oint
Focal PBYRON-BERGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Graduation2023

Congratulations

Valedictorian

To The Class of 2023

Salutatorian

Kendall Phillips is Student Council Senior Class President and President of the Steppin’ Up Club. She participates in National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl,
Varsity Club, Yearbook Club, the Section V Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and she is an honorary Gilliam-Grant Board Member. She is a Varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and softball where she earned Genesee Region All-Star status in basketball and softball as well as All-State selection for softball. She has been a captain of each sport for multiple years and plays travel softball year-round. Kendall has taken various AP classes, GCC dual enrollment classes, and enjoys helping out and volunteering whenever she can. She volunteers at STEP Boosters events and community food pantries. She also volunteered
at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School during the 2022-23 school year where she spent over 8 hours a week helping in kindergarten classrooms. While there, Kendall implemented the Leader Bee Incentive program in which she plans activities to celebrate and reinforce positive behavior. She also
aids youth sports programs through the Gillam-Grant Community Center. Kendall is the recipient of the State Soccer Tournament Sportsmanship Award, Principal's award, FACS award, Spanish award, the 2023 Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Academic Varsity letter and pin, Community All-Star award, Harvey Anderson Scholarship, and the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club Scholarship. Kendall is the daughter of Amy and Cory Phillips.
She plans to attend SUNY Brockport where she has received the Residential and Gold Scholarship, Gloria Mattera Scholarship, and the Katharine M. Reichel Award. Kendall plans to major in Childhood Inclusive Education and play on the softball team.

Zoey Shepard is the Executive Student Council Treasurer and the Vice President of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She also actively participates in National Honor Society, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Page Turners and is a captain of the Math League team which attended state competition twice under her leadership. Zoey has earned the College Board Rural and Small Town Recognition
award and has been the grand prize winner of the GCASA sponsored DWI drawing contest for four years. Zoey has been a Scholar Athlete all throughout high school and a triathlete for the past two years. Additionally, she has twice received Genesee Region All-Star for Varsity Cross Country and received Player of the Week, MVP, and Coach’s Player for basketball her senior year. She is also a member of the Track and Field team. Zoey has taken college-level classes since seventh grade through the Accelerated College Enrollment program, allowing her to graduate from Genesee Community College with her Associates Degree in Applied Sciences while simultaneously earning her High School Diploma. Zoey is the daughter of Bridget and Jeffrey Shepard and plans to attend the Florida Institute of Technology to major in chemical engineering.

Top 10 Class of 2O23

3. Ava Wagoner is a member of National Honor Society, Math League, and Executive Student Council where she serves as Secretary. She participates in Varsity Soccer, Basketball and Track & Field. She has received Genesee Region All-Star, defensive MVP, Section V Girls Soccer All-Tournament team and has been named soccer captain the last two years. She also received
the sportsmanship award at the state semifinals game her 11th grade year. She is a two-time captain for basketball and the last three years has been a Genesee Region All-Star and MVP with numerous Player of the Week recognitions. For Track & Field, she is a 2023 captain and was on the 2022 Section V championship 4x8 relay team. Ava is part of the Gilliam Grant Junior Board and volunteers weekly
at the Bergen Library. She is a recipient of the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, the NYS Attorney General Triple “C” (Courage, Commitment, Character) Award, and the College Board National African American Recognition Award for excelling in assessments and academics. Ava is the daughter of Yvonne Ace-Wagoner and Leon Wagoner and is attending Boston University to study Biomedical Engineering where she earned a merit-based Presidential Scholarship.

4. Frank Hersom is a member of Math League, Vice President of Varsity Club, and the President of National Honor Society. Frank has participated in Varsity Cross Country where he received two All-Star nominations and won sectionals in 2022. He is also a member of the Varsity Basketball and Baseball teams. Frank is
a two-year member of the New York State Section V Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Frank was also selected for the
2022 JROTC Air Force Flight Academy last summer where he received his private pilot’s license in Tulsa Oklahoma. He has received the Principal Award, the Clarkson University Leadership Award, the Art Department award, the Physical Education Award, the Triathlete Award, and has earned an academic letter. Frank is the son of Cheryl and Watler Hersom and will be attending MCC to study mechanical and aerospace engineering and participating in Air Force ROTC.

