls Soccer Team Victorious Over Lockport and Lew-Port
       The Grand Island Vikings Girls Soccer Team won their September 15, 2003 game over Lockport and their September 17 game against Lew-Port.
       (Game #6) Grand Island 5 - Lockport 0 - The GI/Lockport game was between two unbeaten teams in the NFL - Grand Island 2-0-1 and Lockport 3-0. It was a rainy day but the Lady Vikings struck early as Alicia Barnaby scored from six yards out to give GI a 1-0 lead. Sarah Hilliard scored twice in the first half and the team was up 3-0 at halftime. GI continued to put pressure on Lockport in the second half as Amy Snyder and Corrie Stolzenburg added one goal each. The final score was GI 5 - Lockport 0. Jessica Remmes had 3 assists in the game. Jackie Seifert had the shutout in goal. The defense led by Jessica Skelly, Amy Stewart, Jessica Kuehne and Lauren Nedwick played very well. Cortney Bota, Kerriann Armusewicz and Stephanie Nabozny controlled the midfield. It was another great team effort.
       (Game #7) Grand Island 6 - Lew-Port 1 . . .The Girls Varsity Soccer Team defeated Lew-Port by the score of 6-1. Lew-Port scored first but Grand Island wasn't going to be denied as Sara Hilliard scored her first of two goals to equalize the score at 1-1 from a great cross from Nicole Fischer. A few minutes later, Jessica Remmes scored one of her two goals to put the Lady Vikings in the lead. Cortney Bota and Keriann Armusewicz controlled the middle of the field and Stephanie Nabozny and Alicia Barnaby each scored one goal each. The defense played very well and it was another great team effort. The Lady Vikings are 4-0-1 in league play.




    Grand Island Teams #1 In State Rankings
       Grand Island High School's varsity football team (2-0) was listed as #1 for the Class A division for the week ending September 14, 2003 in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll.
       The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team (1-1-1) was also ranked #1 in the Class A division.




    GISBA To Present Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
    By Kathleen Ganz
       “We all love Charlie” … except, of course, the person who killed him! The identity of the one person who had a grudge against poor Charlie will be unveiled Saturday, Oct 18, 2003 in the Veronica Connor Middle School cafeteria. “We All Love Charlie” is a murder mystery dinner hosted by the Grand Island School Business Association. The group has invited the Weiss Players to present the “who dunnit” to raise funds to help prepare students for careers. The GISBA is a partnership among Grand Island schools and businesses that develops and maintains programs for both college-bound and trades-bound students. The murder mystery dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Connor cafeteria. Clarence Middle School Principal Joel Weiss is the founder of the Weiss Players, a group that includes teachers, social workers, attorneys, and some full-time theater professional from around Western New York.
       “It’s a mystery/comedy,” explained Weiss, who also wrote the production. The play centers around the recent murder of West High School Principal Charlie Shabbabis, well-loved and well-respected by his entire staff. And yet, one of the staff members murdered poor Charlie. When guests enter the Connor Middle School cafeteria, they will find themselves sharing cheese and crackers with the characters in the play: teachers Gary Burchman, Vicki Calson, Tim Linelli and Bobby Taylor; Charlie’s secretary Linda Cuninngham, school custodian Patrick Page and guidance counselor Roz Oliphant. Guests will mingle with the characters, and watch as a police detective slowly unearths motives.
       After dinner in the Connor cafeteria, the public will have an opportunity to question each of the actors to help determine who murdered Charlie. “The audience will vote on who they think is the murderer,” Weiss said.
       Tickets for the evening are $30 each, and are available by calling 773-8801.
       Ad space in the Murder Mystery Dinner program is available until Monday, Sept. 29. Call 778-8801 for details.




    Viking Girls' Soccer Team Defeats Niagara Wheatfield 7-0 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Girls' Varsity Soccer team won on their home turf to advance their record to 2-0-1 in league play. They defeated the Niagara Wheatfield Falcons on Thursday, September 11, 2003, with a score of 7-0. Jessica Remmes set a new school record with five goals with a penalty kick, one taken from the corner, and the other three assisted by teammates Natalie Fischer (two), Jackie Seifert (one) and Nicole Fischer one). Also scoring for Grand Island was Jessica Keuhne and Courtney Bota. Corinne Razem had the shutout in goal. Stephanie Naboszny and Corrie Stolzenburg had a great game in mid-field. The defense led by Jessica Skelly and was able to stop each shot taken by the opposing team. Go cheer the Ladies on at their next game at Lockport on Monday, September 15, 2003.


    Viking Girls' Volleyball Team Defeats Niagara Falls - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Girls' Varsity Volleyball team defeated the Niagara Falls Wolverines on Friday, September 12, 2003 at Niagara Falls. The game was won in four matches. Every girl on the team contributed to the win. The sets were nicely placed by Janice Sturtz allowing the hitters, Shayna DiMatteo, Michelle D'Addieco, and Jaime Stickl to nail down the ball on the other side of the net. The girls are looking for their next win against the Kenmore East Bulldogs away on Tuesday, September 16, 2003.


    Vikings Topple Ken-East 45-8 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Vikings Football team is still undefeated with yet another win on Saturday, September 13, 2003 against Kenmore East. Mike Blocho led the team with 250 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns (56, 17 and 40 yards). The Vikings scored 31 points while the Bulldogs remained scoreless in the first half. Glenn Bird also added two touchdowns to add to the final score of 45-8. Jeff Bull led the defense with 14 tackles and a sack and senior Casey O'Brien had 11 tackles and a sack for the Vikings. Mike Feathers, a senior, booted a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter. The coaches were happy about the win but say that the team needs to concentrate on their next game against Williamsville East. The game will take place at Williamsville on Friday, September 19, 2003. Let's Go Vikings!


    Girls Volleyball Win Ken-East Game - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Girls' Viking Volleyball team played their closest match yet against the Kenmore East Bulldogs on Tuesday, September 16, 2003. The team led by captains Katie Gaudy, Michelle D'Addieco, and Jaimie Stickl took the match in a total of four games. The scores of the games were 25-27, 25-21, 25-22, and 25-23. "In the beginning we seemed to be struggling," says coach Mary Colpoys, "but the team fought a tough battle and won the last three games." The girls' next game is today, Wednesday, September 17, 2003, at the Grand Island High School against Tonawanda.


    Boys Soccer Victorious Over NT Lumberjacks - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       Another win was obtained by the Boys Viking Soccer team. On their home turf Monday, September 8, 2003, the Vikings defeated the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks 6-0. Dave Chambers opened the scoring, followed by Rob Lawernce, Nick Giddings, Andrew Missert, and lead scorer Sergio Buriano with two goals. The game was also played well on the defensive end. No shots were allowed throughout the entire 80-minute game. The team has a well balanced roster and is expected to have a promising season.


    High School Open House - 2003
       An open house at Grand Island High School is scheduled from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2003. Students will be taking schedules home for the parents to follow.




    Girls Tennis Team Wins Over Lew-Port & Niagara Wheatfield - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Girls Varsity Viking Tennis Team opened up their season Friday, September 6, 2003 with a phenomenal 5-1 win over the Lewiston-Porter Lancers. Playing on the singles courts were Amanda Kaiser, Courtney Donner and Jaclyn Colosi. Doubles players were Christy Donner and Cynthia Czapala, and Brooke Newsome and Stephanie Szczyktowicz. "The matches were played well by all, the season ahead of us looks good, and our next match should be interesting," Coach Jon Roth said.
       The girls lost to Kenmore West 5-1 on Monday, September 8.
       On their home courts, the Viking Girls' Tennis Team fought hard to defeat Niagara Wheatfield's team 4 - 2 on Wednesday, September 10, 2003. The tough battle was lead by Courtney Donner playing third singles. Other singles players were Amanda Kaiser and Cynthia Czapala. Doubles players included Brooke Newsome and Christy Donner, and Jackie Colosi and Laura McGowan. The team is looking for an easy win this Friday, September 12, 2003, home against Lockport. Come cheer the ladies on starting at 4:00 p.m.


    Viking Girls' Soccer Team Beats Lady Lumberjacks 4-0 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Viking Girls' Soccer Team pulled off their first win of the season against the North Tonawanda Lady Lumberjacks on Monday, September 8, 2003. The final score of the game was 4-0. Jessica Remmes had the hat-trick of the game (3 goals) assisted by Jessica Skelly, Amy Stewart, Lauren Nedwick and Jessica Kuehne on defense. Amy Snyder also added a goal to round up the game. Defense stayed in the game only allowing a few shots to be taken. The midfield of Cortney Bota and Alicia Barnaby controlled the center of the field. Great team effort brought the team's record to 1-0-1 in division play. Come see the girls play their next game on their home turf 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2003.


    Vikings Open Seasons With 20-13 Win Over Lew-Port - 2003
     
    Fred Claus Photos

    By Alissa Pioli
       The first kick off for the Grand Island Vikings Football Team was September 6, 2003. Coached by Dean Santorio and Mike Stauffer, the Vikings won on their own turf against the Lewiston-Porter Lancers. Jeff Bull scored the first touchdown followed by Ryan Harvey, and Mike Blocho making the final score 20-13. The offense was led by senior Chris Sica who completed well over enough passes to ease into the win. Good defense was shown by Mike Antonelli, Collin "Bubba" Thompson, and Justin King. Mike Feathers with his field goal kicking and Brett Kern with his punting were big contributers to the victory. The seats were filled along with people standing near the sidelines. The next game will be played 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2003 at Kenmore West.


    Lady Vikings Volleyball Team Beats North Tonawanda In First Game of Season
    Suffers Lose to Niagara Wheatfield - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island High School Girls' Volleyball team, coached by Mary Colpoys, played their first game on Friday September 5, 2003 against the Lumberjacks at North Tonawanda. In three games, the girls easily defeated their opponents. The scores of the three games were 25-13, 25-9, and 26-24 respectively. Captains Jamie Stickl and Katie Gaudy pushed hard to lead their team to victory. With the sets coming from Janice Sturtz and Jess Stickl, the hitters, Shayna DiMatteo, Sarah Tanbakuchi, and Lillian Choi, had 19 kills and over 40 hits. Sturtz also dominated on serving while Gaudy refused to let a ball hit the floor in the back court.
       The Viking Girls Volleyball team suffered a hard loss Tuesday, September 9, 2003 at home against Niagara Wheatfield. Four games were played and each time the score was close. Playing excellent offense was Shayna DiMatteo, and Jaime Stickl. Defensively Katie Gaudy led the team with amazing passes. Coach Mary Colpoys hopes that this game will not drag the team down, but make them want to play even harder. Come cheer the girls on at their next game at 4:30 p.m. at the high school today (Thursday, September 9, 2003), against Hamburg.




    Grand Island Vikings Football Schedule - 2003
       The following is the schedule of Grand Island Viking Football games for the 2003 season:
  • Saturday. September 6 Lew-Port at Grand Island, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 13 at Kenmore East, 2 p.m.
  • Friday, September 19 at Wmsv. East, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 27 Hamburg at Grand Island, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 4 at Sweet Home, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 11 at Wmsv. South, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 18 Starpoint at Grand Island, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 25 Nia-Wheatfield at Grand Island, 2 p.m.


    Lady Vikings Tie Ken-West in First Soccer Game of Season
    Boys Defeat Ken-West 3-0 - 2003
    By Alissa Pioli
       The Grand Island Lady Vikings Soccer Team played the Ken-West Blue Devils on Wednesday, Septemeber 3, 2003. The game, played well by all, went into overtime and ended in a 0-0 tie. The returning goalie this year, Corinne Razem, held her spot well with four saves, and the defense kept the ball on the Blue Devils end. The team this year is young, as a lot of freshmen have been pulled up to play. The Lady Vikings will have to make a huge effort to make up for their loss of great players last year, but the team believes they can pull it off.
       The Grand Island High School mens soccer team defeated the Ken-West Blue Devils 3-0 on Wednesday, September 3, 2003. The team came out strong and was very tough defensively. Scoring for GI were Ted Rogers, Dave Chambers, and Sergio Buriano. Kevin Buyer, and the rest of the Viking defense put up a strong hold against the Blue Devil offense to force the shut out. The whole team put in a great effort.




    High School Tennis Team To Hold Car Wash

       Grand Island High School's varsity women's tennis team will hold a fundraising carwash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30th at the Grand Island Town Hall,2255 Baseline Rd. The $5 donation for each wash will benefit the team's uniforms this year.




    9th Grade Orientation At Grand Island High School - 2003
       Amidst the construction, orientation for 9th grade parents and students will be held at Grand Island High School on Monday, August 25, 2003. Students are invited to the auditorium at 10:45 a.m. for a presentation followed by a picnic. Parents are invited to the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. for a handout and a presentation about high school life. Each session should last no more than 90 minutes. All are asked to enter the High School through the rear entrance -Door #12 leading toward the gym.




    High School 2003-04 Schedules To Be Mailed
       Grand Island High School students will receive their 2003-04 schedules in the mail before the week of July 28, 2003.
       Dr. James Dempsey, principal, said add/drop days have been scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 6, and Thursday, Aug. 12.
       Students may meet with their counselor on these days to review their schedules with the intent of adding available courses. Only program changes will be honored. Counselors will not be changing teachers, moving courses from period to period, or switching lunch periods.
       Everyone is asked to enter the senior high cafeteria through the rear doors. Counselors will meet with students on a first come, first served basis during the following times:
    Seniors — Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m.
    Juniors — Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
    Sophomores — Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m.
    Freshmen — Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.




    High School Students Recognized For Perfect Attendance - 2002-2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have been recognized for perfect attendance during the 2002-03 school year:
       Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Aubrey Belles, Christopher Benko, Joshua Billica, Ryan Breier, Scott Buyer, Jing Chen, Renee Collins, Dana D'Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Eric Deuble, Mary Kate Duff, Daniel Elmer Jr.
       Amanda Finn, Kelly Frantz, Jason Fritschie, Amanda George, Mark Goff, Caitlin Hall, Terry Hashley, Marcellus Hogan, Andrew Hooper, Thomas Hooven, Scott Kaniecki, Tony Kaufman, Katie Ketterer, Justine Kirsch.
       Kelly Kickerbocker, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Muriel Lapp, Jessica Laurendi, Timothy Lavallee, Christine Maloney, Jason McInerney, Mathew Mergel, Bryan Mesmer, Robert Michaels, David Nardozzi II, Joseph Orsolits Jr.
       Stephen Pfetsch, Vincent Pittman, Eric Quattrini, Michael Schimley, Jacqueline Schmit, Frances Sirianni, Erich Skelly, Alyssa Spacone, Jeffrey Strange, Joshua Stein.
       Amy Stuart, Jaimie Stickl, Daniel Stoddard, Janice Sturtz, Peter Sukmanowski, Amanda Thompson, Nicholas Tim, Michael Vallina, Melanie Wing, James Wright Jr., Steven Zippier, Erik Zito.
       Dr. James Dempsey, principal, congratulates the students and thanks them for their dedication and hard work.




    Island Students Honored by the Allentown Village Art Society - June 2003
     
    Diane Pierce and Kelly O'Brien are shown left. Diane's artwork is on the right.
       The Allentown Village Art Society recently awarded grants to Grand Island High School students Diane Pierce and Kelly O’Brien. The Society supports young artists through funding which allows them to further their studies in art. Recipients are selected for the high quality of their of artwork.
       Diane Pierce was chosen as one of five scholarship winners, which included both high school and college applicants from Western New York. Following a review of her portfolio, she was awarded a $2,000 scholarship, and her work was on display during the Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo. A member of GIHS class of 2003, Diane received other art scholarships at the June graduation ceremony, including one from the Grand Island Art Society and the GIHS Art Club. She will continue to study art at Messiah College this fall.
       Kelly O’Brien, who has just completed her junior year at Grand Island High School, is spending the summer at SUNY Brockport as a part of the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). Although artwork is submitted for juried review from all over New York State, attendance is limited. Based on her artwork, not only was Kelly selected by NYSSSA to attend, she was also awarded a grant of over $300 by the Allentown Village Art Society to help cover tuition costs for the month long intensive art program.




