Grand Island High School News Web Page 2006
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GIHS Football Page
"GIHS Sports Schedules/Information"
Principal
Sandra Anzalone
"Complete Sports Schedule"
Scholarships Offered To Future Music Major Students - December 2006
Grand Island High School students looking ahead to college where they will major in music should be aware of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Volunteer Foundation's Eleanor V. Millonzi scholarships. The scholarships for $5,000 and $1,000 (partially funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation) and up to three $1,000 scholarships from the Buffalo Chamber Music Society are available to Erie and Niagara County high school seniors who will major in music at any college or university in the fall of 2007. For applications and interview information, 885-0204 or 885-0331, Ext. 425. Deadline for applications and audition tapes or CDs is February 1, 2007.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 28, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/28/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 21, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/21/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Lockport - December 2006
Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Lockport 91-89 on Tuesday, December 19, 2006. This was the first NFL dual meet victory at Lockport wsince the 2001-2002 NFL Championship season. "This was a total team effort, Coach Rob Collard said this week.
The JV Vikings Swim team lost to Lockport, 85-70.
Click for "12/19/06 Swim Meet Results."
High School News - December 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
Thursday, December 21, 2006 . . .
Attention all Grand Island High School Concert Choir Alumni - the night of your winter breaks that you have been waiting for is finally here! The Choir Alumni Sing. It will be held on Wednesday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m., and is open to all GIHS Choir alumni, as well as any current Concert Choir members. This hour long "reunion" is a great way to reconnect with other classmates and friends, as well as catch up with Mrs. Lokken, the choir director. With a night filled with song and laughter, it will definitely be one to make sure you attend! We hope to see you all there!
Date Set For Annual Concert Choir Alumni Sing - December 2006
It is time for the annual Concert Choir Alumni Sing. Past members of the Grand Island Senior High School Concert Choir are invited to join in song at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 in the High School Choir Room. The group was formed in September 1995 and has grown in size and scope to its present ensemble of 80 singers. With many past members home visiting friends and family for the holiday, director Carolyn Lokken, hopes many will come out to join in this annual event.
High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
Thursday, December 21, 2006 . . .
I would like to begin my article by welcoming a new face to the Grand Island School District, so welcome to Mr. Robert Christmann, our new school superintendent. Many news articles credit Mr. Christmann with a wealth of experience and an eagerness to share his knowledge with our district. My first impression of Mr. Christmann without meeting him directly is positive for two reasons, the first being that Mr. Christmann has a friendly face and a twinkle in his eyes, the second reason is that he is quoted as saying that he intends to move to Grand Island with his wife. That means that not only will he be a leader of our school district but will also be a member of our community. He will have more of a vested interest in both our success and weakness.
The Holiday Share the Magic is proving to be quite successful. Classrooms are filled with bags of clothing, toys, food and money. In order to bring out the holiday spirit, teachers and students are decorating classroom doors in hopes of winning the grand prize of a breakfast hosted by the student council. Despite the prize, I’m sure that everyone had fun working with one another and sharing the holiday spirit.
Before I end my article I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year!!
More Homecoming Dance Photos - December 2006
(Left) Devan Golda and James Rayhill James Rayhill and Devan Golda Brad Caruana and Devan Golda, and James Rayhill and Lianna Connors
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos
For more about the Homecoming dance, postponed from an October date due to the storm, click "Homecoming 2006"
GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Niagara Falls - December 2006
Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Niagara Falls 108 to 73 on Friday, December 15, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. The Junior Varsity Vikings lost to Niagara Falls, 100-75. Click "Dec. 15 Swim Meet Results". Vikings swim coach is Rob Collard.
Pick Up Your "Viking" Blankets - 2006
The Viking Blankets, sold by the Grand Island High School Class of 2009, have arrived and are available for pickup in the high school library from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday until December 22nd. Those who haven't prepaid are asked to have their payment available when they pick up their blanket. For further information, call Rachael Hickey at 773-8886 or e-mail rachaelhickey@k12.ginet.org
Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2006
Lauren Aughey Erin Bonaquist Abigail Cliff
Lauren Aughey was born and raised on Grand Island. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten.
Lauren has taken advanced classes since seventh grade, and is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Government, Macroeconomics, Literature and Composition, Psychology, and college level Spanish. she has received many academic awards, including the Academic Excellence Award, Pin and Letter. Lauren has also twice received the Pride of the Island Award, and also lettered in music. Most recently, she has received the 2006 Russell Sage Recognition Award, acknowledging "women of influence."
Lauren has participated extensively in Grand Island's thriving music program, where she has played violin in the String Orchestra since fourth grade and taken private lessons since sixth grade. Throughout her middle and high school career, she participated in All County auditions and the All County Orchestra, and also Area All State Orchestra and All State auditions. She plays in the Pit Orchestra and the Grand Island String Quartet. Lauren has also taken private piano lessons. In addition to music, she has continuously participated in the Grand Island Ski Club and is a licensed scuba diver.
Lauren also participates in many clubs and activities, including SADD (Students Against Destruction Decisions), where she has served as president, and the Life Lessons Club, which promotes organ donation. Also, she is a member of the National Honor Society.
Lauren has contributed to the community in many ways, including her participation in Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. Through her involvement in the St. Stephen's Religious Education Program, she has also frequently volunteered at the Street Lights Soup Kitchen in Niagara Falls.
After graduation, Lauren plans on attending a four-year college to pursue post secondary social studies education.
Erin Bonaquist has been a resident of Grand Island for her entire life. She has attended Grand Island schools throughout her education. She has been an active member of her community through school, church and extracurricular activities.
Erin is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of the Wind Ensemble and manager of the boys JV and varsity swim teams.
She has also been a member of the varsity swimming and lacrosse teams since she was a freshman in high school. Erin is one of three team captains for the 2006-2007 swim season. She has received many awards for swimming, lacrosse and academics over the years. Last year Erin, along with three other swimmers, broke the school record for the 200 free style relay. She has received her varsity letter and multiple pins for both swimming and lacrosse.
In addition to sports Erin is very involved in the music program at Grand Island. In the past she has participated in concert band, community band, and pit orchestra. She is currently the principle alto saxophone of the wind ensemble, and a member of the jazz band, saxophone quartet and pep band. She has received A+ ratings at all county festivals, and last year she was selected as the sole baritone saxophone player for the all county band. Erin has also received her varsity music letter and pin.
In addition to these activities Erin also regularly attends Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. She has participated in several mission trips and community service activities. For two summers she was a member of a team that spent three weeks in the Czech Republic teaching English at a camp for Czech students.
This past summer Erin worked at a Christian camp in New York, and she currently works as a lifeguard at the high school. Upon graduation, Erin would like to attend a university and plans to study business, majoring in marketing or advertising.
Abigail Cliff was born in Birmingham, AL but has been a resident of Grand Island for the past twelve years. She attended Sidway Elementary School and Kaegebein Elementary School from kindergarten through third grade. She attended Covenant Academy from fourth to eighth grade, and Grand Island High School from ninth through twelfth grade. While in the Grand Island school system, Abby has continually challenged herself by taking a rigorous course load.
Abby has been in the honors program since ninth grade, taking seven AP courses and a college Spanish course. In 2006, she was named an AP scholar for her excellent scores on the AP exams. In addition she has received Who's Who Among American High School Students and her academic certificate, pin and letter.
While excelling in academics, Abby has also been involved in activities in and around Grand Island High School. She has played the oboe since fourth grade and has participated in the Grand Island Music Program since ninth grade. Abby has been a member of Concert Band, Pep Band, and Wind Ensemble, earning her first letter while in these groups. When not studying or playing her oboe, Abby is also involved with the National Honors Society, the High School Bible Club, and has recently joined the Masterminds Team.
Outside of school, Abby has been heavily involved in her church and community. As a member of Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, she attends youth group and has been involved with the youth drama team. In 2004, she participated in a trip to the Czech Republic with members of the youth group in order to work at an English Camp. In that same summer she also helped with crafts at a VBS camp for underprivileged kids in the Adirondacks. Since 2005, Abby has also been a part-time volunteer librarian for the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church Library.
In the community, Abby has volunteered as a summer assistant for the North Tonawanda History Museum and received a Student Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the museum. She is a recent member of the Grand Island Historical Society and has participated in Relay for Life, an event designed to raise money for cancer patients.
After high school, Abby plans to go on to a four-year college to study history and foreign languages. She is the daughter of Dr. William and Mrs. Nancy Cliff.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 14, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/14/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
Thursday, December 14, 2006 . . .The long awaited homecoming dance has come and gone. The Homecoming Dance brought many impressively dressed students out on a Saturday night. The evening went without incident. With Christmas a mere 13 days away, I’d like to once again mention the many opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Interact Club will be at the Fashion Factory Outlet on Thursday evening at the Opportunities Unlimited gift wrapping table and you can also find them seeking donations for the Salvation Army while ringing the bell at our local Tops Market. Other students will be on hand to assist in the distribution of food, toys and clothing on Saturday for the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Your help will be appreciated any where you wish to volunteer.
High School News - December 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
Thursday, December 14, 2006 . . .
The postponed (as a result of the October storm) Homecoming Dance was finally held for students at the high school on Saturday, December 8th. The festivities were open to all junior and senior students, and truly enjoyed by many. This year's theme was "Under the Sea," with Chasing Cars, by the group Snow Patrol, serving as this year's featured song. Prior to the dance, junior and senior students voted on the Homecoming Court, which was finally announced on Friday, during the Pep Assembly. Representing the student body were King and Queen James Rayhill and Devan Golda, along with their Court, consisting of Rich Anzalone and Ashley Ray, Mike Scappechio and Jaime Justen, Brad Caruana and Lianna Connors, and Kevin Pifer and Nicole Fischer. The night was full of wonderful music and dancing - a great time spent with friends. Thank you to the Student Council for putting on another excellent dance, and also, thank you again to the High School Administration for allowing the upperclassmen a second chance at our Homecoming Dance.