5. Matt Tanner is Math League Team 2 Captain, and a member of National Honor Society and Mock Trial. He participates in Varsity Basketball and Golf. Matt has been a trumpet player
in band for 5 years. Matt is a 4-year member of the Genesee County Youth Court. Matt has served his community through a variety of community service programs, but most heavily through Youth Court service. He has dedicated hundreds of hours to the
county’s rehabilitation program. Matt Tanner is the son of Steve and Robin Tanner. He plans to attend Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee where he will dual major in Journalism and Law, Justice and Society with a concentration in Law and Ethics. He plans to pursue a career in law.

6. Cassidy Ball is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, Ski Club, Byron-Bergen’s select choir group, Sr. High Band where she serves as Vice President and Student Council where she serves as Senior Class Treasurer. Cassidy has been a Varsity Scholar Athlete for four years. She participates in Cross Country where her team has been Division Champions for the last two years.
Additionally, she has been voted Most Respected Teammate during her Junior and Senior years of Cross Country, and Swim seasons. Cassidy has also been voted captain of the Varsity Swimming and Diving Team which has been Division Champions for the past three years, Genesee Region League Champions from 2020-2023 and Genesee-Orleans Regional Champions in 2023 and received a Genesee Region All-Star Honorable Mention. In the spring, she is a dual athlete in Softball and Track & Field. In her junior year, she was given the opportunity to explore Costa Rica and Panama and in her Senior year Portugal and Spain. Cassidy is the daughter of Heidi and Keith Ball and plans to attend SUNY Oswego to major in Zoology.

7. Austin Salmonds is a member of Math League and National Honor Society. He also participated in the band since 4th grade as an alto saxophone player. This included Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. Austin has volunteered numerous places including the Byron-Bergen Public Library, The Goose (Food pantry), GoArt, and the Byron Bergen Elementary School Book Fair. Throughout his high school career, Austin has taken many
AP classes and he has continued to push and challenge himself academically. Austin will be attending Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science with an undeclared major. He plans to pursue a career in engineering, although he does not know what type of engineer he wants to be. Austin would like to thank his parents, grandparents, siblings, and teachers for always pushing him to be better and supporting him throughout his high school journey.

8. Valerie Pastore is a member of the National Honor Society, High School Marching and Concert Bands, and various art programs throughout her high school career. She has taken advanced courses since the 7th grade and continues to take AP as well. She earned a 5 on her AP World History exam and is in the 100’s Club for getting a perfect score on her 11th Grade English regents. She enjoys volunteering at places such as the Gilliam-
Grant, the Genesee County ARC, and at her local church. Valerie has worked part-time at her father’s pizzeria for over a year. In her free hours, she relaxes by spending time in nature and creating art. She plans to attend SUNY Geneseo this coming semester to major in Psychology and minor in Biology. Her desire is to obtain a career through which she can help people and intends to do so by going into psychological research. Valerie would like to thank her wonderful family, friends, and teachers for being so supportive of her over these many years.

9. Dayanara Caballero, the daughter of Michelle and Miguel Caballero, will attend Columbia University as a Kluge Scholar. She plans to major in Political Science and Government with a minor in Human Rights. Dayanara has participated in GCC’s ACE program since the 7th grade. She is captain of the Math League team where she has been a state representative for 4
years. Dayanara was class president until senior year, where she became Executive Vice President. She is President of Varsity Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions Club. She is a member of National Honor Society, Pageturners, Spanish Club, Mock Trial, and Byron-Bergen’s select choir. Athletically, Dayanara is captain of the Cross Country team, and has received a sectional patch, an All-Greater Rochester honorable mention, and is a three-time Genesee Region All-Star. She is
also a two-time All-Star on the basketball team and a four-time Genesee Region Player of the Week. She is a member of the Track & Field team. Additionally, Dayanara is an active participant of the Section V Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Dayanara has earned College Board’s National Rural and Small Town, Hispanic, and Native American Recognitions. Through Buffalo Business First, she has earned the distinction of a Diversity and Inclusion All-Star. She has also received the University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony Award.

10. Brianna Salmonds is a member of the National Honor Society, Math League, Page Turners, SADD Club - where she is Treasurer - and Student Council as the Senior Class Secretary. Brianna has participated in the school choir since the fourth grade and has been a member of the Singing Silhouettes since the tenth grade. Brianna has also pursued her interest in music outside
of school by taking lessons in both guitar and cello. Brianna has worked a part-time job at Oliver’s Candies since the beginning of her junior year. In the fall, Brianna plans to attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges and major in Psychology.

