Celia Mercovich

Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

Graduation 2017	w w w.bbschools.org

Congratulations To The Class of 2017 Our Top Ten Students for 2017 are:Valedictorian Celia Mercovich, Salutatorian Michael Zwerka,Adam Walter, Dillon Brew, Olivia Audsley, Lindsey Bowman, Grace Pulcini, Brandon Burke, Brittany Rada, and Rose Bower.

Celia Mercovich is a member of National Honor Society, Math League, Scholastic Bowl, and Robotics Club. She has been a varsity swimmer for four years, and an avid snowboarder
in the school’s Ski Club. Celia earned her Academic Varsity Letter by her junior year and an additional four pins for continued academic excellence
Valedictorian
as a senior. She is a member of the BB Advanced Placement Five Club
for earning a 5 on the AP United States History exam. She was selected for the Art Department Award and the Science Department Award in her senior year. She is the recipient of the Brian R. Ivison Memorial Industrial Arts Scholarship, the Wanda L. MacVean English Recognition Award, the Scholar Program Award, and a New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. She also received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Celia is the daughter of Eric and Dr.Amy Mercovich, and will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall to study physics, using the RIT Innovation and Creativity
Scholarship she was awarded in her junior year. She will also participate in the RIT Fast Forward program to get a jump start on her research over the summer.

Michael Zwerka is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Math League, and Strategic Games Club. He has volunteered
at The Father’s House for seven years, where he manages the lights, sound, and media for middle school and high school services. Michael
Michael Zwerka
Salutatorian
is the only student in his class to have earned a Gold Scholar Card every quarter throughout his entire
high school career. Michael was awarded his Academic Varsity Letter in his junior year and an additional two pins for continued academic excellence as a senior. He is the recipient of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology, a Scholar Program Award, the New York State Department Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. He is also the recipient of the Superintendent’s Award. Michael is the son of the late
William Zwerka, Jr. and Karen Zwerka-Snyder and Shane Snyder. He will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology to major in software engineering.

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(continued from cover)	Class of 2017 Top 10 students

Adam Walter is a member of National Honor Society and Math League, and participates in football, wrestling, and baseball.Adam earned his Academic Varsity Letter as a junior and two pins as a senior. He is a member of the elite Hundred Club, earning a perfect score
on the Algebra Regents, and a member of the BB Advanced Placement Five Club. He is the recipient of the Band Award, Robert Mannix Jazz Scholarship, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, Language Other Than English Department Award, Math Department Award, New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and President’s Award for Educational Excellence.Adam is the son of Phillip and Terri Walter. He will major in chemical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Dillon Brew participates in the Math League and Scholastic Bowl team. In his junior year, he received the RIT Computing Medal and Scholarship for his interest in computers and technology, along with his Academic Varsity Letter. He received an additional two pins
for continued academic excellence in his senior year and is a recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Dillon is the son of Barry and Elaine Brew and plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to major in electrical engineering.

Olivia Audsley, daughter of Todd Audsley and Michelle Geiger, is senior class president, vice president of National Honor Society, and secretary for Varsity Club. She volunteers in the community, and participates in athletics. Olivia is a member of the Hundred Club, and earned
an Academic Varsity Letter and pin. She received the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the Art Department Award, Social Studies Department Award, Dartmouth Alumni Book Club Award, and George Eastman Young Leaders Award. She will major in Latin American and Caribbean studies and economics at Dartmouth College.

Lindsey Bowman is the recipient of the Art Department Award,Choral Award, Byron-Bergen Musical Theater Award,
Byron-Bergen Music Booster Scholarship,Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award, and President’s Award for Educational Excellence. She
earned her Academic Varsity Letter and two pins. She has been active in sports, school musicals, and volunteer work. Lindsey is the daughter of Timothy and Heather Bowman. She plans to major in animation and illustration at SUNY Fredonia.

Grace Pulcini is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior High Band, the Steppin’ Up Club,Youth Advisory Council at the Bergen United Methodist Church, and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Student Banking. She is a member of the BB Advanced
Placement Five Club, and earned her Academic Varsity Letter and pin. Grace received the Saint Michael’s College Book Award, University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, American History Award,President’s Award for Educational Excellence, and Byron-Bergen Scholar Gold Card. Grace is the daughter of Vincent and Carolyn Pulcini. She will major in history at SUNY Geneseo with future plans to attend law school.

Brandon Burke, son of David and Joanne Burke, is a four-year varsity scholar athlete in soccer, basketball, and track and field. He was selected as Byron-Bergen Male Athlete of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.This June, he received the title of state champion in the high jump at the NYS Track
and Field meet,along with placing second in both the triple jump and long jump. Brandon is an attendee of the American Legion Boys State, and earned an Academic Varsity Letter. He received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Medalist Award,American Chemical Society Achievement Award,President’s Award for Educational Excellence, and Scholar Program Award. Brandon plans to attend the University at Buffalo to pursue degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and to participate in Division I track and field.

Brittany Rada, daughter of Donald and Kristie Rada, is the president of the National Honor Society, an active community volunteer, and has participated in swimming, cheerleading, softball, karate, and cross country throughout her high school career. Brittany earned her Academic
Varsity Letter and is the recipient of the Gary Liles Memorial Award Trophy, Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University and the Ceramic Association of NY Recognition Award, RIT Computing Award, and Dawn Gruendike Memorial Award. She plans to attend the University at Buffalo to major in aerospace engineering.

Rose Bower is a member of National Honor Society, Senior High Band, Singing Silhouettes vocal group, and has participated in Spanish Club, Student Council, and Drama Club. She has performed with the Batavia Players, and volunteered in the community through work
with her church. Rose has received the Elmira College Key Award, Band and Chorus Award, and Musical Theater Award. She is the daughter of Laura Mitchell and Steven Bower, and will be attending Genesee Community College.

