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 48th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* Our 1996-1997 District Calendar was dedicated to former Elementary School Principal MICHAEL YUHASZ, our longest serving Elementary School Principal (1971-1996). Mike returned to serve as Interim Principal for the 2002-2003 school year. Mike was most supportive of his faculty/staff, always giving them credit for achievements at the Elementary School. Reading was a high priority for him
as was Computer Technology and remedial services for those students in need. On April 19, 1996 Mike went to school wearing purple pajamas and slippers with his hair dyed purple as well -- this was the result of a promise he made to the Elementary School students if they would agree to read a combined 75,000 minutes --- those students exceeded that total and read for 150,000 minutes -- thus the "purple" promise.

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The 1996-1997 school year saw the arrival of many new personnel and the departure of a few as well...

New Personnel:

Elementary School: BILLIE BAUMAN, principal; SUSAN BLANCO, Kindergarten Teacher; PATTI SMITH, Grade 1 Teacher; MELINDA ROBINSON, Grade 2 Teacher.

Middle School: BRIAN LE BARON, Gr. 8 English; CYNTHIA LYONS, Gr. 8 Social Studies; DEBRA PATTERSON, Vocal Music.

High School: NANCY LOUGHLIN, Guidance (transferred from English); CHRIS OMIATEK, English (transferred from Middle School); KELLY MUIR, 1/2 time English; NANCY BAHNS, Social Studies (transferred from Middle School); MARIE FITZSIMMONS, 1/2 time Social Studies; BARB COON, Biology; COLE LEE, Resource Room; DEBRA PATTERSON, Chorus; AMY LAKOMY, Main Office Clerk; MARIE KEEFER, Library Clerk.

Departing Personnel: GENE REASOR (Transportation Director), HARRIET REASOR (Transportation Secretary/Dispatcher), JENNIFER BIRNBAUM (Vocal Music Teacher),
ERICA ORBORN (Resource Room Teacher); a special thanks also to TOM BUTTERFIELD, Interim Elementary School Principal from 4/96 - 6/96

Welcome Back to returning faculty members from leaves of absence: KAREN ARMSTRONG, KARYN SABARA and GLORIA HUDSON.

Welcome: new District Transportation Director: LARRY JAYNES; District Curriculum Specialist: JON ERWIN

* Did you know: NANCY LOUGHLIN is certified in Guidance, French and English and has been placed in all three areas during her tenure at the High School.

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* 1st ever WG Girls' Soccer Game: September 5, 1996 --- a 2 to 1 victory over Southern Cayuta - JESSICA SEDLACK & TRACI LINCOLN scored goals; COVENEY FITZSIMMONS & MEGAN MC GROGAN had assists; and ANGELA UPHAM had 19 saves in goal. COACH KAREN ARMSTRONG's team completed a 7-10-2 season (2nd place in the IAC with a 5-2-1 record)

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* Corning Community College Math Test Results: 1st Place: STEVE TERRY; 2nd Place: BLANCHE ROBERTSON & MATT DICKERSON; 3rd Place: CARRIE HAESLOOP; 4th Place: JEREMIAH DICKERSON

* Rotary Students of the Month: SARAHA THOMPSON (October), MATT CLARK (November), MELANIE KRESS (December); TAMMY DOBSON (January); BETHANY
BROWN (February); CATHY BARNES (March); COVENEY FITZSIMMONS (April); & CHRIS SCHONEMAN (May)

* Boosters' Club Athletes of the Month: ELIZABETH ROHMANN (September), JASON SABATINI (October), MEGHAN HANLEY & KIM WARREN (November) and KIM was only in the 8th Grade!!!; ANDY GARRETT (December); JESSICA CRAVER (February), TRACI LINCOLN (March); CHRISSY TRUAX (April), ANDY CHICONE (May), and JESSICA SEDLACK (June).

* Teachers Honored: "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" - KATE LA MOREAUX, RICHARD MC INTYRE, EMMA SMITH, DAVE WARREN

* Homecoming Queen and King and their Court:
Queen: LAURA WEBSTER; King: MITCHELL PEVO; Court: Carrie Haesloop, Nick Bartone, Misty Jones, DeWayne Butler, Theresa Malina, Matt Clark, Melani Spencer and John French

* District's Top 6 Bus Drivers in Years of Service: 1st: JOHN FAZZARY & HAROLD DENNISON (42 years of service); 2nd: JOHN LUTOMSKE (32 years); 3rd: JERRY ANN O'DONNELL (26 years); 4th: JUDY PEARCE (23 years); 5th ANNABELL YAW (22 years).

* COACH CRAIG LATTIN's Modified Soccer Team: completed a perfect 11-0 season by outscoring all opponents 59 goals to just 1.

* Halloween Costume Contest Winners: HOLLI & CASSANDRA KEEFER (Most Original "LaVerne & Shirley"), ANDY CHICONE (Funniest: "The Woman"), HECTOR TAGLE (Best Cartoon: "Cat in the Hat"), MIKE MARGRENO (Best Monster - "Prisoner 000911"), and
CARRIE HAESLOOP, CORY DRAKE, THERESA MALINA, HEIDI GARDNER & VAL BAKER (Best Group: "Religious"), and CRYSTAL CANFIELD - Honorable Mention...

* Archery Champions in Physical Education classes: COLE BUBB, JEN MARION, SHAWN RILEY, BRUCE BOND, PHIL WALTERS, JON EVANS, SARAHA THOMPSON, JAMES STANDISH, JULIE DILL, KAROLINE DIEDRICHS, LISA SCHOFFNER, TAI GIVEN & JOHN WILLIAMS

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* TEC Center "HALL OF FAME" honorees:

WILLIAM RHODES, Class of 1983, selected to BOCES TEC Center "Hall of Fame"; began career as a dairy farmer with 25 cattle and 100 acres of land; operation grew to exceed 400 cattle on more than 1,000 acres of land

WILLIAM MEEHAN, Class of 1976, was inducted into the BOCES TEC Center "Hall of Fame" in 1995 and was featured on the cover of the 1996-1997 District Calendar

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* Congratulations to BILL DAVIS, honored by the IAC for 12 years of service as our Athletic Director

* Senior Trip Chaperones: NICK & SUE DUGO, BRIAN & JERRY ANN O'DONNELL, COLE LEE, MARIE KEEFER, JERRY LOUGHLIN, ELAINE WOJTUS, DANNIE BROWN, DIANE WOOD & KAZ ESTELOW.

* HOBY Leadership Award Winner for 1996-1997: MIKE BEBER

* April 10, 1967 to November 22, 1996 -- HELEN HUMAN's years of service in the High School Library; years marked by devotion, loyalty & professionalism!!!

* KAZ ESTELOW: appointed by the IAC as one of two Southwest Division Representatives

* Congratulations to: ANDY KENDALL - fine work & professionalism as Lifeguard in Aqua Aerobics Program; BETHANY BROWN - 1996 "Good Citizen Award" winner for the DAR

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MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS GO "LIVE"!!!

Beginning Monday, December 16, 1996, "Morning Announcements," formerly broadcast to all over the classroom Public Address system, went "live" on classroom televisions on Channel 7 (later changed to Channel 5). Teacher DANNIE BROWN and students, followed by 1/2 time English Teacher JAY LA SCOLIA (of TV News fame!) & students -- both so ably assisted by our real technological guru, BOB FOOTE -- and then MAGGIE EDGLEY & students -- have kept this system up and running ever since and have even broadcast events as well. Among our very first student broadcasters were: COVENEY FITZSIMMONS, HOLLI KEEFER & RYAN MOSHER.

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* Returning graduates who spoke to our Seniors about life after high school were: KATE BILLS, JACKIE BUCKLAEW, CHRIS DERSHAM, JANNA SOLOMON, DOM MADAFFARI,
AJ MATWIEJOW & CORMAC SMITH (event was organized so well by NANCY LOUGHLIN & NANCY CLEVELAND)

* Team Solutions/Problem Solving workshops for faculty/staff began in early January as we embarked on a true shared decision-making model for school improvement

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A Look Back.....

School Plays: 1912: "A College Town"; 1913: "A Kentucky Belle" 1914: "What Happened to Jones?"

Year -- Valedictorian -- Salutatorian

1911 -- ABIGAIL O'DANIELS, PEARL E. WILSON
1913 -- JAMES W. ROWE, MILDRED I. PELHAM
1914 -- GEORGE SPADER, LEAMAN CONRAD

Class of 1912: 1st Class to organize a "formal" Freshman Class (in the 1908-09 year); 1st Class to hold Annual Picnic at Elmira's Roricks Glen; and the last Class started at the High School by Supervising Principal S.S. JOHNSON

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* For January 22, 1997 (National School Nurse Day) we remembered: MYRTLE MILLER, School Nurse-Teacher from 1935-1969, and BETTY LOU PEARSALL, School Nurse-Teacher 1958-1994.

* January 1997: AMANDA AHO, Member of the School's Varsity Wrestling Team, pinned her opponent in what was believed to be the very 1st time in New York State history whereby two female opponents met on the Varsity Wrestling level.

* A look at inflation:

--On January 19, 1972 voters approved a referendum to purchase five (5) new school buses not to exceed a total of $45,000 (Del Goodine was Transportation Director)
--On January 14, 1997 voters approved a referendum to purchase one (1) new school bus at a cost of $79,482 (Larry Jaynes was Transportation Director)

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A look back.....

1959-1960 Cheerleaders: Varsity: PAT BERLIN, CONNIE MILLER, MARGARET FRANZESE, DIANE IRISH & EDIE BRUBAKER; JV's: PEG LOVE, BARB WILLIAMS, JOAN SMITH & JOAN MILLER.

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* CHRISTINA MAY & ALYSSA HAYES presented information on Library Automation to the Friends of the Watkins Library.

* JILL SEGAR was a great Assistant with the Varsity Wrestling Program for four years;

* Congratulations BARB HUGHEY: selected as "Educator of the Month" by the Elmira Star Gazette.

* High School Technology Committee: DAVE ACKLAND, DAN TEED, DIANE WOOD, JUNE IRMISCHER, BOB KING, DANNIE BROWN & EILEEN MALANEY

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MIKE WATSON! On March 5, 1997 MIKE saw a concern with a substitute teacher next door to his classroom. He set his students up with an involved class project, then switched places with the substitute teacher next door -- thus helping her through a trying situation and keeping both classes on task and actively involved. What a wonderful thing to do for a colleague and for the educational process!!!

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* Review of Elmira Star Gazette's "Outstanding Educators" program:
----- January: JIM MURPHY ( Middle School)
----- February: BARB HUGHEY ( High School)
----- March: DAYLE SLUSSER (Middle School)

* Thank you GERRY RICHTMYER: Gerry donated two books to our Library -- "Orphan Train West" and "Barbara Bush - A Memoir"

* Shared Fuel Depot: By December of 1998 we were mandated to remove our underground fuel tanks at the Bus Garage and we entered into an agreement to build a shared fuel facility with the County, Village and Arc.

* April 1997: NYS Legislature re-elected Elmira lawyer CARL HAYDEN as Chancellor for the Board of Regents for another 5-year term;

* Summer of 1997 - Oak Ridge Math/Science Institute: Congratulations to teacher JUNE IRMISCHER (one of only two NYS teachers selected to attend) and CARTER MAY (one of
only three NYS students invited to attend)

* INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: the 7 beliefs agreed upon after several meetings... Respect, Trust/Honesty, Fairness/Consistency, Equality, Open Communications, Responsibility, Success

* "Heart Walk Team" to honor Mary & Frank Bradascio: DIANE WOOD, SHARON CLARK, CYNDY WOOD, NANCY LOUGHLIN, TRACI MC ILROY, BARB HUGHEY,
GLORIA HUDSON & BRIAN O'DONNELL

* EARTH DAY participants: thanks to MARIE FITZSIMMONS, COVENEY FITZSIMMONS, MARION SCHAMEL, LINDSAY DRAKE, JENN BILLS, JESSICA SEDLACK, NIKKI CHAFFEE, KELLY WELTON, CASSANDRA KEEFER, ANNE BARTONE, TYSON VAN SKIVER, ALEX KELLY, ERIK DALECKI, SASHA KUZNEZOV, DJ GANTON, VAL MAHON, SHANE JACOBS, EMER SMITH, NANCY BAHNS, and KAREN ARMSTRONG.

* JESSICA SEDLACK: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) winner for Leadership

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SUMMIT for AMERICA's Future: Presidents CLINTON, BUSH, REAGAN, CARTER & FORD and General COLIN POWELL along with 1,700 community leaders, met in Philadelphia
April 27-28-29 to discuss America's future with one hope: that they would inspire an unprecedented commitment to community service. (High School INTERACT CLUBS were
formed soon after this!!!

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* 25th Grade 4 SWIM MEET was held in April; on April 29, 2011 the 39th annual Grade 4 Swim Meet -- dedicated to JEAN LAWTON -- was held; CYNDY WOOD researched and
wrote a marvelous history of this annual event to include the following:

- Coaches involved: COACH BRAD BOWERS (1969-1972), COACH FRED SEITHER (1972-1979), COACH STEVE WOODWORTH (1979-1986) and COACH CYNDY WOOD (1986-Present);

- Assisting Physical Education Teachers: WILLIAM DAVIS (1966-1992), JEAN LAWTON (1969-1987), LORI FRIEND (1986-1990), MICHELE VENDITTO (1987-2001),
JOHN FAZZARY (Jan. 2002 - Present), LORI SWANSON (1999-2001), JIM SCOTT (Jan. 2002 - Present) and TREVOR HOLLAND (2002-Present)...

- Grade 4 Teachers: MAJOR COLEMAN (1963-1973), MARYLOU THOMPSON (1967-1998), DORIS FAZZARY (1968-1993), BRIAN O'DONNELL (1969-1979), PEG
STOWELL (1969, 1972), PETER PEVO (1970-1989 and 1993-1998); JEAN HANVILLE (1969-1975); KATHY FRAGOLA (1971), LORI MAAS (1971-1975), NANCY CALLAHAN (1973-1994), KATHY SLUTY (1975, 1977), STEVE LOPRESTI (1977), KENT FITCH (1986-1988), ARLENE KRAVITZ (1992-1994), JUDY CARUSO (1993-1997), CLAUDIA LA FACE (1996-Present), JUDY VAN SKIVER (1997-Present), BRIDGET COOPER (1998-2000), SUSAN BLANCO (1998-2000), KIM BALLIET (1999-2008), JARED WEBSTER (2000-2003), ELAINE BENTON (2000-2008), SALLY COCCA (2005-2008), STEVE MC FARLAND (2008-Present), DAPHNE HOLLAND (2008-Present), and WENDY DEAN (2111)

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* Mark Twain Scholars: CARRIE HAESLOOP, BLANCHE ROBERTSON, JEREMIAH DICKERSON, PHIL RAFFERTY, TAMMY DOBSON, BETHANY BROWN and
MEGHAN HANLEY.

* Boys' State honorees: STEVE TERRY, DERYCK HONG, JOE DORDONI, WILLIAM KISSELL, DENNIS THOMPSON, JASON BARRY & JON EVANS

* PROM Royalty: Queen: LAURA WEBSTER; King: PAT LIDDLE; Princess: TRACI LINCOLN; Prince: COLE BUBB

* 1997-1998 Budget Vote: YES 352, NO 190

Capital Reserve of $225,000: YES 382, NO 163

Capital Reserve of $1.2 million: YES 372, NO 165

Board of Education Election: SAM SCHIMIZZI 427 Votes (Re-elected as incumbent) ; and HAZEL VERDEGAAL 366 Votes (New Member)

* National Honor Society Inductees: AMY VAN BUREN, JASON BARRY, REBECCA ST JULIEN, JESSE JOHNSON, MIKE BEBER, SAMANTHA HAMMOND, JESSICA O'BRIEN, SHANNON CALLANAN, AUDREY BYERS, MAX SCHRIEFER, MELISSA FRIESEN, ASHLEIGH FOOTE, MELISSA KISSELL, JON EVANS, CHRIS SCHONEMAN, ELLEN OSBORNE, DENISE DE TORRE, CHRISTEN CHERKIS

* Senior Trip Chaperones: (To Darien Lake) NICK DUGO, DIANE WOOD, EILEEN MALANEY, BRIAN O'DONNELL, SARAH RICHTMYER, MARIE KEEFER

* SENECAN Yearbook dedicated to RICHARD MC INTYRE

* FRENCH & SPANISH HONORARY SOCIETY Inductions:

FRENCH SOCIETY: PATTI FRANZESE, JD HAESLOOP, JESSICA HINES, JESSE MILLER, AMY VAN BUREN, MELISSA FRIESEN, JASON RAPPLEYE, MAGEN KINGSLEY

SPANISH SOCIETY: CATHY BARNES, AUDREY BYERS, CHRISTIN CHERKIS, DENISE DE TORRE, JESSE JOHNSON, TAMMI LINCOLN, CARTER MAY, VIKKI PIERCE, MIKE BEBER, SHANNON CALLANAN, EMILY DAVIS, ASLEIGH FOOTE,
JESSICA JORGENSEN, BO MAHANEY, JESSICA O'BRIEN, REBECCA ST JULIEN

* Thank you NANCY LOUGHLIN -- presented "School to Work" plan to the Board of Education

* Thank you KAZ ESTELOW: for serving as Faculty Manager for Athletics for the 1996-1997 school year.

* Waterfront Festival-Cardboard Boat Regatta: High School team was KATE LA MOREAUX, DANNIE BROWN, NANCY LOUGHLIN, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, BARB COON and DIANE MELVENEY; student HEATHER KENDALL also participated on the team.

.....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 47th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"JEAN LAWTON MEMORIAL WALK"!!!

When: Saturday - May 21, 2011
Where: Watkins Glen High School outdoor Track (Fieldhouse Indoor Track if inclement weather)
Why: Celebrate and honor JEAN's life
-----born August 4, 1924 in Washington, D.C.
-----died February 25, 2011 in Watkins Glen, N.Y.
-----taught 1950 - 1987 Watkins Glen Physical Education Teacher & Coach
-----among our 1st female coaches and Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach for Championship season (6-0 record) in 1972
-----Coached Esther Peller Church to NYS High Jump Championship in Special Olympics
-----Winner WGCSD Womens' Doubles Tennis Championship (with Julie Wilcox) in 1977
-----Inducted to Watkins Glen Athletic HALL OF FAME in 1994.

Jean had a marvelous wit and humor, loved to write poems to commemorate special events, loved walking and reading!

The "WALK" is open to everyone of every age with the hope that walkers will donate $1.00 per lap (or whatever you wish) to the Watkins Glen Public Library in Jean's name.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRANK STEBER MAY 5, 2011 90 YEARS YOUNG!!! Frank taught in Watkins Glen from 1955-1984 teaching English to literally hundreds of students over the
years - he has continued, with his wife Arlene, to make his home in Watkins Glen ever since and is still actively involved in our community especially through the Watkins Glen Public Library and
now with the "JEAN LAWTON MEMORIAL WALK." He is fondly remembered by all who marvel at his youth, energy, memory and enthusiasm. Everyone should send him a birthday card to
mark this momentous occasion!

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* GREETINGS from former Superintendent DON DRYDEN and his wife MARCIA --- my wife and I had the pleasure to spend a day with them on Anna Maria Island, Florida on March 30th and caught them up on all the news from Schuyler County; DON is recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and is looking forward to resuming golf as soon as possible; MARCIA loves walking the beach and lunching at the "Rod and Reel Club" on the 'short pier.' Both send their regards to all their friends here!

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* Thank you RUTH GIVIN: Ruth, long-time Middle School Library Clerk who retired in 1996, gave me a copy of the June, 1932 "PepperPot." The "Pepper Pot" was published quarterly by the students of the High School and printed by the Watkins Express. The June 1932 edition illustrated the following:

CORNELIA WILLIAMS - Editor-in-Chief
EUGENE HUNT - Associate Editor
ELIZABETH WALSH - Assistant Associate Editor
RUTH KNOWLES - Exchange Editor
AUDREY SLATER - Jokes Editor
GENEVIEVE HAUGHEY - Senior Reporter
HESTER ORR - Junior Reporter
CORALEE HICKS - Sophomore Reporter
OLIVER SMITH - Freshman Reporter
DOROTHY BAKER - Gr. 8 Reporter
LORETTA SEELEY - Training Class Reporter
MARY BAILEY & JOHN BEERS - Alumni Reporters
DICK WALSH - Boys' Athletics
PAULINE CURRY - Girls' Athletics
LAWRENCE ROMEO - Business Manager
ABE FREUDENHEIM - Ass't Business Mgr.
MR. PERRY - Financial Advisor
MRS. PERRY & MR. MUNSON - Faculty Advisors

- Dedication to ORVAL LAWRENCE PERRY; born in Bolivar, N.Y. on January 21, 1900; graduated from Alfred University in 1923 and Cornell Graduate School in
1925; spent one year at Horseheads High School then came to Watkins Glen as member of the faculty in 1926; also Coached the Debating Team for three years;
unanimously chosen as Class Teacher by Class of 1932; dedication states "...whose wise guidance of the affairs of the Class has earned him a place in the memory
of each and every member of the Class."

- Valedictory was written and given by CORNELIA WILLIAMS and quoted that old saying, "We are now leaving the life of school for the school of life."
- Salutatory was written and given by HARRY VALENT who said, "We recall, with grateful appreciation, the kindness, the encouragement, and the attentive
guidance of parents and of teachers, who during our formative years have kept everwatchful eyes upon us to make us successful."
- The Junior "Charge" was given by DICK WALSH who spoke of the 'first Class Day in the modern history of the school '- held as the last innovation of the Class
of 1932.

- FRANK PERSONIUS spoke of the value and importance of Physical Education saying, "If no attention is paid to the development of a sound body as well as a sound mind, one will
lose in the end as the weak body will fail to develop a sound mind."

- MORRIS HEIMANN spoke of the changes this Class had seen - student enrollment was increased by students from Tyrone and Valois, increased academic offerings, the
development of the Junior High School concept, introduction of Public Speaking and the Debating Club, and so much more.

- RUTH HOWARD (Training Class Member '32) spoke of Character Education comparing successful character education with that of builders and construction personnel following
an established "blue print" just as the school follows the "blue prints" of standards of living, daily routine, and the ideals which the home maintains."

- CLASS DAY exercises - the Friday prior to Regents Week - were explained and a "Who's Who" listing of all Seniors to include all activities each one participated in was also
included as was the TRAINING CLASS REPORT by LORETTA SEELEY, the Junion/Sophomore/Freshman Reports, and information pertaining to the 5th annual Athletic
Banquet.

- the 32 page volume ended with a number of humorous offerings... among those ---
"Why in the world are you feeding the baby yeast?" " Oh, she swallowed a dime and I'm trying to raise the dough."
"Explain a vacuum." " I have it in my head but I can't explain it."
"Why do you wish to study Latin?" " I have heard it is a dead language and I want to be an undertaker when I grow up."

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* the 1995 - 1996 year...

- new personnel for the High School included:
* ERICA OSBURN: LD/Resource Room Teacher replacing NANCY JOHNSON
* KAREN PHILLIPS: Long-term substitute in Spanish for GLORIA ANDERSON'S leave of absence
* CORALEE BURCH: for a newly created 1/2 time English teaching position
* STEVE SKYMKIW: Earth Science teacher replacing DAVE COOK
* KARYN SABARA: Computer Room Teaching Assistant replacing MARY NICHOLS
* SARAH RICHTMYER: Main Office Secretary replacing SHARON CLARK who moved on as Superintendent's Secretary

* 1995 - 1996 District Calendar was dedicated to three wonderful teachers who had recently passed away:

- RUTH M. WARNER (1926-1995)
- JANET ANDREWS SIMIELE (1950 - 1995)
- JANE C. BURRIS (1938 - 1994)

* Retirees from the 1994-1995 school year were: DAVE COOK, ROBERTA (BOBBIE) OLCOTT, HAZEL VERDEGAAL, JOHN VONA, MARY NICHOLS, JULIA RAFFERTY, JOHN DILTS...

* From the June 23/25, 1995 Alumni Weekend: MRS. MARION LITTELL UTTER ("Our 7th and 8th grade teacher, voted Class of 1945's "MOST OUTSTANDING TEACHER at the Class's 25th High School reunion, was Guest of Honor at the 50th reunion; Reunion Committee co-Chairs were JUDY SMITH SCAPTURA, ROSE MARIE LUPPINO KLEINSPEHN, VINCE BEDIENT, RUTH DRAKE and BENNY NITCHE.

* PTA "Phoebe Apperson Hearst" Educator of the Year...
1988-89 BRIAN J. O'DONNELL
1989-90 JANET SIMIELE
1990-91 KATE LA MOREAUX
1991-92 SUE HAZLITT
1992-93 BECKY SUE BIANCO
1993-94 DIANE MELVENEY
1994-95 DAVE WARREN
1995-96 PHYLLIS BOND

* Foreign Exchange Students for 1995-1996: CAMILLA WINNERMARK (Sweden) & NORMAN CRUZ (Mexico)

* High School Shared Decision Making Team:
BARB HUGHEY, JUNE IRMISCHER, DIANE WOOD, DANNIE BROWN, SARAH RIGHTMYER (Secretary), LYNN NORMAN, BRIAN O'DONNELL, BOB KING, MEGHAN HANLEY (Student), CASEY CREAMER (Parent), JO ANN BAKER (Parent)

* District and Department Coordinators:

District: MARTHA EVANS (Art), CHRIS SEITHER (Foreign Language), NANCY LOUGHLIN (Guidance), MIKE WATSON (Health), ALICE LEARN (Home Economics), CONNIE GOOLEY (Library), CAROL RANDOLPH (Music), BILL DAVIS ( Phys. Educ.), DAN TEED (Technology)

High School: EILEEN MALANEY (Business Ed.), KATE LA MOREAUX (English), JERRY LOUGHLIN (Science), EILEEN MALANEY (Computer Ed.), DAVE WARREN (Mathematics), NICK DUGO (Social Studies)

* Student Leaders:

Homecoming Queen: KELLY DENSE
Student Council President: PETER DUGO
Senior Class President: HEATHER KENDALL

* Boys' State: MITCHELL PEVO, MATT CLARK, JASON SWITZER TIM REED, NICK PRESTON, BRIAN VON NEIDA

Girls' State: JESSICA CRAVER, SARAHA THOMPSON

* Retirees following 1995-1996 year: HELEN HUMAN (HS Library Clerk), GERALD LOUGHLIN (HS Science), CHARLES MEDALIE (HS Guidance), EMMA SMITH (HS Social Studies), RITA BANFI (ES Teacher), MIKE YUHASZ (ES Principal), RUTH GIVIN (MS Library Clerk), GENE REASOR (Transportation Supervisor), HARRIET REASOR (Transportation Secretary)

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For 1995-96 "Stanley Marcus Humanitarian Award" HEATHER BILINSKI

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* The 1995-1996 school year saw the passage of some outstanding contributors to our history and tradition:

- KURT POWELL, former High School Band Director, was killed in a plane crash;
- BETTY EDSALL, current District Treasurer died;
- RAY BAILEY, former long-time High School Band Director died;
- JAMES HOLLEY, current Board of Education Member died;
- IRVING D. GOODRICH, former County Superintendent and the 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent died;
- LUCY STAMP, former Kindergarten Teacher 1951-1969 died
- MARGARET (MAGGIE) SMITH, former Cafeteria Employee and Teacher Aide died

* Additionally MELISSA WILSON, Class of 1995, died; and SUSAN ROLOSON DRAKE, Class of 1912, Watkins Glen's oldest living alumnus, died in March at the age of 103

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* KATE LA MOREAUX's annual Summer Swim program was credited with saving the life of former student MARGARET CROTTY, involved in a boating disaster in Sumatra, Indonesia in which 54 lives were confirmed lost and another 100 were termed "missing."

* Former Superintendent DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, former Board Member DON J. WICKHAM and former Librarian LOUISE STILLMAN were inducted into the Schuyler County
"HALL OF FAME";

* Long-time Summer School Principal DAN TEED retired from that position and was succeeded by DAVID WARREN;

* DIANE MELVENEY was chosen for the "Russell Galt Award" from Susquehanna University, nominated by former student JULIE EDMISTER

* "Perfect Attendance" for the 1994-1995 school year was achieved by KAZ ESTELOW, MARIE KEEFER, RICHARD MC INTYRE, BOB KING & RICK PETTET

* Ironman RICHARD MC INTYRE completed his 2,000th consecutive work day without an absence on February 23, 1996;

* Winning "Most Original" at the annual Halloween judging were the "M and M's" KAZ ESTELOW, DIANE WOOD & EILEEN MALANEY.

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* Middle School Student Council officers for 1995-1996:

President: ALLISON HANLEY
Vice Pres: CASSANDRA KEEFER
Secretary: DAVID BOYLE
Treasurer: ANNE BARTONE

* HS Library Council: President - CHRISTINA MAY; Vice President - DENISE DE TORRE, Secretary - MELANIE KRESS, and Treasurer - MELANIE KRESS.