360 Attend High School Homecoming Dance - December 2006
(Left)
Ashley Ray and Richard Anzalone; (right) Samantha McCollum and Andrew Czerwonka.
(Left) Matt Krupczyk, Lindsey Boyle, Joycie Rockwood, & Sam Kilb.
(right) Cheryl Chamberlain and Sara Kurpiewski
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos - Click for a larger view.
King James Rayhill with Lianna Connors, voted to be on the King's Court
Click photo for a larger view. More photos will be added as they become available.
The Homecoming dance, postponed from an October date due to the storm, took place in Grand Island High School gym on Saturday evening, December 9, 2006 when well over 360 juniors and seniors and dates enjoyed the music and dancing. Chosen by a vote of the junior and senior classmates and announced at the dance were King James Rayhill and Queen Devan Golda, and their Court, Rich Anzalone and Ashley Ray, Mike Scappechio and Jaime Justen, Brad Caruana and Lianna Connors, and Kevin Pifer and Nicole Fischer.
High School Pep Rally - December 2006
(Left) Girls Cross Country Team; (right) Senior section.
(Left) Seniors Lyndsey Clingersmith, Christina Sergakis and Lauryn Clingersmith; right) JV & Varsity Cheerleaders
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for a larger view.
The long awaited Grand Island High School pep rally scheduled for October 13th and cancelled by the freak October storm took place on Friday, December 8, 2006. The students, dressed up in Viking colors and sitting with their respective classes, were very loud. All the sports teams were dressed in unique costumes and were cheered as they entered together. There was talk of tug-a-war contests, teachers against the students, and a bag with live gold fish was observed being carried into the gym.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 7, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/7/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
GIHS Boys Swim Team Beats Ken-West - December 2006
Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Kenmore West 62 to 32 on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 7 Swim Meet Results".
GIHS Boys Swim Team Beats Lew-Port 107-78 - December 2006
Grand Island's varsity Vikings swim team beat Lew-Port 107 to 78 on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 12 Swim Meet Results" including the Jr. Varsity's 91-46 win over Lew-Ports JV team.
High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
Thursday, December 7, 2006 . . . Students at Grand Island High School are pumped up for Friday’s Pep Rally. Every sports team will express their Viking pride with their unique costumes and lively
attitudes. This Saturday is Grand Island Senior High School’s homecoming dance which will most definitely be a well attended event. Students don’t forget to participate in “Share the Holiday Magic.” Participation involves a classroom door decorating contest, donating of food, clothes, toys and money to be given to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Remember only 18 days until Christmas.
GIHS Boys Swim Team Results - December 2006
North Tonawanda beat Grand Island swimmers 100 to 64 on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 5 Swim Meet Results."
High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
December 7, 2006 . . . Are you already getting tired of hearing the same Christmas songs over and over on the radio? Well, if its variety you want, come to the Grand Island High School on Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. to hear the Grand Island High School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble perform their annual Winter Concert. Seasonal tunes and themes will be performed by the top quality high school bands. The pieces that you will hear include Colours by Roger Cichy, Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival and his holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride.
The 2nd Annual Holiday Basket Raffle sponsored by the Grand Island Instrumental Boosters will be going on all night long in the Viking Mall on December 14th to add to the festivities! Thanks to the Instrumental Boosters Club for their invaluable support of the high school instrumental music programs. The concert is open to the public, so all are welcome to enjoy the holiday music entertainment!
Editor's Note: Click "Holiday Basket Raffle" for complete information.
Instrumental Booster Club To Hold Holiday Basket Raffle - December 2006
The Second Annual Grand Island Instrumental Boosters Holiday Basket Raffle is taking place this year on Wednesday, December 13th, Thursday, December 14th and Tuesday, December 19th. A variety of wonderful baskets will be displayed in the Viking Mall prior to each concert. Tickets are just $5 for 25 chances. Each concert will bring a new selection of baskets, with the winners bringing home their prize at the end of the evening. A special 3-night Premier Basket Table will also be available with tickets at $1 each for a chance at winning Bills tickets, savings bonds, and Special Holiday Surprises! For information or to contribute a basket please contact Kathi Hanaka, 775-1103; Jeanne Green, 773-6704; or Valerie Gaydosh, 774-1136.
Click for "Concert Information.".
GIHS Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - December 2006
An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 30, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 11/30/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
Grand Island High School Honor Roll - November 2006
The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Steven Boyle, Luke Burkhart, Alexandra Buscaglia, Brittany Cieri, Kara Dudley, Lauren Fonte, Tara Hook, Zachary Kelly, Seth Kline, Lauren Kucharski, Jonathan LoTempio, Megan McInerney, Jennifer Mellett, Andrea Nicolia, Jared Northrup, Ryan Osvath, Sarah Palazza, Ashley Rutland, Kaitie Samland, Mary Scherrer, Christopher Stessing, Scott Suszczynski, Jameela Syed, Caitlin Taylor, Maritina Tsembelis
Grade 10: Kelli Adreon, Amy Bidell, Simarjot Cheema, Hannah Cliff, Dustin Coryn, Aaron D’Angelo, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Victoria Fortman, Rachel Gaydosh, Matthew Hazelet, Taylor Jackson, Joshua Kahn, Michael Karpie, Matthew Ludwig, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Neutz, Susan Pioli, Alexander Richter, Kuljit Singh, Carly Snyder, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Nicholas Vitello, Kelly Williams, Brianna Wojnar
Grade 11: Ellen Betterson, Brandon Caldwell, Kelly Cich, Cassandra Coffey, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Caitlyn Driscoll, Jacob Ferrante, Alexandra Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Anthony Perna, Matthew Riley, Carrie Schooping, Brandi Skill, Robert Stewart, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Shana Wierchowski
Grade 12: Abigail Cliff, Vincent Covatto, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Emily Kahn, Cassandra Lange, Sarah Mye, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Bessie Zhang
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Alyssa Accardo, Kaitlyn Affuso, Sarah Ali, Richard Amantia, Jonathon Anderson, Stephanie Aronica, Adam Asbach, Elisabeth Asbach, Kimberly Asbach, Catherine Aughey, Stephanie Aughey, Alissa Bailey, Lisa Braun, Eric Breier, Sean Burke, Victoria Cacciatore, Amanda Camizzi, Kenneth Cerrillo, Kaitlyn Chapin, Krystal Chapin, Michael Chauby, Kathryn Cobello, James Cooke, Courtney Cox, Samatha Darby, Renee Doermer, Sarah Dolan, Maria Edel, Marwa Eltagouri, Kearney Erhard, Nicholas Ernst, Kayla Fermoile, Hillary Figler, Jeremy Figler, Joseph Fischer, Victoria Fleming, Rahsanica Ford, Alexander Fry, Kate Garten, Anthony Genova, Mary George, Christopher Gibney, Sara Grana, Anthony Grande, Maria Grant, Jill Greinert, Maria Guidotti, Chelsea Hall, Susan Head, Kelly Hooven, Krystin Hoppel, Timothy Howley, Sara Huttenmaier, Courtney Justus, Raman Kaur, Joel Klock, Kristy Knickerbocker, Brian Kulak, Savanna Kustra, Jeffrey LaRiviere, Steven Lillian, Joshua Little, Elizabeth Lorence, Daniel Major, Aman Mattu, Keran Mattu, Thomas McDonnell, Nicole McGuire, Christopher Moody, Michael Neumann, Erika Osberg, Deanna Paternostro, Breanne Rafferty, Jessica Randhawa, Michael Rayhill, Elizabeth Restey, Kyle Schutrum, Spencer Seese, Zaeem Shah, Margaret Shonitsky, Keith Skelly, Jamie Sobieski, Benjamin Soos, Vincent Spada, Michael Sperrazza, Blake Stanwick, Kelly Stark, Rachel Starr, Alexander Strauss, Kasey Sumner, Rachel Surdi, Samantha Tilkins, Kristin Wegrzyn, Eric Weigold, Zakiyyah Wilbert, Sara Wilczek, Nicole Winter, Molly Wynne
Grade 10: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Peter Aronica, Alexandria Avery, Nichole Barrett, Sarah Bastian, Lee Becker, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Allison Boron, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Kyle Clayton, Caitlin Cook, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Kira Dennis, Michaeline Dera, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicolette Fadel, Melissa Fargino, Shannon Farmer, Gregory Feathers, Christopher Fiels, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Kayla Gallagher, Leah Gangloff, Jordan Gibson, Samantha Gieselman, Andrew Ginsburg, Anthony Gugino, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Kaitlyn Hardison, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Molly Hyland, Alexandra Imperi, Kaitlin Incorvia, Caroline Kaminski, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Victoria Kowzan, LeAnna Kozlowski, Erin Krieger, Tristen LaBarre, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Carolina Luciani, Mia Magliazzo, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kimberley Mellett, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Genna Nuchereno, Mallory O’Connor, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Marvin Pawlowski, Destiny Perez, Sarah Pici, Christopher Podlucky, Jamie Raepple, Brandon Robinson, Lance Robinson, Michele Rossi, Robert Rutland, Kayla Salonek, Jennifer Schaber, Victoria Schaber, Lee Schuster, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kaileen Shoemaker, Eric Siwicki, Griffin Smith, Alyssa Spada, Sara Stenzel, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Emily Thompson, Justine Vanthoff, Alexandra Whitford, Lauren Whitney, Shaun Winter, Arlene Wunsch, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 11: Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Chelsea Baran, Ashley Bass, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Haley Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Heather Brooks, Courtney Catalano, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Anthony Daubney, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Sean Duff, Christina Eldridge, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Kelsey Fortman, Timothy Franklin, John Gannon, Shari Geblein, Nicholas Geib, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Michael Heftka, Cathryn Hillard, Jennifer Huber, Ian Johnson, Sara Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Nathaniel Keefe, Amanda Kennedy, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Jacob Leffler, Kaitlyn Little, Michael Magaris, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Amber Meyers, Nathaniel Miles, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Sara Orsolits, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Jordan Ricigliano, Joycelyn Rockwood, Audrey Senf, Joseph Shanor, Aleem Shariff, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Theodore Slipko, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Jessica Sturniolo, Elizabeth Szpala, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Noah Yanicki