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017 Class of 2017 Graduates

Jenna Amesbury Genesee Community College
Psychology

Dominick Andres Finger Lakes Community College
Programming

Connor Andrews Monroe Community College Business

Jared Barone Welding

Kerri Bates Genesee Community College
Nursing

Maya Benda Genesee Community College
Criminal Justice

Elizah Bickham Two year college Undecided

Isabelle Bliss Genesee Community College
Nursing

Michaela Bohn Two year college Undecided

Mariah Burgado Genesee Community College
Speech Therapy

Grace Campbell The College at Brockport
Childhood Education

Derek Cooper U.S. Marine Corps

Matthew Cooper Genesee Community College Liberal Studies

Zachary Cratsley U.S.Army National Guard

Russell Cunningham Monroe Community College Aerospace Engineering

Nicholas DeFrank Genesee Community College Business

Reanne Dressler The College at Brockport
Athletic Training and Sports Medicine

Marlaina Fee Geneva College (Pennsylvania) Elementary/Special Education

Chase Felton Alfred State College
Building Construction/Construction Supervision

Russell Flaherty Undecided

Mackenzie Fox Medaille College Veterinary Technology

Jordan Gardner Finger Lakes Community College
Environmental Studies

Ryan Gonyea
Junior Partner at Gonyea Builders

Cortney Hare Genesee Community College
Vet Technician

Mikayla Harmer Southern New Hampshire University
Mathematician

Sean Henry Monroe Community College
Visual Communications

Jenica Hickey Tompkins Cortland Community
College Wine Marketing

Jacob Hixenbaugh Undecided

Jessica Holley Genesee Community College
Undecided

Hailey Hubbard Keuka College
Criminology & Criminal Justice

Christian Klafehn WyoTech, Pennsylvania Automotive

Shannon Little Walmart Sales Associate

Alexandria Loewke Genesee Community College Undeclared

Melanie MacCowan Genesee Community College Journalism

Kitana Maher Genesee Community College
Primary Education

Brendan Marsocci Genesee Community College Criminal Justice

Levi Mattice Food Service

Kelsey Maurer Keuka College Undeclared

Shawn Merry Genesee Community College
Liberal Arts/History

Anthony Miraglia Alfred State College

Colin Noeth Genesee Community College
Sports Management

Jessica Olander Monroe Community College
Art

Sabbatha Pawlukewicz Undecided

Ayla Pernesky-Crosby Welding

Ryan Richardson U.S. Marine Corps

Karson Richenberg University at Buffalo Psychology

Kameron Robinson SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts

Timothy Saxman Law Enforcement

Ethan Schramm Two year college Undecided

Brandon Shade Roberts Wesleyan College Music Performance

Samantha Sprague Genesee Community College Polysomnography (sleep study)

Adam Starowitz Farming at Star Growers

Tyler Stefanski
Finger Lakes Community College Graphic Arts

Noah Stumpf Genesee Community College
Undecided

Mary Sweeney SUNY Morrisville Vet Technician

Skyler Swinter Monroe Community College
Undecided

Derrek Szell Genesee Community College
Creative Writing/Computer Engineering

Will Thompson Working at Thompson Builds

Chase Toal
The College at Brockport Business

Jon Utter Undecided

Brittney Vincent SUNY Potsdam Art Education

Selena Volta Genesee Community College
General Studies

Samantha Wade Canisius College Social Work

Victoria Welka
Orange County Community College Nursing

Makayla White Continental School of Beauty Cosmetology

Brooke Whitehead Undecided

Lauren Williams Welder

Robert Yohon Genesee Community College
Digital Arts

Destanee Zastrow Vocational Training

Jesse Zittel
Finger Lakes Community College Graphic Design

Home of the Bees	3

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017

Superintendent’s Message By Mickey Edwards

It is a very exciting time for our graduating seniors as this is the culmination of 13 years of education. It may seem to many of you that this is the end-point of your journey, but in reality your journey is just beginning. I
wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I would like to thank your families for their partnership with us in your education. I would add a special acknowledgment to the faculty, staff, and administration that supported you along the way. Lastly, it is important
to recognize the Board of Education here at Byron-Bergen Central School District, as they volunteered countless hours to make sure you received the best education possible.

I challenge each graduate to not let others define you or your role in the future. Recognize that for those who are given much, much is expected. Look for or create opportunities to serve others, to take the lead, to make a difference, and to lend a helping hand. Leave the world a better place than you found it.

Superintendent Edwards congratulates Michael Zwerka, Class of 2017 Salutatorian.

Celia Mercovich, Class of 2017 Valedictorian, is recognized by Superintendent Edwards at Academic and Athletic Recognition Night.

Thank you to the Byron-Bergen school community for supporting the school budget for the 2017-18 school year, and congratulations to our elected Board
of Education members Tammy Menzie and Amy Phillips. Our proposed budget passed 327 to 153 and our proposal
to purchase four new vehicles for the Transportation Department also passed, 340 to 150. For those wondering about our Capital Improvement Project, we have been working closely with our Facilities Committee, architects, and construction manager to define the scope of the project. More information will be shared with the community this summer, with an anticipated project vote this fall. Please stay informed as we seek to make some much needed renovations.

As we bring the academic year to a

close, I would like to congratulate the following people on their retirement from the district: Bill Snyder (School Business Official), Mike List (Director of Facilities), Melissa Chamberlain (Kindergarten Teacher), Joyce Cullum (Librarian), Steve Locke (Chemistry Teacher), Liz Findlay (Sixth-Grade Teacher), Becky Kelly (Secretary), and Gayla Starowitz (Senior Clerk).They will be sorely missed.All of these individuals took great pride in their work and made Byron-Bergen a better place.

In closing, I would like to say that every time I attend a Byron-Bergen event, I am reminded of the great work that is being accomplished by our students, teachers, and families. It continues
to hold strong that Byron-Bergen Central School is a special place with an outstanding reputation.As we look to improve on behalf of our students, I would encourage you to be involved and communicate your thoughts with
us.Also, as I have shared before, continue to communicate with our New
York State Legislature and Governor, advocating for the public funding that is legally and constitutionally ours. On behalf of the Board of Education, the administration, and the staff, I want to thank you for your continued support in the education of our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact me at 585-494-1220 ext. 2829, or email me at medwards@bbschools.org.

I wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer!

Watch for new district website this fall

Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent survey to gather community feedback to improve our www.bbschools.org website.We’ve begun the process, and hope to launch
a brand new site for the 2017-18 school year. Expect a website that is uncluttered and mobile-friendly with lots of student pictures.You’ll be able to quickly navigate and search for important information and resources.We’re excited about creating a better way to communicate with our community — coming soon!

Home of the Bees	5

Byron-Bergen honors retirees

Melissa Chamberlain
“I have a little boy in my kindergarten class this year, in my last kindergarten class,” said teacher Melissa Chamberlain,“and his father was in my very first kindergarten class back in 1985.That’s pretty special.”

Chamberlain’s years in education included helping many other kindergarten teachers begin their careers, as a teacher mentor and as a host for student teachers.“I am proud that with all of the pressure for children to achieve,
my team has always remembered that our kindergarteners are 4, 5, and 6 years old and they need time for play.We have kept many fun activities in our program that children will remember for years to come. It is so important that children love school!”

“I would like to thank Tom Biondolillo and Bill Hayes for believing in me and hiring me so many years ago,” she said. “Also, for my many former and current K-team members who have taught me so much. I will miss them.And I will miss the children: reading to them and teaching them to read.”

Speaking of reading, Chamberlain said she has a “big stack of books” waiting for her, along with a full schedule of outdoor activities, like hiking, kayaking, swimming, and biking. She currently volunteers for Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN), and plans to expand her volunteering. She and her husband, another retired B-B teacher, along with her oldest son, are planning a cruise to Cuba this summer.

Joyce Cullum
“At my interview for this job, back in 1997, I was asked to imagine that I had spent my career at Byron-Bergen,” said Joyce Cullum. “At my retirement dinner, a group of students were discussing memories of having me as their librarian.What did I wish they would say? My answer that day was that I
would hope they remembered that I treated each of them fairly and instilled in them the importance of treating each other kindly. I hoped they knew I sincerely cared for each of them, and that the library helped them become lifelong learners. If I was asked this question again today, my answer would be the same.”

In the summer of 1998, Cullum had the opportunity to redesign and remodel the Elementary Library. She said,“My coworker Barb DeFazio’s son, Brian, volunteered to help with

this endeavor to complete his Eagle Scout project.Thanks to him and many more volunteers, we have enjoyed the beautiful results of this project for nearly 20 years now.” She credits coworkers DeFazio, Cathy Glazier, and Karie Langer with helping to keep the library running smoothly.“It has
been my goal and desire for the library to be ‘the heart of the school,’ the place where students learn to love literature.”
“I am very thankful to Tom Biondolillo and former Superintendent Dennis Kirst, who decided that I would be a good fit to lead a library program for our students,” she said.“I am also thankful for the many colleagues with whom I’ve had the privilege of collaborating, and the many close friendships which will continue after retirement,” she said.

