Batavia High School

Some Batavia High School seniors have completed the design and painting of their parking spaces. Here are a few photos to share before the official full day of school starting next Thursday, Sept. 6th.

Some member of the Batavia cross-country team are looking for vehicles to wash for their fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 .pm., today at Empire Tractor 5072 E. Main St. Road, Batavia.

Proceeds will help support the team's New York City trip.

• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Global History
• Living Environment
• Earth Science
• English Language Arts
• Chemistry

The classes will be held on Aug. 13, 14, and 15, from 1-3 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Register by Aug. 10 by calling the Batavia High School Counseling Office at 343-2480, ext. 2002.

National Art Honor Society: Inductees into the Batavia High School National Art Honor Society pose with teacher Mandi Antonucci. Front from left, Juliana Branche, Dominic Grazioplene, instructor Mandi Antonucci, Jenae Colkey, Jaden Torcello; back, Aubrey Towner, Grace Rudolph, Brianna Bromley, Will Palmer, Anand Patel, Evan Bellavia, John Bruggman. Also inducted were Mollie Harding, Megan Ladd and Shelby Weis.

Fourteen Batavia High School students who have excelled academically and creatively were inducted into the National Art Honor Society tonight in a ceremony at the BHS Auditorium.

Teachers Mandi Antonucci and Nicole Tamfer recognized the new NAHS members before announcing the selection of senior Madeline Keenan as the "Outstanding Artist of the Year" for her quality of work, enthusiasm and dedication to her craft.

The inductees (see photo above) join the previous honor society members: Keenan, treasurer; Kiara Cherry, president; Isabel Gentry, vice president; Chloe Rapone, secretary; Stephanie Hoy, public relations; Sophia Alkouri-Stuart, Sophia Dinehart and Alex Christensen.

Excellence in Art Awards were presented to: Gentry, Grace Rudolph and Juliana Branche, printmaking; Rapone, Cherry, Dinehart and Tao Iburi-Bethel, photography; Rhorri Fix and Dominic Grazioplene, painting; Aubrey Towner, Ella Frank-Doyle, Charissa Waldmiller and Christensen, drawing; and Will Palmer, John Bruggman, Anand Patel and Brianna Bromley, portfolio.

After the award presentations, parents and friends were treated to videos of a dozen AP studio artists’ works.

Outstanding Artist: A sample of the works of Madeline Keenan, earning her "Outstanding Artist of the Year" honors. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Batavia High School Girls Varsity Softball Team went undefeated for both games to win the Pembroke tournament this past Saturday at Pembroke Town Park. Batavia High School defeated Akron 10-9 in game one, then beat Perry/Mount Morris in the championship game 16-1. 

Irelyn Curry was named MVP of the tournament by pitching two complete games. Irelyn and the defense only allowed one run in the championship game.  

Against Akron, the Lady Devils were challenged by a deficit of six runs early on but battled back to win the game 10-9. Taylor and Ryann Stefaniak, Bri Janes, and Mackenzie Reigle each scored two runs, while Bri Janes, Alaina Bowman and Bryn Wormley all drove in two runs. Jenae Colkey doubled twice. 

In the championship game, Taylor Stefaniak scored five times, with three hits along with her sister Ryann Stefaniak who had three hits. Maiya Reinhart hit a three-run home run and 5 RBIs, and Bri Janes had three hits as Batavia collected 18 hits to win the game 16-1.

Batavia improves to 10-7 on the season and face a rematch of last year sectional finalists Pittsford Sutherland home today at Anderson Field. Game time 5 p.m.

Top two photos provided by Lori Reinhart. Bottom photos by Steve Ognibene.

UPDATE June 2, 2018: We were notified two days ago this event has been cancelled.

Press release:

Batavia High School baseball, softball and girls tennis teams are sponsoring their premier color run 5K event at Batavia High School (260 State St.) on Saturday, June 16th.  

Check in / registration starts at 8:15 a.m, race starts at 9 o'clock. This event is open to all ages. Cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and color pack if registered by June 1st. After June 1st T-shirts are not guaranteed.

Registration is open now; register here.

After the event there will be a color blast party with music. Come out and support these athletes and help make this a great event.