    High School Student Registration - July 2003
       Students new to Grand Island who plan to enter high school for the first time beginning in September should call and make an appointment to meet with a high school guidance counselor.
       Dr. James Dempsey, Grand Island High School principal, said counselors will be available for appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, and Thursday, Aug. 21.
       Student or parents who call for an appointment should ask the secretarial staff for a pre-packet of information so the registration process can be expedited.
       New students must provide the following information at the time of registration: proof of residence on Grand Island, original birth certificate, immunization records from a previous school, and a copy of their academic transcript.
       For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the high school guidance office at 73-8860 or 773-8866.




    Regents Competency Test, Regents Exams - July 2003
       Students wishing to take a Regents Competency Test or re-take a Regents examination on Aug. 13, 2003 or August 14, must register at the Grand Island High School office by Friday, Aug. 1.
       Dr. James Dempsey, principal, said students who regularly attend Grand Island High School must be approved to take the examination and have been previously enrolled in the course. Non-resident students and resident students who attend a private school must bring written approval from the principal of the student's home school and present a valid form of picture I.D. to register. Exam results will be sent to the student and the home school. Review classes for the Regents examinations will be held at the high school at the beginning of August. Call the high school office at 773-8820 for dates and times of review classes.
       Registration fees are $3 for district residents; $10 for non-residents.
       The Regents examination schedule is as follows:
    Wednesday, Aug. 13:
    8 to 11 a.m. — RCT in Writing, Comprehensive English (Session 1), Sequential Mathematics (Course III), Mathematics B, and Introduction to Occupations.
    Noon to 3 p.m. — RCT in Reading, RCT in U.S. History & Government, Living Environment, Physical Setting/Chemistry, Physical Setting/Earth Science, Regents in Global History & Geography, Regents in U.S. History & Government.
    Thursday, Aug. 14:
    8 to 11 a.m.
    Comprehensive English (Session 2), RCT in Mathematics, RCT in Science, RCT in Global Studies.




    Grand Island High School Honor Roll - June 2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2002-2003 school year:
    High Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Lauren Campbell, Lauren Culp, Chelsea DeGlopper, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol, Dana Szczepaniak
    Grade 10: Lindsay Aronica, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Erin Dent, Jill Endres, Robert Goris, Sara Hilliard, Justine Kirsch, Meghan Macguire, Jason Manijak, Victoria McCraith, Calvin Meaney, Stacey Monaco, Sean Rafferty, Yasmin Raza, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Kari Tondera
    Grade 11: Puneet Brar, Cynthia Czapla, David Dillen, Matthew Fields, Nicholas Hahn, Karen Hutzler, Margaret Kiehl, Kelly Knab, Shannon O’Brien, Laura Remmes, Theodore Rogers, Rebecka Schaber, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jaimie Stickl, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Christine Webb
    Grade 12: Colleen Clarke, Steven Duggan, Elizabeth LoTempio, Patrick McCarthy, Stephen Pfetsch
    Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Wesley Burkman, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, Catherine Cline, Tucker Coryn, Shawn D’Angelo, Monique Dhand, Kate Dlugosz, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Alexander Grande, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Cristina LoVullo, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, Ashley Marien, Robert Michaels, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Janice Sturtz, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Marcia Wilbert, Zachary Zarbo
    Grade 10: Tamika Adams, Julie Amato, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Joshua Billica, Kate Bonaquist, Garrett Carlson, Melinda Christie, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Dana D’Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Daniel Elmer, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Meaghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Lindsay Henderson, Beth Huber, Gretchen Kiehl, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicole Koerntgen, Allison Kulak, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Christie Maddi, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Stephanie McGowan, Kevin Mehltretter, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Arianna Nelson, Paula Nuchereno, Ashley Perez, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Pooya Rostami, Theodore Royal, Jessica Samland, Michael Schimley, Sofia Syed, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Stephen Weigold, Emily Winters, James Zilliox, Erik Zito
    Grade 11: Keriann Armusewicz, Kelly Beatty, Amy Becker, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Andrew Boron, Cortney Bota, Sara Burke, Heather Burkman, Scott Buyer, Kelliann Carney, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Robert Christopher, Christine Donner, Daniel Drabik, Ashton Duda, Amanda Elsaesser, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Michelle Fox, Alishea Gainer, Patrick Gannon, Nicholas Giddings, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Hannah Hardy, Gretchen Hildebrandt, Carly Hudson, Anthony Hughes, Douglas Ingraham, Kari Johnson, Amanda Kaiser, Scott Kaniecki, Lyndsay Kearney, Brett Kern, Robert Koryl, Mary Kucharczak, Christine Lang, Sarah Lang, Brian Lipp, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Matthew Mergel, Nicole Miller, Rikki Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Kelly O’Brien, Emily Pici, Thomas Rayhill, Corinne Razem, Jennifer Reisdorf, Ashley Remmes, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Mohsin Syed, Johanna Turnwall, Christina Warner, Jonathan Weber, Steven Zippier
    Grade 12: Micheal Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Brieanna Bailey, Caren Bartosz, Shannon Becker, Ashleigh Bennett, Stephanie Brown, Kevin Buzzelli, Kristin Cadro, Kimberlee Carter, Alison Catalano, Christopher Ciechoski, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Erica Cook, Rachelle Cote, Ashley Darin, Christian Dommell, Michael Ferro, Kara Glose, Rebecca Goelz, Jade Gormady, Ann Marie Goss, Daniel Gray, Peter Hardman, Leah Harris, Christopher Heftka, Danielle Henry, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Jennifer Long, Kathryn Manijak, Elizabeth Masse’, Jessica McIntrye, Caitlin Meaney, Bryan Mesmer, Dale Mock, Bradford Namaste’, Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O’Donnell, Rosanne Oliverio, Lisa Otto, Matthew Payne, Stefanie Penque, Diane Pierce, Jenna Podlucky, Catherine Remmes, Crystal Robbins, Sara Rodriquez, Jennifer Rogan, Balbir Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Melissa Sipos, Tierney Smith, Justin Sobol, Savannah Stolzenburg, Tanya Violanti, Danielle Voltz, Nicole Walker, Melissa Wilbert




    Grand Island High School Merit Roll - June 2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2002-2003 school year:
    Grade 9: Melissa Affuso, Vanessa Alvarado, Carissa Bailey, Stephen Beatty, Amanda Bentley, Ashley Bleistein, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Ryan Breier, John Brucato, Wesley Brzezinski, Erich Burchfield, David Cole, John Connors, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Carlos Darby, Breanne DeMarco, Gerrit DenBeste, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Jessica Fike, Ashleigh Frieday, Russell Gaiser, Joshua Gavlock, Colleen George, Ryan Gratton, Caitlin Hall, Ashley Harrison, Meghan Hartman, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Kevin Holzle, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Ryan Keifman, Ben Kim, Christopher King, Megan Koller, Andrew Lang, Alissa Leckey, Anna Mastrangelo, Diane Meyer, Courtney Mikac, Christopher Miller, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Krista Moran, Steven Mrzygut, Natalie Mucci, David Nolf, Cole Remmes, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Stephanie Russo,Tatiana Salamone, Melinda Schultz, Chelsea Sommer, Jeffrey Stange, Daniel Szyprowski, Christopher Webb, David Whitney
    Grade 10: Amanda Albertsson, Omar Ali, Tanya Ambellan, Deborah Basta, Christopher Benninger, Amanda Boss, Amy Boutet, Kevin Buyer, Kyla Christie, Caitlyn Clingersmith, Thomas Cope, Robert Coughlin, Geoffrey Crossley, Erik Deuble, Michael Digati, Amanda Finn, Kelly Frantz, Jason Fritschi, Thomas Geblein, Thomas Grampp, Ryan Harvey, Nicholas Heftka, Nakita Herlan, Brian Judkins, Steven Kopf, Catherine Kulak, David Kurpiewski, Gary Leckey, Megan Little, Robert Lorence, Amanda Lunney, Matthew Masse’, Christopher Mehltretter, Donald Minoian, Alison Newman, Patrick O’Laughlin, Nicole Patterson, Richelle Piccolo, Noelle Piertras, Poonam Randhawa, Adam Salemi, Tionda Saylor, Scott Stanko, Shiana Starr, Robert Sugar, Alicia Vetter, Scott Xie
    Grade 11: Mohammed Ali, Aubrey Belles, Kyle Berger, Michael Blocho, Wiliam Breier, John Brenon, Dana Brindisi, Kristen Burns, David Chambers, Michael Disarno, Christopher Dlugokinski, Christopher Dziwulski, Alicia Ellson, Michael Feathers, Callan Fernandez, Stephanie Fike, Nicholas Forysinski, Holly Gallagher, David Garcia, Mark Goff, Terry Hashley, Nicole Herman, Nicholas Jones, Kimberly Kraft, Francesca Kustra, Claire Maddi, Jamie Mallo, Amanda Mallwitz, Christine Maloney, Timothy Marble, Michael Martin, Laura Massaro, Jon McGinn, Brian McGovern, Rachel Morgan, Lauren Nedwick, Myles Passanese, Christina Petit, Shane Pingrey, Danielle Podlucky, Alexis Promowicz, Omar Raza, Brittany Rogers, Daniel Rossiter, Ashley Ruckinger, Nichole Ryan, Jaclyn Seifert, Ashley Shilling, Christina Stickl, Karen Stipp, Lauren Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Alexandra Sutherland, Meghan White, Ginney Wilkinson, Nathan Wolinski
    Grade 12: Donald Astridge, Amanda Ayers, Taralyn Bielaski, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Christina Breier, Jonathan Burchfield, Joseph Burns, Shayna Burzynski, Jonathan Crossley, James Dahlquist, Alan Damiani, Karla Darby, Jeremy Davis, Thomas Digati, Kathryn Doane, Rene’ Dodge, Alicia Fahrner, Daniel Farmer, Marcella Ford, Sara Franklin, Jennifer Frey, Jamie Fuhr, Ethan Gietz, Jason Gonda, Michael Goulding, Matthew Hagen, John Itzo, Kathleen Kilian, Ashley Lasut, Theodore Lee, Katherine Loiselle, Sigrid Maerz, Marinos Maroulis, Laura McDonnell, Malcolm Merriweather, Mindi Mietlicki, D’anna Mock, Andrew Moran, Kali Mordaunt, Thomas Rajczak, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Nicholas Rossi, Matthew Royal, Kera Sauer, Gretchen Schumacher, Corinne Sexton, Ronald Stipp, Kelly Strano, Kari Sumner, Michael Valentin, Kimberley Walker, Christopher Wright




    Soccer, Lacrosse Teams Fundraise For Scoreboard - Chicken BBQ July 29, 2003
       The Grand Island High School Soccer and Lacrosse teams are in the midst of raising necessary funds for the purchase of an electronic scoreboard. In conjunction with the Tuesday evening, summer band concert on the Town Common, the teams will offer a Chiavetta's BBQ Chicken Dinner on Tuesday, July 29, 2003. Dinners will be available from 5:30-8 p.m. during the BBC Concert (medleys of Beatle Songs). Presale tickets may be ordered at $7 per dinner by sending a check to Anne Blonski, 2788 Fix Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 by July 10, 2003.    For more information, call Anne Blonski at 773-2910 or email her at     blooskies@adelphia.net




    Boys Lacrosse - All WNY - June 2003
    Viking Lacrosse Player Mike Blocho Earns All-America Status
       As announced in the June 25, 2003 edition of the Buffalo News, Mike Blocho has earned All-America Status as a Grand Island High School Viking midfielder on the school's lacrosse team. Mike led the Vikings to a 12-6 season that included 10-1 in the WNY League and a Section VI Class B semifinal berth. Mike's record in scoring and assists is 44 goals, 43 assists for 87 points.
       Blocho was also named to Boys Lacrosse Honor Roll All-Western New York First Team.
       Named to the All-WNY Second Team was junior Bill Breier.
       The following Grand Island players were named to the WNY League First Team: Ethan Gietz, Jeremy Roberts, Mike Blocho, Ted Rogers, Bill Breier. Doug Deluca, Brad Namaste were named to the WNY League Second Team.




    Baseball Honor Roll - June 2003
    Three Viking baseball players received recognition in the Buffalo News this week (June 24, 2003). Ryan Jankowski, a senior at Grand Island High School was named an Honorable Mention on the All-Western New York Honor Roll. He was also named to the Niagara Frontier League First Team. Mike Disarno, an 11th grader, was named to the Second Team and 11th grader Joe Podlucky was named to the third team.




    Girls Lacrosse Coach, Players Named To Honor Roll - June 2003
    The Coaches All-Western New York Girls Lacrosse Honor Roll has been announced with the following Island coaches and students recognized: Grand Island's Girls Lacrosse Coach Nicole Marabella was named the WNY Coach of the Year. Grand Island High School senior Savannah Stolzenburg received Honorable mention and First team Division all-stars. Jamie Stickl, a junior at the high school, was named to the Second Team. Sophomore Meghan Macguire was named to the Third Team.




    GIHS Sports Briefs June 12, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 6-12-03".




    Grand Island High School Commencement - 2003
       Grand Island High School's thirty-eighth annual Commencement Exercises will be held in at Kleinhans Music Hall 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2003.
       The program will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Christina Breier, Vice President of the Class of 2003. Class President Marcella Ford will welcome the graduates, their families and friends. A congratulatory address will be given by Dr. Thomas M. Ramming, Superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District.
       Class speakers will be the top three academically ranked students. Stephen Pfetsch ranks first in the Class of 2003. He plans to attend the State University Center of New York at Buffalo and major in computer engineering. The recipient of a Distinguished Scholars Award from SUNY Buffalo, he eventually plans to attend law school and be a patent lawyer. Stephen is the recipient of many honors, among which are the Bausch and Lomb Science Award, Williams College Book Award, National Society of High School Scholars, AP Scholar, and the National Collegiate Engineering Award. He has participated in the Grand Island Youth Court, UB Gifted Math Program, National Honor Society, varsity tennis, jv volleyball and was sophomore class president. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Wilk and Mr. John Pfetch.
       Drew Armusewicz ranks second in the Class of 2003. He is a member of the National Honor Society, wind ensemble, pit orchestra, Masterminds, and Corporate Bowl. He is also a member of the varsity soccer and tennis teams. He is the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and a SUNY Buffalo Honors Scholarship. Drew plans to attend the State University Center of New York at Buffalo majoring in finance, with career aspirations of becoming a financial advisor. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Armusewicz.
       Ranking third in the Class of 2003 is Bryan Mesmer. Bryan is Treasurer of the National Honor Society. He has been an active member of the school’s computer club, the Corporate Bowl, Spotlighters, the theatrical club and has participated in the school plays in lead roles for the past several years. His volunteer commitment focuses on working with handicapped people through his church. Bryan plans to attend the State University Center at Buffalo majoring in aeronautical engineering. He is the recipient of a SUNY Buffalo Honors Scholarship. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Mesmer.
       Military and Employability Portfolio recognition will be presented by Dr. James R. Dempsey, Principal of the High School. Recipients of the Grand Island High School scholarships and awards will be presented by Mr. William Miller, Assistant Principal, and will receive their awards from Dr. Ramming.
       Musical interludes will be performed by the high school choir and Madrigals under the leadership of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken and the band, conducted by Mr. Martin T. Allen.
       Class of 2003 officers are:
    Marcella Ford………………………………………………………President
    Christina Breier………………………………………………Vice President
    Stacey Edwards……………………………………………………Treasurer
    Eleanor Henderson………………………………………………..Secretary
    Christine Morgante, Stephanie Brown and Rachelle Cote…....Historians

       Parents, relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend this special event honoring the Class of 2003.