2 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Congratulations To The Class of 2023

Rhiannon Alello

Alyssa Ball Central Wyoming College
Range and Ranch Management and Welding

Cassidy Ball SUNY Oswego Exploratory Studies

Molly Belknap Entering the workforce

Jack Benstead Pursuing a career as a millwright
in the Carpenters Union

Olivia Best

Entering the workforce as an EMT and exploring military options

Jason Bleiler

SUNY Monroe Community College Business Administration

Stella Briggs

SUNY Finger Lakes Community College Kinesiology and Human Performance

David Brumsted

SUNY Genesee Community College Business Administration

Dayanara Caballero Columbia University Political Science
and Government

Hailey Canfield Pursuing a career in cosmetology

Grace Capostagno Exploring educational and career opportunities

Caris Carlson

SUNY Genesee Community College Environmental Science

Cameron Carlson Suny University at Buffalo
Computer Science and Music Technology

Elizabeth Cramer

SUNY Genesee Community College Exploratory Studies

Emma Dormann Exploring educational and career
opportunities

Kendan Dressler
SUNY Genesee Community College Natural Sciences

Grayson Erion SUNY Morrisville Agricultural Science

Gianni Ferrara Pursuing a career in the construction trades

Jonny Fooks SUNY College at Brockport
Sports Management

Noah Foster

Pursuing a career in the metal trades

Benjamin Fronczak

Pursuing a career as a diesel mechanic

Robert Gaylord Pursuing a career in computer
information technology

Kailee Gurtler

SUNY Monroe Community College Dental Hygiene

Luis Guzman Entering the workforce

Emily Henry Exploring educational and
career opportunities

Frank Hersom

SUNY Monroe Community College Air Force ROTC and Mechanical Engineering

Sage Johnson

Pursuing a career in automotive trades

Sege Kalmbacher

SUNY Genesee Community College Veterinary Technology

Alec Kulikowski Continuing a career in metal trades
at Pro-Tech

Alexis Kunkel Pursuing a career in cosmetology

Amanda LaMagna Entering the workforce

Joshua Laird

Ethan Lewis Pursuing a career in the
construction trades

Alexander Matthews Exploring educational and career opportunities

Ryan Muscarella

St. Bonaventure University Business Administration

Matthew Olander Entering the workforce

Valerie Pastore SUNY Geneseo Psychology

Haydin Perez SUNY College at Brockport
Business Administration

Kendall Phillips SUNY College at Brockport
Childhood Inclusive Education

Elizabeth Piper SUNY Stony Brook University
Spanish Education

Andrew Rimmerman SUNY College at Brockport Public Health

Jaelynn Rivera Genesee Valley BOCES School of Nursing

Kayleen Ruffin Entering the workforce

Austin Salmonds Syracuse University Engineering

Brianna Salmonds

Hobart and William Smith Colleges Psychology

Emily Salmonds Ithaca College
Clinical Health Studies and Physical Therapy

Alexandria Schuck SUNY Fredonia Music Education

Connor Schramm Exploring educational and career
opportunities

Kyle Schramm Entering the workforce

MacKenzie Senf SUNY Cobleskill
Canine Training and Management

Zoey Shepard
Florida Institute of Technology Chemical Engineering

Matthew Tanner Lipscomb University
Political Science and Journalism

Joshua Tardy

SUNY Monroe Community College Exploratory Studies

Aidan Townsend Pursuing a career in the construction trades

Gianna Trigilio Genesee Valley BOCES School of Nursing

Ava Wagoner

Boston University Engineering

Lillian Walker

SUNY Finger Lakes Community College Horticulture and Business

Leyna Wheeler

St. John Fisher University Finance

Hannah Wies Nazareth College Environmental Studies

Kaya Wildschutz

SUNY Genesee Community College Computer Information Systems

Julia Will

SUNY Genesee Community College Entrepreneurship

Emily Yun SUNY Geneseo
L.I.V.E.S. Program

Christopher Zastrocky Pursuing a career in the construction trades

Sydney Zastrocky

SUNY Genesee Community College Veterinary Technology

Nicholas Zwerka Pursuing a career in the construction trades

Graduation2023 3

ews

Superintendent’s Message By Patrick McGee

Spring is packed with events recognizing our students district-wide. It is one of my favorite times of the school year when we welcome old friends and new faces to campus to celebrate. From the Buzzin’ Bistro and Spring Concert Series to Farm Day, STEAM Day, and the Olympics, to award ceremonies and sectional play-offs, Spring is a celebration of everything that makes Byron-Bergen exceptional. Thank you to our wonderful staff and volunteers who organize and plan for these events.