Grade 12: Tracie Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Evan Busch, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Kiel Clarke, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Laura Curcio, Ashley DeMaria, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Brett Fiedler, Devan Golda, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Rachel Kaplan, Chelsea Kendra, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Ryan Link, Dianne Maerz, Sean McDermott, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Kelsey Nordvik, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Justina Potenzo, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Jonathan Schutrum, Nicholas Shemik, Stephanie Tolbert, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Rhianna Wing
Grand Island High School Merit Roll - November 2006
The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the first marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
Grade 9: Antonio Amin, Kolby Banker, Kelsey Bettinger, Jovana Bichler, Christina Borden, Patrick Brady, Anthony Bruno, Nathan Busch, Jason Caldwell, Julianna Capizzi, Mary Chiaravalle, Joseph Connors, Anne Cooper, Anthony Darpino, Kayla Deuble, Robert Domagala, Jordan Dudish, Alexander Fabiilli, Christopher Franklin, Samantha Green, Amy Grenke, Korey Hagen, Eric Harnden, Kelsey Hayden, James Heberlein, Emily Incorvia, Shaughn Irving, Matthew Kasprzycki, Nicholas Kelly, Laura Koller, Andrew LaLonde, Phillip Lenz, Sarah Lew, Ernest Little, Kori Loder, Scott Ludwig, Michael Lydle, Zackery Manquen, Daniel Mathes, Travis McGilveary, Sara McNulty, Hayley Metro, Michael Montaldi, Christopher Mornelli, Michael Mucci, Courtney Papaj, Danielle Perri, Alexander Re, Robert Ross, Anthony Russell, Robert Schiffhauer, Jonathan Seaman, Allison Snell, Michael Stallard, William Sundeen, Timothy Symington, Patricia VeRost, Aria Yanicki, Sarah Young, Rebecca Zimmerman, Travis Zukic
Grade 10: Adam Alkhatib, Anthony Aughtmon, Viktoria Belous, Sean Benninger, Chelsea Bonadonna, Marissa Booker, Tyler Booth, Brianna Busch, Jonathan Caruana, Christina Christiano, Mariah Christie, Christopher Colan, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Joseph Edel, Jenna Fanara, Lauren Fermoile, Brianna Fetzer, Amanda Geis, Zachary Gilbert, Krista Goff, Heather Goris, Brendan Hall, Adam Helman, Karen Hillock, Michael Hillock, Stephanie Hunt, Ryan Johnson, Jennifer Kane, Adam Kelly, Tristan Kessler, Haroon Khawar, Nicholas Lovetro, George McCraith, Danielle McGuire, Amanda Meyer, Jenna Modica, Samantha Morrison, Nicholas Muoio, Erin O’Connor, Brian O’Keefe, James Pezzino, Lindsey Pieri, Lauren Priest, Alexis Raepple, Kathryn Raiser, Jeffrey Riederer, Rachel Rogers, Joseph Romano, Michael Rustowicz, Anthony Schojan, Zachary Seiling, Alexander Spies, Kyle Spratford, Andrew Stange, Jonathan Stein, Mitchell Stessing, Robert Tates, Charanjot Tiwana, Ryan Vertino, Matthew Violanti, Megan Wagner, Allison Walker, Edward Weiser, Christopher Wilczek
Grade 11: Steven Accardo, Joseph Amsdill, Kimberley Banas, Jourdain Benoit, Micahlena Beyer,
Jared Billica, Amy Blocho, Thomas Breier, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Christopher Carter, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Richard Cribbs, Jeffrey Cronos, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Jessica Doyle, Victoria Eldridge, Christopher Eley, Julia Fleming, Chelsea Fulle, Carl Grant, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Joseph Kobza, Sara Kurpiewski, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Lisa Mager, Kurt Makowski, Edward Mallwitz, Kirk Manquen, Stephen Mathes, Courtney Mulvey, Angelo Napolitano, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Rachel Olszewski, Jessica Oyer, Sara Palazzolo, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, David Perri, Anthony Poupalos, Lauren Quattrini, Caitlin Radecki, Justin Raiser, Jose Rivera, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Scott Ross, Stefane Samland, Luis Serrano, Patrick Sexton, Lauren Stanwick, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Natalie Suppa, Melanie Switalski, Jaffer Syed, Michael Symington, Andrew Tedesco, Jacquava Thompson, Nicholas Tomkins, Shawn Vanderbrook, Richard Vanthoff, Andrea Whitefield, Patrick Winters
Grade 12: Benjamin Angelo, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Christopher Bidell, Erin Bonaquist, Timothy Burns, Krista Burzynski, Heather Buzzelli, Darryl Caldwell, Bradley Caruana, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Jamison Crawford, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Courtney Donovan, Emily Eisenberger, Rachel Eisenhauer, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Krystal Ferguson, Nicole Fischer, Alicia Fisher, Daniel Gadawski, Thomas Geib, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Robert Justen, Jared Kazmierczak, Daniel Kilian, Brianna Konopa, Jessica Kuehne, Gabrielle Lapp, Lawrence Loveless, Jacqueline Lunick, Joseph Mash, Corey McGowan, Justin McInerney, Samantha Miller, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Christian Nole, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Kyle Oursler, Zachary Parisi, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Shannon Quinn, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Abigail Richards, Jasmine Rivers, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Matthew Scibilia, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Matthew Stoddard, Victoria Strada, Kristin Swan, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Zachary Tondera, Kristina Waz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams, Melanie Wing
High School News - November 30, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
This upcoming week at Grand Island Senior High School, we will try once again attempt to have our annual Pep Rally and Homecoming Dance which was postponed due to an unwelcome surprise by Mother Nature. I know that it doesn’t quite seem the same because it’s been so long since our homecoming football game but that’s okay because we know how to have fun!
Many of us have survived the dreaded arrival of report cards and parent teacher conferences and are now ready to start the next marking period with a little better attitude. I know I am or so that’s what my parents tell me! Now on a more serious note, if you need a break from studying, please consider doing some volunteer work or take advantage of some of the services that volunteers are doing. Last Sunday, some members of Interact Club were on hand to wrap gifts at the Fashion Outlet Mall. Much to our disappointment we only had three customers. Please consider having your gifts wrapped. It saves you time and the money goes to many good causes, like Opportunities Unlimited, which was the organization that Interact Club was sponsoring.
Only 25 days until Christmas. Keep in mind while your doing your holiday shopping that the Junior Class is selling Fowlers Candy bars, the Freshman Class is selling mittens and gloves at $5.00 a pair, and the Sophomore Class is selling fleece Viking blankets for $25.00 each.
High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
November 30, 2006 . . .
On Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21, Grand Island High School held auditions for this year's musical, Beauty and the Beast. Students were asked to prepare a song to sing in front of other students and judges, as well as learn a dance routine as part of the audition. The following day after all auditions were completed, a callback list appeared around the high school. After school on Wednesday, November 22, students who were called back read parts from the script to see which they were most suited for. The cast list will be posted this week on Tuesday, November 28 for students to see. The musical production will take place from Thursday, February 1 through Saturday February 3. Good Luck to all who tried out!
High School News - November 22, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to take a minute and think about what the holiday is truly about and please say a prayer for our troops. Now for some school new. . .well I’ve got good news and for some . . not so good news. The good news is that we have an extra long weekend due to Thanksgiving and the not so good news is that we’ve got Friday off because of parent teacher conferences, which makes me think our first report cards are soon to be in the mail. Not too worry . . I’m sure we all did our best.
Class of 2009 Selling "Viking" Blankets - 2006
Viking Logo On Fleece Stadium Blanket
The Grand Island High School Class of 2009 is selling gray sweatshirt fleece stadium blankets that feature a Viking and say "Grand Island Vikings" in royal blue. The cost is $25 each (including tax). Money is due upon delivery. Blankets are being sold by many sophomores and in the high school library and room 231. Delivery will be prior to the December holiday break. Orders will be taken until Friday, December 1, 2006. Anyone interested in purchasing a blanket can e-mail Ms. Hickey at rachaelhickey@k12.ginet.org or come to the library on Parent/Teacher Conference day (Monday, November 27, 2006) from 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
Spanish Students Help Relay For Life - November 2006
(left) Student Teacher Miss Kristina Franklin, Spanish Teacher Mrs. Amanda Myers, and students Kelsey Mash, Hannah Cliff and Conor Bryan.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
Mrs. Mandy Myers’ high school Spanish III class was recently asked to develop an advertisement for the American Cancer Society to promote healthy living to the U.S. Spanish-speaking population. Mrs. Myers, who is a Grand Island Relay for Life committee member, and her student teacher, Kristina Franklin, decided to incorporate the cancer topic into the current healthy lifestyle unit in their classroom. Students were asked to develop slogans in Spanish to encourage staying fit. Popular slogans referred to things such as not smoking, using sunscreen, eating healthy foods, and staying active. Mrs. Myers’ students have also been making donations to the American Cancer Society by purchasing $1 Relay sun cards, which are now being displayed on the classroom door. She is hoping to encourage her students to participate in this year’s Relay for Life on June 8, 2007.
Spotlighters' Voices from the High School Well Done - November 2006
(right photo) Missy Thompson and T.J. Slipco - Click photos for a larger view.
