To view photos from the Kelly Collection, click here.

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Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 37th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

We Remember those who passed away during the month of July...

July 11, 2008: CHARLIE BUTLER, High School Hall Monitor
July 13, 2008: ERNIE TOLMAN, Music Teacher (HS & MS) for 33 years
July 15, 2005: DAN SHUMWAY Class of 2005
July 17, 1996: RUTH COON, Elementary School Teacher
July 29, 2007: MARY WHITING - age 99 - HS History Teacher in the 1940-1950's

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Returning to the decade of the 1980's:

October 1982: Elementary School PTA Poster Winners were: MIKE GILL, JOY CANFIELD, HEYLTJE BOND, LYNANN FITCH & AMY DUGO
Middle School Winners were: JENNIFER BARDEEN, MARGARET FAZZARY, JENNIFER BALCH, KENIN DONAHUE, & COLIN HATSELL

November 1982: Friends of Music Cheese Sale top sellers were: KRISTY YUHASZ, KAREN SPEARY, PEGGY VAN AMBURG, & MARY WELCH

December 1982: Senior members on the Varsity Wrestling Team were: FRANK AMEIGH, FRANK BEDIENT, PHIL LYND, MIKE BERGMARK, SEAN MORGAN, RICK OBIE
and MARK MIHALKO

September 1982: named as semi-finalists in the 1983 National Merit Scholarship Program were: WENDY PEARSALL, GORDON COOPER, LENA HORWITZ & JEANNE MORIN

February 1982: annual IAC Cheerleading competition held at Spencer-Van Etten -- Watkins Glen Junior Varsity Cheerleaders won the Large School competition as did the Watkins Glen
Varsity Cheerleaders; fast forward to February of 1985: Varsity Cheerleaders won the Greater Rochester Cheerleading Competition held at Greece High School as the Junior Varsity girls finished 2nd; Varsity Captain was LAURIE CALDWELL; Junior Varsity Captain was MINDY FRANZESE; in the spring of 1985 the Cheerleaders competed in National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia with the Varsity squad finishing in 10th place in team competition and Junior Varsity Captain MINDY FRANZESE finishing 4th in individual competition; Varsity Captain LAURIE CALDWELL fractured her foot earlier in the week and was held out of the competition - she was replaced by KELLY TUTTLE, who contributed greatly to the 10th place team finish; COACH LIZ PARADISO was Varsity Coach; COACH ANNE PARADISO was JV Coach

June 1982: MARIA RONDINARO received the Chemung Canal Trust Company Scholarship (a $4,000 award); MARIA was Valedictorian for the Class of 1982.
JUBAL GOODINE was named Elmira College KEY AWARD Winner (MICHAEL COOK -- 1977 Elmira College KEY AWARD Winner -- graduated from Elmira College and was in attendance at Jubal's presentation)

July 1982: Participating at the St Lawrence University summer football camp were COACH CRAIG CHEPLICK, TIM RODABAUGH, RAY OLIVER, KEVIN PALMER, JEFF STRANICK, JERRY LOOSE, MATT SERLO, JOHN LOOSE, ROCCO MARCELLINO, GERRY LUM, JIM COMBS, and BRUD HOLLAND

1982-1983: Middle School Student Council Officers were: President: NEIL FAZZARY, Vice President: SAM BRUBAKER, Secretary: JOHN UPDYKE, Treasurer: LISA BARTONE

April 1983: GORDON COOPER played title role in "TOM JONES" with ALLISON ISLEY playing opposite in role of "Sophia" in annual school play; additional roles were played by:
JEFF PEAK, SUE RONDINARO, KRISTI PEAK, TIMMER NAYLOR, DICK KENDALL, LAURIE BEAVER, KEN SWITZER & BOB PRATT; MARILYN FILIPPETTI was Director,
DON MAAS designed the sets, ROBIN TOLMAN was Stage Manager with BECKY KENDALL assisting, and JOHN MELVENEY & BILL LE ROUX handled sound & lights;
WENDY PEARSALL was in charge of Properties and MONICA STANSFIELD headed up Make-Up

May 1983: among those attending the Mansfield University Ready-Writing competition were: CHELLE HUSTON, JULIE METAL, JULIE WALKER, TIMMER NAYLOR, ANITA FRAGOLA, ROSE MARIE ROCCISANO, RALPH SCHLIEF, BEN KRAMER, KEVIN RANDOLPH, BRIAN GLOVER, JED MC KEE & DAVID BALTZER

June 1983: KELLY BONZO -- age 14 -- was named CINDERELLA SOFTBALL QUEEN

1982-83: P.T.A. Officers:

President: JANET FITCH
Vice Pres. WILLIAM HEATH
Recording Secretary: COLEEN BELIGOTTI
Corresponding Secretary: JANE BURRIS
Treasurer: SUSAN DUGO

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Additional highlights from the decade of the 1980's:

* Elmira College KEY AWARD winners -- June 1983 -- JULIE METAL & LAURIE NICHOLS

* National Cheerleader Championships -- August 1983: MICHELE PIERCE placed 34th nationally

* HOMECOMING 1983: SENIOR CLASS won the float competition;

* NYS Industrial Arts Association competition -- September 1983 -- RANDY KELLY won the "Wood Turning" division award;

* September/October 1983: NYS Youth Leadership Conference attendees were ANITA FRAGOLA & BETSY BIANCO;

* October 1983: ANDREA HOLMES became Section IV Class B Champion in Tennis by defeating the Class C Champion

* December 1983: Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award winner was JOHN MELVENEY;

* GRADUATE NEWS: PATRICIA SOPP, Class of 1981, was named Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences ACADEMIC FELLOW for 1983-1984 ---"part of a group of highly motivated undergraduates in recognition of her achievements in work, scholarship and leadership in community life."

* April 1983: winners of the Easter Creative Writing Contest at the Elementary School were: RENEE DE BOLT, CHRISTINE FRANZESE, LISA TEETER, RAY DI STEFANO, BRIAN COLEMAN and LAUREL MC INTYRE;

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1983-1984:

* Yearbook Dedication: MR. FRANK STEBER ... "He came to Watkins Glen in 1955. He stayed with the District through all 29 years and even taught some of our current faculty. He has been active in the senior play for numerous years, headed the Seneca Literary Society and is head of the English Department. But with all these extra activities, Mr. Steber has still kept the interest and mind of the student first. It is with great pride that we, the class of 1984, dedicate our yearbook to MR. FRANK STEBER."

* 1983-1984 Boys' State: JOHN MELVENEY, JOE SCAPTURA, PETER CLIFFORD, RICHARD MATWIEJOW, DAVID POST, TIM THOMPSON & BILL BEARDSLEY

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CLASSMATES remembered: DAWN MIRACLE (8/16/1965 - 11/17/1973) & MICHAEL OSBORNE (2/11/1965 - 10/04/1981)

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LETTERMEN'S CLUB: President: JIM COMBS; Faculty Advisor: JEFF WHEELER;
Vice Pres: TOM AUGUSTINE
Secretary ANN MINICHIELLO
Treasurer JULIE PARETE

Yearbook Editor: ROSE MARIE ROCCISANO; Newspaper Editor: MARLA PEARSALL Math Club President: JOHN MELVENEY
National Honor Society President: CHRIS BOND

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*** Notice to readers: I would like to start a new section titled "Where are they now?" -- listing graduates and where they are now to include family, employment, etc. If you'd like to have your children or yourself mentioned in this new section, please e-mail the information to: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

See you in August....

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 36th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

RUTH Richtmyer WILSON: In the Class of 1941, RUTH RICHTMYER graduated with a Regents diploma at the young age of just 14 --- thus becoming the youngest graduate in our history with a Regents diploma (or perhaps a diploma of any kind at that young age). RUTH was quite proud of that achievement, which set the tone for her "work ethic" for the rest of her life. RUTH died early on the morning of May 2, 2010 and while being remembered as our youngest graduate she will also be remembered as a kind, caring, wonderful woman and a good friend. Our sympathy to Ruth's children -- Ken & Marilyn (our Middle School Main Office Secretary) and their families at this sad time for all of them.

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Remembering those who passed away during the Month of JUNE:

June 1: CONNIE COPP (6/1/2004) ES Teacher 1949-1971
June 9: FLORENCE CARPENTER (6/9/2000) ES Teacher - 35 years;
June 11: MARY FRANCES MADAFFARI (6/11/2005) Teacher Aide for 25 years;
June 19: DOROTHY EMERY (6/19/1980) ES Teacher & Librarian;
June 23: PETER GALATIS (6/23/2002) Physical Education Teacher & Coach - 32 years;
June 28: PAT HART (6/28/2008) ES Teacher 1969-1986
June 30: RUTH WOODWARD (6/30/1995) former Board of Education member

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Thank You TANINA LIAMMARI RICHARDSON: Heard recently from Tanina (living in Wilmington, North Carolina) saying how much she enjoys reading about her high school and offering some additional information on the Senior Play of 1973 (which I spoke of briefly in my March, 2010 column) --- Tanina adds that she played the lead role of Mary, the younger daughter, in the 1973 Senior Play, "Ten Nights in a Barroom," and her good friend NIKKI VANGSNES played a barroom singer in that "temperance" play directed so well by Marilyn Fillipetti. Thank you Tanina for the update!!!

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JUDY DUNN CHRISMAN: all our thoughts, best wishes and prayers go out to JUDY DUNN CHRISMAN --- our HOMECOMING QUEEN of 1993-1994 --- that year the Yearbook was dedicated to DAVE WARREN, MATT MURPHY was Student Council President and KRISTINA JAYNES was Senior Class President; JUDY is battling breast cancer; in the Class of 1994 Judy's nicknames were SCOOBY, WRINKLE, CADLITTLE, JUDESTER & JUDE; her Quote was, "Hum"; and her activities in high school included Track Gr. 8-12, Cross Country Gr. 10/11 and Cheerleading Gr. 11-12. Cheerful thoughts and very best wishes to you, Judy;
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Graduates Make the News...

So nice to read on The Odessa File recently about two of our graduates and their successes:

* JEFF DILL: Class of 2002; building "J.R. Dill Winery" on RTE. 414 -- about 6 miles North of Watkins Glen; planning calls for opening this summer. CONGRATULATIONS Jeff!

* BRIANNA HURLEY: Class of 2005 and a graduate of New York City's "The American Musical & Dramatic Academy" is appearing in the off-Broadway production of "Phantom of the Opera" playing dual roles. CONGRATULATIONS Brianna!

BOTH Jeff & Brianna are living their dream!

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THOUGHTS & PRAYERS to Carol & Mike Yuhasz and their family on the passing of their daughter HEATHER BROOK YUHASZ from the Class of 1995. (10/05/1977 --- 5/24/2010)

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Looking for any information, program, pictures, etc. from the Senior Class PLAY of 1968 --- please contact me at: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

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1980's continued...