    CLASS OF 2003
    POTENTIAL GRADUATES
    Ackman, Tammi
    Adreon, Nicholas
    Allen, Benjamin
    Allsop, Kristyna
    Amato, Michael
    Anderson, Aimee
    Anderson, Mark
    Anderson, Michael Jr.
    Angelo, Lauren
    Armusewicz, Drew
    Asbach, Stephen
    Astridge, Donald
    Ayers, Amanda
    Bailey, Brieanna
    Bartosz, Caren
    Basta, Christina
    Bates, Kevin
    Becker, Michelle
    Becker, Shannon
    Bennett, Ashleigh
    Bernardoni, Joshua
    Betterson, Amanda
    Bielaski, Taralyn
    Bitikofer, Kevin
    Bonaquist, Joshua
    Booker, Jessica
    Bozek, Caitlin
    Brady, Michael
    Breier, Christina
    Brown, Stephanie
    Brzezinski, Steven
    Burchfield, Jonathan
    Burns, Jennifer
    Burns, Joseph
    Burzynski, Shayna
    Busch, Angel
    Busch, Christi
    Buzzelli, Kevin
    Cadro, Kristin
    Call, Keith Jr.
    Carter, Kimberlee
    		 Caruana, Catherine
    Catalano, Alison
    Ciechoski, Christopher
    Clark, Nicole
    Clarke, Colleen
    Clarke, Gillman
    Clingersmith, Ryanne
    Coates, Christina
    Coe, Richard
    Collins, Delené
    Colosi, John
    Cook, Erica
    Cote, Rachelle
    Crossley, Jonathan
    Crowley, Shawn
    Culp, Brian
    Dahlberg, Ingrid
    Dahlquist, James
    Damiani, Alan
    Danielson, Kristen
    Darby, Karla
    Darin, Ashley
    Davis, Jeremy
    DeLoreto, Robert
    DeLuca, Douglas II
    Digati,Thomas
    DiMatteo, Nicholas
    Doane, Katie
    Dodge, René
    Dommell, Christian
    Dougherty, Jamie
    Drost, Devon
    Duggan, Steven
    Dworzack, David
    Edwards, Lindsey
    Edwards, Stacey
    Fahrner, Alicia
    Farmer, Daniel
    Feeley, Jessica
    Fernandez, Richard Jr.
    Ferro, Michael Jr.
    		 Ford, Marcella
    Foy, Daniel
    Franklin, Sara
    Frey, Jennifer
    Fuhr, Jamie
    Fultz, David
    Garrison, Matthew
    Geschwender, Krystina
    Gietz, Ethan
    Gleason, Brett
    Glose, Kara
    Goelz, Rebecca
    Gonda, Jason
    Gormady, Jade
    Goss, Ann Marie
    Goulah, JoAnna
    Goulding, Michael
    Gray, Daniel
    Greene, Joshua
    Griffiths, Ryan
    Grisanti, Michael
    Haberer, Mitchell
    Hagen, Matthew
    Hall, Kevin
    Hardman, Peter
    Harris, Leah
    Hauser, Thomas Jr.
    Hausle, Jason
    Havens, John
    Heftka, Christopher
    Henderson, Eleanor
    Henderson, Nicole
    Henry, Danielle
    Hesson, Aaron
    Hillman, Robert
    Holler, Glenn
    Hooper, April
    Hopkins, Robert
    Huffnagle, Christopher
    Ianni, Natalie
    Ingalsbe, Brittany


    Itzo, John
    Jankowski, Ryan
    Kane, Jeff
    Kang, Naven
    Kilian, Kathleen
    Kim, Brian
    Kirkendall, Derek
    Knab, Joseph
    Knab, Sara
    Kopra, Amanda
    Kozakiewicz, Amanda
    Kozar, Benjamin
    Kuehne, Peter Jr.
    Kujawa, Robert
    Kurpiewski, Andrea
    Kurzdorfer, Meghan
    LaLiberty, Jacob
    LaMarco, Gino
    Lasut, Ashley
    Laurendi, Carmen
    Lee, Theodore
    Ley, Brian
    Lichtenthal, Joshua
    Lloyd, Aaron
    Lloyd, Eric
    Loiselle, Katherine
    Long, Jennifer
    LoPresti, Krista
    Lorenz, Thomas
    LoTempio, Elizabeth
    Maerz, Sigrid
    Manijak, Kathryn
    Maroulis, Marinos
    Martin, Glenn
    Martinez, Manuel III
    Massé, Elizabeth
    McCarthy, Patrick
    McDonald, Ryan
    McDonnell, Laura
    McGinty, Kelly
    McIntyre, Jessica
    		 McMahon, Carli-jo
    Meaney, Caitlin
    Merriweather, Malcolm
    Mesmer, Bryan
    Michaud, Matthew
    Mietlicki, Mindi
    Miller, Christopher
    Mock, Dale
    Mock, D’Anna
    Monaco, Christopher
    Monaco, Joy
    Montemage, Gabrielle
    Moran, Andrew
    Moran, Joshua
    Mordaunt, Kali
    Morey, Sean
    Morgante, Christine
    Namasté, Bradford
    Nardozzi, Stephanie
    Newell, Katie
    O’Donnell, Cara
    O’Keefe, Sean
    Oliverio, Rosanne
    Otto, Lisa
    Pawelski, Matthew
    Payne, Matthew
    Penque, Stefanie
    Perry, Morgan
    Petit, Jessie
    Pfetsch, Stephen
    Phelps, Derrek
    Piccolo, Laura
    Pierce, Diane
    Pietras, Brett
    Pingrey, Mitchael
    Pitcher, Heidi
    Podlucky, Jenna
    Popovec, Nicholas
    Rajczak, Thomas
    Remmes, Catherine
    Ritzenthaler, Rachel
    		 Robbins, Crystal
    Roberts, Jeremy
    Rodriguez, Sara
    Rogan, Jennifer
    Roman, Blaise
    Rossi, Nicholas
    Rott, Jennifer
    Royal, Matthew
    Rumsey, Stephen
    Sauer, Kera
    Scappechio, Paul
    Schiavone, Kathryn
    Schimley, David
    Schmit, Joseph
    Schumacher, Gretchen
    Semrau, Daniel
    Sergakis, Dimitra
    Sexton, Corrine
    Shantler, Brett
    Sharpe, Kevin
    Shoemaker, Robert
    Singh, Balbir
    Singh, Bikramjit
    Sipos, Melissa
    Sirianni, Francis
    Slater, Sara
    Smith, Lindsey
    Smith, Ryan
    Smith, Tierney
    Snyder, Eric
    Sobol, Justin
    Spacone, Alyssa
    Sprague, Jason
    Stanko, Michael
    Steckelberg, Christopher
    Stiller, Joshua
    Stipp, Ronald
    Stolzenburg, Savannah
    Stoorza, Jenel
    Strano, Kelly
    Sumner, Kari

    Thompson, Justin
    Thompson, Larissa
    Tim, Milynda
    Todaro, Michael
    Valentin, Michael
    Violanti, Tanya
    Voltz, Danielle
    Walker, Kimberley
    Walker, Nicole
    Walsh, Jessica
    Wilbert, Melissa
    Wood, Bradly
    Wright, Christopher





    Grand Island High School August '02/January '03 Graduates
       Kenneth Groszkowski Jr. is a Grand Island High School January 2003 graduate.
       The following students are Grand Island High School August 2002 graduate: Scott Abate, John Burns, Brandon DeWolfe, Adam Kratz, Kandria Matthews, Ryan McDonough, Luke Price, Arlyn Pifer, Glenn Regnet, Andrew Shonitsky, Andrew Szywala, and Michelle Wozniak.




    PTSA Academic Awards - 2003
       Grand Island's top 19 seniors were presented with the prestigious Presidential Award for Educational Excellence during the High School's annual PTSA Academic Awards ceremony Thursday, June 5, 2003.
       PTSA President Maureen Schumacher gave introductions, and High School Principal Dr. James Dempsey welcomed the group in the high school auditorium.
       Board of Education President Jeri Schopp offered her congratulations to the students, and Dr. Thomas Ramming, Superintendent of Schools, was the keynote speaker.
       The Presidential Award, presented since 1983 by the U.S. President and Secretary of Education, recognizes students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence.
       Winners of the 2003 Presidential Award for Educational Excellence were Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Caren Bartosz, Stephanie Brown, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, Ingrid Dahlberg, Christian Dommell, Rebecca Goelz, Sigrid Maerz, Elizabeth Masse, Patrice McCarthy, Bryan Mesmer, Elizabeth LoTempio, Bradford Namaste, Stephen Pfetsch, Savannah Stolzenberg and Melissa Wilbert.
       Also presented were several awards from businesses and colleges.
       Recipients were: Thomas Rayhill, Renssalear Polytechnic Institute Award; Christina Webb, Clarkson University High School Leadership Award; Margaret Kiehl, Clarkson University High School Academic Award; Cynthia Czpala, Russell Sage Student Sage Recognition Award; Nicholas Hahn, Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal; Karen Hutzler, Medaille College Book Award; Brian Lipp, Bausch & Lomb Award.
    Certificates of Academic Excellence
    9th Grade: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, Welsey Burkman, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Casey Dahlstrom, Shawn D'Angelo, Chelsea DeGlopper, Breanne DeMarco, Monique Dhand, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Meghan Hartman, Mary Hayes, Marcellus Hogan, Angelia Jaeger, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Dana Ludwig, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Lucas Mesmer, Robert Michaels, Christopher Miller, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O'Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Janice Sturtz, Dana Szczepaniak, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Zachary Zarbo.
    10th Grade: Kelly Carter, Melinda Christie, Erik Deuble, Daniel Elmer, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Catherine Kulak, Christina Maddi, Victoria McCraith, Paula Nuchereno, Sean Rafferty, Poonam Randhawa, Pooya Rostami, Amanda Thompson, Amanda Webb, Emily Winters, James Zilliox.
    11th Grade: Amy Becker, Sara Burke, Christine Donner, Michelle Fox, Christine Lang, Matthew Mergel, Kelly O'Brien, Myles Passanese, Jonathan Weber.
    12th Grade: Donald Astridge, Shannon Becker, Ashleigh Bennett, Christopher Ciechoski, Rachelle Cote, Leah Harris, Danielle Voltz.
    Academic Pin
    10th Grade: Tamika Adams, Amanda Albertsson, Julie Amato, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Joshua Billica, Kate Bonaquist, Amy Boulet, Brian Choi, Ryan Clarke, Renee Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Dana D'Angelo, Erin Dent, Shayna DiMatteo, Jill Endres, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Robert Goris, Meaghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Justin Helman, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hillard, Christian Karnath, Gretchen Kiehl, Justine Kirsch, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Meghan Macguire, Jason Manijak, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Stephanie McGowan, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, Stacey Monaco, David Nardozzi, Arianna Nelson, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Theodore Royal, Jessica Samland, Michael Schimley, Meher Singh, Scott Stanko, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Robert Sugar, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Nicole Tates, Phillip Thompson, Kari Tondera, Devon Toth, Adan Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Erik Zito.
    11th Grade: Arielle Blanton, Daniel Drabik, Alishea Gainer, Holly Gallagher, Patrick Gannon, Alex Gregorski, Hannah Hardy, Anthony Hughes, Kari Johnson, Lyndsay Kearney, Sarah Lang, Thomas Rayhill, Nichole Ryan, Lauren Stipp.
    12th Grade: Brieanna Bailey, Kristin Cadro, Kimberlee Carter, Alan Damiani, Stacey Edwards, Kara Glose, Kali Mordaunt, Rosanne Oliverio, Stefanie Penque, Jenna Podlucky, Blaise Roman, Nicholas Rossi, Francis Sirianni, Tierney Smith, Justin Sobol, Kimberley Walker.
    Academic Letter
    11th Grade: Keriann Armusewicz, Kelly Beatty, Shelbey Bidell, Andrew Boron, Puneet Brar, Heather Burkman, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Robert Christopher, Cynthia Czapla, David Dillen, Amanda Elsaesser, Lindsay Fetzer, Matthew Fields, Nicholas Gerace, Monica Greco, Nicholas Hahn, Carly Hudson, Karen Hutzler, Douglas Ingraham, Amanda Kaiser, Brett Kern, Margaret Kiehl, Kelly Knab, Brian Lipp, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Emily Newsome, Shannon O'Brien, Emily Pici, Corinne Razem, Jennifer Riesdorf, Laura Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Theodore Rogers, Rebecka Schaber, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Jaimie Stickl, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Stefanie Szcykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Christine Webb.
    12th Grade: Marcella Ford, Daniel Gray, Kim Brian, Theodore Lee, Marinos Maroulis, Gabrielle Montemage, Sara Rodriguez, Matthew Royal, Melissa Sipos.
    Academic Bar
    12th Grade: Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Caren Bartosz, Stephanie Brown, Kevin Buzzelli, Colleen Clark, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Ingrid Dahlberg, Ashley Darin, Christian Dommell, Steven Duggan, Michael Ferro, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormandy, Christopher Heftka, Eleanor Henderson, Danielle Henry, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Elizabeth LoTempio, Sigrid Maerz, Kathryn Manijak, Patrick McCarthy, Jessica McIntryre, Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Bradford Namaste, Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O'Donnell, Lisa Otto, Stephen Pfetsch, Diane Pierce, Thomas Rajczak, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Gretchen Schumacher, Corine Sexton, Balbir Singh, Savannah Stolzenburg, Nicole Walker, Melissa Wilbert.




    Island Students Are BEEP Finalists and Winner - 2003

    Brieanna Bailey, business teacher Ms. Roberta Frisoni, Andrea Kurpiewski and scholarship winner Robert Kujawa pictured with portfolios
       NFIEC (Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council) recognized BEEP (Business & Education Employability Portfolio) WNY Scholarship Finalists on Friday, May 30, 2003 at a breakfast and awards ceremony. Finalist from Grand Island Schools included Brieanna Bailey, Robert Kujawa and Andrea Kurpiewski. Robert Kujawa was selected as a winner and honored with a scholarship.
       The trio, along with other students in the internship class, worked closely with instructor Ms. Roberta Frisoni to compile a portfolio, referred to as BEEP. The portfolio is a representation of the student’s academic, personal, social, and citizenship credentials and will be presented to prospective employers and college admissions officials. Ms. Frisoni was asked to select three students to compete in the May 20th finals for scholarships. The Grand Island students along with almost 30 other representatives from area high schools were required to speak in front of community business people about their experiences and portfolio to be awarded a final scholarship.
       The Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council (NFIEC) works together with executives, educators, parents, and students to build bridges between industry and education. Initially, NFIEC functioned as a common meeting ground for business, industry, education, labor and government. Today, as a direct result of on-going efforts to meet, counsel, and cooperate with one another; NFIEC has developed and presented a wide variety of programs, courses, and community services, all aimed at helping the student of today become the educated, well-adjusted, and contributing employee of tomorrow.
       All three Grand Island finalists have been named Rotary Students of the Month and are active in community and after school activities and each has been named “Pride of the Island.” The Island students will continuing their studies at area Universities this fall.
       Scholarship winner Robert Kujawa is a member of the Spotlighters Drama Club, Interact Club and Library Club where he was vice president and treasurer. He is active in student council and serves as its secretary. He is Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, Youth Ambassador to Grand Island, and accepted in the Grand Island and American High School National Honor Society. He participates in the St. Stephen Youth Group, where they coordinate various activities to help the sick and needy. He has been an academic student each year throughout high school.