Lee Becker and Shannon Farmer - Nick Vallina and Amy Bidell - Juliana Burkhart - Click photos for a larger view.
Forrest Smith and Vinny Covatto - Abram Morgan and Ryan Guagliano - Amy Bidell - Abram Morgan - Click photos for a larger view.
Voices from the High School, the Grand Island High School Spotlighters production presented November 17-18, 2006 was well worth the effort and long hours of rehearsals under the direction of Kathie Scarafia and Tracie Groves. The entire cast played their parts very well. There were no "stars of the show" making the play extra special for all who attended as their "star" took center stage and an opportunity to shine.
High School News - November 16, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
First I would like you to note that there are 38 days until Christmas, if you haven’t found
somewhere to volunteer your time for those less fortunate, you may want to ask your guidance counselor, your class advisors or any of your friends who might be involved in
various clubs. It really doesn’t take much of your time and it truly does make a difference.
Last Thursday evening, the girls tennis team enjoyed their tennis banquet. All of the new players received their varsity letters, and others received varsity pins. Courtney Donner was awarded the Varsity Award by Coach Julie (Roth) Neville.
Have you ever taken a moment to check out the Grand Island Central School website? It provides a wealth of information to both parents and students. Not only does it provide things like the school lunch menus, it offers the school calendar, upcoming events, sports schedules, high school morning announcements, plus a whole lot more. It is worth checking out and possibly bookmarking under your favorites.
Next week is a short week due to Thanksgiving. Naturally we are all thankful for a short week but we should acknowledge what we are truly thankful for and please remember to think about, and thank all of the service men and women who are fighting for our freedom.
High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
November 16, 2006 . . .The Grand Island High School Concert Choir had the privilege of performing at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, in a combined concert with the Syracuse University Singers this past Saturday night. This was quite an honor for the Concert Choir, as well as parents and friends, to hear a free concert of such caliber. Each choir sang four pieces of their choice, with the concert ending with a combined number titled Ride the Chariot. The college choir was a real inspiration to the Concert Choir, and now the students know that you can still be involved in music in college, and have fun with it!
My family had the privilege of housing two of the singers for the night after the concert. They told us all about their experiences, musically as well academically at Syracuse University over the past few years, which was a thrill to hear about. Overall, the night was a wonderful experience that was enjoyed by everyone.
High School Music Students Host Florida Orange/Grapefruit Sale - 2006
Grand Island High School band members and vocal and string students are offering Florida naval oranges and grapefruit to raise funds for their trip to national competitions. To order contact a band, orchestra or choral student by Sunday, November 19, 2006.
High School's Beauty and the Beast Program Is Great Advertising Opportunity - 2006
Ad space in the year's Grand Island High School musical program for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, is available and a great advertising opportunity for local businesses and a great way to support the arts and our students at Grand Island High.
Pricing information follows:
• 1/4 page ad - 2 1/4" X 3 1/2" = $25
• 1/2 page ad - 4 3/4" X 3 1/2" = $50
• Full page ad - 4 3/4" X 7 1/2" = $100
For an advertising form and more information, contact Cindy Wynne (producer) at cindywynne@k12.ginet.org or 716-773-8868. Completed form and payment with all ad material (camera-ready artwork) is due by January 8, 2007.
The Grand Island High School production takes place on the evenings of February 2, 3 and 4, 2007.
High School Parent/Teacher Conferences - 2006
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, November 27, 2006 in the High School from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m. Teachers will be in their rooms – a list of room assignments will be posted. Appointments are not necessary.
Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2006
Courtney Anne Donner Bessie Zhang Brian Dolan
Courtney Anne Donner has been a resident of Grand Island all her life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. She is the daughter of Marilyn and John Donner. Throughout high school, Courtney has kept busy with her involvement in extracurricular activities with the school, sports and community service.
A consistent honor roll student, Courtney has received the certificate of academic excellence, academic pin and the academic letter. She has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll, both for the past two years.
The Pride of the Island has been awarded to Courtney three times. After eighth grade and nine years of Girl Scouts, she received the Silver Award which is the second highest Girl Scout award.
Courtney has a great passion for music and is very involved in the music program. She has been in the distinguished wind ensemble for three years, and is the vice president and first chair clarinet. In the concert band for three years, she played the clarinet and trombone and was vice president in her sophomore year. All four years of high school, Courtney has been in the pep band as well as the jazz band, playing the saxophone and trombone. Also, she has been in the pit orchestra for the school musical the past two years. Courtney has participated in several honors ensembles including All-County and Area All-State. Recently, as a result of her A-plus audition scores of 100 and 99, she received at the Conference All-State audition, she was named an alternate on both the B flat and E flat clarinets. In March, she will be traveling to Syracuse to be the second chair clarinet in the New York State Band Directors Association High School Honor Concert Band. By the end of her sophomore year, Courtney received her varsity letter, first and second varsity pins, special all white letter and special band pin in music. She was honored with the Most Improved Musician award her freshman year. She has currently been a member of the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas for two years and has been a member of the Grand Island Community Band for four years.
In school, Courtney is a member of the girls tennis team. Playing varsity all four years, she has been captain for the last two years and voted rookie of the year and most dedicated player by her team mates her first two years playing. Courtney has received her varsity letter and three varsity pins in tennis as well as the scholar athlete award since her freshman year. She has gone to sectionals the past two years. Along with her partner this year, they won the Niagara Frontier League qualifying tournament for the Section VI girls tennis championship. This past season, the team finished in second place in their league. She was a member of the junior varsity lacrosse team in her freshman and sophomore years, serving as captain as a sophomore.
An active member of student council since freshman year, Courtney was an officer last year and is currently serving as vice president. She has given back to the community in various volunteer activities including helping with the Knights of Columbus charity dinners since 2001, teaching vacation bible school at St. Stephen's for four years and helping with the St. Stephen's garden club for two years. This summer she volunteered four days at Kingdom Bound and has also participated in Relay for Life, Street Lights Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Student Olympics, Share the Holiday Magic and at the Riverwoods Health Care Facility.
Courtney worked at Martin's Fantasy Island for two summers. Since May of 2005 she has been employed at Justin Tyme on the River Restaurant in Niagara Falls.
After graduation, Courtney plans on attending college to study music education. This would fulfill her dream since third grade of becoming a band teacher.
Bessie Zhang entered the Grand Island school system in second grade, when she moved from Williamsville, NY. She has since graduated from Huth Road Elementary School and Connor Middle School, and is currently a high school senior.
Bessie strives to succeed in all that she does. She has excelled academically during the ten years that she has spent in the district. By graduation, Bessie will have taken eight Advanced Placement classes and twelve honors classes in high school alone. Her challenging academic schedule currently includes AP Psychology, AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Literature. She has made the high honor roll consistently, and has maintained close to a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Bessie also scored impressively on the SATs (including a perfect 800 on the writing portion). She has received various academic awards, on both the national and local levels. Academics aside, she has also been named as an All-Star Cheerleader (twice) by the UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association), and as the Pride of the Island.
Bessie is also extremely active in her school's community. She has been a cheerleader for Grand Island schools for seven years, and is currently co-captain of the high school's Varsity squad. Previously, she was both a violinist for nine years and a lacrosse player. Unfortunately, her exceedingly busy schedule did not allow her to continue these activities. While she was a member of the school's orchestra, however, she was selected to play in the all-County and Area All-State Orchestras. She is currently a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club (a community-service based club that works with organizations like Habitat for Humanity) and Life Lessons (a group that seeks to educate students about organ donation.) She is also an employee of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Bessie has always been, and continues to be, passionate about community service. To date, she has completed over 300 hours of volunteer work for various organizations. She has been a skating instructor for SABAH (Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped) for two years. She has also worked as an errand-escort volunteer at both Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. In addition, she is a tutor for Regents-level Biology students. This summer, she was also accepted to work as a research assistant for scientists researching androgen-independent prostate cancer at Roswell Park.
One of the main factors contributing to Bessie's success is the fact that she is very ambitious. She will be applying to Duke University this fall as a biology major. She hopes to continue on to medical school and, eventually, a residency in plastic surgery. Although she is set on completing the rest of her education outside of Western New York, she may eventually return to the area to open her own cosmetic/reconstructive surgery clinic.
Brian Dolan has lived on Grand Island his whole life. He has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten, and has excelled both academically and in other areas at school.
He has achieved either High Honor Roll or Honor Roll status since the beginning of middle school in sixth grade. In high school, he has received his academic certificate, pin, and letter. Last year he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Brian has been published in "Who's Who Among American High School Students." He has also been recognized by the National Honor Roll.
Brian has taken advantage of the honors classes at Grand Island since the sixth grade. He is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Calculus, and AP Physics, as part of a full schedule.
He has also been involved with extracurricular activities at the school. This year he is a member of the Varsity Volleyball team. Brian has also been involved with the music program at Grand Island since the fourth grade. Since then, he has performed with the Jazz Band, Pep Band, and for the last two years has been a member of the Wind Ensemble, which is the audition instrumental group.
Brian has also been active in his community. He has been very involved with both the Trinity United Methodist youth group and the Young Life organization. Brian has completed multiple service projects with both groups, including three week-long workcamps with the Trinity youth group during the summers.
After graduation, Brian plans to attend college and pursue a degree in engineering and perhaps a career in medicine after that.
High School News - November 9, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
It won’t be long before we need winter coats, hats, gloves and mittens, so I thought I would like to mention that the freshmen class is selling mittens and gloves for $5 a pair. The mittens can be purchased from Mrs. Wynne in rm. 122. Grand Island Senior High School is also looking for actors and actresses for their production of Beauty and the Beast. Scripts may be picked up in the library and sign up for audition time is outside of the chorus room. Mark your calendars on the 17th of November, The National Honor Society members will be sponsoring their annual spaghetti dinner. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. The High School Spotlighters will be performing on the evenings of the 17th and 18th of November as well. Interact Club, along with the Grand Island Rotary Club was busy last week collecting money and new undergarments for the Buffalo City Mission and Corner Stone Manor.