* January 25, 1982: MRS. MAE ELIZABETH KLUBE, 72, former teacher and Elementary School Principal, died unexpectedly at home. Her funeral was held at St. Mary's of the Lake
Church with burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center;

* March 1982: High School Senior GLENN MILEY was named 1st place winner in New York State in a National Journalism Contest sponsored by the President's Committee on
Employment of the Handicapped;

* January 1982: the Class of 1962 began planning for their 20th reunion -- to be held over the July 4th weekend -- with DIANNE IRISH MC CAWLEY, JOAN MILLER BRUBAKER, and
BILL ROBERTS leading the planning;

* March 1982: Class Play was "The Happy Times" with RYAN TOLMAN & SHELLY YOUMANS co-staring; MARY MC GRATH was Stage Manager, JOHN MELVENEY & JIM PHILLIPS were in charge of the Lighting, ROBIN TOLMAN & COLLETTE KRAMER handled "Properties" and DONNA RUTLEDGE, ROBIN BOND & ELLEN LORENZ were in charge of Makeup. Set crew included: KELLY PALMER, BILL MC NAMARA, JOHN FAZZARY, CRYSTAL & JULIE WALKER, COLLEEN MAAS, LISA SCAPTURA, GINNY BELL, GWEN JAMES, OLIVIER PASSERAS, JEREMY VAN ALSTINE, KIM STRATTON and SUE LA RUE.

* March 1982: Middle School "SPELLING BEE" Winners were: MICHELLE FRAGOLA (1st Place), JED MC KEE (2nd), ANNA PERRY (3rd), JOE GIBBONS (4th) and DIANA WICKHAM (5th);

* Winter 1982: Saturday Morning RECREATION Program: Elementary School Supervisors were ED WESTBROOK & STEVE LO PRESTI; Middle School Supervisors were: BECKY SUE CROUT & GEORGE MC GONIGAL; High School Supervisor was JOE STRATTON; and Swimming Pool Supervisor was STEVE WOODWARD.

* March 1982: Middle School students won Regional Honors in NYS Math Contest: Team Members were JULIE FRANZESE, DINA BRUBAKER, JESSICA GREENSTEIN, BRIAN
GLOVER & JASON FAY. Teacher JACK TELECH was team advisor.

* April 1982: High School team won CHEM BOWL at Corning Community College competition -- team members were MARIA RONDINARO, MARY MC GRATH, JOHN SIMSON and
RALPH SCHLIEF; Team Advisor was teacher DAVE COOK.

* May 1982: PAT GLOVER & COLLEEN MAAS were Blue Ribbon Finalists in the Scholastic Art Awards competition

* June 1982: HEATHER THORP was selected as the 1st winner of the "MAE E. KLUBE" Memorial Award as an OUTSTANDING Gr. 4 student who excelled scholastically.

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CLASS of 1982 --- 100th Graduating Class in the District's History.....

* Saturday afternoon June 26, 1982 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

* Ceremony held in the High School auditorium for the 152-member Class

* High School Band under the direction of KURT POWELL;

* The Reverend RICHARD MASTIN, pastor of the Reading Community Church, offered the invocation

* Valedictory Address was given by MARIA RONDINARO
Salutatory Address was given by KELLY PALMER
Senior Oration was given by..........COLETTE KRAMER

* the High School Mixed Chorus - directed by ERNIE TOLMAN - sang two numbers

* Superintendent DR. LLOYD N. PEAK remarked on the Centennial and presented the Graduates; High School Principal FREDERIC LORENZ awarded prizes & scholarships in excess of $7,000
Board President HENRY CLAYTON awarded the diplomas
Senior Class Advisor NICK DUGO coordinated the ceremonies

* Reverend ANDREW KALAFSKY, Pastor of St. Mary's of the Lake Church, gave the closing Benediction

Watkins Glen Village Mayor WARREN E. MILLER issued a proclamation congratulating the District on its 100th graduation and proclaiming June 26, 1982 as "Village Appreciation Day."

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FALL --- 1982:

* VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM won IAC DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIP --- DARRIN STOCUM was named IAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR while JOHN LOOSE was selected as the DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR and BRUD HOLLAND was named as SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR. Stocum led the league in rushing with 1,130 yards and scored 16 touchdowns; Loose led the league in pass interceptions with five; Holland kicked 29 of 35 extra points, punted for an average of 34.5 yards, kicked off for an average of 48 yards and ran back kick returns for an average of 23.5 yards. These three athletes were 1st team IAC All Stars as were their teammates: JIM COMBS, GREG EMMONS and GERRY LUM. Honorable Mention status went to: RAY OLIVER, KEVIN FIELD, MATT SERLO and ROCCO MARCELLINO.

See you in July!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 35th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

(Nice to visit with TOM & TRUDY MINICHIELLO, BILL MINICHIELLO and DR. BOB & JUDY MARCINIAK in Lakeland, Florida a few weeka ago and learn how they love to keep up on all the news in Schuyler County via The Odessa File.)

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We Remember: those who passed away during the month of May:

May 3: MARIAN CULLEN (5/3/97) Cafeteria employee
May 4: KYLE GREGORY, BRENNAN LOVE and SETH MARCELLUS (5/4/03) Gr. 10 students - Class of 2005
May 4: PHYLLIS BOND (5/4/01) ES Reading Teacher for 18 years...
May 5: DR. LLOYD N. PEAK (5/5/91) Superintendent of Schools 1967-1987
May 6: GEORGE HOWARD (5/6/04) former Custodian
May 8: RHODA GIVIN (5/8/97) MS Health Office Clerk
May 12: PETER PEVO (5/12/98) former Gr. 4 Teacher & Middle School Principal
May 19: LA VERNE CROUT (5/19/01) former School Bus Driver
May 29: LAURA MERRILL (5/29/00) former NYS P.T.A. Vice President
May 31: LULA WILLIAMS (5/31/01) ES Teacher 1947-1961; (35-year career)

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Looking back at BOWLING & TRACK Records.....

The High School BOWLING TEAM was inaugurated during the 1998-99 school year as a winter-season sport coached by JAMIE HARTER. JAMIE coached for the first few years, then was succeeded by DIANE WOOD beginning with the 2001-02 season. Among the student bowling records of note are the following:

BOYS...

High Series: LUCAS BUCKMAN 781 (Rossi Lanes) 2008

High Game: ANTHONY TEED 298 (Midway Lanes) 2006

High Career Average: ERIC THORPE 176.67 (2001)

High One-Year Average: LUCAS BUCKMAN 217.31 (2008)

High Series Team: CHRISTIAN THOMPSON, MACKENZIE SECORD, ERNIE BRENNAN, ANTHONY TEED, ADAM HINES, 3087 PINS, ROSSI LANES, 2006

High Game Team: Same members, 1112 (2006)

GIRLS...

High Series: DIANA CUMMINGS 660 (Paramont Lanes) 2001

High Game: MELANIE BLAUVELT 247 (Rossi Lanes) 2006

High Career Average: NATASHA EVANS 157.43 (2006)

High One-Year Average: NATASHA EVANS 183.22 (2006)

High Series Team: MELANIE BLAUVELT, NATASHA EVANS, ASHLEY EVANS, SHANNON HINES, STACEY TEED, 2519 PINS, VALLEY LANES, 2006

High Game Team: MELANIE BLAUVELT, NATASHA EVANS, ASHLEY EVANS, SHANNON HINES, VIKKI SIMPSON, 946 (2006)

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TRACK TEAM Individual RECORDS...

BOYS & GIRLS...

100 Meters: GEOFF SMYDER 11.2 seconds 1999
ASHLEY HOUSEKNECHT 12.7 seconds 2003

200 Meters: ANDY CLARK 23.2 seconds 2000
ASHLEY HOUSEKNECHT 26.59 seconds 2004

400 Meters: SHAWN CALLAHAN 52.0 seconds 1984
MEGAN MATTHEWS 62.7 seconds 2004

800 Meters: PETER LA MOREAUX 1:59 (1991)
SOMER PETTET 2:27.7 (2007)

3200 M: JON FAZZARY 10:01.4 2008
3000 M: SOMER PETTET 10:53.4 2008

110 Hurdles: ANDY KEENER 16.5 seconds 1997
100 Hurdles: SUE STOCUM 14.9 seconds 1984

400 Hurdles: BRANDON BOND 59.2 seconds 2004
MEGAN MATTHEWS 1:08.0 2005

Long Jump: SHAWN CALLAHAN 21 '6" 1985
TRACY WILLIAMS 15' 10 1/2" 1995

Triple Jump: JOE GIBBONS 42' 3" 1986
CHRISTIE COOLICAN 34' 1/2" 1994

High Jump: ANTHONY FAZZARY 6' 5" 1982
SHELBY OLAFSON 5' 5" 2008

Shot Put: CHUCK WILBER 52' 10" 1981
JULIE MILLER 34' 10 1/2" 2002

Discus: BUD NEMETH 142' 6" 1986
JULIE MILLER 112' 0" 2002

Pole Vault: DAVID POPOVICH 13' 4 1/2" 1979
LIZ HENRY 9' 6" 2002

Steeple Chase: CHARLES SCHOLTISEK 10:11.7 1995
SOPHIE PETERS 7:53.13 2008

PENTATHLON: TRAVIS WAITE 2410 points 2008
JESSICA SEDLACK 2492 points 1996

RETIRED RECORD: 8 pound Shot: SHEILA SUITS 37' 10 1/2" 1977...

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The 1980's....

* March, 1980: "OKLAHOMA" was the production; the stars were: ANGELA NYRE, MARK VAN HORN, ANNETTE MAAS and BUTCH CROSS;

* April, 1980: GINA MARCELLINO was selected for the IAC All Star Team in Girls' Basketball by virtue of her 1979/80 season statistics of 168 total points (13 points per game),
and 50% free throw average;

* April, 1980: Winners at 6th annual NYS High School Art Competition were: KEVIN WAGER, MARK VAN HORN, SUE ANSTEY, MARIA DELASH, & BILL TINKER;

* April, 1980: KINDERGARTEN MUSICAL PROGRAM -- among participants were: MONICA TAYLOR, JOE ECTOR, ANGELA VICKIO, LEAH EVERTTS, STEPHANIE LA MOREAUX, JAMIE TRUXON & PATRICK MADAFFARI;

* May, 1980: Winners in the Grade 4 annual SWIM MEET were:
-- RANDY ABBEY -- 'bubble' race winner
-- JIM MOSHER -- 1st place 25-yard free style
-- BRIAN COY -- 1st place 50-yard free style and 25-yard backstroke champion
-- MATT THORPE -- 1st place in Diving;
-- BECKY TAYLOR -- "bubble" race winner
-- THERESA RONDINARO -- diving champion
-- SUBRINA RUSSELL -- backstroke champion
-- SUE COVERT -- 1st place 25-yard free style and 25-yard kickboardr
-- TAMMY TOMASSI -- 1st place 50-yard freestyle

* June 19, 1980: We Remember -- DOROTHY EMERY, age 60, died; a former teacher at the Bradford School District, she was the Librarian for the Watkins Glen Elementary School.