For more information, contact coordinator Nickie Fazio at 356-1690.

Batavia High School Boys Baseball Team celebrates a big fourth inning, six-run lead to beat visiting Greece Olympia by a score of 9-1 at Genesee Community College, Batavia, Thursday afternoon.

Senior Jordyn Schmidt (pictured below) picked up the win on the mound allowing two hits, one run and six strikeouts for the Blue Devils.

Brandon Betances, Chandler Baker and Andrew Frances got hits for Batavia as the Devils remain undefeated with three wins and are 3-1 overall on the year.

Next game will be home on Saturday vs. Pittsford Sutherland at GCC.

For more game photos click here.

Press release:

Nominees are sought for the Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame. Nomination deadline is May 16.

The purpose is to recognize players, coaches and administrators who have attained a high degree of success in Batavia High School Athletics.

To nominate an individual you should either fill out the nomination form located under Athletics/Hall of Fame at www.bataviacsd.org or contact the Batavia High School Athletic Office at (585) 343 - 2480, ext. 2003.

CRITERIA:

1.  The Hall of Fame will recognize outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and significant contributors. These might include worthy booster club presidents, parent volunteers, team doctors and other individuals who have contributed significantly to our athletic program.

2.  Athletes will become eligible five years after graduation and coaches five years after retirement from coaching. The same time frame will be used for significant others.

3.  The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to his or her sport. Typically this would be attaining All County or All State honors, all-time leading scorer, winning a state championship, etc.. The nominee must have exemplified character while representing Batavia Athletics and also in his/her lives following graduation. He/she must be a positive role model, worthy of being emulated by current and future students.

4.  A member must continue to be a positive role model or they may be removed.

The sixth annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,400 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than $20,000 has been raised, said Lisa Robinson, Mr. Batavia advisor and co-advisor of student government. Each contestant performs their best in different catagories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Crossroads House will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Joe Marchese.

"Going into the show I felt really confident," Joe said, "then about 30 minutes before the show, I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, literary choking up and said to myself 'I cannot do this.'

"I went to get some water, got out there, did the group dance and feeling good, then took the momentum all the way through the night and had a such great time."

Joe continued "I have wanted to do Mr. Batavia since my freshman year. Working with these group of guys was so amazing, which made my senior year come full euphoria and (I) have no words to describe the feeling at this moment."

His mom, Sandra, said "What stands out for me is Joseph's confidence and creativity in public speaking and performance. You are amazing, Joe! All the time and effort over the years that you have put into your personal development and leadership skills is shining through!"

Anand Patel was first runner-up. His charity was Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Cameron Hardy was second runner-up and he raised funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses. Many other members of staff, volunteers, students and additional sponsors also contributed to this annual event.

Local Judges were: Peter Cecere, VP of Batavia City School District BOE; James DeFreeze, City of Batavia Police Department; Matt Morasco, City of Batavia Fire Department; and Shellye Dale-Hall, Prevention Education, GCASA.

Other contestantants were Nichalas Neid, Chase Monachino, Brandon Buck, Valentino Zinni, Jon Liciaga, Nate Loria, John Kindig, Julio Vazquez and Evan Bellavia.

To view photos or purchase prints click here.

Pictured above are hostesses Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal Lullo.

Students of Batavia High School stepped outside and into the wind and the snow for 17 minutes today. They were there to express their concern for their safety and for a moment of silence for the 17 people that lost their lives in the mass shooting at Parkland HS in Florida.

The Batavia HS students all had slightly different views on how to stop mass school shootings including: gun control, more police, better mental health, less bullying, and students taking responsibility for their own safety. Certainly these feelings reflect the feelings of the rest of society.

Perhaps the wisdom of the crowd is pointing to the fact that not one single thing is responsible for these mass shootings and there are multiple causes that need to be addressed simultaneously.  

Along with the varied solutions, all but one of the students interviewed felt that our political system has failed them. To address this issue there is a push for voter registration along with the protest.

Sydney Atchinson one of the students who helped with the organization of the protest said, “We are fed up with talking and politics (nothing is getting solved). Students will change politics by voicing their opinions and with votes.”