    Sports Briefs For The Week Of June 5, 2003
    Buffalo District Soccer June 2, 2003
    Grand Island 2, Celtic 1
    Boys Lacrosse - June 2, 2003
    WNY League - Division I - School League All:
    St. Francis 11-0 15-2
    Grand Island 10-1 12-6
    Nichols 7-4 10-8
    Timon/St. Jude 6-5 10-6
    Canisius 5-6 7-7
    Nia.-Wheatfield 5-6 8-7
    St. Joe's 0-11 1-12
    NYS Track and Field Championships will be held Friday, June 6, 2003 and Saturday, June 7 at Union-Endicott. WNY qualifier in the Boys Division I Pentathlon is Mike Feathers. WNY qualifier in the Girls Division I 200 is Kara Black-10. WNY qualifiers in the Girls Division I 4x100 are Erica Burns-11, Becky Goelz-12, Kara Black-10 and Jenny Rogan-12. WNY qualifier in the Girls Division I Triple jump is Erica Burns.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - June 2003

      
    Christina Coates                         Christian Dommell                     Stephen Pfetsch
       Christina Coates has been a resident of Grand Island since the age of four. She attended Kaegebein Elementary School and received its highest honor, the Gold "K" for her academic, musical and leadership achievements.
       Since that time, Christina has continued her success in school. While taking on a challenging academic program, and maintaining Honor Roll status throughout high school, Christina manages to participate in many extracurricular activities, volunteer in the community and hold a part-time job.
       Christina is a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, captain of the Varsity Track Team and secretary of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the High School Wind Ensemble and the Pit Orchestra. She has also, on four occasions, been selected to participate in the All County Band.
       In addition to school related activities, Christina has played for the Grand Island Soccer Club on both house and travel teams for 11 years. As a member of the Western New York Wings Track Club, Christina qualified for and participated in the National Junior Olympics held in Sacramento, Ca. in 2001.
       During her high school career, Christina has been awarded the PTA Certificate and Pin of Academic Excellence, the Silver Award from Girl Scouts of America, Scholar Athlete Awards in both soccer and track, The Russell Sage Presidential Scholarship, and is featured in "Who's Who Among High School Students." This past summer, Christina was selected to participate in the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.
       Christina is also active in her community, volunteering in various activities and fundraisers that benefit Island residents and organizations. She has volunteered at Grand Island soccer and basketball camps, helped with an Eco Island clean-up, participated in the Student Olympics and volunteered at Dreams from the Heart Camp at Lake Chautaqua.
       After graduation, Christina plans to pursue a career in medicine.
       Christian Dommell, the son of Susan Houser and William Dommell, moved to Grand Island from Houston, prior to kindergarten. He attended both Kaegebein and Huth Road schools. Christian is the oldest of four childrern.
       Christian's greatest pride resides in his academic achievement, which began at age five when he was accepted into MENSA. He has been listed on the High Honor Roll every marking period of his middle and high school career. His 1580 PSAT score, combined with his perfect SAT Verbal score, earned him finalist standing for the National Merit Scholarship. Christian just graduated from the Gifted Math Program at UB. He has been given several awards and accolades, including "Who's Who Among American Students" and AP Scholar status. His peers voted him "Most Intelligent" in his graduating class.
       Choral music is Christian's second passion. He is the vice president for the Concert Choir and Madrigal Choir at the high school. Last year, he played the lead role, Harold Hill, in the school's production of "The Music Man." This year he was Stewpot in "South Pacific." In October, he was asked to join other area students and sing with the Buffalo Choral Arts Society. After being recommended by a Solo-fest judge last spring, Christian was invited to sing in the Conference All-State Mixed Chorus. Held over four days in Rochester, the NYSSMA Conference featured the best musicians in the state.
       A large portion of Christian's time is devoted to extracurricular activities. He played on the school's varsity volleyball team, and received the Coach's Award last year on the Junior Varsity squad. He is also the president of the National Honor Society. As the captain of the masterminds quiz team, he was the highest scorer in the Buffalo league. Christian has led his Corporate Bowl teams to two consecutive championships, earning $2,500. He also served as a leader at Bible Presbyterian's AWANA Club. He now is very involved at Emmanuel Community Bible Church. Christian is also a certified lifeguard.
       Christian will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, pursuing a dual major in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He has earned several scholarships, including the Rensselaer Alumni Scholarship. He knows that the foundation built here on Grand Island will serve him well in his future endeavors.
       Stephen Pfetsch has been a student in the Grand Island school system since first grade. He has taken part in a wide range of activities both inside and outside of school. In his sophomore year, he was selected to be a member of Youth Leadership Erie County, a division of Leadership Buffalo, became a PTSA student liaison, and was elected class president. Stephen was inducted into the National Honor Society in his junior year and now serves as the secretary of International Club. As a sophomore, Stephen played junior varsity volleyball and played on the varsity tennis team in tenth, eleventh, and now twelfth grade. In ninth grade and tenth grade he competed in the Corporate Bowl and has been a Masterminds member since eleventh grade. This year, he played the part of "Henri" in the high school's production of South Pacific.
       Stephen has also been active in volunteer work on and off Grand Island. He has performed community service as a member of the PTSA, NHS, and Youth Court. Stephen has aided in cleaning up the environment through the West River Homeowners Association's Spring and Fall clean-ups and the Martin Luther King "Day On" clean-up of Martin Luther King Park of Buffalo. Additionally, he has donated his time at Sidway School and Huth Road Elementary in various capacities.
       Stephen has always found ways to challenge himself academically. He has previously taken four Advanced Placement courses and is enrolled in three this year. In his junior year, he was accepted into UB's Gifted Math Program, which provides selected high school students with true college level math courses. When he graduates from high school, Stephen will have 16 college math credits with a college GPA of 4.0 and perfect attendance.
       Stephen has received many academic honors, some of which are: Bausch and Lomb Science Award, Williams College Book Award, D'Youville Information Technology Award, AMC Math Award, the PTSA pin, certificate and letter, AP Scholar, and the National Collegiate Engineering Award. He has been featured three times in "Who's Who Among America's High School Students," has received the Pride of the Island award, and will be receiving the President's Award for Academic Fitness.
       Stephen will be the valedictorian for the class of 2003. He will study computer engineering at University at Buffalo, where he has been offered the Distinguished Honors Scholarship. After that, he intends to go to law school and pursue a career in patent law. Stephen is very grateful to all his teachers in the Grand Island school system for giving him such a good start and also wishes to thank the Rotary Club and the PTSA for honoring him with this award.




    Sports Briefs For The Week Of May 29, 2003
    Boys Lacrosse - May 22, 2003 - Class B game
    Grand Island 7 - Iroquois 6 -     See photos.
    Boys Tennis - Niagara Frontier League - May 27, 2003
    Grand Island 5, Lockport 0
    The New York State Tennis Championships will be held Thursday, May 29-Sunday, June 1, 2003 at the National Tennis Center in Queens. Steve Asbach of Grand Island will be competing in the Section VI State team.




    Grand Island Lacrosse Team Beats Iroquois - 2003
     
    Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click for larger view.
       The Grand Island High School Boys Lacrosse Team beat Iroquois, 7-6 on Thursday, May 22, 2003. Mike Blocho scored the winning goal with 3:20 left in the Niagara Frontier Class B League game.




    GIHS Sports Briefs May 22, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 5-22-03".




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - May 2003

     
    Lauren Angelo                         Melissa Wilbert
       Lauren Angelo, daughter of Mark and Celeste Angelo, has been a resident of Grand Island for seventeen years. Lauren has had many accomplishments throughout her four years in high school, and she has energetically involved herself in both school and community activities.
       Lauren has been a member of the junior varsity and varsity volleyball and lacrosse teams for four years. She holds the position of president of the Orchestra and International Club, is an active member of the National Honor Society, and also participates in Concert Choir, Student Council, the school musicals and Grand Island Ski Club.
       Academically, Lauren has always been a motivated and successful student. She has consistently maintained high honor and honor roll status, and has received several awards including membership into the Who's Who organization, Pride of the Island, the Scholar Athlete Award, the All American Academic award in lacrosse, and her academic letter, certificate and pin. She has taken seven Advanced Placement courses throughout high school in order to prepare for her journey to college.
       In order to involve herself in her community, Lauren has taken part in many activities held at St. Stephen's parish. She has also assisted the Huth Road and Kaegebein elementary school orchestras by helping at their rehearsals.
       Lauren hopes to attend either Wake Forest University or Furman College next year, with plans of pursuing a career in medicine.
       Melissa Wilbert moved to Grand Island from Rochester, New York in third grade. Since then, she has attended Grand Island public schools and has been active in academics, music, athletics and her community.
       In school, she has worked diligently at her studies, maintaining honor roll status or higher throughout all of middle school and high school. For her efforts, she has received the Certificate, Pin and Letter of Academic Excellence. In addition to this, she has also been honored by the Who's Who organization more than once and has previously received the PTSA award for Academic Excellence.
       Melissa is also actively involved in the music program at Grand Island High School and was voted 2001-2002 Concert Band president. She is currently a member of the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, and has also participated in Pep band.
       In athletics, Melissa has been a member of swimming and diving since eighth grade and track and field since ninth grade. Some of her accomplishments for swimming include being voted 2002 Varsity Captain, participating in Sectionals three years, and earning her varsity letter and four bars. In track, she set both the sophomore and junior pole-vaulting records and has earned her varsity letter and two bars. She has received the NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Award numerous times for both of these sports, and has also earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Outside of school, she has been a member of two private swim clubs, the Grand Island Pirahas and the White Water Raiders.
       Much of Melissa's time has also been committed to the community. Starting in second grade, she began serving her community as a Girl Scout, and has received the Girl Scout Silver Award which involved an extensive service project. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, has volunteered to help staff Kids Voting, raised money for the Special Olympics, and participated in the West Seneca Day service project for the mentally handicapped.
       Other activities Melissa has participated in are the Grand Island Student Ski Club, dance at Miss Cathy's Dance Academy, and the GIHS triathlon. During the summer, she works as a State lifeguard at Beaver Island State Park.
       Although undecided as to where she will attend college, Melissa is planning to major in biology, biotechnology or bioinformatics.




    GIHS Sports Briefs May 15, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 5-15-03".




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - May 2003

      
    Brieanna Bailey                         Rachelle Cote                         Marcella Ford
       Brieanna Noel Bailey, daughter of David and Cheryl Bailey, has been a resident of Grand Island since she was three years old.
       Brieanna is most well known for her participation and accomplishments in the performing arts, both in school and in the community. Brieanna began dance at the age of three where she learned she had a love and a talent for the art. She continues to take nightly classes in tap, jazz, ballet and hip-hop and is featured in the yearly recital. Brieanna began her love of voice when she joined the 3rd grade chorus at Huth Road. Since that time she has participated in over 20 choral groups in school as well as in the community, including choir, concert choir, Madrigals, Jazz Choir and All State Chorus. She has been judged at NYSSMA Solo Festival for her vocal strength where she has consistently received outstanding marks.
       Ms. Bailey had her theatrical debut in 1995 when she appeared as an orphan in the musical "Oliver!" She has been selected for the cast of every school play and musical to date. Her favorite roles include Melanie and Julie in "Happy Daze" as well as Alma Hix in "The Music Man." She has had the opportunity to work with the Ghostlight Theatre in North Tonawanda where she not only participates on stage, but behind the scenes in costuming, stage construction and sound. This summer she was cast as Louise in the musical "Carousel" where she also choreographed.
       Awards Bailey has received include a two time winner of the "Pride of the Island" and the "Senior Superlative for the Most Musical Female." She has received her Varsity Letter in Music along with yearly pins. She has sequences in English and Music. You will often find Brieanna singing in support of non-profit organizations and the community.
       In a leadership role, Brieanna is currently the president of the Spotlighters Drama Club, president of Choir and serves as the vice president of the Humanities Club. Brieanna is also a morning announcer for the high school and volunteers at the school store daily.
       Additionally, Brieanna studies the piano, guitar and takes weekly acting lessons. When she was just 16, Brieanna held a position at Martin's Fantasy Island as a dancer in the "50's and 60's Review" and performed the can-can in the "Rootin' Tootin' Saloon Show." This past summer she held a full time position for Six Flags Darien Lake where she performed in "Bugs Bunny Goin' Hollywood" and in the Grande Theatre in "Broadway Rhythm." She is currently interning at Shea's Performing Arts Center.
       Rachelle Cote is honored to have received a nomination for the Rotary/PTSA Honor Student of the Month Award.
       Over the past four years at Grand Island High School, Rachelle has participated in student council and is a member of the decoration and planning committee. She also was class historian for the past three years. As a member of the student council she helped the school raise over $3,000. This money was donated to the funds for those in need due to the effects of September 11, 2001. She was also among the five individuals who collected donations door to door, and during lunches at school.
       Since 1998, Rachelle has been on the track and field team. She received the award of most improved in 1999 and in 2000 and 2001, her relay team broke the FROSH record.The 4/400 relay team is her finest event. Her community activities have been volunteering for Kids Vote and collecting canned goods, clothing, books and paper products for the annual Christmas drive.
       From 2000 to 2002 Rachelle has been employed at Martin's Fantasy Island in the catering and restaurant department. She also held the position of a ticket taker at the front gate and has worked at the Buffalo Launch Club. She was employee of the month in October 2002. Work and school right now are her central focuses.
       Rachelle's hobbies are very limited due to her busy schedule but she actually loves to be physically active and is a member of the Buffalo Athletic Club. She frequents the club about three to four times a week, as her heath is very important to her.
       Rachelle's major field of study right now in high school is science. But for her future plans, she will study in communications, public relations and political science at Northeastern University in Boston. This will take intense discipline and unlimited determination. But as a track runner, she understands better than most, what this significant journey will require.
       Marcella Ford is 17 years of age and has attended Grand Island schools for her entire life. She has been actively involved in many community and school activities.
       Marcella has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and played the clarinet as a member of the church's band. She has participated in the Crop Walk to stop hunger, helped to raise money for the Special Olympics, and played a major roll in Share the Holiday Magic to donate goods to the Buffalo City Mission. She also participated in and helped to plan the GIFTS program, Communication Gap.
       Academically, Marcella has maintained both the honor and merit rolls throughout high school as well as middle school. She has always gone out of her way to take unique electives that the high school offers, such as child development, public speaking/drama, anatomy, etc. She has also received the Pride of the Island Award as well as the Certificate and Pin of Academic Excellence.
       Marcella has been a Class Representative, as well as the president of her class, for the past four years. She is currently the treasurer of Student Council and a member of the Decorating Committee. Being such an active leader, Marcella was selected to be on the Student Advisory Group and represented her school at both the Healthy Lifestyles Leadership Camp this past summer and for the 4th and 5th Annual Rotary Conference for New Generations. Marcella gives much of her time to the Cross Country, Track and Swimming and Diving teams at the high school. She also attends and assists dance classes at Miss Cathy's Dance Academy on Grand Island. She is a certified lifeguard and is employed by the Grand Island Town Recreation Department as a lifeguard and swim instructor.
       Marcella participated in a 57-hour career internship program at the Grand Island Small Animal Hospital in hopes of learning more about her intended major to become a veterinarian. Marcella has had a very rewarding and accomplished student life, and plans to continue this throughout her college years.




    Undefeated Tennis Team Beats N.F. - 2003

    Bob Kopf Photo - Click for larger view.
       The undefeated Grand Island Varsity Vikings Tennis Team beat Niagara Falls Wednesday, May 7, 2003 in a 6-0 shutout in Niagara Frontier League play.
       Moving up to 6-0 was Grand Island's Steve Beatty who won his singles match. Marc Scibilia won his singles match and moved to 5-0. Viking Steve Asbach also won his singles match. The Vikings doubles team of Jon Crossley and Steve Kopf remains undefeated at 6-0. Also remaining undefeated are doubles partners Drew Armusewicz and Matt Fields (5-0) who also won their set.
       Grand Island will play an exhibition match against Nichols at Nichols today (Thursday, May 8, 2003).




    GIHS Sports Briefs May 8, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 5-8-03".




    GIHS Sports Report May 1, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 5-1-03".




