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Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls released for first quarter 2020-21

By Press Release

The first quarter of Jr./Sr. High Honor, Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Pat McGee, 7-12 principal.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls*

Grade 7

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Katelyn Ball, Liam Boyle, Sarah Campbell, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Logan Czachorowski, Justin Deleo, Cole DiQuattro, Gary Donofrio, Estelle Dumuhosky, Ava Goff, Gianna Graff, Mia Gray, Megan Jarkiewicz, Carter Kuipers, Evianna Marts, Maryn Meier, Grace Mundell, Bradley Pocock, Colin Rea, Allison Rimmerman, Katherine Rogoyski, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Evan Williams, Emma Wolfe.

HONOR ROLL -- Kayden Crocker, Laura Curts, Savannah Heick, Elijah Hiscutt, Pearl Jolliff, Sidney Maher, Evan Orto, Simone Scharvogel.

Grade 8

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Abigail Cook, Isabella Davidson, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Samuel Hersom, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin Mac Connell, Anna McLaughlin, Connor Moran, Meghan Muscarella, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Trent Sheard, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, James Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Mikayla Yohon.

HONOR ROLL -- Ryan Benstead, Isabelle Best, Zachary Brookhart, Jake Carlson, Noah Clare, Amber Cromey, Annabelle Erion, Jack Farner, Chesney Fregoe, Sophia Frongetta, Haylee Gartz, Aryan Klein, Eli Kupfer, Kasey Pagels, Ian Pulcini, Sydney Salmonds, Ruger Starowitz, Abigale West.

Grade 9

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- HannahRae Amador, Brody Baubie, Tyler Chapman, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Stephanie Onderdonk, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Gabriel Vallese.

HONOR ROLL -- Carlee Barons, Jeffrey Borycki, Chloe Gilbert, Autumn Hafner, Mackenzie Hagen, Callista Kinkelaar, Lincoln McGrath, Travis Shallenberger, Emma Starowitz, Connor Windhauser, Lydia Zaffrann.

Grade 10

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Cassidy Ball, Jack Benstead, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies.

HONOR ROLL -- Alyssa Ball, Hailey Canfield, Robert Gaylord, Alexandria Schuck, Sydney Zastrocky, Nicholas Zwerka.

Grade 11

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Connor Gale, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Mikaylah Pocock, Elli Schelemanow, Sasha Schramm, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Ashley Weit, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Kaitlyn Zastrocky, Corden Zimmerman.

HONOR ROLL -- Corin Abdella, Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Camryn Brookhart, Sadie Cook, Alexander Donnelly, Christian Haller, Meghan Kendall, Molly Simms.

Grade 12

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Nicholas Baubie, Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Jonathan Hahn, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Trebor Johnston, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, Julia Pangrazio, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Mason Singer, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Amanda Stutzman, Joshua Swapceinski, Xavier Thomas, Devon Zinter.

HONOR ROLL -- Bianca Brumsted, Zoey Chambry, Jay Doyle, Matthew Gonyea, Mitchell Gonyea, Jaden Pocock, Julia Schlenker-Stephens.

*(Editor's Note: This post was updated on Feb. 1, 2021 to correct three mistakes in the original publication on Dec. 1, 2020 of the first quarter Honor Roll listings. The following corrections for Grade 7 are now reflected in this post: Logan Czachorowski achieved High Honor Roll; Kayden Crocker and Pearl Jolliff both earned Honor Roll. "These students' names were absent from the district's original publication due to a data input error and "the District congratulates them on their hard work and academic dedication.")

'My sunflower is taller than your sunflower!'

By Billie Owens

Not to be outdone by anyone in Batavia, proud grandmother Mayja Andrews, of Le Roy, sent us this photo Tuesday of her granddaughter, Eva Goff, and her 12-foot-high sunflowers.

Eva, a student at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, has been "staying busy" this summer by tending garden and getting her sunflowers to flourish, according to her grandma.

'Once a Bee, still a Bee': Byron-Bergen assistant principal starts new job at the high school Monday

By Press Release

Press release:

Effective Monday, Aug. 17, Betsy Brown (inset photo left) will leave her position as assistant principal of Byron-Bergen Elementary School and journey across the campus to her new position as assistant principal of the Jr./Sr. high school.