Cullum said she has “four incredible children and five delightful grandchildren.” She and her husband plan to visit their son’s family in Kodiak,Alaska. She hopes to participate in the NICU Cuddler Program at the Golisano Children’s Hospital, and volunteer in the classrooms her grandchildren attend.

She said,“Thank you, Byron-Bergen families for entrusting the care of your children with me in the library over these past 20-1/2 years!”

Liz Findlay
“I have been in the Byron-Bergen school district for literally 45 years!” said elementary school teacher Liz Findlay. She attended
K-12 here, graduating in 1980. In 1985, after graduating from Fredonia State University, she remembers that B-B Superintendent
Bill Hayes and Principal Tom Biondolillo “took a chance on a 23-year-old kid with no
experience, and hired me to teach kindergarten.The faith they had in me to do this job meant more than I can ever express.” Findlay switched to sixth grade in 1990 and has been there ever since.

“I am most proud of watching the fine young ladies and gentlemen that graduate from here move on to bigger and better things,” she said.“Knowing I had a small hand in setting that path for them makes me very happy.”

“I have worked with some of the most wonderful people. We have been through a lot together, and I can’t imagine having done any of it without them all. One of my favorite endeavors has been the fifth-and-sixth-grade class trip. I’ve really bonded with these teams over the years, and I’d like to continue to help out.” Casey Kosiorek, Mickey Edwards,

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6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017 (continued from p. 6)	Byron-Bergen honors retirees

Brian Meister, and Amanda Cook are also standouts for Findlay.“These last years have been some of the best because of them. Having an open line of communication and feeling as though what I have to say is being heard has made working for them an absolute pleasure.”

Her retirement “bucket list” includes traveling to Italy and Scotland, volunteering at Crossroads House in Batavia or with newborns at a hospital, going to musicals, reading, and pampering her two cats. She hopes to spend more time with her “incredibly supportive” family and “wonderful significant other.”

“I truly have been blessed,” she said.“This has been the best 32 years, and it’s gone by fast. I will definitely miss being here, but I am ready for the next chapter to begin.”

Becky Kelly
“My favorite part of being at Byron-Bergen is the little ones,” said Becky Kelly.“If a little one was upset, I wiped their tears.I helped to keep them safe. I love knowing each student, and most of their parents. B-B truly is one big family and I love that.”

Kelly started with the district as a cafeteria monitor in 1991. “That was a perfect job for me at the time because I had young children and I could be home when they were home,” she said.“I wanted to get into the office, though, as that was my chosen career path.” Eventually, she was hired full time for the Elementary School front office, and Kelly quickly became the most familiar and welcoming face in the school.

“I’ve always had fun here,” she said.“I have made some wonderful friendships and had once-in-a-lifetime experiences I won't ever forget. I have my B-B family to thank for that.
I am going to miss seeing everyone.That will be the hardest thing to get used to.”

All three of Kelly’s children graduated from Byron-Bergen, all are married, have families and live in the area. She and her husband, who retired last year, plan to spend more time with them, her mom, and their three grandchildren.The couple would like to travel and Kelly hopes to relax and work in her garden. She is also growing her own florist business, so call her if you if need lovely flowers designed for weddings, showers, or parties.

Michael List
Director of Facilities Michael List is Byron-Bergen through and through. He graduated from B-B in 1978, and began his career with the district in 1984 as a custodian. He worked his way up and, in
1994, stepped into his current role. He said, “Through times of adversity, excitement, or
opportunity, I have been privileged to be part of a team that has let Byron-Bergen shine as a district that is not afraid to be out in front, leading the way.”

“You never know what any given day in this job will bring,” he said.“I enjoy the design and build phases of construction, and helping people deliver on ideas that promote the education of our young people. I’ve always had opportunities to learn and develop skills — you just can’t be afraid to try.”

He credits his maintenance department for performing near-miracles.“At the end of the 2010 Capital Project, for instance, just days before school opened, buildings were still disaster areas and administration was panicked. Our amazing staff worked through the holiday weekend and we opened with everything clean and sparkling, as always.”

List says his family has been the key to his success.“My parents taught me what it meant to work hard and how to interact with people. My wife and children put up with a lot because of the hours that I worked. Hopefully, I can be a blessing to them now.”As a certified Biblical Counselor, he
hopes to help individuals and couples, and plans to work with church missionaries in Alaska next year, and then take a cruise with his wife.

Steve Locke
In his 20 years as science teacher at Byron-Bergen, Steve Locke has made an
impact on district culture and on hundreds of young lives. In addition to teaching, he has served as Chemical Hygiene Officer, advisor for the Senior High Scholastic Bowl, Science Olympiads, and Ski Club; assistant coach for
FIRST Robotics Team 5065; and coached wrestling. He was K-12 Science Department curriculum chair from 2003-05.

Prior to joining the district, Locke worked at Kodak as a developmental synthetic chemist; he has also been an adjunct professor at The College at Brockport. In 2005, he was awarded the American Chemical Society's Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year by the UR Laser Energetics Laboratory.

Home of the Bees	7

(continued from p. 7)	Byron-Bergen honors retirees

Locke was principle author for a 1999 grant that allowed the district to purchase water sampling multi-meters and other lab equipment.This enabled students to perform an environmental assessment of six streams in the community.
This stream study field trip has been a yearly event ever since. He is very proud of his students, including two semifinalists in the national Intel Science Talent Search and five finalists
in the Central Western Science Teachers Association of New York State Science Congress.

A committed environmentalist, Locke has been a trustee of the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society for 14 years and trustee president for the past four years. He will continue to be active in the organization.“I can see the Bergen Swamp from my classroom window,” he said.“It is one of only two locations in the state where Massasauga rattlesnakes exist.This community’s efforts are what kept this population alive.This is a caring community to all things, even a venomous snake.”

“I’d like to send a special thank you to all the district parents who allowed me to instruct their children over the past 20 years,” he said.“It has been a privilege.”

Bill Snyder
Business Official Bill Snyder came to the district in 2006, leaving his position as school business official at Oakfield-Alabama CSD. Their loss was our gain.

“I would like to thank the 2006 Board of Education,” he said,“Ernie Haywood, Lori Nelson, Debi List, Sharon Bidwell, Dan Morgan,
Dana Keaton, and Geno Penepent, along with Dr. Gregory Geer and Loren Penman, for inviting me to be the school business official for B-B CSD. It’s been a great place to be.”

Snyder said he has loved the challenges of working with our administrators, faculty, and staff daily, and “will miss the many friendships kindled during my tenure.” He is particularly proud of helping to provide the financial means to continue the district’s programs during the recent severe state aid cuts caused by the Gap Elimination Adjustment.

His wife, Marla, is also retiring this year from the Genesee County ARC, and they look forward to spending time with their three grandchildren.They plan to visit their oldest son and his family in the Birmingham,Alabama area, and welcome their youngest son and his family back to the states (Knoxville, Tennessee region) from a seven-year stint in England.“I have
a lot of fishing, hiking, and picture taking to catch up on,” he said.“Also, Marla has a long ‘honey do list’ to be completed.”

