education

It's Studio Day at Robert Morris School -- a day when community members come into the school to share what they know with students, whether it be about fire fighting, skating, mask making, tennis or just having fun.

Teacher Liz Mundell said the day exposes students to career options, different kinds of hobbies or a chance for a little extra play.

"It's a different way for them to learn rather than just what they would find in a book," Mundell said.

News release from Jason Smith:

The Elba Central School Class of 2011 was honored to welcome Lt. Col. Paul Birch and 1992 Elba graduate as their guest speaker for the Sixth Annual Top Ten Dinner on June 6.

The event is held annually for the top 10 graduating students from Elba and their families to recognize their academic achievements.

Lt. Col. Birch was the guest speaker and shared with the students the importance of staying true to their values and never forgetting their hometown roots in Elba.

In his speech, he encouraged the students to apply all they learned and use their small-town values as an advantage in life.

The Elba Student Council graciously sponsored the event.

Principal Jason Smith awarded each student an honor pin in recognition of their top 10 status.

Lt. Col. Birch is an evaluator pilot with more than 1,200 combined hours in the F-15SE and was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col. on March 1, 2010.

His military decorations include the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

On June 1, Lt. Col Birch took command of the 4th Operation Support Squadron.

Past  speakers at the annual banquet have included Maureen Torrey-Marshall, Dorothy Coughlin, Samuel Giansante, Colleen Contant and Charles Zambito.

The top 10 students this year (second row, from left): Jarad Kogut, Phil Casper, Lt. Col. Paul Birch; (first row, from left) Elizabeth White, Jenna Bird, Kelsey Scott, Crosby Lamont, Molly Geissler, Jessica Pcionek, Ashley Crnkovich. Megan Schwartzmeyer was absent.

Below, with Paul Birch and Jason Smith, is Class of 2011 President Phil Casper.

Above, President Stuart Steiner delivers his commencement speech to the 2011 graduates of Gensee Community College.

Steiner is finishing out his final academic year as president of GCC.

After the jump, a list of graduates highlighted by the college.

UPDATE: We've added Dr. Steiner's speech after the jump.

Djibril Gueye -- An international student from Dakar, Senegal, Djibril came to GCC for a degree in Sports Management and to learn how to apply business principals to the vast sport industry. After graduation, Djibril plans to transfer his credits to Brooklyn College and continue his education. Ultimately, he wants to use his education along with his love of sports to become a professional athlete’s agent. Djibril played on the Men’s Soccer team at GCC, proudly wearing #24 on his jersey throughout their victorious 15-1 season. His favorite instructor at GCC was Business Professor Barb Shine, and his favorite class will remain BUS 225, Entrepreneurship. After graduation, he says he will miss spending time in the college’s library.

Krystie Mary Laurey -- A stellar student-athlete, Krystie hails from Horseheads, NY, where she graduated from high school with Honors and was a member of the National Honor’s Society. She is earning her General Studies degree from GCC also with Honors, and she plans to transfer to a yet-to-be-named four-year college or university. Alongside her academic achievements, Krystie has made significant contributions to the Lady Cougars Basketball team where she played guard and small forward with the team going 18-12 this past season. She was awarded “Player of the Year” in 2011, and received the Coaches Award, Scholar Athlete Award and was the 2nd Team All-American Nominee. While her dream is to play with the Women’s NBA, she also has her sights on becoming a sports agent.

Lori A. Mould -- As a nontraditional student at age 48, Lori embraces every educational opportunity that comes her way. With dual GCC degrees in Communication and Media Arts and Fine Arts, Lori has been involved with numerous college activities and received numerous awards. She currently is the student representative to the college’s Board of Trustees, but previously she served as SGA president. She received: the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence 2009-2010; GCC Board of Trustees Award; SGA Award; Phi Theta Kappa International Most Distinguished Regional Officer (2009-2010); Phi Theta Kappa International Most Distinguished Regional Officer Team (2009-2010); Phi Theta Kappa International Most Distinguished Chapter Officer (2010-2011); Phi Theta Kappa International Most Distinguished Chapter Officer Team; Omega Nu Chapter Award for the Quiet Hero; New York Phi Theta Most Distinguished Regional Officer (2009-2010); and All-USA New York All Academic First Team. She was on the President's List for all eight semesters; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for seven semesters; RACCE Outstanding Adult Student for two years; GCC Student of the Month, Student of the Semester, and  Volunteer of the Month. She plans to continue her education at Empire State College as well as her volunteer work in Louisiana, which includes increasing awareness about the environmental and social issues in that area.

Thao Hoang Phuong -- An international student from Ha Noi, Viet Nam, Thao is earning a degree in Business Administration from GCC. She has remained on the President’s List since the Fall of 2009. Thao is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, undertaking responsibilities of the Public Relations secretary. She was also a founding member and the vice president of Education for the college’s newly formed Toastmasters International Club. She is a member of Who’s Who Among American Students in American Universities and Colleges. Thao completed the Leadership Certificate program along with the Student Development Series for which she received the Student Development Award. As a resident assistant at College Village and a member of the Student Government Association, Thao was given the Respect Award at the college for her trustworthiness, dependability, cheerfulness and willingness to go above and beyond expected tasks. She plans to transfer to a four-year school to major in Finance and one day return to Viet Nam to continue to develop her family’s business while working in finance, banking and education.