“We conducted a thorough candidate search and found that, among the impressive group of qualified applicants, Mrs. Brown emerged as the perfect choice,” said High School Principal Pat McGee.

“Many of our students already know her from her years at the elementary school and she has a proven ability to connect with students and faculty as a gifted leader and administrator. I’m psyched to have her on our team.”

Brown began her career with the District as elementary school assistant principal two and a half years ago. She came to Byron-Bergen from Avon Central School District, where she supported students and staff as a literacy coach for three years. Prior to that, she taught third grade, fourth grade and kindergarten.

Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Literacy, earned at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Her administrative coursework was completed at the University of Rochester.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to grow as a school leader,” Brown said. “I have learned so much over the last few years at the elementary school and will miss being there every day. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at the high school and supporting their school program and initiatives.”

In her new position, Brown will focus on building relationships with students and staff so she can support them as they start the school year this fall.

She will play a key role in helping the sixth-grade students transition to the Jr./Sr. high school. Brown will assist with day-to-day school operations and curriculum development, as well as facilitate the teacher mentoring program.

“She will be greatly missed by our faculty and staff, students, and families,” said Elementary School Principal Brian Meister. “While I am sad to have her leave, I am thankful that she will still be a friend, colleague, and contributor to our district. Once a Bee, STILL a Bee!”

Submitted photo.

Mobile Pantry food distribution set for Wednesday afternoon in parking lot of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. HS

By Billie Owens

From Todd Rapp, operations manager, The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Partnership with Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church and Foodlink will be holding a Mobile Pantry food distribution at 3 p.m. tomorrow, June 10th, at the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School parking lot, 6917 W. Bergen Road in Bergen.

It goes until all the food has been given out. Please be aware that this is a location change. We will not be at the church.

This distribution will take place every other week at the school parking lot until the end of August.

This is a drive-thru distribution. Guests will remain in their vehicle and be directed how to proceed. A valid photo ID is required for each vehicle. Each vehicle will receive three boxes weighing approximately 25 pounds each (1-dairy, 1-produce and 1-meat) these portions are designed for families of four or more.

This is food that has been redirected to food banks for those needing assistance due to COVID-19. It is not excess food.

We will only be able to provide one portion (3 boxes) per vehicle. No multiple pickups allowed.

Please have your trunk/hatch cleared out as volunteers will not be permitted to move your belongings. Back seats are highly discouraged for social distancing reasons.

If you have any questions please call The Salvation Army at (585) 343-6284. Leave a clear message and someone will call you back.

Dozens of people donate at today's Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive at Notre Dame HS

By Billie Owens

Top photo, Charles Nielans gives the life-saving gift of blood this morning at Notre Dame.

By noon today, 50 blood donors had participated in the 12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

The event runs until 2 p.m. and includes a bake sale and donation opportunity for the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund for students at Notre Dame High School and Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

Jason and Nancy Kota along with their children Sean, Sara and Tyler are the hosts. The family lost their son and brother Matthew in 2008 at the age of 17 due to complications from brain surgery.

At this point, the Kota family has now collected 675 units -- and counting -- in their 12 years of hosting the blood drive.

12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive is this Saturday at Notre Dame

By Billie Owens

Genesee County residents Jason and Nancy Kota lost their son Matthew in 2008 who died at the age of 17 due to complications from brain surgery.

Twelve years later, they’re still keeping his memory and spirit alive.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, Jason and Nancy Kota along with their children Sean, Sara and Tyler will host the 12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive in his honor at Notre Dame High School.

Time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 73 Union St. in the City of Batavia.

The family gathers every year, with many family members, friends and the general public, to make this blood drive a big community event and scholarships are raised for Notre Dame and Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

The Kota family has collected 625 units in their first 11 years of hosting the blood drive in memory of their late son and brother, Matthew.

The public is invited to donate blood for this worthy cause. Proper ID is required. Walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org

There will be a bake sale, too, and donations are accepted to benefit the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund.

Commendation rolls released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School today

By Billie Owens

Today, May 3, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Pat McGee released the third quarter High Honor, Honor, and Effort commendation rolls.

The students named to them are listed in The Batavian's Announcements section.

View them by clicking here or clicking on the Announcements section link at the top of the Home Page.

