Grand Island High School News Web Page 2005

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Dr. James Dempsey

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 29, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/29/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





GIHS Girls On ALL-WNY First Team Soccer Honor Roll - December 2005
Alicia Barnaby, Jessica Kuehne and Jessica Remmes have been named to the All-WNY First Team Girls Soccer Honor Roll for the 2005 season. Click "Buffalo News" for story by Keith McShea featured in the December 29, 2005 edition.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 22, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/22/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Boys’ Basketball Team, Other Students
Collect Toys For Roswell Park Cancer Patients - 2005

                 
Anthony Poupalos, Rich Karpie and Aleem Shariff        Joe Amsdill, Brittany Papaj, Rich Karpie and Mike Karpie
      Click for larger view

   Members of the Grand Island Boys’ Basketball Team, during the week before Christmas break, collected toys for children staying in the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Toys were delivered by head coach Chris Simpson on Friday, December 23rd. Mr. Simpson’s Business classes also made some toy donations throughout the week. Fifth period Career and Financial Management students Rich and Mike Karpie, Brittany Papaj, Anthony Poupalos, Josh Kaplan, Gerrit DenBeste, and Joe Amsdill helped prepare the packages of gifts to be distributed.
   In all, over 300 toys were collected and distributed to the kids staying in the hospital over the holiday and to the emergency department. The team has collected the toys for the past seven years and looks forward to helping make the holidays special for those not fortunate enough to be home on Christmas.





GIHS Exams And Bus Schedule For Exam Week - January 2006
Click "Exam Schedule" for 2006 Exams. Click "Exam Week Bus Schedule".




High School DECA, Interact Clubs
Assist Neighbors Foundation's Holiday Distribution - 2005

  
DECA and Interact Club members from the high school assist the Neighbors Foundation holiday distribution.
   December 22, 2005 . . . Grand Island High School students from the DECA and Interact Clubs did their yearly good deed on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, by helping at the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation's Sorting Food project in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Thirty high school students turned out to participate. "This is a chance for these students to give back to their community which is so generous in giving to the needy of Grand Island," DECA Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain said this week. Interact Advisor is Laura Brigant.





GIHS Dec. 16 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams lost to Niagara Wheatfield on Friday, December 16th in the meet held at the Niagara Wheatfield pool. The Varsity score was NF 101 - GI 61. The Junior Varsity score was NF 106 - GI 53. Click "Swim Results/December 16th" for the complete scoring.





GIHS Dec. 20 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams lost to North Tonawanda on Tuesday, December 20th in the meet held at the North Tonawanda pool. The Varsity score was NT 99 - GI 87. The Junior Varsity score was NT 90 - GI 19. Click "Swim Results/December 20th" for the complete scoring.





Viking JV Hockey Team Beats Lew-Port - December 2005
The Grand Island Vikings defeated Lew-Port 7-1 in JV hockey action Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Niagara University. Goals were scored by Keith Doyle (2), Kurt Makowski, Zac Seiling, Justin Raiser, Josh Prygon and Julia (Millie) Fleming. Assists were made by Anthony Daubney (3), Ryan Vertino (2), and Justin Raiser, Billy Koller, Josh Prygon, and Cody Howgrewe each having (1). Rob Tates was in goal. The Vikings are currently in 1st place.





High School Concert Rescheduled - December 2005
The Grand Island High School concert, originally scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2005, has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005. Those attending the concert are urged to come early to participate in a basket raffle to benefit the Grand Island High School musicians in the wind ensemble, band, and orchestra.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 15, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/15/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Vikings Honored At WNY High School Football Awards Banquet - 2005


(left) Josh Anderson, Justin King, Coach Mike Stauffer, Coach Dean Santorio, Ryan Breier, James Rayhill, Ryan Harvey
      Click for larger view

   Several members of the Grand Island Vikings football team were honored Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the WNY High School Football Awards Banquet. This was the nineteenth annual edition of the event, organized by WNY High School Sports' publisher Dick Gallagher. John Murphy, the WKBW Sports Director and Voice of the Buffalo Bills, was master of ceremonies. Seniors Ryan Breier and Ryan Harvey received the Jim Braxton Award as Offensive MVP's of the Section VI Championship Game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Both Ryan Breier and Ryan Harvey were also awarded the WKBW-TV Offensive Players of the Year for Class A North. Ryan Harvey was also awarded first team All-WNY at the running back position. In addition, Ryan Breier was selected to the WNY High School Football All-Academic Team. Ryan Breier was an Honorable Mention at Defensive Back on the All-WNY Football Team. Senior Justin King was awarded first team All-WNY as an Offensive Lineman. Senior Josh Anderson and Junior James Rayhill received the Ace Cacciatore Award as Defensive MVP's of the Section VI Championship Game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Josh Anderson was also an Honorable Mention at Offensive Lineman on the All-WNY Football Team. James Rayhill also won the Jim Kelly Defensive Underclassman of the Year Award and was selected to the second team All-WNY Football Team at Defensive End. Coach Dean Santorio received the Joe Foyle Award as Large School Coach of the Year.





GIHS Dec. 13 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams won over Ken-East on Tuesday, December 13th in the meet held at the Ken-East pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers scored with 51 points over Ken-East's 31. The Vikings JV Swim Team beat the Ken-East JV swimmers 58-35. Click "Swim Results/December 13th" for the complete scoring.





GIHS Dec. 9 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams were victorious over Lew-Port on Friday, December 9th in the meet held at the Lew-Port pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers led the scoring with a 103 over Lew-Port's 83. The Vikings JV Swim Team beat the Lew-Port JV swimmers 70-12. Click "Swim Results/December 9th" for the complete scoring.





GIHS Basket Raffle During Student Concerts
- December 13th, 15th, 20th - 2005

A major basket raffle to benefit the Grand Island High School musicians in the wind ensemble, band, and orchestra is being held this week at three different school concerts. Click
"Holiday Basket Raffles" for raffle and concerts information.





Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2005

 

Erich Skelly                            Carissa Bailey               Kayla Nash

   Erich Skelly has been a resident of Grand Island all 17 years of his life, beginning school at Sidway for kindergarten, followed by Huth Road Elementary, Veronica E. Connor Middle School, and now the high school. Through the years Erich has had a great sense of pride for his community and the activities he participates in.
   Academically Erich has achieved honor roll almost every marking period of his high school career. Erich has been awarded his Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin, and Letter and is well on his way to acquiring his Bar. Erich has received the Pride of the Island award twice throughout his schooling, and has also been recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students for academics. He has also been named a scholar athlete in both football and lacrosse.
   Erich has many extracurricular activities including music and sports. He has been a part of the Grand Island Wind Ensemble since his sophomore year, freshmen year he was a part of the concert band, and in his junior year he was a part of both. The Grand Island Wind Ensemble has traveled to many national competitions where they have always been very successful. Sports have always been a large part of Erich's life; he is a tri-athlete who plays football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Erich was a part of the 2nd team all league offense his junior year in football, awarded the captain spot as a junior on varsity basketball, and started 12 of 16 games as a sophomore on varsity lacrosse.
   Erich's religious life has always been important to him. He is active in Young Life, a Christian organization for high school students, and also active in his church. Attending Trinity United Methodist Church all of his life, Erich has participated in many community service projects including four work camps. Work camp is set up to fix the houses of those in need. Erich has done things such as paint both the outside and inside of houses, set up gutters, put on new shingles, and build a wheelchair ramp.
   He has set very high goals for himself and plans on furthering his education at the University at Brockport to study Physical Education.
   Daughter of David and Cheryl Bailey, Carissa Bailey has been a Grand Island resident her entire life, devoting herself to being a well-rounded student and community member.
   Carissa's four years at Grand Island High School have been packed with extracurricular clubs and activities. For the past three years her day has started with "Good Morning GI..." as morning announcer. She is involved in many musical activities including choir as vice president, concert choir as president, vocal jazz, Madrigals and orchestra as president. As a devoted thespian, she is also an active member of Spotlighters Drama Club where she has been the president for the past two years. As a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), she is able to stretch her knowledge of business by taking part in competitions on both local and state levels, placing top ten at the state career conference in public speaking. This year, Carissa has also been chosen as the Vice President of Correspondence for the entire Western New York DECA Region. She is also a member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council. She is currently enrolled in the CEIP/Internship program where she will complete 57 hours of on-site, non-paid internship experience with Huth Road Elementary School and develop an employability portfolio which will highlight her workforce readiness skills. Rounding out her school activities, she is an active member of Interact and Humanities Club. These clubs stress community involvement and the importance of making a difference.
   Outside of school Carissa has taken piano, dance and acting lessons most of her life and has appeared in over a dozen musicals and plays starting at the age of six.
   Carissa has been a three-time recipient of the Pride of the Island Award given by Grand Island teachers who find positive characteristics in their students. For the past two years she has been selected to Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll. Because of her outstanding scores at NYSSMA solo fest, Carissa has had the opportunity to take part in the Conference All-State Women's Choir in Rochester for the past two years. She has also been a member of the All-County SATB Chorus for the past seven years. Participating in these activities has allowed her to earn her music blue Varsity letter, two pins, white letter and Varsity bars in choir and orchestra. This year Carissa is also serving as Grand Island Youth Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, taking part in many community activities.
   By Carissa's involvement in school organizations and through outside influences, she is able to take part in many community service projects. She is the captain of the "Spotlighters" Relay for Life team, raising over $1,500 for the American Cancer Society. As a member of DECA, she helped sort canned goods, which were delivered to locals in need on behalf of the Neighbors Foundation this past holiday season. For the last ten years, as a member of the Starry Night Theatre Company, Carissa has helped out with costumes, set design and performances. In 2004, Carissa served as Miss Erie County Fair Princess being the ambassador of the fair for its 11 days, greeting the public and judging special events. She also won 2nd-runner-up in the New York's Outstanding Teen pageant, a preliminary to Miss Teen America this past April.
   In the future, Carissa plans to attend college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Master's Degree in Elementary Education.
   Kayla Marie Nash has been a Grand Island resident since kindergarten. Throughout her academic career, Kayla has challenged herself by taking many advanced placement courses. She values academics, enjoys music and theater and believes in contributing to the community through numerous volunteer and community organizations.
   Kayla has received many academic awards including her academic and music letters and has twice received the Pride of Grand Island; she also has been recognized in the Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll. She is a member of the Grand Island High School Masterminds and served last year as president of International Club. She is also a member of National Honor Society, History Club, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and participates in the Spring Musical.
   Kayla is a member of the Niagara Regional Theatre Guild and the St. Stephen's Parish Players. Within both companies she not only acts, but she builds sets, helps with costumes, and runs the spotlight. She produced the initial promotional cast interviews for the Lockport Community Television Show, "Western New York Tonight."
   Kayla has been an active volunteer at the Grand Island Library since seventh grade, assisting with the New York State Summer Reading Programs and holiday craft programs. At the library, Kayla coaches six through ninth graders for the Buffalo and Erie County's Battle of the Books. This past spring, Kayla was recognized by Bishop Kmiec for her dedication as an Altar Server at St. Stephen's RC Church. She also spends a lot of time volunteering at the Buffalo Museum of Science where she helps with the Camp-Ins and the Scout Workshops.
   Kayla also plays several instruments including the piano, guitar and dulcimer. She has taken voice lessons for four years and plans to continue her studies in the field of music by studying vocal performance and music education in college.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 8, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/8/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