Speaking of campus, the Capital Project is picking up steam. I was excited to join our partners, Campus Construction and Clark Patterson Lee, for the official ground-breaking at the Byron-Bergen bus garage. The Capital Project encapsulates several campus-wide areas of improvement including the Natatorium (pool), Jr. High School windows and roof, and upgrades to the athletic facilities including the track and Soccer Stadium. Because of the Soccer Stadium renovations, the Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony took place at Roberts Wesleyan University.

Graduation was a wonderful ceremony and I was thrilled to be there to wish the Class of 2023 the best in any of their future endeavors. They have been through a lot over the last few years and have persevered. I am excited to see and hear the amazing things they will accomplish in the years ahead. We are proud of you and always remember, Once a Bee, Always a Bee!

I am so lucky to work at a school that is as supportive as Byron-Bergen. Thank you to our community, families, our staff, but most of all our student body. I truly appreciate coming to work with the best of the best every day and am honored to serve in my role as Superintendent of the Byron-Bergen Central School District. If you have any questions or concerns please call me at 585-494-1220 ext. 2829, email me at pmcgee@bbschools.org, or stop in to see me.

We are Byron-Bergen! Go Bees!

Nfrom the Board

First, I want to say thank you to our community for supporting our school budget again this year. Your positive support demonstrates a commitment to our students and their success throughout their education here at Byron-Bergen.

On behalf of the community, I also want to thank Tammy Menzie, Amy Phillips, and Jenn VanValkenburg for their tenure on the Board of Education. Their expertise, compassion, and
dedication to our students and school community has always been consistent and constant. Thank you for all you’ve done for our students and community.

Congratulations to our five faculty and staff members who are retiring and getting rid of their alarm clocks! Thank you so much for your years of dedication and service to our students and families of the District. You have all made a difference in so many young lives, you will be missed.

Our seniors have graduated and are taking their next steps into their future. It feels like a blink of an eye since they took that first bus ride, anxious, excited, and unsure of what kindergarten would be. Now they are stepping out into the world, again feeling anxious, excited, and unsure of what lies ahead.
We wish all of you a bright and promising future! Congratulations to the Top 10 students and the entire Class of 2023!

Enjoy the summer!

Debi List

4 Byron Bergen Focal Point

H E L P WANTED

Do you have an interest in

helping Byron-Bergen Central School District in the capacity of a

• Substitute Bus Driver • Substitute Cleaner
• Substitute Food Service Worker • Substitute Teacher
• Substitute Teacher Aide

If so, please visit the Employment section of our website at www.bbschools.org (District tab -> Employment):

• For Substitute Teacher, visit our on-line web recruitment page at https://bbschools.recruitfront.com click the “Register” button at the bottom left, and register to become a new user and create your application for submission.

• For Substitute Bus Driver, Substitute Cleaner, Substitute Food Service Worker, and Substitute Teacher Aide please download and complete the Genesee County Civil Service Application located on the Employment section of our webpage and submit the application with letter of interest (and resume, if available) via email (rstevens@bbschools.org), fax
(585-494-2613), or mail/deliver in person to: R. Stevens – District Office,

Byron-Bergen CSD, 6917 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

Pesticide Notice The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation enacted a program that requires all schools to provide you 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. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:

• A school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;

• Anti-microbial products;

• Nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

• Silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-eat pastes, forms, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;

• Boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; • The application of EPA designated biopesticides;
• The application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR.25;

• The use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals.

In the event that an emergency application is necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. To register your name with the school to be on a 48-hour notification list, send a request to Roger Caldwell, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor, Byron-Bergen Central School District Office, 6917 W Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416. A written request must be submitted annually.

BB Elementary School Cafeteria
questions,
please call
ext. 1015

Byron-Bergen CSD Summer Meals 2023
Convenient, economical and healthy meals served
July 10-August 4, 2023 Meals for all children up through 18 years old
Lunch available at McLeve Park and Hickory	Monday-Thursday	If you have
Park for children registered with the park	Breakfast: 8:45-9:15 am
programs. Starting July 10, Monday through	Lunch: 11:30 am-12 pm	(585) 494-1220
Friday. Meals must be eaten at parks.
Meals must be eaten at school.