Third quarter High Honor, Honor and Effort commendation rolls released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School

By Billie Owens

Today, May 3, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Pat McGee released the third quarter High Honor, Honor, and Effort commendation rolls. The students named to them are listed below.

GRADE 7

High Honor Roll  --  Brody Baubie, Trevor Beale, Braedyn Chambry, Tyler Chapman, Hallie Coleman, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Mackenzie Hagen, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Callista Kinkelaar, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Lincoln McGrath, Stephanie Onderdonk, Nathan Parsons, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Travis Shallenberger, Dylan Shanley, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Lydia Zaffrann, Megan Zwerka

Honor Roll  --  Coral Allbright, Emma Balduf, Carlee Barons, Kylee Baxter, Daniels Dawson, Chloe Gilbert, Autumn Hafner, Hendrik Haymon, Aurora Hiscutt, Dru Nowatchik, Brendan Pimm, Quintin Rich, Emma Starowitz, Liliana Vanegas, Lukas Volkmar, Natalie Zastrocky, Sawyer Zinter

Effort Roll  --  Brody Baubie, Kylee Baxter, Trevor Beale, Braedyn Chambry, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Mackenzie Hagen, Hendrik Haymon, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Callista Kinkelaar, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Lincoln McGrath, Stephanie Onderdonk, Nathan Parsons, Carter Prinzi, Lynnea Rehberg, Victoria Rogoyski, Travis Shallenberger, Dylan Shanley, Riley Sharpe, Emma Starowitz, Connor Windhauser, Lydia Zaffrann, Megan Zwerka

GRADE 8  

High Honor Roll  --  Cassidy Ball, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Haydin Perez, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Abigail Raccuia, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz

Honor Roll  --  Alyssa Ball, Molly Belknap, Jack Benstead, Robert Gaylord, Emily Henry, Alec Kulikowski, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Andrew Rimmerman, Joshua Tardy, Emily Yun

Effort Roll  --  Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Haydin Perez, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Abigail Raccuia, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Emily Yun, Nicholas Zwerka

GRADE 9

High Honor Roll  –  Corin Abdella, Camryn Brookhart, Madison Burke, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Johnathon Klafehn, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Kyle Schramm, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman

Honor Roll  –  Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Caleb Calhoun, Angelique Heick, Meghan Kendall, Brenda  Ramos Francisco, Jorie Strzelecki, Alexandra Vurraro, Kolbie Walker, Ashley Weit, Emma Will, Claire Williams

Effort Roll  --  Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Camryn Brookhart, Madison Burke, Payton Buzzell, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kolbie Walker, Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman

GRADE 10  

High Honor Roll  –  Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Joshua Swapceinski, Morgan Vincent

Honor Roll  –  Matthew Gonyea, Trebor Johnston, Aiden Kulikowski, Julia Pangrazio, Mason Singer, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter, Xavier Thomas

Effort Roll  –  Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Hallie Calhoun, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Joshua Swapceinski, Morgan Vincent

GRADE 11

High Honor Roll  –  Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Rose Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Jillian Menzie, Wyatt Sando, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Bryce Walker, Isabella Wilder, Grant Williams, Luke Williams, Nathan Zwerka

Honor Roll  –  Megan Bogue, Jefferson Bradley, Jacey Donahue, Kelsey Fuller, Mikaela Hubler, Travis Lambert, Melissa MacCowan, Enson Nieves, Samuel Pringle, Anastasija Rebisz, Clayton Sadler, Kevin Smith, Peter Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Isabelle Stevens, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver, Bryce Yockel, Braeden Zimmerman

Effort Roll  –  Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Ariana Bobzien, Megan Bogue, Sydney Brown, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Coltin Henry, Rose Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Travis Lambert, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Enson Nieves, Anastasija Rebisz, Wyatt Sando, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Brandon Stefanski, Isabelle Stevens, Cameron Sweet, Garrett Swinter, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro, Isabella Wilder, Grant Williams, Luke Williams, Bryce Yockel, Nathan Zwerka

GRADE 12

High Honor Roll  –  Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, Jason Hoehn, William Johnson, Janae' Meister, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun

Honor Roll  --  Peyton Armison, Cory Bater, Sarah Bleiler, Nicholas Brown, Cole Carlson, Ryan Cooper, Joshua  Hohn, Hunter Leach, Alexandra Lord, Kevin Paasch, Dekota Schmidt, Jose Cardona Tirado, Rebecca Velasco

Effort Roll  --  Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Ryan Cooper, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, Jason Hoehn, William Johnson, Trinitty Madison, Janae' Meister, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson, Jose Tirado Cardona, Rebecca Velasco

Byron-Bergen students inspired by STEAM Jam and Tech Wars at GCC

By Billie Owens

Above: Byron-Bergen STEAM Jam team with STEAM Lab teacher Craig Schroth. Photo credit: Diane Taylor.

