Williamson JULY 09

WHAT’S HAPPENINGJULY 2009

Congratulations Class of 2009!

Carrie Lergner - Valedictorian

Mary Doran - Salutatorian

Class of 2009

We did it!

Message from the Superintendent . . .Just because everything is different doesn’t mean that everything has changed. --Irene Peter As we say good-bye to the Class of 2009 and get ready to welcome the Class of 2022, it is a good time to reflect on what has changed and what still remains the same. The class that is leaving us will enter a world that is much different than the one their parents entered. This year has left an indelible mark on our country. The economic conditions this group will face as adults are something that has not been seen since the Great Depression. As this class struggles to find their place in the work force, they will have additional chal-lenges beyond the obvious economic ones. They will change their professions at least three times before they leave the work force. The Class of 2009 will have professions and jobs that we have not even heard of. They will probably not have the option of Social Security in retirement. Although there are many changes, the basics remain the same. They will have the same needs and wants that their parents and grandparents had--a family, a job that they enjoy and financial security. They also have a desire to make the world a better place. They may look different as they walk, text and twitter, but the generation before them did the same things, but in a non-electronic form. We passed notes and spent endless hours on the phone, they use their phones to text messages; thereby still spending endless hours on the phone. Much has changed but much does remain the same. When we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2022, it is hard to even imagine what they will face. As an educational institution, we have the responsibility to prepare them for their future. It is a future that in some ways will look different than those of the generations before. But many of the basics they need are the same as those we learned. That is said best by our district mission.

Our mission is to provide a learning community that inspires character, service, knowledge and wisdom.

I look forward to working with all of you to fulfill that mission.

Maria EhresmanSuperintendent of Schools

WILLIAMSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTUNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

FREE TO DISTRICT RESIDENTSOPENINGS AVAILABLE

Children that turn four years old on or beforeDecember 1, 2009 are eligible for this program

Morning and Afternoon SessionsTransportation available for all sessions

Call the District Office at 589-9661 for more information

Michael CollinsBoard of Education President

Message from the BOE President...“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” --Henry Ford

Another academic year has come full circle. Congratulations to the Class of 2009. You, your family and friends should be proud of your accomp-lishments. The road has not always been easy. The future may be uncer-tain but the resiliency and optimism that was present at graduation will serve you well as you make your way in the world. Well done.

This year we faced many challenges. The fiscal realities of state budget cuts combined with a lag-ging economy forced the district to make tough decisions. I want to thank the entire school dis-trict for their professionalism and dedication in the face of daunting circumstances. I would also like to take this opportunity to formally thank the community for supporting the school budget this year. We sincerely appreciate all of the input and insight that was provided to the board du-ring the year. It’s important for us to hear your concerns. Together we have weathered a difficult time.

It hasn’t been all “doom and gloom.” Our students have excelled academically. Our athletes have shown that Williamson is competitive at every level of play. Our community has worked together to provide a safe and nurturing environment that fosters citizenship and a solid foundation for our students. As the summer unfolds, take some time to walk around the different school buildings. The results of the district’s capital improvement projects are evident everywhere you go. The high school track is a great place to walk. Take advantage of the resources available to you and your families. It’s nice to stop for a moment and look around at the beautiful place we call home.

Even though school may be out for the summer, school work continues. Teachers and adminis-trators are engaged in planning, and training to prepare for next fall. The school board continues to meet and will conduct strategy sessions as we look to the future. I would like to extend special thanks to Ms. Karen Fitzgerald-Williams for serving on the board of education. We appreciated your contributions and thoughtful counsel on the many issues we faced together.

Finally I want to remind everyone that learning doesn’t stop just because the school year ends. Make it a point to learn something new every day. It could be as simple as a new word. The im-portant thing to remember is to keep open to learning. Exercise your brain. It keeps you young. On behalf of the school board, thank you for all your support this year.

Have a great summer,Michael L. Collins, PresidentWCS Board of Education

Middle School News . . .We have finished a successful year at the Middle School. Students and staff both worked very hard toward accomplishing the goal of high academic achievement. The student’s physical, social and academic growth was evident at all four grade levels.

The 8th graders have worked in their preparation for the High School. The challenge that lies ahead is inviting and will be supported by The Link Crew again this year. The Link Crew is a group comprised of upper classmen facilitating various activities for the incoming freshmen in support of their successful transition.

We welcome the new 5th graders to the Middle School. The transition has already begun with Big Buddy Day that took place June 8th, a team building exercise with next year’s 6th graders. The 5th grade teachers and the entire faculty will welcome the students and make them feel part of the Middle School family.