* Academic Challenge Team: MARGUERITE PERSONIUS, DAN BANKS, JACKIE BUCKLAEW, CHRISTINA MAY, KELLY THOMAS, MAX SCHRIEFER, GEORGE
HEMPHILL, AARON SMITH & MATT SAYRE; Faculty Advisors: MRS. BROWN & MRS. MELVENEY

* Beginning in the 1990's and continuing through 2003 the Varsity Girls' Swim Team, under the direction and guidance of COACH KATE LA MOREAUX built a dynasty of Championship
and Scholar-Athlete teams along with the Number 1 Ranking in all of New York State in Class C. A look back at some of their season records looks like this:

YEAR, SEASON RECORD (Overall/ IAC)

1988-89: 13-1, 9-1
1989-90: 13-2, 8-2
1990-91: 12-1, 12-1
1991-92: 12-2, 10-2 (The Team achieved #1 Co-Ranked status in 1994 and #1 Ranked status all alone in 1995)
1992-93: 12-2, 10-2 (Coach KATE LA MOREAUX; Assistant Coach ROB MICHEL with help from TRACEY PIERCE & ANDY CLARK)
1993-94: 8-4, 8-4
1994-95: 12-2, 11-1 (Just some of the aware winning swimmers: KIM WARREN, MARYANN REISS, ABBY MURPHY & CASSIE KEEFER...
1995-96: 14-0, 12-0

* Just a few of the more spectacular athletic achievements during 1995-1996:
- KERRI MC ILROY - Girls' Softball Team Pitcher - recorded an individual 20-3 season record leading Girls' to IAC Large School Championship and runner-up in
Class C Championship;
- JESSICA SEDLACK - Girls' Track Team Member - IAC and Class C PENTATHLON CHAMPION;
- DAN BOND, Varsity Wrestling Team Member; compiled 134-30-0 career record;
- HOLLI KEEFER, Girls' Varsity Swim Team Member; Two-time IAC DIVING CHAMPION;
- ANDY GARRETT, Boys' Varsity Swim Team Member, 4th in New York State DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS;
- VLAD HANDL, Varsity Tennis Team Member, IAC Singles and Class B/C TENNIS CHAMPION
- JESSICA CRAVER, Girls' Varsity Basketball Team Member, MVP IAC SOUTHWEST DIVISION
- PETER DUGO, Boys' Swim Team Member, UNDEFEATED in 100 BREAST STROKE

* Middle School Junior High Swim Team Awards:

MVP: DANIELLE FRANZESE, DEAVON FAUSEL & CATHY BROWN
Most Improved: TRACY SAVARD
Sportsmanship Award: JILLIAN PEVO

* Middle School Mathematics Awards:

7th Grade: SARAH LEE 99%
8th Grade Final Exam: BREANNA COPP 98%
8th Grade: ANNE BARTONE 95%
8th Grade Final Exam: KELLY OSBORNE 95%

* Middle School PERFECT ATTENDANCE for 1995-1996:

STEVE BARNES, PAUL KEEGAN, LINDSAY LAKOMY, ALANA MALINA, DEBORAH PRUITT, BENJAMIN SCHONEMAN, RYAN BARR, ASHLEY ARCANGELI, JAMES CRANE, SEAN HARNAS, SHANE JACOBS, EMILEE WELTY, THERESA BIANCO, ARLO RINGSMUTH, SHAWN LEWIS, TRACEY SAVARD, JASON BIERWILER, ANDY CLARK, CASSIE KEEFER, NICHOLE CHAFFEE, ANGELA CODY, CRAIG HEATH, ANGEL RAPPLEYE, SKYE LEWIS, MATT KEEFER, WILLIAM PRUITT, KEITH BUBB, DEAN ENSLEY, SASHA KUZNEZOV, JEREMY PERSONIUS, RICHARD CLARK, BREANNA COPP

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Review of some of our HOMECOMING QUEENS:

1988: TRACEY PIERCE
1989: JODY SIPPERLEY
1990: KIRRA MC DERMOTT
1991: RONI PIERCE
1992: LEIGH HAZLITT
1993: JUDY DUNN
1994: CHRISTIE COOLICAN
1995: KELLY DENSE

1995-1996 Booster Club Athletes of the Month:

*September ANDY CHICONE (Soccer)
*October HOLLY KEEFER (Swimming)
*November MARIAN SCHAMEL (Swimming)
*December DAN BOND (Wrestling)
*January ANDY GARRETT (Swimming)
*February: JESSICA CRAVER (Basketball)
*March PETER DUGO (Swimming)
*April JESSICA SEDLACK (Track)
*May VLAD HANDL (Tennis)
*June GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM

* Middle School SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FAIR: was held on April 27th with special thanks to JIM MURPHY & GREG GRODEM; and to DAVE VAN DYKE & IRENE BURGESS for all the assistance with set-up;

* May 30, 1996: National Honor Society Induction:
JESSICA CRAVER, STEVE TERRY, JARED GARDNER, MIKE Mc NANEY, MEGHAN HANLEY, BLANCHE ROBERTSON, JACKIE HONSBERGER, ANDY CHICONE, HOLLY JOHNSON, JULIE DILL, TRISHA GARDNER, TRACI LINCOLN, SARAH HOPPE, COVENEY FITZSIMMONS.....

* Prom Royalty: Queen: KATIE BILLS; King: DOMINICK MADAFFARI; Princess: LAURA WEBSTER; Prince: NICK BARTONE

* Mark Twain Scholars: JANNA SOLOMON, JANET MORGAN, BEN THORP, STEVE BIERLINE, LUKE CARR, CHAD ECTOR

* BOCES Occupational Education Awards:
--- HOSA State Competition - 2nd Place - BRIAN SHEESLEY (First Aid/CPR) NYS FFA Convention: Achievement Award - ROBERT WASSON

* BOCES National Vocational/Technology Honor Society:
--- AMBER CHRISMAN (Child Care), CHAD ECTOR (Power Tech), DWAYNE WOOD (Protective Services)

* Review of some of the Senior Awards:

Student Council Service Award: PETER DUGO
Speed Typing Award: AMANDA PIKE
Joseph Lemak Award: PETER DUGO & KERI MC ILROY
Dr. Arthur J. Jackson Award: STEVE BIERLINE & HEATHER KENDALL
Francis Blake Sportsmanship: HEATHER KENDALL & STEVE BIERLINE
Triple "C" Award: PETER DUGO & HEATHER KENDALL
Merry-Go-Round Book Club: CHRISTY COLE
Cheerleading Award: HEATHER BILINSKI
US Marine Corps Award: KATIE BILLS & TIGHE SMALLEY
Athletic Service Award: KATIE BILLS & HEATHER KENDALL
TJ O'Rourke Award: JR CERVONI
Elke Covert Award: CHRISTY COLE
Physical Education OSCARS: KATIE BILLS & ADAM THORPE
Co-Op Award: CHRIS DERSHAM & ANGELA MILLER
James Angelo Award: STEVE BIERLINE
Senecas Award: TRAVIS LINCOLN
Air Force Math/Science Award: BEN THORP & CORMAC SMITH
US Army Reserve Scholar STEVE BIERLINE & HEATHER KENDALL
E Homan Physical Fitness Award: HEATHER RUSSELL & STEVE BIERLINE
Business Student of Year: AMY TAFT
Burdett Ladies Club Award: SARAH WINSTEAD
DAR Good Citizenship Award: HEATHER KENDALL
21st Century English Award: HAROLD WRIGHT
Water Safety Award: PETER DUGO
Outstanding Senior - Home Ec. ROSE DANN
Dolphin Award: KELLY THOMAS

* Presidential Academic Fitness Awards:

JANNA SOLOMON, BEN THORP, JANET MORGAN, STEVE BIERLINE, LUKE CARR, SARAH WINSTEAD, HEATHER KENDALL, PETER DUGO, REBECCA ELLIOTT, TRISHA GARDNER, CHRIS FOLNSBEE, NATE CORNISH, HAROLD WRIGHT, ADAM THORPE, SARA DOLLIVER, HEATHER BILINSKI, JACLYN BUCKLAEW, LORI WIRTH, REBECCA WATSON, KATE BILLS, ANDREA REMMERT, ANGELA VENTRA, JASON BELIGOTTI

* Senior Class Officers:

President: HEATHER KENDALL
Vice Pres.: PETER DUGO
Secretary: SARA DOLLIVER
Treasurer: TRISHA GARDNER
Advisor: MR. NICHOLAS J. DUGO

.........................See you again 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 46th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* JEAN B. LAWTON: our condolences to the family of JEAN LAWTON, who passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011. JEAN was a Physical Education Teacher and long-time Coach from 1950-1987 and truly personified -- by example -- what it meant to be physically fit. Her wit and wisdom will be missed.

-- JEAN B. LAWTON Memorial Walk: Planning is underway to implement a Saturday morning "Walk for Jean" either in the month of May or June as a way to remember JEAN by being involved in two of her favorite things - walking and reading. Participants will come to the Watkins Glen outdoor track and walk as many laps as they choose donating $1.00 per lap to the Watkins Glen Public Library in JEAN'S memory --- watch for additional details on The Odessa File and in the local newspaper.

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The 1994 - 1995 school year...

* New personnel were:

KARYN SABARA - Secretary to the Superintendent
SHARON CLARK - High School Secretary (transfer from Middle School)
JENNIFER BIRNBAUM - Middle School Vocal Music & Chorus
TOM STEIN - Technology Education in the High School
HARRIETT MC CORMACK - Gr. 9 Guidance Counselor (from Middle School)
NANCY JOHNSON - LD/Resource Room in the High School
AMY GIAMMATTEI - Student Teacher with DIANA GROLL and
assisting COACH KATE LA MOREAUX with Girls' Varsty Swimming.

* Additional 'changes' for the High School: CHARLES MEDALIE was Guidance Counselor
for Gr. 10-11-12 students and NANCY LOUGHLIN became an English Teacher replacing
the retired Abbott Morgan; Disciplinarians were reduced from two (KATE LA MOREAUX
and JERRY LOUGHLIN) to one (JERRY LOUGHLIN). Hall Monitor's position in the High School was not funded for 1994-1995 but CHARLIE BUTLER, SR., volunteered his services
anyway!!

* High School Foreign Exchange students were: ROBERTO FILKE (Brazil) and RAFAEL LANDI (Brazil)

* Two students, born in China, joined our students after moving into our area: XIAO JUN HONG (DERYCK, age 15) ) and XIAO JING HONG (CASANDRA age 20)

* Smoke Free School -- mandated by Federal Law by December 26, 1994 -- impacted faculty/staff smokers as their 'lounge' was moved from the former Music Practice Room (with plans to turn that area into a photography dark room) to the maintenance/custodial workroom -- one short step from eliminating the habit altogether!

* Special thanks & appreciation went out to the following for all of their unselfish efforts in helping implement the 1994-1995 athletic seasons:
--- TRACIE MC ILROY and the BOOSTERS
--- LIZ PARADISO/LINDA FAZZARY/TRACIE MC ILROY: for donating their services to assist with summer physicals for our athletes

* P.T.A. Officers were: President: SALLY CONTI Vice President: PEGGY RICHARDSON Secretary: KATHY GILLETTE Treasurer: DEB DAUGHERTY & Historian: BECKY PEVO
In 1993-94 the PTA contributed more than $4,000 through programs, prizes, scholarships and awards!

* CAROL KUNZMANN was our teacher in the External Degree Program (older students working toward their high school diploma)

* Copy Machine woes continued as the schools tried out Toshiba, Canon, Xerox and Konica models (the good news was that they all worked very well; the bad news was that few copy machines could really handle the monthly demands of our schools).

* BOB KING was named "Teacher of the Week" (nominated by DAN TEED for his valuable assistance with the summer school program)

* Transportation Director GENE REASOR won the Class "R" NYS Horseshoe CHAMPIONSHIP for 1994

* Freshman Class Officers:

President: DENISE GANTON
Vice Pres.: KRISTIN RAPPLEYE
Secretary: NICOLE COVERT
Treasurer: KEVIN SMITH

Student Council Officers:

President: SCOTT WRIGHT
Vice Pres.: PETER DUGO
Secretary: SARAH WRIGHT
Treasurer: MORGAN CROOKS

National Honor Society:

President: MORGAN CROOKS
Vice Pres: BRETT MAHON
Corr. Sec. SARAH WRIGHT
Record Sec. ANGELA FOSTER
Historian: SARA DOLLIVER

Choir Officers:
President: ANGELA FOSTER
Vice Pres. JANET MORGAN
Secretary BECKY WATSON
Treasurer: SARA DOLLIVER
Librarian: MARQUERITE PERSONIUS & TIFFANY VOORHEIS

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* Alumni Update : KELLY (TUTTLE) ELLISON -- Class of 1986 -- and our Homecoming Queen in 1985-86, was honored with the Ithaca Kiwanis Club "Officer of the Year" Award for solving a burglary and arson case in early September in her job as a New York State Trooper.

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* Senior Class TOP SALESPERSONS: DAVID SEITHER, VINCE CHICONE, MELANIE NORMAN, ADAM DOBSON & BRANDY HARRISON

* MORGAN CROOKS was named "Commended Student" in National Merit Scholarship Program - a "Commended Student" is one of only 35,000 nationwide (from more than
one million entrants).

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* Greetings from RALPH SCAZAFABO -- former Math teacher in the District; in 1994-95 RALPH was Middle School Principal and Assistant Superintendent in Mount Holly, New Jersey (just across border from Philadelphia)...

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* Years of service noted with Thanks & Appreciation:
- JERRY LOUGHLIN - resigned as Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
- MICHELE VENDITTO - resigned as Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach

* HEATHER BILINSKI: chosen as one of two NYS Finalists to attend National 4H Youth Congress to be held in Orlando, Florida;

* Corning Community College Math Contest Finals: our team finished winning the DIVISION III Championship; of the top 7 students overall we had three:
- MEGAN BAHNS 3rd Place - ROBERTO FILHO & ANDY HENDERSON tied for 4th Place

* Halloween Contest Winners: LIANA BAUMAN (Scariest); ROBERTO FILKO (Funniest) and ADAM DOBSON & SELENA DOCTEUR (Most Original)

* Library Council Officers: President: FAITH PERRY, Vice President: CHRISTINA MAY, and Secretary/Treasurer: LIANA BAUMAN

* From the "PAST" --- "Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Honorees": 1992: JULIE EDMISTER; 1993: JESSICA COLON; 1994: SARA DOLLIVER

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"GREAT ESCAPE" -- Scoop for the BOOSTERS CLUB - October 30, 1994 -- thanks to the PETER HONSBERGER FAMILY --- all proceeds donated to BOOSTERS CLUB;
celebrity ice-cream scoopers were: BRIAN O'DONNELL, KAREN ARMSTRONG, MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN, ANDREA HEICHEL, KAZ ESTELOW, MIKE WATSON, JANET SIMIELE, CRAIG LATTIN, CYNDY WOOD, MICHELE VENDITTO, JOHN FAZZARY, DON DRYDEN, MIKE YUHASZ, BILL DAVIS, NANCY LOUGHLIN, BOB KING & ROB MICHEL.
GREAT ice cream.......... GREAT People .......... GREAT Cause .........

In excess of $400.00 was raised...

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* BREE ARGETSINGER was selected by the faculty as winner of the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Scholarship

* JARED GARDNER won the County "RED RIBBON POSTER CONTEST" and received a 110 Pocket Camera for his efforts

* Remember "BOSSIE BINGO" at Clute Park in October? It was another of the Booster Club fund-raising events for 1994-95 athletics. Bet TRACIE MC ILROY does!!!!!

* Annual SENIOR TRIP to Washington, DC chaperones were: NICK & SUE DUGO, NANCY & JERRY LOUGHLIN, KAZ ESTELOW, DIANE WOOD, KATE LaMOREAUX,
and ELAINE WOJTUS.

* KELLY THOMAS was selected to attend "National Young Leaders Conference" in Washington, DC; KELLY was also named as Alumni Representative for the Congressional
Youth Leadership Council;

* TRACEY SMITH replaced KIM HERRICK as our Choices/Prevention Counselor

* District SHARED DECISION-MAKING TEAM:

MIKE YUHASZ & DEB BOND from the Elementary School
MIKE O'LOUGHLIN & ALICE LEARN from the Middle School
BRIAN O'DONNELL & KAZ ESTELOW from the High School
DON DRYDEN & MAGGIE THURBER from the District Office
LOREN CORNISH (Parent Rep) & MAX NEAL (Community Rep)

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* JOHN DILTS retirement: after 26 1/2 years as Head Groundskeeper. JOHN retired January 4, 1995.

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* Scholastic Art Award Winners: KATE BILLS, JESSICA ELKINS, HEATHER YUHASZ, ANDY GARRETT & ALICE MURPHY

* 1995 Bradford "POM POM" Cheerleading Competition: NANCY LOUGHLIN, SALLY COOLICAN and our Varsity Cheerleaders took 1st place honors;

* HEATHER KENDALL participated in "Presidential Classroom" in Washington, DC

* Donkey Basketball: Faculty/Alumni 22, Seniors 20
Adult participants were: KAZ ESTELOW, EILEEN MALANEY, BILL DAVIS, TOM STEIN, KEVIN LE ROUX, SHARON CLARK, LYNN NORMAN, GLORIA BRUBAKER, BRETT BRUBAKER, KEVIN RUMSEY, SALLY COOLICAN, MIKE COOLICAN, MARY FRANZESE & NANCY LOUGHLIN

* BOCES Hair Competition for Cosmotology competition: AMANDA FOOTE finished in 2nd place.

* JESSICA COLON was one of only two members from Upstate New York serving on the NYS Commission on National & Community Services

* Technology Planning Team Members: BOB KING, EILEEN MALANEY, LYNN NORMAN, CONNIE GOOLEY, JACK TELECH, KATHY GILLETTE, MARIANNE MORIN, BOB MORIN, BOB DILL, ED HETHERINGTON, VICKIE SCHAMEL, MAGGIE THURBER & CRAIG CARR;

* BOCES Honors: annual VICA Competition: KEN BEERS (1st place team for Opening & Closing Ceremony), REUBEN CHICONE (3rd place Electronic Technology) and CHARLES BELL (1st place Diesel Equipment Mechanics)

* Girls' State: chosen to represent Watkins Glen were KATIE BILLS & HEATHER KENDALL; JANET MORGAN was 1st alternate;

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* The week of March 6-10 "National Volunteer Week" honored our own top volunteer, TRACIE MC ILROY, President of the Boosters Club for:
....."dedication and incredible donation of time and effort and heart and soul put into our Athletic Program this year. We dedicate this week "National Volunteer of America Week" as "Watkins Glen Sports Boosters/TRACIE MC ILROY WEEK!"...

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* High School Foreign Language Teachers BRIDGETTE SEARLES and GLORIA ANDERSON implemented Foreign Language Week

* We learned about the "INTERNET" -- being a vast interconnected group of thousands of computer networks linking education, government and corporate networks and commercial
computer/communications services --- Librarian BOB KING was our main resource.

* For Summer of 1995 DAN TEED took a one-year leave of absence as Summer School Principal as the Board appointed BRIAN O'DONNELL as Interim Summer School Principal
with DAVE WARREN as Administrative Intern (DAVE did all the work!)

* Congressional High School Art Competition: Honored students were PETER DUGO, CARRIE HAESLOOP, JULIA DORDONI, JARED GARDNER & JARED PALMER.

* DANNIE BROWN swam in the "Swim-A-Thon" to raise funds in the fight against cancer in memory of JANE BURRIS and RUTH WARNER.

* Glen Mountain Market: courtesy of owners and WG Alumni SHARI & BRUD HOLLAND sent in 'treats' to our faculty/staff several times throughout the year.

* 1995/96 Budget: $13,240,518 (an increase of $71,055 over the 1994-95 budget with a 0% Tax Increase!)

* Math League Results - final competition of the year: Top Honors to BRIAN FRIESEN, GREG MAY & SARAH WRIGHT; Honorable Mention to: LUKE CARR, STEVE BIERLINE, JASON MC GROGAN and BEN THORP

* JANNA SOLOMON: won Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal (top Science & Math student); JESSICA PERRY: placed 2nd in NYS competition for Health Occupation students and represented New York State in the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky

* Boys' State honorees: TIGHE SMALLEY, PETER DUGO, JASON BELIGOTTI, AJ MATWIEJOW, NATE CORNISH, STEVE BIERLINE & FRANK ELLISON

**************************************

* PROM Royalty: Queen: CHRISTIE COOLICAN; King: JARED PALMER; Princess: HEATHER KENDALL; Prince: PETER DUGO

* Teacher Appreciation Week: Theme for this year was "Teaching - Gift for a Lifetime"

* Candidates for Board of Education were: DENNIS CADY, ED HETHERINGTON, ROBERT DILL, BETTY SHAFFER & WILLIAM HAYES. MR. DILL and MR. HAYES were elected.

* Tree Planting Ceremony: On May 18, 1995 a "Service Berry" tree was planted on the front lawn of the Middle School in honor of "JANET ANDREWS SIMIELE." The tree was
donated by MARSHA SMITH; this type of tree was an important food source for early Native Americans. JANET loved teaching about Native Americans. Tree was planted by Janet's father
"HAM" ANDREWS and MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN & BRIAN O'DONNELL.

* TANYA LEONARD was inducted into Membership in the SCT/BOCES Chapter of the National Vocational Technical Honor Society.

* JESSICA COLON was the Rotary Club RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Winner.

* National Honor Society Inductees: DEWAYNE BUTLER, DWAYNE WOOD, CHRISTINA MAY, CARRIE HAESLOOP, BETHANY BROWN, JEREMIAH DICKERSON, PHIL RAFFERTY, SARAH THOMPSON, TAMMY DOBSON & THERESA MALINA

* MARK TWAIN SCHOLARS: BREE ARGETSiNGER, MICHELE BAHNS, MORGAN CROOKS, SETH DE PUY, SARAH WRIGHT, CRAIG BUCKLEY, REUBEN CHICONE, BEN ROUNDS

* Newly elected Class Officers for 1995-1996:

Class of 1996:

President: HEATHER KENDALL
Vice President: PETER DUGO
Secretary: SARA DOLLIVER
Treasurer: TRISHA GARDNER

Class of 1997:

President: NICK BARTONE
Vice President: JASON SABATINI
Secretary: ERIN CORNISH
Treasurer: DAN BOND

Class of 1998:

President: COVENEY FITZSIMMONS
Vice President: ALISSA NORMAN
Secretary: TRACI LINCOLN
Treasurer: KEVIN SMITH

* "Fall Harvest Festival" Logo Design: 1st Prize: ANGELA VENTRA; 3rd Prize: STEPHANIE POLAKOW

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 45th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* BLOOD BANK results: 1989 = 91 pints collected; 1991 = 75 pints collected; 1990 = 85 pints; and 1992 = 94 pints
--- special thanks to NICK DUGO, Senior Class Advisor and Student Council Advisor and student workers...

* More Faculty advice:
--- JUNE IRMISCHER: "Keep smiling."
--- BRIDGETTE SEARLES: "Always try your best & you will succeed."
--- ABBOTT MORGAN: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire."
--- GLORIA ANDERSON: "When you work, work hard; when you play, play hard; Make sure each day is filled with some work and some play."
--- CHARLES MEDALIE: "Treat others as you would like to be treated."
--- KATHLEEN ESTELOW: " Never assume."
--- JUDY SADLER: "Dream big."

* PROM 1993 - "The Enchanted Forest."

Candidates:

Queen: LEIGH HAZLITT, AMANDA HENRY, AMY HOAGLAND, AMY WINSTEAD

King: JEREMY BEBER, CHAD HETHERINGTON, ERIC SCHOLTISEK, MIKE LA MOREAUX

Princess: KRISTINA JAYNES, LEAH OVERBECK, MELANIE WHITE

Prince: DICK AUGUSTINE, BEN BINGHAM, JIM HOAGLAND

PROM Royalty as voted by the students:

Queen: AMY HOAGLAND
King: CHAD HETHERINGTON
Princess: MELANIE WHITE
Prince: RICHARD AUGUSTINE

* On May 14, 1993 DAN TEED & NYS Beef Cattlemen Association & NYS Beef Industry
Council sponsored a special faculty/staff luncheon (A ROAST BEEF dinner of course!)

* Lukemia Type-A-Thon: KIM SMITH -- only student to reach 300 words in 5-minute limit;
DENISE THOMPSON -- made $130.00 in pledges...

* NANCY BAHNS & CRAIG CHEPLICK set up a return engagement for Holocaust survivor
MRS. DINA JACOBSON along with MR. FRANK KRAMERMAN to present to our students.

* DAVE COOK's student team finished in 4th place in the CHEM BOWL finals (12 High School teams began this year-long competition).

* Elementary Swimming Unit student helpers from the High School:
MIKE WELDON, KENT THURSTON, CHRIS LE ROUX, LYNANN FITCH

* Student "Youth Leadership Program" graduates:
AMY DUGO, CHARLENE BELL, KRISTEN BROWN, TED PEARCE

* Sunshine Committee (fosters recognition to faculty/staff throughout the year to mark life events):
Faculty representative: NICK DUGO; Cafeteria Rep: GERRY HOUSE;
Maintenance Rep: MIKE DE NARDO; Clerical Rep: NANCY CLEVELAND;
Administrator: BRIAN O'DONNELL

* Remember Watkins Glen's newest sign in 1993???: "WELCOME TO THE ECOSYSTEM OF WATKINS GLEN" (located on Franklin Street near ACME Market --- this was an extra-credit project in Biology class for BRETT MAHON & VINCE CHICONE. (Sign in no longer there.)

* June 4, 1993: New Members inducted to the National Honor Society:
SARAH WRIGHT, ANGELA FOSTER, MICHELE BAHNS, LYNANN FITCH,
SHARON WESTERVELT, KIM FRIESEN, BLANCHE FRANZESE, BRETT MAHON,
SETH DU PUY, MORGAN CROOKS, BREE ARGETSINGER

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1993 - 1994 School year.....

* Among the "new" District faces were: RICHARD WARTERS, MARGARET THURBER & RACHEL VABER.
- MR. WARTERS: was Acting Principal at the Middle School for the entire school year
- MRS. THURBER became the new Curriculum Coordinator
- MS. VABER: was Middle School Instrumental Teacher replacing RUTH SHEWAN who left the District after 10 years as her husband STEVE took a new position as High School Instrumental Music Teacher in East Williamsville.

- MARGARET (MEG) BARTOW: Reading/Writing Lab, replacing CAROL KUNZMANN
- ELAINE WOJTUS transferred to High School Art classroom, replacing DON MAAS

* Foreign Exchange Students: JAIME CALMON (Brazil), BERNIE GOOSEN (South Africa), DANIEL JAIME (Mexico), DORIT PETERSEN (Denmark), AINA SKJEGGEROD (Norway), and IRIS WENDEROTH (Germany).

* Summer of 1993 News of NOTE...
-- NANCY LOUGHLIN: newly elected/1st woman President, Watkins-Montour ROTARY CLUB;
-- JOHN & DOROTHY COOK: celebrated 60th wedding anniversary July 10th (JOHN was District Supervising Principal/Superintendent 1953-1964)
-- BRIDGETTE SEARLES: attended graduate school in Paris, France
-- JESSICA COLON: named "MISS SCHUYLER COUNTY TEEN-AGER for 1993" ... JENNIFER SIMIELE named as 1st runner-up ... JAMIE BELIGOTTI named 2nd runner-up
-- JESSICA COLON: finished 6th for MISS NEW YORK STATE TEEN-AGER and 1st as MISS CONGENIALITY

* Corning College Math Contest Winners
1st: SARAH WRIGHT; 2nd: HEYLTJE BOND; 3rd: STEPHEN PLUMMER & MIKE PRESTON; 5th: KRISSY BARBER

* Student Council Officers: President Matt Murphy; Vice President Julie Edmister; Secretary Jennifer Yuhasz; Treasurer Chris King.

* National Merit Scholarship: Commended Students were Kelly Kretchmer, Mike Preston, Mary Meier and James Woodworth.

* Class of 1997 officers: President Matt Clark; Vice President Holli Keefer; Secretary Laura Webster; Treasurer Christina Williams.

* Senior Class Top Salespeople (September): #1 Jen Geck, #2 Judy Dunn, #3 John Barr, #4 Ted Pearce, #5 Joy Canfield.

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--ALICE LEARN began Administrative Internship at the Middle School as Disciplinarian;
--MARY FRANZESE & BOOSTERS CLUB generated funding to re-do Tennis Courts and build dugouts on Baseball & Softball Fields;
--CARRIE SOLOMON became Volunteer Coordinator at the Elementary School

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* Chemung YOUTH LEADERSHIP students chosen: BREE ARGETSINGER, SARAH WRIGHT, PETER DUGO, HEATHER KENDALL

* AMY WIRTH: chosen as DAR GOOD CITIZEN Award winner

* Foreign Language Club officers: President Tara Smalley, Vice President Kerry Hoover, Secretary Angela Foster, Treasurer Janna Solomon, Historian Bree Argetsinger.

* Library Council: President Melanie White, Vice President Joy Canfield, Secretary-Treasuer Faith Perry.

* Foreign Language Semi-Formal Dance Royalty: King Ben Gee, Queen Iris Wenderoth, Prince Morgan Crooks, Princess Jessica Colon, Count Jesse Scott, Countess Jessica Craver, Duke Dan Banks, Duchess Mia Cox.