P.S. Only 46 more days til Christmas.
GIHS Girls Soccer Team Ties For Championship, Loses in Penalty-kick Shootout - 2006
The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team played Williamsville East in the Section VI championship game ending in a 3-2 score in favor of the Williamsville East Flames on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
According to the Niagara Gazette article by Jonah Bronstein (Wed., Nov. 8, 2006): GI sent freshman goalie Kristin Wegrzyn into net for the shootout. Junior starter Allie Weiser left the game between the first and second overtime periods after taking a blow to the head. "I think she would have made the difference," Vikings coach Dave Bowman said.
Click for the "Buffalo News Story" by Miguel Rodriguez.
High School News - Spotlighters Play - Spaghetti Dinner - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
November 9, 2006 . . .
The Grand Island High School Spotlighters drama club will be performing for the public community in a few weekends with their play, "Voices From the High School." The play is very different from the past, because it is a collection of monologues and scenes created specifically for high school students to perform. It deals with the difficult issues in a high school student's life, such as love, hate, hope and hurt. The play will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, and again at the same time, on Saturday, November 18. Tickets are $3 per person. The play is directed by Ms. Nancy Scarfia and Tracie Groves.
Now, I know what you're thinking- why go to a show without dinner? Well, you're in luck, because the National Honors Society is putting on a spaghetti dinner in the high school cafeteria on Friday night November 17, before the play. There will be take-out from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the sit down dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $6, and children under 12 years can eat for $4. This dinner is open to the public, and would be a great way to support multiple groups at the high school.
High School Honor Society Hosts Spaghetti Dinner - November 2006
Members of the Grand Island High School Honor Society will host their annual spaghetti dinner on Friday, November 17, 2006. Take-out will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the sit down dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $6, and children under 12 years can eat for $4.
Island Students Attend DECA Regional Installation Dinner - November 2006
(left photo) Grand Island High School students and advisers who attended the installation.
(right photo) From left are Janeen Amantia, Corey McGowan, and Erica Barrett
Click photos for a larger view.
Over 60 students, parents, and administrators from Grand Island High School attended the annual DECA Regional Installation Dinner on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. This event is the official induction of members into DECA, a national business and marketing club. Grand Island’s Regional Representative, Janeen Amantia,helped induct all members during a candlelight ceremony. Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain, DECA advisor for Grand Island High School, would like to thank the administration and school board members attending the event for their continued support of this incredible business organization.
Spotlighters Drama Club Fall Play: Voices from the High School - November 2006
Jodi Robinson photos - Click photos for a larger view.
Members of the Grand Island High School Spotlighters drama club will put on their first production of the school year with the play, Voices from the High School by Peter Dee. The play is a collection of scenes and monologues that address what it’s like to be a teenager growing up today. Two performances will be held in the GIHS auditorium on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $3.
The cast is an ensemble of 27 students who play various roles and work as a group to perform and interpret this lively and active script. The play is directed by Kathie Scarafia and Tracie Groves.
GIHS Cross Country Takes 3rd At Sectionals - November 2006
The Grand Island Cross Country Teams just completed another successful season with a 3rd place finish at the Sectional Championships at Long Point State Park in Bemus Point. In less than ideal conditions, the Vikings competed in a snow storm with 4-6 inches and temperatures in the 30’s.
The Boys Team placed 3rd with the top finishers being sophomore Evan Tsembelis and senior Tim Fargino taking 9th and 10th respectively. Senior Brett Fiedler took 20th running his best race of the season, while junior Chris Carter was spiked at the beginning of the race and ran the entire race with the injury, placing 28th. The fifth runner was junior Ryan Hagen who ran another strong race, placing 30th. Senior Joe Mash took 38th and sophomore Jordan Gibson placed 45th. The team had their best time gap between 1- 5 runner at 1:02. Kenmore East won the race with 78 points, Starpoint was 2nd with 90 points and GI was third with 96 points.
The Girls Team took 8th place with the top finisher being junior Caitlyn Driscoll taking 18th place for her strongest performance of the year. Senior Emily Kahn ran another strong race and was 30th and Bridget George took 32nd. Rounding out the team were Traci Aladeen, 43rd; Karen Bellanca, 51st; Amber Spiesz, 54th; and Emily Thompson, 56th.
GIHS Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - November 2006
An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.
High School News - November 2, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
It's hard to believe that next Thursday, November 9, 2006 grades close and
we begin to embark on our second marking period. It's funny that when we
are sitting in class, time seems to move at a snail's pace but when you see
that we have almost completed one quarter of the school year, you realize
that it is really going by fast.
The high school band gave a stellar performance on Wednesday evening.
The concert was enjoyed by many families and friends. I would also like to
mention that on November 17, 2006 members the National Honor Society will be hosting
their annual spaghetti dinner. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for
children. The National Honor Society is seeking donations from local
businesses. Those interested can contact the school for more information
at 773-8820.
Also, be on the lookout for "Undies Sunday" (Nov. 5) as the Interact Club will be
looking for donations to buy underclothes for the homeless. Don't forget
that November 10, 2006 is Veteran's Day and unfortunately there is no
school.
High School News - Sports Sectionals - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
November 2, 2006 . . .The fall season is coming to an end at Grand Island, which means only one thing for sports teams- sectionals begin! Some teams are already competing at the sectional level, while others are just starting. The boys' varsity soccer team has unfortunately ended their season already, along with boys' varsity football, boys' varsity golf and girls' varsity tennis. Congratulations to all teams on a great season! However, still competing for GI are the boys' and girls' varsity cross country teams, girls' varsity soccer, and girls' varsity volleyball. Good Luck to all athletes!
This was a great season for all fall sports teams, and they thank their fans and community always supporting them!
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 2, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 11/2/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
Students Take Advantage Of College Fair 2006 - 2006
Click photos for larger view
The Grand Island Youth Board, sponsor of the October 26, 2006 College and Career Fair, extends appreciation to the colleges, universities and businesses that turned out for the college fair. The event was attended by approximately 50 students and their parents. The Youth Board continues to encourage youth development and would like to thank all those who attended.
Syracuse University Singers, GIHS Concert Choir To Perform at Whitehaven Baptist Church - 2006
The Syracuse University Singers, under the direction of John Warren, will perform several concerts around the Buffalo area during the weekend of November 10th through 12th. The concert will feature works by Johannes Brahms, Jeffrey Van, Eric Whitacre, Heinrich Schütz, and Thomas Weelkes. Syracuse University affiliate artist Ken Meyer will be featured on guitar. The choral group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, November 11, 2006 will feature a combined concert with the Grand Island High School Concert Choir at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church.
Grand Island Concert Choir will be performing works by Lotti, MacGillvray, Mulholland, and Lauridsen. The combined choirs will perform the traditional spiritual Ride the Chariot. Lillian Choi, a Grand Island High School graduate, is a member of the Syracuse Chamber Choir.
The University Singers is the top choral ensemble at Syracuse University. With 25 members, the choir performs a variety of music, from Renaissance to contemporary music. The ensemble has toured throughout the Northeast, and has done a week long tour of the Florida coast.
John Warren is Director of Choral Activities at Syracuse University, where he conducts the University Singers and the Hendricks Chapel Choir, and teaches conducting and choral literature to undergraduate and graduate students. From 1999-2005, Dr. Warren held a similar position at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. In 2005, Dr. Warren won the Younts’ Excellence in Teaching Award, the college’s highest faculty honor. He holds degrees from Furman University, the University of Concinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the University of Miami. In addition, Dr. Warren has worked with numerous outstanding conductors including Robert Shaw, Christoph Eschenbach, and Helmuth Rilling.
Kenneth Meyer is regarded by the Washington Post as, “…A thinking man’s guitarist who focuses on the inner structure of a piece and plays with impressive gravity and power.” The Buffalo News has called him, “Impeccably articulate with superb technique.” Meyer directs a thriving guitar studies program at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music and continues to be a featured lecturer, performer, adjudicator and teacher at festivals, colleges and universities throughout this country and abroad. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music and records for Albany Records.
The Syracuse University Singers will also perform at 7 p.m. Friday, November 10th at the First United Methodist Church in Canadaigua, NY; Sunday morning, November 12th at the 11 a.m. service at University Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, NY; and 3 p.m. Sunday, November 12th at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, NY.
Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
October 2006
Sarah Mye Sara El Houssieny Donald Turner III
Sarah Mye has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life, and has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. Throughout her school years, Sarah has managed to balance a challenging academic schedule with a variety of extracurricular activities.
Sarah began taking advanced classes in the fifth grade, and since then has accumulated four Advanced Placement credits, earning an AP Scholar with Honor Award from the College Board. This year she is also challenging herself, taking five AP courses including AP Calculus, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Literature and Composition. As a result of her demanding curriculum Sarah is currently valedictorian and has been awarded several academic recognitions including the Pride of the Island Award, National Honor Roll, Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award for excellence in Honors Physics, and an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter. However, Sarah's involvement at Grand Island High School is not limited to academics.
Sarah has been actively involved in many extracurriculars at the high school since her freshman year. These activities include the play, the musical, Spotlighters, Masterminds, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Corporate Bowl, and Concert Choir. In her sophomore year Sarah was the vice president of the Class of 2007, and in her junior year she was the treasurer of Interact Club. She is currently the treasurer for both Masterminds and Spotlighters, helping to organize fundraisers including the Costume Bash and several of the Spotlighters' movie nights. Last year Sarah received her varsity letters in both Masterminds and music, while her team placed third in the annual Corporate Bowl. Sarah also pursues her love of theatre at the Academy of Theatre Arts in Williamsville, where she has taken acting and dance lessons since her freshman year. This year Sarah earned a place in its theatre program, Teen to Teen, and will participate in workshops in WNY and in New York City.