* June, 1980: Top 10 Honor Students in Class of 1980 were: LU ANN SGRECCI (Valedictorian); JOANNE SWISHER (Salutatorian); ELESE ISLEY (#3), plus TAMMY DAVIS, ANNETTE MAAS, CHRIS CALHOUN, MARY DONNELLY, DAN PROSPERI, DONNA WEST, & SUE BERRY;

* June, 1980: MARY BOND OBERHAUS, Class of 1955, was guest speaker at the 55th annual ALUMNI BANQUET on June 21, 1980.

* October, 1980: Varsity Football -- under Coach Jeff Wheeler -- showcased offensive
linemen: DARRIN STOCUM, CHUCK WILBUR, BOB BELLAVIGNA, GERRY LUM,
GREG MC KINNEY, KEVIN MOORE & FRANK O'BRIEN. In the backfield were: JIM MINICHIELLO, KARL SWISHER, KEVIN WAGER & LINDSAY WICKHAM.

* November, 1980: KATHY HATSELL won the Section IV Class B Division Championship in the 100-yard freestyle in Girls' Swimming; additionally the Team's 200 Medley Relay Team of
LISA HEWITT, ALLISON ISLEY, JULIE PARADISO and KATHY HATSELL garnered 3rd place honors;

* December, 1980: No ashtrays were visible at the Board of Education meeting -- at least two Board Members, two Administrators and two reporters who customarily smoke at Board meetings refrained due to the "Great American Smokeout." (This may have been the 1st 'smokeless' session in 25 years);

* December 1980: Winners in the Christmas Art Poster Contest (sponsored by the Watkins Glen Business Association) were: REBECCA RUMSEY (1ST place), BRUCE HERFORTH
(2nd place) and REBEKAH DAHLBORG (3rd place); all three are Grade 1 students;

* January 1981: DR. LLOYD N. PEAK presented a citation from NYS to the Watkins Glen Transportation Department; for the 4th consecutive year that Department has been cited for its safety record. Transportation supervisor DEL GOODINE said it had been 9 years since any transportation-related accident had caused any injury to a student;

* April, 1981: "Once in a Lifetime" was the school play with major roles played by JOHN VONA, LYDIA WICKHAM, RICK DUNBAR, JENNIFER FITCH, MARIA RONDINARO, TOM COOK & MAGGIE FIELD; secondary roles were played by ANNE PARADISO, SUE RONDINARO, MIKE KLIMEK, KEVIN KESSLER, MIKE MYERS, MARIA DELASH, TANYA WAITE, ED PIKE, RYAN TOLMAN, & MARK VAN HORN; production was under the direction of MARILYN FILIPPETTI & KATE LA MOREAUX;

* May, 1981: 13th Central New York Art Show winners were: JUBAL GOODINE, LIEF BINGELL, PAT GLOVER, PEGGY SHAUL, COLLEEN MAAS, TERRY SMITH and DIANE COOPER;

* May, 1981: High School achieved highest score ever on National Mathematics Exam by virtue of the top scores of DAVID WHITING, MIKE MYERS, and LISA HIRTLER; Watkins Glen High School finished in 2nd place among 107 schools of a comparable size from Pennsylvania and New York;

* May, 1981: 25 Seniors in one car? The annual "Vega Cram" -- a celebration of "Beatnik Week" -- recreated the 1960's fad of cramming, in attire of the 1960's. The 25 Seniors crammed
into the car: included: JULIE HECK, SHARON EDSALL, JENNIFER FITCH, SHERYL DEAN, LYDIA WICKHAM, DAWN DUTTON, TANYA WAITE, KENNA MOREHOUSE, LISA HIRTLER, PATTY SOPP, SUE ANSTEY, FIONA BARTOW, MARK FITCH, ANTHONY DAMIANI, JACK KELLER, LINDSAY WICKHAM, MIKE AMES, JAY KESSLER, MIKE KONOPSKI, DAVE WHITING, KARL SWISHER, ALAN LENT, RICH DUNBAR, JERRY ELY and MAUREEN LEDERMANN.

* June 1981: KATHRYN BARTHOLOMEW & KARL SWISHER were named as
Finalists in the 1981 National Merit Scholarship competition;

* June 1981: Girls' and Boys' State honorees were: CAROL CALHOUN, KELLY PALMER, SANDRA SPECCHIO, MATT CLIFFORD, JOHN FAZZARY, MIKE MORELLI, JAMES PHILLIPS, ED PIKE, WILLIAM RUGER and BOB SCATA;

* June 1981: Top 10 for the Class of 1981: KATHRYN BARTHOLOMEW (Valedictorian), KEVIN WAGER (Salutatorian) #3 LISA HIRTLER; plus MAUREEN LEDERMANN, PAUL CLIFFORD, KARL SWISHER, DAVID WHITING, PATRICIA SOPP, MICHELLE HOLMES & JENNIFER FITCH;

* July, 1981: High School Principal MILFORD A. (BUD) WARNER submitted his resignation as Principal, effective in October of 1981 -- completing a 32-year career in public education.

* September 1981: PTA Organized. District residents voted to establish a formal Parent Teacher Association -- having four officers, elected by the members, with an executive board composed of representation from each of the three district schools;

* October 1981: 27th annual National Merit Scholarship Program "Commended" students were announced: CAROL CALHOUN, KELLY PALMER, EDWARD PIKE, MARIA RONDINARO and JUDY SWISHER;

* November 1981: 1981 Area ALL-STATE Chorus members: GRACE EVERMAN, BRIAN CREASON and DAVID WAITE;

* December 1981: MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS for 1981 was CHRISTY WHITE, who received a $100 1st prize award;

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1982 I.A.C. CHEERLEADER CHAMPIONSHIPS were won by both the JV and Varsity Cheerleaders (the 5th consecutive year both squads have won the trophy)

VARSITY: KRISTI PEAK, JANE HUEY, HEIDI HOLLAND, ANDREA McBRIDE, MICHELLE ANASTASIU, PATTI DESCENZA, JEANINE LANE, KATHY HATSELL, ALLISON ISLEY & ROBIN BOND
J.V.: BAMBI FAZZARY, CINDY FRABONI, JULIE PARETE, LAURIE CALDWELL, JENNIFER MORRIS, LISA DUNBAR, AMY COLE, TRACEY NAYLOR, KRISTI NAYLOR & DENISE ROCHOLL

Advisor: MISS SHARON ISLEY

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See you in June!!!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 34th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

CURRENT EVENTS...

* Sure hope you took the opportunity to visit our Middle School in early February to view the Grade 6 "INFLUENTIAL PERSON WALK OF FAME." Teacher ANGELA WEEDEN, the Grade 6 Team and Grade 6 students did a great job with the interdisciplinary displays. MRS. WEEDEN arranged for me to have my own personal guide -- BRIDGETTE GUILD -- who was very professional and articulated so knowledgably her project, which incorporated Egyptian history, the scientist ISSAC NEWTON and athlete MICHAEL PHELPS. Great job everyone!

* Watkins Glen Faculty Association -- RICK COMFORT, President -- is to be complimented for their generosity in donating more than $250.00 in November to assist a number of families and students with school lunch bills during these very difficult economic times.

* TRACIE MCILROY -- High School Guidance Office Secretary -- reports that our Guidance Office has issued a total of 2,317 working permits to students from February 2001 through March 1, 2010 (an average of 260 per year). --- this makes you an official "historian," Tracie!!!

L ook for more current events later on in this column...

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Let's go back to the 1970's.....

* March 1976: "America's Story" -- tracing the beginnings of our country from Columbus through today -- was presented on March 18th at the Elementary School by students in 1st Grades and the Developmental and Primary ungraded classes, with a chorus of more than 150 voices; the 2nd of three Bicentenntial musicals was presented on April 1st by Grade 3 students with some of the leading roles by: WILLIAM WHITING, CHRIS COY, DAVID BALZER, LISA DUNBAR, DEBBIE UMNITZ, CONNIE CALLANAN, TRACY NOVAK & ROBERT LANDRY.

* February 1976: Coached by WILLIAM DAVIS & FRED SEITHER -- with team Captains KEN BLANCHARD & KEN KENDALL -- the Boys' Varsity Swimming Team won the IAC Championship;

* April 1976: Senior Play was "RALLY ROUND THE FLAG BOYS" -- production crew were: M.JACOB, T. STOCUM, P. DONNELLY, A. GREGORY, P. WAITE, M. ROBERTS, J. JUHASZ, K. GROVER, S. DOBSON, W. DRAKE, R. WELTON, B. VAN AMBURG, and L. GOODINE; Lead roles were played by: ALAN GREGORY, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, DONNA EDSALL & JOE DUNBAR; other roles were played by KEN CLAIRE, MIKE FROST, TONY MC GRATH, BOB EVANS, CINDY NEUMIRE, SANDY PARETE, LYDIA RUGER, BARBI WARNER, TAMMY WAITE, MARY CLAYTON & SUE AMES.