Graduation2023 5

Congratulations Karen Eysaman

Retirees

Sonya Durkee

Karen Eysaman has been a Teacher’s Aide since 2001. More than two decades later, she is retiring to spend quality time with her family including the marriage of her daughter,
welcoming her new son-in-law to the family, and enjoying her granddaughters, Harper and Josie, along with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law.

Eysaman’s favorite thing about B-B is the school spirit. She will also miss all the kind daily greetings she received from colleagues and students. She would like to thank the teachers and staff in the primary wing for their friendship, guidance, and support. She has been amazed by their dedication to the students.

“You are all amazing at providing the learning foundation to our youngest learners. I have been extremely thankful and proud to be part of an outstanding third grade team. To my fellow aides, you all are such an important asset to our district, and I have been happy to be part of the crew. Thank you, Byron-Bergen, for memory-filled school years. I wish you all the very best.”

After 28 years with the Byron-Bergen Transportation Department, Sonya Durkee is retiring. During her career at B-B she has been a Driver Trainer and a Temporary Transportation Supervisor. After retirement, she plans to move to Florida to be closer to her extended family.

Durkee’s family moved to the B-B School District in 1974. It was that year, in fourth grade, that she met her lifelong best friend, Julie. After graduating from B-B High School and starting a family, she became a bus driver in 1995. This allowed her to be closer to her two sons, Charles and Nathan, and watch them and many other children grow into young adults.

“I will miss the school community and watching the kids grow up. I’ve even transported some of those kids’ kids. It’s been a very rewarding career.”

Durkee would like to thank the Byron-Bergen community and the school district for always being so supportive to the bus drivers.

ElementarySchool News

I am beyond thankful to have joined the Byron-Bergen team as the Elementary School Principal this year. As the 2022-2023 school year comes to a close, I am so proud of the
hard work our students have put in and grateful to have begun meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families in the BB school community.

Please join us in congratulating the UPK students on their graduation and the 5th graders on their Moving Up Ceremony. The staff at Byron-Bergen Elementary is so proud of the perseverance and dedication that these students have shown to achieve this recognition!

Every year, we remind families about the importance of providing learning opportunities throughout the summer months to engage students in activities that challenge them to read, problem solve, think mathematically, and write. I’m pleased to share that BB Elementary School is hosting Summer Explorers, a Summer Learning Program for students in grades
1-4. Explorers will participating in a variety of learning experiences that will help them practice and maintain skills learned during the school year.

If your child is unable to attend Summer Explorers, here are a few suggestions to consider when planning for summer learning practice:

• Read at the same time each day. Make it a manageable timeframe; 10-20 minutes is plenty.

• Choose books or articles that are familiar and enjoyable. Consider visiting the local library to find some new books to read.

• If a book is frustrating, read it to them. Listening to fluent readers helps students with their fluency.

• For math, include fact practice into your daily routine. Flash cards are a great way to practice math facts.

• Most importantly, have fun! Make it a point to talk with your child about their day and share about yours!

As always, thank you to all of our families and friends for your ongoing support of our students and school. Have a great summer! We look forward to seeing you in the fall!

In Love and Learning, Kristin Loftus
Principal

6 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Nature Trail Reopening

In the fall of 2022, Byron-Bergen Central School District joined the Lifting Our School Community Challenge through the Genesee Area Healthcare Plan (GAHP) in partnership with Excellus BCBS. The Lifting Our School Community Challenge is aligned with internationally recognized initiative “The Lift Project,” created by award-winning educator, researcher, and well-being expert Dr. Darren Morton (PhD, FASLM). The Lift Project was designed to help individuals live a happier life by providing tools and tips to help “lift” your overall wellness.

According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, “Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.” Through the Lifting Our School Community Challenge, Byron-Bergen School District secured funding to begin a
revitalization and maintenance project for the established Nature Trail on the district campus. This project includes updated and increased signage created by BB engineering students as well as the newly created Star Trail in the Northeast quadrant of the woods.