* Lip Sync "Contest" -- The 'Supremes' EILEEN MALANEY, DIANE WOOD & KAZ ESTELOW performed admirably; (Dick Clark did NOT call.)
Cinnaburst Lip Sync Winners were: THERESA MALINA, BETHANY BROWN and MEGHAN HANLEY.

* MRS. MARY HOARE donated copies of the 1901, 1909, 1910, 1911, & 1914 ORACLE to the school archives. (ORACLE was name of the school's YEARBOOK before the name change to SENECAN in 1954);

* Marine Corps MARATHON held in Washington, DC --- local competitors were:
MIKE WATSON - BRIAN COLEMAN - LAUREL MC INTYRE - DAN WELTON - MARIE FITZSIMMONS

* RED RIBBON WEEK: week's activities were coordinated by KAZ ESTELOW (and Chemical Awareness Team) and NANCY BAHNS (and SADD Club Members).

* November 22, 1993: RUTH WARNER retired as High School PSEN MATH after-school teacher after a long and illustrious carer as HS Math Teacher.

* CONGRESSMAN AMO HOUGHTON conducted a Town Meeting on December 15, 1993 for the following: Members of the Odessa-Montour Student Council, their Senior
Class Officers and a Government Enrichment Class; our Middle School Student Council; our High School Presidential Leadership Council, our National Honor Society, our Junior & Senior Student Council Homeroom Representatives, our Foreign Exchange students and our Sociology Class students.

* Athletic Council Members: BILL DAVIS, KAZ ESTELOW, MIKE WATSON, KATE LA MOREAUX, BOB KING, JAMIE HARTER, JESSICA COLON, HOLLY MOSHER, MATT MURPHY and BRIAN O'DONNELL.

* Library Council DOOR DECORATION Winners: 1st: KATE LA MOREAUX; 2nd: DIANA GROLL; 3rd: PAT TAMMARO

* BERN GOOSEN DAY: Friday, January 7, 1994 to honor one of the most popular and animated foreign exchange students we have ever hosted.

* AMANDA FOOTE: won 1st place at BOCES Cosmetology Competition.

Math League 1st competition: Top Honors to SARAH WRIGHT; Honorable Mention to MEGAN BAHNS, MICHELE BAHNS, MORGAN CROOKS, KERI MC ILROY, BRIAN FRIESEN, ROBERT LA TORRE & TATE MORRIS
Math League 2nd competition: Top Honors to MIKE PRESTON; Honorable Mention to AMY WIRTH & SARAH WRIGHT
Math League 3rd competition: Top Honors to MIKE PRESTON; Honorable Mention to: CHRIS FOLNSBEE, SARAH WRIGHT, GEORGE CUMMINGS, HOLLY MOSHER, DAVID WIERNIKI, TATE MORRIS & BENJI THORP.
Math League 4th competition: Top Honors to STEVE PLUMMER; Honorable Mention to LUKE CARR & GEORGE CUMMINGS
Math League 5th competition: Top Honors to STEVE PLUMMER; Honorable Mention to LUKE CARR, MORGAN CROOKS, TATE MORRIS, AMY WIRTH & PAUL WOODWORTH;
Math League 6th competition: Top Honors to ANDY HENDERSON; Honorable Mention to MORGAN CROOKS, ROBERT LA TORRE, AMY WIRTH, CHRIS FOLNSBEE, STEVE PLUMMER & PAUL WOODWORTH

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* 1/19/1994: School Cancelled: temperatures overnight were -10 to -20 with wind chills of -40 degrees (and we think this winter is cold); the year's 'planned' snow days were all utilized by January 19, 1994...

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* Class of 1992's LAUREL MC INTYRE completed her 1st 26.2 mile Marathon in November of 1993 running in the MARINE CORPS MARATHON and finishing in a time of 3 hours 45 minutes; 1st place among females age 19 and under.

* Alumni on Tour: MICHELLE WATSON & CATHY RONDINARO were part of the Roberts Wesleyan College Concert Band Tour which performed in Watkins Glen on February 23, 1994;

* Grade 10 Super Salespersons: SARA DOLLIVER, JENNIFER JELLIFF, GEORGE HEMPHILL, TONI CROUCH & J.D. ELLISON

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* Alumni in the News:
---NILS WATSON: SUNY Binghamton -Ranked #6 at 118 lbs. NYS Collegiate Top 80 Wrestling Rankings
---MATT MARCINIAK: West Point - Ranked #3 at 158 lbs., in same NYS Collegiate Top 80 Wrestling Rankings...

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* DAVE WARREN named as P.T.A. "Phoebe Apperson Hearst" EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

* 13th annual Congressional Art Competition: HEYLTJE BOND, BEN BINGHAM, MELISSA DILBERTO, HOLLIE HEATH, TARA SMALLEY

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ALUMNI NEWS: HEATHER THORP, Class of 1990, graduated from Alfred University with a perfect 4.0 GPA; additional honors included her basketball career as Alfred's 4th All-Time leading scorer with 971 points along with 480 rebounds (7th on the career list), plus a four-year average of 81.9% foul shooting (Alfred all-time record); she was nominated for Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association's ROBBINS AWARD (combined athletic and academic prowess!

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* "MARK TWAIN Scholars" for 1994: CHARLENE BELL, HEYLTJE BOND, JULIA EDMISTER, RHONDA ELLIOTT, AMY WIRTH

* DRUG FREE ZONE approved: thanks to the efforts of time and expertise from CYNDY WOOD, KAZ ESTELOW, NANCY BAHNS, NANCY CLEVELAND, LIZ PARADISO,
Sheriff's Dept. Lt. HOWARD DAVIS & Investigator MIKE WOOD, TRACIE MC ILROY, EILEEN MALANEY, LINDA FAZZARY, ROBIN WAITE, DANNIE BROWN and the members of the school's Chemical Awareness Team, the Board of Education formally approved the resolution to establish Drug Free Zones around our schools!

* New Middle School Principal appointed: MICHAEL J. O'LOUGHLIN was appointed as Middle School Principal (effective July 1994) in May of 1994 by the Board of Education; Mr. O'Loughlin, originally from the Syracuse area, was a former English teacher in both Junior and Senior High School, an Assistant Principal at Geneva Middle School and Director of Studies at Oaklawn Academy in Edgerton, Wisconsin.

* Past PROM Royalty:

1990: Queen Margaret Fazzary, King Trevor Holland.

1991: Queen Dodi Seiver, King Peter LaMoreaux.

1992: Queen Laurel McIntyre, King Brian Coleman.

1993: Queen Amy Hoagland, King Chad Hetherington.

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* Board of Education adopts budget for 1994 - 1995: $13,380,203 with a 12.13% increase to the Tax Levy.

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* "GARDEN FOUNTAIN" - South Courtyard: FHA/FACT (MRS. CHRIS HUSTON & Students) headed up the committee collecting funds for the new fountain - a plaque is on
permanent display listing all those who contributed - the plaque remains there today; the "Garden & Fountain" are long gone...

* PROM ROYALTY for 1994: Queen: JULIE EDMISTER; King: BEN GEE; Princess: TANYA LEONARD; Prince: DAVID SEITHER

* Foreign Exchange student PARMA ARAGON (Mexico) - Class of 1991 - visited here on May 27, 1994;

* New Inductees to National Honor Society:
SARAH WINSTEAD, PAUL WOODWORTH, KRISTINA JAYNES, TATE MORRIS, ED FALLON, MEGAN BAHNS, ANDY HENDERSON, KERRY HOOVER, GREG MAY, STEVE BIERLINE, BEN THORP, RALPH ZINN, JANET MORGAN, HEATHER REKCZIS, JANNA SOLOMON, KELLY THOMAS, NATHAN CORNISH, SARA DOLLIVER

* AMY WIRTH honored at Channel 5-WTVH (Syracuse) Valedictorian Luncheon - early June, 1994

* National Voc-Tech Students HONOR SOCIETY inductees:
TANYA LEONARD, REUBEN CHICONE, JASON CLUGSTONE, BEN ROUNDS, DAN MOWRY

* ROTARY students of the Month: October - BREE ARGETSINGER; November - SARAH WRIGHT; December - FRANK MADAFFARI; January - JULIE EDMISTER; February - AMY WIRTH; March - PAUL WOODWORTH; April - KRISTINA JAYNES; May - BEN BINGHAM

* Mark Twain Scholars: HEYLTJE BOND, CHARLENE BELL, JULIE EDMISTER, RHONDA ELLIOTT, AMY WIRTH

* KAZ ESTELOW & JUDY VAN SKIVER: both earned Masters' Degrees from Elmira College (awarded in June)

* Chaperones for annual Senior Trip to Darien Lake: NICK DUGO, KATE LA MOREAUX, DIANE WOOD, EILEEN MALANEY, JAMIE HARTER

* 1994 Yearbook was dedicated to DAVE WARREN

* Budget VOTE and Board of Education election results: Budget YES 456, NO 1,253; BOE Members: JAMES HOLLY & SAM SCHIMIZZI

* June 14, 1994 Board of Education meeting: ABBOTT MORGAN and MABEL RONDINARO retired;

* Participants in Elmira's ELMIRA-THON: DIANE WOOD, DAVID SEITHER, DARRICK BEBER, WILLIE WATSON, MIKE WATSON, GREG MAY, CHRIS FOLNSBEE, AARON SMITH, BOB FITZSIMMONS, PAULA FITZSIMMONS

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* 1993 - 1994 Special Accolades and Thanks...

-- to everyone for their patience and cooperation with our Austerity Budget Year, Science Classroom construction/renovation and Window Replacement Program;

-- BARB BALDWIN for 27 years of service to our District (25 of which were spent in the High School Main Office);

-- Excellence Committee: EMMA SMITH, JUNE IRMISCHER, DIANE WOOD, DANNIE BROWN, KATE LA MOREAUX

-- Tech Prep: KAZ ESTELOW; Sports Day: BARB HUGHEY

..........................see you all in April for news/notes from the 1994-1995 year...

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 44th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* Nice to hear from FRED & PEG LORENZ -- living in retirement in Florida -- who keep track of Schuyler County news via The Odessa File and look forward to the monthly school news. Fred was Middle School Principal (1977-1981) and High School Principal (1981-1988); Peg taught in our Elementary School, retiring in 1991 after a distinguished career.

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"ROTARY" Students of the Month --- honored for Truly Outstanding CONSISTENCY and CONTRIBUTIONS to their school & community...

1992-1993 (October-May): Mark Thomas, Kristen Brown, Amy Dugo, Michelle Watson, Matt Murphy, Chad Hetherington, Terry Lynn Sheesley, Caleb Wright.

1993-1994 (October-May): Bree Argetsinger, Sarah Wright, Frank Madaffari, Julia Edminster, Amy Wirth, Paul Woodworth, Kristina Jaynes, Ben Bingham

1994-1995 (October-May): Brett Mahon, Andy Henderson, Mary Brubaker, Seth DePuy, Angela Foster, Katie Bills, Blanche Franzese, Jessica Colon

1995-1996 (October-May): Peter Dugo, Mike Paugh, Stacey Morgan, Sarah Winstead, Heather Kendall, Rebecca Watson, Keri McIlroy, Janna Solomon

1996-1997 (October-May): Sarah Thompson, Matt Clark, Melanie Kress, Tammy Dobson, Bethany Brown, Cathy Barnes, Coveney Fitzsimmons, Chris Schoneman

1997-1998 (October-May): Holly Johnson, Melissa Kissell, Jason Barry, Julie Dill, Jessica Sedlack, Jessica O'Brien, Jon Evans, Audrey Byers

1998-1999 (October-May): Jesse Johnson, Jeff Learn, Carter May, Andrew Clark, Anne Bartone, Tracey Green, Brian Baker, Brandon Van Horn

1999-2000 (October-May): Cassandra Keefer, Erik Dalecki, Joel Wilbur, Marian Schamel, Kayla Evans, Charlie Chicone, Jenn Bills, Val Mahon

2000-2001 (October-May): David Boyle, Joshua Butler, Mark Matthews, Melanie Barnes, Jessica Conklin, Ashley Wood, Adam Kress, Leslie Miller

2001-2002 (October-May): Darcy Wood, Kylie Burchell, Philip St. Julien, Julie Miller, Chris Drake, Amy Chaffee, Brad Mathews, Jesse Ringsmuth

2002-2003 (October-May): Chris VanAmburg, Chris Tappan, Emily MacWilliams, Theresa Bianco, Kelsey Wood, George Whiting, Lindsay Lakomy, David Mizerak

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SUMMER SCHOOL Staff:

Principal 1989-93: Daniel Teed
Driver Education 1989-93: Gerald Loughlin and Richard McIntyre
English 1989-90: Hazel Verdegaal
English 1991: Hazel Verdegaal, Kelly Bonzo
English 1992: Jo Ann Axtell, Kelly Bonzo
English 1993: Jo Ann Axtell
History 1989-90: Craig Cheplick, Pat Wood
History 1991: Craig Cheplick, Nancy Bahns
Hisatory 1992: Craig Cheplick, Janel Simiele
Mathematics 1989: Nelson Beebe, Vinnie Evans, Lois Cutton
Mathematics 1990: Nelson Beebe, Vinnie Evans
Mathematics 1991: Nelson Beebe
Mathematics 1992-93: Nelson Beebe, Dave Warren
Science 1989-91: Bob Drabkowski
Science 1992-93: Rick Pettet
Occupational Ed. 1992-93: Karen John
Librarian 1989-93: Bob King

* Additonal personnel associated with various Summer School programs and responsibilities: Nick Dugo, Carol Kunzmann, Dave Cook, Lynn Norman and Abbott Morgan, and Summer School administrative interns John Vona II and Jim Wall. Special thanks to Nancy Loughlin, Nancy Cleveland and Traci McIlroy for all their assistance.

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1992-1993 school year highlights of note...

Board President: JOHN TERRY
High School Principal: BRIAN J. O'DONNELL
Superintendent: DON DRYDEN
Middle School Principal: PETER A. PEVO
Elementary School Principal: MICHAEL YUHASZ
Business Manager: CRAIG CARR
Faculty Association: President LINDA MOORE, Vice President KATHY SLUTY, Secretary BECKY SUE BIANCO, Treasurer KAREN ROWE

* New High School personnel included: JUDY SADLER (Chorus), GLORIA ANDERSON (Spanish - Long Term Substitute) , MARIE KEEFER (Teacher Aide), NANCY BAHNS (Social Studies), CHRISTINE MILLER (VATEA Program) and KIM HERRICK (Alcohol Clinic Counselor)

* Foreign Exchange Students: VALERIE LE RUTH (Belgium), PAULINE ROSENQVIST (Sweden), MERCEDES PENA (Canary Islands), BERNIE GOOSEN (South Africa)

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* A look back:

SHEIK SPAULDING --- our Hall Monitor --- retired on August 31, 1982 (his 79th Birthday) . He decided to retire to the more sedate life of assisting his wife Maxine in the running of her pre-school/child-care business;

HEATHER EVANS, Class of 1992, went to Budapest, Hungary for a year-long study;

KATHERINE MEIERJURGEN was on a one-year child care leave;

MARYANN VERTOSKE resigned in August to accept position as HS-LD Resource Room Teacher at Pavillion Central;

JACKIE WILSON, former Alcohol Clinic Counselor, resigned to return to college to become a Guidance Counselor

GINNY PANSERO, Curriculum Coordinator, resigned to accept K-2 Principalship at Spencer-Van Etten

DAVE MC NAMARA, Grant Writer, resigned to accept full-time position at Spencer-Van Etten

Our own BARB HUGHEY wall papered both of our cafeterias over the summer (an awesome job!)

JUDY VAN SKIVER was hired as a Grade 1 Teacher

MICHELE LA FORTY, Middle School Gr. 8 Social Studies teacher, was granted a year leave of absence to complete her Administrative Internship at Johnson City; GEOFFREY PIERCE was hired as her long-term substitute.

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* Remember Control Theory/Reality Therapy? SURVIVAL -- CONNECTEDNESS -- FREEDOM -- FUN -- POWER
--- taking RESPONSIBILITY for one's own actions
--- being SELF DISCIPLINED
--- all behaviors/actions have CONSEQUENCES...

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* HOLOCAUST Survivor DINA JACOBSON (imprisoned at Auschwitz Nazi Death Camp from 1941-1945) spoke to our students thanks to arrangements by NANCY LOUGHLIN.

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* Students of the Week for 1992-1993:

Sept. 7-11: JOE ECTOR
Sept. 14-18: NATE VAN OSTRAND
Sept. 21-25: MARK THOMAS
Sept. 28 - Oct. 2: VALERIE LE RUTH
Oct. 5-9: DAN HENDERSON
Oct. 12-16: LEIGH HAZLITT
Oct. 19-23: KRISTEN BROWN
Oct. 26-30: CHAD HETHERINGTON
Nov. 2-6: JENNY YUHASZ
Nov. 9-13: AMY DUGO
Nov. 16-20: AMY WIRTH
Nov 30-Dec. 4: CALEB WRIGHT, LEIGH HAZLITT, HELEN FRANZESE, JOB
PORTER & JEREMY BEBER, SANDERS WATSON, HEATHER LAUGHLIN & JOE
GIASI
Dec. 7-11: MICHELLE WATSON
Dec. 14-18: CATHY PERSHA
Jan. 4-8: STACEY MORGAN
Jan. 11-15: CHARLENE BELL
Jan. 18-23: MATT MURPHY
Jan. 25-29: ADRIANNA HIRTLER
Feb. 1-5: SARAH BOYLE
Feb. 8-12: TED PEARCE
Feb. 15-19: ABE PAZOS
Feb. 22-26: ANDY CHRISMAN
Mar. 1-5: JOE GIASI
Mar. 8-12: PAULINE ROSENQVIST
Mar. 15-19: TERRY LYNN SHEESLEY
Mar. 22-26: TIFFANY JAYNES
Mar.31-Apr.2: MORGAN CROOKS
Apr. 5-8: LAURA VOORHEIS
Apr. 19-23: PATRICIA AMEIGH
Apr. 26-30: CALEB WRIGHT
May 3-7: JANNA SOLOMON
May 10-14: AMY HOAGLAND
May 17-21: MIKE PRESTON
May 24-28: TRACI JONES
May 31-June 4: KIM SMITH
June 7-11: JEREMY BEBER
June 14-19: BREE ARGETSINGER
June 21-25: JOE PORTER

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* KIWANIS CLUB Athletes of the Month:

September: NATHAN VAN OSTRAND
October: JEREMY BEBER
November: KRISTEN BROWN
December: MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER
January: SANDERS WATSON
February: CHAD HETHERINGTON & CALEB WRIGHT
March: MIKE ELLIOTT
April: DOMINICK SMITH
May: JESSICA CRAVER
June: TRACY WILLIAMS and DAVID SEITHER

* Christmas 1992 Library Council-sponsored classroom "DOOR DECORATION CONTEST":
1st: MR. DAN TEED; 2nd: MR. NICK DUGO; 3rd: MRS. DIANE WOOD & MR. DON DRYDEN (tie)

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* How to attain EXCELLENCE:

CARE more than others think is WISE;
RISK more than others think is SAFE;
DREAM more than others think is PRACTICAL;
EXPECT more than others think is POSSIBLE

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* An alumni update: HEATHER THORP, Class of 1990, a Junior at Alfred, connected on 94.7% of her Free Throws --- best in the entire country among NCAA Division III schools;
she also carried a PERFECT 4.0 GPA in the classroom; HEATHER led the Alfred Saxons in scoring in 1991-92 and earned All-Empire Athletic Association Honors.

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* 1992-93 BOCES Media Arts Festival "EXCALIBUR AWARD Winners" --- TRACY LEDERMAN, DAN HENDERSON and SHELI THOMPSON

* PROM Royalty in review.....

1990: Queen Margaret Fazzary, King Trevor Holland
1991: Queen Dodi Seiver, King Peter LaMoreaux
1992: Queen Laurel McIntyre, King Brian Coleman
1993: Queen Amy Hoagland, King Chad Hetherington

* MARK TWAIN SCHOLARS: SARAH BOYLE, KRISTEN BROWN, MICHELLE WATSON, MARK THOMAS & KATHLEEN SCHAMEL

* 1993 All-Night SENIOR PARTY Parents Committee:
SANDRA VAN HORN, JUDY PEARCE, SARAH RICHTMYER, CHUCK RICHTMYER, MARCIE ERGOTT

* PTA AWARDS:

Educator of the Year ----- DIANE MELVENEY
Scholarship Award ------ AMY DUGO
Art Award ---------------- SANDERS WATSON
Humanitarian Award------ AMY DUGO
Volunteer of the Year----- LINDA CHAFFEE

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Profile of the IDEAL High School Graduate:

Mastery of: Reading, Writing, Oral Communication, Math, Science & Computer Skills...
Must Be: Responsible, Dependable, Accountable, Trustworthy, Loyal & Enthusiastic.....
- strictly adhere to high standards & punctuality
- have good hygiene, courtesy, appearance & attentiveness
- understand importance of deadlines
- have a marketable skill

(From the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Business Education Roundtable Committee)

How do we stack up today?????

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1992-1993 Football season Cheerleaders...

Varsity: SUZY WILBUR, SAMANTHA OLIVER, JAIME BELIGOTTI, PEGGY THORPE, TERRY SHEESLEY, CATHY RONDINARO, JUDY DUNN, ROBYN LAUGHLIN, KIM FRANZESE & HELEN FRANZESE
JV: WENDY GREEN, AMBER CHRISMAN, STACY KRNOTCH, AMY REASOR & JAMIE COLON

* Student Council Officers:

President: AMANDA HENRY
Vice Pres.: AMY WINSTEAD
Secretary: KATHLEEN SCHAMEL
Treasurer: CHRIS KING

Grade 9 Class Officers:

President: KERI MC ILROY
Vice Pres.: HEATHER KENDALL
Secretary: ANDREA REMMERT
Treasurer: TRISHA GARDNER

* Alumni News: TONY BARTONE & PATRICK MADAFFARI (Class of 1992) left on 9/27/92 for Basic Training with the United States Marines

* Library Council Officers: President - PEGGY THORPE, Vice Pres. - TERRY SHEESLEY, Secretary - KIM FRIESEN, Treasurer - SAMANTHA OLIVER

* On October 5, 1992 CHARLES BUTLER, SR., began Hall Monitor responsibilities in the High School working daily from 1:45/3:45 p.m.

* CAROL HOPPE substituted in the High School LD Resource Room from 9/14-10/13 1992; CHRIS FISHER then began teaching full time in that position.

* Science Club Officers: President - SARAH BOYLE, Vice Pres. - GREG SHARAF, Secretary - KRISTIN BROWN, Treasurer - CHRIS FOLNSBEE

* Annual BIOLOGY Regents AWARD winners:
1985: FAITH MUIRHEAD (99%)
1986: FRED THORP (99%)
1987: TROY HETHERINGTON (99%), MIKE MUIRHEAD (99%)
1988: CHAD MORRIS (97%), KIM NOBLE (97%)
1989: CHRISTINE FRANZESE (99%), JUSTIN KITTELL (99%), BRIAN THOMAS (99%)
1990: SARAH THORP (99%).....
1991: JOE GIASI (99%)
1992: BEN BINGHAM (99%)

* Chemical Awareness Team Members: AMY DUGO, AMY WINSTEAD, MATT MURPHY, KATHLEEN SCHAMEL, CHAD HETHERINGTON, KRISTEN BROWN,
HEIDI DRAKE, AMANDA HENRY, ADRIANNA HIRTLER, AMY HOAGLAND, CHRIS KING, and HOLLY MOSHER.
*Faculty Member KATHLEEN ESTELOW was Team Advisor.

* Faculty "Advice" to students (and others):

MR. CHEPLICK: "Work hard --- play hard."
MRS. MELVENEY: "To thine own self be true."
MR. HARTER: "Life's too short not to have fun and try new things."
MRS. LA MOREAUX: " Don't let life just happen. Set goals, make plans and be happy. For the most part people can be as happy as they decide to be."
MR. PETTET: "Hard work pays off."
MRS. WOOD: "It's never too late to do or try anything."
MRS. HUGHEY: "Fit people are ordinary people with conscious determination."
MR. SMITH: "Stay in school and learn what you can right now because you may not get the same chance again."

* Project Adventure brought to WGHS by JANIE HARTER: Ask HELEN FRANZESE and AMANDA HENRY what it was like to climb into the rafters in the gymnasium.

* Physical Education "Celebrities": Hula Hoop Competition: PATTY AMEIGH (202), RICH PIKE (199), CHRIS LE ROUX (175), ROBERT LA TORRE (153).
Novelty Archery Shoot: JASON NOVAK (66), Chris Pike (58), DOUG OLIVER (52), KEVIN RUMSEY (49)

* SADD Officers: President - SHARON WESTERVELT, Vice Pres. - JIM HOAGLAND, Secretary - CHRISTY COLE, Treasurer - KIM FAGE

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* Science Club "Metric Estimation Competition": 1st: AARON SMITH, 2nd RICK PIOTTI, 3rd GEORGE HEMPHILL

* COACH MICHELE VENDITTO and Girls Basketball Team defeated Moravia 46-44 for COACH VENDITTO'S 1st Varsity Win --- she would go on to coach more than 100 wins.

* Door Decoration -- Library Council-sponsored Christmas season activity coordinated by Librarian BOB KING and Aide HELEN HUMAN
1st Place: MR. TEED, 2nd Place: MR. DUGO, 3rd Place: MRS. DIANE WOOD and MR. DRYDEN

* Anyone on the High School Faculty/staff remember the "Old Gray Mare Band" and the newest "Golden Girl" honored in December of 1992???

* Remember KATHERINE MEIERJURGEN's coordination of the "Sister School" effort with school in SORIA, SPAIN???

* HENRY SGRECCI & JOHN LOOSE were honored as "ILLUSTRIOUS ALUMNI"

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* Remember SENATOR RANDY KUHL having breakfast at the high school on January 15, 1993?
Remember Cafeteria Director GERRY HOUSE providing "Train Mix" in the faculty lounges in interest of health & wellness?
Remember the "Compact for Learning"?
Remember the "Winston Man - DAVE GOERLITZ" visiting the Middle School?
Remember the "Risograph," "Xerox," "Savin" and other copy machines we tried out?
Remember Excellence Committees were re-named as Shared Decision Making Committees?
Remember Donkey Basketball games? Remember the Animal Rights protesters?
Remember the Elementary School Fife & Drum Corps? Members of the Class of 1993 were in the very 1st Gr. 4 Fife and Drum Corps.

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* Some of our "Teachers of the Week" and their advice:

DIANA GROLL: "Always give your whole heart, soul and energy to what you do."
DAVE WARREN: "Enjoy every minute of every day and don't sweat the small stuff. Life goes on."
CHRIS HUSTON: "Listen openly, think lovingly, speak kindly."
MIKE WATSON: "Fight the good fight. Finish the race."
NANCY BAHNS: "Make quality work your signature."
BOB KING: "Be aware, be inquisitive and read to stretch your mind and your horizons."

SEE YOU IN MARCH!!!

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 43rd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As we begin this New Year of 2011, it's only appropriate to look back on 2010 and remember those who have passed from us:

January: no new additions (thankfully)

February: 4th: HELEN HUMAN, HS Library Clerk for 30 years;
6th: NICOLINA BIAGETTI, Library Clerk through RSVP Program

March: 30th: ELLA MAE SLATTERY, former Cafeteria employee

April: No one (thankfully)

May: 24th: HEATHER YUHASZ, Class of 1995

June: 19th: JUDY DUNN CHRISMAN, Class of 1994

July: No one (thankfully)

August: 12th: MATT OPDYKE
21st: HARRIETT REASOR, former Bus Driver & Transportation Secretary

September: 4th: CHRISTINE COSGROVE, long-time substitute teacher and teacher aide
13th: MARY STEPHNO TURNER, former Teacher Aide
15th: JEANNETTE HULL, long-time Kindergarten Teacher
17th: GRACE GAIGE, former Payroll Clerk

October: 10th: LINDA FAZZARY, ES Nurse's Aide & substitute
15th: HARRY RICE, former Maintenance/Custodial employee

November: 13th: BOB CHURCH, former custodian

December: 11th: HELEN SORTORE, former cafeteria employee
12th: LEE HOUSEKNECHT, former High School teacher
17th: GERALD LOUGHLIN, former teacher & coach
18th: JEANNETTE STEPHNO, former Teacher Aide
30th: MARGARET O'GRADY PHELPS, former Dental Hygienist & Health Education Teacher 1956-1976

* My apologies for anyone I have left out of this listing.

* When you stop and think and look back upon 2010 and remember all the wonderful people taken from us by death who contributed so much of their time and talent to the children of the Watkins Glen Central School District, you realize what a loss we have experienced. To the families of HEATHER, MATT and JUDY --- students I knew from my tenure as High School Principal --- gone much too soon --- continued thoughts and prayers for you also.

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Let's look at the 1991-1992 school year...