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - May 2003

     
    Malcolm Merriweather             Kali Mordaunt
       Malcolm Merriweather has been a resident of Grand Island for nine years. He is the son of Robert and Weltha Rutland.
       Malcolm has been very active within the music department at Grand Island High School. He is president of Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers and was the principal second violinist in the string orchestra during his junior year. He also plays piano in Jazz Ensemble and is a member of Vocal Jazz. On the stage, he has been seen in the high school's production of M*A*S*H, Babes in Arms, Wizard of Oz, The Music Man and South Pacific.
       Malcolm is involved in a number of ensembles outside of the high school. He has been a member of St. Paul's Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys for eight years. He has traveled with the choir to England twice and sang in noteworthy venues such as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. He can also be seen performing with the Trinity Orchestra, and the Amherst Chamber Ensemble. Malcolm has performed with the Erie County Choruses since fifth grade, participated in numerous Area-All State festivals and has been chosen to sing in the Conference All-State Mixed Choir for two consecutive years. During the summer of his sophomore year, he had the privilege of attending the New York State Summer School for the Arts program held at SUNY Fredonia. Recently, he was selected to participate in the All Eastern Honors Mixed Chorus, which is to be held in Rhode Island.
       Throughout Malcolm's high school career, he has maintained Honor Roll status. He has received his Academic Letter, Certificate and Pin and has been a recipient of the Pride of the Island Award. Malcolm is also a member of the National Honor Society and is the treasurer of International Club. During Malcolm's junior year, he had the honor of serving as the Youth Ambassador for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.
       Malcolm plans to attend Ithaca College or Syracuse University for Music Performance and Communications.
       Kali Mordaunt was born and raised on Grand Island by Tim and Jackie Mordaunt. At Kaegebein, Kali earned awards such as "Pride of the Island" and the "Golden K." In middle school, she was voted Home Room Representative, joined Ski Club, and Peer Mediation. She also competed on the high school swim team. At Grand Island High School Kali continued on the school swim team, and also participated in Cross Country and Lacrosse.
       Aside from sports, Kali is very active in community service within Grand Island High School. She belongs to the Interact Club, and also started a peer volunteer club. These contributions and her high academics allowed her to attend leadership training. The leadership skills learned enabled her to be a student representative on interview teams for the Science Department and Superintendent.
       Kali is also involved in the community. Her youth volunteer club (G.I.V.) started her involvement as a youth Liaison for GI Connections. She has also served as a volunteer at Riverwood, face painted at various charity events, and has been involved in the annual Beach Sweep and Keith's Classic Golf Tournament. Additionally, she participates in many Girls' and Boys' of America events, walks in the Crop and MS Walk, Roswell Bike-a-thon and fund-raised for the NYS relief effort. With Trinity Church, Kali joined camps, where they restored underprivileged families' houses across the country.
       Next fall, Kali plans to continuing her ventures at the University of Albany. She is unsure of her major, but is very excited about the new opportunities college presented her to learn, grow and change, and is very thankful for the ways Grand Island has nurtured and helped her to get where she is today.




    Ianni's Grand Slam Brings 11-5 Victory to Vikings
       Grand Island High School sophomore Rick Ianni was the star of the show Tuesday, April 22, 2003 as the Tonawanda-Grand Island baseball teams clashed in a non-league game. Ianni, playing his first game for the Varsity Vikings under cold, wet weather conditions, hit a grand slam to give the Vikings a 11-5 victory. Striking out 10 batters and walking 12 was Vikings pitcher Mike DiSarno, an 11th grade honor roll student. The Varsity Vikings, a little more aggressive this season than last, have an excellent chance of coming out on top of the Niagara Frontier League.




    Grand Island High School Honor Roll - April 2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the third marking period of the 2002-2003 school year:
    High Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Chelsea DeGlopper, Lucas Mesmer, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol, Dana Szczepaniak. Nicholas Thompson, Zachary Zarbo
    Grade 10: Julie Amato, Ryan Clarke, Erin Dent, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Justine Kirsch, Meghan Macguire, Jason Manijak, Victoria McCraith, Calvin Meaney, Stacey Monaco, Sean Rafferty, Yasmin Raza, Melissa Roach, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Kari Tondera, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Erik Zito
    Grade 11: David Dillen, Amanda Kaiser, Margaret Kiehl, Kelly Knab, Shannon O’Brien, Laura Remmes, Theodore Rogers, Rebecka Schaber, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jaimie Stickl, Christine Webb
    Grade 12: Caren Bartosz, Colleen Clarke, Christian Dommell, Steven Duggan, Elizabeth LoTempio, Patrick McCarthy, Stephen Pfetsch, Nicole Walker
    Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, Wesley Burkman, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Carlos Darby, Breanne DeMarco, Monique Dhand, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Alexander Grande, Cory Harris, Mary Hayes, Marcellus Hogan, Toni Kaufman, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Diane Meyer, Robert Michaels, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Janice Sturtz, Katherine Szpala, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert
    Grade 10: Tamika Adams, Amanda Albertsson, Corey Angelo, Lindsay Aronica, Kelly Astridge, Joshua Billica, Kate Bonaquist, Amy Boutet, Kevin Buyer, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Melinda Christie, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Dana D’Angelo, Erik Deuble, Daniel Elmer, Jill Endres, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Kelly Frantz, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Robert Goris, Meaghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Gretchen Kiehl, Kelly Knickerbocker, Catherine Kulak, David Kurpiewski, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Christina Maddi, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Stephanie McGowan, Kevin Mehltretter, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Arianna Nelson, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Jeffrey Rebmann, Nicole Roach, Pooya Rostami, Theodore Royal, Michael Schimley, Robert Sugar, Sofia Syed, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth, Emily Winters, James Zillox
    Grade 11: Keriann Armusewicz, Kelly Beatty, Amy Becker, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Andrew Boron, Cortney Bota, Puneet Brar, Sara Burke, Heather Burkman, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Cynthia Czapla, Michael Disarno, Christine Donner, Daniel Drabik, Amanda Elsaesser, Michael Feathers, Callan Fernandez, Lindsay Fetzer, Stephanie Fick, Matthew Fields, Michelle Fox, Holly Gallagher, Nicholas Gerace, Nicholas Giddings, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Nicholas Hahn, Hannah Hardy, Gretchen Hildebrandt, Carly Hudson, Anthony Hughes, Karen Hutzler, Douglas Ingraham, Kari Johnson, Scott Kaniecki, Lyndsay Kearney, Brett Kern, Mary Kucharczak, Christine Lang, Sarah Lang, Brian Lipp, Jamie Mallo, Carey Marrinan, Michael Martin, Allie McLean, Matthew Mergel, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Rikki Nawotka, Emily Newsome, Kelly O’Brien, Myles Passanese, Emily Pici, Thomas Rayhill, Corinne Razem, Jennifer Reisdorf, Ashley Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Nichole Ryan, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Lauren Stipp, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Eric Ther, Johanna Turnwall, Christina Warner, Jonathan Weber
    Grade 12: Nicholas Adreon, Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Donald Astridge, Brieanna Bailey, Shannon Becker, Ashleigh Bennett, Stephanie Brown, Kevin Buzzelli, Kristin Cadro, Kimberlee Carter, Christopher Ciechoski, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, John Colosi, Rachelle Cote, Ingrid Dahlberg, Alan Damiani, Michael Ferro, Marcella Ford, Kara Glose, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormady, Ann Marie Goss, Christopher Heftka, Eleanor Henderson, Danielle Henry, Amanda Kopra, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Sigrid Maerz, Kathryn Manijak, Jessica McIntrye, Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Gabrielle Montemage, Kali Mordaunt, Bradford Namaste’, Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O’Donnell, Roseanne Oliverio, Lisa Otto, Stefanie Penque, Diane Pierce, Jenna Podlucky, Thomas Rajczak, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Sara Rodriguez, Matthew Royal, Kera Sauer, Gretchen Schumacher, Balbir Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Melissa Sipos, Francis Sirianni, Lindsey Smith, Tierney Smith, Justin Sobol, Michael Valentin, Danielle Voltz, Kimberley Walker, Melissa Wilbert




    Grand Island High School Merit Roll - April 2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the third marking period of the 2002-2003 school year:
    Grade 9: Vanessa Alvarado, Carissa Bailey, Stephen Beatty, Amanda Bentley, Ashley Bleistein, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, John Brucato, Wesley Brzezinski, Erich Burchfield, Catherine Cline, David Cole, Erin Conn, Justin Cope, Christopher Damiani, Justin Dowd, Caitlin Dwyer, Eric Feathers, Robert Fiels, Jessica Fike, Ashleigh Frieday, Russell Gaiser, Colleen George, Ryan Gratton, Adam Henry, Kevin Holzle, Beth Huffnagle, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Ryan Keifman, Justin King, Megan Koller, Frank Kustra, Andrew Lang, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Christina Manning, Timothy McRae, Courtney Mikac, Christopher Miller, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Krista Moran, Nathan Morey, Natalie Mucci, Cole Remmes, Ramcy Rizek, Francisco Rodriguez, Stephanie Russo, Alexi Salamone, Tatiana Salamone, Melinda Schultz, Chelsea Sommer, Jeffrey Stange, Daniel Szyprowski, Robert Utz, Christopher Webb, Brittany Weber, David Whitney, Dane Wood
    Grade 10: Ashraf Abdellatif, Tanya Ambellan, Shannon Barr, Deborah Basta, Christopher Benninger, Amanda Boss, Garrett Carlson, Caitlyn Clingersmith, Robert Coughlin, Geoffrey Crossley, Michael Digati, Jeanmarie Dragonette, Kelly Edwards, Amanda Finn, Jason Fritschi, Thomas Geblein, Thomas Grampp, Collin Griffiths, Nicole Hauser, Nicholas Heftka, Phillip Henderson, Cody Hool, Christian Karnath, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Jamie Krupczyk, Allison Kulak, Jessica Laurendi, Gary Leckey, Chantelle LeFevre, Megan Little, Robert Lorence, Amanda Lunney, Matthew Masse’, Donald Minoian, Alison Newman, Paula Nuchereno, Jennifer O’Donnell, Patrick O’Laughlin, Nicole Patterson, Ashley Perez, Jeffrey Pickel, Noelle Pietras, Poonam Randhawa, Lucia Rossi, Adam Salemi, Jessica Samland, Tionda Saylor, Justyn Smith, Adam Sperrazza, Scott Stanko, Shaina Starr, Jarilyn Stoorza, David Survillo-Melgar, Colin Thompson, Nicholas Tim, Amanda Webb, Stephen Weigold, Jason Wilkinson, Scott Xie
    Grade 11: Michael Antonelli, Kyle Berger, Michael Blocho, William Breier, John Brenon, Dana Brindisi, Kristen Burns, Scott Buyer, Kelliann Carney, David Chambers, Robert Christopher, Michelle D’Addieco, Charles Dewey, Andrew Dlugosz, Ashton Duda, Christopher Dziwulski, Alicia Ellson, Nicholas Forysinski, Alishea Gainer, Patrick Gannon, David Garcia, Katharine Gaudy, Christine Gilbert, Kevin Hajnos, Nicole Herman, Nicholas Jones, Katie Ketterer, Robert Koryl, Kimberly Kraft, Gabrielle Lanich, Amanda Mallwitz, Christine Maloney, Timothy Marble, Laura Massaro, Jon McGinn, Lauren Nedwick, Christina Petit, Danielle Podlucky, Joseph Podlucky, Alexis Promowicz, Daniel Rossiter, Ashley Ruckinger, Kori Sciandra, Jaclyn Seifert, Ashley Shilling, Christopher Sica, Katlin Smith, Amy Stewart, Christina Stickl, Karen Stipp, Peter Sukmanowski, Meghan White, Ginny Wilkinson, Nathan Wolinski, James Wright, Steven Zippier
    Grade 12: Tammi Ackman, Kristyna Allsop, Stephen Asbach, Michelle Becker, Taralyn Bielaski, Joshua Bonaquist, Caitlin Bozek, Christina Breier, Steven Brzezinski, Joseph Burns, Shayna Burzynski, Erica Cook, James Dahlquist, Karla Darby, Jeremy Davis, Douglas DeLuca, Thomas Digati, Kathyrn Doane, Rene’ Dodge, Jamie Dougherty, Devon Drost, Stacey Edwards, Alicia Fahrner, Richard Fernandez, Jennifer Frey, Jamie Fuhr, Krystina Geschwender, Ethan Gietz, Jo Anna Goulah, Michael Goulding, Matthew Hagen, Peter Hardman, Leah Harris, Aaron Hesson, Glenn Holler, Robert Hopkins, John Itzo, Kathleen Kilian, Brian Kim, Sara Knab, Benjamin Kozar, Meghan Kurzdorfer, Ashley Lasut, Theodore Lee, Katherine Loiselle, Jennifer Long, Marinos Maroulis, Elizabeth Masse’, Laura McDonnell, Mindi Mietlicki, D’anna Mock, Dale Mock, Andrew Moran, Christine Morgante, Matthew Pawelski, Matthew Payne, Heidi Pitcher, Crystal Robbins, Jeremy Roberts, Jennifer Rogan, Blaise Roman, Nicholas Rossi, Corinne Sexton, Kevin Sharpe, Eric Snyder, Michael Stanko, Savannah Stolzenburg, Kelly Strano, Kari Sumner, Justin Thompson, Larissa Thompson, Tanya Violanti, Christopher Wright




    Celebration of Inspiration - 2003

    Fred Claus Photos - Click for larger view.
       The Celebration of Inspiration, in its 11th year of teacher appreciation, took place Thursday, April 10, 2003 at Grand Island High School. High School seniors, who presented a total of 28 faculty members districtwide, spoke of how their choice of a special teacher inspired them, encouraged them, believed in them or perhaps taught them something they'll always take with them.
       Those honored and presented with a plaque, and the student presenter(s) follow:
    Thomas Albarella - Gretchen Schumacher (presenter)
    Martin Allen - Ashley Darin and Elizabeth Masse'
    John Arnone - JoAnna Goulah and Josh Moran
    Christine Augugliaro - Katie Newell
    Tracy Beatty - Gabrielle Montemage and Blaise Roman
    Claire Cieslewicz - Catherine Remmes
    Craig Davis - Krystina Geschwender
    Paul Fields - Stacey Edwards
    Amy Flynn - Danielle Henry
    Bryan Flynn - Kari Summer
    Gileen French - Jessica McIntyre
    Roberta Frisoni - Bob Kujawa and Myndi Tim
    Daneen Gallagher - Christi Busch
    Carolyn Lokken - Malcolm Merriweather
    Arthur Meaney - Dale Mock
    Michael Murray - Taralyn Bielaski and Amanda Kopra
    Donald Pray - Balbir Singh
    Debra Remson - Lindsey Smith
    Donald Sauer - Katie Doane, Rene Dodge and Melissa Sipos
    Katherine Scarafia - Christina Breier, Rachelle Cote, Ingred Dahlberg and Marcella Ford
    Tracey Shickluna - Rebecca Goelz
    Christopher Simpson - Jessica Freeley
    Mary Smith - Ron Stipp
    Kristine Taylor - Stephanie Penque
    Mark Tollner - Meghan Kurzdorfer
    Jean Wang - Stephen Pfetsch
    Timothy Williamson - Bryan Mesmer
    Cynthia Wynne - Diane Pierce
       The program, developed 11 years ago by then PTSA president Marilyne Brandoni, together with Maureen Schumacher and Superintendent Paul Fields, is now supported by donations from all the Island school district PTAs.




    Grand Island High School Track and Field Results - April 12, 2003
       The Grand Island High School Boys Track and Field team came in sixth (39) out of a field of 21 teams in the 4th Early Bird Invitational held Saturday, April 12, 2003 at JFK High School. Canisius High School won the meet with a score of 89. Mike Feathers, a junior at Grand Island High, tied the meet record in the high jump at 6-2 and won the 110 hurdles in 15.68.
       Grand Island's Girls Track and Field Team took 8th place (31) out of 16 teams. West Seneca West (109) won the girls' meet. The 400 relay team of Kaitlin Voltz, Katie Doane, Kara Black and Jenny Rogan took first (52.57) and West Seneca West was 2nd (53.69).




    The War In Iraq And Local Students - April 2003
    By Mark Webb
       You may have been wondering what the students on Grand Island think about the War in Iraq. This will answer your questions. Recently I took it upon myself to survey the students at the Grand Island High School and ask them about their opinions and to ask if they supported the politics behind the war. The results may surprise you. A full 100% of all males surveyed supported the politics behind the war in Iraq. However, only 65% of females surveyed supported the politics behind the war. This gives us a total of 82.5% of Grand Island High School students support the war. Even so, anti-war sentiment is strong at the High School among certain students, as they can be seen roaming the halls with various shirts saying, “NO BLOOD FOR OIL” and other anti-war/anti-Bush policy sentiments. It is notable to say that while the policies behind the war were disliked by some, all people surveyed, no matter their take on the politics, supported the troops. That’s some good news for our men overseas. God bless, and return safely!