Leah Reino -- As the first Biotechnology student from GCC to study in Brisbane, Australia, Leah is an overachiever with numerous accomplishments, including several honors for her writing skills. She gives credit to her first English professor at GCC for challenging her to be a better writer. Last year, her entry was chosen for First Place in the David A. Garfinkel Essay Contest, sponsored by the New York State Court of Appeals. She’s a two-time winner of the GCC Student Poetry Contest and also took home First Place in the Literary Art Category in the Earth Day Art Contest. She placed in the top 10 (out of 1,300) in the nationwide NISOD Student Essay Contest for her piece, “Professor Weston and the Last Crusade.” Leah has been in Who’s Who in American Universities and colleges from 2009 to 2011. She’s made the President’s list and the Dean’s list for a number of semesters during her studies, and was awarded Student of the Semester in the spring of 2008 at the Arcade Campus Center. Perhaps most prestigiously, was her receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award this spring. Formerly a homeschooled student in Franklinville, Leah came to GCC for the Abilities to Benefit program, which allowed her to get her high-school equivalency. She plans to transfer to a four-year school to ultimately earn a Ph.D and pursue a career in biomedical sciences, cancer, and/or genetic research. Leah is also a graduate of GCC’s Honors Program, which prompted her to complete a number of projects including a paper on World War II, an anthology of poetry and artwork, and a research project on the genetic diversity of red-tailed hawks. Her blog -- including some stellar photos from her travels in Australia and New Zealand -- are available at: http://gccblogs.wordpress.com/

Joseff James Brockmann Smith – As his family is from Albion, NY, Joseff came to GCC because he wanted to stay close to home to remain involved in local church ministries. While Joseff remains open to change, for now, he plans to transfer to a four-year school to obtain his bachelor’s degree after studying at GCC for Teacher Education with a Coaching Certificate. Along with his faith, Joseff has dedicated himself to being a scholar-athlete, earning Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and Academic Athlete of the Week awards. Although he’s quite humble about his achievements, Joseff has also been Student of the Month, NJCAA Academic All American, Academic All Region, and named to the NYS 2nd All Academic Team. He is also a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award as well as the Nicolas J. Georgian Scholarship Award. As a member of the Men’s Soccer Team and the Christian Students United group, Joseff says he always does his best to serve others, practice his faith, and consistently looks for opportunities to make a positive difference. He has three siblings who have also chosen to study at GCC.

Dr. Steiner's speech:

GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COMMENCEMENT 2011
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:  DR. STUART STEINER
MAY 22, 2011

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS FOR INVITING ME TO BE THIS YEAR’S COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER.  THERE ARE FEW HONORS THAT A COLLEGE PRESIDENT CHERISHES MORE THAN RECEIVING THIS TYPE OF INVITATION.  IT IS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL TO ME AS I CONCLUDE MY FORTY-FOURTH YEAR AT GCC AND MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR AS PRESIDENT.

SINCE THIS IS YOUR GRADUATION, I ASKED A NUMBER OF YOU WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO TALK ABOUT.  MANY OF YOU ASKED ME TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY TIME AND EXPERIENCES AT THE COLLEGE AND OTHERS ASKED ME TO SHARE THE ROAD MAP I FOLLOWED IN MY LIFE AND CAREER.

SO, I WILL SHARE SOME OF MY STORY WITH YOU.   BUT I WILL ALSO TELL YOU THAT I DID NOT HAVE A ROADMAP AND I NEVER EXPECTED TO HAVE A CAREER IN HIGHER EDUCATION, AND I CERTAINLY NEVER EXPECTED TO BE A COLLEGE PRESIDENT.

LET ME SHARE SOME FAMILY BACKGROUND WITH YOU SO YOU MIGHT BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY MY PARENTS PLACED SUCH A HIGH VALUE ON EDUCATION.   MY MOTHER’S PARENTS IMMIGRATED TO THE US FROM RUSSIA IN THE LATER PART OF THE 19TH CENTURY.  THEY CAME THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND AND LATER SETTLED IN BALTIMORE.  THEY LIVED AND WORKED IN WHAT WAS CALLED A “BLUE COLLAR” NEIGHBORHOOD.  MY FATHER’S PARENTS LIVED IN AUSTRIA AND WHEN HE WAS TEN YEARS OLD, THERE WAS MUCH POLITICAL UNREST IN HIS TOWN.  THE SITUATION BECAME SO BAD THAT HIS PARENTS PUT HIM ON A SHIP, ALONE, SO HE COULD COME TO THE UNITED STATES AND LIVE WITH AN UNCLE.  HE GREW UP IN CHICAGO AND AS A TEEN ENLISTED IN THE US ARMY.

MY MOM’S PARENTS WERE WORKING CLASS PEOPLE AND MY MOM AND DAD WERE THE SAME, DOING HARD WORK AND WORKING LONG HOURS.  HOWEVER, THEY ALWAYS EXPRESSED TWO DEEP BELIEFS THAT I WOULD CONTINUALLY HEAR AND I NOW PASS ON TO YOU – FIRST, EDUCATION IS THE KEY FOUNDATION FOR WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO,  AND WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO – DO SOMETHING THAT YOU FEEL IS SATISFYING AND THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR DOING. 

I WAS THE YOUNGER OF TWO BOYS, BORN DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION.  WE HAD VERY MODEST RESOURCES – BUT I NEVER FELT “POOR” SINCE ALL OF OUR FRIENDS LIVED IN A SIMILAR FASHION.  WE DIDN’T HAVE ANY CENTRAL HEATING, BUT WE HAD A COAL STOVE.  I THOUGHT THAT WAS HOW MOST FAMILIES LIVED.  WE DIDN’T HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY SO WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND LATER IN COLLEGE, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN A BREWERY DURING SUMMERS, SELL NEWSPAPERS, SELL PROGRAMS AT THE NAVY FOOTBALL GAMES, WORK IN A PHARMACY, WORK AT THE POST OFFICE AND, BEST OF ALL, BE A SCORECARD VENDOR WHEN THE BALTIMORE ORIOLES RETURNED TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES TO PLAY BASEBALL IN THE MID 1950’S.  THERE WAS NO PATTERN OF PLANNING HERE.  WE DID WHAT WAS NECESSARY TO GET TO THE NEXT DAY, WEEK OR MONTH.

WHEN I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, I HAD NO IDEA OF WHAT I WANTED TO DO BUT MANY OF MY FRIENDS WERE EITHER GETTING THE TYPE OF JOBS THAT DIDN’T ESPECIALLY APPEAL TO ME OR GOING OFF TO COLLEGE.  COLLEGE SEEMED THE BETTER OPTION AND, AT A COST OF LESS THAN $100 A SEMESTER, I ENROLLED AT BALTIMORE JUNIOR COLLEGE – NOW BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  I STILL DIDN’T KNOW WHAT I WANTED TO DO, BUT WHAT I DID ACCOMPLISH WAS TO MAKE MY PARENTS VERY HAPPY --- THEIR SON WAS GOING TO COLLEGE – AND SEEING THEM HAPPY ABOUT THIS GAVE ME A DEEP SENSE OF PRIDE AND SATISFACTION. 