Gayla Starowitz
From the moment you enter the District Office, you know that you are in the right place to find whatever answers you are looking for. Gayla Starowitz is at the front desk, and her welcoming calm, experience, and knowledge of everything happening in all corners of the district is reassuring and impressive.

Starowitz is a 1973 graduate of Byron-Bergen, and has worked for the district for 25 years.“I was hired as a teacher aide; then worked as a computer room aide, clerk typist, and senior clerk,” she said.“I would like to thank Bill Hayes and Susan Hustleby for the opportunity to work with a great team here. For all my co-workers: clerical, maintenance, food service, transportation, teacher aides, teachers, and
administrators — the comradery we shared over the years has a special place in my heart.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the ‘good news’ with the community through the district newsletter,Focal Point, for almost 20 years,” she said. She has written or edited (with eagle-eye precision) almost every article, and captured many special moments and events at our schools with her photographic talents.

She notes that working with facilities use and the school calendar has given her the opportunity to coordinate building use with community organizations, including Gillam Grant Community Center, local Scouting groups, and 4-H.

Retirement will bring more time to “do the things I’ve put off over the years,” she said.That includes spending more time with family, a little relaxation, and “possibly taking a trip to Alaska!”

Starowitz’s children, Jeff Starowitz (Class of 1998), and Cathy Parsons (2000) live in the Byron-Bergen community. She said, “My four grandchildren, Ruger, Gunner, Nathan, and Kelly, attend the Elementary School. I’m looking forward to having more time to attend their school activities (with my camera)!” We hope to see her often at many events for years to come.

Best wishes

on your
Retirement

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017 Jr./Sr. High School Happenings

By Patrick McGee, Principal

This year, we hosted our first Regional College Fair for students in grades 9-11. Thirty-four schools, ranging from GCC to the University of Alabama, attended the event.We were also happy to host high school students from Oakfield-Alabama, Rochester Prep, Keshequa, and the WNY Tech Academy. Our goal is to host this event every year and continue to expose students to all of
the opportunities that exist after high school.A big thank you to our College and Career Counselor Rob Kaercher for being a key player in making this happen.

Our Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) program offers a wide variety of opportunities for our 11th-and 12th-graders in fields such as graphics, culinary arts, building trades, cosmetology, health dimensions, and legal academy. One of my favorite events at the end of the year is attending the Open House for the Building Trades program. Eleven Byron-Bergen students in this program worked on building a brand new house from the ground up. This is authentic, hands-on learning at its best. I am so proud of the work these students accomplished.

The Batavian community news, and all of our actors — students, teachers, and family members.

Junior Lily Mercovich was recently recognized at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Digital Media Festival. Her short film,“The Pen Pal,” won first place in the video category for grades 10-12. She wrote, directed,
filmed, and edited this five-minute short film and it is now being forwarded
to other film contests in the region. Lily plans to study film production in college and to have a career in the film industry.

Byron-Bergen students participated in the 30-hour famine sponsored by World Vision onApril 28.They went without food from 12 a.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Students who participated were Shawn Merry,Ana Rebisz, Kyle Foeller, Jeremy Donahue, Serenity Donahue, and Catrina Chandler.These outstanding kids raised almost $2,000. This experience not only raised money, but helped the students realize 30 hours of hunger is nothing compared to those who experience hunger on a regular

basis.They all gained a great deal of empathy for the needy of the world.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is watching our seniors graduate. Over the last months of the year, we get to share many great moments with our seniors such as the Prom, our senior trip to Philadelphia, the Senior Breakfast, the second annual Senior Walk through the Elementary School, and of course, graduation. I have known many of these students for more than eight years. I am so proud of their growth and wish them the best of luck in the future.Their futures look bright!

Lastly, this school year has flown by. I am so lucky to work at a school that is as supportive as Byron-Bergen.Thank you to our community, families, and our
staff, but most of all to our student body. I truly appreciate coming to work with the best of the best every day. If you have any questions or concerns please call me at 585-494-1220 ext. 2401, email me at pmcgee@bbschools.org, or stop in to see me.We are Byron-Bergen!

In May, juniors and seniors attended a DWI simulation enacted on the lawn of the school.The simulation, planned by our Transportation Director Drew Doll and the Health and Safety Committee, helped to bring the detrimental
effects of drinking and driving to the forefront in this prom- and end-of-year-celebration season.A huge thank you to the following organizations and
their representatives who participated in the drill:The Bergen, Byron, and South Byron Fire and Rescue Departments, Metalico Bergen, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office,WNY Mercy Flight, H.E.Turner Funeral Home, the Genesee County Coroner, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center,

World Vision participants (l-r):Ana Rebisz, Kyle Foeller, Jeremy Donahue, Serenity Donahue, and Catrina Chandler. Not pictured: Shawn Merry.

Home of the Bees	9

of them. His family owns

School Resource Officer Updates By Deputy Matt Butler

The 2016-17 school year is rapidly coming to an end. It has been a very busy and productive time, from
completing the first school safety audit to passing the budget for the next school year. One important goal I would like
to comment on is the implementation of the School Resource Officer (SRO) webpage (www.bbschools.org under the Departments tab).

Within this page, you can find useful information about community programs such as PINS, STAR,Youth Court Mental Health, the Underground, and many more that you may have questions about. I have listed everything parents need to know about each program and how to get in touch with that particular program.Also on the page, I provide the history of the SRO, and what my role and duties are here at Byron-Bergen. There is also a section where I provide my background experience in law enforcement and list some frequently asked questions.

What’s nice about the webpage is that I always have the opportunity to update the information. Starting next year, I will be providing parents with current drug information, so that you can see what’s trending in the world of drugs, along with signs and symptoms of the use of these popular drugs. I will be setting up a confidential tip line where parents and students can reach out to me and share information.There will be an additional section on being safe with social media. This section will be beneficial for both parents and students and will be similar to the information that I teach in the classroom here at Byron-Bergen.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone about my plans for safety and security for next year. First, you should also know that all of our
administrators and coaches have already been trained in the use of Narcan,
the opiate overdose kit. In addition, the district is in the early process of upgrading our security camera system. This new system will provide better coverage and clarity that will help with

During a Mock DWI Crash Simulation Drill for juniors and seniors, Deputy Butler demonstrates a sobriety test with student volunteer Hayley Hoehn.

the overall security of the district.We will also be focusing on creating more crisis drills.These drills will range from small scale tabletop scenarios to the full lockdown drills that we currently practice. On some of these drills, we
will incorporate outside agencies such as EMS and fire personnel.

Finally, I hope all of our students and families have a fun and safe summer vacation. I look forward to seeing everyone back here in September.To our graduating seniors, I wish you all luck in your future endeavors.

Students celebrate agricultural tradition and a promising future

The Byron-Bergen community’s agricultural heritage was celebrated on June 2 with the Jr./Sr. High School’s fourth annual Agriculture Appreciation Day — better known as the bring-your-tractor-to-school-day. Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando
were the first to arrive in their carefully restored and shining 1973 White tractor.They were soon joined by other students with their farm vehicles, large and small, including a classic 1952 Farmall.