    Job Shadowing Day
     
    Shown in the photo on the right are Sidway School Principal Frank Cannata, Bobbie Frisoni and Sandra Burns.
    Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - click photos for larger view

    Grand Island High School students are shown in the Fujisawa Healthcare plant where they were given an overview of what the company does before their tour on Shadow Day.
    Kathleen Ganz Photo - click photo for larger view
       The Grand Island High School Shadow Day Program took place Thursday, April 10, 2003. "Job Shadowing" gives the students an opportunity to spend a half day in a business, watching/working with an employee who has a job in the student's area of interest. The day started with a breakfast meeting at the Buffalo Launch Club. Jim Sharpe, President of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, along with Schools Superintendant Dr. Thomas Ramming, gave welcoming speeches. Town Supervisor Peter McMahon gave a proclamation for the day. Speakers included Tony Brindisi of the Grand Island School/Business Alliance, WGRZ-TV Weather Anchor Kevin O'Connell, and Greg Weber of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The students left the breakfast and shadowed until 2 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Grand Island School/Business Alliance and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Coordinators are Bobbie Frisoni and Sandra Burns, Grand Island High School teachers.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - April 2003

      
    Ted Lee                                                Sara Rodriguez                        Ethan Gietz
       Ted Lee is 17 years of age and has attended the Grand Island schools for his entire life. He is the son of Tenpao and Christin Lee.
       Ted is a very motivated individual, active in social, academic and extracurricular activities. In school he has participated in the basketball team, volleyball team, lacrosse team, recycling club, Corporate Bowl, student olympics, triathlon, orchestra and is a member of the National Honor Society.
       Some of the community work Ted does in his spare time is coaching youth lacrosse for Grand Island and helping the Honor Society with several community projects such as the annual spaghetti dinner.
       Ted has received several awards throughout his high school career. Academically, he has earned the academic excellence award, academic pin and scholar athlete award. In extracurricular activities, he has achieved varsity letters in volleyball, lacrosse, and orchestra. He also received the most outstanding musician award, varsity pin and bar and has held the status of vice president and concertmaster in the school orchestra. He has been on the honor roll throughout his high school career.
       Ted has taken many honors and AP classes throughout his time in high school. He has applied to the following universities: UCLA, Pepperdine, RIT, Geneseo and UB. His intended major is education and he hopes to eventually teach at the collegiate level.
       Ted is extremely honored to earn this award and looks forward to a bright and challenging future.
       Sara Rodriguez, daughter of Frank and Lily Rodriguez, has been a resident of Grand Island for 10 years. She is an enthusiastic individual, active inside and outside of school. Sara has been on the honor roll throughout her academic career. In school, she plays in the Concert Band, sings in Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz, is involved in the annual high school musical, and is the vice president of International Club. In the community, Sara has taught Sunday School, is the music leader in her church, and has also taught piano.
       After graduating, Sara hopes to attend Buffalo State College for a career in Spanish education and has plans to study abroad. She is looking forward to her future as an educator.
       Ethan Gietz has been a resident of Grand Island for nine years. He has been involved in a number of activities both inside and outside of Grand Island High School.
       During his years at GIHS, Ethan played a JV or Varsity sport during every season. He is a key player on the soccer, hockey and lacrosse teams. In soccer, Ethan earned his Varsity letter, was selected for the NFL Second Team All League, and invited to the WNY Exceptional Senior Games. Ethan was captain of the hockey team in his sophomore year and participated in the JV All-Star Game between WNY and the Southtowns. He has earned his Varsity letter while starting on Varsity. As a starter at mid field, Ethan earned his Varsity letter in lacrosse. In addition to school sports, Ethan has also played on several other teams including indoor and travel soccer, indoor and summer league lacrosse, and roller hockey. He also enjoys Ski Club during the winter months.
       Ethan is a current member of National Honor Society. He has been on the honor roll and received the Academic Certificate and Pin. Ethan has also received the NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete award while participating in his Varsity sports.
       During the school year, Ethan works part time as a lifeguard at the Holiday Inn. He also enjoys doing yard work for a local retired teacher.
       In the community, he is involved as a member at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Ethan has volunteered many hours between the church and its day care center, including the annual Pancake Breakfasts, Join Hands Day, and volunteering at the Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen.
       After graduation, Ethan plans to attend college to study either mechanical engineering or physical education.




    Grand Island High School Sports Briefs - Week of April 3, 2003
       Meghan MacGuire, a 10th grader and Savannah Stolzenburg, a senior at Grand Island High School were named to the Niagara Frontier League Girls Basketball Honor Roll Second Team.
       The Grand Island Vikings Boys Lacrosse team beat Salamanca 16-6 in a WNY League game.
       Andy Moran was named to the Niagara Frontier Bowling League 2002-2003 All-Stars Second Team.




    International Night 2003
      
    (left) From left are science teacher Timothy Williamson, "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs" skit, and Lillian Choi performing "Moon Lover" from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
    Frederick Claus Photos - Click for larger view.
       Grand Island High School's annual International Night took place Thursday, March 27, 2003 in the school. Students and teachers from the High School and Connor Middle School perform and the money raised provides scholarships to graduating seniors. The event is sponsored by the International Club whose advisors are Mrs. Magdalene Kennedy and Mrs. Ardeth Kasahara.




    March 2003 Corporate Bowl Sponsors, Scholarships Announced
       The Corporate Bowl was sponsored by Invitrogen Corporation in conjunction with Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. with assistance from the Grand Island School District and Grand Island Schools/Business Alliance (GISBA). Scholarships awarded to the 2003 winners are as follows: First Place: $4000 ($1000/student) to the Juggernauts of Genius team; Second Place: $2000 ($500/student) to the D.R.A.G. Force team; Third Place: $1000 ($250/student)to the Midnight Funk Express. Finals for the Corporate Bowl were held Thursday, March 20, 2003 in the Grand Island High School.
       Members of the first place Juggernauts of Genius team are Christian Dommell, Drew Armusewicz, Bradford Namaste, and Pat McCarthy. Second place Drag Force team members are Chris Monaco, Tierney Smith, Bryan Mesmer, and Chris Ciechoski. Third place Midnight Funk Express team members are Brian Lipp, Douglas Ingraham, Jim Wright and Andy Boron.
       Click for Corporate Bowl Sponsors. The list includes "in kind gifts" (product and service donations or monetary contributions less than $100).




    Grand Island High School Sports Briefs - Week of March 27, 2003
    Boys Swimming - 3/22/2003
    Niagara Frontier League
    All-Stars, 2002-2003
    First team
    200 medley relay: North Tonawanda (Nick Komieczny, Caleb McGoldrick, Bob Gormasiero, Mike Fornasiero) 1:43.96; 200 freestyle: Brandon Smith (Lockport) 1:49.06; 200 individual medley: Nick Konieczy (North Tonawanda) 2:07.02; 50 freestyle: Ryan Rimmer (Lockport) 23.01; 1-meter diving: Ian O'Rourke (Grand Island) 308 (6 dives), 484.15 (11 divers); 100 butterfly: Steve Rumsey (Grand Island) 56.20; 100 free: B. Smith (Lockport) 49.17; 500 freestyle: Brad Kozlowski (North Tonawanda) 5:05.13; 200 free relay: Lockport (B. Smith, Rimmer, Derek Caldwell, Steve Ohar) 1:29.38; 100 backstroke: Beau Riggs (Lockport) 56.25; 100 breaststroke: Kevin O'Donnell (Kenmore East) 1:03.77; 400 freestyle relay: Lockport (B. Smith, Rimmer, Riggs, Kyle Smith) 3:19.52. Second team

    200 medley relay: Lockport (Riggs, Caldwell, Kris Fisher, Brandon Clark) 1:44.89; 200 freestyle: K. Smith (Lockport) 1:52.89; 200 individual: Bob Fornasiero (North Tonawanda) 2:09.34; 50 freestyle: T-Caldwell (Lockport), Jay West (Niagara-Wheatfield) 23.19; 1-meter diving: Chris Bagneschi (Niagara Falls) 6 dives, Glenn Holler (Grand Island) 11 dives; 100 butterfly: McGoldrick (North Tonawanda) 57.71; 100 freestyle: Rimmer (Lockport) 49.68; 500 freestyle: Kyle Sauer (Grand Island) 5:07.05; 200 free relay: Niagara Wheatfield (West, Ben Burkley, Jon Printup, Adam O'Laughlin) 1:36.88; 100 backstroke: Nick Konieczny (North Tonawanda) 57.50; 100 breaststroke: Steve Rumsey (Grand Island); 400 free relay: North Tonawanda (Kozlowski, Konieczny, B. Fornasiero, Mike Fornasiero) 3:28.85.

    Wrestling - 3/22/2003
    Niagara Frontier League
    All-Stars, 2002-2003
    First team - Kenmore West: Scott Ordway-12. Niagara-Wheatfield: Josh Lange-12, Zechariah Lange-8, Kyle Schmelzle-12. Lew-Port: Justin Walp-10, Eric Barker-12. Grand Island: Chris Ciechoski-12, Joshua Roberts-12, Jeremy Roberts-12. Lockport: Chase Pittman-12, Jimmy Bird-12, Mike Rosenberg-12. Niagara Falls: Joshua Eagan-11, Rich Posey-12, Larry Aceti-12. Second team - Niagara Falls: Charlie Ashker-10, Nicki Strange-11, Sam Meterko-12, Angelo Cusatis-10. Kenmore West: Greg Capozzi-11, Yuri Polychenko-11, Joe Dipasquale-12. Grand Island: Colin Thompson-10, Mike Antonelli-11, Derek Kirkendall-12. Niagara-Wheatfield: Matt Daniels-10, Jon Sorley-11, Tim Printup-12. North Tonawanda: Rory Bruce-9, Steve Sanderson-10. Third team - Niagara-Wheatfield: Jeff Mitchell-10, Jim Trettler-11, Rob Koshinski-10. Lockport: Jameson Forman-12, Matt Cinelli-8. Kenmore West: Mike Sla-11. Kenmore East: MacKenzie McGill-11, Brian Sunderville-10. LEW-PORT: Frank Presutti-10, Jim Harbison-9. Grand Island: Shawn Morey-12. North Tonawanda: Derek Drass-7, Craig Kosnikowski-9, Wil Bruce-12. Niagara Falls: Albert Flocco-10.




    Corporate Bowl 2003 Results
     
    (left) First place winners, the Juggernauts of Genius team and (right) 2nd place winners, the D.R.A.G. Force team.
    Barbi Lare Photos
       Juggernauts of Genius was this year's first place winning team whose members are Christian Dommell, Drew Armusewicz, Bradford Namaste, and Pat McCarthy. Chris Monaco, Tierney Smith, Bryan Mesmer, and Chris Ciechoski of the D.R.A.G. Force team took second Place. In third place were Brian Lipp, Douglas Ingraham, Jim Wright and Andy Boron of the Midnight Funk Express.




    High School's Front Entrance Closed Due to Construction
       With the beginning of better weather, the pace of construction at the high school and middle school has accelerated. Because of construction in front of the the school, all students, parents, and visitors seeking to enter the high school after 7:45 a.m. should use the rear entrance located to the left of the loading dock. For evening events such as Community Education, Awards Night, and concerts, the front-north entrance to the Academic Wing will be open for easy access to the high school from the front parking lot.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - March 2003

     
    Balbir K. Singh                        Bryan Mesmer
       Balbir K. Singh has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She has been a student in the Grand Island Central School District since the beginning, active in exracurriculars, academia, and community service.
       Balbir's high school career has been both productive and worthwhile. She is currently a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Masterminds, and secretary of Interact Club. She was also a participatnt in the annual Corporate Bowl, and plans to do the same this coming year.
       Community service has also played a major role in Balbir's life. Since the age of thirteen, she has been the treasurer of her religious youth group, Sikh Youth Committee. Currently, she is helping Habitat for Humanity through National Honor Society, tutoring kids in her neighborhood, and is a mentor for a Kaegebein student.
       While balancing these activities, Balbir holds down two jobs: one at the Grand Island Memorial Library since Summer 2001, and another as a NeXt Correspondent for the Buffalo News, which she just recently received. Both jobs require a lot of time, but she is handling them well.
       Balbir has additionally won various awards and honors. Her academic rigor, enrolled in both honors and Advanced Placement courses, has earned her three years of honor roll status and Academic Excellence Awards, including a varsity letter. She has also been awarded a varsity letter in Masterminds and for two years on the girls tennis team. Furthermore, Balbir was a finalist for Youth Ambassador, a First Honors Scholar 2002, a National Leadership Scholar, and a Congressional Youth League Scholar. She was also fortunate enough to attend an honors seminar for college credit at Canisius College, and was accepted into the Harvard Summer School Program in Cambridge, Massachusetts for 2002 and 2003.
       Balbir's experiences and achievements throughout her life on Grand Island have been rewarding. She plans to continue her education at either the University at Buffalo or New York University, with a concentration in the humanities. She feels prepared to face the future and the challenges that come along with it.
       Bryan Mesmer has been a resident of Grand Island his entire life. He has been in the Grand Island school district from kindergarten at Kaegebein Elementary School to his senior year at Grand Island High School. Bryan has been inolved in many community activities in his 17 years of life. For the previous two summers Bryan has participated in the Ride For Roswell bicycle tour to help support cancer research. He has also participated in the community through St.Stephen's Roman Catholic Church by taking part in such activities as Seneca Day in which he helped provide handicapped people a day of fun and relaxing. On the side, Bryan also helps people learn to use their computers properly.
       During Bryan's high school career he has participated in many organizations and has received many honors. In his freshman year Bryan served as manager for the Men's Track and Field Team. For the past two years, Bryan has competed in the St. Bonaventure's computer programming tournament representing Grand Island with three of his peers. Bryan also is a member of the high school's culture club, recently going on a trip to Albright-Knox. He has also been in the high school drama club, Spotlighters, and the theatrical productions Happy Daze and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. He also had a role in the musical, The Music Man which was presented by Grand Island High School. Bryan is the treasurer of the drama club and also the co-treasurer of the Grand Island chapter of the National Honor Society which he was inducted into last spring. As a member of NHS he has participated in the annual NHS spaghetti dinner and is planning on participating in many more community activities. In 5th grade, Bryan received the Golden K at Kaegebein Elementary, which was the start of many awards to come. Throughout his middle and high school career, Bryan has always been on honor roll. Bryan has also received the academic certificate, academic pin and academic letter in recognition of his great academic achievements. Currently Bryan is ranked 3rd in his class. Bryan has held a part time job during his senior year working for the Grand Island school district.
       After graduation Bryan is planning on attending college with a major in aeronautical engineering with hopes to one day be an employee of NASA, a dream he has had ever since his days at Kaegebein.




    High School Students Attend Job Search Seminar

    Bobbie Frisoni is shown with greeters.
    Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click For Larger View
       A Job Search Seminar, held Thursday, March 13, 2003 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn, helped Grand Island High School students discover what it's all about in the "real world." This program is sponsored by The Grand Island School/Business Alliance (GISBA) and hosted by Miss Bobbi Frisoni, member of the High School Business Department. The attendees started bright and early with breakfast in the Grand Ballroom followed by Tony Brindisi of The Keller Insurance Group and GISBA Board giving a history of the program. The rest of the morning was broken up into workshops titled "The Do's and Don'ts for a College Freshman," "Learning in College," "Career Opportunities" and "Checking 101" and interviews. The interview participants included Wegman's, US Air Force, YWCA of WNY, Town of Grand Island, Santoro Signs, NYS Troopers, The Keller Insurance Group, HSBC Mortgage Corp., GI Holiday Inn, Junior Achievement of WNY, Fujisawa, Gibco/Invitrogen, Delphi-Harrison, Elderwood Health Care, Adelphia Cable, AXA Advisors,LLC and The Aspen Group.
       The goal of the program is to help students gain authentic experience as they complete application forms, prepare resumes, interact with employers who may be actively searching out potential employees, participate in the interview process and receive immediate feedback regarding their performance. The participants ended the program with a luncheon and closing remarks.