There were awards ceremonies at each grade level on the last day of school. Awards at the different grade levels included: Perfect Attendance; Presidential Physical Fitness; Merit, Honor and High Honor Roll Ribbons; Amer-ican Legion; President’s Education; Art; Skills Competition; Principal’s Choice; Physical Education; and various individual awards given by teachers highlighting student academic achievement and outstanding effort.

The end of the school year is a good time to reflect on accomplishments, lessons learned and to look forward to what the future might bring. We appreciate the continued support of the families. The faculty at the Middle School is committed to providing educational opportunities for the children of Williamson; together let us continue to celebrate achievement.

John E. FulmerMiddle School Principal

7th Grade Reading Celebration

7th Grade End of Year Award Ceremony

Medieval Days

High School News . . .The 2008-2009 school year came to an official close at Williamson High School with the Class of 2009 Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Eighty-five (85) students earned high school diplomas and left the sun-filled courtyard to embark on the next phase of their life’s journey. Ninety-three percent (93%) of the students earned Regents Diplomas with fifty-nine percent (59%) of those having an Advanced Designation. The members of the Class of 2009 will head off in a variety of directions this summer and then again in the fall. They will head off to college, join the workforce, and serve our country in the military. Regardless, the Class of 2009 walked out of the courtyard into an infinite landscape of opportunities. I wish the Class of 2009 well and the best of luck in all their future endeavors. I hope they remember this chapter of their lives including relationships with fellow students and with staff members from Williamson. I hope they remember the things learned about academics, about life, and remember to always... Take time to think and make progress every day!

Douglas LaufHigh School Principal

Seniors 2009Lukas Allen Advanced RegentsShannon Allen Pierce Alquist Advanced Regents with HonorsKayla Anselmo Corey Baker Sara Bonke Advanced RegentsStephanie Bowles Advanced RegentsApril Bowman Autumn Bowman Roxanne Bowman Advanced RegentsJaycee Bristol Advanced RegentsJason Buckler Trever Bull Caleb Burlee Advanced Regents with High HonorsMichele Cahill Nina Calabresi Advanced RegentsAlexandra Cappon Advanced Regents with HonorsBlanca Cervantes Donnell Clark Bret Cole Advanced Regents with Technical EndorsementChristian CookTravis Corteville Brandon Currier Advanced RegentsAshley Daggett Nicholas Damico Stephanie Darling Advanced Regents with HonorsAdam DatthynLuke DeFisher Advanced Regents with HonorsAmanda DeHond Damiene Denner Advanced Regents with HonorsLisa Devlin Mary Doran Advanced Regents with High HonorsBrittany Duell Tyler Eaton Advanced Regents with HonorsElijah Eckert Advanced RegentsRichard Edwards Advanced RegentsStephanie Follette Advanced Regents with Technical EndorsementJoshua Forget Advanced Regents with HonorsIan Fuller Thomas Godsey Advanced Regents with High HonorsTaylor Grebliunas Katlyn Gregg Advanced Regents with HonorsWilliam Hollebrandt Advanced RegentsDiana Horton Carleigh Hotchkiss Advanced Regents

Lonnie HuntJack Inman Advanced Regents with Technical EndorsementErika Istik Joseph Jarnot Katherine Johnson Advanced Regents with HonorsKelly Jones Christopher Kimber Regents with Technical EndorsementStephanie Kingsbury Advanced RegentsSamantha Klein Advanced RegentsRebeccah Klejment Advanced RegentsJohn KlingensmithJoshua Knataitis Advanced RegentsPhillip Kommer Advanced RegentsZachary Lancy Advanced RegentsCarrie Lergner Advanced Regents with High HonorsKelly Marchionda Advanced Regents with HonorsShelby Maroselli Advanced Regents with HonorsCaitlin McCann Advanced RegentsBenjamin Miller Regents with Technical EndorsementAnthony Miralles Advanced RegentsJoseph Moll Advanced Regents with HonorsChelsie Morrison Andrew Nacci Abram Peters Regents with Technical EndorsementJessica PessinNicole Plyter Advanced Regents with Technical EndorsementDaniel Rehor Advanced Regents with HonorsTyler Shove Terrance Skerrett Advanced Regents with HonorsKera Smith Molly St. Cyr Faith Supersad Brittany Thompson Advanced RegentsAlexis Torres Regents with Technical EndorsementSergio Trejo-Acevedo Crystal TugersonMelissa Turner Advanced RegentsKrista Valletta Advanced RegentsJeremiah Wackerman Advanced Regents with Honors with Technical EndorsementWilliam Wenzel Advanced Regents with HonorsAmanda Westfall Advanced RegentsJayelle White Advanced RegentsNoelle White Advanced Regents with HonorsCorey York Regents with HonorsChelsea Young Advanced RegentsCarlee Zarcone