GRADUATION FROM BJC WAS AN EXCITING TIME FOR MY FAMILY.  MY BROTHER HAD JOINED THE AIR FORCE AND NOW I WAS NOT ONLY THE FIRST ONE IN THE FAMILY TO GO TO COLLEGE, BUT I WAS THE FIRST COLLEGE GRADUATE IN THE FAMILY.  I THINK BEING THE FIRST PERSON IN THE FAMILY TO GRADUATE COLLEGE MAY BE A SIMILAR STORY FOR MANY OF YOU WHO ARE GRADUATING TODAY.

NOW I WAS FOCUSED IN ON A PLAN – RIGHT.  SAD TO SAY THE ANSWER WAS STILL NO.  I WAS NOW LOOKING AT MY OPTIONS.  I WAS FORTUNATE – I HAD DONE WELL ACADEMICALLY AT BJC WHILE ALSO PLAYING ON THE BASKETBALL AND TENNIS TEAMS.  AS A RESULT, I RECEIVED SOME SCHOLARSHIP MONEY OFFERS AND SINCE I HAD FRIENDS THAT WERE GOING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND AND MARYLAND WAS WILLING TO TRANSFER ALL OF MY CREDITS AND ACCEPT ME WITH THIRD YEAR STANDING AS A BUSINESS MAJOR, I ENTHUSIASTICALLY ACCEPTED THE OFFER.  I WAS NOW 20 – AND I STILL LACKED A CLEAR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.  TWO YEARS LATER, I WAS GRADUATING FROM THE UNIVERSITY – WITH MUCH EXCITEMENT AND THE PLEASURE OF ONCE AGAIN SEEING MY PARENTS SO EXCITED AND PROUD OF THAT MOMENT.  I THINK THEY ENJOYED THIS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MY COLLEGE WORK SO MUCH BECAUSE IT WAS SOMETHING THEY HAD TALKED ABOUT MY ENTIRE LIFE. 

NOW HERE IS WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES CAME IN AND IMPACTED ON MY FUTURE FAR MORE THAN ANY DETAILED PLANNING ON MY PART.  THE DRAFT WAS IN EFFECT AT THE TIME I GRADUATED, AND I HAD BEEN SERVING IN THE ARMY RESERVES AND AT SOME POINT I HAD TO GO INTO THE ARMY FOR SIX MONTHS OF ACTIVE ARMY DUTY – BUT THEY COULDN’T TELL ME WHEN I WOULD BE CALLED TO SERVE.

I LIKED WORKING WITH PEOPLE SO, WHILE WAITING FOR THE CALL TO ACTIVE DUTY, BECAUSE I NOW HAD A DEGREE IN HAND, I WAS OFFERED AND I TOOK A JOB AS A SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER IN THE CHILDREN’S DIVISION OF WHAT WAS THEN CALLED THE BALTIMORE WELFARE DEPARTMENT.  I ENJOYED THE WORK I WAS DOING THERE, ESPECIALLY WORKING WITH THE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.  AFTER TAKING A LEAVE FROM MY JOB TO DO MY SIX MONTHS OF ACTIVE ARMY DUTY, I RETURNED TO MY WORK AT THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT.  I WANTED TO DO MORE THAN JUST BE A CASE WORKER BUT FOUND THAT TO HAVE ANY POSITION THAT COULD HAVE REAL IMPACT IN TRYING TO CHANGE SOME BASIC THINGS AND OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, YOU NEEDED TO HAVE YOUR MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE.  NOW A PLAN WAS STARTING TO FORM.

I ENROLLED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL AND EARNED MY MSW FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.  GRADUATION DAY AND CEREMONIES ONCE AGAIN BROUGHT GREAT JOY TO MY PARENTS AND MY WIFE ROZ WHO I HAD MARRIED A YEAR EARLIER.  WITH MY NEW DEGREE, I WAS NOW QUALIFIED TO ASSUME A POSITION WITH INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY AND WAS ASKED TO SERVE AS THE DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR OF JUVENILE COURT SERVICES.  WITH MY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES, I WAS BEING URGED TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL AND TAKE AT LEAST SOME LAW CLASSES IF I REALLY WANTED TO HAVE A LARGER IMPACT IN HELPING THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THAT WERE MOVING THROUGH THE SOCIAL SERVICE AND COURT SYSTEM.  MY PARENTS ALWAYS SAID TOO MUCH EDUCATION WILL NEVER HARM YOU – BUT TOO LITTLE COULD POSSIBLY LIMIT YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AND, IN MY CASE, THEY WERE RIGHT AGAIN.  I STARTED TO TAKE LAW COURSES IN THE EVENING WHILE MAINTAINING MY JOB IN THE DAY –THEN CHANCE STEPPED IN AGAIN.  ON A TRAIN RIDE TO A MEETING IN PHILADELPHIA, I MET UP WITH A PERSON THAT WAS THE DEAN OF STUDENTS AT BALTIMORE JUNIOR COLLEGE WHEN I WENT THERE.  SHE INTRODUCED ME TO A FRIEND WHO WAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE BALTIMORE JUNIOR COLLEGE’S EVENING PROGRAM.  HE SAID IF I WAS INTERESTED, HE HAD SOME PART-TIME TEACHING OPENINGS FOR SOMEONE TO TEACH INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY COURSES. 

I TOOK HIM UP ON HIS OFFER AND WAS NOW TEACHING AN EVENING SOCIOLOGY COURSE, TAKING EVENING COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE LAW SCHOOL, AND DOING MY WORK AS THE DIRECTOR OF JUVENILE COURT SERVICES.  MY WIFE’S PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE IN AGREEING TO ALLOW ME TO DO ALL OF THESE THINGS MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE. 