Submitted photos and press release:

On Thursday, March 14, 11 Byron-Bergen fifth-grade students and seven senior high school students in grades 9 through 11 joined hundreds of others from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties at Genesee Community College for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering And Math) Jam and Tech Wars.

Tech Wars, now in its 12th year, annually invites students to compete in activities to challenge their innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Technology teacher Jay Wolcott, who has a background in commercial manufacturing, was one of the originators of the competition and annually judges the SUMO bots event.

Other events include CO2 car races, architectural CAD (computer-assisted design), logo design, and the regatta -- during which students ride full-size cardboard boats across the GCC pool.

“Tech Wars encourages students to think outside the box while still maintaining the required parameters,” says Wolcott. “We want something different, cutting edge, but it takes real innovation to solve a challenge in a new way while staying within the limits of size, weight, materials or time.”

The Tech Wars participants vie mostly for trophies and bragging rights but, because of the generous sponsorship from regional businesses, two students also receive scholarships.

“Maybe a student isn’t an athlete,” adds Wolcott, “but at Tech Wars they can compete, use their skills, and be part of a team.”

First-year senior high cchool Technology teacher Meshari Alnouri attended his first Tech Wars this year. Although mostly there to observe and become familiar with the events, his students participated in the High School Mystery Event.

"The Mystery Event was a great experience for my students," says Alnouri. "Between participating and watching therest of the competitions, they’re excited to prepare for next year. I’m excited to help them hone their skills andexpand their vision of what’s possible."

STEAM Jam is a new event with 90 elementary school student participants from eight districts. It is the collaborative project of the regional STEAM teachers’ cohort. Byron-Bergen STEAM Lab teacher Craig Schroth was one of the driving forces behind this year’s event.

“STEAM Jam is a celebration,” says Schroth. “We designed three tasks for the students to complete which encouragethem to get excited about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

"It is also a great opportunity for the elementary school students to see the older kids at Tech Wars. We hope that they will carry their enthusiasm withthem to junior and senior high school.”

Fifth-grader Gianna Graff said "I had so much fun at STEAM Jam! One of my favorite parts was being able to seethe older kids compete in Robot Soccer. Now, I am so excited for Tech Wars when I get older."

The STEAM Jam challenges asked students to use design to create a swag item incorporating their school logo and anLED light, construct a tower out of cardboard boxes capable of supporting a toy basketball hoop and surviving a “slam dunk,” and code a robot to launch a ball through a hoop from various positions.

“It was a place where I could use my creativity, engineering skills, and artistic abilities,” said fifth-grade participant Simone Scharvogel. “I can't wait to go back!"

Below: Jay Wolcott and Meshari Alnouri. Photo credit: Gretchen Spittler.

Below: Byron-Bergen STEAM Jam team completing their basketball tower. Photo credit: Diane Taylor.

Public invited to panel discussion on opioid epidemic Nov. 7 at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School

By Billie Owens

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School welcomes the public to a panel discussion about the nationwide opioid epidemic. The event features experts in the field of addiction, as well as an opioid addiction survivor.

“The alarming thing about opioid abuse is how ubiquitous it has become,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Pat McGee. “We are not just inviting our students and their families. Opioid addiction does not discriminate and we encourage all members of our community to join us and learn how to identify or avoid opioid abuse. We are, quite literally, trying to save lives.”

This event is free and open to the public.

Panelists will discuss recent developments regarding the availability and danger of opioids and will address audience questions. The panel will be moderated by GCASA Executive Director John Bennett and Assistant Director of Prevention Sherri Bensley.