Students with pro gun signs stood in solidarity next to students with #neveragain signs. Despite not all pushing for the same solution, the students stood united to end the extreme violence in schools. This is very much a grassroots movement; there is not a leader of this walk out, just a collective understanding something needs to be done.

The student government body did not officially sanction this event but there are members who actively participated.

Not all students were involved the in walk out. Some stayed inside because they disagree with Woman’s March organization, others said they just don’t care enough. For some, it was just too cold to go outside.

A student made a point to tell me that they do understand the importance of the Second Amendment. They also do believe in the students' right to “live without fear and without being shot and massacred.” Living without fear and persecution, isn’t that one of the main reasons the Constitution was written? 

"Into the Woods" is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Despite the snow conditions, school officials say it will be performed by the Batavia High School Production Club tonight at 7:30.

It will also be performed Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m.

This announcement, of course, is barring any mitigating weather advisory. Tickets available at Roxy's Music Store and at the door.

In a close game last evening the Batavia girls basketball squad beat last season’s sectional champions Honeoye Falls Lima by a narrow 53-52 margin.

HFL came out of the gate up by four points after the first quarter 14-10 led by seniors Taryn Wilson and Paige Smith. Batavia was playing catchup through the first half and not making defensive plays, but sparked right near the end of the half to come within one point of HFL’s lead 26-25.

After the first half, Batavia needed a much stronger quarter and played better defense to take the lead 40-34 after three quarters. Batavia continued the streak to lead at one point by 10 points in the fourth but then got into foul trouble.

Taryn Wilson hit 13 out of 15 free throws, and with 9 seconds left on the clock, Kara Oatman who was 7 for 8 missed her eighth free throw and Batavia finished winning by one at regulation.

Junior Ryann Stefaniak led the team with 18 points, Sophmore Emma Krolczyk finished with 15 points and freshman Bryn Wormley tallied 11 points.  

HFL Senior Taryn Wilson scored 25 points, Paige Smith had 13 points and Kara Oatman finished with 8 points.

Batavia remains undefeated with a 5-0 record in class A2 and HFL drops to 2-4.

Next game for Batavia is home this Monday vs. Greece Athena.

For more game pictures to go: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p789755086

Opening night of "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone" SOLD OUT its first performance at Batavia High School last evening. Students from the Drama Club performed their 16th annual show and had the crowd laughing and on their toes throughout the performance.

Director Caryn Leigh Wood has worked with many students but this was challenging, especially toward the finale. Sorrow was still resonating for the cast, who lost a former BHS student, Tori Nigro, in a sudden accident last week. 

The Drama Club ended the performance with a tribute honoring the memory of Tori.

There are two remaining shows, tonight at 7:30 and a matinee tomorrow at 2 o'clock. Tickets are $8, and $6 for students and seniors.

For more photos go to: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p419033762

Five individuals and the 1986-87 ice hockey team were inducted into the Batavia Blue Devils Hall of Fame on Saturday night at the 16th annual Induction Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant. From left are Joe Fiannaca, captain of the hockey team; Nathan Hicks (track and field, Class of 1998), Bruce Dedman (baseball and basketball, Class of 1973), Brian Herdlein (baseball, football and basketball, Class of 1999); Jason Bibler (cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and swimming, Class of 1991), and Joe Amico (football and wrestling, Class of 1987).

Members of the 1986-87 ice hockey team, the first BHS sectional champion in the sport and NYS state finalists, are, front from left, Mike Siembida, Joe Fiannaca, Tony Graber, Steve Pies, Greg Fiannaca and Ted Lesh; back, Tony Tresco, Assistant Coach Roy Reed, Brian Wormley, Brett Wormley and Steve Lakins. About 140 people attended the dinner.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Batavia High School’s annual Open House is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28th. Parents of BHS students are encouraged to attend this informative evening and can pick up their child’s schedule in the Main Lobby.

Our Open House will consist of an “open classroom drop-in” structure allowing for a more flexible personal connection between teachers and parents. In the Atrium, parents will have an opportunity to visit some outside organization stations that are important in the lives of our high school students. Senior parents are also encouraged to stop by the Counseling Center during the evening to discuss the college application process.

Please join us at Open House and be a part of your child’s high school experience. The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Some Batavia High School seniors have completed the design and painting of their parking spaces. Here are a few photos to share before the official full day of school starting this Thursday Sept. 7th.