GIHS Dec. 6 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams were victorious over Ken West on Tuesday, December 6th in the meet held in the Ransom Road pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers led the scoring with a 102 over Ken-West's 70. The Vikings JV Swim Team also beat the Ken West JV swimmers by one point with the final scores of 82-81. Click "Swim Results/December 6th" for the complete scoring.





Jessica Remmes - All America - December 2005
Grand Island High School star soccer player Jessica Remmes is featured in the High School Extra /News & notes section of the Tuesday, December 6, 2005 edition of the Buffalo News. Click "Buffalo News Feature" for the story with photo by John Hickey/Buffalo News.





Lady Vikings Soccer Team Final Photo - 2005


(seated front left) Kathy Rogers, Catie Hilliard, Charlotte Booth, Jessica Remmes, Jessica Kuehne, Alicia Fisher; (middle kneeling) Jamie Raepple Kristin Wegrzyn, Rebecca Fetzer, Casey Carminati, Lianna Connors, Alicia Barnaby, Allie Weiser, Jordan Dudish; (back) Assistant Coach Pete Kuehne, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Nicole Fischer, Sarah Sukmanowski, Sam Drexelius, Megan DenBeste, Dana Szczepaniak, Heather Buzzelli, Cassie Ungaro, Jackie Coe, Coach Dave Bowman. Missing from the photo is Maria Lorence
      Jodi Robinson Photo - click for larger view

   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team posed for this photo on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 just before turning in their varsity warm-ups. Congratulations, Lady Vikings, on a fantastic season.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 1, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/1/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





High School Winter Concert - December 2005

   The Grand Island High School choirs, bands and string orchestra will perform in a winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2005 in the high school auditorium, 1100 Ransom Road.





Grand Island High School Honor Roll - Dec. 2005

   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Allison Boron, Darren DelSignore, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Taylor Jackson, Jacqueline Maitner, Charlene Meyer, Marvin Pawlowski, Alexander Richter, Sierra Seese, Kelly Williams, Amanda Zernickel
Grade 10: Chelsea Baran, Jasmeet Brar, Kelly Cich, Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Lindsey Miller, Nichole Nash, Anthony Perna, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 11: Stephanie Cartwright, Kristin Duggan, Karen Figliotti, Emily Hasselbeck, Shannon Howley, Justin McInerney, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, Forrest Smith
Grade 12: Lauren Campbell, Kate Dlugosz, Lee Miller, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Aaron Wilson
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Lee Becker, Victoria Belous, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Jonathan Caruana, Simarjot Cheema, Kyle Clayton, Hannah Cliff, Caitlin Cook, Dustin Coryn, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Kira Dennis, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Jordan Gibson, Samantha Gieselman, Andrew Ginsburg, Kaitlin Hager, Brendan Hall, Kaitlyn Hardison, Matthew Hazelet, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Caroline Kaminski, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Haroon Khawar, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Alexander Neutz, Genna Nuchereno, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Lauren Priest, Joshua Prygon, Jamie Raepple, Brian Reagan, Robert Rutland, Jennifer Schaber, Victoria Schaber, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Eric Siwicki, Alyssa Spada, Andrew Stange, Sara Stenzel, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Nicholas Vitello, Megan Wagner, Lauren Whitney, Christopher Wilczek, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 10: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Danielle Asbach, Tyler Baldes, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Lindsey Boyle, Lauren Braun, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Kahla Cerrillo, Jennifer Ciechoski, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Theresa Covatto, Richard Cribbs, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Anthony Daubney, Alexandra Davis, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Jacob Ferrante, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Sean Hook, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Kaitlyn Little, Shawna Long, Michael Magaris, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Shannon Pickel, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Scott Ross, Carrie Schooping, Patrick Sexton, Joseph Shanor, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Brittany Stallard, Lauren Stanwick, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Nicholas Taylor, Kristin Toellner, Jordan Toth, Nicholas Vallina, Kacey White, Andrea Whitefield, Patrick Winters
Grade 11: Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Lauren Aughey, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Juliana Burkhart, Krista Burzynski, Evan Busch, Christine Call, John Certo, Abigail Cliff, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Laura Curcio, Michael Davis, Joshua Doermer, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Brett Fiedler, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachel Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, Cassandra Lange, William Lewandowski, Jacqueline Lunick, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Nicole Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, John Naumovich, Alicia Neutz, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Kyle Oursler, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, Amanda Richter, Andrew Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, David Santillo, Matthew Scibilia Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Kristen Swan, Shannon Tegler, Stephanie Tolbert, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Keith Wegrzyn, Rhianna Wing, Bessie Zhang
Grade 12: Cortney Ambrosia, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Charlotte Booth, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, John Brucato, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Jing Chen, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Chelsea DeGlopper, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Ryan Harvey, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Lucas Mesmer, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Cristian Rivera, Sarnjit Samra, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Chelsea Sommer, Jeffrey Stange, Dana Szczepaniak, Nicholas Thompson, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Marcia Wilbert





Grand Island High School Merit Roll - Dec. 2005

   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the first marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
Grade 9: Kelli Adreon, Alexandria Avery, Daniel Basile, Sean Benninger, Tyler Booth, Brianna Busch, Danielle Bush, Mariah Christie, Allison Cislarski, Christopher Colan, Jordan Dixon, Natalie Dommell, Joseph Edel, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, Lauren Fermoile, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Andrew Fix, Amanda Geis, Zachary Gilbert, Krista Goff, Brandon Greenwood, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, William Koller, Victoria Kowzan, LeAnna Kozlowski, Danielle McGuire, Ashley McRae, Amanda Meyer, Jenna Modica, Smanatha Morrison, Nicholas Muoio, Katie Nordvik, Erin O’Brien, Brian O’Keefe, Destiny Perez, Travis Perno, James Pezzino, Sarah Pici, Scott Quider, Alexis Raepple, Lance Robinson, Michele Rossi, Michael Rustowicz, Richard Ryder, Kayla Salonek, Lee Schuster, Kaileen Shoemaker, Griffin Smith, Carly Snyder, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Robert Tates, Charanjot Tiwana, Justine Vanthoff, Allison Walker, Alexandra Whitford, Andrea Wilson, Shaun Winter, Zachary Winter, Aaron Wood, Joseph Zarbo
Grade 10: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Ashley Bass, Amy Blocho, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Richard Boss, Haley Breier, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Courtney Catalano, Jeremy Chopra, Molly Clingersmith, Jaclyn Coe, Monica Dalfonso, Neal DeMartin, Casey Deuser, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Christina Eldridge, Abigail Evans, Julia Fleming, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Shari Geblein, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Matthew Huber, Sara Johnson, Alexandria Kelly, Daniel Kilian, Sara Kurpiewski, Jacob Leffler, Matthew Little, Tara LoBocchiaro, Lisa Mager, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Amanda Mayes, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Amber Meyers, Courtney Mulvey, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Sara Orsolits, Sarah Palazzolo, Anthony Piccolo, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Audrey Senf, Luis Serrano, Aleem Shariff, Shawn Speidel, Nicole Stickl, Sarah Sukmanowski, Melanie Switalski, Michael Symington, Scott Thompson, Kaitlin Turner, Richard Vanthoff, Alexandra Weiser, Kelsey Wendling, Elizabeth Wilson, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 11: Kenneth Agnello, Safah Ali, Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Adam Bakula, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Caroline Boron, Heather Buzzelli, Ellen Cameron, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Jamison Crawford, Stacey Cyman, Ashley DeMaria, Mark Eberhard, Rachel Eisenhauer, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Krystal Ferguson, Jonathan Figler, Nicole Fischer, Thomas Geib, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Carmella Grunzweig, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Jared Kazmierczak, Chelsea Kendra, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Dustin Lange, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Corey McGowan, Alex Missert, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Casey Olszewski, Jessica Perry, Shannon Quinn, James Rayhill, Travis Rockwood, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Jordan Stickl, Melissa Thompson, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Matthew Ward, Kristina Waz, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams
Grade 12: Sheri Ackendorf, Melissa Affuso, David Anderson, Joshua Anderson, Jordan Bahleda, Vadim Belous, Ashley Bleistein, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Nicole Brown, Erich Burchfield, Cassondra Carlson, Desmond Carswell, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, David Cole, Michael Corrao, Michael DelZoppo, Breanne DeMarco, Monique Dhand, Steven Doermer, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Ashleigh Frieday, Alexander Grande, Caitlin Hall, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Christopher King, Megan Koller, Jordan Krieger, Alissa Leckey, Cristina LoVullo, Morgan Macguire, Andrew Marrs, Anna Mastrangelo, Kenneth McCaffery, Timothy McRae, Diane Meyer, Ian Michaliszyn, Mercedes Miles, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Andrew Nawotka, David Nolf, Jessica O’Brien, Ian Pless, Christine Ray, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Jeffrey Rogan, Tatiana Salamone, Lisa Sonnenberg, Tina Sparks, Gregory Styliades, Tonja Sutton, Katherine Szpala, Robert Utz, Jason Walker, Christopher Webb, Melanie Wing, Dane Wood