Science teacher Jeff Parnapy is excited about the important role agriculture will be playing in education at the school next year. He is spearheading the new agriculture program, which will launch in the fall with an Intro to Ag class and a new Byron-Bergen chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). “We’ve been working with our Advisory Council, a wonderful group of experienced people from the community, to plan and organize the program,” he said.“Our Superintendent, Mickey Edwards, and Principal, Pat McGee, recognize the interest our

students have in agriculture and natural resources.We already have 22 students signed up for
the first class.”	Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando Junior Garrett Sando is one           with their 1973 White tractor.

75 acres and he has had his tractor license since ninth grade.“I’m really interested in trying the program out,” he said.

Parnapy is excited to work with young people who are interested in building futures in agriculture. He taught agriculture in Albion Central School before coming to Byron-Bergen in 2000, and sees similarities between the two communities.“My hope is to launch the program and expand it every year.The FFA chapter will be open to kids in grades 9-12 for the first year, with plans to extend it to grades 7-8 when it is solidly established.”

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017

High achievement is celebrated at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School

In April, the Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 16 new student members to their distinguished company.The event began with music from the school’s vocal group, the Singing Silhouettes and a welcome from Superintendent Mickey Edwards.There were also short addresses from alumnus Dr. Paul Brill (class of 1982) and Pam McCarthy, the sister of the late Barry Miller (class of 1983).

2017 Inductees to the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society
Larissa Ashton,Sarah Bleiler, Lydia Campbell, Jean Denson,Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Morgan Fuller, Emma Goodman,Annaliese Hersom,William Johnson, Brendon Kendall, Hunter Leach, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, Joshua Phelps, and Brianna Shade.

Spring 2017 Scholar-Athletes

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) honors those teams that excel in the classroom at the end of each sport season.
To receive this honor, a minimum number of team members must achieve a scholastic average of 90 or above during their sport season. Congratulations to the following Byron-Bergen athletes:

Current Members of the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society
Olivia Audsley, Rose Bower, Cameron Brumsted, Catherine Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Chase Felton, Margaret Graney, Justin Hannan, Hayley Hoehn, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Peyton Mackey, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, , Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Leah Thompson, Dana VanValkenburg,Adam Walter, and Michael Zwerka.

Byron-Bergen’s 2017 National Honor Society.

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center held their National Technical Honor Society Induction in March at Elba CSD. Inductees were selected based on a minimum grades point average of 3.0 along with credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

• Chandler Bow (BuildingTrades)              • Brandon Lewis (BuildingTrades) • Cameron Brumsted (BuildingTrades)      • Peyton Mackey (Animal Science)
• Kylar Chambry (BuildingTrades)	• Dillon Montgomery (BuildingTrades)

Girls Track Team Average 93.25

Siomara Caballero Grace Campbell Lydia Campbell Reanne Dressler Morgan Fuller Eden Goff Emily Gonyea
Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom Carli Kirkwood Alexandria Loewke Melissa MacCowan Kelsey Maurer Makenzie Muoio Julia Pangrazio Alaura Rehwaldt Karson Richenberg Miriam Tardy

Softball Team Average 90.803

Kerri Bates Jean Densen Kelsey Fuller
Hailey Hubbard Peyton Mackey Kitana Maher Brittany Rada
Dana VanValkenburg Victoria Welka
Emma Wride

Tennis Team Average 92.57

Caitlin Ashton Elizabeth Burlingame Marlaina Fee Mackenzie Fox Sara Fraser Emma Goodman Margaret Graney Amaya Gunther Rose Hubbard
Cambria Kinkelaar Melanie Kulikowski Erin Parnapy

Individual Scholar Athletes
(90 or over GPA)

Alexander Brumsted Brandon Burke Alexander Dean Anthony DiQuattro Chase Felton Kyle Foeller Zachary Hannan Rick Hubbard Brendon Kendall
Dillon Montgomery Colin Noeth Ryan Richardson Brandan Shade Caleb Sharp Adam Walter
Nathan Zwerka

• Jenica Hickey (GraphicArts)

• Daniel Jensen (Computer Information Systems)

• Jacob Morgante (BuildingTrades) • Garrett Sando (ITAcademy)
• VictoriaWelka (Health Dimensions)

Home of the Bees 11

2017 Awards & Scholarships

This list includes special recognition awards presented to Byron-Bergen High School seniors at the Academic & Athletic Recognition Night, our spring music concerts, and the Batavia Career and Technical Center Awards Night.(Awards and scholarships given at graduation are not included here.)

Academic and Athletic Recognition Night

Academic Varsity Letters Brandon Burke Marlaina Fee Alexandria Loewke Brittany Rada

Academic Varsity Letters and Pins Olivia Audsley Lindsey Bowman Dillon Brew Celia Mercovich Grace Pulcini Adam Walter Michael Zwerka

American History Award Grace Pulcini

Bergen Historical Society Award Russell Cunningham

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Industrial Arts Award Celia Mercovich

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Wrestling Award Will Thompson

Byron-Bergen Comeback Award Adam Walter

Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Booster Humanitarian Leadership Scholarship Grace Pulcini

Byron-Bergen Sports Booster Scholar Athlete Award
Ryan Richardson Karson Richenberg

Dawn Gruendike Memorial Award Brittany Rada

Duane Streeter Memorial Award
Karson Richenberg

Faculty Department Award
Olivia Audsley Celia Mercovich Adam Walter

Female Athlete of the Year Reanne Dressler

Gary Liles Memorial Award Trophy Brittany Rada

Irving Green, Jr. Citizenship Award Russell Cunningham

Male Athlete of the Year Brandon Burke

Matthew Kota Memorial Medical Scholarship Isabelle Bliss

NYS Comptroller Achievement Award Karson Richenberg

NYS Education Department Scholarship for Academic Excellence Olivia Audsley Celia Mercovich Adam Walter Michael Zwerka

Paul Smith Memorial Wrestling Award Brendan Marsocci Chase Toal

President’s Award for Educational Excellence Olivia Audsley Lindsey Bowman Dillon Brew Brandon Burke Kelsey Maurer Celia Mercovich Grace Pulcini Adam Walter Michael Zwerka

Principal’s Award Ryan Richardson

Samuel Landis Wiant Golf Award Chase Felton

Scholar Program Awards Brandon Burke Celia Mercovich Michael Zwerka

Spirit of Jonathan Colby Scholastic Bowl Award Russell Cunningham

Stephanie Lynn Tooley Cheerleading Scholarship Reanne Dressler

Superintendent’s Award Michael Zwerka

TVFCU Jr. Banking Scholarship Lindsey Bowman Robert Yohon,III

Wanda L. MacVean English Recognition Award
Celia Mercovich

William Cummings Award
Kameron Robinson

Spring Concerts

Band Award Marlaina Fee Brandon Shade Adam Walter

Band & Chorus Achievement Award Rose Bower

Byron-Bergen Music Booster Scholarship Lindsey Bowman Reanne Dressler

Byron-Bergen Musical Theater Award Rose Bower Lindsey Bowman Shannon Little

Choral Award Lindsey Bowman Reanne Dressler

John Philip Sousa Award Brandon Shade

Most Improved Choral Award Dominick Andres Michaela Bohn Isabelle Bliss

(continued on page 13)

12 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017 (continued from page 12)

2017 Awards and Scholarships

Raymond E. Scott Choral Samaritan Award Shannon Little Kitana Maher

Robert Mannix Jazz Scholarship Adam Walter

Scholar Program

The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s academic incentive program recognizes students for their good effort, attendance, and academic achievement.This reward program is named the “Scholar Program” and the cards achieved are Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Special Recognition.At the end of the year, monetary awards are presented at Academic & Athletic Recognition Night to seniors who have maintained a solid record of attaining cards throughout their high school career.