* April 1976: Achieving Eagle Scout status: JAMES PERSONIUS

* July 1977: Senior Community Service Employment Program, a national program since September of 1969, was instituted in Schuyler County (only Southern Tier County to do so and one of only five such programs in New York State) in July of 1977, with MS. ROSANNE PARADISO as Director; funded by a Title IX grant under the Department of Labor, the Program was sponsored by the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired Persons; some of the Employment Program workers in our schools were:
-- MRS. MICKEY CARRIGAN -- Library Aide in the Watkins Glen High School
-- MRS. MAGGIE SMITH -- Attendance Clerk in the Watkins Glen Middle School
-- MRS. VIRGINIA SCOTT -- Library Aide at the Watkins Glen Elementary School
-- MR. WILMOT J. SWAN -- Night Security at the former Burdett School

* March 1978: Students winning awards at the annual Central New York State High Schools Art Competition were: TIM WATSON, LIDA BIAGETTI, JEFF MC KINNEY, VALERIE CLARK & KIM MILLER;

* March 1978: Officers for the "FRIENDS OF MUSIC" were: MRS. PATRICIA WICKHAM & BECKY TINKER (Co-Chairs), MRS. CHERYL POWELL & PEGGY LODGE ( Co-Treasurers), MR. GEORGE SCAPTURA & TAMMY WAITE (Co-Secretarys);

* April 1978: High School presents "Fashion or Life in New York" -- some of the starring roles were played by: JOE DUNBAR, JOHN RONDINARO, KIM MC LEAN, GREG PARADISO, MARK RONDINARO, LYDIA RUGER and LIBBY LICHT;

* April 1978: VANESSA DECKER won 1st prize in the New York State Federation of Women's Clubs' Sixth District Arts & Crafts Competition;

* May 1978: Middle School Art Teacher KAREN KNAPP held a contest to determine the design for the 2nd floor North wall -- winning design was submitted by RICK DAVIS; that original design (1st such mural in our schools) remains today, having undergone a touch-up or two over the years. Middle School Student Council officers were: ADAM STUART, President; JULIE PARADISO, Vice President; CATHY SAVARD, Secretary, and BRENDA STRONG, Treasurer (Advisor was NEIL PATTERSON); BILL PETERS and ARTHUR WOODARD won Certificates of Merit in the Scholastic Art Awards competition; Schuyler County SPELLING BEE winner was AMY ANDREWS with TRACI WHITED and JUDI SWISHER as runners-up;

* June 1978: KENNA MOREHOUSE received First Class Scout Pin at annual Mother-Daughter Banquet for Cadette Troop 797; KENNA had 24 badges and 4 challenges and was the 1st girl in 12 years to achieve this rank;

* June 1978: JOHN RONDINARO, Valedictorian, GREG PARADISO, Salutatorian, and JOSEPH DUNBAR, TIM PROSPERI, TERESA AYERS, FRED WICKHAM, CONNIE BELL, MARLITA ROBERTS, PAM AMES, & ALISON MAAS were "top 10" in Class of 1978;

* November 1978: Homecoming Queen candidates were: BETTY LOU BEDIENT, NANCY DALRYMPLE, LU ANN HEWITT, LYNDA HOFFMAYER & LIZ SCHIMIZZI; BETTY LOU BEDIENT was chosen as QUEEN;

* January 1979: CHRIS STAMP became an Eagle Scout for his project charting 48 ponds in the Watkins Glen Volunteer Fire Company District;

* March 1979: Gr. 8 student KRISTI PEAK won the 1979 Schuyler County SPELLING Contest; PETER CLIFFORD finished 3rd; Cheerleader SANDY PARETE won 1st place in Individual Cheerleading competition at the Wilson, NY tournament;

* June 1979: Class of 1929 held their 50th reunion; present were: ELAINE CHASE REYNOLDS, EMMA LOU CAMPBELL WINKLER, RUTH THOMPSON DAVIS, EVELYN WILLIAMS MAXWELL, ALENE BERRY SHANNON, MARY WALSH BABCOCK, PAUL GROS-JEAN, EDITH SMITH MORGAN, LEONA PRICE SCRANTON, DOROTHY EMMONS MORSE, WILLIAM MANNING, KENNETH PATCHEN, JOHN CORMAN, BIRGE MORRIS, CAROLYN DUDGEON FENTON, KIETH MANN, FRANCIS CULLIGAN & GLENN RAPALEE;

* June 1979: "Top 10" STUDENTS: Valedictorian JANET HILLS; Salutatorian was shared by MARK RONDINARO & BARBARA WARNER; MIKE MORSE, DANIEL HIRTLER, DAVID POPOVICH, ANNE DONNELLY, ROBERT DOBSON, LORRAINE LEDERMANN, LYDIA RUGER & BETTY LOU BEDIENT (Tied) and RAE WELLS.

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CURRENT EVENTS:...

* Mobile Learning Device presentation at Board of Education meeting March 15, 2010: a special thanks & appreciation to the following Middle School students for attending the Board meeting, sitting up at the Board table with us and illustrating their skills with the MLD our District is "piloting" this school year in Grades 5 and 7: MEGAN DUPUY - KEZIAH FRABONI - JOSHUA BECKER - ROBERT SHEA.

Thanks also to Administrator DR. BILLIE BAUMAN, ANDY PATROS, Coordinator of Info Tech Services, and KELLEY BATROWNY, Instructional Support Specialist

* 6th annual "SPUD RUN" -- annual run held on Wednesday, March 17 began at 3:17 p.m. and cost 17 cents as an entrance fee; MARIE FITZSIMMONS with assistance from others organized another fabulous event -- picking the best weather also. Approximately 175 participants raced or walked the course with overall winners being:

-- NICK SORENSEN (overall Boys' Champion!)
-- ANGELA KEOUGH (overall Girls' Champion)

Green was the color of the day and participants included students, administrators (TOM PHILLIPS, DAVE WARREN AND ROD WEEDEN), a number of teachers, coaches, secretaries/clerical and even some former students and that special runner one often sees running on Route 14 outside of Montour Falls: LUCY SOPER!

* Congratulations to SCHUYLER COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF CRAIG BIANCO, Class of 2003, on being named "DEPUTY SHERIFF OF THE YEAR"

* Watkins Glen High School salutes employees of the month:
-- November: LIZ PARADISO - retiring Nurse's Office clerk
-- December: RALPH DILIBERTO - strength & conditioning "Coach" (Volunteer)
-- January: KELLY MUIR - English Teacher
-- February: SAM BRUBAKER - Physical Education Teacher
-- March: DAVID WARREN - Principal

* Freshman Academy Highlighted Students:

Students singled out recently for doing a great job are:
SARAH LA MASCUS - THOMAS RICHTMYER - MARA BRISBOIS - MICHAEL RHODES

* High School ROTARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH:
September -- PHILLIP KELLOGG
October -- CAROLINE LIKOUDIS
November -- STUART COOK
December -- JENNA SWARTOUT
January -- CARTER FLAHIVE
February -- REBECCA LAUGHLIN
March -- CAMERON FITCH

* Boys' and Girls' TRACK teams ran the WGI Race Course on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 and raise $1,600 to purchase equipment and sweats.
NICK SORENSEN -- Boys' Winner
AMBER SWARTZ -- Girls' Winner

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We Remember - Those who passed away during the Month of April...

April 4: JOHN R. COOK (4/4/1997) Supervising Principal 1953-1964
April 11: JOHN BEERS (4/11/1951) Supervising Principal 1909-1941
April 14: MELISSA WILSON (4/14/1996) Graduate from Class of 1995
April 16: IVA HARRIS JENNINGS (4/16/2002) Cafeteria Cook for 38 years
April 22: IRV GOODRICH (4/22/1996) former County and SCT-BOCES Superintendent
April 22: MILFORD WARNER (4/22/1998) former teacher, coach and high school Principal
April 22: MARGARET SMITH (4/22/1996) former Cafeteria employee
April 26: KITTY DEPEW (4/26/1997) former HS and ES Library Clerk
April 26: MARY OVENSHIRE (4/26/1992) former Gr. 3 teacher 1969-1976
April 30: JANET SIMIELE (4/30/1995) former Gr. 7 Social Studies Teacher for 20 years

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See you in May!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 33rd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

We Remember --- those who passed away during the Month of MARCH...

* March 3: (3-3-1991) MABLE HOARE - Cafeteria Supervisor 1951-1968
* March 3: (3-3-1996) RAY BAILEY - Band Director
* March 7: (3-7-2000) MARY UPDYKE HOARE - English Teacher
* March 15 (3-15-1996) LUCY STAMP - teacher
* March 16 (3-16-1973) MAJOR JAMES COLEMAN - teacher
* March 17 (3-17-1997) LYNN BANNER - Grant Writer
* March 18 (3-18-2006) DORIS E. BERRY - cafeteria cook
* March 20: (3-20-1996) JAMES HOLLEY - Board of Education Member
* March 22: (3-22-2001) HOWARD GAGE - Board of Education Member 1964-1972
* March 23: (3-23-2005) PEG STOWELL - teacher
* March 25: (3-25-2000) GRACE CHIACCHIERINI - cafeteria employee 1969-1984
* March 30: (3-30-2003) LOLA ANNE LUTOMSKE - teacher

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...more from the 1970's...

* Graduating Classes

Class of 1973:

--Valedictorian: JOSEPH VALENT

--Salutatorian: PAUL BRAITHWAITE

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: DONNA BAUMAN, JOSEPH ROCCISANO, ANN MINER, PETER VANGSNES, LINDA CURRIE, GLENNE HOWELL, JUDY WICKHAM, and MARCIA CAMDEN

Class of 1974:

--Valedictorian: MELINDA BELL

--Salutatorian: WILL WICKHAM

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: JOHN HAYES, PATRICIA PROSPERI, CHRIS BLANK, JUNE DOBSON, DIANE ROOT, BARBARA GIVIN, ELIZABETH BALLARD, JOHN SMYDER & ANDY ISLEY

Class of 1975:

--Valedictorian: MARGARET CALLANAN

--Salutatorian: PATRICIA WARNER

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: JOAN HUEY, BECKY SUE CROUT, JEAN GRENINGER, BRUCE AUSTIN, REBECCA BERRY, ALAN DRAKE, OSCAR VALENT, PATRICK BAUMAN & ALICE SILLIMAN

Class of 1976:

"TOP 10" Students were: KEVIN CALLANAN, TERI STOCUM, DAVID PULLY, ALLAN WAITE, PAUL DONNELLY, KENNETH WEST, PATIENCE AITKEN, BARBARA VAN AMBURG, MARTHA HAYES, JENNIFER STEPHNO, & LINDA GOODINE.

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From the 1941 "ORACLE" --- the following faculty/staff were pictured and highlighted:

* MARGUERITE BEERS -- Secretary to the Principal

* FLORENCE STAMP -- Geneseo, Science/Social Studies

* ANNA O'CONNOR -- Rochester Dental, Dental Hygienist

* MYRTLE MILLER -- St. Joseph's Hospital, Nurse

* MARIAN LITTELL -- Western State, English

* TERESA MORRIN -- Geneseo, History/Soc. Studies

* DOROTHY BROWN -- Buffalo State Teachers, Mathematics

* HARRIETTE ALLEN -- Syracuse & Cornell, A.B./M.A.