Using the provided funds, students in Byron-Bergen High School’s Home Maintenance and Repair class were able to create new trail signage, including a Welcome Area and trail markers throughout the woods.
Byron-Bergen 11th grade student Brody Baubie acted as team leader with the guidance of teachers Marc Palmer and Jay Wolcott. Brody created scale models and identified necessary materials and techniques for his designs to take shape.

“This has been a good learning experience for me”, said Brody. “It helped me see and overcome challenges, problem solving, and finding resources.” Brody is interested in carpentry work and plans to study construction management after graduation. The welcome kiosk he designed includes a roof and sitting area.

The new trail map signage was geolocated and digitally designed by Buildings & Grounds Manager Roger Caldwell and Technology Teacher Marc Palmer and will be displayed in Baubie’s welcome kiosk. Printing of the map signage was donated by Tom Chapell at Visual Impact Graphics in Byron, NY.

Throughout the years, the Byron-Bergen Nature Trail has been maintained by several groups and individuals, both district employees as
well as valued members of the Byron-Bergen community. In the spirit of paying tribute to all
of those who have helped to make the trail what it is today, Byron-Bergen Schools hosted a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony in June.

“A big thank you to Roger Caldwell and the Byron-Bergen Grounds Crews as well as our technology teachers and students for their hard work making the trails fresh and inviting,” said Superintendent Pat McGee. “Thank you also to our team of staff Wellness Champions for their organization and planning of the project.”

The community is invited to enjoy the Nature Trail during day light hours and dogs are welcome outside of school hours. The trail entrance is located
behind the Elementary School and is visible from the road leading back to the softball field and soccer stadium.

Graduation2023 7

Byron-Bergen High School ~ Awards & Scholarships

Academic Varsity Letters Brody Baubie, Hanna Loewke, Emily Salmonds, Riley Sharpe, Lillian Walker, Hannah Wies

Academic Varsity Letters and Pins Dayanara Caballero, Caris Carlson, Cameron Carlson, Ryan Muscarella, Elizabeth Piper, Victoria Rogoyski, Brianna Salmonds

Academic Varsity Pins Cassidy Ball, Frank Hersom, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips,
Austin Salmonds, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner

Alfred K. Sheldon Memorial Leadership Award Kendall Phillips

American Field Service Foreign Language Award Kendall Phillips

American History Award Kendall Phillips

Arthur Rohe U.S. History Scholarship Matthew Tanner

Athlete of the Year (Boys Varsity) David Brumsted

Athlete of the Year (Girls Varsity) Ava Wagoner

Bergen Grange Award Christopher Zastrocky Sydney Zastrocky

Bergen Historical Society Award Kendall Phillips

Bergen Rod & Gun Club Award Jason Bleiler

Bergen Volunteer Fire Department Student Volunteer Scholarship Olivia Best

Brad A. Hobin Memorial Award Sage Johnson

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Industrial Arts Award Ryan Muscarella

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Wrestling Award Haydin Perez

Byron-Bergen Administration Scholarship Ryan Muscarella

Byron-Bergen FFA Alumni and Supporters Scholarship Grayson Erion Alexandria Schuck

Byron-Bergen Musical Theatre Award Jason Bleiler Libby Piper

Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters Scholar Athlete Award Frank Hersom Kendall Phillips

Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P Boosters Humanitarian Leadership Scholarship Grayson Erion Kendall Phillips

Byron Kiwanis Club Award Grayson Erion Clarence Rogers Award Alexandria Schuck

Clarkson University High School Achievement Award Lincoln McGrath

Clarkson University High School Leadership Award Brody Baubie

Clint Cooper Memorial Scholarship Cassidy Ball Ryan Muscarella Valerie Pastore Brianna Salmonds Matthew Tanner

Class of '64 - Paying it Forward Elizabeth Piper

Comeback Award Ava Gray

Community Achievement Award from Keuka College HannahRae Amador Tori LaMar Emma Starowitz Garbriel Vallese

Dawn Gruendike Memorial Award Kendall Phillips

Derek K. Sheldon Memorial Scholarship Alyssa Ball

Dora M. Jones Scholarship Kendall Phillips

Earl Almquist Family Art Award Zoey Shepard

Elmira College Key Awards Kaidance Kimble

Emily Reis Scholarship Award Cameron Carlson

Faculty Department Awards Rylee Burch, Dayanara Caballero, Emalyn Canfield, Tyler Chapman,
Kendall Chase, Ryann Culmo, Robert Gaylord, Jackson Lundfelt, Taylor Lundfelt, Valerie Pastore, Libby Piper, Alexandria Schuck, Genevieve Smith,
Ava Wagoner, Rena Wilson, Rose Wilson