AS A SIDE NOTE, THE PERSON THAT I MET ON THE TRAIN AND WHO HIRED ME WAS DR. ALFRED C. O’CONNELL, WHO LATER BECAME THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF GCC.  I TAUGHT FOR SEVERAL YEARS AT BJC AND ONE DAY RECEIVED A CALL FROM DR. O’CONNELL ASKING IF I WOULD CONSIDER CHANGING MY CAREER DIRECTION AND JOINING HIM AT HIS NEW COLLEGE IN MARYLAND WHERE HE WAS JUST APPOINTED PRESIDENT.  HE OFFERED ME A POSITION AS DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT.  WE NOW HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND IT WAS GOING TO BE A SERIOUS CAREER MOVE, BUT I ACCEPTED THE JOB.  I FINISHED MY LAW SCHOOL CLASSES, AND GRADUATED FROM LAW SCHOOL AND WAS CONTEMPLATING EITHER A LAW CAREER OR CONTINUING TO WORK IN THE STUDENT SERVICE AREA.  I LATER EARNED MY MASTERS AND DOCTORATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION FROM COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY.  NOW I HAD A CLEAR CAREER PLAN – RIGHT.   WELL, NOT EXACTLY.  THE OPTIONS FOR MY FUTURE PLANS BROADENED WHEN DR. O’CONNELL TOOK A NEW POSITION AS THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND ASKED ME TO JOIN HIM AS GENESEE’S FIRST DEAN OF STUDENTS.  I NOW HAD THREE PRESCHOOLERS, HAD NEVER WORKED IN NEW YORK, AND HAD NO IDEA WHERE BATAVIA, NEW YORK WAS LOCATED.  DR. O’CONNELL WAS A MASTER SALESPERSON AND HE CONVINCED MYSELF AND ROZ THAT THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF STARTING A NEW COLLEGE WAS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME.  HE WAS CORRECT ABOUT THAT.

A YEAR AFTER GENESEE STARTED OPERATIONS, DR. O’CONNELL ASKED ME TO ACCEPT THE POSITION OF CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE DEAN.  IT WAS AN EXCITING TIME.  SEVEN YEARS LATER, IN 1975 WHEN THE PRESIDENT RESIGNED TO TAKE ANOTHER POSITION, THE BOARD SELECTED ME TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WERE SEEMINGLY UNRELATED, SUCH AS MY PAST WORK EXPERIENCE AND MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND HAD NOW COME TOGETHER. 

NOW, STANDING UP HERE TODAY, 36 YEARS LATER, I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THIS EVENT WAS TRULY BEYOND ANY EXPECTATIONS THAT I HAD FOR MYSELF WHEN I TOOK MY FIRST JOB IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  MY DEEPEST HOPE IS THAT EACH OF YOU WILL ALWAYS BE READY TO REACH BEYOND THE INITIAL GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE ESTABLISHED FOR YOURSELF.

YOU ARE PART OF A COLLEGE THAT HAS SUCCEEDED AND GROWN BEYOND THE WILDEST EXPECTATIONS OF ITS FOUNDERS.  SUCCEEDING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS IS PART OF OUR HERITAGE.

TALK ABOUT GOING WELL BEYOND EXPECTATIONS – LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  ALMOST NO ONE, EXCEPT COMMITTED CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS, THOUGHT THAT GENESEE COUNTY WOULD APPROVE FUNDING FOR A COLLEGE OR THAT IT WOULD BE A SUCCESS.  WHEN I MOVED HERE IN 1967 AND MY FIRST OFFICE WAS IN A CONDEMNED URBAN RENEWAL BUILDING IN A FORMER LIQUOR STORE, I WAS STILL EXCITED ABOUT RECRUITING STUDENTS FOR OUR FIRST CLASS BUT MY EXPECTATIONS WERE VERY MODEST.  WHEN WE CONVERTED A FORMER DISCOUNT STORE INTO OUR FIRST COLLEGE CAMPUS BUILDING, MY EXPECTATIONS WERE STILL MODEST – BUT I WAS GETTING EXCITED.  THEN WE OPENED OUR DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEPTEMBER 1967 AND 378 FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND 217 PART-TIME STUDENTS ENROLLED FOR THAT FIRST SEMESTER.  AT THAT POINT BOTH MY EXCITEMENT AND MY EXPECTATIONS BEGAN TO GROW.

IN THOSE FIRST FEW YEARS, SOME OF MY FRIENDS IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND EVEN IN THE STATE UNIVERSITY’S CENTRAL OFFICE TOLD ME IN CONFIDENCE THAT THEY HAD NO EXPECTATION THAT THIS NEW COLLEGE WOULD GENERATE ENOUGH STUDENTS OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SUCCEED.  THAT’S WHAT THE ‘EXPERTS’ SAID.  BUT MY EXPECTATIONS KEPT GROWING – WITH OUR FIRST GRADUATING CLASS OF 78 STUDENTS IN 1969, THEN WITH APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR OUR NEW CAMPUS, NEW PROGRAMS, AND ENROLLMENT GROWTH WITH STUDENTS ENROLLED FROM COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD THAT TODAY MAKES US THE 16TH LARGEST SUNY COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN TERMS OF SIZE.  I AM PROUD THAT TODAY’S GRADUATING CLASS IS MADE UP OF CITIZENS OF NINETEEN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD – THE FLAGS BEHIND ME REPRESENT EACH OF THOSE 19 COUNTRIES. 

THE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION THAT OUR FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS HAVE EARNED NATIONALLY, STATEWIDE, AND LOCALLY EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATIONS OF EVEN THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC COLLEGE SUPPORTERS.  ALL OF THESE THINGS AND MANY MORE WERE BEYOND EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL BUT A FEW TRUE BELIEVERS.  AS I SAID, MY SELECTION AS PRESIDENT IN 1975 AND MY INAUGURATION WERE WAY BEYOND THE EARLY EXPECTATIONS THAT I HAD FOR MYSELF WHEN I BECAME INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES.  FOR MY PARENTS, IT WAS ONCE AGAIN A CONFIRMATION THAT A GOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION CAN HELP TAKE YOU TO THE TOP OF YOUR PROFESSION.  IT WAS ALSO A TIME THAT MY WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN COULD ENJOY. 

