le roy high school

The Class of 2022 faced some difficult challenges but rose to the task, said Valedictorian Allison Privatera at Le Roy High School's commencement ceremony on Saturday.

"Against all odds, the COVID-19 pandemic prepared us for college curriculum, proved that we’re more resilient than we thought, and reminded us that while this year had its associated stress and grief, it could have been significantly worse," Privatera said.

She also had advice for the students coming up behind her class.

"To address our underclassmen, the main piece of advice I can give is to put in the time and effort to set yourself up for success, and that life really loves messing up your well-articulated plans, so don’t cling onto one too hard," she said.

Ninety-four Oatkan Knights received their diplomas during the ceremony.

Principal David Russell said that 23 of the graduates were heading off to two-year colleges, 50 are going to four-year schools, 13 have been hired or are entering the workforce, and one graduate is entering a four-year program connected to the military.

He quoted stoic philosopher Seneca: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end."

"In life, there will always be conclusions and celebrations. These can include graduation and other of life's milestones," Russell said. I encourage you to do like we did today (earlier in his speech) and take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished in that journey."

Former principal Tim McArdle was selected by the Class of 2022 to deliver the keynote address.

McArdle shared his 10 bits of life advice:

• Start every day with a win: make your bed.
• Surround yourself with people who will be the best version of yourself.
• Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
• Give back to your community.
• Don’t settle for anything in your life.
• Be present.
• Take care of yourself physically and mentally.
• Inspire and be inspired.
• Be you.
• Once a knight, always a knight.

"No matter where life’s journey takes you after this day, remember you are always a knight," McArdle said. "This school, this community, the alumni, and now your own class, are in your corner and ready to pick you up when you need it. They will always be here when you need them. Growing up here is special and sometimes taken for granted, but this is an unbelievable community that, regardless of your travels, you can always call it home."

Top photo: Valedictorian Allison Privatera.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Tim McArdle

Salutatorian Allyson Austin

The graduation ceremony was Trustee Denise Duthe's last official act as a member of the Board of Education.

Seniors in the school band performed between the speeches by the Salutatorian and valedictorian.

Wyatt Calcote

Jacob Williams

Evelyn Rose Babcock and David Russell

Austin Biggins

Ben Crocker.

Last evening at Le Roy High School the Oatkan Lady Knights advanced to the Class B2 quarter finals with a win over Attica Blue Devils 69-57. The Knights jumped out to a 12-point lead 27-15 led by Bryn Luckey and a three-pointer from each Hailey Johnson and Jillian Curtis. 

Through the second quarter, Attica held better defense and juniors McKenna Jarnot and Mary Weber both added three-point buckets to keep the Blue Devils in the half only down by 10 points.

The Knights held a strong defense keeping Attica’s top scorer McKenna Jarnot scoreless in the quarter, which kept the momentum scoring points from Luckey, Condidorio and Logsdon.  Score 52-37 after three quarters.

Attica, backed against defeat, did not give up and Jarnot hit four three-pointers in the final quarter to bring the Devils within six points. But the Knights sophomore guard Kailyn Tresco answered back with two three-point buckets of her own. 

Le Roy’s Brynn Luckey finished with 25 points; Amara Condidorio and Kailyn Tresco each had nine points. McKenna Jarnot scored 21 points, Weber 13 points for the Attica Blue Devils.

The Le Roy Knights play this Friday against second seed Avon on their home court, game time 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos click here.

Press release:

The sixth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 3rd, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, and Self Defense.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/clinic organizers for the past 40 years.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each.

The high school is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

To see a flier go to www.tatsudo.com and click the link at left of page “November 2018 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please calls 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum 15 years old, no experience needed.

Submitted photos and press release from Pat Iamon.

On June 21, during the Le Roy High School awards night, the premier Rochelle "Willie" Wilson Award was presented to the inaugural recipient, Haley Scripp.

The award was initiated by Tom White, and after a few emails many members of his Class of 1970, reciprocated with donations and a vow to continue this tribute in honor of one of their most loved classmates, Rochelle “Willie” Wilson.