Class of 2009 AwardsPierce Alquist Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas Award Ludwig L. Bergner Scholarship DAR American History Award Lottery Scholarship Pultneyville Mason Lodge #159 ScholarshipSara Bonke Steinbach ScholarshipStephanie Bowles RIT Honors Scholarship American Chemical Society Award David L. Ameele Memorial ScholarshipJaycee Bristol Matthew J. Williams Memorial Scholarship Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipJason Buckler David Lewis Memorial Award Civic Betterment Association ScholarshipCaleb Burlee MCC Scholarship NYS Academic Excellence Scholar Michael F. Nozzolio Citizenship Award New York Farm Bureau Scholarship KM Davies Co., Inc. ScholarshipAlexandra Cappon Nazareth College Presidential ScholarshipBlanca Cervantes Margaret Relay Scholarship Dyer Scholarship Kuk Sool Won ScholarshipBret Cole Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award Travis Corteville Wayne Technical & Career Center Beh Excavating Contractors AwardBrandon Currier Wegman’s ScholarshipStephanie Darling MCC Presidential Scholarship WVAS Memorial ScholarshipLuke DeFisher NYS Academic Excellence Scholar Josephine Catchpole Award Anthony & Marjorie Verno Scholarship Wantman Math AwardDamiene Denner SUNY Brockport Presidential Scholarship Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award, Exceptional Attendance Award, Personal Workplace Behavior Award American Legion Memorial Award Josephine Catchpole Scholarship Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipLisa Devlin Wayne Technical & Career Center Lake Immunogenic Award, Personal Workplace Behavior AwardMary Doran University of Buffalo Provost Scholarship Wright Scholarship NYS Academic Excellence Scholar Dr. Pepper/Snapple Motts Excellence in Education Scholarship Constellation Energy R. E. Ginna Scholarship Wantman Math AwardTyler Eaton Watchdog Building Partners ScholarshipElijah Eckert Red Cross ScholarshipStephanie Follette Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award, Communication/Human Relations Award David Keeper Memorial Award Exceptional Attendance, Lyons Veterinary Clinic AwardJoshua Forget Donald Bohlen Composition Award Fredonia College Scholarship Woods Scholarship Janse ScholarshipThomas Godsey RIT Honor Society Award RIT Presidential ScholarshipKatlyn Gregg Ron & Joan White Scholarship RIT Achievement Scholarship

Civic Betterment Association ScholarshipWilliam Hollebrandt James A. Todd Art ScholarshipJack Inman Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award, Exceptional Attendance Award, Morrison Excavating Award for Excellence in Auto Body Repair, Personal Workplace Behavior AwardErika Istik Morgan Verbridge ScholarshipChristopher Kimber Wayne Technical & Career Center Exceptional Attendance AwardStephanie Kingsbury Carl Cook Scholarship Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipRebeccah Klejment Fellowship of Churches Scholarship WFA Association Award Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipJoshua Knataitis Wayne Technical & Career Center Communication/Human Relations AwardPhillip Kommer DeVoogt ScholarshipCarrie Lergner St. John Fisher Trustees Scholarship St. John Fisher Honors Scholarship NYS Academic Excellence Scholar Charles Dittmar Scholarship Robert C. Byrd Honors ScholarshipKelly Marchionda Brockport Dean’s Scholar-in-Residence Scholarship Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipShelby Maroselli Ithaca College – Flora Brown Scholarship Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipCaitlin McCann St. John Fisher Founders Scholarship Elizabeth Verbridge ScholarshipBenjamin Miller Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award, Deming Tech and Career Award, Exceptional Attendance Award Williamson CSEA 2009 Student ScholarshipJoseph Moll Alfred State College Scholarship Dr. Richard Moll Scholastic Achievement Award Frank VanVleet Award Chester A. & Pearl O. Peters ScholarshipAbram Peters Wayne Technical & Career Center Lyons Machine Award, Personal Workplace Behavior Award, Weslor Enterprises AwardNicole Plyter Wayne Technical & Career Center Criminal Justice Award, Exceptional Attendance AwardDaniel Rehor Richard Milks ScholarshipTerrance Skerrett Theodore Piddock Award Fireman’s Spirit of Volunteerism ScholarshipKera Smith Morgan Verbridge ScholarshipAlexis Torres Wayne Technical & Career Center Exceptional Attendance AwardKrista Valletta William Palmer ScholarshipJeremiah Wackerman Wayne Technical & Career Center Achievement Award, Exceptional Attendance Award, Personal Workplace Behavior AwardWilliam Wenzel RIT Computing Medal Scholarship Billy LeRoy ScholarshipAmanda Westfall AXA Equitable ScholarshipJayelle White Randy Aceto Memorial Civic Scholarship Award Paychex ScholarshipNoelle White Comptrollers Award Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipCorey York Dollars for Scholars ScholarshipChelsea Young Ithaca College – Flora Brown Scholarship Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of NY-Education Assistance Award Isaac Lagoner Memorial Scholarship Rotary Scholarship Dollars for Scholars Scholarship