I ONLY REGRET THAT MY WIFE ROZ, WHO PASSED AWAY SEVERAL YEARS AGO, IS NOT HERE TO ENJOY ALL OF THE ACCOLADES THAT HER UNSELFISH SUPPORT OF ME AND THE COLLEGE HELPED TO GENERATE.

I ALSO WISH WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE SPACE TO BRING ALL 22,500 OF OUR GRADUATES TOGETHER TO HEAR ABOUT HOW THEY PLANNED AND USED THEIR GENESEE EDUCATION AS A FOUNDATION FOR THEIR LIVES.  YES, I SAID OVER 22,500 GRADUATES AND THIS YEAR YOU ARE PART OF THE LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS IN THE HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE – TOTALING ALMOST 900 GRADUATES. 

WHILE I WILL LEAVE MY JOB AS PRESIDENT OF GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE,   I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I WILL FIND MY WAY BACK TO THE PING PONG TABLES IN THE STUDENT UNION, AND MY MEMORIES OF YOU, THE STUDENTS, WILL NEVER FADE NOR WILL THE MEMORIES OF THE 39 BOARD MEMBERS I HAVE WORKED WITH OR OF THE HUNDREDS OF FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS THAT HELPED BUILD THE COLLEGE.  BUT WHEN EVERYTHING IS SAID AND DONE, IT IS YOU, THOSE GRADUATING TODAY, AND YOUR PREDECESSORS THAT HAVE MADE LIFE FOR MYSELF AND THE OTHERS THAT HAVE WORKED WITH YOU SO

ENJOYABLE.  I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT YOUR EDUCATION WILL SERVE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR HELPING YOU SUCCEED IN LIFE, GOING INTO A FIELD OF WORK THAT YOU FIND ENJOYABLE AND WORKING AT SOMETHING THAT NOT ONLY EARNS YOU A LIVING, BUT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY AND HAVE A PASSION FOR DOING.

REMEMBER, YOUR GRADUATION TODAY FROM GCC, LIKE MY GRADUATION FROM BALTIMORE JUNIOR COLLEGE, OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO, SHOULD NOT BE LOOKED AT AS THE END OF YOUR FORMAL EDUCATION, BUT MERELY AS A FOUNDATION UPON WHICH TO BUILD YOUR FUTURE CAREER.  

HOW DO I KNOW?   BECAUSE MY MOM TOLD ME THAT SAME THING 54 YEARS AGO AND SHE REMINDED ME OF THAT ON THE EVENING OF MY INAUGURATION – VERY SUBTLY AND ONLY AS A MOTHER COULD DO IT.  I SAID YES MOM, YOU WERE RIGHT. 

EACH OF YOU HAS GOOD REASON TO TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TODAY.  MANY OF YOU HAVE MET OR EVEN EXCEEDED YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS AND, THUS, YOU HAVE A SPECIAL REASON TO CELEBRATE.  MAY THIS DAY BE THE BEGINNING OF THE FULFILLMENT OF THE GREAT EXPECTATIONS THAT YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF AND THAT WE HAVE FOR EACH OF YOU.  WE WISH EACH OF YOU MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS.

I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR GIVING ME THE PRIVILEGE OF SPEAKING TO YOU TODAY AND ALLOWING ME TO SHARE SOME MEMORIES WITH YOU.

PHOTO CAPTION: Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship recipients Alyssa Cole (seated), Justine Saraceni and Jennifer Wright (standing) with Charles Graney and Molly (Graney) George.

BATAVIA -- Three teens from Oakfield-Alabama, Notre Dame and Pavilion high schools are the recipients of the 2011 Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships. The $1,000 scholarship awards were presented at the Genesee ARC Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet to: Alyssa Cole, Justine Saraceni and Jennifer Wright.

A member of the Oakfield-Alabama Class of 2011, Alyssa plans to attend SUNY Geneseo to become a Special Education Teacher. Justine, a resident of Le Roy and senior at Notre Dame High School, will study Childhood and Special Education at St. John Fisher College and senior Jennifer, of Pavilion, is planning to become a social worker and will begin her studies at Genesee Community College.

The Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is open to area high school seniors, planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields. It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004. According to Genesee ARC Scholarship Committee Chair Charles Graney, “The scholarship is a living memorial, honoring Mary Anne’s commitment to Genesee ARC and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.”

The scholarship program is funded by the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center in Elba.

Voters will be asked to go to the polls today to cast ballots in all eight school districts for or against proposed budgets.

In Batavia, three candidates are also on the ballot to fill two board seats.

The Batavia budget calls for $39.6 million in spending and would increase school taxes by 5.75 percent.

Polls for Batavia City Schools are open from noon until 9 p.m. at Batavia Middle School, Jackson Elementary and Robert Morris School.

In Elba, Oakfield-Alabama, Pavilion and Pembroke, polls are also open from noon until 9 p.m.

In Alexander, polls are open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Byron-Bergen, polls are currently open and will stay open until 9 p.m., same as Le Roy.

Fewer than a dozen people showed up to Jackson Street School on Tuesday night to hear, and have a chance to be heard, on the proposed 2011-12 Batavia City Schools' budget.

It's a budget that would, if passed, increase the tax levy by 5.75 percent, or about $1.14 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

The $39.6 million spending plan eliminates several staff positions as the district struggles to meet the demands of shrinking state aid and growing personnel costs.

Voters will be asked to approve the budget May 17.

If voters turn out against the budget,  it doesn't necessarily mean local property owners will avoid a property tax increase.

The district has two choices if the budget isn't ratified: propose a new budget for voters or pass a contingency budget.

In the case of a contingency budget, the state mandates certain budget expenses be removed -- equipment, some instructional and extra-curricular programs and public use of school buildings.

Even if those items are cut from the budget, Superintendent Margaret Puzio explained, it would only decrease the tax levy by about $100,000.

Even a contingency budget would lead to a property tax increase.

About 75 percent of the district's budget is taken up by personnel costs.