The Scholar Program Committee is pleased
to announce the 2016-17 third marking period recipients:

Singing Silhouette Section Leader Award Reanne Dressler

Vince Zarcone Music Scholarship Marlaina Fee

Batavia Careerand Technical CenterAwards

2017 Outstanding State Officer for New York
Victoria Welka - Health Dimensions

Academic Excellence Isabelle Bliss - Health Careers Academy

Batavia Rod & Gun Club Memorial Scholarship Chase Felton - Building Trades

FFA Service Scholarship Mackenzie Fox - Animal Science

Outstanding Achievement Hailey Hubbard - Justice Academy

Paul Levins Memorial Award Ryan Gonyea - Building Trades

PM Career and Tech Student of the Year
Victoria Welka - Health Dimensions

Senior Achievement Robert Yohon, III - Computer
Information Systems

World Automotive Top Gun Award Skylar Swinter - Auto Trades: Collision, Custom, Restoration

Gold Scholar Larissa Ashton Jared Barnum Nicholas Baubie Rachel Best Lindsey Bowman Dillon Brew Bianca Brumsted Brandon Burke Madison Burke Siomara Caballero Hallie Calhoun Grace Campbell Lydia Campbell Caleb Carlson Benjamin Chaback Emily Chaback Jonah Clare Sadie Cook Alexander Dean
Brionna DeMichel Jean Denson Richard Denson Elizabeth Donnelly Adam Drake Makenzie Eccleston Marlaina Fee Joshua Fleming Kyle Foeller Mackenzie Fox Sara Fraser Kelsey Fuller Emma Goodman Sara Goodman Margaret Graney

Angelique Heick Tyler Henry Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom Hailey Hubbard Grace Huhn Brian Ireland Kelly Ireland Brooke Jarkiewicz Daniel Jensen William Johnson
Cambria Kinkelaar Carli Kirkwood Hunter Leach Colby Leggo Alexandria Loewke Jillian Menzie Andrew Parnapy Madelynn Pimm Grace Pulcini Alaura Rehwaldt Kameron Robinson Elli Schelemanow Grace Shepard Chloe Shuskey Kevin Smith Alayna Streeter Sarah Streeter
Dana VanValkenburg Ella VanValkenburg Alexandra Vurraro Claire Williams Kaitlyn Windhauser Corden Zimmerman Michael Zwerka

Silver Scholar Sarah Bleiler Cole Carlson Zoey Chambry Eden Goff Mitchell Gonyea Chad Green Alyssa Hing Shaun LoVerdi Kitana Maher Julia Menzie Erin Parnapy Jaden Pocock Logan Pocock Garrett Sando Miriam Tardy Nathan Zwerka

Bronze Scholar Hannah Catalino Jordan Gardner Brandon Kropf Logan Lewis Melissa MacCowan Joshua Phelps Robert Yohon,III

Home of the Bees 13

Byron-Bergen 2016-17 third quarter Honor Roll

The following Byron-Bergen Central School students have been named to the Honor Roll for the third 10-week marking period of the 2016-17 school year:

GRADE 12

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Olivia Audsley, Kerri Bates, Isabelle Bliss, Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Grace Campbell, Reanne Dressler, Marlaina Fee, Chase Felton,Aaries Fitzsimmons, Mackenzie Fox, Jenica Hickey, Hailey Hubbard,Alexandria Loewke, Kitana Maher, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Colin Noeth, Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Ryan Richardson, Karson Richenberg, Brandon Shade,Adam Walter, Destanee Zastrow, Michael Zwerka.

HONOR ROLL — Elizah Bickham, Rose Bower, Russell Cunningham, Russell Flaherty, Shannon Little, Shawn Merry,Anthony Miraglia, Kameron Robinson,Tyler Stefanski, Mary Sweeney, Brittney Vincent, Samantha Wade, Victoria Welka,Robert Yohon.

EFFORT ROLL — Olivia Audsley, Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Grace Campbell, Nicholas DeFrank, Reanne Dressler, Marlaina Fee, Chase Felton,Aaries Fitzsimmons, Mackenzie Fox, Hailey Hubbard,Alexandria Loewke, Kitana Maher,
Levi Mattice, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Shawn Merry, Colin Noeth, Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Ryan Richardson, Karson Richenberg, Brandon Shade, Mary Sweeney, Adam Walter, Robert Yohon, Michael Zwerka.

GRADE 11

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Larissa Ashton, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Tyler Henry, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Melanie Kulikowski, Lily Mercovich, Dillon Montgomery, Garrett Sando, Tapanga Schramm,Leah Thompson, Dana VanValkenburg.

HONOR ROLL — Cameron Brumsted, Edgardo Guzman, Justin Hannan,Alyssa Hing, Hayley Hoehn, Nathan Knickerbocker, Jonathan Lathan, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Paul McDermott, Julia Menzie,
Makenzie Muoio, Ryan Niemi, Joshua Phelps, Cameron Shenk,Adam Swapceinski, Riley White,Esther Wilkins.

EFFORT ROLL — Larissa Ashton, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Cynthia Clay, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Jessica Fleming, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Edgardo Guzman,

Justin Hannan,Tyler Henry,Alyssa Hing, Hayley Hoehn, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Brandon Kropf, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Paul McDermott, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Dillon Montgomery, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando,Tapanga Schramm,Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson, Dana VanValkenburg, Riley White,Esther Wilkins.

GRADE 10

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro,Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom,William Johnson, Hunter Leach,MacKenzie Rosse, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun.

HONOR ROLL — Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Cole Carlson, Ryan Cooper, Jason Hoehn, Isaac Ladley, Janae Meister, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, Brianna Shade, Emma Smith.

EFFORT ROLL — Sarah Bleiler, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson,Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale,
Emma Goodman,Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson.

GRADE 9

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Caitlin Ashton, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexis Calarco, Michael Campbell,Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Hannah Seppe, Chloe Shuskey, Kevin Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Garrett Swinter, Miriam Tardy,Annabella Vurraro,Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

HONOR ROLL — Julianna Amesbury, Ariana Bobzien, Megan Bogue, Elizabeth Burlingame, Hannah Catalino, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green,Amaya Gunther, Rose Hubbard,Travis Lambert, Samuel Pringle, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Bryce Yockel.

EFFORT ROLL — Caitlin Ashton, Ariana Bobzien,Alexander Brumsted, Elizabeth Burlingame, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino,Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Emily Gonyea,Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Chloe Shuskey, Kevin Smith, Brandon

Stefanski, Garrett Swinter, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro,Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 8

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Eden Goff, Matthew Gonyea, Mitchell Gonyea, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Julia Pangrazio, Andrew Parnapy, Jaden Pocock, Matthew Rada,Alaura Rehwaldt, Sarah Streeter, Xavier Thomas, Devon Zinter.

HONOR ROLL — Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Zoey Chambry, Joshua Fleming, Alaina House,Aiden Kulikowski, Gavin Lewis, Hunter Parnell, Bryanne Puma, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Emmy Stein, Joshua Swapceinski, Matthew Zwerka.