* A.C. MUNSON -- State College/Albany, Mathematics

* ORVAL PERRY -- Alfred & Cornell, History

* FRANCIS BLAKE -- Cortland, Phys.Education

* C.J. TIMMS -- Hillsdale, Science

* ELLEN PARKER -- Syracuse & Buffalo, Art

* D.D. HARKNESS -- Cornell, Agriculture

* ARMIDA LA MOREAUX --Cornell, English

* REEVA HUNT -- Cornell, Social Studies

* MARY SPOFFORD -- Boston University, Music

* NAOMI FORDHAM -- Elmira College, Commercial

* BERENICE DAVIS -- Elmira College, French

* E. HAUGHEY -- Syracuse, Commercial

* MARION TURNER -- Columbia, Homemaking

* AGNES DEGAN -- Ithaca, Physical Education

* C.W. GARMAN -- Chicago & Columbia, General Science

* E.H. SEMPERT -- Buffalo, Industrial Arts

* C.H. GEUDER -- Valparaiso, Mathematics

* JULIA SPLOYD -- State College/Rochester, Latin

* LOUISE VICKIO -- Marquette University, Librarian

* MARIE GIBBONS -- Elmira College, English

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the 1970's continued.....

* 1973 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS: JEN GAGE, JULIE COMBS, CONNIE CASLIN, ANNETTE MEEHAN, MARY ELY, JUNE DOBSON, PEGGY CALLANAN, JANET IRISH, BECKY BERRY and PAT SCHIMIZZI

* Grade 1 and Grade 2 Winners: Halloween Party: BILL BEARDSLEY (Tin Man) and KENNY THURSTON (Lion) 1st place; CHRIS SMITH (Pumpkin) 2nd place; and JEFF GASCON (funniest)
3rd place;

* Class Presidents: Seniors: JOHN SMYDER; Juniors: ALLAN DRAKE; Sophomores: LINDA GOODINE; Freshmen: LYNN ELLMAN

* Senior Play "Ten Nights in a Barroom" -- JOHN HAYES played the villain; MARCIA CORWIN played the saloon girl with a heart of gold; the "Can-Can" dancers were: DIANA PALUMBO, JEAN GRENINGER, SHARON ISLEY, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, LINDA GOODINE, JULIE SMITH, FRANCES ENNAMORATO, PATIENCE AIKEN and JANET IRISH;

* Homecoming Queen, October 1974: BECKY SUE CROUT

* 1974 Senecan yearbook dedicated to MR. & MRS. RAY BAILEY -- "As teachers they set an example for their students to follow. They put themselves forth to help you prepare yourself for the years to come. Each with their own talents, they make you learn from the knowledge that they have obtained but only in a special way. They make you feel you want to learn, not that you have to learn."

* June 1974 faculty retirements: MARIE BAILEY (English Teacher in the high school), LOLA KNAPP and FLORENCE CARPENTER (Grade 2 teachers), BERTHA STEVENS (Grade 1 teacher), REV. DR. PAUL DE MEURS (Middle School teacher) and MRS. HAZEL DE MEURS (BOCES - Primary Ungraded).

* 1974 Christmas Program: 2nd & 4th grade chorus - including ANITA FRAGOLA, KEVIN RANDOLPH, JOEY FAZZARY, JEFFREY PEAK, and ANDRA MOFFETT; MISS MARILYN DENSON is directing; Dancers are directed by MRS. PAT HART & MRS. MARSHA FLANIGAN; Costumes & Props by MRS. PAT MOFFE & MRS. ROBERTA OLCOTT; Music is under the direction of MISS MILDRED DENSON and MRS. CAROL RANDOLPH.

* June 1974: among Special Olympics winners were: MARY MOSHER, FAITH MADIGAN, TERRI GOODRICH, MIKE WHEELER and ROBERT FAUSEL from the Elementary School; KEVIN RAPPLEYE, BELINDA CLARK, NOEL RINKER, MIKE STEBER & JOHN WYRE from the Middle School and KATHY WALSH, DEBBIE ABBEY, DONNA RAPPLEYE and ESTHER CHURCH from the high school;

* June 18, 1975: 24 Kindergarten students were presented their diplomas by MRS. FRANCES MARTZ at the annual Kindergarten Graduation at the Burdett School;

* June 25, 1975: Board of Education commended WILLIAM DAVIS & FRED SEITHER for their quick action which prevented serious consequences in a swimming pool incident; at the same Board meeting the Board also accepted - with regret - the resignation of MRS. RUTH COON, Kindergarten Teacher for the past 16 years;

* October 1975: Elementary School Cafeteria Staff dressed in Halloween finest to celebrate the day with the children. Dressing up were: JO STANDISH, MELLIE ADESSO, LINDA RODABAUGH, HELEN SORTORE, DOROTHY COOPER, SHIRLEY CHIACCHIERINI, DONNA SMIITH & FRIEDA ECTOR;

* November 1975: FHA Students entertained residents at Long Term Care at Schuyler Hospital. Students were; JENNIFER SMITH, PAM CLARK, MILDRED WHEAT, DEBRRA SOLOMAN, SANDY PERRY, JEANNE ALGER, VICKY GROVER , KATHY TOBEY, EILEEN LANDMESSER & ALBERT CHIACCHIARINI;

* November 1975: 1st Quarter Academic Honors: SUE COOK (95.5%), TRACY DILTS (94.3%), RUTH YSKAMP (94.2%), KEITH COBB (94%), VICKIE CHAMBERS (93.8%), KEVIN CALLANAN (93.8%) and JOHN RONDINARO (93.8%)

* November 14/15, 1975: All State Music Festival at Ithaca College participants were: JOE DUNBAR, DIANA ROCCISANO, PATIENCE AITKEN, WENDY MC LEAN, MARTHA HAYES, BOB BISHOP, PHIL WAITE, JIM ROLLER, TIM MC KINNEY, EUGENE SHUMWAY & PAUL DONNELLY:

* December 1975: MARGARET FRANZESE and BARBARA FAZZARY made homeroom calls in "Betsy Ross" costumes and gave presentations on the Bennington Flag as part of the Bicentennial activities for the 1975-1976 school year; they also visited Long Term Care for the same purpose; girls were Gr. 4 students in MR. BRIAN O'DONNELL's Grade 4 classroom;

* December 1975: students in MRS. JUDY UPDYKE's Grade 2 classroom learned how their forefathers prepared for Thanksgiving -- weaving projects and food preparation were the major themes for: CRAIG GARDNER, JIMMY WATKINS, MARY CLAWSON, MELISSA HINES, MARK MERLETTI, PATTI SMITH, JOHN AUGUSTINE, KIM RAPPLEYE, DARIN CUNNINGHAM, and MICHELE KONOPSKI .......MRS. LINDA GOULD'S students made a Bicentennial quilt; those participating were: SHERRI SUE TAYLOR, CHRISTINE WEAD, PHILIP BARRETT, JEFF BIERLINE, MIA FILIPPETTI, MICHELLE HUBBARD, SUZY METAL, JEFF FORNEY, STEVEN BEAVER, DARLENE PRATT, BRIAN HANLEY & PAULA GOODRICH;

* FEBRUARY 7, 1976: Watkins Glen VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY Cheerleaders win IAC CHAMPIONSHIPS. Coached by MRS. NANCY PULOS, the Varsity team members were: DEBBIE YAW, JOAN GIVIN, SHELLEY FAZZARY, ALLISON MAAS, TANYA WAITE, GAIL FAZZARY, JEANNE SPECCHIO, PATTY BARTHOLOMEO & WENDY BOLT --- JV Team Members were SANDY FRANZESE,SANDY CHAMBERS, LIZ SCHIMIZZI, SUE BARTHOLOMEO, GILL VANGSNES, LYNDA HOFFMAYER, SANDY PARATE, TERRY MEEHAN & JENNIFER FORREST. Twelve teams competed in the Watkins Glen gymnasium. Of a perfect 300 total points, the Varsity scored 290 and the JV's scored 285.

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See you again in April!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 32nd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

More MEMORIES of bygone days (the 1970's)...

* WG Tennis Team goes coed: COACH JAMES (MAJOR) COLEMAN fielded a squad of 15 females and 14 males. Some of the girls were: DEBBIE DRAKE, ELIZABETH CORNISH, CAROLYN DE LORRAINE, MARY LOLLIS, JULIE BERRY, POLLY MIKEL , DIANE BIANCO , MARY FRANK, MARCIA CAMDEN, RUTH CARPENTER, KATHY KARNAS, and COLLEEN HALL.

(*** On March 16, 1973, MAJOR JAMES P. COLEMAN died unexpectedly at his home. Moving to Watkins Glen after retiring from the U.S. Army in 1963, MAJOR was a Gr. 4 teacher and for seven years was our Tennis Coach. Under his guidance the Tennis team won 93 matches and lost just 13. MAJOR COLEMAN was Past Post Commander for the Watkins Glen American Legion and Past County Commander for the Schuyler County American Legion. He was a member of the Lions Club, Past President of the Watkins Glen Teachers' Association and a Member of the NYS Teachers' Association. Serving in the European Theater in World War II with the 88th Division, he also served in the Army of Occupation in Italy following the War. Among his decorations were the Legion of Merit and the Army Commendation Medal. MAJOR was the grandfather of our current School Physician, DR. JAMES COLEMAN. It was my pleasure to teach Grade 4 alongside him for almost five years!)***

* Grade 5 ART CONTEST winners: (March 3, 1971) -- WENDY BOLT - 1st; LAUREN HEWITT - 2nd; and CAROL CAMDEN - 3rd.

* April, 1971: BOB FITZSIMMONS was elected President of the District XI Student Council (schools representing six counties); JOE ROCCISANO was elected Delegate.

* FTA Talent Show (3/31/71): Third place winners were: DEBBIE YAW, CHERYL CONKLIN, KATHY EVANS , GAIL FAZZARY and LORI TOLMAN

* "AUNTIE MAME" - Senior Play: Lead roles were played by: FRED WEBSTER, JOE VAN AMBURG, RALPH PALMER, JENNY SMITH, MARY FLAHIVE, LORRAINE GRAEBER, CONNIE MATHEWS , RUSTY GRIFFIN , LINDA FAZZARY. CHERYL CONKLIN TALLARIDA, JIM WOODWORTH, JEFF ADAMS, GLORY SNYDER, PAUL BROWN, DAVE BORNHOLDT, NANCY JOHNSON and GARY CONKLIN.

* Class of 1971 "Top 10 HONOR STUDENTS": JENNIFER SMITH (Valedictorian), PAUL DAMIANI (Salutatorian), KATHRYN EVANS, GLORY SNYDER, RONALD BELIGOTTI, AMY DURLAND, MICHAEL BALLARD, LINDA LAWTON, GEORGE MINIER & PATRICIA BOYCE.

* "MUSIC MAN" lead roles: STEVE RONDINARO and KATHY HARNAS with the "BARBERSHOP QUARTET" of PAUL FRANZESE, CHUCK CALHOUN, TIM DUNLAP and HAROLD CHAFFEE; other cast members were: BARB CROSS, PEG VAN DEUSEN, JUNE DOBSON, CINDY HINTON, NAN WOODWORTH, MARY FRANK, PEGGY CALLANAN, JOE SPENA, RON CLARKE and JOE CHICONE..

* ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT COORDINATORS NAMED (3/22/72):

Watkins Glen & Burdett Elementary Schools - Science & Health: PETER PEVO; Mathematics: ROBERTA OLCOTT; Social Studies: FLORENCE CARPENTER.

Watkins Elementary: Reading: MARYLOU THOMPSON; English: JEAN HANVILLE.

Middle School: Language Arts Gr. 5/6: JEAN HANAUER; Language Arts Gr. 7/8: PAUL DE MEURERS; Science & Health: JOHN UPDYKE; Mathematics: GAVIN PHILLIPS; Social Studies: NEIL PATTERSON.

High School: English: FRANK STEBER; Science & Health: GERALD LOUGHLIN; Mathematics: ARTHUR CURRY; Social Studies: DOUG CHAMBERLAIN; Foreign Language: MARIA PEELE; Business Education: ANNE WOODWORTH.

District Coordinators: K-12 Art: DON MAAS; Music: RAY BAILEY; Physical Education: JEFF SMYTHE; and Library: LOUISE STILLMAN.

***Note: JEFF SMYTHE visited Watkins Glen during the recent MICHAEL WATSON MEMORIAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT held in January.***)

* National Honor Society Members named (4/19/1972): PATTI PROSPERI, ANN MINER, JANET CLAYTON, DONNA JOHNSON, LINDA CURRIE, MELINDA BELL, DEBBIE HULL, JUDY WICKHAM, BOB FITZSIMMONS and WILL WICKHAM.

* Future Homemakers of America planted a yew in the courtyard. Members were: DEBBIE WYRE, President; BECKY LEWIS, Vice President; LORETTA MASIN, Secretary; CATHY BARNES, Treasurer; FAITH BACON, Historian and NANCY BARNES.

* March 15, 1972: Winter Recreation League CHAMPIONS were the Burdett Team coached by SAM GREIS & WAYNE MOSHER; team members were: ROGER KELLY, GREG HERRICK, MARK MOSHER, DANNY VAN OSTRAND, DONN MC BRIDE, GREG DAVIS, ED BRAND, GREG LODGE, KEVIN KELLY, SCOTT HERRICK, DOUG MADORSKY, KURT LODGE and JOE BRAND.

* November 17, 1971: JOANNE LA FACE won the ORATORY CONTEST; also competing were: RON CLARKE, BOB FITZSIMMONS, ALLEN BRAITHWAITE, JOE ROCCISANO and JANET CLAYTON. Speakers were introduced by KATHY HARNIS and JOHN HAYES. LIZ CORNISH led the Pledge to the Flag and judges were: FRANK STEBER, BOB MORIN, ELAINE STEVENS and MARIE BAILEY.

* 1971-1972 PTA: Officers: WILLIAM N. ELLISON, President; JEANNE DONAHUE, Vice President; MRS. PETER NAYLOR, Secretary; and TED SPECCHIO, Treasurer. Committee "Chairs" were: MRS. JAMES FAZZARY & MRS. RICHARD SYMES, Publicity; MRS. JOHN MERRILL, Historian and by-laws; MRS. JAMES HOLMES, Homeroom Representatives; MRS. WAYNE SMITH and MRS. LELAND SMITH, hospitality; MRS. JAMES STEVENS and GARY SLATER, Legislation; MRS. TED SPECCHIO, MRS. LARRY TEETER, MRS. MONTE STAMP, JOHN SIMS, MRS. FRED BOYCE, MRS. LOUIS RONDINARO, and MRS. ARNOLD LA FORTY, Membership; MRS. LOUIS SPECCHIO, Fund Raising; MR. & MRS. ROBERT HULL, Magazines; MRS. JOHN MERRILL, MRS. SYMES, MRS. SAM FAZZARY and MRS. DOUG CHAMBERLAIN, School & Comminity Relations; MRS. JUDY PHILLIPS, Health; MRS. JOHN VANGSNES, Mental Health, MRS. RALPH PEARSALL, Family Life; SHERIFF MAURICE DEAN and JOE LEMAK, Safety; DR. LLOYD PEAK, MRS. ARTHUR CURRY, MICHAEL YUHASZ, MRS. JOHN DONNELLEY, MRS. ANNE WOODWORTH and MRS. DON MAAS, - Program; MRS.STEVENS, TED SPECCHIO, MRS. DONALD THOMPSON and DR. JOHN DONNELLEY, Budget.

* June 9, 1971: retiring from the Elementary School at the end of the current school year were: PRINCIPAL MAE KLUBE, MRS. CONNIE KOPP & MRS. GENEVIEVE O'DEA.

* May 26, 1971: plaque honoring the late JOHN ROWLES, a teacher for more than 27 years, was presented by the students to hang in the Middle School Library. At the presentation were: GLENDA BOYCE, Student Council Vice President; MRS. JOHN ROWLES; IRVING DAVIS, Member of the Board of Education; and LUE ANNE GOODINE, Student Council President who made the dedication speech. The plaque reads: "In Memory of JOHN ROWLES, 1947-1970. To our lives he added the light of knowledge. From the students of Watkins Glen Central School."

* Athletic honors (June 17, 1971): CARROLL CERVONI (MVP for Basketball & Baseball); DAVE BORNHOLDT (MVP for both Tenniis & Swimming), GARY CONKLIN (Track), and MIKE FRANZESE (Golf).

* Top Academic Honors to the following students:

1972 ELMIRA COLLEGE "KEY AWARD": MARY HAYES
VALEDICTORIAN: KIM EVANS
SALUTATORIAN: ALLEN BRAITHWAITE

Rest of the Top 10: BEN NICHT, GAYE VOORHEIS, KATHY HARNAS, WAYNE DOBSON, DENNIS ROBINSON, MARY FRANK

Who's Who in American High Schools: DOUG COLEMAN

Girls State: DIANA MATTHEWS

* "Most Improved Athletes" Honored (June 1972):
KATHY LITTEER - Girls' Swimming; CAROLYN DE LORRAINE - Girls' Basketball;
GREG CROSS - Boys' Swimming; SUSAN HAYES - Swimming; DAVID CROSS - Cross Country; DAVID MOORE - Wrestling

* PTA Officers: Watkins Glen President -: MRS. RICHARD SYMES; Burdett President: - JOHN BOND

* New Faculty announced (September 6, 1972):
ED WESTBROOK, RALPH SCAZAFABO, KATHY GILL, NANCY FRIERICHI, DORIS HEAD, PHILIP WILSON, JOHN NIHILL, KENNETH REED, JUDY SYMOND, MARILYN DENSON, ANNA MAY ORGILL, CHRISTINE MUIR, JANET ANDREWS, CONNIE SINGLETON, SHIRLEY BRAUBECK, MARGUERITE DAVIS

* Changing of the "Guard" : October 1972: JOE & JENNY LA FACE "retired" and ART & NANCY FAZZARY took over "The Store"

* November, 1972: Ten students were selected to participate in the sectional All State SENIOR CHORUS held in Bath, New York: JUNE DOBSON, PATTY PROSPERI, ELIZABETH BALLARD, CATHY COLE, JOHN LIAMMARI, JOHN SMYDER, DAVE CROSS, JOHN HAYES, PHIL MC KEE, BRYON THOMPSON

* "MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS" CANDIDATES were: JANE O'BRIEN, MARY RONDINARO, LIBBY LICHT, DARLENE FAZZARY, ELAINE MOSHER, MELISSA WOOD, JILL MAY, LEANN CROUT, PEGGY HICKEY, WENDY BOLT

* BOB FITZSIMMONS named "HOMEMAKER OF TOMORROW" (February 1973) BOB was 1st male in the school's history to win this award and was chosen on basis of scores in a written multiple choice exam given to high school seniors in December. BOB was surprised with the honor, saying he majors in "baseball and lunch, which gives me a vast knowledge of nutrition."

* The "Hot Box Dancers" featured in the musical "Guys & Dolls" (April 1973) were: TANINA and ANITA LIAMMARI, PATTY WARNER, PATTY SGRECCI, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, PENNY BOLT, TARYN WAITE, BECKY PAGE and DEBBIE DILMORE.

* Lead roles in "GUYS & DOLLS" were played by JOHN SMYDER & CINDY HENBY.

* After 43 years of service elementary school teacher NELL CHASE retired. She was honored by a party given by her students at the Middle School in June of 1973.

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Watkins Glen Central School District --- some very early history...

The first six (6) District Principals -- we call them Superintendents today -- served from April 1863 through July, 1874 --- that's correct, six individuals covering 11 years for an average length of service of 1.8 years each. The longest tenure in that time frame was four and one-half (4 1/2) years; the shortest was four (4) months. See for yourself:

--A.C. Huff 4/1863 - 3/1867;

--Jacob Berry 3/1867 - 7/1867;

--J. Wadhams 9/1867 - 7/1868;

--Edward Abbey 9/1868 - 7/1869;

--J.L. Mack 9/1869 - 1/1874;

-- A.C. Pike 1/1874 - 7/1874

Those years of relative instability were followed by two individuals with the longest tenure as District Principals and who made our District what it is today:

PROFESSOR S.S. JOHNSON: September 1874 - July 1909

PROFESSOR JOHN A. BEERS: July 1909 - July 1941

* in 1860 there were approximately 100 high schools in the entire United States
* in 1863 there were less than one dozen high schools in all of New York State

Professor SAMUEL SELLEN JOHNSON inherited a program which was composed of six grades - with students remaining in each grade for two years - and no high school program. He added Grade 7 and reduced mandatory "time" in each grade to one year each and began writing curriculum for both primary and secondary grades. This led to increased enrollment and the offering of two types of diplomas: CLASSICAL & ACADEMIC. The Classical was a set course of studies to include Latin, German, Algebra, Geometry, English and the Sciences. The Academic varied little from the Classical but included a much smaller language requirement. At that time the ONLY non-academic subject in the curriculum was BOOKKEEPING. From 1870-1900 it was the belief that the ONLY basis for college entrance was proficiency in Greek, English Literature and Trigonometry. Through Professor Johnson's insight & vision MARY FREER SEARLES became the very 1st graduate from the secondary (high school program) in 1883 -- she was the ONLY member of that Senior Class; and in 1883 LULA MARTIN earned the very 1st Regents diploma in our history. Professor Johnson's vision was on cultural training and preparation for college and the professions.