High School Sports
State Rankings - 2005

   Buffalo News State Rankings Report
   The following Western New York teams were ranked in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll for the week ending November 20, 2005.
FINAL BOYS SOCCER
CLASS AA: 9, Lockport (17-3-2). CLASS A: 9, Kenmore East (15-5); 20, Lewiston-Porter (13-4-2). CLASS B: 5, Holland (19-2). CLASS C: 10, Westfield (17-3). CLASS D: None.
FINAL GIRLS SOCCER
CLASS AA: 15, Williamsville North (15-5-2); 18, Orchard Park (10-7-1). CLASS A: 3, Grand Island (21-2-1); 10, Williamsville East (19-1-2); . CLASS B: 6, East Aurora (20-2-1). CLASS C: 6, Portville (14-4-1). CLASS D: 4, Ellicottville (13-7-1).
FINAL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
CLASS AA: 23, Williamsville North. CLASS A: 6, Starpoint; 8, Kemmore East; 14, Sweet Home. CLASS B: 8, East Aurora; 20, Fredonia. CLASS C: 15, Southwestern; 17, Wilson. CLASS D: 17, Franklinville; 19, Barker.
FINAL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
CLASS AA: 17, Clarence; 18, West Seneca West; 25, Lockport. CLASS A: 14, Amherst; 18 Lake Shore. CLASS B: 1, East Aurora; 7, Olean; 13, Alden; 23, Albion; 25, Fredonia. CLASS C: 7, Akron; 13, JFK; 16, Wilson; 18, Falconer. CLASS D: 7, Randolph; 11, Franklinville; 17 Sherman.





Victory For Boys Hockey - November 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Hockey Team, part of the WNY Club Small School, beat Southwestern 6-0.





Lady Vikings Soccer Wrap Up - Nov. 2005


This Buffalo News photo by James P. McCoy was incorrectly identified in the weekend edition of the Buffalo News. Pictured is Alicia Barnaby who scored both goals for the Lady Vikings in the State Semifinal.
By Teddy Linenfelser

   Our town can be very proud of all of our sports team, and this week, especially the GIHS Girls Soccer Team for an outstanding season under Coach Dave Bowman. The Island team made it all the way to the Class A semifinal for the State championship on Friday, November 18, 2005. But the championship was not to be. An extremely strong and talented defending Class A champion team, the South Side Cyclones, astounded the Island audience and the Lady Vikings in the semifinal played at Binghamton High. Final score was 7-2.
   GI Goalkeeper Allie Weiser, a sophomore, had the misfortune of receiving a concussion just into the second half. Kristin Wegrzyn, an 8th grader at Connor Middle School, took over and "did a credible job in the first playoff action of her career," according to the Niagara Gazette.
   According to the Buffalo News, "South Side of Rockville Centre is one of soccer-strong Long Island's elite programs, having won the Long Island title 18 of the last 20 years, including the last 10 in a row." South Side is the winner of three state titles, won in the last six years and runner-up the other three years.
   The South Side team won the State Championship by defeating the team from Burnt Hills 1 to 0. The "Cyclones" scored half way through the first half off of a corner kick.
   Click "GI/South Side" for earlier story. Click for "Niagara Gazette Story 11/18/05"





"Get Smart" - A Lot Of Laughs! - 2005
By Teddy Linenfelser

   Katherine Scarafia and Tracie (Moreau) Groves, both Grand Island High School graduates, did themselves proud in the directing of the Grand Island High School Spotlighters' comedy production, "Get Smart." The performances were held on the school stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, November 17-19, 2005. The 28-member cast performed with ease and confidence and all students contributed to a great show. Forrest Smith as Maxwell Smart, Ryan Guagliano as Agent 44, Vincent Covatto as the Chief, and most especially Patrick Sexton as Mr. Big, topped my personal list of actors. Princess Ingrid was played by Carissa Bailey whose stage experience showed through in her very professional performance.
   A complete list of the cast and crew follows:
Cast
Forrest Smith as Maxwell Smart, Julia Figliotti as Helen, Sarah Pici as Myra, Missy Thompson as Jane, Aaron D'Angelo as Fred, Matthew Brady as Professor Dante, Sarah-Jane Calvaneso as Professor Zalinka, Ryan Guagliano as Agent 44, Vincent Covatto as Chief, Lauren Priest as Miss Finch, Lee Becker as Hodgkins, T.J. Slipko as Man, Rachel Olszewski as Woman, Kyle Patterson as Garth, Rachel Gaydosh as Mary Wong, Cassondra Carlson as Shirley Wong, Melissa Affuso as Betsy Wong, Pat Sexton as Mr. Big, Diane Meyer as Big Sister, Tess Stewart as Little Sister, Caitlin Hall as Agent 99, Jennifer Freiermuth as Agent 13, Amy Bidell as Ann, Tara Rogers as Jill, Catherine Cline as May, Tiffany Turner as Laura, Carissa Bailey as Princess Ingrid and Mary Kate Duff as the Voice.
Stage Manager - Mary Kate Duff
Assistant Stage Manager - C. J. Whiting
Set Design - Diane Meyer
Properties Master - Kaitlyn Little, C.J. Whiting
Lighting Design - Andrew Rogers
Sound Design - Shannon Farmer
Stage Crew
Chelsea Bergman, Katie Nordvik, Sarah Lipp, Abby Evans, Hannah Cliff, T.J. Perry, Nick Vallina, Griffin Smith, Shannon Farmer, Taylor Kaufmann.
   Auditions for the Spotlighters' musical, which is usually scheduled for the first week in February, took place this week.





Injured Star Goalie, Allie Weiser, Doing Fine - 2005
   Sunday, November 20, 2005 . . . Allie Weiser, the Lady Vikings' star goalie, is home and doing fine. Allie was injured during Friday's state semifinal girls soccer competition against the Southside team that defended its Class A championship with a score of 7-2. When Allie went to make a save, she slid and got the ball. However, a girl from South Side couldn't stop due to her momentum and accidentally kicked Allie in the head. Allie, who at that point could not remember anything, was taken off the field and to a Binghamton hospital where she was treated for a concussion and released.
   Allie's parents, Trisha and Ray Weiser, expressed their appreciation to the community for their outpouring of concern. "We have received many calls from well wishers," Mrs. Weiser said today.
   Allie, a sophomore, and has 13 shutouts to her credit this season.





GIHS Girls Soccer Team Defeated 7-2 - 2005
Southside, the defending Class A champion of Section VIII, won Friday's state semifinal over the Lady Vikings with a score of 7-2. Both GIHS goals were scored by Alicia Barnaby, a GIHS junior. Unfortunately, star goalie, Allie Weiser, a sophomore, was injured early in the second half after "she took a knee to the head," according to the Buffalo News. The game was played at Union-Endicott in Binghamton. Grand Island ended its season at 21-2-1. (Scroll up for more complete reports)





Lady Vikings Soccer Team Takes Off For State Competition - 2005


(left) Lady Vikings forward Catie Hilliard takes one of the donated lunches from soccer mom, Karen Fisher;
(right) Lady Vikings Soccer Team and Coach Dave Bowman.
      Dan McMahon Photos - click for larger view

   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team took off this morning (Nov. 17) for Binghamton, New York where they will play in a state semi final game against South Side, and hopefully be in the final championship game on Saturday. A banquet for all state finalist teams is being held this evening.
   Among Island businesses supporting the trip is The Town Café Restaurant, providing a lunch for the Girls Soccer team for their bus trip to the state finals. Lynn Quarantello of the Town Cafe said the girls would need something to eat during the drive to the Championship round. The Grand Island Soccer Club wants to thank everyone on Grand Island for supporting their efforts to raise the necessary funds for the Girls Soccer Team's travel to the state finals this weekend.
   The following have donated to the team thus far:
Town Cafe' - (made 31 boxed lunches for the trip)
HSBC Bank
VFW Post 9249
Moose Lodge
Rod & Gun Club
Jemi of Grand Island
Tops Markets
Sportsplex - field time
Sahlens sports park - field time
Tourist Travel Service
Robert Fick CLU, CHFC
Carmen Pariso
Grand Island Soccer Club
Dowd Battery Company
Aronica & Company
Rockwood Brothers
Peter McMahon
Rick Nelson
Residential Construction Inc.
Sevenson Environmental Services
Contract Interiors
John & Beverly Mikulski
Grotz family
Barbara & Richard Snyder
Robert & Christine Ratajczak
Thomas Burke & Nancy Savoy-Burke





HELP! Please Donate To Lady Vikings Trip To States - 2005


   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team is scheduled to play in the Class A semifinal for the State championship this weekend. Funds are needed within 24 hours for this to happen!
   The following letter is from the Grand Island Soccer Club and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team:
Dear Businessman:
   The Grand Island girls' varsity soccer team has advanced to the State Final Four high school tournament this coming weekend in Binghamton, New York. The games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 18 and 4 p.m. Saturday, November 19. As part of the weekend games, a banquet is being held for all of the qualifying teams on Thursday night. As a result, the team will be departing from Grand Island Thursday morning for this weekend event.
   The Grand Island Soccer Club (GISC) is asking for donations to assist the team with their expenses (lodging, meals, banquet, etc...) Please contact Mrs. Karen Fischer at 773-3460 or 909-4928 if you would like to make a donation. Checks should be made payable to the Grand Island Soccer Club (a 501c organization). The Grand Island Soccer Club and the girls' varsity soccer team thank you for your generous contribution.
Sincerely,
The Grand Island Soccer Club
and girls' varsity soccer team






High School DECA Club Holds Installation Dinner - 2005

Cheryl Chamberlain, left, with DECA members at installation.