* Top Ten students in the Class of 1992:

- SARAH GRACE THORP - Valedictorian;
- STEVEN PIKE - Salutatorian;
- plus: HEATHER LYNNE EVANS, BRIAN B. COLEMAN, SUZANNE M. CHAMPION, ROBIN E. LOKKEN, LAUREL A. MC INTYRE, ROBERT S. ZEMANEK III,
KAREN M. STODDARD and STEVEN THOMAS UNDERWOOD.

* New HS Teachers: MR. RICK PETTET (Earth Science) and MR. BRAD SMITH (Technology/BOCES) plus TRACIE MC ILROY as Discipline Monitor/Clerk
* Foreign Exchange Students: PRISCILLA ANNUNZIATA & PATRICIA AZEVEDO (from Brazil) and BENJAMIN BRANDT (Germany)
* goodbye to retirees from 1990/91 school year: MRS. BETTY FERRI, MRS. KITTY DEPEW and MRS. BEA VALENT from staff, and faculty members ERNIE TOLMAN
(Vocal Music), ANDY HOLMES (English) and BOB DRABKOWSKI (Science)

* Student of the Week recognition:
September 2-6th: RONI PIERCE
September 9-13th SARAH THORP
September 16-20th: SYD SMITH
September 23-27th: NATE VAN OSTRAND
September 30/Oct. 4th PARMA ARAGON
October 7-11th KRISTEN BROWN
October 14-18th: TONY BOND
October 21-25th: JEFF FAZZARY
October 28-Nov.1st: AMANDA HENRY
November4-8th: LEAH EVERTTS
November 11-15th: MARK THOMAS
November 18-22nd: KRISTEN BROWN
November 25-29th: MIKE GILL
December 2-6th: BEN BRANDT
December 9-14th: CHARLENE BELL
December 16-20th: BEN BINGHAM
January 6-10th: MIKE ELLIOTT
January 13-17th: HEYLTJE BOND
January 20-24th: HOLLY MOSHER & SHELLY THOMPSON
January 27-31st: DENNIS RICHTMYER
February 3-7th: RONI PIERCE & ANDI WHITTAKER
February 10-14th: RICHARD AUGUSTINE, MIKE GILL and ANTHONY
MANSFIELD
February 24-28th: CHRIS GLICK
March 2-6th: BRETT MAHON
March 16-20th: MIKE GILL, JEFF FAZZARY, CHRIS KING and STEVE PIKE
March 23-27th: KAREN GOULD
March 30-Apr. 3rd: PATRICIA AZEVEDO
April 6-10th: KIM HERRIOTT
April 27- May 1st: PRISCILLA ANNUNZIATA
May 11-15th: DENISE OSBORNE and KAREN STODDARD
May 19:22nd: KRISTINA JAYNES
May 26-29th: LAUREL MC INTYRE
June 8-12th: MATT MURPHY

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* Student Council Officers:

President: ROB ZEMANEK
Vice President: AMANDA HENRY
Secretary: KATHLEEN SCHAMEL
Treasurer: SYD SMITH

* Freshman Class Officers:

President: MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER
Vice President: JESSICA COLON
Secretary: KERRI MOORE
Treasurer: SARAH WRIGHT

* Senior Class officers:

President: BRIAN COLEMAN
Vice President: MARY FRANZESE
Secretary: RONI PIERCE
Treasurer: MIKE GILL

* Science on Seneca Field Trip with MRS. JUNE IRMISCHER: DIANA VAUGHN, JULIE MALNOSKE, NADINE BROWN, BILL OECHSLIN, TYRRELL NELSON, ANTHONY MANSFIELD, ROB ZEMANEK, STEVE PIKE, SUE CHAMPION, NATE IVEN, IAN IRMISCHER, BRIAN COLEMAN, CURTIS JOSEY & HEATHER EVANS

* CLASS OF 1994 Officers:

President: CHRIS KING
Vice President: ED FALLON
Secretary: JULIE EDMISTER
Treasurer: AMY WIRTH

* Class of 1993 Officers:

President MIKE YUHASZ:
Vice President: AMY WINSTEAD
Secretary: AMY DUGO
Treasurer: LEIGH HAZLITT

* (Note from the past: JOHN DILTS, JR., Class of 1987 - graduated from SUNY Binghamton with an overall GPA of 3.8)

* September 30, 1991: Foreign Exchange student PARMA ARAGON (Mexico) concluded her year at Watkins Glen High School --- her stay with us was most enjoyable and
positive for all of us!!!

* (Note from the past: Our Interim Superintendent JOHN SKAWSKI - July/Nov. 1990 - was inducted into Cornell University's athletic HALL OF FAME: Mr. Skawski was a 3-year member of the Baseball Team, a 2-year member of the Varsity Football Team, a 1-year "Lightweight" Football Team member, held the University's record in two weight divisions in Boxing, and held Cornell's Varsity Football scoring record with 3 touchdowns and 3 extra points in 1945).

* Corning MATH CONTEST Winners:

1st: TONY BOND
2nd: MARK THOMAS & STEVE PIKE
3rd: JAMIE TRUXON
4th: ADRIANNA HIRTLER

* Senior Class Magazine Sales leaders:

#1 - CHRISTINA RICHTMYER; #2 - HEATHER EVANS; #3 - ROB ZEMANEK; #4 - RONI PIERCE; #5 - CHRIS GLICK; #6 - PAT MADAFFARI; #7 - ANTHONY MANSFIELD; #8 - MONICA TAYLOR; #9 - DEVIN BARBER; #10 - JOSH KINNE

* Homecoming Queen and her Court: Queen: RONI PIERCE; Court: MARY FRANZESE, MICHELLE COMPTON & CRYSTAL SHEESLEY

* Remember Outcome Driven Developmental Model (ODDM) and Johnson City's LARRY ROWE? How about Control Theory/Reality Therapy??? How about Transformational Leadership? DAVE MAC NAMARA - Grant Writer? GINNY PANSERO - Curruculum Coordinator? Compact for Learning and NYS Commissioner of Education THOMAS SOBOL ("It takes a whole village to raise a child")?

* Freshman Class Sales Leaders: HEATHER & HEIDI YUHASZ

* "WALTER JENNINGS TRANSPORTATION AWARD" Winners: JUDY PEARCE, RICK DUNN, JERRY ANN O'DONNELL, JOHN FAZZARY & CHUCK RICHTMYER
with Honorable Mention to JOHN LUTOMSKE.

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* October 24, 1991 comparison of States in financial troubles...

Most Severe problems: CALIFORNIA, MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA

Fairly Severe problems: NEW YORK, OHIO, TEXAS, FLORIDA, N. CAROLINA

Managable problems: ILLINOIS

Fast forward to now --- ALL states probably "qualify" for the "Most Severe Problems" category.....

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*Athletes of the Month --- honored by the KIWANIS CLUB...

- September: KRISTEN BROWN
- October: LEAH EVERTTS
- November: SANDERS WATSON
- December: MIKE ELLIOTT

* SUNY Cortland Football Team won ECAC Division III Northeast CHAMPIONSHIP finishing season at 8-3 with 21-6 win over Plymouth State --- CRAIG CHEPLICK
served as SUNY Cortland's Offensive Coach...

* Library Council-sponsored Classroom Door Decoration contest winners for 1990:

1st place: MRS. La MOREAUX; 2nd place: MISS SEARLES; 3rd place: MISS ESTELOW

*Winners for 1991 were:

1st place: MR. THOMAS; 2nd place: MRS. D. WOOD; 3rd place: MR. WATSON & MRS. MELVENEY

* RONI PIERCE was in the "Honorable Mention" category as one of 50 young women nationwide honored in the 1991 NOXZEMA Extraordinary Teen Contest.

* 3rd Math League Contest - top honors to: TONY BOND, STEVE PIKE, MICHELLE WATSON & CALEB WRIGHT
4th Math League contest - top honors to ADRIANNA HIRTLER & TONY BOND
5th Math League contest - top honors to DAN HENDERSON (Honorable Mention to: JOE GIASI, LEIGH HAZLITT & MICHELLE WATSON)
6th Math League contest - top honors to TONY BOND & ADRIANNA HIRTLER (Honorable Mention ANTHONY MANSFIELD and DAN HENDERSON)

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How do we stack up today??? The National Educational Goals in 1992:
1) ALL children will begin school ready to learn
2) High School graduation rate will be increased from current 72% rate to 90% or more.
3) Students will leave Gr. 4, Gr. 8 and Gr. 12 passing exams and showing competency in the areas of English, Math & Science.
4) United States' students will be 1st in the world in Math & Science.
5) Every adult will be literate.
6) Every school in America will be drug and violence free.

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* TED PEARCE - foreign exchange student attending school in New Zealand reported in January that he's enjoying summer vacation and seeing as much of the country there as possible.

* 1st Place in BOCES - VICA Competition:
--- DEVIN BARBER: Precision Machining
--- KAREN STODDARD: Data Processing
--- DENISE OSBORNE: VICA Officers competition

* HEATHER EVANS honored:
- chosen by Business & Professional Women's Clubs of NYS to attend 1992 Youth Leadership Conference
- selected by NYS Bar Association & NYS Education Department as recipient of Community Service Award

* Academic Challenge/Knowledge Master Team: CATHY RONDINARO, MARK THOMAS, KATHLEEN SCHAMEL, MATT OPDYKE, KRISTEN BROWN, KAREN GOULD & CHRIS FOLNSBEE

* KRISTEN BROWN ----- DAN HENDERSON ----- CATHY RONDINARO
... honored as three of the top 50,000 (out of more than one million students) "HIGHEST SCORING CANDIDATES" in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

* Six candidates ran for two Board of Education seats: ED HETHERINGTON, SHARON HOOPER, ROBERT DILL, LOLA MITCHELL, VICKI SCHAMEL and ROBERT OSBORN.

* Student "ASSISTANTS" for the annual Grade 4 Swim Meet:
KRISTEN BROWN, MEGAN BAHNS, MICHELE BAHNS, CHERI VAN AMBURG, TIM RUSSELL, SARAH WRIGHT, JESSICA FRANZESE, MARY BRUBAKER, CHRIS PIKE, CHRISTINA RICHTMYER, MIKE ELLIOTT, MARK THOMAS, MELITA GREENLEAF, TRACY WILLIAMS

* Boys' State: BOB ERGOTT, MATT OPDYKE, MIKE LA MOREAUX, DAN HENDERSON, MARK THOMAS, RYAN JOSLYN
Girls' State: AMY DUGO, KRISTEN BROWN

* Chemical Awareness Team: AMY DUGO, KATHLEEN SCHAMEL, MATT MURPHY, Coach BILL DAVIS

* "GLEN MOUNTAIN MARKET" opens in town --deli/groceries/baked goods and more --- under ownership of Class of 1983 graduates: SHARI (SCAPTURA) and BRUD HOLLAND.

* Newly elected Members of National Honor Society:

LAUREL MC INTYRE, RHONDA ELLIOTT, DAN HENDERSON, JULIE EDMISTER, CHARLENE BELL, BEN BINGHAM, AMY WIRTH, CHRIS KING, HEYLTJE BOND

* "Mark Twain" Scholars: BRIAN COLEMAN, SUE CHAMPION, SARAH THORP, HEATHER EVANS, STEVE PIKE, KAREN STODDARD

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JUDY SWARTHOUT, former Business Teacher & Yearbook Advisor, received her LAW DEGREE from Dickinson Law School (Carlisle, Pa.) on June 6, 1992

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* The NEW "Basics" for ALL students: self confidence, fresh ideas, good manners, quick thinkers, effective communicators, technical knowledge, team players, good listeners, willing learners.....

* PERFECT ATTENDANCE for the 1991-1992 school year.

Grade 9: TABATHA AYERS, KARISMA BARBER, BRIAN DENNISON, AMANDA FOOTE, ANGELA FOSTER, BLANCHE FRANZESE, DAYNA LOKKEN, JASON MC GROGAN, MELANIE NORMAN, MARTHA ROBBS, JONATHAN SMITH

Grade 10: CASEY COX, TOM FOLNSBEE, JENNIFER GECK, BEN GEE, CHRIS KING, FRANK MADAFFARI, HOLLY MOSHER, LAUREN RICHTMYER, SHARON WESTERVELT, AMY WIRTH, RALPH ZINN

Grade 11: PATRICIA AMEIGH, COREY ERVAY, LYNANN FITCH, HEATHER LAUGHLIN, HENRY MEYERDIERKS, KIM SMITH, SUZE WILBUR, MIKE YUHASZ

Grade 12: MICHELLE COX, STEVE DECKER**, DEBORAH-PRIMERANO

**STEVE DECKER: HAD PERFECT ATTENDANCE THROUGHOUT HIS ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER...

* Speaking of PERFECT ATTENDANCE: I noticed in the Elmira Star Gazette obituaries for December 30th one for W. JOHN SMITH, age 89 of Valois, NY. In MR. SMITH's obituary it mentions, "John graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1940 after 12 years of never being tardy or missing a day of school from elementary through high school." Obviously this was a great achievement and one he cherished throughout his lifetime. Our condolences to his family with thanks to him for setting such a nice example of dependability & responsibility for others to imitate.

See you in February.....

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 42nd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Condolences to the family of BOB CHURCH -- former building custodian (Elementary & High Schools) with 23+ years of service in the late 1960's - early 1980's; BOB died on November 13th!

****************************************************************
1990 continued...

* Summer School Staff:
-- MR. DAN TEED - Principal
-- MR. DAVE WARREN, EOP Program; MR. RICHARD MC INTYRE & MR. JERRY LOUGHLIN, Driver Education; MRS. PAT WOOD & MR. CRAIG CHEPLICK, History; MRS. HAZEL VERDEGAAL, English; MR. NELSON BEEBE and MR. VINNIE EVANS, Mathematics; MRS. CHRISTINE SEITHER, Spanish; MR. BOB DRABKOWSKI, Science; & MR. BOB KING, Librarian

* Thanks & Appreciation to the committee who organized and implemented the annual All Night Senior Party in June: DENNY TEETER, SARAH RICHTMYER, CHUCK RICHTMYER, SANDY VAN HORN and JUDY PEARCE plus additional chaperones: JIM SCOTT, BLAINE MOREHOUSE, CATHY DECKER, RICHARD DECKER, TRESSA BRAATEN & ANTHONY FAZZARY. Others providing assistance were: HELEN SIPPERLEY, KAREN FESMIRE, MARGARET STRONG, MARY WHITE & MARK MURPHY

* GRADUATES honored:
-- MICHELE PIERCE: earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, accepted a staff position at Elmira's St. Joseph's Hospital and now is on the staff of Schuyler Hospital;

-- JASON FAY: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering and received an award for the best computer engineering project;

-- BRETT BRUBAKER: received the Commandant of Cadets Award for Military Excellence at Bucknell University where he is a Freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering

* New Faculty Members for 1990-1991 school year at the High School were:
-- BRIDGETTE SEARLES - French; MARYANN VERTOSKE - Resource Room; KATHLEEN ESTELOW - Business Education; NANCY BAHNS - LTS Social Studies

* September 1990 - CHARLENE BELL, Gr. 9 student becomes first female member of Boys' JV FOOTBALL Team;
* September 1990: KIRRA MC DERMOTT was crowned HOMECOMING QUEEN by 1989 Queen JODI SIPPERLEY
* September 25th: PHYLLIS BOND (Elementary School), BECKY SUE BIANCO (Middle School) and CAROL KUNZMANN (High School) plus KAREN ROWE, YVONNE BURT and HAZEL VERDEGAAL presented the District READING PROGRAM to the Board of Education
* September 1990: Corning Community College Mathematics Exam competition results:
1st: JUSTIN KITTELL
2nd: BRIAN THOMAS
3rd: PETER LA MOREAUX/CHRISTINE FRANZESE
4th: FRANK SPENA

* CLARENCE SEBRING & MIKE DE NARDO were applauded by the Board of Education for the fine job they --- and so many others - did in connection with the recent Elementary School renovation and new construction; "Labor Day" had new meaning that year getting the school ready for opening on time in September!!!

* October 1990: MRS. DIANE WOOD & MR. NICK DUGO accompanied the Business Law students to Camp Monterey for a presentation;

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* HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PLAN for 1990-1991 SCHOOL YEAR - Via BUILDING EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE.....
-- continued MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS mailed to all parents; - IMPROVED system of telephoning parents of absent students on a daily basis
-- supported D-DAY (activities/career education events); sponsored SUMMER ORIENTATION Program (initiated SUMMER OPEN HOUSE for incoming Freshmen);
-- enhanced Awards/Recognition for STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT; Implemented revised/stricter ATTENDANCE POLICY;
-- implemented INDEPENDENT STUDY Program; worked on ELIGIBILITY POLICY with AFTER SCHOOL REMEDIATION/STUDY SKILLS segment
-- researched SINGLE-PERIOD LUNCH Procedure; revised SUMMER SCHOOL Policies & Procedures;

Assisted in development of District MISSION STATEMENT:
"Together school and community shall provide for growth, learning and achievement at all levels."

High School Excellence Committee Members: EMMA SMITH, JUNE IRMISCHER, NANCY LOUGHLIN, DANNIE BROWN, JERRY LOUGHLIN, KATHERINE MEIERJURGEN
and BRIAN O'DONNELL
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* High School HELPLINE COMMITTEE...

Members: DANNIE BROWN, NANCY CLEVELAND, CAROL KUNZMANN, NANCY LOUGHLIN, EILEEN MALANEY, KATHY MEIERJURGEN, LYNN NORMAN, LIZ PARADISO, DIANE WOOD, & CYNDY WOOD

Monthly Focus:
September: Smoking & Chew; October: Smoking & Self Esteem; November: Ways to say "NO"; December: Holiday "Blues"; January: Mental/Physical; February: Family/School Problems; March: Alcohol Issues; April: Sexuality & AIDS, Health Issues & Winter Stress; May: Alcohol/SADD; June: Self Esteem

..... a group of caring & dedicated people willing to be there for students (listen to concerns and offer suggestions for solutions)

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* "Moment of Silence" for those who died in August of 1990:
- WALTER WOOD (Woodie) ES Swimming Program helper and HS Hall Monitor
- DOROTHY SHAND - former Gr. 1 Teacher in late 1960's/early 1970's
- BOB TEED - former School Bus Driver with over 20 years of service
- GINNY RONDINARO - former ES Teacher Aide

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* CAROL KUNZMANN introduced new term to our vocabulary: "CONGRUENCE" (Communication among faculty which led to greatest success among students);

* JOHN TUNNICLIFF and SADD Club were a positive influence all year long;

* Youth Leadership Program Conference (Pittsburg, Pa.): attendees included HEATHER EVANS, MISSY HYER & JOHN TUNNICLIFF

* HOMECOMING FLOAT results: 1st: Gr. 10; 2nd: Gr. 12; 3rd: Gr. 9; and 4th: Gr. 11

* Standard School Year (Worldwide) Country Scheduled Days of Student Attendance:

Japan 243
West Germany 226-240
South Korea 220
Israel 216
Luxembourg 216
Netherlands, Scotland, & Thailand 200
England, Hungary, Switzerland, Finland, France 182-192
UNITED STATES 180
* Source: Atlantic Monthly, Nov. 1990

* October 23, 1990 Board of Education meeting:
-- Appointed DONALD A. DRYDEN, Superintendent of Schools, effective November 18, 1990
-- heard K-12 Health Department presentation by: MIKE WATSON, BETTY LOU PEARSALL and MR. PETER PEVO and students: MIKE GILL, HELEN FRANZESE, ADAM CHARTRAND, RONI PIERCE, RANDY GIBSON

* "Marine Corps Marathon": MIKE WATSON competed and finished the 26+ mile run in 3 hours 11 minutes (very commendable time)

* Then and now: Advice from National "American Teacher" Award winner :
- Students: demand the very best from your teachers
- Parents: communicate with the schools
- Teachers: advocate for students
- Business: share financial resources and make educators accountable
- Administration: recognize power teachers have to touch hearts and minds

* Athletic Council Members: BILL DAVIS, KATE LA MOREAUX, BOB KING, MIKE WATSON & BRIAN O'DONNELL

* MIKE PRESTON: Top Salesman in Freshman Class; GRETCHEN FOLTS: cited as outstanding student by BOCES

* Christmas Season "Door Decorating" Contest: 1st Place: MRS. LA MOREAUX; 2nd place: MISS SEARLES; 3rd Place: MISS ESTELOW

* MRS. LA MOREAUX's Theatre Production class performed "JUVIE" for Gr. 9-12 students;

* Graduates address Seniors to help prepare them for "Life" after High School: MARCUS LAROSE, JEFF KING, MARGARET FAZZARY, AARON PETTIS, JOHN BONZO, RUSTY FESMIRE, JENNIFER BALCH, SHARON PORTER, & JOHN FESMIRE.

* January 23rd NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY: we thanked BETTY LOU PEARSALL and her assistants (LIZ PARADISO - HS; PAT VAN AMBURG - MS, and LINDA FAZZARY - ES).

* National Merit Scholarship Finalists (fewer than 1/2 of 1% of all High School Seniors reach this distinction): Congratulations to JUSTIN KITTELL & BRIAN THOMAS

**********************************************************

* MATT MARCINIAK DAY - March 4, 1991: a partial listing of Matt's accomplishments:
- Student Council Vice President - National Honor Society Gr. 10-11-12 - Class of 1991 Ranking at #10 - Accepted at WEST POINT - Wrestling Team Tri-Captain - Empire State Games 1990 GOLD & SILVER medalist; plus the following WRESTLING honors:

1989: 5that NYS Championship Tournament, 1st at Watkins Glen Invitational, 1st in IAC Championship Rankng, 1st at Class C Championship tournament, 1st at Section IV Championship Tournament. Season record of 37-2.

1990: 3rd at NYS Championship Tournament, 1st at Watkins Glen Invitational, 1st in IAC Championship Rankng, 1st at Class C Championship tournament, 1st at Section IV Championship Tournament. Season record of 38-1.

1991: 1st at NYS Championship Tournament, 1st at Watkins Glen Invitational, 1st in IAC Championship Rankng, 1st at Class C Championship tournament, 1st at Section IV Championship Tournament. Season record of 41-0.

New York State Career Leader in Victories with overall record of 189-30-1.....

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* "MARK TWAIN SCHOLARS" selected (Top 5% of Senior Class):
PETER LA MOREAUX, JUSTIN KITTELL, BRIAN THOMAS, CHRISTINE FRANZESE, MICHELLE SEITHER, MELANIE DYER

* A SOLDIER's STORY: Special thanks were extended to GREG BURNETT (Class of 1986) and his wife Leigh Ann and to LARRY COMPTON (Class of 1987) and his wife Carol for visiting and sharing experiences as we were able to honor and thank two of our soldiers.

* KATEY CHEPLICK: born April 21, 1991 weighing in at 9 lbs. 14 ounces - made her 1st appearance, going on to fame as a tremendous local and college athlete, along with being a fine student and person!

* EMMA SMITH & NANCY BAHNS organized another group of soldiers speaking with our students: STAFF SERGEANT JEFF ELLISON (Class of 1978), E4 PAUL SIMPSON (Class of 1987) and PFC RAY MORRISSETTE (Class of 1990) shared their experiences from "Operation Desert Storm"

* TRAVIS FRIELE: 1st Place - NYS Champion - VICA Skills Olympics at BOCES in Precision Machining represented all of NYS at National Competition held in Louisville, Kentucky;

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* May 5, 1991: Former Superintendent of Schools DR. LLOYD N. PEAK passed away. In one of his last communications to our Watkins Glen faculty he stated:

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with you in providing instructional opportunities for the students of this district for more than nineteen but less than twenty years. It has been a rewarding, challenging and occasionally frustrating experience. I am grateful to you and my many friends and supporters in the school community for what has been a fulfilling life for me and for my family."

An Elmira Star Gazette "Laurel" following one contract extension described Dr. Peak as "calm, quiet and dignified."

Dr. Peak's career: 1967 Chief School Administrator; 1969-1974 Chief School Administrator & High School Principal; 1974 Chief School Administrator; 1975-1986 Superintendent of Schools

During Dr. Peak's tenure at Watkins Glen (1967-1987) the following major events occurred:
1) Elementary School K-Gr. 4; Middle School Gr. 5- Gr. 8 and High School Gr. 9 - Gr. 12 configuration replaced Gr. K-6 and Gr. 7-12 model;
2) 1976-1977 Middle School renovation
3) 1976 Double Busing began
4) 1976-1977 district buildings were wired for Educational Television
5) Regents Action Plan was implemented (1980's)
6) Computer Education utilization and student course offerings began
7) Extracurricular and athletic opportunities for students dramatically increased
8) Sunrise Scholars program began in the Elementary School
9) Student Breakfast Program began
10) Elementary School renovation began

Dr. Peak was active in his school community and in the community at large!

The District established the "DR. LLOYD N. PEAK Professional Library" in his honor and memory! (Still in operation today thanks to his wife RITA)

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* Top 10 Students - Class of 1991

BRIAN THOMAS, CHRISTINE FRANZESE, MICHELLE SEITHER, JUSTIN KITTELL, PETER LA MOREAUX, CHRISTY WHITE, CONNELIA ROSS, MELANIE DYER, JIM ERGOTT, MATT MARCINIAK

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* America 2000 Crusade launched by President George W. Bush (many of the more than 40 components of the President's plan mirror the NYS Regents and Compact for Learning) --- among the highlights:
- Better & more accountable schools for today - a new generation of schools for tomorrow - an adult population & workforce that views itself as a Nation of students - communities that promote good conditions for children to learn;

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* BRIAN THOMAS: "Robert C. Byrd Scholarship Winner $1,500.00 award;
CHRISTINE FRANZESE: "Guthrie Clinic Scholarship" and "Cornell Tradition Fellowship"

* SADD Officers thanked: President: JOHN TUNNICLIFF; Vice President: HEATHER EVANS; Recording Secretary: KIM SMITH; Corresponding Secretary: CHRISTINE RICHTMYER; Membership Chair: CONNELIA ROSS.
Special thanks to: MRS. CAROL KUNZMANN and MRS. REETHA SHUMWAY

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* Community Reception for CAPTAIN GARY VOORHEIS (Class of 1963) Persian Gulf/Desert Storm Veteran and former Commanding Officer of the USS Virginia; Sunday - May 19, 1991; event organized by EMMA SMITH & NANCY BAHNS with SHELI THOMPSON, singer, and dancers BRITTANY LOUGHLIN & CASSANDRA KIEFFER.
Deputy Mayor JERRY MARVEL, Legislator ANGIE FRANZESE and VFW's LOUIE RONDINARO were also in attendance.

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* PROM 1991: King: PETER LA MOREAUX; Queen: DODI SEIVER; Prince: BRIAN COLEMAN; Princess: MICHELLE COMPTON
Court: MARNIE DAVIS, DELLA HASELMAN, KIRRA MC DERMOTT, MELANIE DYER, MARY FRANZESE, RONI PIERCE, MATT SMITH, DAN MASIN, TEX HANNAN and TOM STRUBLE.

* Teacher JUNE IRMISCHER was awarded a scholarship by NYSE&G to attend the "Nuclear Concepts & Technological Issues" Program at Penn State in the summer; the scholarship also included a $1,500.00 stipend for equipment purchases;

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* June 21st Tree Planting in memory of former Board of Education Member & President HENRY CLAYTON took place at the Elementary School playground.

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* Message to "Mark Twain Scholars" by GEORGE MALONEY, owner of Pal's Sporting Goods (and 1965 graduate of Elmira's Notre Dame High School):
"Nice things happen to nice people. There are no great people, only regular, everyday people who accept and successfully complete great challenges. There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder why things happen."

* Cafeteria employee DOROTHY FRANZESE retired effective June 21, 1991 after wonderful years of service to our students.

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Additional 1990 - 1991 notes and achievements.......

-- PTA Educator of the Year: MRS. SUSAN HAZLITT... " a teacher who takes interest in every child," said PTA Co-President SALLY CONTI

-- Computer Education: through the efforts of EILEEN MALANEY and LYNN NORMAN, 13 new IBM Personal System 2 130's were installed in the Business Education classroom on September 21, 1990; two graphic capable printers were also installed; outdated IBM computers were moved into the Typing Lab to replace worn-out typewriters (anyone remember typewriters???); additionally three Apple II GS computers were installed in the High School Computer Lab while three older Apple IIE's were shipped to the Middle School to begin a mini-lab there;

-- SENECAN SCOOP: the High School monthly newsletter mailed to all parents was the product of student editors: LISA TEERER, AMY TAYLOR, TERRY SHAFER, BECKY RUMSEY, NEIL PLANTY, CHANCE VAN CLEEF and BRANDY MUMLEY;

-- National School Bus Safety Week: we thanked and honored the following:
GENE REASOR, Terminal Manager; HARRIET REASOR, Secretary; ED BRODA & DEL CUMMINGS (Mechanics); and...
Drivers: LINDA BARBER, SHEILA CADY, ED CONKLIN, HAROLD DENISON, NORM DE RAICHE, RICK DUNN, ART FAZZARY, ALAN HURLEY, JOHN LUTOMSKE, Sr.,
JERRY ANN O'DONNELL, JUDY PEARCE, PHIL PITCHER, ELLA PRESTON, CHUCK RICHTMYER, EMILY SWARTZ and ANNABELL YAW; monitors: BEVERLY BROWN
and ROBYN HARBOT and substitutes: GLORIA AMEIGH, FRANK LA FACE, JOHN LUTOMSKE, Jr. MICKEY MOLL and PETE STACHOWIAK;

-- MISS EMMA SMITH's student letter writing campaign to U.S. Servicemen and women received numerous responses. Among those were lettere received from DAVID "SHAMU'
SCHARLAU, serving as an Air Traffic Controller on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, and SGT. TIMOTHY GASCON of the 82nd Airborn serving in Saudi Arabia; also heard from MIKE OSATCHUCK, PAUL SIMPSON and NICK BOND;

-- National "RED RIBBON' campaign to promote a drug-free society efforts were led by MRS. CAROL KUNZMANN, MRS.. REETHA SHUMWAY and MRS. KATHY MEIERJURGEN
in the High School, MRS. ANDREA HEICHEL in the Middle School and MRS. SUE HAZLITT in the Elementary School;

-- Board of Education Member GERALDINE RICHTMYER chaired a special Educational clinic at the 71st annual NYSSBA School Board Conference in Rochester, NY on the topic of increasing community involvement in the preparation and passage of the annual budget;

A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone --- see you in January 2011!!!