Employee benefits account for $8.8 million of the district's expenses. The state mandated employee retirement system contribution has gone up more than 16 percent, an increase of 39.6 percent over 2010-11. The district's contribution to the teacher retirement system has gone up 11.11 percent, a 28.9 percent increase over the previous budget year.

“Those are significant expenses and completely beyond the control of anybody in the district,” said Board Member Gary Stich (inset photo).

Most of the revenue for the district comes in the form of state aid, which is being cut for the fourth straight year.

In 2008-09, the district received $20.1 million in state aid. The estimated aid for 2011-12 will be $17.9 million.

In that time, state aid has decreased from 49.92 percent of the district's revenue to 46.83 percent.

The district is getting a little help from the federal government, Puzio said. It's a one-time grant of more than $500,000. The district is using that money to help offset reduced state aid.

"The good thing is it (the grant) helped us plug a little bit of the hole from that loss in state aid," Puzio said. "The bad news is, next year it will be gone. We don’t know what we’ll get in state aid next year, but we need to realize that we are already a half-million dollars down.”

The budget reduces non-instructional staff time and eliminates six non-instructional positions.  

Six full-time instructional positions are eliminated, including three teacher aids.

The only audience member to speak was David DiSalvo, and he questioned the seemingly high salaries of some staff and district administrators.

Board Member Patrick Burk defended administrator salaries saying that current administrators are earning less than they might make elsewhere and that the district must offer competitive salaries in order to hire and retain the best personnel.

Former Batavia resident Terry Anderson -- known internationally as the former Middle East Bureau Chief for Associated Press who was taken hostage in Lebanon for six years -- will serve as a visiting professor at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Anderson, most recently a journalism professor the University of Kentucky, will hold a temporary appointment in the Department of Newspaper and Online Journalism and give guest lectures and teach classes on several subjects, including international reporting.

While Anderson was in Batavia in February to support the planned International Peace Garden, he told reporters he would like to return to Upstate New York.

Anderson, who holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University, has also taught at Columbia University and Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism. Anderson is a former Marine who worked as a combat correspondent during the Vietnam War.

Anderson's appointment is for the 2011-12 academic year.  

Photo from Anderson's recent visit to Batavia, as he signs a copy of one of his many books for Jim Owen.

Pembroke and Batavia came out of the quarter finals of the regional mock trial competition and are among five teams moving on to semi-finals.

Both Pembroke and Batavia's teams finished the quarter finals with a record of 2-0. Pembroke had 110 points and Batavia, 107.

The semi-finals will be held March 28 in Geneseo.

Because Avon and Byron-Bergen tied for fourth, right down to the tiebreakers, both teams will move on to the semi-finals. Typically, only four teams compete in the semi finals.

Both teams were 1-1 with 106 points.

Warsaw came in third with a record of 1-1 and 107 points.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who organizes and champions the mock trials locally, said schedules have been arranged so all five teams can compete.

In round one, it will be Pembroke vs. Avon, Batavia vs. Warsaw and Byron-Bergen vs. Batavia. Round two will pit Byron-Bergen against Avon, and Warsaw against Pembroke.

The final rounds will be in Warsaw on March 30.

Photo: Maura Chmielowiec, Evan Sutherland and Patrick Flynn of the Batavia team.

Previously:

• Students compete in mock trials at Genesee County Court House
• Photos: Mock trial, Notre Dame vs. Batavia

Batavia and Notre Dame students went head-to-head this evening at the Genesee County Court House in a mock trial competition that brought in teams from throughout the region.

This mock trial was presided over by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

No word on results yet.

Previously: Students compete in mock trials at Genesee County Court House

These photos are available for purchase by clicking here.

Above, Jake Krajawski, BHS, is questioned by a defense attorney. Second photo, Matt Sausner and Eric Lomonoco of Notre Dame.

From left, Sausner, Lomonoco and Megan Zickl.

More pictures after the jump:

Maura Chmielowiec, BHS

Megan Zickl

Rosie Mortellaro

Evan Sutherland

Judge Robert C. Noonan

Matt Sausner

Maura Chmielowiec, Evan Sutherland and Patrick Flynn

Brittany Perzia

Eric Lomonoco

Maura Chmielowiec

Jake Krajawski

Era Reda-Kendrick

Students from 10 regional schools -- including five from Genesee County -- were in the Genesee County Court House this evening competing in a series of mock trials.

The winners will move up to competitions that could eventually lead to placement in a statewide tournament.

Mock trials provide students with a scenario to test their trial skills and knowledge of the law. Each team consists of six people -- three attorneys and three witnesses.

In this case, the scenario involved a dispute between a village board (a fictional place called Empirevllle) and a high school. The mayor pushed through parking restrictions around the school, and one student, who received a parking ticket, is challenging the legality of the ordinance.

Local schools participating Wednesday night where Alexander, Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Pavilion and Notre Dame.

These pictures come from the session between Alexander and Batavia.

The Alexander team is Jeff Elleman, Chris Snyder, Jimmy Moore, Cory Henderson, Christa Bestehorn and Lacy Moore.

The Batavia team is Pat Flynn, Evan Sutherland, Maura Chmielowiec, Eva Reda-Kendrick, Nate Kabel and McKenzie Stevens.

Local attorney Tom Burns served as judge for this session.

Students and parents who wish to purchase prints of these pictures can click here.

More pictures after the jump:

Three graduates of Genesee Community College who went on to successful careers and have been active in their communities were selected as 2011 inductees into the GCC Hall of Fame.

The new inductees are Jacquelyn Dwyer, class of '76, Benjamin Bonarigo, Class of '77, and Matt Locker, class of '88.

Dwyer went on to become a nurse in Batavia City Schools and then an instructor of Human Services and Health Careers at Genesee Valley BOCES.

Bonarigo (pictured) is a local attorney who enjoys serving the community.

Locker started his broadcast career at GCC and has appeared in television and motion pictures. He has been active with the GCC Alumni Association. He currently resides in Wanaque, NJ.

The induction is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, in the Conable Technology Building, North Lobby.

Full press release after the jump:

BATAVIA, NY (03/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College will induct three new members to its Alumni Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 4:30 pm in the Conable Technology Building, North Lobby at the Batavia Campus.