    Corporate Bowl Preliminary Results 2003
       
    Barbi Lare Photos

       The Fifth Annual Grand Island Corporate Bowl drew eleven teams who entered the four rounds of elimination pitting two and three teams against each other. The highest scoring team moved into the finals which will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003 in the high school. Invitrogen Corp. and Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. co-sponsored the event and the Grand Island High School students presented a very entertaining evening showcasing the knowledge of all participants.
       Chris Ciechoski, Tierney Smith, Bryan Mesmer and Chris Monaco, members of Team #2, known as D.R.A.G. Force, were the first to qualify. They bested Team Ivy (Balbir Singh, Meher Singh, Catherine Remmes and Sigrid Maerz), and The Questioners (Amanda George, Kari Tondera, Richard Coe and Jaime Stickl).
       The second round produced winners in the Midnight Funk Express (Douglas Ingraham, Brian Lipp, Andy Boron and Jim Wright) over Brain Elixirs (Cynthia Czapla, Corinne Razem, Marge Kiehl and Rebecka Schaber) and North American Anti Communist Proponents (Lillian Choi, Nick Hahn, Shannon O'Brien, and Carey Carey Marrinan).
       In the third round, Juggernaut of Genius (Drew Armusewicz, Pat McCarthy, Brad Namaste, and Christian Dommell) proved to be too much for Fantastic Four II (Justin Helman, Brian Choi, Robert Sugar and James Poupalos) and The "Italians + 1 (Mike Stanko, Robert Kujawa, Dave Chambers and Aaron Hesson).
       The fourth round pitted two teams with Team Mrs. Wang coming from behind to win (Ted Rogers, Matthew Fields, Tom Rayhill and Tim Szcykutowicz). The other team, The Nameless Ones, included Mark Webb, Nicholas Thompson, Lauren Asbach and Catie Lewis.
       Next week the four top teams should provide the audience with a wealth of knowledge.




    High School Driver Education - March 2003
       Resident students who are currently seniors, juniors, or sophomores may register for the summer driver education program as follows:
    DATES:
    Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - or Thursday, April 3, 2003
    TIME:
    2:15-3:15 p.m.
    WHERE:
    Grand Island High School Senior Cafeteria
    WHO:
    Seniors (1st choice)
    Juniors (by lottery)
    Sophomores (by birth date)
    COST:
    $300 plus learner's permit

       Seniors have first preference for registration and class assignments, then juniors will be registered on a lottery basis. Any remaining vacancies will be opened to sophomores with priority based on date of birth.
       Question may be addressed to the high school office at 773-8820.
       This program is sponsored through the Community Education Department of the Grand Island Schools.
       Please note that this is a recent change from past practice for registration. No May registration is scheduled.


    Island Schools Students Chosen for All County Festivals




    Corporate Bowl Begins March 12
    The preliminary round of the Corporate Bowl begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003 in the Grand Island High School. Final Competition on Thursday, March 20 in the high school. Click     Corporate Bowl for more information.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - March 2003

     
    Gretchen Schumacher                  Jonathan Burchfield
       Gretchen Schumacher is 17 years old and was born and raised on Grand Island. She is the daughter of Joseph and Maureen Schumacher.
       Gretchen has been an active member of her class and her community since her days in Huth Road band and chorus and Grand Island Girl Scouts. She has been given the Pride of the Island honor twice. In high school, she has maintained Honor Roll status every year, earning her Academic Certificate, Pin and Letter. Gretchen, who has earned a Presidential Scholarship from Niagara University, is completing a 57-hour, non-paid Internship in Psychology and Special Education at Grand Island High School and Kaegebein Elementary School. She has been a member of the Student Council for four years, serving on the dance decorating committee, and has belonged to PTSA for four years, volunteering for Open House and Celebration of Inspiriation and serving as class liaison.
       She has also been active in the community, volunteering for St. Stephen's during West Seneca Day and serving Confirmation receptions. She has also helped raise funds for Shea's Center for the Performing Arts and the Child and Family Service Foundation, volunteering for the Heartlight Gala, Shea's Gala and MartiniGras.
       Gretchen played intramural lacrosse during her freshman and sophomore years and was a member of Grand Island's new varsity lacrosse team in her junior year, serving as captain of the team. As a member of the lacrosse team, she earned the honor of scholar athlete and received her varsity letter.
       Gretchen plans to attend Niagara University in the fall of 2003, where she will major in Special Education.
       Jonathan Burchfield grew up on Grand Island. He has been actively involved in choral singing and computer technology. He is a member of the PTSA, the NHS and other clubs and organizations.
       Jonathan, known as Rusty, has been in Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and Concert Choir. He has participated in All State competitions and Solo Festivals. He also sang bass in the quintet for Music Man. Rusty spent a month at the NYSSSA (New York State Summer School of the Arts) at SUNY Fredonia in the summer of 2001 and performed at both Fredonia and the Chautauqua Institute.    Rusty has participated in a programming competition at St. Bonaventure for the past three years with his team placing 7th last year. He participated in Corporate Bowl last year as well. He is a member of the Ski Club, Masterminds, Programming Club and Web Club. Rusty's passion lies with computer proramming. He has completed the AP Computer Science AB exam with 5 out of 5. He is currently interning with the technology department and has had his own computer repair service for two years.
       Rusty is involved in his church, Zion UCCC and has sung with the choir, is an usher and works with the youth group. He is active in the NHS events and food drives. He also sold cards for Roswell, walked for Cystic Fibrosis and collected school supplies for children at Gateway.
       Many peope have influenced Rusty's life. He would like to thank his father for his work ethic, and his mother and brother for their time and patience, Mrs. Lokken for her endless musical assistance, and now retired Mr. Orlowski who has cultivated his programming talents. Rusty plans to attend RIT next fall in the field of Software Engineering.




    High School Students Live It Up At The Winter Ball
    Fred Claus Photos - Click for larger view

    Grand Island High School students celebrated winter with their annual Winter Ball on Saturday evening, February 22, 2003 in the high school. The occasion was semi-formal with the girls in gowns and pretty hair-dos and the guys, for the most part, in ties, dress shirts and jackets. The latest music brought most students to the dance floor and those in attendance agreed it was one of the best of times.




    GIHS Sports Report February 24, 2003
    Click "Sports News - School District 2-24-03".




    JV Swimmers Are NFL B Meet Champs
    By Rob Collard, Assistant Swimming Coach - GIHS
       The Grand Island High School Boys JV Swimming Team won the NFL B Meet Championship Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at Lockport, defeating all six teams entered with a team of only seven swimmers. The team consisted of Dan Szyprowski (4th 200 free, 1st 100 back), Zack Zarbo (3rd 200 Free, 2nd 500 Free), Ryan Benninger (3rd 100 Fly, 2nd 100 Breaststroke), Shawn D’Angelo (5th 100 Breaststroke), Brendan Waddington (5th 100 Fly, 8th 100 Back), Paul Holler (7th 100 Free, 6th 100 Back) and Chris Weatherston (2nd 100 Free, 3rd 100 Back). Grand Island's JV team was 11-4 this season.




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of February 20, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 2-20-03" for this week's High School Sports Briefs.




    GIHS Valentine's Day Compata-Match - 2003
    By Mark Webb
       A new tradition may have recently started at the Grand Island High School. One week prior to Valentine's day students were asked to fill out sheets with various questions about themselves such as, “Would you rather live in A) THE CITY, B) THE SUBURBS, or C) A FARM.” Students were perplexed and wondered why the school would have them do this. Was it for some sort of survey? They did not know. At the end of the school day the uneasy tension was shattered as the announcements stated that the forms were for a compatibility test. The test would involve a computer that would match girls with the boy who had the most number of questions answered the same. The results of the test could be picked up at lunches on Valentine's Day for the cost of a dollar. The proceeds would go to charity and on Valentine's Day many students were seen receiving their results, some surprised, some ecstatic. This event will likely be seen in the future of GIHS.


    Valentine's Day Carnation Sale - 2003
    By Mark Webb
       A Valentine's Day Carnation sale was held last week at Grand Island High School. A few weeks prior to Valentine's Day, students, for a five-day period had the chance to buy a carnation for the price of a dollar during their lunches. The carnation would be sent to a special someone on Valentine's Day along with a note written by the sender. This sale, which has become an annual tradition over the years, was very successful this time around. On Friday morning, February 14, 2003 students could be seen delivering carnations and notes to other students during their homerooms. The first sparks of many relationships were set that day as students' faces were filled with glee as they read the notes from longtime friends, new ones, or perhaps even a secret admirer. This was, and will continue to be, a wonderful GIHS Tradition.


    Interact Club Sleepout
    By Mark Webb
       The Interact Club of the Grand Island High School recently agreed to join in a special event with the National Honor Society. Interact members along with members of the NHS will do a sleep out for the homeless behind the Grand Island High School. Students will bring their own boxes to sleep in and are advised to dress warmly as the temperature is likely to be below freezing. Participants will gather money from sponsors, "such as you," who will pledge money that will go to charities for the homeless. Participants are also encouraged to try and get $50.00 from sponsors per participant to make this a successful sleep out. Those interested in becoming a sponsor and donating money to the homeless are asked to call 716-773-4636 and ask for Mark.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - February 2003

     
    Andrea Kurpiewski                  Bradford Namaste
       Andrea Kurpiewski is the daughter of Zig and Joanna Kurpiewski and a lifelong resident of Grand Island. She is currently a senior at Grand Island High School.
       Throughout her years as a resident and student, she has been involved in many activities. As a freshman, she played the clarinet for the Grand Island High School Band, and traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for a national invitational competition. She has been involved in the creation of the award-winning Venture yearbook as a staff member. In her senior year, she was a yearbook business editor.
       She is a member of the Grand Island High School Mock Trial Team, acting as a witness and lawyer in state-wide competition held at the Buffalo Court House. Andrea enjoys skiing and is a member of the Grand Island Ski Club. She is also involved in the CEIP/Internship program where she spends time in a middle school classroom observing students, correcting papers, and learning the techniques and responsibilities of Secondary Education teachers.
       Andrea enjoys many different sports, but has taken a particular interest in tennis. She was a member of the Grand Island High School Girls Tennis team since her freshman year. As a freshman and sophomore, she played Junior Varsity as a doubles player. She earned a Varsity letter in tennis her first year of play, as well as the Rookie of the Year award. As a junior she played Varsity doubles and some singles matches. As a senior, she was a consistent first doubles player. She was chosen as MVP by her coaches, and selected as a First Team All Star in the Niagara Frontier League by League officials. She was also awarded multiple Scholar Athlete Awards.
       Andrea has always strived for high achievement. She was twice recognized as a Pride of the Island recipient. She has been able to achieve Honor Roll or High Honor Roll status every marking period throughout her middle and high school years.
       Along with participating in sporting activities and maintaining her academic standing, she finds time to pursue hobbies and different interests. Dancing is one of her favorite things to do. She has been a dancer for many years, enrolled at Janet Dunstan's Dance Academy studying tap, jazz and ballet. With the studio she has participated in numerous events, including Kiwanis Dance Competitions in Canada, winning numerous first, second and third place awards. She also performs in annual recitals and participates in charitable fund raising events for various groups including Kiwanis Clubs, and Niagara Falls Firefighters Children's Toy Fund. She also commits her time and support to the Make a Wish Foundation.
       Andrea works during the summer for the Town of Grand Island Recreation Department as a playground attendant and is currently employed by Rite Aid Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. She is planning to attend the University of Buffalo in the fall to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
       Bradford Namaste is a proud resident of Grand Island. The son of Jim and Karen Namaste, he has been a student of the Grand Island School District since his arrival in second grade.
       Brad became involved in community activities right away when he joined Boy Scout Troop 254. Among the various community service activities that Brad has participated in are picking up trash on Grand Island Boulevard, helping out at a community soup kitchen and participating in Kid's Vote. He has also coached both U8 and U10 soccer for the Grand Island Soccer Club.
       Brad participates regularly as an active member of Young Life and has attended Cornerstone several times, thereby learning to appreciate Christian values.
       Sports have been a significant part of Brad's life. Soccer, weightlifting and lacrosse have given him a firm understanding of the discipline involved in making the commitment to both a team and varsity sport. As the captain of his JV soccer squad and a pivotal part of his varsity team's defense, Bradford learned the sport enough to coach Grand Island's youth. As a midfielder and now the goalie on the varsity lacrosse team, he is a strong contributor to the Viking lacrosse team. With strength training and indoor lacrosse in the winter off-season, Brad is truly working to help his team.
       In addition to his community service and sports achievements, Brad has also received academic merits throughout his educational career. Besides receiving the academic certificate, pin and letter, Brad is a member of the National Honor Society, continually earns a place on the high honor roll and annually partakes in the Grand Island Corporate Bowl, placing 3rd in the 2002 competition. Brad has taken full advantage of the educational experience.
       After graduating, Bradford hopes to attend college at Geneseo, University of Buffalo, Cornell or Ohio State University majoring in business administration. He is looking forward to challenging his mind and body while taking exciting classes and playing soccer.




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of February 13, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 2-13-03" for this week's High School Sports Briefs.




    Grand Island High School Honor Roll - February 2003
       The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the second marking period of the 2002-2003 school year:
    High Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Chelsea DeGlopper, Lee Miller, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol, Janice Sturtz, Dana Szczepaniak.
    Grade 10: Julie Amato, Erin Dent, Kathryn Figliotti, Meaghan Grotz, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Justine Kirsch, Meghan Macguire, Stacey Monaco, Yasmin Raza, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Nicole Tates, Kari Tondera, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Erik Zito.
    Grade 11: Kelly Beatty, Meghan Casey, Lillian Choi, Cynthia Czapla, Margaret Kiehl, Shannon O’Brien, Theordore Rogers, Nichole Ryan, Rebecka Schaber, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Timothy Szczykutowicz, Christine Webb.
    Grade 12: Caren Bartosz, Colleen Clarke, Christian Dommell, Steven Duggan, Elizabeth LoTempio, Patrick McCarthy, Stephen Pfetsch, Nicole Walker.
    Honor Roll
    Grade 9: Vanessa Alvarado, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Matthew Brady, Wesley Burkman, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Breanne DeMarco, Monique Dhand, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Joshua Gavlock, Colleen George, Meghan Hartman, Mary Hayes, Marcellus Hogan, Angelia Jaeger, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Dana Ludwig, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Lucas Mesmer, Robert Michaels, Christopher Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Melinda Schultz, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Jeffrey Stange, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Zachary Zarbo.
    Grade 10: Tamika Adams, Amanda Albertsson, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Joshua Billica, Kate Bonaquist, Amy Boutet, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Melinda Christie, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Dana D’Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Daniel Elmer, Jill Endres, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Thomas Geblein, Amanda George, Joshua Gerace, Robert Goris, Alicia Harrison, Justin Helman, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Christian Karnath, Gretchen Kiehl, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Christina Maddi, Jason Manijak, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Victoria McCraith, Stephanie McGowan, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Paula Nuchereno, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Sean Rafferty, Poonam Randhawa, Jeffrey Redmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Theodore Royal, Jessica Samland, Michael Schimley, Scott Stanko, Corrine Stolzenburg, Robert Sugar, Sofia Syed, Amanda Thompson, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth, Amanda Webb, Emily Winters, James Zilliox.
    Grade 11: Kariann Armusewicz, Amy Becker, Shelbey Bidell, Arielle Blanton, Andrew Boron, Puneet Brar, Sara Burke, Heather Burkman, Robert Christopher, David Dillen, Christine Donner, Daniel Drabik, Amanda Elsaesser, Lindsay Fetzer, Matthew Fields, Michelle Fox, Alishea Gainer, Patrick Gannon, Nicholas Gerace, Monica Greco, Alex Gregorski, Nicholas Hahn, Carly Hudson, Karen Hutzler, Douglas Ingraham, Kari Johnson, Amanda Kaiser, Lyndsay Kearney, Brett Kern, Kelly Knab, Sarah Lang, Brian Lipp, Carey Marrinan, Allie McLean, Nicole Miller, Rachel Morgan, Kelly O’Brien, Emily Pici, Joseph Podlucky, Thomas Rayhill, Corinne Razem, Jennifer Reisdorf, Laura Remmes, Brittany Rogers, Lindsay Schiffhauer, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Jaimie Stickl, Alexandra Sutherland, Mohsin Syed, Eric Ther, Jonathan Weber.
    Grade 12: Michael Amato, Lauren Angelo, Drew Armusewicz, Stephen Asbach, Donald Astridge, Brieanna Bailey, Stephanie Brown, Kevin Buzzelli, Kristin Cadro, Christina Coates, Richard Coe, Rachelle Cote, Alan Damiani, Karla Darby, Ashley Darin, Stacey Edwards, Alicia Fahrner, Michael Ferro, Rebecca Goelz, Jason Gonda, Jade Gormady, Daniel Gray, Peter Hardman, Leah Harris, Christopher Heftka, Danielle Henry, Brian Kim, Robert Kujawa, Andrea Kurpiewski, Jacob LaLiberty, Theodore Lee, Sigrid Maerz, Marinos Maroulis, Elizabeth Masse’, Caitlin Meaney, Malcolm Merriweather, Bryan Mesmer, Dale Mock, Kali Mordaunt, Bradford Namaste’, Stephanie Nardozzi, Cara O’Donnell, Rosanne Oliverio, Lisa Otto, Stefanie Penque, Diane Pierce, Jenna Podlucky, Catherine Remmes, Rachel Ritzenthaler, Sara Rodriquez, Blaise Roman, Nicholas Rossi, Corinne Sexton, Melissa Sipos, Francis Sirianni, Tierney Smith, Justin Sobol, Savannah Stolzenburg, Danielle Voltz, Kimberley Walker, Melissa Wilbert.