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 41st in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

A special remembrance of two former employees who died during this past October:

* LINDA FAZZARY: died 10/10/10 - former Elementary School Nurse's aide (1969-1991) and Middle School Nurse's aide (1991-2002) and longtime substitute in our District; a 33+ year career helping children!!! (ALWAYS with kindness and a smile!!!)
* HARRY RICE: died 10/15/10 - former cleaner with our District (1965-1985) and a decorated World War II veteran.

Both LINDA & HARRY always had a smile on their face, were positive people about everything, loved working with people and contributed so much of their time and talent over the years!!! It was my pleasure to work with both of them --- they will be missed!

*************************************************

* May - 1989: Annual BLOOD BANK results - thanks to NICK DUGO and the HS Student Council --- 116 potential donors; 91 pints collected; 73 first-time donors;

* May - 1989: Sgt. Phil Barnes and Officer Mike Wood from Schuyler County Sheriff's Department visited the High School and brought their annual message in relation to
driving/drinking and partying; (PREVENTION is so much better than TREATMENT!)

* May - 1989: Guest presenters for "D-Day" included Ron Loomis (Cornell University), Jim Guild (Famous Brands), Peggy Field (Peggy Fields), Brenda Warren (Mary Kay Cosmetics), Monty & David Stamp (Stamp's Winery), Jim Hicks (NYS Employment Services), Phil Simiele (Camp Monterey), Kay Unguarsky (Kay's Nails), Sgt. Loven (U.S. Marines), Lisa Peters (Salon 121), Lorraine Pepperel (New Image), Patty Meehan (Arnot Ogden Nursing), Michael Gossie
(Elmira Star Gazette), Richard Robinson (Robinson Surveying & Mapping), Jackie LaBarre & Ruth Risbeck (Women Engineers), Bob Lee (Willard State Hospital), Larry Caslin (Willard State Hospital), Jennifer Mailey (Elmira College), Jerry Tobey (Tobe's Bake Shop), Dr. Lynn Larson (Schuyler Hospital), Bill Cozort (SUNY @ Cortland), Dr. Wayne Sharaf (Schuyler Hospital), Amy Sharaf (Schuyler Hospital), Scott Ellison (Sheriff's Department), and Mark Welch (National Forest). Overall purpose of "D-DAY" was to provide career education information and opportunities for high school students.

* May - 1989: "D-Day" planning and preparation was courtesy of NANCY LOUGHLIN, DANNIE BROWN, DIANE MELVENEY, LIZ PARADISO, NANCY CLEVELAND,
KELLY BLISS, EMMA SMITH, VIRGINIA MILLS & KATE LA MOREAUX

* May - 1989 PROM ROYALTY...

Queen: TRACEY PIERCE; King: STEVE SWARTHOUT; Princess: MARGARET FAZZARY; Prince: JEFF KING. Court: MELISSA BARDEEN & VINNIE CORNISH, JENNIFER PULLY & JACK WRIGHT, CARAN SPEARY & JIM STOCUM, SUNNY WINSTEAD & MIKE SANDRITTER

* May - 1989: CANOVAS vs. GOOLEY Section IV Class C WEST Singles TENNIS Championship was won by GUS CANOVAS by virtue of a hard fought match against
ANNIE GOOLEY by a match score of 4-6 6-1 6-3

* May - 1989: Board of Education action:

Accepted resignations for retirement from:

- EMILIA MORELLI (Cleaner) & HELEN PURVIS (Middle School Guidance Office Secretary)

Appointed:
- KAREN JOHN (JV Baseball Coach), JERRY LOUGHLIN (Summer School Driver Ed. Teacher) & TAMMY DAVIS (JV Cheerleading Advisor)

Appointed
- JOHN STEVENSON as Interim Middle School Principal

* May - 1989: Newest inductees in the National Honor Society were:
KIM NOBLE, CONNELIA ROSS, MATT MARCINIAK, CHRISTINE FRANZESE & MICHELLE SEITHER

* May 31, 1989: last official work day for EMILIA MORELLI - High School Cleaner... a great lady and a hard worker - loved by everyone!

* June 1989: "MARK TWAIN SCHOLARS" honored: ANDY GREIS, TROY HETHERINGTON, MIKE PEARSALL, COLLEEN LOTT, SUNNY WINSTEAD & MATT THORPE.

* June 7-11, 1989: Elementary School PLAYGROUND CONSTRUCTION --- coordinated/planned/implemented by PEGGY SCOTT with the able assistance of so many dozens of great volunteers; we were so fortunate to have Peggy leading this event --- she got the job done!!!

* July/August 1989: asbestos abatement at the Elementary School meant that Principal Michael Yuhasz and his Secretary MaryAnn VanAmburg worked the summer out of the High School Main Office

* Summer, 1989: the Board of Education accepted - with regret - the retirement letters from two long-time cafeteria employees: AMELIA ADESSO & HELEN SORTORE; MEL - a great
friend - I so enjoyed working with her and visiting with her in the years following.

*******************************************************

1989 - 1990 School Year.....

* High chool welcomed new staff members: KATHERINE MEIERJURGEN (Spanish), MIKE NOWAKOWSKI (French), JAMIE HARTER (Physical Education) and DAYLE SLUSSER (1/2 time LD/Resource Room);

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN (Denmark), MASAOSHI KITAKAMI (Japan), and JUAN CARLOS SALAMANCA (Spain) were welcomed as Foreign Exchange students; HS enrollment was: Gr. 9 = 90 students, Gr. 10=110 students; Gr. 11= 91 students; Gr. 12=109 students; President GEORGE W. BUSH made a major television address to all U.S. students on "Excellence in Education and Avoiding the Pitfalls of Drugs"; a special memorial ceremony was held on Sept. 8th to present football jerseys to the families of GEOFF MILLER & MIKE GREEN -- football team members wore #22 and #80 on their helmets all season in respect to the memory of GEOFF & MIKE.

Department and District Coordinators from the High School were:

- CHRIS SEITHER (Foreign Language - NANCY LOUGHLIN (Guidance) - BOB KING (Library) - BILL DAVIS (Physical Education) - KATE LA MOREAUX (English) - DAVE WARREN (Mathematics) - EILEEN MALANEY (Business Education) - NICK DUGO (Social Studies) - DAVE COOK (Science) - LYNN NORMAN (Computer Ed.)

FHA Officers for 1989-90: President: MELANIE VOORHEIS; Vice President: STEPHANIE NORMAN; Secretary: COLLEEN RILEY; Treasurer: TAMMY MASIN; Historian: TIFFANY BELKNAP

Student Council Officers: President: NEIL DE RAICHE; Vice President: PETER LA MOREAUX; Secretary: JOHN BONZO; Treasurer: SYD SMITH

Open House - guides provided by National Honor Society were: DONNA PRUITT, BRENDA COONS, CHRISTINE FRANZESE, JIM MURPHY, JASON FESMIRE & KIM NOBLE

EOP/SES Program: DAVE WARREN (Career Educator), ROSS LYON (Computer Education), RENATE WUNDERLICH (Counselor) & KATHY LEWIS (Assistant) --- a program for youth aged 14-19 offering remedial and basic skills assistance, vocational education and a focus on computer education;

Homecoming Queen: JODI SIPPERLEY; Court: MARGARET FAZZARY, CHANDRA FLAHIVE, BRENDA COONS, LAURI FOLNSBEE & HEATHER MC LOUGHLIN;
Escorts: JEFF KING, CHAD MAPES, JOHN W. COMPTON, PHIL LA MOREAUX, CHAD MORRIS & JIM MURPHY

Fund Raiser: DANNIE BROWN and the Newspaper Club sponsored a special Homeroom competition to raise funds to aid the Hurricane Hugo relief fund;

Knowledge Master Open Team Members: (Dannie Brown and Diane Melveney, Faculty Advisors) --- MEGAN BROWN, ROBERT CARR, BRENDA COONS, JASON FESMIRE,
CHRISTINE FRANZESE, JEFF KING, JUSTIN KITTELL, MIKKI RHODES, SID SMITH, BRIAN THOMAS, HEATHER THORP

Fall Athletic Team Captains:

JV Football: PAT SEITHER & BRIAN COLEMAN
V.Football: TREVOR HOLLAND, SEAN STRANG, BJ SHELDON, DAVE WILBUR, MARK SWINNERTON
Soccer: JEFF KING, NILS WATSON, JASON FESMIRE
Girls' Swimming: MARGARET FAZZARY, MEGAN BROWN, CHANDRA FLAHIVE
Volleyball: BRENDA COONS, HEATHER THORP
JV Volleyball: CRYSTAL SHEESLEY, CHRISTINE RICHTMYER

BOCES Fall Honor Roll: DAVE CORDICK, KARLA DUPAY, MELANIE DYER, KELLY RILEY, TONY MARTIN, MARTIN MEYERDIERKS, DARLENE WALKER, & BARB AMEIGH

WENDY TAYLOR coordinated the S.A.D.D. bulletin board messages

STEPHANIE NORMAN was elected to be a New York State FHA Officer

DIANA GROLL and her students completed several technological editing projects at BOCES - participating students were: DAN PAGE, HENRY MEYERDIERKS, MIKKI RHODES,
DAWN VAN DYKE, ADAM WHITE, ART CONGDON, STEPHANIE LAMOREAUX, CHAD MAPES, TODD EIKLOR, RODNEY BARBER, MIKE LA FEVER, MELANIE DYKEMAN, AMY DUGO, STEVE CROUT, ANDY LINDSAY, CHRISTINE BRACE, CHRIS ELDRIDGE, CRAIG GILSON, LAURI FOLNSBEE, CHRISTINE GIASI & KATHY MORIN.

Transportation Terminal Manager GENE REASOR reported that for the 1988-89 school year that our school buses safely transported our students over 293,402 total miles

In December the National Honor Society inducted six new members:
MELANIE DYER, PETER LA MOREAUX, JAMES ERGOTT, JEFF KING, BRIAN THOMAS, MATT MARCINIAK

Christmas season Classroom Door Decoration Contest - sponsored by Librarian BOB KING's Library Council:
1st place: MRS. DIANE MELVENEY
2nd Place: MR. DAN TEED
3rd Place: MISS EMMA SMITH
Honorable Mention: MRS. KATHY MEIERJURGEN, MRS. CHRIS HUSTON & MRS. CAROL KUNZMANN

Junior Class - "DASH FOR CASH" - TINA WRIGHT ($25.00) and HEATHER CASE ($39.00) were the big winners...

January - 1990: CYNDY WOOD was appointed by the Board of Education as the District Aquatic Director;

Note from RHODA & KEN GIVIN: "We sure appreciate the get-well wishes. It has given us a lift to hear from friends back home."

COACH RON PIERCE & BOYS' JV BASKETBALL TEAM WON 1st EVER JV I.A.C. LARGE SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP --- 1st ever by our school!

Wrestler MATT MARCINIAK finished 3rd in NYS Championship Tournament

District Coordinators: ALICE LEARN (Home & Career Skills), JOHN VONA (Technology Education), ERNIE TOLMAN (Music), MIKE WATSON (Health) & DON MAAS (Art).

In 1990 we began the practice of flying flags of the countries of our Foreign Exchange students --- each day a different flag would be displayed under our American flag; we also added a New York State flag which was flown often as well.

Superintendent WILL ROSS, Board Member GERRY RICHTMYER and others made the rounds speaking of the proposed March 27th referendum which called for a public VOTE
for ROOF REPAIR and the purchase of new school buses;
- spring thaw and increased roof leakage made it mandatory that many student lockers were 'off limits' due to water damage ( Students with Lockers 658-712, 632-657, and 610-633 were
reassigned to other parts of the building;
- results of the Referendum were:

High School Roof: 328 Yes, 242 No

Middle School Roof: 310 Yes, 261 No

School Bus Purchase: 324 Yes, 239 No

"Spring Into Spring" SPORTS DAY --- series of athletic and recreational activities with the faculty/staff against the students --- organized and implemented by Physical Education Teacher BARB HUGHEY ----- the score: Faculty/Staff 42 Students 42

EARTH DAY celebrated:

1970: 20 million Americans turned out to participate in activities to promote a healthier environment
1990: 100 million Americans turned out.

Board of Education news: appointed DAN TEED as Summer School Principal; appointed ED WESTBROOK as Saturday Morning Recreation Director; granted tenure to: JUNE IRMISCHER, DIANE WOOD and MICHELE VENDITTO; accepted resignation of Superintendent WILL ROSS, effective June 30, 1990.

Secretary's Week celebrated in the High School --- thanks & appreciation to:
- MABEL RONDINARO - Secretary to the Superintendent
- SARAH RICHTMYER - Business Office Secretary
- NANCY CLEVELAND - Guidance Office Secretary
- BARB BALDWIN & BETTY FERRI - High School Secretary & Receptionist

1990-91 Budget information: Estimated expenditures: $11,724,687
Estimated Tax Levy: $3,841,247
Estimated Tax Rate: 11.58% (includes 2.15% for Roof Repairs...)

Vote: Yes 276 No 187. Elected to the Board: JOHN TERRY (373 votes), MARIAN BOYCE (259 votes), LINN HENRY (189 votes)

Re-cycling "Design a Button" Contest:

Grand Prize ($200.00 Bond): LAUREL MC INTYRE
1st Prize: MIKE GILL
2nd Prize: BONNIE COONS
Honorable Mention: BRIAN COLEMAN & GERRY SALBEGO

Top 10 Students - CLASS OF 1990: Valedictorian: HEATHER THORP Salutatorian: MIKE MUIRHEAD; plus MEGAN BROWN, JASON FESMIRE, BRENDA COONS, JEFF KING, CHANDRA FLAHIVE, JIM MURPHY, CHRISTINE GIASI & KIM NOBLE

Physical Education teacher JAMIE HARTER joined the ranks of official pilots making his first solo flight in March.

The High School celebrated' Music in our Schools Month" with a special thanks & appreciation to DIANA GROLL & ERNIE TOLMAN and their students for the outstanding music they
consistently provided through a series of formal presentations

PROM Royalty: Queen: MARGARET FAZZARY; King: TREVOR HOLLAND; Princess: DELLA HASELMAN; Prince: PETER LA MOREAUX

D-Day: (a day of activity dedicated to career education) planned and implemented by the following:
NANCY LOUGHLIN, NANCY CLEVELAND, DANNIE BROWN, KATE LA MOREAUX, DIANE MELVENEY, NEIL DE RAICHE, AMY SWINNERTON, PETER LA MOREAUX, PHIL LA MOREAUX, JOHN TUNNICLIFF

Computer MATH CLUB Members were: MEGAN BROWN, JASON FESMIRE, ELLEN SMYDER, MARK THOMAS, KAREN FAGE, BOB CARR, KATHY MORIN, HEATHER THORP, TONY BOND, JEFF CERVONI, KRIS NOBLE, KRISTIE YUHASZ & JIM MURPHY.

Board of Education news: appointed JOHN SKAWSKI Interim Superintendent, effective 7/1

Library Council Members: MELANIE DYER, DAN HENDERSON, BRANDY MUMLEY, GRETCHEN FOLTS, CHRIS HOLFORD, CHERYL NAYLOR, CHRIS FRANZESE, SCOTT JAYNES, STEPHANIE NORMAN, RICK GOULD, HEATHER MC LOUGHLIN,
DENISE OSBORNE, THERISI OSBORNE, RIQUI SMITH, MISTY OVERLY, LORI PETERS, KAREN STODDARD, SHELI THOMPSON, CHRIS PIKE, CHRIS TOSTANOWSKI, KRIS TRADER, STEVE VAN AMBURG, RACHEL ZIARNO

The "SAGA" of the Baby Ducks: this was the year we were surprised to learn a duck had hatched her family of 10 in our South Courtyard and faculty/staff and students enjoyed watching the activity and growth of the 'babies.' A small wading pool was brought in for their swimming "lessons" and from time to time bits of food appeared as well. At the conclusion of the school year, following graduation in late June, the ducks too "graduated" --- TOM HARBOT - our building custodian - wearing a cap and gown himself - led the babies (now somewhat teenagers I assume, given their short life span) out of the courtyard and down the hallway toward the door to the outside (doorway that now connects the high school to the field house) and a happy reunion with their mom. This was the one and ONLY time we had such a close encounter with nature inside of the school facility.

Mark Twain Scholars were: HEATHER THORP, MIKE MUIRHEAD, JASON FESMIRE, MEGAN BROWN & BRENDA COONS.

Substance Abuse Team Members: BRIAN COLEMAN, STEVE PIKE, AMY WINSTEAD, RONI PIERCE & AMY DUGO. Alternates were: TED PEARCE, AMANDA HENRY, KRISTEN BROWN, CHAD HETHERINGTON, ADRIANNA HIRTLER, HEIDI DRAKE and KATHLEEN SCHAMEL.

NYS Math League Team: HEATHER THORP, BRIAN THOMAS, PHIL LA MOREAUX, JUSTIN KITTELL, JASON FESMIRE & TONY BOND

Inaugural Athletic HALL OF FAME established: 1st Members were: JOE LEMAK, BLAINE MOREHOUSE, JIM SCOTT, BILLY COLUNIO & BILL DAVIS

National Honor Society inducted new Members in June: BRIAN COLEMAN, HEATHER EVANS, KIRRA MC DERMOTT, STEVE PIKE & CHRISTY WHITE

Board of Education news: appointed the following teachers for 1990-91 school year:
BRIDGETTE SEARLES, MARYANN VERTOSKE

..... see you in December!!!

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 40th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* SYMPATHIES to the families of:

-- MARY STEPHNO TURNER: former Teacher Aide who passed away on September 13, 2010
-- JEANNETTE HULL: former Kindergarten Teacher 1960-1980 who passed away on September 15, 2010
-- GRACE GAIGE: former Payroll Clerk 1971-1981 who passed away on September 17, 2010

1988-1989: some of the highlights include the following...

* Brian O'Donnell was transferred from Middle School Principal to be High School Principal;
* Sandra Woolley went from Curriculum Coordinator to Middle School Principal;
* Craig Carr became the new Business Manager
* Margaret (Peg) Richardson was long-term substitute for Gr. 1 Teacher Jennifer Nichols (on Child-Care leave)
* Pat Wood was Gr. 8 Social Studies long-term substitute for Michele LaForty (on Educational Leave)
* Andrea Heichel became Middle School Health Teacher replacing Margaret Cooper
* Virginia Mills replaced Cynthia Allard as High School Spanish Teacher
* Dr. Thomas J. Love became newly-elected President of the Board of Education
* Bill Davis continued as Faculty Manager for Athletics
* Bea Valent was hired to replace Kelly Sabatini as High School Discipline Monitor
* Jo Ann Axtell was President-elect for the Watkins Glen Faculty Association

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Beginning of the end --- the ability of faculty/staff to smoke on school property was severely reduced by relegating smokers out of mainstreamed areas of high visibility into smaller 'out-of-the-way' areas (i.e. in the High School smoking was allowed only in a very small room near the music practice rooms)

* the High School began the process (required every five years) of certification/ re-registration and study was completed on student competency rates, student retention/failure, teacher
certification, facilities & transportation, federal programs, guidance plans and BEDS and CAR Report data; Superintendent WILFRED F. ROSS led this in-depth study;
................................................................................................................................

* Class Officers...

Grade 12: President Colleen Lott, Vice President Sunny Winstead, Secretary Becky Pearce, and Treasurer Danielle Good.

Grade 11: President Margaret Fazzary, Vice President Chandra Flahive, Secretary Becky Drake, and Treasurer Laurie Folnsbee.

Grade 10: President Kirra McDermott, Vice President Peter LaMoreaux, Secretary open, Treasurer Marnie Davis.

Grade 9: President Brian Coleman, Vice President Mary Franzese, Secretary Heather Evans, Treasurer open.

*************************************************

* High School EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE - sub committee Chairs:

-- Home School Relations: Robert Morin
-- Instructional Leadership Gerald Loughlin
-- Safe & Orderly Environment Don Maas
-- High Expectations Dannie Brown
-- Frequent Monitoring Brian O'Donnell
-- Time On Task Emma Smith

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Major leakage in High School roof specifically in the "back hallway" area became an increasing concern for all;

* CHAD CROSS rushed for 159 yards and scored game's lone touchdown in Watkins Glen's 6-0 football victory at Athens (Pennsylvania)

* COMMENDED STUDENTS - National Merit Scholarship Program: SUNNY WINSTEAD, MICHAEL PEARSALL, ANDY GREIS, TROY HETHERINGTON

* High School Student Council Officers. President MATT HILLMAN, Vice President JEFF KING, Secretary JOHN BONZO, Treasurer BRIAN COLEMAN

* HOMECOMING QUEEN candidates: BRENDA PASTRICK, BECKY PEARCE, SUNNY WINSTEAD, TRACEY PIERCE, SUE FERRIS & JENNIFER PULLY.
QUEEN: TRACEY PIERCE

* Watkins Glen Faculty Association WELFARE COMMITTEE representatives:
High School: MARIA ALBERT
Middle School JEAN TOLMAN
Elementary School CAROL RANDOLPH

.....................................................................................................

* High School ROOF woes continue: 'Back Hallway' was draped in plastic to help contain the leakage;

* Winter season Athletic "FREE PASSES" won --- at drawing held at Open House - by the following: BOB & WENDY MORRIS, BEA SMYDER, MARYANN MORIN, ELIZABETH KITTELL, PAM MC WILLIAMS

* BOB CARR, LAURIE FOLNSBEE, HEATHER EVANS, SCOTT JAYNES, JOHN TUNNCLIFF, BRENDA COONS & VALERIE STARKWEATHER attend major SADD
Conference at Horseheads High School with Faculty Advisors CYNDY WOOD & CAROL KUNZMANN

* Home Economics Teacher CHRIS HUSTON served on the Regional Home Economics Leadership Team

* Local SCHOOL & BUSINESS ALLIANCE sponsored new signs posted on doors to the school: "This Business values your future - STAY IN SCHOOL - YOU'RE TOO GOOD TO LOSE"

* "ART & NANCY'S" Senior Trip trivia: Art & Nancy's had been the gathering place/starting point for Senior Trips for the past 17 years; for 14 of those 17 years "Art & Nancy's" DONATED all of the b-fast 'goodies' & nourishment; for the past three years the Senior Class made a donation to "Art & Nancy's" for the cost of the 'goodies.'

* NICK DUGO does it all --- while the Seniors were away in Washington, D.C. on their annual trip a lovely basket of flowers was delivered to the school to High School Secretary BARB BALDWIN to thank her for all of her work and effort in compiling all the information and assisting MR. DUGO throughout the planning process.

* American Education Week - Poster Contest winners:
1st: JENNIFER PULLY; 2nd: BRETT BEARDSLEE 3rd: CHANDRA FLAHIVE

* Inflation: YEARBOOKS for 1988-89 cost $18.00; how much are they for 2010-2011???

* SENECAN SCOOP - the High School Newsletter for students & parents - was produced by the Excellence Committee's "Home/School Relations" subcommittee of BARB HUGHEY, DAVE WARREN, CHUCK MEDALIE, JOHN VAN DUREN, CAROL KUNZMANN, EILEEN MALANEY & DIANA GROLL.

* AWARD winning students:
--- "JEAN M. COON HUMANITARIAN AWARD: BECKY PEARCE
--- "AMERICAN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD": COLLEEN LOTT
--- "LAW/YOUTH/CITIZENSHIP AWARD: BECKY PEARCE

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* School Board Member RON ZIMMERMAN resigned; ED HETHERINGTON was appointed to fill this vacancy; HS English Teacher MARILYN FILIPPETTI retired after 20 years service (January 1989); Buildings/Grounds Superintendent PETE BUZZETTI resigned to accept similar position at Horseheads School District

* We celebrated "NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY" with thanks & appreciation to our District Nurse BETTY LOU PEARSALL and her able assistants:
--- Elementary School LINDA FAZZARY; --- Middle School TRACIE MC ILROY; --- High School LIZ PARADISO

* Graduates SAM BRUBAKER, JOHN UPDYKE & BRUCE PASTRICK addressed Seniors with information and experiences adjusting to the College world;

* Stephanie Norman was "Bronze Medal Winner" in the FHA/District STAR Competition (Students Taking Action for Recognition) --- 1st WG student ever in
this competition;

* MRS. KATE LA MOREAUX's 1st Period Theatre Class performed "RUMPLESTILSKIN" for Elementary School students;

* RAY ROBERTS was named in the 1989 School of Media Arts of New York State Summer School of the Arts; over 55,000 students competed for just 55 positions in this program;

* SHEIK SPAULDING was the Hall Monitor in the High School (an after-school safety/security position)

************************************************

* Regents Scholarship Award Winners:
- ANDY GREIS, TROY HETHERINGTON, CHRIS CHEDZOY, NEIL CLIFFORD, LEE ANN BARBER, MELISSA BARDEEN, COLLEEN LOTT, MIKE PEARSALL, CHRISTINA REIMELS, MIKE SANDRITTER, SUNNY WINSTEAD

* PHILIP LA MOREAUX and MATT MARCINIAK attended ROTARY luncheon as honored guests as two athletes who participated in State Championship competition;

* HS Roofing concerns continue -- full Board of Education meetings and Facilities Committee meetings have addressed this very serious concern with planning underway to fix the problem once and for all;

* DR. THOMAS J. LOVE (740 votes), ED HETHERINGTON (521 votes) and JOANNA ELY (511 votes) were elected to Board of Education terms in May of 1989;

* Amateur Athletic Union/Milky Way High School "BE AN ALL AMERICAN" Award for 1989 was won by COLLEEN LOTT for Outstanding Athletic Performance, Scholastic ability & Achievement and Good Citizenship; COLLEEN was nominated by Faculty Manager BILL DAVIS.

* BRENDA WARREN & DEBORAH MC GROGAN will serve as PTA-Co PRESIDENTS for 1989-90;

See you in November!!!

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 39th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Sympathies to the REASOR Family...

HARRIETT REASOR passed away on August 21, 2010. HARRIETT was a former school bus driver, bus dispatcher and transportation secretary for our District for a number of years. Together, with husband GENE, our transportation system ran smoothly & efficiently ALWAYS with safety as our #1 priority. Our condolences to GENE and the family!

*****************************************************

As we embark upon a new school year I thought it appropriate to begin this month's column with some words of advice and wisdom from a number of retired faculty/staff to inspire today's faculty/staff.....

QUOTES and VISION of some notable retired faculty/staff written in January of 2000...

* RALPH VAN BUREN: (Middle School Technology Teacher):
"Students need to be taught and they need to learn how to be successful in life."

* LIZ PARADISO (High School Health Office Aide):
"We need to continue to be student-friendly. Remember why we are here -- young people frequently forget what you say and do but rarely forget how you make them feel."

* ED WESTBROOK (Grade 3 Teacher):
"Don't assume the children come from the same environment you did."

* NICK DUGO (High School Social Studies Teacher):
"Hopefully we'll always be in a small town with basic values, a supportive community and a good staff."

* RICHARD MC INTYRE (High School English Teacher):
"Teaching IS a lifelong process of learning."

* MIKE WATSON (High School Health Teacher & Coach):
"(Teaching) is a profession I enjoy. I have no regrets. Teaching satisfies my needs."

* MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE (long-time Board of Education Member):
"Children are our future. As adults we must not shortchange their education. To do so is to erode the principles of the United States. The Watkins Glen School District will continue to stand tall in meeting the challenges of today's educational demands."

* JEAN TOLMAN (Vocal Music Teacher):
"I love (teaching) -- the challenge and pleasure of watching youngsters grow and learn. Our vision should always be the growth of our students in a positive manner to become successful adults."

* GERALD LOUGHLIN (High School Biology Teacher & Coach):
"As a true educator ALWAYS have in the forefront and backdoor of your mind that you are simply there for all students."

* ROSS LYON (Middle School Resource Room Teacher):
" Life is precious -- don't waste it."

* JOHN UPDYKE (Middle School Science Teacher):
" There is no greater gift a person can give society than that of knowledge to its youth."

* DAVE COOK (High School Chemistry Teacher):
"Consistency is the most important quality in teaching."