"This year's recipients have a wide variety of degrees and career backgrounds," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator, said. "These outstanding alumni serve as inspirations to our current and future students at Genesee. They not only have created successful lives after attending Genesee, but have found the time to serve their local communities and give back to the college."

The 2011 Genesee Community College Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are:

Jacquelyn Dwyer, Class of 1976 – Jacquelyn "Jacquie" Dwyer received her associate's degree from Genesee in Nursing in 1976. Prior to that, she earned a bachelor's degree in Education from St. Xavier University and later went on to obtain a master's degree in Education at SUNY Brockport.

She began her career in education and became a registered nurse in 1976 after attending classes at Genesee as a non-traditional-aged student. She began her nursing career at Batavia City Schools as a school nurse and then became an instructor of Human Services and Health Careers at Genesee Valley BOCES. She has dedicated her life to not only the education and health-care fields, but has also dedicated much of her time to volunteer in dozens of local community groups.

From Go Art to the American Red Cross, to Community Mental Health Services to the Richmond Library, Jacquelyn has made volunteering an important commitment in her life. She currently remains active in the UMMC League, Friends of the Library, YWCA My Sister's Closet, and Resurrection Parish.

Jacquelyn and her husband John have supported Genesee for several years and have participated in Encore, various capital projects and the GCC Foundation's Annual Fund. Jacquelyn and John had nine children together and currently reside in Batavia, NY.

Benjamin J. Bonarigo Esq., Class of 1977 - Benjamin Bonarigo, a first-generation college graduate, began his education at Genesee with a degree in Business Administration and later went on to the University of Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate degree.

Mr. Bonarigo has been a practicing lawyer in the local community for over 25 years. He has been appointed a member of the NYS Bar Association House of Delegates, NYS Appellate Division Grievance Committee for the Fourth Department, Secretary of the Genesee County Bar Association and a former Independent Judicial Qualification Commission Member.

He has served the local community including the Batavia Youth Football League where he has been a board member for over 20 years and was recently honored with the Notre Dame Service and Volunteer Award for having served in various positions on the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees for 10 years.

Mr. Bonarigo has also supported many vital organizations such as UMMC, Go Art, United Way, GCASA, CASA and the Holland Land Office. Mr. Bonarigo currently lives in Batavia with his wife Diane and they have three children, Benjamin, Justine and Elizabeth.

Matthew B. Locker, Class of 1988 - Matt Locker came to Genesee by way of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and focused his talents on WGCC, the college's brand-new radio station in 1985. He dedicated his years at GCC to developing the station and even having a highly successful radio program. He coined the phrase "This is the Music FM, WGCC in Batavia, New York" and created the first logo WGCC ever had. His work on the radio has led Matt to be successful over the airwaves as well as in front of and behind the camera.

Matt has worked as the managing editor/anchor of "The Staten Island NewsCenter" in Staten Island, NY, as well as an anchor and program director on news stations in New Jersey. He has appeared in motion pictures, television programs, commercials and live stage theater performances.

Matt's commitment to the college has been remarkable and his efforts were the driving force behind the great alumni turnout for the first Homecoming celebration back in October 2010. He continues to help out with the student radio station and currently updates the WGCC Alumni Facebook page to continue to connect with Communications and Media Arts alumni.

Matt currently works as a freelance voice-over artist, and is president of Winbeam Light Labs, the company he founded upon developing the world's first high definition fluorescent lamp. Matthew resides in Wanaque, NJ.

The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on the community. Nominations to the Hall of Fame are received from alumni, community members, faculty and staff.

The criteria for nominating an individual to the College Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual's contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected from a committee of distinguished alumni, including past Hall of Fame honorees.

For more information regarding the Alumni Hall of Fame, please contact Jackie Christenson, Alumni Affairs Coordinator, at 585-343-0055, ext 6265.

More than 400 middle-school students were at Genesee Community College this morning for the 2011 Genesee County Youth Conference.

Students heard a keynote speech by bullying expert Michael Nerney (pictured below during a workshop later in the morning with teachers) called "Taking the Bully by the Horns."

Then they broke into a series of workshops lasting less than an hour each in three consecutive sessions. The workshops included "Hmmm ... is this the right decision?", "Energy Smart Choices," "Who Wants to Make a Good First Impression?", "Building Your Potential," "Nutritional Jeopardy" and yoga.

Above, Joni Yaskulski leads a class through a yoga session.

Nerney's talk focused on adolescent brain development and the negative effects of bullying on development. The message was geared to the concept of changing social norms among middle-school students so that everyone, especially bystanders, understand that bullying is not acceptable nor is it harmless.

Students from Holy Family, Oakfield-Alabama, Batavia, Elba, Alexander, St. Joe's, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy and Pavilion participated in the program.

The conference was organized and sponsored by Genesee Youth In Action, 4-H, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Genesee County Stop-DWI.

A dozen city school students in second through fifth grade met at Jackson School today for a spelling bee to determine the top speller at each grade level.

Students represented Jackson, John Kennedy and Robert Morris.

Pictured here are fourth graders Jonathan Slezak (John Kennedy), Ellen Fulton (Robert Morris) and Caitline Kingston (Jackson).

Fulton won the fourth-grade round.

Also winning today were Brandon Bartz, second grade, John Kennedy; Madeline Taggart, third grade, John Kennedy; and, Carli Reynolds, fifth grade, Jackson.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to rescind inequitable cuts to education funding that unfairly burden Western New York’s children. In a letter to the governor, Assemblyman Hawley detailed the ways that the budget proposal favors downstate students at the expense of those Upstate.

“There should be no barrier when it comes to the education of our children,” said Hawley. “Upstate pupils are slated to receive substantially deeper cuts per pupil than those Downstate; an average of $800 more. I am sure you would agree that each and every child in New York State should receive an equal education.”

Full text of Hawley's letter after the jump:

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I would like to take this opportunity to share my constituents’ concerns over cuts to education in this year’s Executive Budget.

The proposed cuts to education show an inequity to rural and non-wealthy school districts which I represent. I believe each child should have the same opportunities regardless of their family’s geographic location. As you know, education is critical to the success for all children.