    South Pacific - A Fabulous Musical Production
    Photos Courtesy of the Grand Island High School

       South Pacific, this year's Grand Island Senior High School musical production, proved to be loaded with talent and left the audiences wanting more each night of the three performances February 6-8, 2003. The photos are of various rehearsals that took place just before the show opened on Thursday evening. Click each for a larger view.
                                           




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of February 6, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 2-6-03" for this week's High School Sports Briefs.




    High School's South Pacific - Tonight, Friday & Saturday

    Jodi Hayes Dodd Photo

       The Grand Island Senior High School will present South Pacific tonight (February 6, 2003), Friday, February 7th and Saturday, February 8th at 7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful musical with a timeless message of tolerance and love. Over 100 high school students are involved in every aspect of this production.
       Click     "South Pacific" for complete story and photos.




    Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - 2003


    Elizabeth LoTempio              Robert Kujawa


       Elizabeth LoTempio has been a Grand Island resident nearly all of her life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. Throughout high school she has been involved in many activities both in the school and in the community.
       In school, she is a clarinet player in the Wind Ensemble and pep band, and a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, and Ski Club. In past years she has been involved with Recycling Club, stage crew for the school play, and the girls junior varsity track and field team. Additionally, in tenth grade Elizabeth was one of the music section editors for the Venture 2001 yearbook. Currently, she is participating in the Career Exploration Internship Program involving a 57-hour internship with Mrs. Hitcho at Sidway Elementary School. Elizabeth has also enjoyed taking dance lessons since she was four years old.
       Some of the community service activities that Elizabeth has been involved in include the "Practice Buddies" program, which involves tutoring beginning instrumentalists, Children's Liturgy at St. Stephen's Church, and mentoring at Kaegebein Elementary School.
       During high school Elizabeth has received many awards, including the Certificate, Pin, and Varsity letter for Academic excellence, Varsity letter for Music, and three awards for excellence in French. Additionally, Elizabeth has consistently been on High Honor Roll and Honor Roll throughout Middle and High School.
       This past summer Elizabeth worked as a counselor at the YMCA day camp located at Grand Island Middle School. After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend Boston University where she will major in psychology.
       Robert Kujawa has been a proud resident of Grand Island for over seven years. He is the son of Gene and Sandy Kujawa.
       Throughout his high school career at Grand Island High School, he has been involved in many extracurricular activities. He joined Spotlighter Drama Club as a freshman and received a role in the play M*A*S*H. In his sophomore year he joined Library Club and was vice president and treasurer. Interact Club, was another activity that caught his eye that year. With that organization he performed community service projects in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Grand Island. That was also the year that yearbook became an important part of his high school career. He was also active in student council that year and continued with Spotlighters with the play, Up the Down Staircase, and through the music department, The Wizard of Oz. In his junior year Robert climbed the ladder in yearbook and was a co-editor-in-chief and Class of 2003 officer. Once again Spotlighters and Student Council remained on his list as he played in Happy Daze and later through the music department, the Music Man. His senior year has proven to be the busiest of all. He was voted as Student Council Secretary, a Class of 2003 officer, yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Youth Ambassador to Grand Island, and accepted in the Grand Island and American High School National Honor Society. Robert still found time to stay in the play Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the musical, South Pacific.
       He is not only active in school but the community as well. He takes part in the St. Stephen Youth Group, where they coordinate various activities to help the sick and needy. He took part in the St. Stephen Parish players The Sound of Music and Cheaper by the Dozen. He also devotes his time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the Grand Island High School business department. Through Student Council he takes part in the "Share the Holiday Magic" charity drive and has been coaching soccer for Blessed Sacrament for three years.
       He has been an academic student each year throughout high school. He is a "Pride of the Island" student and a member of the Who's Who Among American High School Students. He has been to leadership camp and has been nominated and accepted into numerous camps through the state.
       Robert has been employed through Wegmans Food and Pharmacy for over two years and was recently promoted to the grocery department.
       Robert plans to attending S.U.N.Y. Fredonia for secondary education in mathematics with a minor in theatrical production. He believes that the Grand Island School system and faculty has prepared him for his future plans for becoming a high school math teacher or famous actor.

    Scholar Athletes Commended By Board of Education
     
    Dr. James Dempsey presents pins to Scholar Athletes.
    Barbi Lare Photos
       The Grand Island School District Board of Education, Monday, January 27, 2003, recognized all 11 fall varsity sports teams from the Grand Island High School for accomplishing Scholar-Athlete status for the Fall 2002 season. To qualify, grades of varsity team members must average 90% with several additional requirements considered. The following 113 Scholar Athletes were honored at the school board meeting Monday evening.
  • Golf 90.26: Geoff Crossley, Ashley Frieday, steven Kopf, Chris Rajczak, Thomas Rajczak, Daniel Victor and James Zilliox.
  • Girls Volleyball 94.24: Lauren Angelo, Shelby Bidell, Stephanie Brown, Amanda George, Tanbakuchi, Lillian Choi, Michelle D'Addieco, Joanna Goulah, Jaime Stickl, Jessica Stickl.
  • Boys Volleyball 90.72: Steve Asbach, John Colosi (All WNY), Christian Dommell, Matthew Fields, Daniel Gray, Christopher Heftka, Glenn Holler and Nathan Wolinski.
  • Girls Tennis 93.13: Colleen Clarke, Jaclyn Colosi, Cynthia Czapla, Meghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Amanda Kaiser, Nicole Koerntgen, Andrea Kurpiewski, Stephanie McGowan, Brooke Newsome, Diane Pierce, Catherine Remmes, Laura Remmes, Stefanie Szczykutowicz, Nicole Walker.
  • Girls Soccer 91.69: Keriann Armusewicz, Tina Coates, Lindsey Fetzer, Sara Hilliard, Katie Loiselle, Jenna Podlucky, Corinne Razem, Jessica Remmes, Jessica Skelly, Amy Snyder, Savannah Stolzenburg.
  • Boys Soccer 91.03: Mike Amato, Drew Armusewicz, Steve Duggan, Nick Giddings, Ethan Gietz, Brian Lipp, Robert Lorence, Bradford Namaste, Ted Rogers, Matthew Royal, Frank Sirianni, Eric Snyder.
  • Gymnastics 90.92: Dana Brindisi, Kim Carter, Jackie Sondel, Allie McLean, D'Anna Mock, Stacey Monaco, Ashton Duda.
  • Boys Cross Country 91.23: Donald Astridge, Andrew Boron, Wesley Burkman, Kevin Buzzelli, John Connors, Timothy Szczkutowicz, Dave Sipos.
  • Football 90.62: Mike Antonelli, Bill Breier, Charlie Dewey, Thomas Dewey, David Dillen, Nicholas Gerace, Jason Gonda, Douglas Ingraham, Pat McCarthy, Thomas Rayhill, Daniel Rossiter, Steven Saxbury, Paul Scappechio.
  • Girls Swimming 90.79: Corey Angelo, Lindsey Aronica, Kelly Beatty, Mallory Fulle, Holly Gallagher, Danielle Henry, Amanda Kopra, Nicole Miller, Kelly O'Brien, Marcia Wilbert, Melissa Wilbert.
  • Girls Cross Country 90.49: Bre DeMarco, Katie Doane, Rene Dodge, Jen Frey, Margaret Kiehl, MaryBeth Lacki, Danielle Podlucky, Heather Burkman, Nicole Roach, Kali Mordaunt, Melissa Sipos.




    Grand Island High School Students To Perform South Pacific
     
    Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos

       The Grand Island High School Music Department invites all to take a trip to the warm climates of the tropics. Rogers and Hammerstein's South Pacific will ring out on the high school stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 6, 7, and 8, 2003. Adapted from two short stories by James Michener, South Pacific chronicles two love affairs. The first involves Nellie Forbush, a Navy nurse from Little Rock, (Shannon O'Brien) and Emile de Becque, a French planter (Malcolm Merriweather) with whom she falls in love. The second revolves around Lt. Joe Cable (Richard Coe) and a young Polynesian girl, Liat (Noelle Pietras). The two stories are tied together by having Cable and de Becque leave on a spy mission behind Japanese lines. Only one of them returns. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
       The show is embellished by lively characters in and out of the Armed Services: Luther Billis (Andy Boron), a serviceman out to make some extra cash, Bloody Mary, an Island native (Lillian Choi), Ngana and Jerome, Emile's young children (Arielle Blanton and James Pici), Captain Brackett and Cmdr. William Harbison (Bryan Mesmer and Alex Marien). One of the hallmarks of this show is the chorus led by seamen Stewpot, Professor, Abner, Buzz Adams, Herbert Quale, Bob McCaffrey, Morton Wise, Richard West, Tom O'Brien, James Hayes, Kenneth Johnson, Hamilton Steeves, and Thomas Hassinger (Christian Dommell, Rusty Burchfield, Patrick Gannon, James Wright, Bob Kujawa, Nick Thompson, Adam Salemi, Brian Choi, James Czora, Sean Driscoll, Nathan Jayme, Jeff Adamek and Kyle Doyle) singing "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" and "Bloody Mary." The men's chorus is balanced out by an equally lively nurses' chorus (Brieanna Bailey, Allie McLean, Stephanie Brown, Jamie Fuhr, Sara Rodriguez, Carissa Bailey, Tierney Smith and Lauren Angelo) singing "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-A My Hair."
       Other familiar songs from the show include Some Enchanted Evening performed by Emile and Bali Ha'i sung by Bloody Mary. The Thanksgiving Follies is the production number as performed by this year's feature dancers: Brieanna Bailey, Lindsay Fetzer, Amanda George, Nicole Koerntgen, Allie McLean and Chantelle LeFevre. The cast is rounded out by Henry (Stephen Pfetsch), Bloody Mary's assistant (Emily Pici) and a chorus and dance troupe of 30 additional high school students.
       Ths poignant love story set in a tumultuous world of change has stood the test of time with its important social message and touching songs. The curtain time for all three performances is 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets may be purchased in advance for $5 from all cast members or by placing your ticket order by phone, 773-8868.

    Five Isle Students Honored By NV-THS
       The National Vocational-Technical Honor Society, a non-profit educational organization established to honor excellence in workforce education, held its fourth annual induction ceremony on January 23, 2003. Five Grand Island students were among the honorees. Donald Astridge, enrolled at Harkness Career Center, was honored for CISCO, a computer networking program. At Kenton Career Center the Island honorees were Michael Anderson, Culinary Skills; Tara Bielaski, Cosmetology; Alan Damiani, Auto Collision; and Leah Harris, Early Childhood. Students must show an excellent attitude and five consecutive semesters of 85% average or above in their course content area to be so recognized. Isledegrande.com congratulates Donald, Michael, Tara, Alan and Leah for their outstanding effort.




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of January 30, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 1-30-03" for this week's High School Sports Briefs.



    Highlights of 2002 Fall Sports Season
     
    Fred Claus Photo                                            Barbi Lare Photo

                                                                            
       All 11 fall varsity teams earned Scholar-Athlete status for the Fall 2002 season. This honor is earned by having a team average of 90% or above. This New York State Public High School Association honor of having all varsity teams honored is a first for Grand Island. The Scholar-Athletes will be recognized Monday, January 27, 2003 during the Grand Island School Board meeting at the Grand Island High School.
       The Lady Vikings Soccer team made Grand Island history by becoming the first female sports team to reach the New York State Tournament. The Viking Football team made its 10th trip to Ralph Wilson Stadium and diver Kelly Beatty and runner Kevin Buzzelli qualified for the "States", both for their second time. Golfers Tom Rajczak and Matt Hagen also qualified for this Spring's State Tournament.
        For a complete review of all high school fall sports, click "Fall Sports 2002".




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of January 23, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 1-23-03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of January 16, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 1-16-03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




    GIHS Students Couldn't Care Less About Current Events
    By Mark Webb
       Most unfortunately, it appears that Grand Island High School students couldn’t care less about current events and what is happening outside their little world of school and home. Upon various days of my own undercover investigation, I have found that many students have no idea what is going on in foreign affairs, local news, or current events. They also smite any attempt to enlighten them.
       Out of ten random days of the same question, “So, did anyone watch the news last night or this morning?”, being posed to a nine-student class, on only one of these days did a single student respond with a yes. Whenever the subject of Iraq was brought up, students appeared dumbfounded and ill informed, and they met the subject with various groans, moans, and some other various unmentionable phrases.    When I asked three ninth-grade students what they thought about getting a smallpox vaccine, they replied with, “What’s that?”, “Why would I?”, and better yet, “Wasn’t that like, gone or somethin’?”.
       Students, upon an even more recent survey, had no idea that North Korea was an issue and answered with various, “Oh my God, not news, leave me alone” and “SHUTUP!” Does this show an extreme lack of any interest whatsoever in news, or does this show that GIHS students are in need of a swift kick for their language, or both? You decide.


    GIHS Interact Helps With Chili Sale
    By Mark Webb
       The Grand Island Interact Club, as it has so many times in the past, is helping out the Grand Island Rotary members in their annual chili sale. (See Rotary Page.) The Interact group led by Mr. Kevin Murray is now in its second year and consists of Grand Island High School students. The Interact group is currently selling chili tickets for the Rotary chili sale. Tickets may be purchased for five or seven dollars depending on whether you plan to dine in or take out. Interact members will also help Rotary sell chili tickets at the door on the day of the event. Rotary, in thanks to Interact, pledged one dollar to the Interact club's treasury for every chili ticket sold by them. So buy chili tickets, get that great full feeling, and help the Interact club as well as Grand Island Rotary all at the same time.




    GIHS Sports Briefs - Week of January 9, 2003
    Click "Sports Briefs 1-9-03" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




    Grand Island Ski Club 2003 Heads For Holiday Valley
     
    Fred Claus photos

    Grand Island Student Ski Club members and chaperones, bus loads of them, headed for Holiday Valley on Saturday, January 4, 2003. Some of the student members are shown waiting to board their bus at the high school.

    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.

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