* BARB BALDWIN (High School Clerical):
" Everyone should be treated equally."

* MICHAEL YUHASZ (Elementary School Principal):
"Children First -- treat the children as though your life depended on them -- because it does."

* ERNIE TOLMAN (High School/Middle School Vocal Music Teacher):
"My greatest joy and reward is hearing and viewing the success of my former students. The future success of this nation will be measured by our success as educators today."

* GERALDINE RICHTMYER (long-time Board of Education Member):
" The journey is never ending -- challenge yourself to never stop learning -- read, listen and observe. We must never forget the basics which are the foundation of learning."

* BETTY LOU PEARSALL (long-time School Nurse Teacher):
"...continue to grow with the students...learn with them...appreciate them as individuals."

* JEAN BURNSIDE LAWTON (Physical Education Teacher & Coach):
" Knowledge without application is futile. A man of word without a deed is like a garden full of weeds. Keep on keeping on with better education for our youth."

* FRANK STEBER (High School English Teacher):
" Our vision should be the continued pursuit of excellence that each may become all he/.she is capable of becoming."

* HELEN HUMAN (long-time High School Library Aide):
... contributed a selection written by Ralph Waldo Emerson...
"What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived -- this is to have succeeded."

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Some 1980s history...

* December 1985: High School National Honor Society donated $300.00 to be evenly divided between the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund and the Watkins Glen Library Building Fund in memory of Elementary School Teacher MICHELE BENWARE (Mrs. Richard Schied); Honor Society President was DARLENE COONS and Vice President was MARGARET RONDINARO;

* March 1986: GLEN GRAPPLERS Wrestling organization was formed with the following results from a tournament in Wellsville, NY:
- MATT MARCINIAK - 159 pounds - 1st place - Intermediate Division
- EUGENE SWARTHOUT - 105 pounds - 2nd Place - Intermediate Division
- HARRY CORNELIUS - 155 pounds - 2nd Place - Intermediate Division
- WILL SPADER - 155 pounds - 4th Place - Intermediate Division
- AARON STANSFIELD - 150 pounds - 3rd Place - Advanced Division
- NEIL WESTERVELT - 150 pounds - 4th Place - Advanced Division
- RYAN DECKER - 175 pounds - 4th Place - Advanced Division

* March 1986: JOHN AUGUSTINE, JACK OSBORNE, JEFF KASTENHUBER, LEROY SCHWARTZ, JOE SULLIVAN & MIKE MINICHIELLO constructed a new sign for the Finger Lakes National Park; they were students in MISS KAREN JOHN'S (Karen Armstrong today) technology class at the high school;

* March 1986: among those swimming for the American Cancer Society's "Lengths for Lives" were members of the Varsity Girls' Swimming Team:
MICHELE HEROLD, MARGARET RONDINARO, JESSICA GREENSTEIN, MADELEINE MOORE, DENISE KRAMER, CATHY MARCINIAK, HOLLY RIGHARDS,
MEGHAN BROWN, CHANDRA FLAHIVE, DARLENE COONS, Assistant Coach LIBBY LICHT...

* April 1986: high school students attending the FHA Conference/State Leadership Meeting in Saratoga Springs were:
SHELLY TEED, DAVID WESCOTT, SUE DOANE, EMILY GREEN, LISA NOVICK & Advisor MRS. CHRIS HUSTON

* May 1986: TAMMY DAVIS a Senior -- a 6 year Member of the Cheerleading Team -- went to Lansing , Michigan to train with the United States Cheerleading Association Team and then traveled throughout the summer with the Team as an Instructor for Cheerleading camps.

* June 1986: CHARLENE BELL won the "Mae Klube Award" for outstanding academic achievement

* June 1986: Middle School Social Studies Teachers JANET SIMIELE (Gr. 7) and MICHELLE LA FORTY (Gr. 8) organized the local "Hands Across America" program;

* June 1986: MR. ED WESTBROOK, Gr. 3 teacher and students participated in a 4-H "Chick Hatching Project" keeping extensive written journals as a major part of their project; a most successful 75% hatching took place;

* February/March 1986: DINA BRUBAKER, Gr. 12 -- Cheerleading Squad co-Captain, Secretary for the Yearbook Committee, and a Member of the National Honor Society -- was awarded a $125.00 scholarship as scholastic award winner in New York State's "Junior Miss" competition

* March 1986: MRS. MARGARET O'GRADY-- retired dental health technician (18 years with the Watkins Glen District) -- visited Kindergarten classes with the story of "MIKE MOLAR" as part of American Dental Health Week

* March 1986: MIA FILIPPETTI, Gr. 11, joined Danny Hoctor's "Dance Caravan" -- a national professional dance education group -- which conducted demonstrations and clinics in over a dozen cities across the country during the summer months.

* May 1986: BRITTANY YOUNG LOUGHLIN and HEATHER MEE KENDALL became naturalized American citizens at ceremonies held in Ithaca, NY

* Top 10 students in the Class of 1986:

BEN KRAMER, Valedictorian; JASON FAY, Salutatorian; DARLENE COONS, Senior Orator; plus TERRY WOOD, ANNA PERRY, MICHAEL SCOTT, MARGARET RONDINARO, JESSICA GREENSTEIN, CAROL PETERS and DINA BRUBAKER.....

* 1986 PROM QUEEN & KING selected.....
QUEEN KELLY TUTTLE and KING JOE GIBBONS
Members of the Court were: MICHELE FRABONI, JULIE FRANZESE, SUE STOCUM and SONJA VOORHEIS

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1986 - 1987 --- some highlights.......

* Homecoming QUEEN candidates: BOBBI JOHNSON, KELLY BONZO, MINDY FRANZESE, LISA BARTONE & LAURA BURRIS. ** KELLY BONZO was elected
QUEEN for 1986 with LAURA BURRIS as 1st runner-up.

* New school record in 200 medley race: DENISE KRAMER, SUSIE BALL, CATHY MARCINIAK & KRIS NOBLE (Time was 2:03.5)

* High School EXECUTIVE HOMEROOM - Class Presidents & Student Council President - with MR. DUGO: JAMIE COLEMAN, STEVE BEAVER, MARGARET FAZZARY,
LEONARD HASTY & EMILY KRAMER

* Varsity Cheerleaders: MICKEY HUBBARD, MICHELE FRAGOLA, BOBBIE JOHNSON, APRIL PETERSON, MINDY FRANZESE (captain), KELLY BONZO, THERESA RONDINARO, JACKIE LISOWSKI, CHRIS WEAD, KRISTI LODGE & MARCI LANE;
Junior Varsity: PEGGY VAN AMBURG, MARIS SAVINO, JODI SIPPERLEY, MARGARET FAZZARY, JEANINE LE ROUX, ELLIE LEWIS, DAPHNE BOND, BRENDA PASTRICK (Captain), CASSIE WHITE & STEPHANIE STRONG

* Class of 1987 PLAY was "GREASE" - main roles were played by: STEVE BEAVER ("Kenickie"), MIA FILIPPETTI ("Rizzo"), KELLY BONZO (Sandy) & DAVID MANSFIELD (Danny)
Additional roles were played by: BRETT BEARDSLEE, ROGER GUADALQUIVER, JOHN DILTS, EMILY KRAMER, MONICA BRACE & MINDY FRANZESE --- NICK DUGO, DAVE WARREN & GERRY YANCH played adult roles...

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A look back at 1987 and school committees...

* District Cafeteria Personnel for 1987-88: MRS. DONNA ALLEN, Supervisor plus MEL SPENA, JOYCE BLANK, ETHEL YAW, JO ANN SIMPSON, PAT STANSFIELD
and ELLA PRESTON in the Elementary School; PAT EDMINSTER, JUANITA TOMASSI, TEDDY MARCELLINO, CAROL EVERETT & HELEN SORTORE in the Middle
School and GAIL FRANZESE, JOSIE TOMASSI, DORIS DENARDO, GRETA EDMINISTER, MEL ADESSO, HELEN SORTORE & DOROTHY FRANZESE in the High
School.

* The 1987 girls tennis team (Fall season): Captain HEATHER CHURCHILL, PAM CHURCHILL, ALLISON MOFFETT, KATHY MORIN, HEATHER GALLOW, LORI
MILLER, CARAN SPEARY, NORA CLIFFORD, DORA MINICHIELLO & KIM NOVINSKY.

* Kindergarten Class of 1987 was our Class of 2000!

* October 1987 Essay Contest winners: ALAN HASTY, TERRI BIERLINE, CONNELIA ROSS, ROBERT GIVIN, JIM ERGOTT, BRIAN THOMAS, JANE PORTER, JESSICA BALCH & CHRISTINE FRANZESE.

* 1987 High School enrollment...
Grade 9: 109
Grade 10 105
Grade 11 111
Grade 12 100
...plus 12 students in Special Education.....

* Superintendent WILFRED ROSS joined the District for 1987-88 school year. MR. ROSS began work on July 1, 1987 coming to Watkins Glen after 12 years as the Superintendent of Schools in Salem, N.Y. Believing strongly in 'child-centered' education. MR. ROSS, a former Biology Teacher in Randolph & Yorktown Heights School Districts, was also Administrative Assistant then Principal in Yorktown Heights, then Chief School Officer at Little Valley in Cattaraugus County. His BS Degree was earned at Adrian College in Michigan and his Masters in Education came at Columbia University. Additional graduate courses were completed at
St. Bonaventure University & the University of Buffalo.

* In October of 1987 Tenure Appointments were earned by Curriculum Coordinator SANDRA WOOLLEY and Gr. 8 Social Studies Teacher MICHELLE LA FORTY while CRAIG CARR was appointed as Assistant Business Manager and BETTY EDSALL was appointed District Treasurer.

* MRS. PAT EDMINSTER was honored at the South Central Food Service Association dinner with the "HEART OF THE PROGRAM" Award. In this same competition where Pat
was selected as our Middle School candidate, MEL ADESSO represented the High School and PAT STANSFIELD represented the Elementary School. By VOTE of her peers, PAT EDMINSTER was selected as our District candidate and she was selected as the award winner from candidates from more than 20 school districts. PAT's selection as the Association's TOP EMPLOYEE was a "reflection of her dedication, efficiency, caring attitude and love for her job as well as an overall reflection on all of our District cafeteria employees and the excellent job they do for our children."

* 1987 Homecoming: Candidates and their escorts were: HEATHER CHURCHILL & CLIFF ABELES, NORA CLIFFORD & BRUCE PASTRICK, DAWN COMPTON & JOHN GIBSON, DEBBIE DONAJKOWSKI & CARL ISLEY, MICHELLE FRAGOLA & SAM BRUBAKER, and CATHY MARCINIAK & COLIN HATSELL. QUEEN was DAWN COMPTON, with KATHY MARCINIAK as 1st runner up and HEATHER CHURCHILL as 2nd runner up.

* 1987 Homecoming Football Game: LOU VAN CLEEF, TREVOR HOLLAND, MARCUS LA ROSE, BOB DECKER, CHAD CROSS & FRED THORP among others led the team to
a 38-7 win against Moravia. Also during Homecoming Weekend JOHN BONZO had 21 saves in goal as WG lost a squeaker to Newark Valley 1-0 and COLLEEN LOTT led the Volleyball Team over Newark Valley 15-8, 13-15, 15-13 by scoring 20 points.

* Student Book published: "OUR TRIP" describing a recent trip to the Pumpkin Farm was written by MATT HOFFMAN, JENNIFER BILLS, ASHLEY LACHMAN, RANDY THORPE, JONATHAN CLAWSON, CHARLIE SCAPTURA, RONNY MC FALL, DEREK BACON, RACHAEL GREENLEAF, MIKE BEBER, AMANDA WOOD, DAN PERRY & TONYA WILLIAMSON.

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See you in October!!!

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 38th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

We Remember ----- those who passed away during the month of August:

August 1: WILLIAM SHIRES (8/1/1996) Hall of Fame Member
August 3: MIKE GREEN & GEOFF MILLER (8/3/1989) Class of 1990
August 5: AMBER BROCKWAY (8/5/2000) Class of 2001
August 12: LOLA KNAPP (8/12/2009) Elementary Teacher
August 14: CAESAR DE SOTO (8/14/1991) Custodian 1957-1972
August 16: IRENE GILLETTE (8/16/1994) Clerical
August 26: HAZEL VERDEGAAL RAPLEE (8/26/2009) Middle School Teacher
August 28: MIKE WATSON (8/28/2000) High School Health Teacher & Coach
August 30: JACK TERRY (8/30/2006) Supervising Principal 1964-1967
August 30: WILLIAM WICKHAM (8/30/2009) former Board of Education Member

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* Nice to hear from JEANNE MORIN ---apologize for not mentioning earlier you were a winning participant at the Mansfield University Ready-Writing Contest back in the early 1980's (and still have the trophy!) --- good for you!

* February 1984: Varsity Basketball Coach DAVE WARREN, co-captains JIM COMBS & TIM RODABAUGH were honored along with all team members in receiving the "George Patte Sportsmanship Award" by the local basketball referees union;

* March 1984: MATT MARCINIAK won the annual American History Award at the Middle School -- the ONLY student to submit a perfect paper with 50 correct responses (also included perfect spelling);

* March 1984: High School Teacher FRANK STEBER was honored by the P.T.A. with a Lifetime Membership; the award was presented by P.T.A. President WILLIAM HEATH;

* April 1984: Elementary School student winners at BOCES Media Arts Festival were: KAREN GOULD, VINCENT CHICONE, PHIL LA MOREAUX, HEIDI BRUBAKER, TIM RUSSELL, RONI PIERCE, HEATHER EVANS and MIKE GILL

* May 1984: Mansfield University Ready-Writing Contest winners were: JULIE METAL - 1st Place, Gr. 12; SUNNY WINSTEAD - 1st place, Gr. 7; and MICHELLE FRAGOLA - 3rd place, Gr. 8; other participants were: DENISE KRAMER, ZOYA ANTIMINOVA, ROSE MARIE ROCCISANO, BILL WHITING, and DAVID BALTZER; faculty advisors were: DANNA BROWN & JO ANN AXTELL;

* May 1984: attending Boys' State were:

ADAM MARCINIAK, KEVIN RANDOLPH, JOSEPH FAZZARY, BRIAN PIERCE, KYLE PALMER, WILLIAM WHITING, SHAWN CALLAHAN

* Girls' State representatives were: LAURIE CALDWELL, KIM KELLY, ANITA FRAGOLA

* June 1984: Prom Queen was STARR TAYLOR; Prom King was RICK CONNELLY; Prince was ADAM MARCINIAK; Princess was LAURIE CALDWELL

* Class of 1984 Top 10 Students: ROSE MARIE ROCCISANO, TIM THOMPSON, JOHN MELVENEY, CHRIS BOND, DAVE HENDRICKSON, JEFF JONES, JULIE METAL, DAVE POST, JIM COMBS, FAITH MUIRHEAD

* June 1984: "Your Schools on Parade" program planned by School Board Members GERALDINE RICHTMYER & MARIAN BOYCE featured Supreme Court Justice WILLIAM N. ELLISON as the main speaker, giving voters a positive view of the educational program as they arrived to vote on June 5th

* June 1984: annual "MAE KLUBE AWARD" winner at the elementary school was ALAN PITCAIRN, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ian Pitcairn (the Pitcairns were here on a teacher exchange program from Scotland as Ian taught in our high school)

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* September 1984: District was notified that ALEX DAMIANI, CHRISTINE GILL, REBECCA LUTOMSKE & ANDRA MOFFETT placed in the top 5% of more than one million participants nationally in the National Merit Scholarship competition and as such were named as "Commended Students"

* October 1984: Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students participated in a "mock" Presidential Debate (during the national election year) in a program developed by Gr. 7 teacher JANET SIMIELE and Gr. 8 teacher JOHN GARLINGTON; student participants and their roles were: CHAD CROSS (candidate Walter Mondale), TREVOR HOLLAND (Secret Service agent), JENNIFER LAFFERTY (Mrs. Mondale), BRENDA PASTRICK & DOMINICK BELLAVIGNA (Secret Service agents), JAMIE ARCANGELI (President Ronald Reagan), CARLA MELVENEY (Nancy Reagan), JIM MESSINGER & JACK WRIGHT (Secret Service agents), KRISTIE YUHASZ (Reagan supporter), JOHN YEAGER (VP George Bush), SEAN STRANG, MEGAN BROWN & MIKE FAZZARY (Secret Service agents), JANINE WILKENS (Mrs. Bush), HEATHER THORP (VP candidate Geraldine Ferraro), TIM WESTERVELT (Secret Service agent), KATHY MORIN & ANGELA STEINER (supporters) and BLAKE PIERCE (as John Zaccaro - candidate Ferraro's husband).

* 1984 Homecoming Queen: LAURIE CALDWELL; Members of the Court were: KIM KELLY, JANET RHODES, MICHELLE ROBINSON & CHRISTIE NAYLOR

* November 1984: National Children's Book Week poster contest winners at the Middle School were: TAMMY ELY (1st place) and BRENDA COONS, JULIE VAN DYKE, BECKY RUMSEY and KEVIN LINTON; Middle School Librarian was CONNIE WRIGHT

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CURRENT EVENTS..... 2010...

CONGRATULATIONS to one of the largest groups ever to attend BOYS' STATE (Morrisville State College in early July): TRAVIS WAITE, ANDREW CONKLIN, TERRY BOND, NICK COCCA, ADAM RICE, TOM WICKHAM, WILLIAM SIMIELE,
TAYLOR GATES, ETHAN ROTH, BRENDAN MONTIERO and JACQ GOEHNER

CONGRATULATIONS to high school students for winning 1st place in the annual "Green Grand Prix Video Contest: NICK SORENSON, RYAN ALBRO, CAM FITCH, MORITZ SCHRADER and JACQ GOEHNER;
-- Video editing by: NICK SORENSON & JACQ GOEHNER
-- Faculty Advisor (TV/Video Production Class) -- MAGGIE FIELD EDGLEY

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* October 1984: Newly inducted Members to the National Honor Society were:
MARLA PEARSALL, MEGAN SCHIMIZZI, ALISA SPAULDING, BILL WHITING, DINA BRUBAKER, DARLENE COONS, JULIE FRANZESE, JESSICA GREENSTEIN, ANNA PERRY, MARGARET RONDINARO, SUE STOCUM, CARINE THORP, SCOTT WALTERS, TERRY WOOD

April 1985 new Members were: CAROL PETERS, DAN GREENFIELD, HEIDI SWITZER, EMILY KRAMER, LISA BARTONE, JILL SGRECCI, BRIAN PIERCE

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* December 1984: Winners at All American Cheerleading Competition held in Ithaca on December 1st were: JENNIFER MORRIS, TAMMY DAVIS, MICHELLE FRABONI,
MICHELLE PIERCE, KELLY BONZO (2nd Place - Junior Varsity), LAURIE CALDWELL (1st Place - Varsity) & MINDY FRANZESE.

* December 1984: Participating in annual Science Olympics were:
CHRIS GILL, ANNA PERRY, ANDRA MOFFETT, BEN KRAMER, ANITA FRAGOLA, JASON FAY, JIM MAPES, JED MC KEE, SCOTT WALTERS
Faculty advisors were: DAVE WARREN and DAVE COOK

* December 1984: Elementary School Teacher PETER PEVO was named 1st "Teacher of the Week" by the Pilot Enrichment Program club...

* 1983-1984 edition of "Who's Who Among American High School Students":
JOSEPH FAZZARY, KEVIN RANDOLPH, SHAWN CALLAHAN, KIMBERLY KELLY, ANITA FRAGOLA

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* March 1985 SCT-BOCES annual MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL:
-- JED MC KEE & DENNIS MC CRAY - 1st Place in Video Experimentation & tied for BEST OF SHOW for "Tunnel Through the Medium" (video feedback between camera and television creating a variety of patterns and colors set to an instrumental sound track;
-- EMILY KRAMER - 1st place in slide/tape presentation for "Watkins Glen Cheerleaders - Atlanta Bound"
-- MIA FILIPPETTI - 1st place for "In Search of a Style" - video expression category; utilizing daydreaming sequences showing different dance styles;
-- BRIAN HOXIE - 1st place for "The Dead Next Door" (Video Mixed category) - a collection of images from a variety of sources & media using the theme of war and its effects;
-- JASON FAY & ERIC NYRE - 1st place ( Computer Instructional category) - "Vocab 2.1" - a vocabulary study program for the school computers;
-- FRANK MILLER - 1st place for Computer Graphics (a program showing continuously changing patterns & colors;

2nd Place winners included: JIM BRUCE, BRIAN NAYLOR & DAN GREENFIELD, CHRIS MORIN & CHRIS GILL; MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT WINNERS were JEFF KING & JOHN BONZO ("Mousetrap"), BILL RHOADS & NEIL WESTERVELT ("What are Cars") and BRYAN GREENFIELD ("The Jointer"); additional presenters were: CHARLIE MELVENEY, DARREN MONROE, BOB DECKER, MATT HILLMAN, BOB MORIN & MIKE YOUMANS

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T OP 10 STUDENTS - Class of 1985: ANITA FRAGOLA (Valedictorian), ANDRA MOFFETT (Salutatorian), MEGAN SCHIMIZZI, ALISA SPAULDING, CHRIS GILL, BRIAN PIERCE, KARIN RICHARDS, ERIC NYRE, HEIDI SWITZER, MARLA PEARSALL

* Girls State: DARLENE COONS & MARGARET RONDINARO

* Boys' State: JIM BRUCE, GEOFF PIERCE, BUD NEMETH, STEVE SCHOUTEN, JEFF EVERETT, SCOTT WALTERS, BEN KRAMER

* Cheerleaders honored - US Cheerleading Association Camp held in Buffalo, NY

KELLY TUTTLE - 1st place - BEST INDIVIDUAL CHEERLEADER
KELLY BONZO - 1st place in same category

* Mr. PETER PEVO's Grade 4 class won 1st place at annual Grade 4 Track & Field Day;

* ADAM MARCINIAK & KIM KELLY won the "FRANCIS W. BLAKE" Sportsmanship Award

* JOE GIBBONS, Gr. 11 - named as a Finalist in TIME Education Program Student Writing Contest

* IAC Individual CHAMPIONS in Track were:
EMILY KRAMER (800 METERS), JOE MYERS/KEN DEPEW/LENNY DE BOLT (1600 m relay), DIRK COSGROVE (100M), SHAWN CALLAHAN (Long Jump and 1600 m. relay), and SUE STOCUM (100 m Hurtles)

* Gr. 4 Swim Meet sees pool records broken: KRISTEN BROWN broke school/pool record recently set by MICHELLE SEITHER in the 50 yard freestyle; KRISTEN also broke a 12-year
old record originaly set by BOB SCATA in 1973-74 in the backstroke; KRISTEN went on to greater High School and College fame and became a Member of the Watkins Glen Athletic
Hall of Fame.

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1985 - 1986...

* Student Council Officers (High School)
President..........KELLEY TUTTLE
Vice President..EMILY KRAMER
Secretary.........CATHY MARCINIAK
Treasurer.........MATT HILLMAN
Advisor............NICK DUGO

* Homecoming Queen Candidates.....

DINA BRUBAKER, MICHELE PIERCE, MICHELE KONOPSKI, MELISSA CHURCHILL, KELLEY TUTTLE, LISA COPE, JULIE FRANZESE, SUE STOCUM

* Queen was KELLEY TUTTLE

* Some of the new faculty for 1985-86 were: DIANA GROLL, KAREN JOHN, TERRY GOLDSTEIN, MIKE WATSON, LYNN NORMAN, MIKE BAYBA, CONNIE LAZORATION and JOHN VAN DUREN

* School spirit - to promote SCHOOL SPIRIT, Elementary School Art Teacher MARTHA EVANS stenciled a WG Football helmet on the center of Alumni Field

* November 1985: GREG UPDYKE had a rushing touchdown, and FRED THORP had a 65 yard touchdown catch on a pass by CHAD CROSS to lead the Varsity Football team to victory over Odessa-Montour;

* "From Liberty's View" - PTA sponsored competition winners: JUDY GREENIER (3rd place), AMY WIRTH (2nd place) and BREE ARGETSINGER (1st place). Winners in the Art Division were: PHILIP LAUX, CHRIS FOLNSBEE, & MARY JO CARTER.

See you in September!

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;
...................................................................................................................................................

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

.................................................................................................

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.

----------------

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

------------------

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

**********************************************************************

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

----------------

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

------------------

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 29th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* Board of Education APPRECIATION WEEK (Oct. 19-23)...

At the October 5th Board of Education Meeting Superintendent Tom Phillips presented each Board Member with a travel mug in appreciation for their generous sharing of time & service to our District.

This is a great time to "remember" and "honor" all those members who came before us and contributed so much to our communities: a special THANKS & APPRECIATION to. ALL those former Board of Education members who have served our District!

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* Some outstanding achievements from years past:

1970-1971:

* ROBERT H. FRABONI, age 12, was the only Schuyler County resident to enter the Corning "Soap-Box Derby" -- he raced under the 'colors' of Glen Chevrolet;
* KIM EVANS, Gr. 11, was presented a trophy for achieving highest score on last June's Biology Regents (98%);
* DEBORAH DRAKE and MIKE BALLARD, Seniors, received Letters of Commendation for high performance on the 1970 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test;
* LAWRENCE GLOVER (Tuba), KAREN CALLANAN (Clarinet), GLORY SNYDER (Oboe), and Chorus Members CHUCK CALHOUN, JENNIFER SMITH, NELLIER
VALENT, RUTH MC KEE, JOEY ORBIN, NANCY JOHNSON & STEVE CROUT were selected to participate in the Regional "All State" Band & Chorus;
* JOHN SYMDER, Gr. 9, was featured playing the bongos during the annual Christmas Concert;
* ELISA LIAMMARI, Gr. 5, won a national essay contest for an essay written 1 1/2 years earlier while attending Public School #16 in Yonkers;
* Students inducted into the National Honor Society: Paul Franzese - Charles Bates - George Miner - Beverly Johnson - Wayne Dobson - Dennis Robinson - Lawrence Glover - Peter Buckley - Carolyn Stafford - Charles Calhoun - Tom Greninger - Margie Camden - Tim O'Malley - Pam Blank - Ruth Palmer - Nancy LaForty - Joy Prosperi - Nancy Woodworth
- Karen Carpenter

* Student Council Officers: DAVE GIAMBO (President), NANCY WOODWORTH (Vice President), CATHY STEVENS (Secretary), and PAUL FRANZESE (Treasurer) worked on the following projects:
--- Student Tutoring Plan
--- School Store
--- Letter Campaign to free Vietnam prisoners
--- an annual $25.00 award to a deserving Senior
--- programs on Ecology

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1969-1970:

* CHARLENE SIMIELE won title as "MISS WATKINS GLEN 1969" - she was crowned by MARY COLEMAN (MISS WATKINS GLEN 1968)... JENNIFER DEAN was named 1st Runner-Up; PEGGY DOOLITTLE was named 2nd Runner-Up; MARILYN WILSON was named as Miss Congeniality...

* Kindergarten students with featured roles in the Burdett Elementary School Christmas program were:
Twins: MIKE & AUDREY BRAND, LIN & LORI LENT and DONNA & DEBBIE HAUHUTH; plus: SCOTT RANDALL, ED PIKE & DENNIS VOORHEES.

* Middle School Christmas Conceret Chorus soloists were: CHERI DOOLITTLE, CURTIS VAN SKIVER, PATTI SULLIVAN, TANINA LIAMMARI and CATHY COLEMAN

* DOMINICK (NICKY) FAZZARY - age 3 - won a $25.00 Bond as the "CUTEST CUPID" in a local contest;

* Middle School Student Council Officers: CRAIG SLATER (President), JOHN FITZSIMMONS (Vice President), LUE ANNE GOODINE (Secretary) and GLENDA BOYCE (Treasurer); advisor was Middle School Guidance Counselor TOM THURLOW; items for the Council's attention:
- serve as a liaison between administration & students - raise funds via bake sales
- sponsor a school store - promote Gr. 5/6 after school athletic program

* Middle School SPELLING CONTEST Winners: NIKKI VASGSNES (1st) DEBORAH SALMIRS (2nd), MEL CAMPBELL (3rd), DONNA EDSALL (4th) and ANNA MC KEE (5th)

* High School STUDENT STANDARD staff included:
BOB GRIFFITH - CARMEN GARRETT - LORA MACRI - LOUIS KRESS - JENNY SMITH - KAREN CALLANAN - SUE BAUMAN - NANCY WOODWORTH - TIM MCKEE - SAM ARGETSINGER - LAURIE KENT - MARY CHAFFEE - RUTH MC KEE

* Senior Class Play: "TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON" leads: DAVID HAVENS & DAVID CHICONE and CARMEN GARRETT & JENNY DEAN along with SAM ARGETSINGER, DAVID DUNBAR, DAVID SYMES, BARRY O'MALLEY, ALLISON MAAS, LARRY SPECCHIO, MARILYN WILSON, MARY ROSE SPENA, PEGGY DOOLITTLE, ROANNE BALDASSARRE, CAROL COLUNIO, LIZ SMITH, DIANE DUNLAP & SUE BAUMAN.
The Play was directed by MARILYN FILIPPETTI, Technical Director was DON MAAS, and Artistic Consultant was MRS. BERT SALMIRS. ANNE WOODWORTH & DAN TEED were in charge of Programs...