Professor JOHN A. BEERS came to Watkins in 1901 as a Vice Principal and language teacher. As District Principal his vision included Professor Johnson's plus a much broader principle that the school MUST meet the needs of ALL who entered. He established a diploma program based upon academic achievement through ALL of the grades rather than just passage of Regents subjects. He added the following "departments" to the curriculum: HOMEMAKING (1925), COMMERCIAL & ART (both in 1927) and INDUSTRIAL ARTS (1936). He added our 1st Kindergarten program in 1919. In 1930 he organized Gr. 7/8 into a formal Junior High program enabling faculty to specialize in academic courses and help facilitate transition from the lower grades into the high school program. Professor Beers also added a wide range of extracurricular activities: Senior Trip (1912), Girls' Basketball Association (revived in 1910), 1st Tennis Team (1933). Additionally he placed more emphasis on PHYSICAL EDUCATION as a formal class, organized a league structure for our athletic teams and established the 1st Library Club and Student Council. Student enrollment soared!

From 1883-1899 a total of 85 students graduated with diplomas (single digit numbers in each Senior Class with the exception of 1895 with 12 students and 1898 with 10 students). For the 1st fifty years of the 20th Century (1900-1949) a total of 1,779 students graduated from our district.with Senior Class averages in 1900-1909 at 11 students, 1910-1919 at 17 students, 1920-1929 at 29 students, 1930-1939 at 67 students and Senior Class averages in 1940-49 at 54 students.

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WE REMEMBER:

Faculty/Staff who passed away in the Month of FEBRUARY.....

* February 4, 1995: RUTH WARNER - longtime high school Mathematics teacher
* February 4, 2005: WALT JOHNSON - former School Board Member; and Member of Athletic Hall of Fame

* February 12, 2005 : JEAN TOLMAN - longtime vocal music teacher

* February 14, 1992: GERALDINE GARDNER, Cafeteria Supervisor 1968-1982

* February 23, 1995: TOM FRANK, Hall of Fame "Benefactor"

* February 26, 1996: BETTY EDSALL, District Treasurer

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SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 31st in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

HAPPY NEW YEAR all --- now we'll have to get used to writing 2010 on everything!

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* BURDETT SCHOOL -- December -- 1894...

I read with great interest in the "Review & Express" last week of the combining of Districts 23 and 40 on the site of the old school house of District 39 in a newly-built facility with I.H. Smith as Principal. Great story and part of our educational history and thanks to the "Review & Express" for sharing it. Any other information pertaining to the Burdett School would be greatly appreciated.

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* We REMEMBER - those who passed away during the month of January:

January 6: RUTH TAYLOR (1/6/01) former Special Education Teacher
January 11: KAREN LINDSAY (1/11/98) former teacher
January 18: DON J. WICKHAM (1/18/01 Board of Education Member 1951-1955
January 30: NANCY CLEVELAND (1/30/01) High School Guidance Secretary

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* Watkins Glen Boosters Club Honor LINC WAGER on "LINC WAGER NIGHT" December 22, 2009
Linc has been keeping the books for the Watkins Glen Basketball Program for 56 consecutive years and often beginning games by singing our "National Anthem." CRAIG CHEPLICK gave a wonderful introduction of LINC at the game of 12/22/09 highlighting his contributions to our program. The large crowd on hand applauded Linc's efforts through the years! Thanks & appreciation to you LINC for being such a large part of our history & tradition!

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Interesting notes from years gone by...

* February 17, 1960: Watkins Glen defeated Elmira Notre Dame at the Notre Dame court (1st win there in three years) behind 29 points scored by BOB ORMSBEE, 20 by WILBUR ANGLE
and 16 by BILL DAVIS;

* September 13, 1961: Watkins Glen welcomed new teachers:
High School -- NANCY MERRILL (English), JOAN HEYWOOD (Math), JUDITH WILSON (English) & SUSAN STAFFORD (Science) plus
WILLIAM WELDON & EDWARD GODWIN (Junior High English) and RICHARD TERRY (Internship/Student Teaching in Social Studies);
Elementary -- CAROL RANDOLPH (Music), KATHLEEN ACKERMAN (Art), & KATHLEEN WAYLAND (Gr. 2)
Burdett School: DORIS SICK .
* Supervising Principal JOHN R. COOK announced district enrollment at 1,846 students (945 in Grades K-6; 471 in Gr. 9-12; 295 in Gr. 7/8 and 135 in Burdett).

* June 12, 1968: Ten new teachers were appointed to the 1968-69 faculty:
High School: IRENE MAYEWSKI (French & Russian), & VICTORIA EHRHART (part-time Home Economics)
Junior High: CYNTHIA BURNEY (English), ROBERT BURNEY (Science), & DANNIE BROWN (English)
Elementary: KENT FITCH JEAN TOLMAN (Music), & NANCY CALLAHAN
Burdett Elem.: JANET HANAUER , & JOSEPHINE SCHIMIZZI

* September 1968 appointments included: THOMAS THURLOW (Middle School Guidance), PETER A. PEVO (Grade 3), JOANNE BOND (Grade 1), ELLEN COLEMAN (Art), and
JEAN DAVIS (Grade 3)

*May 8, 1968: from the Watkins Review: " Mrs. IRENE GILLETTE to retire after 20 years at WGCS - she has served four district principals, been involved in the centralization of the school district and seen the budget grow from $233,153.35 in 1949 -- when 1,007 students were enrolled and the district had 51 employees, to $1,791,988.55 in 1967 with 2,150 students enrolled and 185 people employed by the district. Note from Dr. Peak: "She has had a direct influence on the lives of hundreds of students during her years of outstanding service to our district. She will be missed by students, staff members, parents, her associates in the Central Office and by me. I am grateful that she was here to help me this year."

* May 1, 1968: NANCY STENBERG (Valedictorian with an overall average of 93.94%), PAULA AYERS (Salutatorian with average of 92.56%), JAMES ELKINS, JANIS BURT,
BRUCE WRIGHTON, RICHARD STEBER, FAY STAGE, JOHN A. SHEPARD, MARGARET CARPENTER & WILLIAM BAILEY named as Top 10 in Class of 1968.

* October 11, 1967: WG Teacher's Association President JAMES COLEMAN announced annual dues were being increased 1000% to $15.00 annually. DOMINIC GIAMBO
was elected Vice President completing the term vacated by MRS. LOUISE STILLMAN (due to illness). GIAMBO was also elected as Delegate with ERNIE TOLMAN as Alternate.

* April 16, 1958: from "Through the Halls at WGHS" by Clayton Richards: "All is quiet in the halls of WGCS this week for the mighty Seniors have gone to Washington. Even though the Juniors have proclaimed themselves Seniors for the week the absence is very noticable. With the Seniors in Washington are Mr. Slater, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Harkness and Mrs. Stillman. Taking Mr. Slater's place in classes is Mrs. Andrew Love of the Townsend Road, Watkins Glen. There are no regular substitutes for the other teachers but the remaining high school teachers fill in when they have a free period."

* September 2, 1959: Milford Warner was appointed new Football Coach as team entered a new league -- three years prior Watkins Glen was a member of the highly competitive Southern Counties League and just recently completed three years in the Wayne-Finger Lakes Counties League. Assisting Coach Warner are Kurt Hamf, Pete Galatis and Junior Varsity Coach Bill Barnes. Returning Seniors on the team are: William Davis, Steve LaMoreaux, James Reale, John Mathews, James Wood, Linn Freese, William Paradiso, John Dinkledien, Walt Emmons and Ron Pierce.

* January 27, 1960: PTA sponsored a panel discussion on the effects of absenteeism. Participants included Frank Steber (High School Teacher) , Betty Love (Elementary School Teacher), Myrtle Miller (High School Nurse) and Betty Lou Smith (Elementary School Nurse). Approximately 60 people heard the discussion. Icy Roads and snowy conditions were blamed for the unusually small turnout.

* May 31, 1961: installation of new officers for the Burdett PTA for the 1961-62 school year: Wilbur Haupt, President (taking over for retiring President Mrs. William Gardner), Mrs. James Stevens (Vice President replacing Mrs. Nelson Woodworth ) and Mrs. Karl Hoxie (Secretary). Mrs. Jean Argetsinger - Finger Lakes District PTA Official - conducted the installation.

* May 3, 1961: Police Woman Lena DeDominick worked the "school beat" mornings and afternoons.

* May 16, 1962: "Shares to Freedom" sales to finance a 2nd Foreign Exchange student at the high school (current Foreign Exchange student from Bolivia is MARTHA JAUREGUI) -- students working hard for the "sales" were Student Council President BILL ROBERTS, GERMAINE CLARK (member of the "Host" family for MARTHA) and many others...

* March, 1962: Watkins Glen students raised $280.79 for the "March of Dimes" -- turning the funds over to Donald Smith, Chairman for Schuyler County March of Dimes Coommittee, were GERMAINE CLARK, STEVE DAVIS and PATRICIA REINHART.

* September, 1962: summer staff at Lakeside Park program: JOE DE DOMINICK, JOHN CHEROCK, JOSEPH LEMAK, PEGGY LOVE, KATHY DEMPSEY & ART PECK;
senior boys winners: JOHN STUGART, JIM CICCONE & BOB LEE
senior girls' winners: HAZEL ROBERTS, JANET ANDERSON, MARY ANNE BIAGETTE and NANCY VAN AMBURG

* November 22, 1961: Freshmen Class officers -- President DANIEL LOVE; Vice President MARGARET DECKER, Secretary PATRICIA BALE, Treasurer JOE POSSEE; Class Advisor was MISS NANCY MERRELL.

* July 18, 1961: Summer Recreation Program staff: COACH JOE LEMAK with assistants JOHN SMITH, JR., PATRICIA REINHART, KATHY DEMSEY & PEGGY LOVE.

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Class Membership: 1883: 1 student; 1884: 4 students; 1885: 2 students; 1886: 6 students; 1887: 6 students; 1888: 8 students; 1889: 3 students; 1890: 4 students; 1891; 4 students; 1892: 2 students; 1893: 2 students; 1894: 6 students; 1895: 12 students; 1896: 5 students; 1897: 3 students; 1898: 10 students; 1899: 5 students...

19th Century: 85 total graduates (70 women; 15 men)
Curriculum: believed GREEK, ENGLISH LITERATURE and TRIGONOMETRY were the ONLY basis for college admission

For the first 50 years of the 20th Century (1900-1949) -- graduates numbered 1,779 total students;

From the Class of 1903: MARGUERITE SCOBEY --- went on to be a Latin Teacher in our District from 1912-1941.
From the Class of 1911: ABIGAIL O'DANIELS ------ went on to be Presbyterian Church organist for more than 50 years.
From the Class of 1922: GRACE ABBOTT ---------- went on to 33-year teaching career in our District (1929-1962) & long-time KINDERGARTEN Teacher

In 1860 there were only 100 high schools in the entire United States (in 1863 there were only 12 in all of New York State)
* In 1883 MARY FREER became Watkins' 1st high school graduate
* In 1884 LULA MARTIN became Watkins' 1st graduate with a Regents Diploma.