EFFORT ROLL — Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Hallie Calhoun, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Eden Goff, Matthew Gonyea, Mitchell Gonyea, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, Lilly Liles, John Mercovich, Julia Pangrazio, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada,Alaura Rehwaldt, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Xavier Thomas, Devon Zinter.

GRADE 7

HIGH HONOR ROLL — Corin Abdella, Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Carlson,Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Johnathon
Klafehn, Madelynn Pimm,Aviana Rivera, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard,Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg,Alexandra Vurraro,Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman.

HONOR ROLL — Camryn Brookhart, Caleb Calhoun, Cody Chandler, Connor Gale, Sarah Hanel, Jorie Strzelecki.

EFFORT ROLL — Corin Abdella, Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Cody Chandler, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg,Alexandra Vurraro,Claire Williams,Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman.

14 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017

Elementary School News By Brian Meister, Principal

As our children head off for a fun-filled summer, we take the opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful experiences they have had.We can truly be proud of the many accomplishments they have made this past year.

In the past few weeks, our kids took several opportunities to celebrate their excitement for learning. Here are just a few examples of the festivities:

Elementary Writers Recognized
Early in the school year, sixth-grade students participated in a classroom workshop with actors and writers from Merry-Go-Round Playhouse Theatre to learn about creative writing.They were given the opportunity to write and submit original written work for review by Merry-Go-Round.

Merry-Go-Round receives more than 4,000 pieces of writing each year from students throughout New York State. From these, they select a few dozen exceptional pieces to construct a fun and entertaining production they perform for schools. Following the show, Merry-Go-Round recognizes the featured authors from each school. Congratulations go to our very own Hannah Weis and Kendall Phillips for being Showcased Authors. Excellence in Writing honorees included McKenna Shuskey and Caris Carlson. Honorable Mention went to Pearl Parnell and Fiona Burke.

Elementary School Science Fair and Art Show This year we had our largest participation ever: Over 100
students in grades K-6 participated in our 5th Annual Science Fair! Every project was of high quality and followed the scientific method. Every student presented their project to their class and a judge.

The Elementary School was alive with lots of color from all the magnificent artwork that was on display from every
single student, from kindergarten through sixth grade. Many families came to the event and the students were excited to find their projects on the walls.They proudly pointed out their contribution to an amazing show! Congratulations to all of our scientifically and artistically creative students.

Preventing Summer Regression
Throughout the school year, we monitor student growth and development in reading to ensure that each child is making appropriate progress.This progress is primarily measured in fluency and comprehension and allows our teachers to make instructional decisions that will best support each child. By spring, we are always very excited to see how far each child has come, and hopeful that the gains they have made will continue on throughout the summer.

The unfortunate truth is that many students suffer from what has become known as “the summer slide” or a regression in reading

In their last month of Elementary School (pictured with the principal) are sixth-graders Alexandria Schuck, Matthew Olander, Luis Guzman, Sege Kalmbacher, Mr. Meister, Evan Cuba, Cameron Carlson, and Ava Wagoner.

ability. Research has shown that students who do not engage in language-rich literacy activities for a sustained period of time encounter a stagnation or decline in their reading skills.The good news is there is an easy solution. Keep your kids
reading all summer.

While there are many ways to infuse reading into your daily routine, here are five from the U.S Department of Education Blog. For more ideas and suggestions, please visit their website at https://blog.ed.gov/2012/06/top-5-ways-to-prevent-rusty-summer-readers/

1.Let your child choose what they want to read (or be read to) for 30 minutes each day. Children are much more likely to engage in material that interests them rather than materials that are forced on them.
2.Use language and reading opportunities throughout the day. Talk often with your child and point out reading materials wherever possible: on menus, magazines and newspapers, signs, brochures, maps, guidebooks, smartphones, iPads, etc.
3.Make daily reading a social event. Get the whole family to join in with their own books or take turns reading the same book aloud. Include telling stories as well.
4.Connect reading to other summer events. If you take your child to the zoo, think about reading a book about animals before and afterward.This will place your child’s reading within a larger context.
5.Make reading a lifestyle choice. Keep books all around the house to cultivate an atmosphere of reading, and set an example by reading yourself. Children need good models of reading books, magazines, or newspapers.

I would like to thank all of the families and friends of Byron-Bergen Elementary for their ongoing support of our students and school. Have a great summer. I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Home of the Bees 15

Student Showcase

“Elephant” Mixed Media
By: Abigail French, kindergarten Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Sunset Adobe” Pastel on Paper
By: MacKenzie Senf, grade 6 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Chucks” Graphite on Paper
By: Erin Parnapy, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Blue Horse” Mixed Media
By: Ainsley Kent, grade 1 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Plaster Mask”

By: Claire Williams, grade 7 Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Alter Ego (Johnny Depp)”

Graphite and Pastels on Paper By: Serenity Donahue, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Owl at Sunset” Oil Pastel on Paper
By: Caris Carlson, grade 6 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

	“Plaster Mask” By: Jeremy Donahue,
grade 7
Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Coil Bowl”
By: MacKenzie Rosse, grade 10
Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Flowers and Skull” Watercolor on Paper
By: Brittney Vincent, grade 12 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017

Music Congratulations to the student musicians, and many thanks to our Music Department teachers, Laurence Tallman, Kevin Bleiler, Robert Lancia, and Karen Tischer, for preparing each of our students to perform at these events.

Vocal and Instrumental Solo Festivals Several Byron-Bergen students performed individual solos at the Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association (GWMEA) annual Solo Festivals held in January. Students prepared individual solos, by memory, to perform before
a judge specializing in voice or specific instruments. In

Notes
addition, students had to sight-read literature.This unique opportunity provides students with a chance receive feedback as solo performers, as opposed to performers
in a group setting. Judges provide feedback based on the individual musician’s tone quality, preparedness,
performance ability, technique, and aesthetic quality, among other attributes. Students were selected to perform with the All-County Band and/or All-County Chorus based on their performance scores.

All-County participants

Senior High Band Marlaina Fee Cambria Kinkelaar Brandon Shade

Senior High Vocal Sarah Bleiler Jonah Bower Lindsey Bowman Stephanie Buell Reanne Dressler Mason Fuller Esther Wilkins

Junior High Band Angel Heick Kelly Ireland Madelynn Pimm Jaden Pocock Grace Shepard
Corden Zimmerman

Junior High Vocal Sadie Cook Alissa Davis Jeremy Donahue Joshua Fleming

Hope Hersom Kelly Ireland Aiden Kulikowski Madelynn Pimm Deacon Smith Alayna Streeter Sara Streeter Jorie Strzelecki
Alexandra Vurraro

Elementary Band Grace Capostagno Caris Carlson

Cameron Carlson Evan Cuba Gabrielle Graff Frank Hersom Sage Johnson Callista Kinkelaar Brendan Pimm Austin Salmonds MacKenzie Senf Zoey Shepard Ava Wagoner Lillian Walker Hannah Weis

Elementary Chorus Fiona Burke Dayanara Caballero Cameron Carlson Caris Carlson Kendall Phillips Elizabeth Piper Brian Salmonds Alexandria Schuck Zoey Shepard Lillian Walker

Byron Bergen Central School District

We’re here to serve youand your family delicious breakfasts and lunches. Convenient, economical, and healthy meals served
July 10-August 11, 2017.	$2.50 $4.00 Breakfast	Lunch

Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

July 10 through August 11, 2017
Breakfast served 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. & Lunch served11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Held at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416

No paperwork required...just show up for a greatBreakfastand Lunch.