Fire and EMS Services Award Olivia Best

Francis J. & Ethel A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Dayanara Caballero Caris Carlson

Gary Liles Memorial Award Trophy Cassidy Ball Frank Hersom

Genesee Community College ACE Awards Ryan Muscarella Zoey Shepard

Gillam Educational Fund Scholarship Zoey Shepard

Helene-Forsyth-Hough Memorial Scholarship Alexandria Schuck

Hesperus Lodge #837 F.&A.M. and Hesperus Chapter #823 O.E.S. Scholarship Austin Salmonds

Ida Caswell MacEwen Memorial Award Ava Wagoner

Jenny Kuzma Memorial Award Taylor Lundfelt

Jerome G. Spitzner Memorial Science Award Cameron Carlson

John Philip Sousa Award Alexandria Schuck

Leo J. O’Neill Memorial Scholarship Ava Wagoner

Lori A. Nelson Award Kendall Phillips

Mary Wride Memorial Attendance Award Kendall Phillips

Matthew Kota Memorial Medical Scholarship Zoey Shepard

Matthew Kota Scholarship Award Dayanara Caballero

Michael and John Schott Memorial Award Ryan Muscarella

The Miss Covatta Memorial Recognition Award Rena Wilson

Paul Smith Memorial Wrestling Award Christopher Zastrocky

Ralph & Minna Gillette Scholarship Austin Salmonds Zoey Shepard

Reis Memorial Scholarship Zoey Shepard

Office of the New York State Comptroller Achievement Award Frank Hersom

President's Award for Educational Excellence
Alyssa Ball, Cassidy Ball, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson,
Kendan Dressler, Grayson Erion, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Zoey Shepard,
Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies

Principal’s Award
Connor Hoopengardner, Ainsley Kent, Audrey Dorman, Justin Deleo, Roman Smith, Victoria Rogoyski, Sage Johnson

RIT Art and Design Award Riley Sharpe

RIT Computing Award Brody Baubie
RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award Hanna Loewke

RIT The Science and Math Award Victoria Rogoyski

Robert Fowler Award Elliana Tanner

Sackett-Merrill-White Post 575 American Legion Scholarship Josh Tardy

Saint Michael's Book Award for Academic Achievement & Social Conscience Lydia Zaffran

Samuel Landis Wiant Golf Award Ryan Muscarella

St. Bonaventure Bonnie Scholar Makala Hoopengardner Colin Martin Carter Prinzi
Stephanie Onderdonk Mackenzie Hagen

Steele Truax Scholarship David Brumsted

Stephanie Lynn Tooley Cheerleading Scholarship Kayleen Ruffin

Student Council Scholarships

Cassidy Ball, Dayanara Caballero, Brianna Salmonds, Zoey Shepard,

Sunshine Award Joshua Tardy

Superintendent’s Award Ava Wagoner

Tom Covington Memorial Agricultural Award Lillian Walker

Triple “C” Award Travis Shallenberger

U of R Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award Victoria Rogoyski

U of R Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences Malachi Smith

U of R George Eastman Young Leader Award Gabrielle Graff

Varsity Tri-Athlete Awards Janessa Amesbury, Katelyn Ball,
Carlee Barons, Brody Baubie, Stell Briggs, Lea Donofrio, Brendin Galves,
Megan Jarkiewcz, Stephanie Onderdonk, Brendan Pimm, Novalee Pocock, Carter Prinzi, Katherine Rogoyski,
Jeremiah Romero, Ashely Schlenker-Stephens, Travis Shallenberger, Trent Sheard, Solomon Smith

Vera Schelemanow Gaetano Explore the World Scholarship Frank Hersom

Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award Elton Kinkelaar

William Cummings Award Elizabeth Cramer

William F. Engle Scholarship Jack Benstead

“Batavia Career and Technical Center Awards”

Auto Body Top Gun Award Sage Johnson

Home Owner Award Ethan Lewis, Nicholas Zwerka,
Christopher Zastrocky

Cosmetology Most Improved Award Hailey Canfield

Electro Mechanical Trades Alumni Award Alec Kulikowski

8 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Jr./Sr. High School Happenings