The Class of 1970 was the largest class ever at LHS, however, Wilson stood out. She was regarded highly by both her classmates and the faculty and was a friend of everyone.

White spoke during awards night about Wilson and how she was respected by everyone.

He said, “She was a great athlete and a great person, but almost no one but the people from class knew that because the only place she could display her talent was on the playground. Willie unfortunately missed out on what is now called 'Title Nine' (AKA Title IX) -- which requires collages to give equal scholarships to men and women.

"No doubt Willie would have received an athletic scholarship if her talent and character had been seen.”

White talked of becoming an adult during such turbulent times. The Vietnam War, race riots and women demanding equal rights were constantly in the forefront and shown graphically on TV during the evening news.

Unfortunately, there were no organized women sports for Wilson. Following high school, Wilson joined the Army and served her country. She moved to Alabama had a daughter, Naomi, and lived quietly.

Wilson died of lung disease in January of 2014, believed to be the result of serving overseas during the burning of oil fields in the Middle East (Kuwait, 1990-).

Patty McQuillen Daansen, another member of the Class of 1970, summarized what the annual award is and announced the winner who was nominated by teachers and administrators. A committee from the Class of 1970 chose the debut recipient. The award was presented to Scripp by White and Daansen.

Scripp was described by her teachers as a terrific student, outstanding athlete, a kind personality and a pleasure to be around.

She will be attending RIT and majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology in the fall.

Scripp will was given a plaque acknowledging the award. Her name will be entered as the first recipient of the Rochelle “Willie” Wilson Award plaque, which will remain in the LHS hallway.

Scripp will receive her $500 from the award upon successful completion of her first semester of college.

Photo below, from left: Haley Scripp, the first recipient of the Rochelle “Willie” Wilson Award, with LRHS Class of 1970's Tom White and Patty McQuillen Daansen​.

Once upon a time in a small town and in a small school in Le Roy, a beautiful girl and a stately prince find true love...

The timeless story of love and romance and the triumph of a girl least likely to win the heart of a prince, comes to the stage at Le Roy Junior Senior High School.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" story will touch the hearts of young and old in this enchanting production reminding today's audience that dreams still come true.

The Le Roy musical will present the classic fairytale in a fresh and exciting way. This isn't just another Cinderella story, but a family friendly event that has surprises around every corner.

Shows are at 7 p.m., March 15, 16 and 17.

The magic wand will be waved and the audience will be dazzled by special effects, a transformation scene, fog and special lighting, and professional costumes rented or borrowed from various theaters.

In addition, the show will trickle into the audience from the stage to create an interactive element as actors and audience blend.

There will be a special gift at the door for all children, birth to third grade, who come to the musical dressed in costumes consistent with the theme of the play.

Almost 100 students make up the cast, crew and pit orchestra being directed by Jacqueline McLean. Stuart McLean is the show's vocal director. Bradley Meholick is the pit orchestra director, and Jessa Dechant is in charge of publicity and public relations.

"Even though this is a small community and small school, the talent is extremely great," McLean said. "These students have put in a lot of hard work and time and they have a fire in their bellies to present."

Senior Grace Kovach plays Cinderella. Grace's younger sister, Margaret Kovach, is the Fairy Godmother and Jayce Seely plays the Prince. Other lead roles, the King and Queen, are played by Tyler Murtha and Miranda Graham.

Sisters Grace and Margaret are excited about their experience acting together on stage.

"Grace and I are sisters, so we can take it the extra step," Margaret said. "This has made us 10 times more close than we already are."

"This is one of the greatest memories I will have of high school," said Grace, who will be graduating this year.

Jayce agrees.

"This production will be memorable because of time spent with new and old friends and the experiences we have had that don't happen everday," Jayce said.

As in any romance story, true love must be sealed with a kiss.

"My mom teases me a bit, but it's fine," Jayce said.

"After all it is just a show," Grace said.

Tickets can be purchased now and you are strongly encourage to buy them ahead of time.

• On the school's website at www.leroycsd.org
• By calling the main office at 768-8131
• At the door while available

Le Roy Junior Senior High School is at 9300 South St. Road.