Please reconsider these unparalleled and inequitable education cuts per pupil. There should be no barrier when it comes to the education of our children. Upstate students are slated to receive substantially deeper cuts per pupil than those downstate, on average of $800 more. I am sure you would agree that each and every child in New York State should receive an equal education.

On behalf of all students who reside in Upstate New York, I urge you to reconsider the inequitable cuts to education and then, hopefully, rural students will not be penalized for the area in which they live.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to cap the annual salaries of school district superintendents and if his proposal goes through, one Genesee County superintendent could see a nearly $90,000 cut in pay.

Under the cap plan, all of the other county superintendents are earning less than what Gov. Cuomo's plan says they could earn.

Currently, the highest paid school superintendent in the county is Pembroke's Gary Mix. He earns $232,307 per year.

For a school district the size of Pembroke's, according to Cuomo, Mix's pay should be capped at $145,000.

WBTA's Geoff Redick spoke with Mix.

"I understand that the governor is politically ambitious," says Mix. "He's picked a group of people -- the 700 superintendents in New York -- that in many communities, particularly in small communities, they can often be among the more highly compensated people in the community."

Mix says he grew up the oldest of eight children. His father was a postal worker who also took many odd jobs to support his large family.

So, "I understand the feelings about other people's compensation and benefits," says Mix. "(But) education is crucial, it's important. I hope we truly value it."

On the other end of the spectrum, Elba's Jerome Piwko might want to ask for a raise. He's making only $81,120. While Elba's student population is a rather small 494, Cuomo's plan says Piwko could have his pay capped at $135,000. 

That puts Piwko's pay nearly $55,000 under Cuomo's proposed pay scale. That's the largest disparity between Cuomo's cap proposal and what a current Genesee county superintendent is earning.

For the rest of Geoff's story, click here.

Proposed cuts in state aid to school districts will hit rural districts harder, local educators told Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley at a well-attended gathering Wednesday night at John Kennedy School.

The hour-long session centered on school district leaders from throughout Genesee County expressing their concern and asking questions about the proposed cuts.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a $1.5 billion reduction in state aid to schools. But the funding formula currently in place would make the cuts inequitable, to the detriment of rural school districts, local education leaders say.

Some downstate districts will see funding drop about $700 per student, while rural districts will get $1,200 to $1,700 less.

"Our concern isn’t that we won’t make the cuts," said Mark Johnson (inset, left), a trustee in the Oakfield-Alabama School District. "We’ll do the same with less. The issue is we just want the cuts to be equitable."

Hawley said he will only support a 2-percent property tax cap if there is mandate relief.

"There has to be mandate relief," Hawley said. "These are costly, cumbersome and overburdening mandates by the state of New York on districts that know how to operate a business."

City Schools Superintendent Margaret Puzio said the meeting was fruitful, if for no other reason than to hear Ranzenhofer say there is a conversation going on in Albany about the inequality of the budget proposal.

"Our kids have to compete with kids from rich urban districts," Puzio said. "If they can’t get the same AP course, the same gifted and talented programs, the same chances in athletics, how can that be fair?"

Two Genesee County schools are among 10 finalists to receive $50,000 grants from Pepsi Co. following a competition among thousands of grant proposal submitted to the soft drink company.

Supporters of the projects were asked to express that support through online voting and text messages in the national competition.

"We couldn't have done it without the team effort of the entire community," said Robert Morris Principal Diane Bonarigo.

Robert Morris applied for a grant to fund construction of a new playground.

The Byron-Bergen Elementary School Playground Committee also finished in the top 10.

Next, Bonarigo said, Pepsi will review the grant applications again and make sure all of the paperwork is in order. She said she expects official confirmation of the grant in a couple of weeks.

"We are very excited to be finalists," said Bonarigo. "The students are excited."

She thanked the whole community for their support and the local media for promoting the competition.

Press release from Genesee ARC:

Batavia, NY -- Family and friends of Genesee County ARC’s first PREP for Life Class gathered Thursday, Jan. 13 for a graduation ceremony at Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Ten students walked across the stage to obtain their achievement certificate, marking completion of the program aimed at expanding their educational and vocational options.

PREP is an acronym which stands for People Realizing Education and Employment Potential. The program is a partnership between Genesee ARC and Genesee Community College and was established to improve student transition from high school to employment. It is a non-credit certificate program for individuals with developmental disabilities who desire a college experience.

The graduates are: Melissa Cook, Jesse Gray, James Grudzien, Dwight Hicks, Sherrie McKenzie, Andrew Moyles, Jason Northrup, Corinne Phelps, Christine Tinklepaugh and Janette Vick.

"PREP for Life grew out of our conversations with families who wanted their children to have access to more life experiences and skills," says Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski.

Students learned skills in the areas of socialization, self-advocacy, time management, transportation, adaptive living skills, career exploration, job readiness and employment training. Another aspect of the curriculum included community volunteerism. Students used classroom space at the Genesee ARC Community Center, and at GCC they used the library, cafeteria, computer lab and meeting space.

According to Clifford Scutella, GCC director of Student Activities, it has been a pleasure interacting with the PREP for Life Students.

“They love life and being here brings so much joy to us and everyone at the college,” he said.

Since PREP for Life began, Mr. Scutella has always reached out to include the students in college activities. He was a speaker at Thursday’s graduation. PREP for Life Teacher and Genesee ARC Day Habilitation coordinator Kim Weber also addressed the students and guests.

“As a teacher, I believe that every day is about learning -- not just for the students, but for the teacher as well,” she said. “Each day the students have taught me something about myself, life and becoming a better person."

Graduates can now use the skills they have developed to help focus on their future. Opportunities include a new program option called AIM (Adults In Motion). It is a community-based enrichment program that gives individuals an opportunity to further explore their interests and goals.

It offers a variety of instruction and experiences designed to increase independence in various functional living skills such as safety, health and nutrition, hygiene, recreation and leisure, career exploration, and community access.

There is also the potential for training in prevocational/vocational areas through the Vocational Department at the Genesee ARC Work Center and the new Culinary Arts Program at the Genesee ARC Community Center.

Photo submitted by Sandy Konfederath.