   The Grand Island High School DECA Club held its annual installation dinner on November 8, 2005 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. DECA, a national business and marketing club, is involved in many different activities at the high school and serves the Grand Island community as well. Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain would like to thank the parents of the DECA members for their continued support of the competitive business club and Carissa Bailey, Regional Representative, for her role in the installation ceremony. Members who attended the installation are Janeen Amantia, Stephen Beatty, Corey McGowan, Stephanie Hopkins, Janice Sturtz, Mallory Fulle, Jasmine Rivers, Michelle Botwin, Rebecca Fetzer, Eric Sharpe, Christian Nole, Stephanie Tolbert and Carissa Bailey.
   Special guests attending the installation were School Board members, Myrna Blair, Richard Little and George Casey. Also in attendance were School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ramming, high school Principal Dr. James Dempsey, business department coordinator Bobbie Frisoni, business/technology teachers Suzanne Stevenson and Christopher Simpson and James R. Sharpe representing the Chamber of Commerce. The regional business competition is held in January 2006 and several members may qualify for state competition in March.





Lady Vikings Win Far Western Regional - 2005


   The Grand Island Lady Vikings won the Far Western Regional contest on November 12, 2005 and will move on to the state finals. Grand Island was tied with Aquinas 1-1 and won through a shoot-out when Jessica Remmes, Jessica Kuehne and Jackie Coe scored goals. Jessica Remmes also scored the regulation play goal. GI goalkeeper Allie Weiser had five huge saves.
    Click "Far Western Regional Win For Lady Vikings" for Niagara Gazette Story.
   The girls will play in the Class A semifinal for the State championship tomorrow (Friday, November 18) at 4:30 p.m. against South Side. The game will be played at Binghamton. Burnt Hills will play IX-Cornwall on Friday and the winners will meet at 4 p.m. Saturday at Union-Endicott for the final.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 10, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 11/10/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Vikings Lose Far Western Regional, 34-16 - 2005

   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team ended a great season Friday evening, November 11, 2005 with a loss in the Far Western Regional contest. The score of 34-16 favored Geneva.
    Click "Far Western Regional" for Niagara Gazette Story.





Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2005

 

Lauren Culp                  Joseph Orsolits Jr.               Chelsea DeGlopper

   Lauren Culp has been a resident of Grand Island most of her life. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island School District since starting kindergarten at Sidway. During her school years she has always tried to excel academically as well as participate in many extracurricular activities.
   Lauren has maintained honor roll and high honor roll status while balancing a busy schedule. She has been awarded the Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin and Letter and is well on her way towards achieving her bar. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
   She has contributed to her community by being active in Relay for Life, a walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society. She has performed many service projects such as collecting food for the local food pantry, playing her violin for the Grand Island Lion's Club annual handicap picnic, volunteering for the Huth Road's Fall Festival and the high school's Niagara Frontier League meet for girls' varsity swimming, and raising money for the Instrumental Boosters, which allows the orchestra, band, and wind ensemble to attend competitions around the nation.
   Lauren has been on the girls' swim team at Grand Island High School for five consecutive years. She was a co-captain of her team this past season. She has earned her varsity letter and several scholar athlete awards.
   A member of the orchestra throughout middle and high school, Lauren has served as its librarian, secretary, and vice president as well as leading her section to the Grand National Invitational in Tennessee. She has also earned her varsity letter in music.
   After graduation, she plans on attending the University of Buffalo for Business Administration.
   Joseph Orsolits Jr. has been an Island resident since he was two years old, and has attended Grand Island schools since starting kindergarten at the newly reopened Sidway School. He has maintained a high standard for himself throughout his academic career.
   Joe has consistently achieved Honor and High Honor Roll status since sixth grade. He earned the Gold "K" award in fifth grade as well as the President's award for Academic Excellence in both fifth and eighth grades. He has earned his Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin and Letter and should receive his bar this year. He is a four-time recipient of the Pride of the Island award.
   Joe has been deeply involved in the Music Department throughout his high school career. He has been a member of the wind ensemble all four years and has served as the wind ensemble stage manager since his sophomore year. He has been a member of concert band for three years, and was named "Co-Rookie of the Year" after his freshman year. He has also participated in jazz ensemble, pep band, and pit orchestra throughout his four years. Joe has been in the All-Erie County ensembles consistently since seventh grade, Area All-State ensembles since tenth grade and in Conference All-State Symphonic Band this year. He has earned his varsity letter, pins, white letter and bar for music. He has played trumpet since age 8, and has recently started piano lessons, as well as playing euphonium in the concert band last year.
   Joe has been a member of the men's cross country team and track team where he received the "Coach's Award" two years in a row. He has been twice named as a Scholar Athlete.
   Joe has volunteered as a member of the Niagara Falls PAL Youth Court for two years. He has played "Taps" for the VFW Post 9249 memorial services such as Veteran's Day and 9/11 services. For the last two years, Joe volunteered and served as the stage manager for all productions when Grand Island High School hosted the Junior High North All-County Music Festivals.
   After graduation, Joe plans to attend college to study Music Education and Performance. He is planning to pursue his master's degree to teach music on the high school or collegiate level.
   Chelsea DeGlopper is a life-long resident of Grand Island and has attended Grand Island public schools her entire academic career. She has challenged herself throughout school, taking advanced classes since middle school. She takes her studies seriously and has maintained a high honor roll average throughout high school. Chelsea has also received awards for her academic achievements, including her academic varsity letter and pin, the Pride of the Island award on two occasions, and the AP Scholar Award. Recently, she was named a Commended Student in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program.
   Chelsea is also very involved in the Grand Island music program. She has been a member of the Wind Ensemble for three years and the Concert Band for four years. Chelsea is the secretary for Wind Ensemble, and has been a librarian for both Wind Ensemble and Concert Band for the past two years. She also participates in Jazz Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Community Band, and Practice Buddies, in which she plays the clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone and piano, and will soon earn her white varsity letter for band.
   Outside of music, Chelsea is an active member of DECA and participates annually in Relay for Life. This year, she has become involved in a mentoring program that holds different activities for middle school students to attend throughout the year. Chelsea has also taken advantage of the opportunities to be involved in her community through her church, including volunteering for several years to work at the Lion's Club Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Presently, she also holds a part-time job, working ten to twenty hours a week at Burger King.
   After graduation, Chelsea plans to attend a four-year school where she intends to study either English or journalism and to continue her involvement in music.





Vikings Football Great, James Rayhill In Feature Story - 2005

   James Rayhill, a member of the special teams and defensive end for the GIHS Varsity Vikings, and the son of Donnette and Michael Rayhill, was featured in the Niagara Gazette on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. Author of the story titled "Rayhill Sparks Vikings On Defense, Special Teams," is Eric Keppeler. Click "Rayhill Sparks Vikings" for the feature.





Grand Island Beats Sweet Home At Ralph Wilson Stadium - Next is Far West Regionals - 2005
   The Varsity Vikings took the Section VI Class A championship at Ralph Wilson Stadium Saturday, November 5, 2005 with the final score, Grand Island 20, Sweet Home 14. Leading the Vikings, who will play the Geneva Panthers in the Far West Regionals at St. John Fisher University 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2005, were Ryan Harvey, Ryan Breier and James Rayhill.
   The Vikings beat Starpoint on October 22 with a score of 20-0 followed by a win over Hamburg with a score of 21-20 in a Section VI Semifinal on October 29. Click for
"Buffalo News Story/GI 20 - Sweet Home 14".





Spotlighters To Present "Get Smart" - 2005



Wednesday, Nov. 16th rehearsal photos
Jodi Robinson Photos - click for larger view
   The Spotlighters, Grand Island High School's drama club, will present Get Smart in the high school auditorium on the following dates:
Thursday, November 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 19 - 7:30 p.m.

   The play is adapted by Christopher Sergel from the series originally created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Admission is $3. Playing the leads in the production, directed by Tracie Groves and English teacher Katherine Scarafia, are Forrest Smith as secret agent Maxwell Smart; Caitlin Hall as Agent 99; Vincent Covatto as the Chief; and Pat Sexton as the villain, Mr. Big. Carissa Bailey and Kyle Patterson are also playing large roles.