Starting today at Batavia High School, seniors started laying out the base design for their new parking spots in the student parking lot. Pictured above Mikey Lullo and Anand Patel working together preparing a spot.

High School Principal Scott Wilson (who accepted a position in Churchville-Chili starting Sept. 1st) said the students presented this as a fundraiser to our school board for seniors who were interested to be a part of something that is going around the country.

Thirty-six students have chosen to paint their spot, which costs $20, and they get preferred parking that is closer to the building. For seniors who chose the no-paint option B, they would pay $5 but be next in choice of the parking lot and the remaining spots would be no charge for seniors or juniors.

Donating paint was local business Mosman Wallpaper & Paint. The project will continue through the weekend into next week.

Tanner Kolb laying down a base coat of paint.

Alaina Bowman is in the early stages of her scenic theme that will include sun, mountains, ocean.

Seniors Makayla Oderkirk and Joe Marchese working on painting their parking spots.

Some members of Batavia High School's cross-country team would like you to slide into their carwash today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

There is no set price per vehicle but donations will be accepted to help toward their annual New York City trip coming up this fall.

A graduating class of 170 students received their diplomas from Batavia High School yesterday in a ceremony held at Genesee Community College.

Superintendent Chris Dailey said 72 percent of the class is pursuing higher education, including 46 going directly to four-year colleges, 11 will attend a post-secondary school, 75 will go to a community college and 21 students are entering the workforce already with jobs, plus 11 students are going into the military.

Of the 170 graduates, 159 are receiving regent’s diplomas, 39 of them with various advanced honors.

To view and purchase photos click here: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p681207694

Principal Scott Wilson opening the ceremony.

Batavia High School Spanish teacher Jennifer Korpanty delivers the keynote speech.

Valedictorian Campbell Anderson

Salutatorian Maggie Cecere

Batavia City School District Superintendent​ Christopher Dailey #takecareofbcsd

Batavia Board President Patrick Burk

Sam Bartz receiving his diploma from Batavia City School District Superintendent​ Christopher Dailey.

Batavia Board of Education Member Peter Cecere giving his daughter Salutatorian Maggie Cecere her diploma.

Press release:

The Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for longtime Batavia High School Baseball Coach Pep Johnson will take place before the Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 25. The game itself starts at 1:35 p.m. and a special induction ceremony will take place beforehand.

Here's the schedule for the day, provided by organizer Pat Mee.

The stadium gates will be open at 11:15 a.m. for admittance of the inductees, their guests, friends and supporters. There will be a table set up at the stadium entrance where these attendees can pick up their reserved tickets.

The program will begin in The Nest, which is beyond right field at 11:45 a.m. All of the inductees or their representatives will by introduced, and each will have a short time to speak if they would like to. Honorees will get a plaque permanently placed on a wall at Frontier Field, and a plaque will be given to each honoree to keep.

 At 12:45 p.m., the group will proceed to the baseball field. The on-field ceremony will take place at 1:10. Dan Mason will read each inductee’s bio, and will present them with their plaque, once again, on the field. Each inductee will be throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

After the ceremony, the honorees and their guests will return to The Nest for lunch. Members of this group are free to proceed to their seat and the Wings game at any time. Hopefully attendees will enjoy a Red Wing win!

Honorees and their invited guests will be the guests of the Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Committee for the afternoon. The cost for others who would like to attend the induction ceremony at The Nest will be $30 per person. Children under 4 are free and ages 5-12 are $18. This will include hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, soda, and a game ticket.

Please contact Pat Mee to make your reservations for the afternoon.

You can contact Pat by phoning (585) 704-3214, emailing to:  omee@rochester.rr.com, or mailing to: Pat Mee, 295 Peck Road, Hilton, NY 14468

The committee would appreciate reservations by Saturday, June 10^st. Checks should be made payable to Section V Baseball Hall of Fame and sent to the above address.

The committee is looking forward to honoring Pep Johnson for his extraordinary contributions to baseball. It will surely be a great afternoon!

Sincerely,

Ory Mee

The Section V Baseball of Hall of Fame Committee

Questions? Email: omee@rochester.rr.com