Additional panelists include Allison Parry-Gurak from the GOW Opioid Taskforce, Byron-Bergen Student Resource Officer Matt Butler, prevention educator Gina Henry, and a guest speaker with firsthand experience overcoming opioid addiction.

The panel is hosted by the Byron-Bergen Central School District and conducted by the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA). It will take place Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium, located at 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

Byron-Bergen National Jr. Honor Society welcomes 24 new inductees

By Billie Owens

(The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School 2018 National Junior Honor Society.)

Submitted photos and press release: 

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School celebrated the new membership of two dozen middle school students to the school’s National Junior Honor Society in a ceremony on March 21.

The inductees are:

  • Eighth-grade: Aidan Clark, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick;
  • Seventh-grade: Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Austin Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Nicholas Zwerka. 

The NJHS program highlights the well-rounded students at Byron-Bergen. Inductees are selected based on their high standards of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and character. All members are required to demonstrate their achievements in each of these areas. New members join 40 standing members to round out the Byron-Bergen chapter

The evening began with a welcome from faculty advisors Ken Gropp and Kerri Smith. NJHS Vice President Alayna Streeter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The ceremony continued with opening remarks from Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Patrick McGee.

(The traditional lighting of the candles symbolizing the tenets of the NJHS: character, service, leadership, scholarship and citizenship.)

Students Hope Hersom and Kelly Ireland led the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, that centers on the five qualities all members work to embody. Alaura Rehwaldt lit the candle symbolizing Character; Elli Schelemanow, Leadership; Grace Huhn, Service; Colby Leggo, Scholarship; and Corden Zimmerman ended with Citizenship.  

NJHS President Sarah Sue Streeter spoke about working hard for everything you want. She shared her story of not qualifying for membership in the society when she expected that she would. She was extremely disappointed, and determined to do better the next year.

“I worked and worked and worked,” she said. “And all the hard work paid off. When you really want something, you have to be willing to work hard to get it.”

The induction ceremony featured two guest speakers who were chosen by NJHS members: Byron-Bergen teachers Roxanne Wood and Peter Spence. They each spoke about the five qualities NJHS members must embody and how they are part of a successful life.

Wood challenged students to “set your goals higher than you think you can reach.”

As part of the induction ceremony, each new inductee received a certificate and pin, and the distinct honor to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

More than a million students participate in NJHS:https://www.njhs.us/. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

(All new inductees received a certificate and pin, and were acknowledged by the school’s administrators. Below, Ava Wagoner is congratulated by Ken Gropp.)

New Genesee Regional College Fair brings opportunity directly to area students

By Billie Owens

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and organizations at the Genesee Regional College Fair for area students in grades nine through 11.

Submitted photo and press release:

With the help of the New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC), Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and universities on May 18 for the new Genesee Regional College Fair.

The school’s gymnasium was filled with students from grades nine through 11 from Byron-Bergen, Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, Rochester Preparatory High School, Keshequa Middle-High School, and the Western New York Tech Academy. Colleges traveled to the event from all over New York State, and from as far away as the University of Alabama, University of Guelph in Canada, and Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

"Our goal is to host this event every year and continue to expose students to all of the opportunities that exist after high school," said Byron-Bergen College and Career counselor Rob Kaercher. "I know it is a busy time of year for colleges and high schools, but it would be impossible to host a large event without the support of every employee at Byron-Bergen and the NYSACAC.

"They are instrumental in providing professional development opportunities for school counselors and college admissions professionals from across the state, as well as opportunities for many college-bound students.”

Many area high school students attend the NYSACAC college fair in March at the Rochester Convention Center and in Buffalo at the First Niagara Center. Now, the Genesee Regional College Fair will give students exposure to colleges in a more intimate setting, right in their own backyard.

"Next year we plan to have even more colleges and branches of the armed services, and we will invite more high schools to experience this event," Kaercher said.

The following colleges and organizations attended the NYSACAC Regional College Fair at Byron-Bergen: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Canisius College, Daemen College, Elmira College, Genesee Community College, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, Jamestown Community College, Keuka College, La Roche College, Le Moyne College, Monroe Community College, Morrisville State College, New York State Higher Education Services Corp, Niagara University, Mercyhurst University, Quinnipiac University, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, SUNY - Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY - Buffalo State College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, The University of Alabama, University of Guelph, University of Rochester, the Army, and Wells College.

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