Sarah has also been actively involved in her community through various service projects. She has participated in Habitat for Humanity, helped to ring bells with the Salvation Army, and since her freshman year, Sarah has been a team captain for Relay for Life. In addition, Sarah has spent much time participating in community theatre, earning leading roles in the Niagara Regional Theatre Guild's productions of The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker. Sarah is also very involved with North Presbyterian Church in North Tonawanda, directing this year's Christmas pageant.
After graduation, Sarah plans to continue pursuing her two loves, theatre and science at the university level.
Sara El Houssieny was born in Morristown, New Jersey and has been a resident of Grand Island for 14 years. Sara has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. She attended Sidway School, Huth Road Elementary as well as Veronica Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School. Sara has balanced her school agenda as well as extracurricular activities throughout her educational career.
During high school, Sara has involved herself with numerous clubs and activities. Sara has been a member of the Grand Island High School musical every year of her high school career. Junior year, Sara joined the Grand Island Spotlighters' Drama Club and has acted in the 2006 One-Act plays and is currently a cast member in the fall play. During her years at Grand Island High School, Sara has been a member of International Club, Humanities Club, and Student Council.
Sara has had a love of music her entire life. She has been a member of numerous Western New York honors choirs. She has participated as a choir member in ECMEA All-County Chorus five times during the course of her educational career. Sara has also received honorable scores at the NYSSMA Solo Festivals for the three years that she attended. By her junior year she had earned her Varsity Bar in Music. Sara takes advantage of all the extracurricular vocal groups that Grand Island has to offer. Sara has sung in the Grand Island High School Vocal Jazz Choir for three years. She has also been selected in her junior and senior year to be a member of the Grand Island High School Madrigals where she currently holds the office of vice president. Sara has been a member of the Grand Island Choir for all four years of high school and is currently choir vice president. She also plays an active role as being a member of the Grand Island High School Concert Choir and she is this year's concert choir president.
Music also plays a huge role in Sara's life outside of school. Sara has been selected as one of 85 singers across New York State to attend The New York State Summer School of the Arts - School of Choral Studies 2005 & 2006. This program is led under the direction of Conductor Dr. Brady Allred and is held for a month in the summer time at SUNY Fredonia. Sara was awarded honorable mention at NYSSSA 2006 as well. She has been a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir and has played an active roll as the youngest member of the group. Recently, Sara has auditioned and been accepted to the Buffalo Choral Arts High School Master Chorale 2006-2007 and devotes time to attend regular rehearsals.
Sara has challenged herself academically during her time at Grand Island High School. In her junior year, Sara took on Advanced Placement Language and Composition and currently she is enrolled in Advanced Placement Literature and Composition as well as Advanced Placement Music Theory. Sara has been a member of the High School Merit Roll and the High School Honor Roll.
Sara plays an active roll in her community. She has been captain of her team in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life for three years. Sara has also devoted her time to helping at the charitable events held by the Grand Island Lions Club. She has volunteered with the Lions Club Handicap Picnic and Spaghetti Dinner for many years.
After graduation, Sara plans on Double Majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as earning her Doctorate Degree in Choral Conducting.
Donald Turner III has been a resident of Grand Island his whole life. He has been enrolled in all Grand Island school district schools from Sidway to Grand Island Senior High School. His family, the Mondouxs, has lived on Grand Island for many decades, and is quite well known. Because of this, Donald is very proud to be living here today and going here to graduate. Donald is a very active student as well as a very active citizen in the community.
Donald has been a very intelligent student all through middle school and high school, always achieving honor roll or high honor roll status. He has been taking honors courses throughout his years in high school and has taken advantage of the many Advanced Placement Honors Courses offered at Grand Island Senior High School. He has taken AP Euro, AP U.S., and College level French in his junior and sophomore years. He is currently taking AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Government, AP Statistics, and AP Literature and Composition. He has earned many academic awards such as an Academic Award for Excellence certificate, pin and varsity letter. Donald has also won a Certificate of Achievement from the New York State Senate for Achieving High Academic Honors.
Donald has been involved in many extracurricular activities in his years at Grand Island High School. He has been on the Masterminds Team and History Club all four years in high school. He was on the varsity bowling team his sophomore year. Donald has received a varsity letter for bowling and Masterminds. He is participating in even more extracurricular activities his senior year, such as DECA, PTSA, and National Honor Society, for which he is the secretary. He is also serving as a teacher aide for Mrs. Lori Burns, a math teacher at Grand Island High School, and helps her everyday with attendance, organization, and tutoring students.
Donald has participated very actively in every vocal program offered in the school district since third grade. This pattern has remained constant even in high school, where he has participated in all music programs offered at Grand Island High School at one time last year. Donald has gone in early three times a week at 6:30 a.m. for Madrigals, The Dominant Force, and Vocal Jazz for the past two years and still does this school year. He was in choir in his freshman and junior year and was in Concert Choir for his sophomore, junior and senior year. He was involved in the high school musical for the past three years and will be involved again in this year's musical, "Beauty and the Beast." Donald has also been selected for special choirs, such as All-County Choir in his freshman and junior years. He has gone to Solo Festival twice and has received excellent scores. He has received many awards for all of these music activities including two varsity letters and pins.
Donald is involved in many activities in the community as well as in school. He was a religious education helper for St. Stephen's Church. He has been active in Boy Scouts since fifth grade and is currently working on achieving the rank of Eagle. He has planted trees in Veteran's Park near the volleyball court for his Eagle project. He is a police explorer and has participated with them in helping to direct traffic for Grand Island's Fourth of July parade. Donald is also one of the first to be involved in the Grand Island Fire Company's new Cadet program, in which he goes through training and attends classes weekly to become a fireman. He responds to fire calls everyday and was very active in restoring Grand Island after the October 12th snowstorm this year. He worked steadily from about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, when the first call went out, to around 11 p.m. Friday night. He answered over 185 calls through the long night and day. Through everything else that he does, Donald still manages to hold a steady job at Wendy's and can frequently be seen there.
Donald would like to thank his parents for all their support in his life. After graduation, Donald plans to attend college for education and business. He also plans on becoming a volunteer fireman for the Town of Grand Island.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 26, 2006
Courtney Donner and Lauren McGowan, Girls Doubles Tennis Champions
Click "Sports Briefs 10/26/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
High School News - October 26, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
Trying to catch up on some missed football, the Grand Island Vikings played a Sunday night, October 22 game against Medina and were unfortunately defeated. At Monday night's Board of Education Meeting the Homecoming Dance was approved for Saturday, December 9. Beginning Monday, December 4 we will have SPIRIT week ending on Friday, December 8 with PEP rally. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side. Tonight, Thursday October 26, there is a college fair sponsored by the Grand Island Youth Advisory Board. Representatives from various colleges and universities will be on hand to distribute literature and answer any questions.
Pre-Order GIHS Venture Yearbooks Now - 2006
The Grand Island Venture Yearbook staff is proud to announce the first sale of the year for their 2007 edition of the school yearbook. Students may pre-order their book at the high school on Thursday, October 26 or Friday, October 27. Yearbooks will be sold in Mr. Simpson's room 171, Mrs. Chamberlain's room 153, Mr. Ball's room and Mrs. Mele's room during the day. The cost for the first sale is $60. Seniors who order their book during this sale will receive free name stamping and underclassmen may get namestamping for $5.
There are 600 books on order and over 1090 students in the school. Please make sure you receive your book by pre-ordering. Any questions, please call Mr. Simpson at the HS Business Office, 773-8879.
Seniors are also reminded that the final day to take or submit senior portraits is Friday, October 27th. Lifetouch, the official school photographer, will be in the school on Friday for Senior Portraits. Seniors are asked to see Mr. Simpson for an appointment. A sitting fee of $10 will be charged but will cover both the senior portrait for the book and the composite picture for the Viking Mall.
High School News - Pep Assembly, Homecoming Dance Dates Set - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
October 24, 2006 . . .
You can postpone Spirit day, but the Viking Spirit will always triumph! Mother nature tried to dampen our spirits last week. School was canceled, as well as the Homecoming Dance and Pep Assembly. However, Grand Island High School's Homecoming Dance will be postponed until Saturday, December 9. Pep Rally will also be the previous day, December 8th, with both fall and winter sports allowed to participate. This may have come as a shock to many students, but this alternative might allow for other winter athletes to participate in the Pep assembly. Athletes and students will be more thoroughly informed as we get closer to that time, and we hope that this alternative will bring the entire student body together once again.
Personally, I had an unforgettable experience when the power did go out on Thursday night, as well as my sixteen teammates who were here to share it with me. When we had heard that school, as well as the Pep Assembly, and Homecoming were canceled, many of us were devastated. From seniors to freshmen, we knew that we wanted this more than anything, and began to come up with a plan. We came up with the idea of writing a personal letter to Mrs. Anzalone, which explained how much Pep Rally has meant to us over the past 3 years, and this year, as seniors, it meant the most. We also tried to convince all of the other team captains to do the same, hoping that our attempt would give us what we desperately hoped for. We have finally gotten our wish, and are very thankful to our school administration for their patience and support. I know that this Pep Rally and Homecoming will be one to remember, and we are ever grateful to those who made it possible.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 19, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/19/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
High School News - Costume Bash Announced - 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
Many students were disappointed this week as Mother Nature defeated the Grand Island
Vikings. All of the Homecoming festivities as well as the game were cancelled due to the weather. The postponed homecoming game played on Tuesday (Oct. 17) between the Lockport Lions and the Grand Island Vikings also proved to be a disappointment, as we were defeated 7-0. The weather, along with the power outages, were also deciding factors in the cancellation of school on both Friday (Oct. 13) and Monday (Oct. 16). Don’t forget costume Bash this Saturday, tickets may be purchased during lunches. One last reminder that yearbooks will be for sale next week. Please check the signs around the school.