* APRIL 19, 1970: dedication of the new Watkins Glen High School facility
- building was open to visitors from 1:30/4:30 p.m.
- students/teachers/administration/Board Members were available to talk with visitors about the building and the school programs
- swimming pool was open for those who wished to swim
- cafeteria was open and served a variety of refreshments
- audio/visual equipment & materials were on display
- Band & Chorus presented short concerts in the auditorium

* Saturday, June 20, 1970 --- 107 graduate in very 1st ceremony at the new Watkins Glen High School
- Reverend Gary Bergh, Pastor of the Glen Methodist Church, gave the invocation
- DIANNA DUNLOP gave the Valedictorian address
- LORI MACRI gave the Salutatory Address
- HAROLD MATHEWS, Class Advisor, awarded the prizes
- DR. LLOYD N. PEAK (Administrator) & MALCOLM CURRIE (Board President) awarded the diplomas
- SARAH DRAKE was accompanist for the Chorus
- Reverend Alton Stivers of St. James Episcopal Church gave the benediction

... At this 1st commencement in the new $4 million structure a total of 11 awards were presented (8 to girls; 3 to boys) Award winners were: ROANN BALDASSARRE (BPW Award), MARGUERITE KENNEDY (Lucy Viglione French Award) , MARGARET (PEGGY) DOOLITTLE (Winifred Chase Love Music Award) and the Freer-Mucklow Award), DIANNA DUNLAP (Bausch & Lomb Science Medal), MARILYN WILSON (BPW Commercial Award), SUSAN DIBBLE (Harriette Allen English Award), RUTH KESSLER (Homemaking Award), CLIFFORD GARDNER (Northrup Education Foundation Award), DAVID CHICONE (Alumni Association Award), and KENNETH CORWIN (Cook-Warner Award).

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1968-1969:

* GEORGE F. SCAPTURA was appointed to be Business Manager for the District; for the previous 15 years George served the Village of Watkins Glen as clerk-treasurer and finance officer; a graduate from the Watkins Glen Class of 1940, George earned a B.S. from Rider College in 1949 (in Journalism and Commerce); he completed 24 hours in History at Syracuse University in 1950 and was a newspaper editor before joining the Village of Watkins Glen; Mr. Scaptura began his duties on November 1, 1968

-- prior to Mr. Scaptura's employment, the business affairs of the Watkins Glen district were managed by the District Clerk, the District Treasurer and the District Superintendent...

* New faculty members for the 1968-69 school year were:
-- THOMAS THURLOW: Middle School Guidance Counselor
-- JANET HANAUER: Grade 6 teacher
-- PETER PEVO: Grade 3 teacher
-- JOANNE BOND: Grade 1 teacher
-- ELLEN COLEMAN: Elementary School Art teacher
-- KENT FITCH: Grade 6 teacher
-- JEAN DAVIS: Grade 3 teacher

* IN August of 1968 upon the recommendation of Chief School Administrator DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, the traditional June commencement program held the last Monday afternoon in June, was moved to a Saturday at 7:30 p.m. so more parents could attend without having to miss work.

* Grand Prix Festival Tennis Tournament: KATHY DONNELL defeated GLORIA BRUBAKER 6-2, 2-6, 6-0 in one semi-final while JEAN LAWTON defeated CAROL TETZ 6-3 and 8-6; KATHY DONNELL won overall championship, defeating JEAN LAWTON 4-6, 6-2 and 6-1.

* MRS. FRANCES BOOTH retired after 23 years in the district as a Cook,

* ALLISON & SCOTT ISLEY were 1st place winners in the "Mixed Group Costume Contest" at the Middle School.

* Student Council officers in the High School were: BOB GRIFFITH (President), BARBARA WHITING (Vice President), NANCY WOODWORTH (Secretary) and KATHY STEVENS (Treasurer)

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SEPTEMBER 1963 Student ENROLLMENT figures:

Watkins Glen Elementary School = 941 students
Burdett Elementary School = 161 students
High School = 801 students
_______________
1,903 total students...

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In Memorium: Contributors to our District who passed away during the month of November...

* November 4: CECILIA DE NARDO (11/4/1996) Cafeteria employee...
HAROLD MATHEWS (11/4/03 Mathematics Teacher

* November 5: JOHN STEVENSON (11/5/96) Long-term substitute Middle School Guidance Counselor & Principal

* November 8: CHARLES "TOW" ANDREW (11/8/03) Member. WG Athletic "Hall of Fame"

* November 13: DAN MURPHY (11/13/94) Member, Board of Education

* November 22: GLENN RAPALEE (11/22/01) Member, WG Athletic "Hall of Fame"

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 28th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WATKINS GLEN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

The Alumni Association was formed three years ago for three purposes:
1. to ensure that the annual Alumni Banquet tradition continued well into the future;
2. to establish three annual scholarships (one for $750, and two at $500 each); and...
3. to recognize one or more deserving Distinguished Alumni

With the huge increases we all are seeing in the cost of a college education, the Association realizes that these three scholarships are just too small. Therefore the Association has begun a major fund-raising campaign to significantly increase the scholarship fund (with one annual award of $2,500 and two annual awards of $1,500.) Contact people have agreed to represent thirty previous graduating classes (thus far) and are contacting classmates by letter asking for their support for this most worthy cause. When you are contacted, please be as generous as possible. A November 1st deadline has been set for responses. If, for some reason, you are not contacted and wish to be part of this wonderful effort, please contact:

Jo Pat (Paradiso) Wright
wrightjo@yahoo.com
206 Reading Road
Watkins Glen, New York 14891

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WE REMEMBER.....

WILLIAM WICKHAM -- died on August 30, 2009; Bill served on the Board of Education
from 1969-70 to 1980-81 and contributed a great deal of his time and talents to his community. He was an avid fan of history and assisted me in the "100 Years Book -- District History from the early years -- 1863 - up to 1981-82" and wrote the section on "Facilities History." I was also very fortunate to be with him on a panel of educators/historians for the Historical Society's presentation of "A History of Schuyler County Schools" on November 17, 2005. (Bill and his brother David were students in the Hector Schoolhouse #126 in the early days prior to centralization.) Bill's father -- DON J. WICKHAM -- served as Board of Education President from 1950-1953.

Added note of interest: -- back in the 1880's WG had 7-member Boards of Education
-- 6 member Boards were common during the 1920s and early 1930s;
-- 9 member Boards were the norm from 1934-35 until 1949-50

*Prior to the 1950-51 school year County Superintendent of Schools IRVING D. GOODRICH, SR. forged a "gentlemen's agreement" of sorts whereby each area of the
newly-Centralized District would have representation -- the total being 7 members.

-- 7 member Boards from 1950-51 to the present time.

NANCY CALLAHAN -- died on September 15, 2009; born in Bradford, Pa., NANCY
JEAN MILLER CALLAHAN received her BA from Buffalo State University and began her teaching career in Scottsville, NY in the Wheatland-Chili Central District teaching Grade 3 (1956-1958); from 1958-60 she taught Gr. 4 for the Corning Painted-Post District at Beaver Valley Elementary School; Nancy's educational career in Watkins Glen included Kindergarten Teacher 1963-1966, Gr. 4 Teacher 1966-67, Physical Education Teacher 1968-69 and back as Gr. 4 Teacher from 1972-1994 --- more than 30 years devoted to children and the profession she loved; it was a pleasure being her colleague, especially during our time together as Gr. 4 teachers;

EUNICE HENCK PROSPERI -- died on September 17, 2009; she was a long-time teacher
in the Burdett Elementary School and the Watkins Glen Elementary School; an author ("Martha Remembered") and a most active volunteer in Schuyler County for many, many years, Eunice was born March 19, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachusetts and Maryland State Teacher's College in Towson, Maryland. Many, many people fondly remember her as their teacher!

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Some "HISTORY" in "POETRY"... final chapter of JEAN LAWTON's presentation...

...and now for the rest of the story told (in poetic form) given on June 7, 1995 at the BOOSTER CLUB All Sports Banquet... via the "Magic Humor" of JEAN LAWTON

"Some athletes are "hatched" - in the primary grades;
Others are born in families - that come ready made.
There were families of swimmers that were well-renowned;
From FRANZESE, DUGO & HATSELL to daughters of MAAS and BROWN.

The decade of the 70's - told a different story
As girls' athletic achievements were awarded in glory!
There was a Divisional Championship in Girls' Basketball
In '73 - VALERIE HERRICK - captained them all.

Her sister TRACIE H. MC ILROY helped keep sports alive
As an active President of the Boosters Club in '95.

The mid 70's - track meets were fabulous and fancy
They were coached by a winner - a LOUGHLIN named NANCY.

The trick of her "stars" - who took off round the track
was to just keep running & never look back.
The fact that they won - no one can refute -
So let's play tribute to STOCUM & SUITS.

Now there is a story I'd like to relate
Of a champion "high jumper" - in New York State
"Special Olympics" gave its competitors a chance to win
with blue ribbons & medals & a heart-warming grin!
The winning high-jump state champ - was ESTHER PELLOR CHURCH;
Who left her would-be opponents standing in the lurch.

A gold medal swimmer - by day & by dark -
Was a blue ribbon winner - BELINDA CLARK!

In the 80's the girls started swimming really good;
Under the skillful, watchful coaching of CYNDY WOOD

The progress that year could not be denied
In fact you could say -- they were fit to be tied!

The last students I taught are Seniors this year,
And now - your graduation - is growing near!
For I retired just 8 years ago -
And I've watched girls' sports continue to grow.

When I was asked - "What would I talk about?"
I looked at my watch - and said, without a doubt -
About 8 minutes should be quite enough --
So now you'll hear some good athletic stuff.

Now as the end of this rhyme approaches,
You are about to hear from our coaches.

If when you're older - less bolder & somewhat senile
Just keep on walking - but remember to smile!

And wherever you are - in this life here after;
The two best medicines - are sports and laughter!

Just keep-on-keeping-on for ever and ever;
Good luck to you all - in your future endeavor!

JEAN BURNSIDE LAWTON
June, 1995
(Teacher & Coach 1950-1987)

Keep-on-keeping on yourself JEAN!

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Reflections back with Thanks & Appreciation --- recognizing those who contributed their
time, passion and talents to the betterment of our organization and passed from this life during October:

OCTOBER:

6th: DOMINICK (ART) FAZZARY - School bus driver for 45 years; co-owner "Art & Nancy's"; (10/06/99)
8th: JULIA RAFFERTY - long time Teacher Aide (10/08/07)
11th: JEAN HANVILLE - former Gr. 4 teacher (10/11/00)
13th: FRANCES MARTZ - elementary teacher (10/13/94)
18th: COACH JOE LEMAK - long time Health Teacher, Athletic Director & Coach (10/18/01)
GLENN DAVIS - custodian & cleaner (10/18/04)
23rd: DOROTHY FOOTE - elementary teacher (10/23/01)
25th: DR. THOMAS JACK LOVE - long time Member & President of the Board of Education (10/25/04)
26th: DORIS ELY OWEN - elementary teacher (10/26/97)
CAMILLE MEEK - CSE Chair/Special Education Director (10/26/06)
30th: JOHN W. LUTOMSKE "BIG JOHN" - school bus driver more than 43 years (10/30/05)

Student passages.....

... also student ELIZABETH AMISANO - Class of 2003 - (10/12/05)

Students MIKE GREEN and GEOFF MILLER - Class of 1990 - passed away on August
3, 1989 as the result of an automobile accident. #22 and #80 had two pages of the 1990
yearbook dedicated to them! Good friends together - good friends to all!

I'd like to also include here - DANNY SHUMWAY - Class of 2005 - he passed away on
July 15, 2005.

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Congratulations KAY GOOSEN: 40 years of service...

Saw a very nice article in the Middle School Daily Bulletin for September 8, 2009:

"To our very dear Kay Goosen, as she begins her 40th year working for the Watkins Glen
Central School District. Kay, it has been our pleasure to know and work with you! We thank you for all you offer our staff, but especially for all that you do for our students. You are one in a million & we love you!"

................................................................................

...from the STUDENT STANDARD January 1964...

* TOM (SAMPSON) BURGESS - Gr. 12 "STUDENT OF THE MONTH" --- team manager for three sports (Football, Wrestling & Baseball) and greatly appreciated by all those on those teams!
* GLORIA PINTO's New Year's Resolution: "I will try to be more quiet and reserved in 1964."
* JIM WHITING's Resolution: "I resolve to be on time for everything."
* ED AUGUSTINE's Resolution: "I will start working early on my valedictory address in pig-Latin."

Under Librarian LOUISE STILLMAN the Junior Library Council began collecting and
preserving newspaper clippings and other documents in special scrapbooks --- from the 1957-1963 era comes the following.....

* Honor Students ( May 4, 1960): LETTIE BABCOCK - Valedictorian - MARCIA
MILLER - Salutatorian - KEN MATHEWS, CAROLYN DAUS, BARBARA TEEMLEY, SHARRON SOULE, SEVERNE JOHNSON, SUSAN HOY, PHYLLIS MOLTENI, PAMELA SMITH, SANDRA FRYCEK, DONNA SHOEMAKER, RICHARD ELY, GEORGIA LAPRE & STEPHEN LA MOREAUX.

* from the April 1960 "Student Standard": DIANA RAY GRANSTON, age 17, became
1st Schuyler County youth ever to receive the American Legion Distinguished Youth Award -- the Award was given in honor of DIANA's courage and bravery in leading five young children to safety from a fire at the home of Mr. & Mrs. James Likoudis of Reading Center (February 28, 1960);
* chaperones for the annual Senior Trip to Washington, D.C. (April 1960) were: Senior Advisor & Mrs. Jerry Gregory, Vice Principal & Mrs. Francis Blake, Mr. & Mrs. Dominick Giambo, Miss Lucy Viglione, and Mrs. Elmo LaMoreaux.
* Varsity Cheerleaders in 1959-60 were: PAT BERLIN, CONNIE MILLER, MARGARET FRANZESE, DIANE IRISH, & EDIE BRUBAKER; Junior Varsity Cheerleaders were: PEG LOVE, BARB WILLIAMS, JOAN SMITH & JOAN MILLER.

* the 1958 Senior Play, "Onions in the Stew," featured: REBECCA COOK, TYLER
SCHOUTEN, MARY JO O'GRADY, JUDY HAUGHEY, DAVID FRABONI, JERRY
SMYDER, NORM WISNER, ISABEL WOLCOTT, LINDA FITCH, JEANNETTE STRONG, ALICE GAREY, CAROLE NITTOLY, BARB BUCK, MARGARET
TICHENOR, TOM HEALY, DON BRUBAKER, ROSALIE SWISHER, ED VORHEIS,
STEVE HOARE, BARB RICHARDSON, BILL ROBERTS, MARY LOU CALDWELL,
BRUCE WARD, ART BARNUM & BEN VEDDER.

* Junior High SPELLING BEE: tied for 1st place were: DAN DOLK & JOHN Q.
SMITH, JR.; 2nd place went to: BLANCHE BORZELL & GARY SLATER;
* Feb. 1958 HONOR ROLL: ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY (95.25% avg) ELLEN
BABCOCK (95.2%) LETTIE BABCOCK (94.5%) JAMES SCHIMIZZI (94.4%) &
LOUISE ARGETSINGER (93.4%)

* September 1959: Watkins Glen FOOTBALL -- a new coach (MILFORD "BUD"
WARNER - a Science Teacher), a new league (three seasons ago WG left the Southern Counties League to join the Wayne-Finger Lakes Counties League - for this year WG will play all schools with similar enrollments) -- led by Quarterback BILL DAVIS the Senecans completed their 1st winning season (4-3) in many years; other standout players were BOB ORMSBEE, TED SPECCHIO, STEVE LAMOREAUX, LYN FREESE, RON PIERCE, BILL CHEROCK, BOB REALE, WALT EMMONS, BILL PARADISO, RICHARD DECKER and many others...

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The SEARCH is on... who is the oldest retiree in the Watkins Glen Central School
District???

A few weeks ago MARTHA EVANS -- former Elementary School Art Teacher and
Instructional Support Teacher -- asked me if I knew who our oldest living retiree was. She
mentioned that her mom, MARGARET O'GRADY PHELPS ( former Dental Hygienist, HS Home Economics Teacher and Middle School Health Teacher), born 11/18/1917, would be celebrating her 92nd birthday this November. I had to confess that I did not know who our oldest retiree might be, but I would do some checking to see if we could determine the answer to her question. So far I have found -- with the assistance of SHARON CLARK -- two retirees born prior to 1917 (CAROLYN FENTON, teacher, born in 1911, and MILDRED HOAGLAND, cleaner, born in 1916) whom I believe are living. If anyone knows of any other living retiree born prior to these two ladies I would appreciate knowing (e-mail me at: bodonnell@stny.rr.com). Let's see if we can find our oldest living retiree!!!

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 27th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

In REMEMBRANCE:

LOLA KNAPP & HAZEL VERDEGAAL RAPLEE: Two long-time (25 years of service +) teachers passed away during the month of August. LOLA KNAPP, Elementary School Teacher on August 12, 2009 and Hazel Verdegaal Raplee, Middle School Teacher on August 26, 2009. Mrs. Knapp taught here in 1948-49 and 1958-1974 while Mrs. Raplee retired as a Reading Teacher in 1995. Additionally Mrs. Raplee served on the Board of Education 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-2000. Our condolences to the families of Mrs. Knapp and Mrs. Raplee.

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Reflections back with thanks and appreciation:

The history and tradition of any organization is composed of the wonderful people who contributed their time and talents to the betterment of that organization. Remembering just some of those --- such a part of the history & tradition of the Watkins Glen Central School District -- who have passed away:

JULY:

11th -- CHARLIE BUTLER. Sr., Hall Monitor (7/11/2008)
13th -- ERNIE TOLMAN, Vocal Music (7/13/08)
17th -- RUTH COON, ES Teacher (7/17/96)
29th -- MARY WHITING, HS History 1940's/50's (7/29/07)

AUGUST:

1st -- WILLIAM SHIRES, Member, Hall of Fame (8/1/96)
14th -- CAESAR DE SOTO, Custodian 1957-72 (8/14/91)
16th -- IRENE GILLETTE, Clerical (8/16/94)
28th -- MIKE WATSON, HS Health/Coach (8/28/00)
30th -- JACK TERRY, Supervising Principal 1964-1967 (8/30/06)

SEPTEMBER:

3rd -- ANNA SCHIMIZZI, Teacher Aide (9/3/96)
8th - BILL BARNES, Teacher/Counselor/Coach 1953-1980 (9/8/99)
10th -- BOB HULL, Board of Education Member (9/10/01)
11th -- RICHARD MC INTYRE, HS English (9/11/04)
13th -- DR. JOHN DONNELLY, School Dentist (9/13/01)
17th -- SISTER JOSEPHINE SCHIMIZZI, HS Math (9/17/06)
18th -- LOUISE STILLMAN, HS Librarian 1940-43 and 1947-72 (9/18/00)

*** Additionally July/August/Sept. always bring thoughts of students:

AMBER BROCKWAY (8/05/2000)
RICHARD ELLISON (9/16/1997)
SAM DORDONI (9/25/1996)

... anyone having information on additional faculty/staff/students who passed away in July-August-September, please e-mail me: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

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DR. ARTHUR H. JACKSON...

I read -- with great interest -- "50 Years Ago" (August. 1959 ) in the Watkins Review & Express for August 19, 2009. In that column was information pertaining to the life and death of DR. ARTHUR H. JACKSON, a practicing doctor in Schuyler County from 1904 for the next 50 years. Born in Yates County, Dr. Jackson graduated from Brockport State Teacher's College -- at the young age of 18 -- then enrolled in and graduated from Syracuse University with his medical degree in 1904. DR. JACKSON was a Member of the Board of Education, replacing LEON GROSJEAN for the 1930-31 year and continuing until 1949-1950 through the days of the 9-member Board -- with the exception of 1936-37. He served as Board of Education President from 1937-38 through 1949-1950, the longest tenure in that position in our district's history. The Board of Education returned to a seven-Member Board with the 1950-1951 year with DON WICKHAM as President.

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WATKINS GLEN MUSICAL PROGRAMS: 1992/93 through 1996-97:

1992-93:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JUDY SADLER
Accompanist: BETH PALMER & SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: JOE BUCK & BREE ARGETSINGER
Some Soloists: MARY BRUBAKER, SARAH WRIGHT, AMANDA HENRY, HEIDI DRAKE, CHRIS KING, CHARLENE BELL & VINCE CHICONE
Special Thanks: MICHELLE WATSON, BOB KING, LOU CICCONE, BRIDGETTE SEARLES, STEVE LO PRESTI, STEVE CROUT, RUTH SHEWAN, BOB THOMAS, PAM CICCONE, JOHN BROWN, CHUCK FITCH, CASSIE WHITE & STEVE SHEWAN.
* Debut: "MADRIGAL SINGERS"

1993-94:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JUDY SADLER
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: BREE ARGETSINGER & TARA SMALLEY and DAVID WIERNICKI
Some Soloists: JANET MORGAN, REBECCA WATSON, MIKE PRESTON, ERICA DOOLITTLE & AARON SMITH
Special Thanks: MARY NICHOLS, SALLY CROOKS, MARK STEPHANY, KARRIE TETOR, FRED THORP and RACHEL VABER, among others.

1994-95:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JENNIFER BIRNBAUM
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: MORGAN CROOKS & BREE ARGETSINGER
Some Soloists: REBECCA WATSON, MEGAN BAHNS, TRACY WILLIAMS, SARA DOLLIVER, ERICA EDMISTER, NICKIA MURRAY, GEORGE HEMPHILL, AARON SMITH & SARAH WRIGHT
Special Thanks: MS. AMY GIAMETTEI, Guest Conductor

1995-96:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: DIANA GROLL
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: CARRIE HAESLOOP and REBECCA WATSON
Some Soloists: BEN THORP, KRISTEN BROWN, MIKE WHITING, DEWAYNE BUTLER, MATT DICKERSON, & many others
Special thanks: ANGELA MILLER, RENEE HATCH, TRISHA GARDNER& MRS. CAROL RANDOLPH.

1996-97:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: DEBRA PATTERSON
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Director: JO ROY, JOSHUA FISKE & CARRIE HAESLOOP
Some Soloists: BETHANY BROWN, AMBER DRAKE, MEGHAN HANLEY, JED
DICKERSON, STEVE TERRY, WILL HAISCHER, JACKIE HONSBERGER & more...
Special Thanks: JOSHUA STAMP, MAGEN KINGSLEY as the narrator, and many others...

Additional MUSIC PROGRAM highlights through the years:

1998-99: Special thanks to RAY KASCHALK, BRIDGETTE SEARLES-SOLOMON, JOHN BROWN, BEN THORP, BOB KING& JESSE HAYES.

May 15, 1992: Trip to Toronto, Canada to see "Phantom of the Opera"
March 18, 1993: Chorus attended clinics at Roberts Wesleyan College
April 10, 1999: Trip to New York City to see "Ragtime"
April 12, 2000: Trip to Toronto to see "The Lion King."

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HOMECOMING 1995-2000:

1995:

Queen: KELLY DENSE
King: TRAVIS LINCOLN
Court: BECKY ELLIOTT, HEATHER KENDA, MICHELLE NYRE, NIKI RUSSELL
Game: 20-6 Loss to Sherburne-Earlville

1996:

Queen: LAURA WEBSTER
King: MITCHELL PEVO
Court: CARRIE HAESLOOP, MISTY JONES, MELANI SPENCER, THERESA
MALINA
Game: 44-12 Loss to Tioga

1997:

Queen: ALISSA NORMAN
King: IRA CADY
Court: TRACI LINCOLN, ANITA SCUTERI, SAMANTHA LEWIS, BETSY
WESTERVELT
Game: 26-12 Loss to Newark Valley

1998:

Queen: CHRISTIN CHERKIS
King: MIKE BEBER
Court: : PATTI FRANZESE, TRACEY GREEN, MELISSA LAMBERTON, JESSICA
O'BRIEN
Game: 35-15 Loss to Sidney

1999:

Queen: C.C. Holt
King: TYSON VAN SKIVER
Court: NICOLE CHAFFEE, CASSIE KEEFER, LINDSAY NICHOLS, MARYANN
REISS
Game: 24-0 Loss to T-Burg

2000:

Queen: ASHLEY WOOD
King: JOSH BUTLER
Court: SKYE LEWIS, JACKIE ORR, SAMANTHA PRINCE, TRACY SAVARD
Game: 7-0 Loss to Waverly

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JEAN LAWTON's speech at the All-Sports Banquet on June 7, 1995 continued from last month -- more 50s and the 1960s...

Now on to the 60's -- and out on the court
Was a lone girl player who was very well taught!
But she had to play on the boys' tennis team
For girls' varsity tennis - was just a dream;

KATHY DONNELL would win and leave the boys with a frown
But she never received a girls' tennis crown!

Now high school students know they know more than you,
While Middle Schoolers just think that they do!
In the middle school emerged an athlete - who did very well
A swimming winner - an outstanding Coach - our own ROB MICHEL

"LIBBY" was an 8th grader - who swam with all her might -
Today she's the elementary school's "Guiding LIGHT"

While recalling future athletes, JOHN FAZZARY was another
But to me - he'll always be - PATTI'S little brother;

It took plenty of patience & fortitude -
To cope with the elementary multitude;

As day after day came the tramp, tramp, tramp -
Of noisy little feet - across the ramp, ramp, ramp

The questions they ask - are infinitestimal
Extending beyond - the point of the decimal

I taught "chaotic conditioning" with a BILL and a PETE
While climbing cargo netters would never admit defeat

We majored in "organized bedlam" - with tripled up classes
You were lucky if you could tell - the lads from the lasses;
We taught father and mother, son and daughter -
And each had been taught what oughta-be-taughter!

The 4th Grade track meet - found kids running by the hour
While "O'DONNELL's All Stars" challenged "PEVO-Power"

There were "animal olympics" with "mini monkeys" all over the place;
We had ROSNER and FRUSTIG and learned about moving in space;
There were rugged rhythms galore and lots of lead-up games;
For competitive "stars" like MARNIE, MICHELLE and 'ole wots 'er name;
Consider the countless eyes that were dried;
And more were the countless shoes that were tied.

The accolades you receive? They must come from within
And they are usually in the form of a toothless grin.

We had pay days and May days, and crowned a May Queen:
PEGGY LOVE was one of the prettiest you've ever seen!

One 5th grader was an athletic JIM SCOTT,
On his head, a King's crown is wut-JIM-got;
He was "King-of-the-May" but for only a day;

..... watch for JEAN LAWTON's reflections on the 1980s and 1990s in my column for October!

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FLASHBACK -- "Sports Illustrated's "FACES IN THE CROWD"

- in the January 14, 2002 issue of this magazine, Watkins Glen's own JULIE MILLER was featured for her soccer skills. The article read as follows:
"Julie, a senior goalie at Watkins Glen High, set the national girls' high school mark for career saves when she made 12 in a 2-1 win over Newfield High to run her total to 987. She finished her career with 1,250 and was named the Interscholastic Athletic Conference's Most Valuable Defensive Player."

... and you know she was just as nice as she was talented!

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The PRESENT: the 2009/2010 District Calendar is available now and features art work from several students. Featured art work is from the following:
CHANDA BROWN, MARIAH BRISBOIS, CHAD HUNTER, CATEY PATTERSON, CAITLIN CONNELLY, DEVON CUMMINGS, ALEXANDRIA GARDNER, HANNAH PULIS, BRE ROBERTSON, SEAN ALLEN, MATTHEW GILL, MEGAN DAIGLE and EMELIA BOND.

Bboth BRE & CATEY have a second drawing featured as well.....

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See you in October!

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 26th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Boosters' Club All Sports Banquet - June 7, 1995

* Coach of the Year: KATE LAMOREAUX
* Guest Speaker: JEAN LAWTON (teacher & coach (1950-1987)

JEAN LAWTON's speech that evening was very poetic and broken down into various decades. She spoke of our "history and tradition". From the 1950's came the following:

"One thing that is constant - is change;
It's even at home on the range.
This poem will be a "Nostalgia of Sports"
A life in the "past lane" - with sports of all sorts!

How many can you recall way back in the '50's?
When no knives came to school -- life was neat 'n nifty.
Back when little country schools were still standing up;
Several decades ago when Hector was still a pup!

My fellow Phys-eder was a man named Blake
With whom no extra liberties his students would take!
When he called for silence, it could not be broken.
All Watkins could hear him -- and maybe Hoboken!

The varsity Coach was our Joseph Lemak.
He was chock full of jokes -- with a gift of yakitty-yak!

There was no Varsity 4 girls, but they had play-days,
Their games were competitive - but merely a phase.

There was one really outstanding bowler
And I bet a lot of you still know her.
She's a DeDominicis -- 1st name? AnnaJean;
In the 1950's she was our Bowling Queen.

We had badminton & tumbling -- on the 'tramp we could bounce
Yes, it was relevant -- cause there was more bounce to the ounce.