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! The amount of talent in this group of students is tremendous. Graduation was a huge success! It was great to see all the students in their caps and gowns and being celebrated for all their achievements. The end of year events like the prom, senior trip to Boston, exit projects, the Elementary School parade and senior breakfast really capped off an excellent year for your seniors. I wish each and every one of them the best of luck as they move on from Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

This year was full of great successes. Some of my favorite events included kicking the year off with the seniors in a staff versus seniors volleyball game; the homecoming pep-assembly and Bee’s Break Days; celebrating

the Top 10 seniors; all the success our students had both academically and athletically; the incredible concerts throughout the school year; and finally the wonderful performances in “Hairspray”!

Other highlights to note include the successes our clubs had in regional competitions and the fact that all of our athletic teams received Scholar Athlete Team Awards for having a team GPA of 90 or better. There is so much to celebrate!

I continue to be impressed with all the wonderful things happening here at Byron-Bergen. This is truly a special place.

I hope that everyone enjoys the summer months. Watch for future communications about the upcoming school year. If you need anything, feel free to contact the High School Office at (585) 494-1220. Take care and Go Bees!

Graduation2023 9

Student

“Abstract Numbers” Watercolor, Crayon, & Marker By: Lydia Hammond, grade 6 Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Tinkerbells House” Clay, Glaze
By: Meghan Muscarella, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Dance Dream” Marker on Paper
By: Thomas Breemes, grade 3 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

10 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Art Showcase

“Blue Cat” Painting on Paper
Addilynn DeVries, grade Kindergarten Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Snow Leopard” Colored Pencil on Paper By: Aly Ball, grade 12 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Me & My Guy” Mixed Media Embroidery
By: Caris Carlson, grade 12 Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Buck.” Colored Pencil on Paper
By: Kasey Pagels:, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Trees” Watercolor, Ebony Pencil By: Ruth Kuipers, grade 7
Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Flowers in a Vase” Pastel and Paint Paper By: Olivia Smith, grade 5 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

July 2023
	
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JULY/AUGUST
New Teacher Orientation August 23-24, 2023
Professional Development (non-tenured teachers)- August 24, 2023

HOLIDAYS/RECESSES Independence Day - July 4, 2023 Labor Day - September 4, 2023 Columbus Day - October 9, 2023
Veterans' Day (Observed) - November 10, 2023 Thanksgiving Recess - November 22-24, 2023
Winter Recess - December 25, 2023 - January 2, 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15, 2024 February Recess - February 19-23, 2024
Spring Recess - March 29, 2024 - April 8, 2024 Memorial Day - May 27, 2024
Juneteenth - June 19, 2024

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL September 6, 2023

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 26, 2024

TESTING SCHEDULE
January Regents - January 23-26, 2024
3rd - 8th Grade NYS ELA Testing - April 16-17, 2024 3rd - 8th Grade NYS Math Testing - May 7-8, 2024 5th & 8th Grade NYS Science Test - May 14, 2024
June Regents - June 4,14,17-18, 20-21, 24-25, 2024 Regents Rating day - June 17, 25-26, 2024

SUPERINTENDENT’S CONFERENCE DAYS NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Superintendent's Conference Day - August 30, 2023 Superintendent's Conference Day - September 5, 2023 Superintendent's Conference Day - October 6, 2023 Superintendent's Conference Day - January 26, 2024 Superintendent's Conference Day - March 15, 2024

PARENT TEACHER CONFRENCE
1/2 Day of School - PreK-12 - November 17, 2023
1/2 Day of School - PreK-5 (only) - November 20 & 21, 2023 1/2 Day of School - PreK-5 (only) - March 14, 2024

DAYS OF INSTRUCTION September	18 +     1 October	20 +     1 November	18 December	16 January	19 +     1 February	16
March	19 +     1 April	16
May                       22 June                      17
181 + 4

Approved by the Byron-Bergen Central School District Board of Education on 2/16/2023.

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Graduation2023 11

Superintendent Patrick McGee

Board of Education Debra List, President

Tammy Menzie, Vice President

Heidi Ball, Trustee

Kimberly Carlson, Trustee

Jeffrey Cook, Trustee

Amy Phillips, Trustee

Lynn Smith, Trustee

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

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

Communication Specialist Gretchen Spittler

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

STEAM DAY!

12 Byron Bergen Focal Point