High School News - Spirit Week Cut Short - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
October 19, 2006 . . .This previous week, Grand Island High School celebrated Spirit Week. Students were allowed to participate in 'spirit days,' which consisted of Retro Day, Western Wednesday, and Character/Hero Day. On each day, students dressed up in costume according to the day's theme. Each of these theme days leads up to Friday, which is Blue and White day, or Spirit Day. Unfortunately, our spirit week was cut short because of the cancellation of school on Friday, October 13th due to the storm. High School students are hopeful that administration will be willing to reschedule the Pep Assembly, as well as the Homecoming football game and dance. Students were extremely disappointed when school had to be cancelled during such an exciting time, but we know that the GIHS staff has our best interest at heart, and we are grateful for their re-consideration of these events.
High School News - Wednesday Concert Time Changed - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
The crazy weather has finally passed on Grand Island, however, the craziness of schedules and happenings of students at Grand Island High School have not! Because of conflicting sporting events, on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, the High School Choral and String Concert has been moved from a 7:30 p.m. start time to 8 p.m. The concert will feature the Grand Island High School Choir, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and The Dominant Force ( Men's Choir)- all under the direction of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken. The Grand Island High School Orchestra will also be performing that night, directed by Ms. Debra Remson.
The community's support would, and is always, greatly appreciated by all groups performing that Wednesday night. Even if you do not have any friends or family performing in the concert, come out and listen to a free night of entertainment for you by some extremely talented students of Grand Island!
JV/Varsity Football Rescheduled for Tuesday, October 17th - 2006
The Grand Island/Lockport JV and Varsity games have been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2006.
Homecoming &
Spirit Assembly Update - 2006
School District Office, Oct. 16, 2006 . . .Homecoming and Spirit Assembly activities are postponed until the GIHS Student Council can get together with administration to reschedule the activities. Unfortunately there is a fair amount of faculty/staff who continue to have issues with electricity and flooding. Grand Island High School apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
High School News - Five-Week Grade Warning - 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
It seems like yesterday was the first day of school but it’s already the
second week into October and it is time for the five-week warnings. Instead
of thinking of them as negative we should look at them as a reminder that we’ve still got time to improve our grades before report cards are sent home.
This past Saturday morning (Oct. 7), Interact Club joined members of the Grand Island Rotary Club
and helped to pick up litter along the Beaver Island Parkway. It only took
a few hours and left them with a good feeling of accomplishment. Also, the
Girls Tennis Team completed their season on Tuesday, October 10th ranking second place up
one from last year. For some of the team it was their final game as
seniors. Good Luck to Vida Rostami, Courtney Donner, and Shannon Howley.
This week is spirit week at Grand Island High School with Tuesday being
retro-day, Western Wednesday, Thursday is character/hero day and Friday is
School Spirit day including a pep rally. Homecoming is Saturday with the
Vikings playing against Lockport. We’ve all got our fingers crossed. Our
Homecoming Dance is Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Also would
like to mention yearbook orders are on sale October 26 and 27 for $60.00 If
you preorder on either of these days, seniors will get their name stamped
for free and underclassmen can get their name stamped for $5.00 extra.
Remember there are a limited number of yearbooks to be sold.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 12, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/12/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
High School News - Disney World Cross Country Classic - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
The Grand Island Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams had an extension to their summer as they traveled down to Orlando, Florida on October 6-9 to compete in the Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic. Both boys' and girls' teams did very well, considering it was 90 degrees for a high on their race day! However, they endured the heat, with Captain Tim Fargino leading the way for the boys, and Captain Bridget George leading the girls.
The weekend also included slower-paced excitement as they enjoyed day trips to Disney's Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach water park. The participants feel proud and lucky to have represented Grand Island High School at such an important event, and they thank everyone who helped to make it possible.
Vikings Defeat Lew-Port 14-9 - 2006
By Coach Dean Santorio
The Varsity Football Team defeated Lewport last Friday night (September 29, 2006) by a score of 14-9. The defense was led by Senior Captain James Rayhill who recorded 12 tackles and 3 sacks. Starting Quarterback Matt Klock unfortunately broke his leg on the third play of the game which gave Joe Oliverio control of the offense for the rest of the night. Joe did a great job in leading the team on two touchdown drives in the first half and ended the night 8 of 12 passing for 165 yards and a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Phil Wendt. Running back Mike Scappechio scored the first Viking touchdown on a 6-yard run that was set up by a 56-yard pass completion to Zach Tondera.
The big turning point in the game came when the Viking defense held Lewport on four straight downs on the Grand Island 1-yard line with the score 7-0 in favor of the Vikings. That is when the offense took advantage of the great defensive stop and went on a 99-yard drive to score with 15 seconds left in the half on the Oliverio to Wendt 30-yard scoring pass. In the second half Lewport was able to score after a Grand Island turnover in their own end to cut the lead to 14 - 7. In the fourth quarter a Lewport punt down to the Viking 1-yard line allowed the Lancer defense to record a safety in the end zone to cut the margin to 14-9. After the Vikings picked up two crucial first downs to run the clock down to 1:45 they had to punt to the Lancers. The Lewport offense was able to drive down the field with 6 pass completions to the Vikings 8-yard line with 8 seconds left. On the next play James Rayhill was able to pressure the Lewport Quarterback and force a tough throw to the end zone that sophomore Alex Neutz was able to intercept and seal the victory with one second remaining on the clock.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 5, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/5/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
Varsity Vikings Football Schedule - 2006
Sept. 2 - Albion, 2 p.m.
Sept. 8 - at Wmsv. South, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 - at Kenmore East, 2 p.m.
Sept. 23 - at Starpoint, 2 p.m.
Sept. 29 - at Lew-Port, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 - Sweet Home, 2 p.m.
Oct. 14 - Lockport, 2 p.m.
Oct. 21 - Wmsv. East, 2 p.m.
High School News - Senior Luncheon - 2006
By Caroline Boron - Student Writer
The senior class enjoyed a wonderful day on Friday, September 29, when they had their senior luncheon. This was a fun-filled day for seniors, as they were able to be independent young adults, who were rewarded for their hard work during their high school career. At the luncheon, the Class of 2007 listened to guest speaker, Duane Paddock of Paddock Chevrolet encourage each and every one of us to continue living our lives with passion in all that we do. I was very pleased with his speech and will now try and live by his words of encouragement throughout this next year and into college. I hope that the rest of my fellow students were able to grasp Mr. Paddock's message in the same way, because I know that his message will encourage me to succeed in something that I really desire, knowing that I am capable of doing anything.
Monday Night Spike At High School - 2006
Click photo for a larger view.
Monday Night Spike starts at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, October 2, 2006 at the Grand Island High School gym. Niagara Wheatfield is the opponent, and the Varsity girls will play best of 5 games in the front gym while the JV boys play 3 games in the back gym. Once those games are complete, the Boys Varsity will take the court in the main gym (probably about 6:15/6:30 p.m.) and the girls JV will play in the back gym. There should be plenty of spiking and digging for any fan, and there'll be baked goods and pizza available all through the evening. Plus - the first 30 spectators will receive a ticket for a free piece of pizza!
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 28, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/28/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
College Fair & Career Night October 26, 2006
The Grand Island Youth Board is sponsoring a College Fair & Career Night in the Grand Island High School's large cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road on Thursday, October 26, 2006.
• Registration - 6-6:30 p.m.
• Fair - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Participants so far include Alfred State, Bryant & Stratton, Daemen College, D'Youville College, Villa Maria College, University at Buffalo, Hilbert College, Houghton College, Niagara University, St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College, Trocaire College, Buffalo State College, SUNY Brockport, Canisius College ROTC, Niagara Army ROTC, HSBC Bank, Elderwood Senior Services, Mark J. Frentzel, Town Justice, Fuccillo Dealerships and Niagara Frontier Publications.
Also featured will be Military Recuiters, Business & Professionals, Financial Information, refreshments, and the addition of other college/university representatives.
For further information or questions, email "harry@giyb.com" or click www.giyb.com.
High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron - Student Writer
Students at Grand Island High School have begun to fall into a comfortable routine during the first month of school. They have now become more independent about their schedules and classes and are now becoming more interested in extracurricular activities that Grand Island has to offer. On three out of five days, Grand Island offers morning vocal ensembles for students to participate in. Men's Choir, Madrigals and Vocal Jazz are favorites among students. It takes extreme dedication and a true passion for singing for students, and the director, Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, to be able to arrive at the school at 6:30 a.m. and rehearse! These groups will be performing soon for public entertainment in upcoming 2006-2007 concerts, so keep a watch for them.
The class of 2007 will have the privilege of attending the Senior Luncheon to be held at Banchetti's Restaurant on Friday, September 29. They will be leaving school after third period, and then returning after the luncheon. During this spectacular feast, a guest speaker will talk to the senior class, giving them inspiration for their upcoming year. Also during this time, the Senior Superlatives are announced. Previously, seniors have been voting for one male and one female student who they think possesses different qualities. For example, the categories are often nicest hair, most comical, most likely to succeed, best dressed and so on. The seniors are looking forward to Friday and I know that it will be a memorable day for many.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 21, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/21/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron - Student Writer
Grand Island High School is off to another great start for the new 2006-2007 school year. From freshman to seniors, everyone is getting acquainted with new fellow students, as well as new authority. Since Dr. Dempsey and Mr. Miller's retirement in June of 2006, a new principal and assistant principal have been appointed by the school board. I had the pleasure of serving on the committee for selecting the new assistant principal, so I had previously met both Mrs. Anzalone and Mr. Swiatek. My first impression of Mrs. Anzalone was that she is an extremely warm, confident and knowledgeable woman who seemed very excited about getting to know both staff and students and Grand Island High School. I also had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Swiatek at an assistant principal committee interview this past spring. His firm, down-to-business, professional demeanor is one that will be a great help to our high school this year.