GI Girls Win Section VI Championship Soccer Game - Next Is Far West Regionals - 2005
GI 1 - Williamsville East 0


Parents of girls' soccer team decorated Viking Mall and individual lockers Wednesday evening Nov. 9.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view

   The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team beat Williamsville East 1-0 on Saturday, November 5, 2005 in the Section VI Championship. The Vikings only goal was scored by Catie Hilliard who was assisted by Jessica Remmes, "the program's all-time leading scorer," according to the Niagara Gazette. The Lady Vikings will play Aquinas 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2005 in the Far West Regionals (Class A) at Irondequoit High School, Rochester.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 3, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 11/3/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Girls Varsity NFL Swim Championships - 2005

   Click for Grand Island High School Girls Swim Results in the Girls Varsity NFL Championships - 10/27/05 - 10/29/05
" NFL Championship Meet Results"
"Individual Rankings"
"Team Scores"





GI Girls Win Soccer Semifinal - 2005
GI 7 - Starpoint 0

   The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team beat Starpoint, 7-0 on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 in the Section VI Class A Soccer Semifinal. Click "GI/Starpoint" for a Niagara Gazette story by Nate Buetel.





Grand Island Beats Hamburg, Heads To The Ralph - 2005
The Varsity Vikings Beat Hamburg in a Section VI Semifinal (Class A) with the score ending at 21-20 on Saturday, October 29, 2005. The Vikings will play Sweet Home in the championship game Saturday, November 5, 2005 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Click "Buffalo News Story" for results of the GI/Hamburg game.





Vikings 20-0 Score Over Starpoint Opens Door To Section VI Playoff - 2005

   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings took a 20-0 win from Starpoint on Saturday afternoon, October 22, 2005, and now move on to the Section VI Semifinals (Class A). Saturday's (Oct. 29, 2005) game against Hamburg at Hamburg starts at 1 p.m. Click for Buffalo News story, Vikings Beat Starpoint





Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Section VI Semifinals - Class A
Grand Island Vs. Hamburg at Hamburg, 1 p.m. Saturday, October 29.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 27, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/27/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 20, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/20/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Starpoint at Grand Island, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."





High School Fall String, Choral Concert Was Total Pleasure! - 2005

   The Grand Island Senior High School Music Department presented its Fall String and Choral Concert Wednesday evening, October 19th, in the high school auditorium. Choral director Carolyn Lokken, who directed five different voice groups, explained that members of two of them get to school at 6:30 a.m. to practice. The evening performances began with the entire auditorium singing "The Star Spangled Banner."
   Highlights of the 8 p.m. program, extremely well received by the large audience, were "Go 'Way From My Window" by the Grand Island Senior High School Choir with piano accompanist Carol Horrigan; "Always On My Mind" by the Vocal Jazz group with accompanist Kelcie Hanaka; and "Only You" by the Dominant Force, an all male choral club. The talented Madrigal Singers also sang "Awake Sweet Love," and "The Silver Swan" and the large Concert Choir performed four numbers including, the enjoyable "I Dream a World."
   The Grand Island High School Orchestra program, with Kelly Robertson conducting, began with the first number, "Concerto Grosso Opus 6 Nr. 6," played without a conductor and what an excellent job these students did. Student Christina Rivera was piano accompanist for "The Lord of the Dance," with excellence by the soloists and the entire orchestra.




NYS Troopers' K-9 Unit Visits GIHS Business Classes - 2005


From left are Trooper Brian Pazderski, "TC," and Rotary Exchange Student Max Opaskiatikul - Click photo for larger view

   The K-9 Unit from the NYS Troopers visited students in Mr. Christopher Simpson’s Business Education classes on October 18, 2005. With the help of School Resource Officer Chris Pyc, the students were given both a lecture on training and career requirements, and an actual demonstration of the unit’s capabilities. Trooper Brian Pazderski and “TC” attended a few afternoon classes in the business department and enlightened students about the K-9 career field. After a brief question and answer session, “TC” went to work on finding some hidden pieces of explosive compound.
   In accordance with New York State standards, students are required to have contact and be exposed to different career choices and paths. The NYS Troopers K-9 Unit is just one of the many professional careers that students are exposed to through the business department at the High School.




Cross Country Team Thanks The Community - 2005


Click for larger view

   The Grand Island High School Cross Country Team would like to thank the community for their support in fundraising for the team’s New York City trip. The team held car washes and a donut sale in the weeks prior to the trip. The Cross Country team competed at the Manhattan College Invitational Meet with over 12,000 other competitors, comprising 800 teams. This is the largest high school Cross Country meet on the east coast. The several inches of rain that fell did not dampen the competitors’ spirits.
   Medal winners were freshman, Jordan Gibson, Emily Thompson and seventh grader Christian Gibson, Both teams finished in the middle of the team scoring. Members of the girls’ team participating in the meet included: Caroline Boron, Emily Kahn, Traci Aladeen, Karen Bellanca, Caitlyn Driscoll, Bridget George, Sarah Orsolits, Allison Boron and Emily Thompson. Representing the boys’ team were: Christian and Jordan Gibson, Ryan Hagen, Christopher Carter, Joe Mash, Tim Fargino, Dave Sipos, John Connors and Jeff Rogan.
   Educational highlights of the trip included a visit to Ground Zero where the team took a moment to remember the lives lost on 9/11. Other stops included a tour of NBC Studios in which Ryan Hagen was an honorary weatherman and Bridget George was an honorary anchorwoman. The team visited Times Square, Central Park, Broadway and the Theater District, NikeTown and Macy’s.
   A special thanks to chaperones: Donna Thompson, Eric and Beth Boron, William Connors, Kevin Hagen, Sue Carter, Aaron Masters and Coach Sauer.




Local CPA's Visit GIHS Business Department Classes - 2005-2006

 

(left) Christopher Capolupo - (right photo) Christopher Capolupo and Nick Abdullah

   Members of Mr. Christopher Simpson’s Accounting classes were visited by employees of the Freed Maxick and Battaglia Accounting Firm on Friday, October 14, 2005. Through a program coordinated by the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and Niagara University, students were able to meet and network with real-world accountants and ask questions about college.
   Nicholas Abdullah and Christopher Capolupo (GIHS Class of 1998) spoke to the classes about opportunities in the accounting field and college life. Both gentlemen have been working in the field and shared the experiences they have along with the details of their business life.
   This was the second group of speakers to come through the business department’s classes this year. Earlier in the week, representatives from Bryant and Stratton College came in and spoke to the students on how to pick a career.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 13, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/13/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Girls Soccer Team Reports - 2005 Games

   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, coached by Dave Bowman, remain undefeated.
Game: Friday, September 23, 2005
The girls Varsity soccer team improved their league record on Friday to 5 and 0 by defending league rival Kenmore West 4 to 0. Scoring for Grand Island was Alicia Fisher with 2 goals and Catie Hilliard and Dana Szczepaniak each with 1 goal. Alicia Barnaby provided a much needed spark in the second half. Recording her third shut out of the year was Allie Weiser.
Game: Tuesday, September 27, 2005
The girls Varsity soccer team defeated Niagara Wheatfield on Tuesday 10 to 0 with their best performance of the year as they moved the ball without effort. Scoring for Grand Island was Jessica Remmes with 4 goals while Sarah Sukmanowski, Catie Hilliard, Sam Drexilius, Megan DenBeste, Dana Szczepaniak and Jessica Kuehne each scored one. Recording her 4th shut out in goal was Allie Weiser. Congratulations ladies.
Game: Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Lady Vikings Soccer team jumped out to a fast start by convincingly defeating the second place team in the league, North Tonawanda, with a 4 to 0 win. Very early in the game Jessica Remmes and Alicia Fisher each netted goals making it 2 to 0 just four minutes into the game. Jessica Remmes added another goal and Alicia Barnaby scored late in the first half to make it 4. Allie Weiser recorded the shut out in goal while Jessica Kuehne and Jackie Coe limited the Lumberjacks opportunities. Great job ladies on your 7 and 0 league record.
   The Lady Vikings Soccer team also won the following games:
Game: October 3, 2005 - Nonleague - V-Aquinas 3, Grand Island 0
Game: October 5, 2005 - NFL - Grand Island 3, Lockport 1
Game: October 7, 2005 - NFL - Grand Island 8, Niagara Falls 0
   Details of these games may be found in the "Sports Briefs" on this page.




High School Homecoming Dance - 2005-2006


(left) Carlos Darby, Michelle, Jake Andrews, Jordan Bahleda, Josh Raiser, Vanessa Alvarado, David Anderson and Ashley Bleistein.

(left) Carlos Darby, Jake Andrews, Josh Raiser and David Anderson.
Click photo for larger view
 
Click photos for larger view

The Grand Island High School Homecoming Dance was held on the evening of Saturday, October 8, 2005 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 played a close game against Williamsville South, winning by one point on Saturday afternoon on Masters Field. Final score, Grand Island 28 - Williamsville South 27.





String and Choral Concert At High School - Time Change - 2005

   The Grand Island String and Choral Concert featuring Choir, Concert Choir, The Dominant Force, Madrigal Singers, Vocal Jazz and String Orchestra will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium.





Intergenerational Community Sing, Everyone Welcome - 2005

   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. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of song and fellowship Monday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior High School Choir Room. 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!" she said.





Update -Grand Island Swimming and Diving Team To Hold Organizational Meeting - 2005

   Swim Coach Rob Collard has announced an organizational meeting for the 2005-06 Grand Island High School Boys Swimming and Diving Team will be held at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2005 in room 214 at the high school.
   Any interested GIHS student in grades 7-12 not able to attend the meeting, should email Coach Rob Collard at robertcollard@k12.ginet.org to receive information.
   There will be a meeting for all 7th and 8th grade boys interested in swimming for the high school team this winter on Tuesday, November 1st at 3:45 p.m. in the Connor Middle School Little Theatre. The meeting should last approximately 10 minutes. All boys should have passed the Phys Ed Department fitness test and have a physical exam completed (have the yellow card) by the first practice on Monday, November 7th at 3:45 p.m. Email any questions to Head Coach Rob Collard at: robertcollard@k12.ginet.org





Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Kenmore East at Kenmore East, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."