The Old English W Award is presented to the student in each course who had the highest average in the course. The following graduating seniors received Old English W Awards at graduation:

ONE COURSESara Bonke Introduction to College StudiesAutumn Bowman Accounting IINina Calabresi Accounting IStephanie Darling Ceramics & SculptureMary Doran EconomicsKatlyn Gregg Sports & Entertainment MarketingKatherine Johnson Performing ArtsCaitlin McCann Careers for the 21st CenturyJoseph Moll Pre-CalculusTerrance Skerrett MSTAmanda Westfall Math B Extended 3-4Chelsea Young Personal Finance

TWO COURSESLuke DeFisher Psychology Gemini, Sociology GeminiThomas Godsey AP Calculus, Physics GeminiRebeccah Klejment Web Page Design, School to WorkWilliam Wenzel Economics Gemini, Microcomputer Applications GeminiNoelle White English 12, AP European History

THREE COURSESCarrie Lergner Public Policy, AP Biology, Spanish 5

FOUR COURSESPierce Alquist AP English, Spanish 3, Best Seller Fiction, Film Studies

Senior Award Winners

Wantman Math Award - Mary Doran & Luke DeFisher

Old English W Award - Chelsea Young

Michael Burlee - Commencement Speaker Doug Lauf - High School Principal

Dollars for Scholars Award Winners

Lukas Allen Finger Lakes Community CollegeShannon Allen Genesee Community CollegePierce Alquist University of RochesterKayla Anselmo Monroe Community CollegeCorey Baker Work ForceSara Bonke SUNY PotsdamStephanie Bowles Rochester Institute of TechnologyApril Bowman Monroe Community CollegeAutumn Bowman Finger Lakes Community CollegeRoxanne Bowman Finger Lakes Community CollegeJaycee Bristol SUNY BrockportJason Buckler Finger Lakes Community CollegeTrever Bull SUNY DelhiCaleb Burlee Monroe Community CollegeMichele Cahill Monroe Community CollegeNina Calabresi University at BuffaloAlexandra Cappon Nazareth CollegeBlanca Cervantes Monroe Community CollegeDonnell Clark UndecidedBret Cole Work ForceTravis Corteville UndecidedBrandon Currier St. John FisherAshley Daggett UndecidedNicholas Damico Work ForceStephanie Darling Monroe Community CollegeLuke DeFisher Cornell UniversityAmanda DeHond Work ForceDamiene Denner SUNY BrockportLisa Devlin Rochester Institute of Professional GroomingMary Doran University at BuffaloBrittany Duell Continental School for HairTyler Eaton Monroe Community CollegeElijah Eckert Finger Lakes Community CollegeRichard Edwards Rochester Institute of TechnologyStephanie Follette SUNY DelhiJoshua Forget SUNY FredoniaIan Fuller UndecidedThomas Godsey Rochester Institute of TechnologyTaylor Grebliunas Monroe Community CollegeKatlyn Gregg Rochester Institute of TechnologyWilliam Hollebrandt Herkimer County Community CollegeDiana Horton Army ReserveCarleigh Hotchkiss Monroe Community College

Jack Inman Universal Technical Institute for Auto BodyErika Istik Work ForceJoseph Jarnot Air ForceKatherine Johnson SUNY FredoniaKelly Jones Finger Lakes Community CollegeChristopher Kimber Hilbert CollegeStephanie Kingsbury Monroe Community CollegeSamantha Klein UndecidedRebeccah Klejment Finger Lakes Community CollegeJohn Klingensmith Work ForceJoshua Knataitis Finger Lakes Community CollegePhillip Kommer MorrisvilleZachary Lancy Work ForceCarrie Lergner St. John FisherKelly Marchionda SUNY BrockportShelby Maroselli Ithaca CollegeCaitlin McCann St. John FisherBenjamin Miller ITT Technical InstituteAnthony Miralles Monroe Community CollegeJoseph Moll Alfred StateChelsie Morrison Finger Lakes Community CollegeAndrew Nacci Finger Lakes Community CollegeAbram Peters Monroe Community CollegeNicole Plyter SUNY CantonDaniel Rehor SUNY FredoniaTyler Shove Work ForceTerrance Skerrett Monroe Community CollegeKera Smith Alfred StateMolly St. Cyr Finger Lakes Community CollegeFaith Supersad Monroe Community CollegeBrittany Thompson Monroe Community CollegeAlexis Torres Finger Lakes Community CollegeSergio Trejo-Acevedo Monroe Community CollegeCrystal Tugerson Cosmetology SchoolMelissa Turner Finger Lakes Community CollegeKrista Valletta Monroe Community CollegeJeremiah Wackerman Rochester Institute of TechnologyWilliam Wenzel Rochester Institute of TechnologyAmanda Westfall Monroe Community CollegeJayelle White Finger Lakes Community CollegeNoelle White St. Lawrence UniversityCorey York Monroe Community CollegeChelsea Young Ithaca CollegeCarlee Zarcone Undecided

Post Secondary Plans – Class of 2009

Tenured Teachers: l to r: Deborah DelPlato, Gabrielle Veit, Nina Caraveo, Julie Hillegeer, Cindy Ferland, Rhonda Tuchrelo, Amanda Gray, Matthew Elliott, Michael Rhoda, Jeremy Stringer

Retirees: l to r: Joan Miller, Dawne Wilkins, Denise Everitt, Janet Crudele-Reiss, Jeanne Luke.Missing from photo: Juanita Verstraete, Christine Stephens

Senior Athletic Awards

Orphix Fraternity Sportsmanship Award – Blanca Cervantes, Thomas GodseyCoaches Character – Mary Doran, Caleb BurleeCraig Stritzel Outstanding Senior Athlete Award – Caleb Burlee, Mary Doran Michael and Maureen Wright Scholar/Athlete Scholarship – Mary DoranCarl Cook Memorial Scholarship – Stephanie KingsburyLarry Hubright Memorial Award – Caleb BurleeBob DeVoogt Memorial Award – Phillip Kommer

Outstanding Athlete Awards

Soccer – Robert Wendler, Michele CahillCross Country – Cody Garrod, Noelle WhiteVolleyball – Stephanie KingsburyBasketball – Caleb Burlee, Stephanie KingsburyWrestling – Phillip KommerIndoor Track – Thomas Godsey, Roxanne BowmanCheerleading – Jaycee BristolTrack – Thomas Godsey, Chelsea YoungBaseball – Dominic D’AugustinoSoftball – April BowmanTennis – William HollebrandtGolf – Steven Thomson

Girls Sports Award Winners

Boys Sports Award Winners.

Elementary School News. . .

Spotlight on Project 2017

The Project 2017 Committee planned and held a variety of exciting activities this spring to promote the Project 2017 Scholarship Fund. The aim of Project 2017 is to encourage our students who will graduate in 2017 and in the years to follow to successfully complete one college level course during their high school career as well as complete the requirements for an Advanced Regents diploma. By meeting these scholarship requirements the community will ensure that each graduate will have a financial start to fulfilling their future career aspirations by awarding them a scholarship towards their first year of post-graduate training.

Each of the planned activities allows us to spotlight our students, entertain our audience or provide the community with an opportunity to hear a guest speaker. The monies raised from the Project 2017 activities are then deposited into the Rochester Area Community Foundation and will gather interest until the first of the schol-arships are awarded in 2017.

As part of the guest speaker series, Williamson graduate and 1994 Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe shared her experiences as a Winter Olympian. Ms. Roffe’s speech inspired all who listened to set distinct goals for themselves and to work diligently to see the goal become a reality.

Mr. Don Alhart, Channel 13 anchor, was the Master of Ceremonies at the “Are You Smarter than a William-son Elementary School 4th Grader” lively competition as our students and teachers answered questions from our 1st through 4th grade curriculum. Mr. Alhart entertained the audience with his easy manner and sense of humor while Mr. Andy Wahl/Enrichment teacher was behind the scenes planning this engaging scholarship event.

Project 2017 was also a part of our community’s annual Apple Blossom festivities. This year a Project 2017 float designed by Mr. Todd LaBarr was entered into the parade to promote this worthy cause and highlight the many career aspirations of those students who could benefit from the scholarship fund.

In order to reach our scholarship goal, the Project 2017 Committee will continue to plan activities that will in-form, entertain and spotlight the wonderful children of our community. Please look for future events and help support this investment in the children of Williamson.

Anne ResslerElementary School Principal

Apple Blossom Float Diann Roffe presentation

Williamson Central SchoolPO Box 900Williamson, NY 14589

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