On a similar note, the Grand Island High School Student Council held its first meeting on Friday, September 15, and elected eight new officers for this school year. They include: President- Caroline Boron (senior), Vice President- Courtney Donner (senior), Treasurer- Allison Boron (sophomore), Secretary- Bailey DeGlopper (junior), and Decorating Committee- Diane Maerz (senior), Susan Pioli (sophomore), and Vince Covatto (senior). The Student Council is a group of high school students who are interested in assisting and planning certain events that will happen during the year. For example, we will soon begin to plan the Homecoming Dance for the fall, as well as Spirit Week and Winter Ball. All of these events really allow students to get involved in our school and show their school spirit in many different ways. I am very excited about all of our new officers and will continue to keep our community informed about all of our upcoming events.
I look forward to writing to you all again and giving you more updates and happenings from Grand Island High School.
High School Open House - September 2006
Grand Island High School will hold its annual Open House on Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Students will be given schedules to complete for their parents. Parents 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 Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 14, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/14/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
Varsity Vikings Beat Williamsville South 28-0 - 2006
By Justin Sondel
The Grand Island Varsity football team put out an extraordinary performance last Friday night (Sept. 8), completely shutting down the offense of the opposing Williamsville South. Although Grand Island’s offense certainly did their part, the defensive unit proved to be unbeatable, holding Williamsville to an astounding -2 offensive yards. James Rayhill and Christian Nestark posted 7 tackles each with Rayhill being more effective against the pass and Nestark shutting down the run. Rayhill had three sacks against a quarterback that coach Dean Santorio described as, “one of the better out of pocket, scrambling QBs in the league.”
While the defense disallowed Williamsville to gain any ground, the offense did their part recording four touchdowns throughout the course of the game. Matt McKenna accounted for 21 of the 28 points carrying the ball twelve times for 69 yards, scoring twice on the ground and once in the air. Matt Klock completed his passes 88% of the time, with 7 out of his 8 attempts finding the hands of his intended receiver. Klock threw for 89 yards including one 8-yard TD pass.
GI looked impressive on both sides of the ball and boast high expectations for the Blue and White in the future. While we can’t expect for every game to run as flawlessly as this one, the Vikings show promise and should not be slept on. Look for the key players in this bout to continue performing and for even more players to step up their game as the season progresses.
Next Game At Ken-East 2 p.m. Saturday, September 16th
Changes at Grand Island High School - 2006
By Vincent Coty, 11th grade student writer
Many different things are changing at Grand Island High School. Some of these changes will effect the school a lot, or not at all. One of the biggest or probably the biggest change that has happened is Dr. Dempsey, and Mr. Miller have retired, and now there is a new principal, Mrs. Anzalone, and a new assistant principal, Mr. Swiatek. There have not been many changes so far but already students have expressed how they feel about the new principal and assistant principal.
Last week the new administrators held little conferences with a couple of classes each period to go over the new rules, and some of the old rules. There are not a lot of changes this year which is good for the older students because they won't have to adapt to many new rules. One major rule that will most likely change, according to the new principals, is the length of detention. They have stated that they are trying to make detentions longer, that instead of going from 2:15-3:25 p.m., they are trying to make it from 2:15-4:25 p.m.. So instead of an hour detention, it will be a two-hour detention.
A current change in the dress code is that there is a no flip-flop rule. No flip-flops allowed in school might sound ridiculous, but it might be due to a health issue or something regarding safety.
During the last week, students started voicing their opinion about what they thought of Mrs. Anzalone. The overall student opinion is that she will not be as strict a principal as Dr. Dempsey. Other students just didn't like some of her new rules like the detention time, and others had no opinion to share. Mr. Simpson (Yearbook Accounting teacher and Varsity basketball coach) thinks that there will be no immediate changes, but sees new ideas coming in the near future. We will find out as the year progresses how this new principal will handle Grand Island High School. So let's welcome our new high school principal and assistant principal.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 7, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/7/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - September 2006
An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.
Varsity Vikings Ready For The Season - 2006
By Justin Sondel
For the past three weeks the Grand Island Varsity football team has been working diligently in preparation for their upcoming season. These young men have been sacrificing their lazy days of summer for brutal workout regiments in hopes that they will be able to turn out an impressive season. The team lost some of its key players to graduation this year, and so lacks the experience that they possessed in the prior season. Although on the surface this may seem discouraging, Head Coach Dean Santorio claims that what this team lacks in experience they make up for in heart and dedication.
Coach Santorio will need some of his more experienced players to step their games up this year if the team expects to be successful. One player to look for is the captain of the team, James Rayhill. Rayhill plays on both sides of the ball holding the starting tight end and defensive end positions. Last year Rayhill made the second team All WNY squad and hopes to make first team this year. When asked what he enjoyed most about his team captain, Coach Santorio said, “He never stops. He never quits on a play.” Another player to watch for is Phill Wendt who, despite standing at only 5’5” had the second most receptions on the entire team last year at the wide receiver position. Wendt is also a versatile player helping on the defensive side of the ball as a safety. Kong Chen and Andy Czerwonka will be expected to exhibit their experience on both the offensive and defensive line. As Coach Santorio put it, “These guys are our experienced players and so we will look to them for leadership.” A few other players to watch for who will be stepping up to starting positions for the first time this year are Mike Scappechio and Christian Nestark. Scappechio would have had a starting position last year, but had to sit out most of the season due to injury. This year he will be yet another both sides player starting at the running back and safety positions. Nestark will step up as the starting inside linebacker.
Although this team lacks the logged playing time of last year's team, they have a winning attitude, an attribute that is often most important. A record around .500 would not be a disappointment in this year of building but with the mindset that this team displays, an even more successful season is by no means out of the question. Look for a GI team that will, if nothing else, be exciting and fun to watch.
The Vikings' first game is at home on Masters Field, 2 p.m. Saturday, September 2nd against Albion.
Three's A Charm For Chalk Walk - 2006
Click photo for a larger view.
On Saturday, August 12th, a crowd witnessed three talented Grand Island High School students receiving once again the First Place title at the 22nd WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition. This blue ribbon ceremony makes three in a row for Grand Island. The many hot practices in the back parking lot of the high school over the summer paid off for Andy Sharpe (captain), Chris Damiani, and Brendan Waddington. The all male senior team began drawing on the asphalt street surface at noon and ended at the 4 p.m. deadline. This year’s theme, Renaissance Goes Surreal, directed the students to interpret the concept from two historic art periods. They chose a famous section from the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo: The Fall of Man and The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The task was to alter the Renaissance painting, turning it into a surreal composition. The team used surreal references from Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte and Max Ernst. Andy Sharpe retires from Chalk Walk after four years of excellent dedication.
Chalk Walk adviser was Grand Island High School Art Teacher Megan Gaiek
GIHS Students To Compete In WNY Chalk Walk Competition - August 2006
Three very talented art students from Grand Island High School will head to the 22nd Annual WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition on Saturday, August 12, 2006, being held in conjunction with the Lewiston Art Festival. The 2005 team received the highest honor last year, taking home the most prestigious first place title. It is the team’s goal to repeat their excellent performance and take first place again. This year’s team has two returning members, Andy Sharpe (captain) and Chris Damiani, and newcomer, Brendan Waddington. They have worked very hard over the summer perfecting their composition for this year’s theme: Renaissance Goes Surreal. The team has four hours to complete the 8-foot by 10-foot chalk drawing on the black asphalt surface. Come show your support throughout the contest. It begins on Fifth Street at noon and the students promptly end at 4 p.m. A raindate has been set for Sunday, August 13th.
GIHS Freshman, And New Student Orientation - July 2006
Monday, August 28 is the date for both student and parent orientations (Parents are welcome at either session). For each session you are requested to meet at the High School auditorium as follows:
• 11:00 a.m. the Student Orientation begins.
• 10:50 a.m. students may pick up their student packets. They may then tour the building and receive their schedules for the 2006-2007 school year.
• 11:00 the program begins
• approximately 11:30 a.m. students will have the opportunity to tour the academic wing following their schedules. Food will be on sale in the large cafeteria.
The Parent Orientation takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. From 6:15-6:30 p.m. Student-Parent Handbooks are available. It is requested that you pick one up in the Viking Mall outside the auditorium. The program will commence at 6:30 p.m. for parents only. GIHS strongly encourages all freshmen, new students and parents to attend the August 28 Orientation programs.
The first student day of school is Wednesday, September 6. There will be regular a.m. and p.m. transportation on that day. Students eligible for transportation will receive notification via the mail. Please contact the Transportation Department at 773-8890 with your transportation questions. Please do not contact the school, as they will not be able to answer your concerns.
2006 High School Registration for New Students - July 2006
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 Tuesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 24, 2006 from 8 a.m. to 1 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 can be expedited.
New students must provide the following information at the time of registration: proof of residence on Grand Island, original birth certificate, immunization records from a previous school and a copy of their academic transcript.
For more information and to schedule the appointment, call the high school guidance office at 773-8860 or 773-8866.
Grand Island High School Honor Roll - June 2006
The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Allison Boron, Simarjot Cheema, Hannah Cliff, Darren DelSignore, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Matthew Hazelet, Taylor Jackson, Matthew Ludwig, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Neutz, Alexander Richter, Robert Rutland, Jennifer Schaber, Sierra Seese, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Kelly Williams
Grade 10: Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Kelsey Fortman, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Jeremy LaBarre, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Anthony Perna, Alexandra Peters, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Shana Wierchowski
Grade 11:Karen Bellanca, Stephanie Cartwright, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent