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On Wednesday, JANUARY 13, 2010, I will be reviewing "Watkins Glen Central School District -- A History 1853-2008" as part of the "Books Sandwiched In" series at the Watkins Glen Public Library.

"A History" is about people, events and facilities , No one can truly understand the "present" without knowing about the "past". On January 13th I plan to talk about:

-- 1853-1899: the 19th Century portion of our District history characterized by very low enrollment and attendance of more females than males

-- a Grade 1-6 curriculum (two years in each grade level)

-- the study of GREEK, ENGLISH LITERATURE and TRIGONOMETRY as the ONLY basis for college admission

-- the tremendous contributions of time and talent from S.S. JOHNSON and JOHN A. BEERS (75 years of combined service to our District)

-- some of the true "giants" in terms of service and contributions of talent (ELIZABETH MALONEY, KATHERINE WHIPPY, JOSEPHINE CURRY, MAE KLUBE, and JOHN BEERS/NELL CHASE & MILDRED MUNSON)

-- the addition of Grade 7 and a three-year "high school" course of study with the time reduction from two years at each grade level to the standard one year we are familiar with today

-- from just "Classical" and "Academic" diplomas to the addition of "Commercial," "Vocational" and "Art & Music" diplomas

-- the advent of KINDERGARTEN, JUNIOR HIGH, MIDDLE SCHOOL, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and ATHLETICS

-- the tenures of WARREN HERTENSTEIN, JOHN R. COOK, JACK TERRY, DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, DONALD A. DRYDEN, DR. MARY ELLEN CORREA and TOM PHILLIPS

-- plus a variety of additional information clearly associated with the people who made our history and tradition.

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.

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Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 30th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

(My apologies for the lateness of this monthly article --- busy, busy time for all).

Title IX and women's athletics:

* TITLE IX of the 1972 Education Amendments significantly reduced the large gaps that existed between males and females in educational achievement and attainment and saw the beginnings of official/sanctioned women's athletic programs in all of our schools for the very first time. Official league and non-league contests replaced the "old" intramural programs for female athletes and -- for the very first time -- female athletes were on a par with male athletes. In our District we have male and female teams in Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Bowling and Track with "mixed" teams in Tennis and other sports, and girls teams in Volleyball and Softball -- along with opportunities for females to join on long-standing established and male-dominated teams like Football (CHARLENE BELL played in 1997 as a starter in several games on the line) and Wrestling (AMANDA AHO in 1997, in the very 1st New York State wrestling match between two girls, pinned her opponent). In Baseball LEE HERRICK (Traci McIlroy's sister) was the 1st female to play on our Varsity Baseball Team (1973) and MARIE FITZSIMMONS was the 1st female to play on our Junior Varsity Baseball Team, also in 1973..

* TAYLOR CHAFFEE's recent outstanding success in scoring 26 points with 24 rebounds in leading the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team to a 53-48 win over previously undefeated Odessa-Montour on Tuesday evening, December 22, is just another in a long long line of female athletic accomplishments in our District dating back to the 1970's.....

----- NANCY STENBERG LOUGHLIN (Graduate of our Class of 1968 and current High School Guidance Counselor) is scheduled to be inducted into our athletic "HALL OF FAME" (in the Coach category) on December 30th at approximately 7:00 p.m., during the "MELISSA WILSON" Girls' Basketball Tournament. NANCY, Cheerleading Advisor from 1974-1979 and again in 1992-1994, coached several award-winning teams and many individual champions as well. She and other school advisors organized the IAC Cheerleading Championships as a way to have fun and compete against each other. Her Varsity teams in 1976 and 1979 won the IAC Championship. JV clubs won the IAC JV Championship in 1976-77-78-79. As our District's 1st Track Coach for a girls' team in 1975, NANCY'S teams won the IAC Championship three consecutive years -- 1975-1976-1977 -- as the team was undefeated in dual meets from 1975-1978. She coached Girls' Track from 1975-1979 and again in 1983. She truly was one of the "pioneers" of women's athletics at Watkins Glen.

----- other female Coaches of distinction enshrined in the athletic "HALL OF FAME" are:
-- JEAN BURNSIDE LAWTON (Physical Education Teacher & Coach 1950-1987) -- 1st Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach (1972-1973)
-- BARB HUGHEY (Physical Education Teacher & Coach) (1970's/1980's) Girls' Swimm teams1972-1977 & Girls' Tennis teams 1978-1987
-- KATE LA MOREAUX (English Teacher & COACH) (1990's/2000's) The "guru" of the "Swimmin Women"
-- LIZ and ANNE PARADISO (Cheerleading Advisors (1970's/1980's)

----- Female athletes of Distinction honored in the "Hall of Fame" include:
-- KATHY HATSELL (Swimming) 1st female athlete inducted into "Hall of Fame"
-- PATTI SUITS (Swimming/Basketball/Track) 2nd female athlete inducted;
-- ANDREA HOLMES (Sectional & Intersectional Tennis Champion) 3rd female athlete inducted;
-- TINA WINCHELL (MVP in Basketball, Softball and Tennis) 4th female athlete inducted;
-- LAURIE CALDWELL (local, regional, national recognition as Cheerleader) 5th female athlete inducted;

----- additional achievements in Girls' athletic programs:
-- COACH MICHELLE VENDITTO (100+ victories in both Varsity Girls' Basketball and Varsity Girls' Softball) with several IAC Championships;
-- MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER (completed career as #1 scorer for Girls' Basketball with 971 points)
-- HOLLY MOSHER (three-sport star; completed Basketball career with 629 points)
-- JESSICA CRAVER (1st Varsity Girls' Basketball player to score 1,000 career points)
-- MOLLY SCHAMEL (All-Time District leader in points scored in Girls' Basketball with 1,164)
-- JULIE MILLER (set NATIONAL record for high school girls for soccer career saves with 1,250)
-- HEATHER THORP (earned 12 Varsity letters and went on to become Alfred University's 4th all-time leading scorer in basketball with 971 points)
-- TERESA LA FACE & EMILY MAC WILLIAMS (swam width of Seneca Lake kicking off Girls' Varsity Swimming Season)
-- ESTHER PELLER CHURCH became NYS High Jump Champion in Special Olympics in 1971 (prior to Title IX)
-- SHELLY CONTI, ALICIA LEARN, JESSICA SEDLACK, JENNY YUHASZ, TRACI LINCOLN, KERI MC ILROY, CHRISSY TRUAX, AMY CHAFFEE, CATHY BROWN;
-- LIZ HENRY (1st girls' Pole Vaulter in 1999)
-- plus so very many more.......

------- Some outstanding athletic achievements from the 1988-1995 era:

1988 - 1989

-- Varsity Cheerleaders win 1st place at Greater Rochester Invitational Tournament
-- Varsity Cheerleaders win two 1st place trophies at Seton Catholic Invitational in Binghamton
-- COLLEEN LOTT honored by Amateur Athletic Union/Milky Way High School "Be All You Can Be All American Award"
-- Girls Swim Team completes 13-1 season

1989 - 1990

-- IAC All Stars in Girls' Swimming were BECKY DRAKE, KRIS NOBLE, CHANDRA FLAHIVE, MICHELLE SEITHER, and KRISTEN BROWN
-- KRIS NOBLE & BECKY DRAKE qualify for NYS Swimming Championships (both finish in 13th place)
-- HEATHER THORP scores 27 points with 11 rebounds in Varsity Girls' Basketball 1st game of the season

1990 - 1991

-- MICHELLE SEITHER & KRISTEN BROWN qualify for NYS Swimming Championships
-- MICHELLE SEITHER & DODI SEIVER make 2nd team ALL IAC in girls' basketball

1991 - 1992

-- MICHELLE COMPTON wins her age group in Corning Community College 1/2 Marathon
-- AMY HOAGLAND & MARNIE DAVIS compete in New York City "Dance Caravan" and advance to national competition
-- IAC Girls' Basketball honors: 1st team All Star HOLLY MOSHER; 2nd Team All Star: SHELLY THOMPSON

1992 - 1993

-- JENNY YUHASZ sets new Cross Country record over 3.1 miles and is named 1st Team IAC All Star
-- HEIDI DRAKE becomes Section IV Class C Diving Champion
-- Girls' Swimming Team is #1 in IAC League Sportsmanship

1993 - 1994

-- CHRISTIE COOLICAN (twice!), JENNY YUHASZ, HOLLY MOSHER, and TRACY WILLIAMS named Kiwanis "Athletes of the Month"
-- IAC Swimming All Stars were MEGHAN HANLEY & CHRISTY COOLICAN
-- Special Weightlifting competition: JULIE DORDONI 1st; PAULA DE LA ESPERIELLA 2nd; AMY REASOR & JUDY DUNN 3rd

1994 - 1995

-- MEGAN BAHNS, SARAH WRIGHT & TRACI LINCOLN named Star-Gazette "Scholar Athletes"
-- MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER named by Ithaca Journal as "Athlete of the Week"
-- Varsity Girls won IAC Championship in Basketball; Varsity Girls' won IAC Championship in Swimming

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At this time of the year, we pause to remember those no longer with us. From our school "family" we remember those who passed from us during the month of December:

December 3 -- JANE BURRIS (12/3/1994) Teacher
December 6 -- MYRTLE MILLER (12/06/00) School Nurse Teacher from 1935-1969
December 11-- LAURA PALMER (12/11/90) Cook 1953-1970 and 1971-1973
December 16-- FLORA HILLERMAN (12/16/2006) Cafeteria Employee

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MERRY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful (Safe & Healthy!) New Year of 2010 to ALL!

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.

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Other Scenes from the past

For a look at some early 20th century photos of downtown Odessa and other nearby locales, try the website http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyschuyl/phalbum.htm.

Looking for historical accounts

We're seeking historical accounts of Schuyler County on this page -- both an overview of the area's settlement and development, and side stories related to the county's past that are informative and entertaining.

Any historians out there are welcome to try their hand at such efforts -- either through fresh writing or through previous essays or stories you might have composed and would like to see in electronic print for awhile.

Some of what appears here will remain for an extended period, while some will take turns with newer entries. I've included a photo of the fairly recent past -- the demolition one clear day a couple of years ago of the R House 2 building on Main Street in Odessa, a building with a rich history. In fact, anyone with details of that structure's long existence could tackle that as a subject.

In addition to the writing, this would be a good place for photos of historical interest. Anyone with old photos of Odessa, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen are welcome to lend them to this website for possible publication, or scan them and send them by e-mail.

If you are interested, you can e-mail the address at the bottom of this page or to chaeffner@stny.rr.com, write to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY, or call 594-3594 and ask for Charlie.

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.