This establishment is an equal opportunityemployer/provider.

Pesticide Application Notice

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation enacted a program that requires
all schools to provide the community with information about pesticide product applications made throughout the school year. Under State law, the school is required to maintain a list of parents, guardians, and staff who wish to receive
48-hour advance written notice prior to a pesticide application.At this time we are informing you there have been no applications made since the last notice was published in the 2017 spring edition of Focal Point, the Byron-Bergen district newsletter.

To register your name with the school to be on a 48-hour notification list, send a request to
Byron-Bergen Central School District Office, 6917 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416.A written request must be submitted annually.

Home of the Bees 17

Two Named to Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame

Byron-Bergen Central Schools has named two alumni to the district’s Hall of Fame for 2017. Dr. Paul Brill (class of 1982) and the late Barry Miller (class of 1983) join the ranks of other distinguished alumni honored with a place in the
Alumni Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.

While at Byron-Bergen, Dr. Brill was involved in junior varsity and varsity baseball and track, along with Boys State. He also participated in peer counseling, yearbook planning, and the Campus Life Club.After graduation, he attended Roberts Wesleyan College for two years prior to transferring to The College at Brockport where he
graduated summa cum laude in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

He obtained his medical degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, graduating magna cum laude in 1991. Dr. Brill served an internship in internal medicine at Allegheny General Hospital and residency training in diagnostic radiology at the University of Cincinnati. He switched career paths in 1994, and returned to at Allegheny

Barry Miller was senior class president in 1983, and worked with the lighting and sound crews for school musicals. He attended Genesee Community College
and, in 1985, earned an Associate of Applied Science in computer repair technology. Three years later, he received a Bachelor of Science in organizational management, and
was in the 2008 graduating class of Leadership Genesee.

From 1986 through 1995, he worked at Business Methods, Inc., working his way up to the position of vice president of customer support. In 1996, he started Miller Millworks, Inc., his own company that provided cabinet and finish carpentry in Bergen.Additionally, he was one of the proprietors of the Beaver River Lodge in Stillwater, New York.

Miller served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for Bergen Volunteer Fire Department from 1983 to 2015, having held the position of president, secretary, and a member of the Board of Directors.A dedicated member of the rescue squad, he served as lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief. Miller also started the Bergen Fire Department EMT

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates, providing young people with positive adult role models and showing that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives.This honor is in its 14th year and has become part of the school district culture. It is a permanent reminder to students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.

General for his neurology residency.An additional fellowship year of training in neuromuscular was done at Duke University.

In 1998, he joined Anderson Neurological Associates (a group practice in Anderson, South Carolina), and has worked there as a neurologist ever since. Dr. Brill serves as the Neurology Clinical Director for the Medical University of South Carolina – AnMed Campus. He also has a teaching responsibility at The Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2014, Dr. Brill received the Patients’ Choice award, the Compassionate Doctor Recognition award, and was selected as one of the Top 10 Doctors in the State of South Carolina. Dr. Brill and his wife have two children, and are active in their local church and home school association.

In consideration of his civic duty and his dedication to healthcare and human services, Dr. Paul Brill serves as an inspirational role model to the youth of Byron-Bergen.

Explorer program, where he mentored members and provided training for becoming an emergency medical technician.
He served as one of the Genesee County coroners and was a member of the Bergen Town Board, Bergen Business and Civic Association, and Bergen United Methodist Church.

Miller was killed in 2015 while responding to an emergency call with the Bergen Fire Department. In 2016, through legislation proposed by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, Congressman Chris Collins, and signed by then-President Obama, the Bergen Post Office was renamed the “Barry G. Miller Post Office.” Miller was posthumously awarded the Liberty Medal, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate. The award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of fellow New Yorkers.

Miller continues to inspire the youth of the Byron-Bergen learning community through the legacy of his love, service, and support for the people in his hometown of Bergen and his passion and dedication to helping others.

The inductees were honored on April 26, 2017. Dr. Brill and a member of the Miller family spoke to students and received their Alumni Hall of Fame plaques during the school’s National Senior Honor Society induction ceremony.

18 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Graduation 2017

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AUGUST 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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OCTOBER 2017

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NOVEMBER 2017

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DECEMBER 2017

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BYRON-BERGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR 2017-2018

JULY & AUGUST

TBD - Faculty Discretionary Day

August 30, 2017 - Professional Development (non-tenured teachers) August 30 & 31, 2017 - New Teacher Orientation

HOLIDAYS/RECESSES

Independence Day - July 4, 2017 Labor Day - September 4, 2017 Columbus Day - October 9, 2017
Veterans' Day Observed - November 10, 2017 Thanksgiving Recess - November 22-24, 2017
Winter Recess - December 22, 2017 - January 1, 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15, 2018 Presidents' Day - February 19-21, 2018
Spring Recess - March 30-April 6, 2018 Memorial Day - May 28, 2018

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - June 21, 2018

GRADUATION - June 23, 2018

TESTING SCHEDULE

August Regents - August 16 & 17, 2017 January Regents - January 22-25, 2018 3-8 ELA - April 11-13, 2018
3-8 Math - May 1-3, 2018

June Regents - June 5, 12-14 & 18-21, 2018 Regents Rating days June 15 & 22, 2018

SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE DAYS - No School for Students September 5, 2017 - Superintendent's Conference Day October 6, 2017 - Superintendent's Conference Day
January 26, 2018 - Superintendent’s Conference/Wrap-Up Day March 16, 2018 - Superintendent’s Conference Day

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS

November 17, 2017 - 1/2 Day of School - PreK-12 November 27, 2017 - 1/2 Day of School - PreK-6 (only)

DAYS OF INSTRUCTION

September	18 + 1 October	20 + 1 November	18 December	15
January	20 + 1 February	17 March	20 + 1 April	16 May	22 June	15
181 + 4 = 185 Total

Approved by the Byron-Bergen Central School District Board of Education on March 23, 2017. Revised June 8, 2017.

JANUARY 2018

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FEBRUARY 2018

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MARCH 2018

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APRIL 2018

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MAY 2018

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JUNE 2018

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Home of the Bees 19

Superintendent Mickey Edwards

Board of Education Debra List, President

Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President

Kimberly Carlson William Forsyth Tammy Menzie Amy Phillips
Jennifer VanValkenburg

Editor Gayla Starowitz

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Brockport, NY Permit No. 7

w w w.bbschools.org

Making a difference for their community

Byron-Bergen’s seventh-graders began a new tradition on May 18 with their participation in the Village of Bergen’s Community Action Day.The entire Class of 2022, along with counselors, teachers and school administrators, rolled up their sleeves and helped plant flowers and trees in the village’s green spaces.Two of the new trees planted in Hickory Park were dedicated to the class, and will grow right along with them for years into the future.

“It was such a rewarding experience for our students,” said Principal Patrick McGee.“This is the first year the school has partnered with the Village of Bergen on Community Action Day and we would like to make this a tradition — not only in the Village of Bergen but in Byron as well.”

“We truly believe that the school-community partnership is essential for creating pride in our community. Listening to our kids talk about how much they enjoyed volunteering is what it is all about.”

Byron-Bergen’s Class of 2022 at the Village of Bergen’s 13th annual Community Action Day.

20 Byron-Bergen Central School District