Grand Island Victorious At Homecoming Game Vs. Williamsville South - 2005

   The Grand Island High School Varsity Football Team worked hard to take the win away from the Williamsville South Billies during the Vikings' Homecoming Game Saturday, October 8, 2005. Ryan Harvey, Ryan Breier and Derek Moody were among many standouts on the Vikings team that came up one ahead of their opponents with 28 to the Billies' 27. Click for the "Buffalo News Story - 10/9/05".





GIHS Qualifies For Business First's Rankings of Best High School Sports Programs, Section VI. - 2005

   Business First, Western New York's Business Newspaper, has notified Grand Island High School Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey that the high school has qualified for Business First's rankings of the best high school sports programs in Section VI.
   "Grand Island Senior High School is No. 9 on our list of big schools, those with more than 800 students. We based our rankings on the results of sectional tournaments and meets in 30 interscholastic sports between the 2000-01 and 2004-05 school years," Business First Projects Manager G. Scott Thomas said in a letter to the high school principal.
   The 10 best schools in all three categories (big, medium and small schools) will be listed in the fall 2005 edition of Western New York Life, a glossy, full-color magazine published by Business First.




High School Tennis Team - 2005-2006


Shown front left are Lauren McGowan (grade 10), Kelsey Wendling (10), Brittany Papaj (10), Courtney Donner (11), Vida Rostami (11), Sara Kurpiewski (10), Brandi Skill (10), Ashley Koerntgen (10); (back) Coach Julie Roth, Courtney Catalano (10), Micahlena Beyer (10), Jessica Cespedes (10), Andrea Whitefield (10), Kelsey Mash (9), Caitlin Cook (9), Shannon Howley (11), Brittany Stallard (10), Ashley Marien (12), and Monique Dhand (12). Missing from the photo is Danielle Bruno (10) who suffered a knee injury in practice the day before the photo was taken.
  
(photos from left) Team captains Vida Rostami and Courtney Donner; Lauren McGowan; Courtney Donner
 
(photos from left) Brittany Stallard; Caitlin Cook
Nathan Cook Photos - Click for larger view

The Grand Island High School Tennis Team posed for a group photo on Tuesday, October 4, 2005. The girls have had seven wins and three losses so far this season.





Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Williamsville South at Grand Island, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 8 - Grand Island's Homecoming Game
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 6, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/6/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Commended Students - National Merit Scholarship Program - 2005-2006


(left) Lauren Campbell and Chelsea DeGlopper - Click for larger view

   Grand Island High School seniors Lauren Campbell and Chelsea DeGlopper have been named Commended Students in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program, as announced by Grand Island High School Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), 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 2006 competition for Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than one million students who entered the 2006 competition by taking the 2004 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (TSAT/NMSQT).
   A spokesperson for the National Merit Program commented, "It is important to acknowledge the attainments of academically talented students and to credit schools for the key role they play in their development. We hope the recognition received by these able young men and women who are commended in this rigorous, nationwide competition will encourage them to take advantage of opportunities for higher education and to diligently pursue their professional goals."




High School Senior Luncheon Held At River Oaks - 2005-2006

   

(left) Melinda Schultz, Tonja Sutton and Nicole Brown - Melinda Schultz, Jimmy Weatherston and Sara Boulden - Chelsea Sommer, Melinda Schultz, Sara Boulden and Jessica O'Brien

By Sara Boulden, Class of 2006
   Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2006 celebrated their annual senior luncheon on Friday, September 23, 2005 at River Oaks Golf Club. After signing the senior wall in the high school and taking the group 2006 photo outside on the lawn, class members drove to the Golf Club where they enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet and eagerly listened as their guest speaker not only supplied jokes, but also life lessons. At the buffet, the Senior Superlatives, who had previously been voted on by the class, were announced, and those lucky enough to win were applauded by their friends. The luncheon was a great opportunity for the class to be together during their final year at Grand Island Senior High School.





Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island At Albion, 7 p.m. Friday, September 30
See Sports Briefs for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 29, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/29/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





Girls Basketball Team Raising Funds For California Tournament - 2005

   The Grand Island High School Girls Basketball team is currently trying to raise funds to play in a tournament in California in December 2005. The team has set up two fundraisers as follows:
FLAG FOOTBALL 4 v 4 TOURNAMENT: Saturday, October 1st behind Grand Island High School
Age groups: 4-5 grades; 6,7,8 grades; 9-12 grades, 18-25 year olds, Adults
   Each team can have a minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 6. Cost is $10 per player. Contact Jenepher Banker at 773-8825 to register.
COLUMBUS DAY 5K and 1.4 MILE FUN RUN October 10, 2005 at Beaver Island State Park:
5K and 1.4 mile fun run sponsored by the Grand Island Girls Basketball team
   The races will begin 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Preregistration fee is $10. Prizes will be male and female winners in each age group. Contact Jenepher Banker to pre-register for the race at 773-8825. Race day entry fee will be $12.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 22, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/22/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





GIHS Homecoming Dance Date Change - Now October 8th - 2005

   In order to accommodate a volleyball tournament and still give the proper credence to the event, Homecoming events have been changed from the October 21, 2005 weekend to the October 7, 2005 weekend. The semi-formal dance will held from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2005.





GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 15, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/15/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.





October String & Choral Concert - 2005

   The Grand Island String and Choral Concert featuring Choir, Concert Choir, The Dominant Force, Madrigal Singers, Vocal Jazz and String Orchestra will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2005 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. There is no admission charge. For more informatin, all the High School Music Department at 773-8868.





Vikings Lose To Sweet Home 21-0 - September 2005

   With one win over the Hamburg Bulldogs under their belts, the Grand Island Varsity Vikings lost their second game of the season. The loss to the Sweet Home Panthers Saturday afternoon, September 10, 2005 on Masters Field was a heartbreaker, ending with a score of 21-0. The first half was scoreless, however, Sweet Home racked up their 21 points in the fourth quarter. Grand Island meets the Lewiston Porter Lancers 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17th on Masters Field.




High School School PTA Officers - 2005-2006


Click for larger view

Grand Island High School PTA officers are (front left) Dr. James Dempsey (Principal), Terry Endres (President), William Miller (Vice Principal); (back) Donnette Rayhill (2nd VP), Sue Campbell (Council Delegate), Maureen Lewis (1st VP). Not pictured: Patty Meyer (Rec. Secretary), Catie Lewis (Corr. Secretary), Kathi Hanaka (Council Delegate).





Vikings Sports Scores - September 2005

Week ending Thursday, September 8, 2005
Football - Saturday, September 3, 2005
Grand Island 14 - Hamburg 13
See separate story

Boys Soccer
NONLEAGUE
Canisius 3, Grand Island 1

Boys Volleyball
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 25-25-17-25

Girls Volleyball
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 25-25-24-25

Girls Tennis
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Niagara Falls 3, Grand Island 2

Golf
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 18, Kenmore West 6
M-Chris Povinelli (KW) 36 at River Oaks





Vikings Beat Hamburg In Close Game
NEXT - Vikings At Sweet Home Saturday, 2 p.m. - September 2005

   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings beat the Hamburg Bulldogs on the Ransom Road field Saturday, September 3, 2005 with a close score of 14-13. This was the first game of the season. James Rayhill blocked the extra point after the Bulldogs scored. Ryan Breier had a 171-yard pass and had a touchdown. Ryan Harvey rushed for 109 yards which included a 14-yard touchdown. Leading the Viking defense was Derrick Moody with nine tackles. Grand Island will play Sweet Home at Sweet Home at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 10.





Girls Soccer Team Has New Coach - September 2005

   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team has a new coach, Dave Bowman. The team ended their last season with their third straight state semifinal in what was also the last game coached by the retiring Peter Prozik. Click for Girls Soccer Story by Julie Bender as featured in the September 6, 2005 edition of the Buffalo News





Vikings Meet Hamburg On Masters Field - First Game Of Season - September 2005

   The Grand Island High School Varsity Vikings Football Team will play the first game of its season 2 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2005 against the Hamburg Bulldogs on Masters Field, 1100 Ransom Road. The Vikings will be led by senior Quarterback Ryan Breier. Also expected to lead the team are Justin King, Derek Moody, Josh Anderson, Ryan Harvey, Josh Raiser, Brandon Antonelli and Erich Skelly. Coach Dean Santorio's team has an excellent chance of winning the Section VI championship, last accomplished in 2003. The Vikings' advantage is the fact that they have eight starters returning.





GIHS Parents Open House Announced - September 2005

   The annual Parents Open House will be held at Grand Island High School from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2005. Students will be given schedules to complete for their parents, who will follow that schedule which provides an opportunity to meet with each teacher and gain an overview of the curriculum for that subject area.





GIHS Boys Swimming and Diving - July 2005

   Ian O'Rourke (grade 11 for 05-06) was named to his second consecutive All-America Diving Team. Click
National Public HS Rankings. Ian is ranked 48th in the US for 1-meter, 11 dives.
   The GIHS 200 Freestyle Relay achieved an All-America Consideration time and is ranked 161st in the nation. This is the first time a boy's relay from GIHS has achieved a national All-America consideration relay time. Click www.inswim.net/bp200frel05.html. The relay: Mike Seay, Kyle Sauer, Adam Salemi and Rob Rumsey
   The GIHS Boys Swimming and Diving Team earned the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) All-America Team Scholar Award for the 2004-05 season. The team's 3.586 grade point average was good enough for the silver award. This is the first All-America Team Scholar Award for the team. Please view www.inswim.net/acallamerteam05.html.





2005 High School Registration For New Students - July 2005
    - Freshman Orientation August 29th

   Students who have moved to Grand Island and are planning to enter Grand Island High School for the first time beginning in September should call and make an appointment to meet with a high school counselor. Guidance counselors will be available for appointments on Thursday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 23, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   When prospective students or parents call for an appointment, ask the secretarial staff for a pre-packet of information so the entire registration process may 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
• A copy of academic transcript
Freshman Orientation
Monday, August 29 - 11 a.m. - for students
Monday, August 29 - 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. - for parents

   For more information and to schedule the appointment, call the high school guidance office at 773-8860 or 773-8866.





Grand Island High School Honor Roll - July 2005

   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Tyler Baldes, Cassandra Coffey, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Amber Hultgren, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Ciara Morreale, Theordore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 10: Lauren Aughey, Juliana Burkhart, Laura Curcio, Brian Dolan, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Thomas Minarcin, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Donald Turner, Bessie Zhang
Grade 11: Chelsea DeGlopper, Caitlin Dwyer, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Christopher Prygon, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol
Grade 12:Julie Amato, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Shayna DiMatteo, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hillard, Stacey Monaco, Emily Pifer, Yasmin Raza, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Kari Tondera
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Danielle Asbach, David Benko, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Casey Carminati, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Anthony Daubney, Tiffani Dickinson, Caitlyn Driscoll, Kelsey Fortman, Timothy Franklin, Thomas Gebhard, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Richard Karpie, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Jessica Lew, Kaitlyn Little, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Jeremy Meyer, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Christian Nestark, Jordan Paolucci, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Riley Sexsmith, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Melanie Switalski, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 10: Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Kong Chen, Ryan Chrostowski, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Michael Davis, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Jennifer Freiermuth, Joseph Fusco, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jared Kazmierczak, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Erik Lang, Matthew Lang, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Justin McInerney, Jarrad Mendel, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, John Naumovich, Alicia Neutz, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Vida Rostami, Justin Samland, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Matthew Scibilia, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Rhianna Wing
Grade 11: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Christopher Benko, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Ian Clark, David Cole, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Kate Dlugosz, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Rebecca Fetzer, Ashleigh Frieday, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Alexander Grande, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Jordan Krieger, Rayn Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Kenneth McCaffery, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Sarnjit Samra, Erich Skelly, Dana Szczepaniak, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Kaitlin Voltz, Brendan Waddington, Jason Walker, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert
Grade 12: Tamika Adams, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Kate Bonaquist, Gloria Calvaneso, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Robert Coughlin, Dana D’Angelo, Erin Dent, Jeanmarie Dragonette, Jill Endres, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Robert Goris, Alicia Harrison, Justin Helman, Beth Huber, Gretchen Kiehl, Justine Kirsch, Edward Kopra, Allison Kulak, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Meghan Macguire, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Alissa Pioli, Florence Porignon, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Thoedore Royal, Michael Schimley, Meher Singh, Robert Sugar, Heather Szaflarski, Phillip Thompson, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Erik Zito





Grand Island High School Merit Roll - July 2005

   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
Grade 9: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Kimberley Banas, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Devon Brant, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Courtney Catalano, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Richard Cribbs, Ashley Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Neal DeMartin, Casey Deuser, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Sean Duff, Victoria Eldridge, Chirstopher Eley, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Julia Fleming, Chelsea Fulle, John Gannon, Bethany Gebhart, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Alexandria Kelly, Sara Kurpiewski, Jacob Leffler, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Maria Lorence, Michael Magaris, Lisa Mager, Kurt Makowski, Kirk Manquen, Amanda Mayes, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Amber Meyers, Nathaniel Miles, Salvatore Niro, Rachel Olszewski, Sara Orsolits, Jessica Oyer, Brittany Papaj, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Scott Ross, Audrey Senf, Aleem Shariff, Joshua Shilling, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Gregory Stephan, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Nicholas Tomkins, Nicholas Vallina, Elizabeth Wilson
Grade 10: Kenneth Agnello, Jansen Amantia, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Krista Burzynski, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Jeffrey Cronos, Stacey Cyman, Megan DenBeste, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Samantha Drexelius, Kate Endres, Nicole Fischer, Daniel Gadawski, Bridget George, Devan Golda, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Kristen Kobza, Jordan Kubik, Jessica Kuehne, Dustin Lange, William Lewandowski, Kevin Mazgaj, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Justina Potenzo, Shannon Quinn, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, William Sommer, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Pierre Tanguay, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Amanda Williams
Grade 11: Melissa Affuso, Vanessa Alvarado, Stephen Beatty, Ashley Bleistein, Timothy Blonski, Ryan Breier, Wesley Brzezinski, Erich Burchfield, Wesley Burkman, Cassondra Carlson, Aaron Clark, Catherine Cline, Carlos Darby, Michael DelZoppo, Monique Dhand, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Joshua Gavlock, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Caitlin Hall, Meghan Hartman, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Kevin Holzle, Ryan Keifman, Ben Kim, Megan Koller, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Christina Manning, Anna Mastrangelo, Amanda McCord, Ian Michaliszyn, Christopher Miller, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Philip Nestark, David Nolf, Kyle Patterson, Peter Poleon, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Tina Rott, Tatiana Salamone, Andrew Sharpe, Ashleah Shelton, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Chelsea Sommer, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Janice Sturtz, Robert Utz, Brittany Weber, Aaron Wilson, Melanie Wing
Grade 12: Ashraf Abdellatif, Tanya Ambellan, Joshua Billica, Patrick Blum, Amy Boutet, Kevin Buyer, Alex Coastes, Kaitlynn Cook, Thomas Cope, Geoffrey Crossley, Erik Deuble, Michael Digati, Daniel Elmer, Amanda Finn, Kelly Frantz, Jodi Gleason, Meaghan Grotz, Ryan Harvey, Nicole Hauser, Nicholas Heftka, Rick Ianni, Christian Karnath, Kelly Knickerbocker, Steven Kopf, Catherine Kulak, Jessica Laurendi, Gregory Lazelle, Christiana Maddi, Jason Manijak, Christina Maroulis, Matthew Masse’, Tara McDonnell, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerney, Christopher Mehltretter, Arianna Nelson, Jennifer O’Donnell, Ashley Perez, Jeffrey Pickel, Tiffanie Sadowski, Adam Salemi, Jessica Samland, Steven Sarkess, Nicole Spada, Shaina Starr, JennaBeth Stockman, John Stoneham, David Survillo-Melgar, Twila Swope, Colin Thompson, Devon Toth, Alicia Vetter, Christopher Weatherston, Stephen Weigold





Grand Island High School Class Of 2005 Senior Prom - Send Us Your Photos
 
(left) Steve Kopf, Adrienne LaLiberty, Myles Passanese, Natalie Fischer, Shayna DiMatteo, Ryan Clarke, Florence Porignon, Andy Boron, Sarah Tanbakuchi and Ted Rodgers; (right) Steve Kopf and Adrienne LaLiberty
   Bob Kopf Photos - Click photos for a larger view.

   The Grand Island High School Class of 2005 Senior Prom was held Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Niagara Club, Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls.
   Prom pictures will continue to be posted here as they are submitted. Email photos and names to teddy@giecom.net





Grand Island High School Class Of 2005
 
Click photos for a larger view.

   Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2005 posed for the annual photograph on the grounds of the Ransom Road school complex.






Class Day Awards Ceremony At High School
Class of 2005

Bob Kopf Photos - Click for larger view
From left are Natalie Fischer receiving the GITA Veronica Connor Scholarship Award, Stacey Monaco receiving the GITA Terry Swartz Memorial Scholarship Award, Tamika Adams receiving the James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award, and Amanda George and Robert Goris receiving the Hewitt Award.

   The annual Grand Island High School Senior Class Day Awards Ceremony took place Monday morning, June 6, 2005 in the auditorium. The following are the awards and recipients in the order of presentation:
• GITA Veronica Connor Scholarship Award - Natalie Fischer
• GITA Terry Swartz Memorial Scholarship Award - Stacey Monaco
• James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award - Tamika Adams
• Hewitt Award - Amanda George and Robert Goris
• Foreign Exchange Student Recognition - Florence Porignon
• New York State Attorney General's Triple "C" Award "Courage, Commitment, and Character" - Johanna Aponte, Kevin Buyer, Sara Hilliard, Elizabeth Huber, Chantelle LeFevre, Jennifer O'Donnell, Sean Rafferty, Nicole Tates
• New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship - Kari Tondera
• Dr. H. J. Cougan Participation, Effort and Cooperation Award - Renee' Collins
• National Vocational Technical Honor Society - Kelly Astridge, Stephen Weigold
• National Merit Scholarship Commended Students - Devon Toth
• National Merit Scholarship - Sofia Syed
• Grand Island Lions Club Scholarship - Robert Goris and Mary Elizabeth Lacki
• Greater Niagara Musician's Association Scholarship - Emily Pifer
• Drama Awards:
   Robert C. Thompkinson/Paul M. Zoltowski Memorial Award - Jenna Meyer and Robert Sugar
   Spotlighters Award - Kelly Frantz
   Zachary R. Zarbo Memorial Scholarship - Amanda Rodriguez, Amanda Thompson
• Musical Theater Awards:
   Best Actor - Adam Salemi, Sean Driscoll
    Best Actress - Mary Elizabeth Lacki
    Directors Award - Kathryn Figliotti and Robert Sugar
    Spirit Award - Amy Boutet, Kari Tondera
• Art Awards - Maria Fusco, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicholas Heftka, Jessica Samland, Nicole Tates
• Business Education Student of the Year Amy Boutet
• English Awards - Amanda Thompson, Devon Toth
• Family and Consumer Science Award - Tracey Schmidt
• Mathematics Awards - Brian Choi and Kathryn Figliotti
• Social Studies Awards - Jessica Stickl, Sofia Syed
• Web Club Award - Anthony Capone
• Outstanding Athletes of the Year Award - Sara Hilliard, Glen Bird






GIHS Top Ten Members - 2005

   Grand Island High School’s Class of 2005 will graduate on Thursday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Congratulations to all of our outstanding graduates. Here are the top 10 members of the Class of 2005.


Erin Dent is 18 years old and the daughter of Bruce and Robin Dent. Her plans are to attend Canisius College, and to major in Biology minor in Psychology. Erin's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way, family, friends and teachers. Erin's Advice: Get involved in your community – it feels good!


Meghan Macguire is 18 years old and the daughter of Duffy and Sue Macguire. Her plans are to attend college (Carnegie Mellon). Meghan's Inspiration: A variety of people have helped me along the way including Mrs. Jenepher Banker. Meghan's Advice: Always try your best and don’t worry after that.


Sara Hilliard is 18 years old and the daughter of Robert and Susan Hilliard. Sara's Plans: Pharmacy major at UB with a minor in Spanish. Sara's Inspiration: My parents were my biggest inspiration. Sara's Advice: Don’t carry so many books.


Sarah Tanbakuchi is 18 years old and the daughter of Mostafa and Sue Tanbakuchi. Sarah's Plans: Attend the University of Miami to study journalism. Sarah's Inspiration: My closest friends and family. Sarah's Advice: Work hard in high school, but enjoy it because it flies by so fast.


Meher Singh is 18 years old and the daughter of Amrit Kaur and Jasprit Singh. Meher's Plans: College at SUNY at Buffalo majoring in Math/Science. Meher's Inspiration: A variety of people – family, friends and teachers. Meher's Advice: Be yourself, plan for the future, excel in academia and chill out.


Kari A. Tondera is 18 years old and the daughter of Gary and Joanne Tondera. Kari's Plans: SUNY Geneseo with a Biology/Pre-Med degree. Kari's Inspiration: My parents. Kari's Advice: Get involved and make the memories last. High school goes by so quickly.


Yasmin Raza is 17 years old and the granddaughter of Kanakray and Pushpa Pandya and daughter of Parul Bhatia. Yasmin's Plans: Attend SUNY at Buffalo for Classics and Pre-med. Yasmin's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. They include my mother, grandparents, other family members, as well as teachers and friends. Yasmin's Advice: Enjoy your time here, but put in the necessary effort to do well.


Lindsay Henderson is 17 years old and the daughter of Joseph and Jennie Henderson. Lindsay's Plans: Attend Canisius College, major in Biology minor in Music. Lindsay's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. Some of them include my family, friends and teachers. Lindsay's Advice: Always try your hardest, get involved and do your homework.


Adam S. Ungaro is 18 years old and the son of Richard and Kim Ungaro. Adam's Plans: Attend the Liberty University majoring in Biology. Adam's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. Adam's Advice: Stay true to who you are.


Brian L. Choi is 17 years old and the son of Shih-Jen Ho and Loong-Sang Choi. Brian's Plans: Cornell majoring in Engineering Physics. Brian's Inspiration: Parents. Brian's Advice: Take AP Calculus and AP Physics





Grand Island High School Commencement - 2005

   The 40th annual Grand Island High School Commencement Exercises will be held at Kleinhan's Music Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2005.
   The program will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Class of 2005 Vice President Amanda George. Class President Robert Goris 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. Erin Dent ranks first in the Class of 2005 and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Canisius College, majoring in biology. Her career goals are to attend medical school and earn her medical degree. She is the school’s recipient of the RPI Medal and is president of the "Masterminds." Erin has been an active participant in Youth Court and has been a mentor in the Kaegebein after school program. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dent of Grand Island.
   Meghan Macquire ranks second in the Class of 2005 She is a member of the National Honor Society, SADD, and Library Club. She played varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and is a member of the 2002 Niagara Frontier Basketball Champions Team, the 2004 New York State Section Champions and State Quarter Finalists Team. She was a member of the 2003 and 2004 New York State Section VI Champion Soccer Teams. She participated in travel soccer, coached a youth basketball league, and participates in the travel basketball team. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Macguire of Grand Island, Meghan plans to attend Carnegie-Mellon University to study the health sciences.
   Ranking third in the Class of 2005 is Sara Hilliard. Sara is a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Interact Club and Student Council. She has earned her Silver Award from the Girl Scouts and is an active member of Grand Island’s Youth Court. On the varsity basketball team, Sara has played forward and was a member of the Section IV Class A Champs. In soccer, she has played all positions and made All-NFL 1st team in 2004. She has been named All-American Scholar Athlete for her participation in girls’ lacrosse. Sarah plans to attend the State University Center of New York at Buffalo majoring in pharmacy. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hilliard of Grand Island.
   Military and Employability Portfolio Recognition will be presented by high school Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey. 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 2005 officers are:


      		Robert Goris..……………………………………………...……President
Amanda George..…………………………………………Vice President
		Kari Tondera…….……....………………………………………Treasurer
		Sarah Tanbakuchi…….………………………………………..Secretary
		Mary Elizabeth Lacki and Gretchen Kiehl……………….….Historians
   Parents, relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend this special event honoring the Class of 2005.





Grand Island High School Potential 2005 Graduates - 2005

   Click "Potential Graduates" for the list of Grand Island High School Potential 2005 Graduates.





Kara Black Takes A Third In State Championships - 2005
Kara Black broke a section record in the 200 with a time of 24.53 and a third place finish in the June 3-4, 2005 State Championships. Kara won the 100 meter and 200 meter in the Section VI Track & Field championships. This was her third year to qualify for the state championships.





Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
June 2005


   
Meaghan Grotz                  Meghan MacGuire               Gretchen Kiehl               Adrienne LaLiberty

   Meaghan Grotz has been a Grand Island resident all of her life. She started grade school with fellow Grand Islanders at Huth Road Elementary, and continued all the way up through her senior year at Grand Island High School. At Huth Road she was awarded the "H" pin and the Presidential Academic Aware of Excellence.
   Meaghan takes school seriously. She has maintained honor roll status while balancing a tough schedule full of Honors and Advanced Placement courses. She has earned the Academic pin and the Varsity Letter for Academics while being inducted into the National Honor Society. For her freshmen year, Meaghan was the manager of Varsity Girls Tennis Team, and received her Varsity Letter in that sport. She also received the gold bar and MVP JV Undefeated Player in her sophomore year. By balancing academics and sports, she received the Scholar Athlete Award. Meaghan participates in school activities, is a member of the student council, and was co-chair of the Decorating Committee during her junior year. Meaghan also played the clarinet during her freshmen and sophomore years with the high school band, and during her junior year in the elite Wind Ensemble.
   Meaghan has been active in the community through her church, St. Stephen's. She was a teacher during Liturgy of the Word and helped with other events at her church. She also participated in Practice Buddies with the music program.
   Meaghan is active in local awareness in organ donation, needing a double lung transplant herself. She is also active in local awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, having been diagnosed with it at birth. She is presently recovering from a lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh hospital. She is a role model of persistence, courage and faith in her fellow man. (Editor's note: Meaghan received a double lung transplant in November 2004)
   Meaghan has written an article that was published in the Buffalo News last year. She also plans on attending Niagara University for English or Journalism.
   Meghan MacGuire has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She attended St. Stephen School from kindergarten to eighth grade and has attended Grand Island High School for the past four years. Her community service includes refereeing and coaching for the Youth Basketball League on Grand Island and volunteering at the Buffalo Women's Shelter for Battered Women. She has also coached a middle school girls travel basketball team in the summer.
   While at Grand Island High School, Meghan has participated in various sports including soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Outside of school, she has played on an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball team for six years and a Grand Island travel soccer team for five years. She was also named co-Grand Island High School Female Athlete of the Year for three years. In tenth grade, she earned honorable mention all-league in lacrosse and second team all-league in basketball. In eleventh grade, she was named second team all-league and an academic all-American in lacrosse, and earned first team all-league and third team all-Western New York in basketball. She has received varsity letters in soccer, basketball and lacrosse.
   School academics play a large role in Meghan's life. She has taken honors and AP courses throughout high school. She is currently enrolled in four AP classes and is a member of National Honor Society. She has been the treasurer of the Library Club for three years and had participated in SAAD in tenth grade. In ninth grade, she received the biology award and in tenth, the anatomy/physiology award. She has received the academic honors of an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter.
   After graduation, Meghan plans to attend college and pursue a career majoring in the field of liberal arts and sciences.
   Gretchen Kiehl has been a resident of Grand Island for twelve years. She has attended the Grand Island school district since kindergarten. Throughout her 17 years she has been an active part of her community, having performed such community services as tutoring elementary school children, working in her church nursery, participating in Relay for Life, Ride for Roswell, and Student Olympics, and coaching the young age group swimmers on the Grand Island Piranhas.
   Gretchen has also been very active in her school. She was the Historian for the Class of 2005 for all four years and a member of the Student Council. Currently she is treasurer of the Interact Club and is on Dr. Ramming's Student Advisory Council. Gretchen is very involved with the music program at Grand Island High School, participating in the Chorus, Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. She is the former secretary of Concert Band, and is the former treasurer and current president of the Wind Ensemble. She is a proud member of the French horn section, that received an award for the most Outstanding Section last year. Gretchen has also been playing the piano for 10 years outside of school.
   Being a member of the Grand Island Piranhas has been an important part of Gretchen's life. She joined the team in third grade