The badminton "champ" was a girl from Burdett,
Sally Howell had a serve I'll never forget!

But the trampoline star of both young and old,
our champion "flipper" was Margaret Cole.

..... watch for September's column featuring the decade of the 1960s as remembered
by JEAN LAWTON.

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Remember... November 16, 1995

On that Thursday evening -- with his wife & parents present, along with former County Superintendent and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent IRVING D. GOODRICH and Board of Education President LINN HENRY & his wife -- my wife and I enjoyed the induction of WILLIAM MEEHAN, Class of 1976 into the BOCES TEC Center "Hall of Fame." Sitting next to Mr. Goodrich, I recall him saying --- as BILL was inducted - what "an outstanding hard working student" Bill was.

***During the 1996-1997 school year WILLIAM RHODES -- Class of 1983 -- was inducted into the BOCES TEC-Center "Hall of Fame" in an equally moving ceremony.

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Watkins Glen Musical Programs... some of the highlights from 1988-1991 included the following:

* Musical director all three years: Diana Groll

* Choral director all three years: Ernie Tolman

* Accompanist 1988-89: Beth Palmer

* Accompanists 1989-90 and 1990-91: Beth Palmer and Scott Jaynes

* on March 5, 1989 -- we celebrated our 30th annual Lenten Concert (March 5, 1989)

* on December 3, 1990 the following community members joined our Band for a performance: Steve LoPresti, Robert King, Fred Thorp and Holly Richards

* on March 6, 1991 -- for the very 1st time -- a full set of eight (8) accoustical shell panels were in place thanks to the "Friends for Music"

* the May 7, 1991 concert was dedicated to ALL of our servicemen and women!

* the December 5, 1991 concert was dedicated to all of our former students who served DURING the Gulf War:
- PAUL SIMPSON - KURTIS LODGE - JACK COMPTON - MIKE OSATCHUCK - SEAN MORGAN - LARRY COMPTON - WILLIAM GRANT - TIM GASCON - NICK BOND - PAUL DAVIS - CHRIS BARNES - DAVID SCHARLAU - SCOTT FREESE - TIM KIRKENDALL - JT ELLISON - JAMES KUTTNER - GREG BURNETT - MARCIA VAN WAGNER - PETER VAN WAGNER - WILLIAM RHOADS - GARY VOORHEIS - RAY MORRISSETTE - STEVE TERRILL - JAMES DIXON - RANDY ECTOR - HENRY BELLAVIGNA - APRIL PETERSON & AL LENT

* On March 5, 1992 special mention and thanks extended to: LOU CICCONE, STEVE CROUT, SALLE CROOKS, CASSIE WHITE, HOLLY RICHARDS, RUTH SHEWAN and CAROL WRIGHT

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 25th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

THEN ... and ... NOW:

* The Operations and Transportation Facility, constructed in 2000-2001 (first occupied in May of 2001), houses the District's Central Supply and Transportation operation (including school bus storage) ---- prior to 2000 many people will remember this location as the site of the Baseball Field where Junior Varsity & Varsity Baseball games were played for thirty years;

* The Fieldhouse (Elementary and High School Gymnasiums, Wellness Center, Locker Rooms and Indoor Track) are in the area once occupied by an open space between the Elementary & High Schools --- there was a swing set in place and a large field for play along with a roadway for service vehicles at the southern most end of the High School;

* The Elementary School eastern (newer) cafeteria now occupies the area formerly occupied by the Elementary School gymnasium (the need to feed the Elementary School children more efficiently and in a more timely manner by adding a new cafeteria was one factor in the need to build the new Fieldhouse); the loss of a gymnasium to build a new cafeteria meant the need to find a location for a new gymnasium;

* The District/Superintendent Office area is now where the High School Main Office & Principal's office once operated from for about thirty years;

* High School Art Classroom and Technology Classrooms are now located where the two High School cafeterias once were; the Broadcast Studio and Computer Classroom are where the High School Home Economics program operated from for thirty years;

These are just some of the changes brought about by the renovation/construction project of the 2000-2004 years. We'll visit others in months to come.

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...written by MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE in "Ring, Bells, Ring"

.....most early schoolhouses were built within a two-mile radius of all the surrounding homes (as central as possible for families); .....sometimes a home owner would 'donate' a room for school purposes on a temporary basis; .....work bees were held (with many people voluntarily contributing their time, labor and even supplies) to build a schoolhouse; .....in most 'districts' two terms of school were held - a shorter summer term and a longer winter term; ..... in the beginning older men were chosen as the teachers - then it was decided that women could be teachers (but those women had to be single, have only one beau and attend church regularly);..... the 'job' of teacher also meant the job of janitor, maintenance worker, record-keeper, cook and nurse;.....teachers boarded at different homes throughout the school year (called 'boarding around'); ..... teachers were hired on an annual basis - there was no tenure in those days; ..... Bible readings and singing were major parts of the school day.....

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1950's YEARBOOK DEDICATIONS.....

1950: JOE LEMAK
1951: MILFORD (Bud) WARNER
1952: RONALD WARD
1953: FRANCIS W. BLAKE
1954: JOHN ELLIOTT
1955: RICHARD FETTERMAN
1956: JOHN F. ROWLES
1957: MYRTLE MILLER
1958: DON HARKNESS
1959: IRENE GILLETTE

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Some FACILITIES information:

* Elementary School: building was constructed in 1951-1953 and opened for students in September of 1953; in 1989-90 a major $10 million renovation/construction project took place resulting in a new addition with new classrooms and numerous infrastructure improvements; the Elementary School received major renovation/construction also as part of the $36,150,000 project in the early 2000's;

* Middle School: new cornerstone was set on Thursday morning, November 7, 1929 at 10:00 a.m. with this new High School opening in the fall of 1930 and the 1st graduating class from the new school as the Class of 1931; as with the other two school facilities, the Middle School has benefitted a great deal from the various renovation/construction projects through the years;

* High School: building construction began in 1967, with the school opening in September of 1969, making the Class of 1970 (the 40 Year class for next year's alumni banquet) the first Class to graduate from the new building;

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A look back --- the 1981-1982 school year:

Board of Education: HENRY CLAYTON, President; LAUREN LODGE, Vice President; MARIAN BOYCE, CHARLES COLE, DANIEL MURPHY, GERALDINE RICHTMYER, and SALLY SIMPSON.

Support Staff:
School Physician....................Dr. JOSEPH Y. ROBERTS
School Dentist........................ Dr. JOHN DONNELLY
Occupational Therapist...........MARY JO CAMPBELL
Speech Therapists..................TINA KEEFE and MARY ELLEN MULLIGAN
Psychologist............................JOEL ROTHENBERG

Central Office:
Superintendent........................DR. LLOYD N. PEAK
Secretary................................MABEL RONDINARO
Business Manager..................GEORGE SCAPTURA
Treasurer................................NORMA BALDASSARRE
Account Clerk.........................KATHERINE DISCENZA

Principals:
High School..............................FREDERIC LORENZ
Middle School...........................BRIAN J. O'DONNELL
Elementary School...................MICHAEL YUHASZ

Maintenance:
Superintendent Bldgs/Grounds....GEORGE CONKLIN

Cafeteria:
Manager.........................................GERALDINE GARDNER

Transportation:
Terminal Manager...........................MILFORD A. WARNER

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 24th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"LIVE LIKE LIZ" 5K Walk/Run: Approximately 450 people representing all age groups participated in the recent event to remember ELIZABETH M. AMISANO, Class of 2003, and the awareness of the disease that took her from us -- Ovarian Cancer.

When WG graduate JON FAZZARY crossed the Finish Line in 1st place -- followed by TRAVIS WAITE in 2nd place, the 4th annual Run/Walk was official.

LIZ AMISANO was in the final graduating class prior to my retirement as High School Principal. She was highly thought of by classmates and teachers alike. In school Liz was active in Chorus, the Championship, Undefeated and #1 NYS Ranked Varsity Girls' Swimming Team and the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. She was a good student and a good citizen of our school community and she was active on the Yearbook Staff for a couple of years too. Her death -- in 2005 at the much-too-young age of 20 -- brought home to all of us how fragile life really is. "Live like Liz" is for her and in support of research that may help others avoid the very tragic effects of ovarian cancer.

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Burdett Elementary Principals/Head Teachers:

In May I highlighted some of the Elementary School Principals. One reader commented to me that I should also mention those wonderful school leaders from the Burdett School, so here is some brief biographical information on many of them:

-- LAURA BOND: born 11/22/1893 in Rensselaer, NY; loved reading, writing & poetry; graduate of Potsdam State with additional coursework at Cornell University, St. Lawrence University and Elmira College; came to our school system from teaching at the Union Springs High School; began at Burdett School in 1927 and was Head Teacher from sometime thereafter until 1953;

-- JACK DREW: born 5/19/1923 in Wellsboro, Pa.; graduate from Mansfield State; loved photography and books (collecting & reading) and woodworking; Scoutmaster for Troop 58 in Beaver Dams; previously taught Gr. 4-5 in Alaska for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; also taught at Corning Northside; head teacher at Burdett School 1954-1957;

-- DAVID RUGGLES: born 7/11/1930 in Holly, NY; graduate from SUNY Brockport; former Gr. 5 teacher in Newark, NY; loved archery, hunting, football, basketball and swimming; head teacher at Burdett 1957-60;

-- CHARLENA CURRY: born on December 27th (I'll keep the year to myself) in Tyrone, NY; graduated from the University of Michigan and SUNY Cortland; former Sunday School teacher and member of Home Bureau; loves outdoor sports, sewing, refinishing furniture and dancing; Burdett Head Teacher from 1960-1968 and then became our 1st Middle School Principal 1969-1977;

-- ANNIE HOXIE: born 6/5/1915 in Montour Falls, NY; graduate of Cortland Normal School with further study at Cortland State, Buffalo State and Elmira College; Burdett School Head Teacher from 1968-1975 until the Burdett School was closed and students and many staff came to the Watkins Glen Elementary School; completed her 20-year career at the conclusion of the 1976-1977 school year, retiring from teaching at the WG Elementary School.

*-- Note: RICHARD PHILLIPS was Burdett School Head Teacher 1953-1954 --- if anyone has any information about him, I'd appreciate you sharing it with me...

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Some very-early "Rules & Regulations" --- adopted by the Board of Education " for the Government of Watkins Academy and Union School" February 1865:

-- all profane, immoral, indecent or discourteous language is forbidden, in any school room or anywhere on the school premises and also going to and from school; together with scuffling, quarreling or any rude or violent conduct toward each other or toward a teacher;

-- a prompt and cheerful compliance with Rules is part of the terms of admission of pupils and of their continuance in the Institution;

-- among other "Rules":
1) Required attendance was "five minutes before 9:00 a.m. until half-past 1:00 p.m. (Remember there was no bus transportation or cafeteria in those days!);
2) Written excuses signed by parents were required following absences from school and any tardiness to school;
3) Regular exams were given at the end of each term with promotion based upon "if their examinations in studies pursued are sustained"

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"JANE BURRIS" Remembered... Middle School Garden Dedication -- Thursday, June 4, 2009

Jane Burris (1938-1994) once was Middle School Health Office Clerk (1971-1972) and then had a long career as Gr. 5/6 CORE Teacher, retiring at the conclusion of the 1993-1994 school year due to illness. During those years Jane touched the lives of hundreds of young students and worked well with her colleagues in providing vast educational opportunities to our young students. Tragically -- and far too young -- she was taken from us on December 3, 1994.

Recently the Middle School National Junior Honor Society established a "Jane Burris Memorial Garden" near the back entrance to the school. Students ABBY COCCA, SARAH WICKHAM , MATT GILL, SARAH HAZLITT, GAVIN GATES, NATASHA PATEL & BRANDON SWARTZ, working with MRS. CATHY MANGUS and others, held a beautiful dedication on June 4, 2009. Speakers included MRS. MANGUS, ABBY COCCA, and MRS. NANETTE HANLEY as several former colleagues of JANE were present -- among them were KAREN ROWE, MARILYN DENSON, STEVE LO PRESTI, HARRIETT McCORMACK, LOIS CUTTON and JACK TELECH. Three of Jane's four children were present also -- KAREN, LARA and JAY -- and it was wonderful to see each of them (JOEL couldn't be there, but he was remembered also). Jane's sister -- BETTY LOU PEARSALL -- was present too!

Jane's is the 3rd "Garden" established to honor a former faculty member, joining those of PHYLLIS BOND and PETER PEVO at the Elementary School.

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In Memory..... JENNY LA FACE

While an entire generation + of young people remember with such fondness their memories of "Art & Nancy's" store near our Middle School -- and still are making those memories with Nancy today -- many will also remember that before it was "Art & Nancy's" it was "LaFace's" (owned and run by JOE & JENNY LA FACE) .
Several years ago, Joe passed away. On June 8, 2009 Jenny passed away For so many, Jenny & Joe were like your surrogate parents -- not just serving you those great menu items, but also really caring for you and truly interested in your safety and your success!

Our sympathy to the LaFace family in this time of sorrow!

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***There remain a few copies of the book: Watkins Glen Central School District -- A History 1853-2008 (155 years of people, achievements & events). If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy, please e-mail me at:
bodonnell@stny.rr.com

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 23rd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* "Watkins Glen Central School District - A History 1853-2008" is available to those who pre-purchased their book(s); you may pick up your book(s) at our Central Office (301 12th St. -- Northwest end of the High School -- 1st entrance off 12th St.) during regular school hours; please see MARIE KEEFER or SHARON CLARK for your book(s); there are yet a few "extra" copies available -- if interested please e-mail me at: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINIC GIAMBO

* Happy 90th to former Industrial Arts teacher NICK GIAMBO (February 8th!). Nick was Industrial Arts Teacher from 1946-1982; former H.S. English teacher FRANK STEBER (1955-1984) remembers Nick as one of his "most unforgettable characters," calling him "the total professional -- he gave more help to his colleagues in many ways than anyone knows, especially to young teachers in regard to such matters as insurance, tenure, faculty relationships, discipline, responsibility and professional conduct"; HAZEL VERDEGAAL RAPLEE remembers Nick by offering, "We owe him a debt of gratitude."; JOHN UPDYKE remembers Nick by noting "his efforts as a WGFA member to better our working conditions." RICHARD MC INTYRE called Nick"My mentor." Former Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds GEORGE CONKLIN remembers when Nick filled in during the 1950's in Maintenance following the tenure of JOHN GEORGE (1929-1950's) and stayed on for several summers assisting George. I remember Nick as a father -- I taught his youngest daughter Debbie in Grade 4. Very best regards Nick with thanks & appreciation for your years of service and for all you have done for students and also for your colleagues. Recently JERRY & NANCY LOUGHLIN hosted a surprise borthday party at their home for Nick, giving him the opportunity to meet & greet numerous former colleagues and friends.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS REMEMBERED

The 1st Principal at the Elementary School (1953-1954) was MISS PAULINE NEVILLE, born in Madison County on 5/26/1907. She was a graduate of Oswego State and Cornell University and came to Watkins Glen from Peterboro, N.Y.

The 2nd Principal was MISS HARRIET HUDSON, born in Fulton, N.Y. 1/23/1921. She too graduated from Oswego Normal School & State Teachers' College with additional course work at Columbia University & the University of California at Berkeley. She was Principal from 1954-1956.

The 3rd Principal was MR. ROGER BUELL, born in Ithaca, N.Y. 1/15/1928. He received a degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College and got his Administrative Degree from SUNY Cortland. He served as Principal from 1956-1958.

The 4th Principal was MRS. MAE KLUBE, born in New York City 4/23/1909. She graduated from Dundee High School and Penn Yan Teacher Training Class and received her college degree from Buffalo State Teachers' College. Prior to coming to Watkins Glen (1944-45) as a Gr. 5 teacher, she taught in Rock Stream, Crystal Valley, Crystal Springs, Bennettsburg & Townsend. She also substitute taught at the Watkins Glen High School. She was Elementary School Principal from 1958-1971.

5th Principal: MR. MICHAEL YUHASZ (1971-1996)
6th Principal: DR. BILLIE BAUMAN (1996-2002)
7th Principal: MR. RODNEY WEEDEN (Since 8/04)
There have also been four Interim Elementary School Principals (TOM BUTTERFIELD - 4/96 to 6/96; MIKE YUHASZ (10/02 - 6/03), BRIAN O'DONNELL (7/03-8/03; and PATRICK MONAHAN - 8/03-8/04.

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THANK YOU, GEORGE CONKLIN

GEORGE CONKLIN was Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds from 1959-1985. In reference to the Burdett School (closed in 1975 as last step in our full Centralization) he remembers it was always in good condition:
-- boiler was converted from coal to oil and then replaced with a new oil-fired one;
-- school had a two-water system; fresh water from a drilled well and a cistern in the creek south of the school ("At one time I had to hire a diver to replace the foot valve in the cistern.")
-- when the new Burdett water district was instituted, the school became connected to it and the old system was abandoned;
-- the school auditorium also served as the gymnasium and the cafeteria; tables and seats folded back into the wall
-- ALVIN WILKINSON was building custodian while RAY MATHEWS & GENE ROBERTSON worked in Maintenance and DAVE VAN DYKE & KAY GOOSSEN worked in Custodial.

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FLASH BACK: 2001-2002 DISTRICT CALENDAR

-- cover featured Gr. 5-12 Chorus and Band on stage, along with Prom King & Queen JOSH BUTLER & ASHLEY WOOD;
-- calendar was dedicated to three special people:
1. JUDY PEARCE -- long-time school bus driver who walks annually in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk to raise
funds for continuing research;
2. KYLIE BURCHELL -- high school student named as Public Library Student Ambassador for National Library Week;
3. SALLY MICHEL -- long-time accompanist for Middle & High School chorus rehearsals and concerts.

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JANE BURRIS - Remembered

JANE BURRIS died on December 3, 1994 after many years of service as a Middle School CORE teacher. She had begun her career years before, serving as Middle School Health Office Clerk (1971-1972). I was pleased to note in the Middle School daily bulletin recently that the NJHS is planting a "Memorial Garden" in her memory. The planting will take place on May 20th!

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TURN BACK THE CLOCK - Athletic Accomplishments of note

* On May 26, 2000 SHELLY CONTI pitched a no-hitter, striking out 11 as WG defeated Edison 1-0 in the Section IV Class C softball playoffs;

* ERIC HANSEN, Class of 2003, hit a "Hole-In-One" on the T-Burg Golf Course hole #3 , 125 yards, using a sand wedge;

* On February 10, 2001 NEIL CALLANAN won the IAC Diving Championship;

* In Soccer action, STEVE LEE had a "Hat Trick" on 10/12/00 and SEAN LOVE had one on 9/21/01;

* KELVIN SCHOONMAKER & JORES PETERS won 1st place titles at IAC Championships in Waverly on 2/2/02;

* during the 1993-94 school year CRAIG MAY finished 29th of 175 runners (3rd in his age group) and WILLIE WATSON finished 56th overall (1st in his age group) in the Johnson City Heritage Days Run;

* that same year (93/94), in a Special Weightlifting Competition, the following results were achieved

GIRLS...:
-- JULIE DORDONI 1st place
-- PAULA DE LA ESPRIELLA 2nd place
-- AMY REASOR & JUDY DUNN 3rd place

BOYS...
-- RICH PERRONE 1st place
-- KEVIN RUMSEY 2nd place
-- JOHN BARR 3rd place

* 1998/1999 Boosters' Club ATHLETES OF THE MONTH:
September: MARY ANN REISS (Swimming)
October: MIKE BEBER (Soccer)
November MARIAN SCHAMEL, ALLISON HANLEY (Swimming), KIM WARREN, CATHY BROWN
December: MOLLY SCHAMEL (Basketball)
January: SHELLY CONTI (Basketball)
February: CASSIE KEEFER (Basketball), JESSE JOHNSON (Bowling)
March: JASON RAPPLEYE (Bowling)
April: JAY SULLIVAN (Golf)
May: ANDY CLARK (Track)

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 22nd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

DID YOU KNOW?
-- High School English Teacher KELLY MUIR, a Watkins Glen graduate in the Class of 1987, was HOMECOMING QUEEN for the 1986-87 school year;
-- District Physician DR. JAMIE COLEMAN, graduate from the Class of 1988, was Student Council President for the 1987-88 school year;
-- Schuyler County District Attorney JOE FAZZARY, a member of the Class of 1985, was Senior Class President for the 1984-85 school year;
-- High School Health Teacher MARGARET FAZZARY, Class of 1990, was Senior Class President for the year 1989-90;
-- District Director for Special Services NAN WOODWORTH-SHAW, Class of 1972, was Student Council President in 1971-72;
-- Middle School Teacher BECKY SUE BIANCO, Class of 1975, was Homecoming Queen in 1974-75;
-- High School Guidance Secretary TRACIE MC ILROY, Class of 1975, was Senior Class President for 1974-75;
-- High School Teacher MARIE FITZSIMMONS, Class of 1976, was Student Council President in 1975-76;
-- Elementary School Gym Teacher TREVOR HOLLAND, Class of 1990, was a "Hall of Fame" athlete and Treasurer of his Senior Class.

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* In the 1999-2000 school year, MARTY EVANS was the District's Goals 2000 Coach and ALICE LEARN was our Instructional Support Teacher. Now MARTY is a teacher for Elmira College and Alice is Assistant Superintendent for the Horseheads Central School District;

* On April 27, 2000 (9 years ago!) the First Lady of the U.S. -- HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (NYS Senate Candidate at that time) and now our Secretary of State, visited our High School for a "Town Meeting/Educational Forum." Her visit was arranged by the Schuyler County Democratic Committee (Bob
Everett, Chairman, and John Vona, Vice Chairman). Student Council President ANDY CLARK made the formal introduction of Mrs. Clinton to the packed auditorium (over 2,000 present);

* The 1999-2000 year saw the loss of several people "key" to our history & tradition:
-- Ruth Blake (widow of Coach Blake) - Marian Utter - Mary Bartone - Bill Barnes - Art Fazzary - Mary Hoare - Grace Chiacchierini - Iva Jennings - Laura Merrill - Jennie Clinch - Florence Carpenter.....

* for the 1999-2000 school year:
-- STEVE SHYMKIW was honored as "Coach of the Year"
-- KATE BARTHOLOMEW was named "Fan of the Year"
-- DON DRYDEN, KAZ ESTELOW, DAVE WARREN, RAY KASCHALK & STEVE SHYMKIW took a pie in the face as part of a Pep Rally

* Chaperones for the All-Night Senior Party organized by SHARON CLARK & MARIE KEEFER were:
Nick Dugo - Sharon & Larry Clark - Marie & Greg Keefer - Harold Chaffee - Kate Bartholomew - Nancy Bahns - Neil DeRaiche - Killeen Kane - Jamie Harter - Diane Wood - Jeff Myer - Diane Melveney - Tracie Mc Ilroy & Jan Learn

* On May 13, 1999 -- Band Director DIANA GROLL, Choral Director DEBRA PATTERSON and the HS Band & Chorus introduced for the very 1st time "STAND WE IN SPIRIT" -- a brand new song for the new millennium (not a new ALMA MATER!). The song's composer was WILL WICKHAM, Class of 1974; words for the song were based upon the poetry of students IRIS CHAMBERLAIN, RANA MORGAN, STEVE POST, JACKIE SIMIELE, NIKKI SIMIELE, BRIAN SMITH, DAVID TERRY, LOGAN VOORHEIS and MAURA WILLOCK;

* Boys' Soccer Team (COACH RAY KASCHALK) named as a Scholar-Athlete Team (1st male WG Team to achieve this honor!)

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* As evidenced by recent concerts with the month of March being "MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS" Month, let's look back on a number of talented and giving Musical "Leaders" who have advanced the study of Music so well with our students: RAY BAILEY, KURT POWELL, ERNIE & JEAN TOLMAN, ED & CAROL LINDSAY, BERT SALMIRS, BOB WALKER, JUDY SADLER, MILDRED DENSON, RUTH SHEWAN, YVONNE ALLING, DIANA GROLL, CHRISTOPHER SCHIAVONE, SARAHJANE HARRIGAN, MATTHEW CRAIG, JENNIFER BIRNBAUM, DEB PATTERSON LAUPER, KIM FARROW, BETH HAYES, TOM MITCHELL, PATRICIA GOTSCHAL, SUNSINE MILLER & others... thanks also to our outstanding accompanists: SALLY MICHEL, BETH PALMER, and SCOTT JAYNES, to name but a few.

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Did you know?

* in the 1990-91 school year we honored veterans LARRY COMPTON (Class of 1987) and GREG BURNETT (Class of 1986) for their service in "Operation Desert Storm"; we also honored JEFF ELLISON (Class of 1978), PAUL SIMPSON (Class of 1987) & RAY MORRISSETTE (Class of 1990) for their service

* in July of 1991 BOB DRABKOWSKI (HS Science), PEG LORENZ (ES Teacher) and JOAN CLARK (Custodian) retired

* long-time school bus drivers JUDY PEARCE, JERRY ANN O'DONNELL, RICK DUNN and CHUCK RICHTMYER received the "Walter Jennings Transportation Award" in the 1991-92 school year for consistent/safe driving;

* summer of 1993 news included:
-- NANCY LOUGHLIN elected as 1st woman President for Watkins-Montour Rotary Club
-- BRIDGETTE SEARLES attended graduate school in Paris, France
-- NANCY LOUGHLIN & NANCY CLEVELAND organized & implemented very 1st "New Student Orientation" to the High School

* during the 1993-94 school year the Board of Education Curriculum Committee (MRS. SCHAMEL, MR. DILL & MR. CADY) requested the high school look to establish a formal Academic Eligibility Policy beginning with the 1994-95 school year;

* during the 1993-94 school year HS Teacher DANNI BROWN swam 80 laps and raised more than $600 in the "Cancer Swim-A-Thon";

* the 1994-95 school year began with thanks & appreciation to retirees: NANCY CALLAHAN, BETTY LOU PEARSALL, ARLENE KRAVITZ, ABBOTT MORGAN, BARB BALDWIN and MABEL RONDINARO

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* with the fine success of the recently completed School Play, let's look back on some of the earlier Senior Plays:

1960's:

"Fog Island" (Barb Chase, Mary Joanne Church, Alice Bond, Ron Dunbar, Nancy King, Severne Johnson, Ken Mathews, John Merrill, Carol Moore, Alan Personius, Gail Parks, Linda Schouten, Lois White, Richard Wilber & many others);

"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (Steve Hinman, Sandy Kennedy, Dan Wilson, Ruth Morey and many others);

"The Thread That Runs So True" (Harry Morgan in the lead);

"H.M.S. Pinafore" (featuring Virginia Ameigh, Ann Ames, Eileen Arthurs, Duane Baker, Mary Carpenter, Barb Bond, Lynn Dann, Karen Doolittle, Linda Lodge, Linda Jones, Linda Hull, Ken Turnbull, Jill Stenberg, Frank Latchut, Deb McKee, Wes Newbury and others)...

"Oklahoma" (Jack Arcangeli, Pat Bale, Ann Barber, Linda Beckhorn, Sandy Berry, Butch Bianco, Gloria Pinto, Larry Franzese, Linda Donnell, Angie Borzell, AJ Schimizzi, Rob Pierce, George Sproul, Marve Switzer, Juanita VanOstrand, Sandy Doane, Betty Dempsey, Mickey Chicone, Jim Chicone and others).

Through the hallways ...

And the History Book is ready!

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 21st in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Some things you probably did not know about the WG Central School District:

1) The last Will & Testament of CYNTHIA ANN FREER, dated September 29, 1853, established our school district as she donated the land on which to build "the Watkins Institute or Seminary or Academy as the case may be"; this document also provided for five trustees for the new educational facility (three of her executors, Mr. Marcus Marcellus Cass and a fifth one of their choosing). Mrs. Freer -- married to George G. Freer -- was the widow of DR. SAMUEL WATKINS after whom the village of Watkins was named.

2) Six of the seven current Members of the Board of Education are graduates from the
Watkins Glen High School:
-- President Thomas Richardson, Class of 1970
-- Joe Fazzary, Class of 1957
-- Gloria Brubaker, Class of 1965
-- Robert Dill, Class of 1966
-- Mike Myers, Class of 1981
-- Kevin Field, Class of 1983

3) Five official histories of our District have been researched & published:
-- Jane M. Haring -- Class of 1898 wrote the 1st historical sketch of our early years
-- the 1941 "Oracle" published an updated version
-- Louise Stillman coordinated the 3rd history in the 1960's
-- Brian J. O'Donnell researched & published the "100 Years Book" to commemorate our 100th graduating class in 1982
-- Brian J. O'Donnell is publishing "The History of our District - 1853 - 2008" this April

4) In the 1860's our District adopted the formal name of "The Watkins Academy" (per Chapter 69, Laws of 1863) with the Charter from the State of New York creating the Watkins Union School District.

5) In the 1870's the “curriculum” was changed from two years spent in each grade level to one year per grade level in order to enable more students to attend High School.

6) In the 1880's MARY FREER became our 1st graduate (1883) and LULA MARTIN earned the 1st Regents diploma (1884). HERBERT MORGAN & EDWARD THOMPSON (Class of 1887) were the 1st male students of the district.

7) In the 1890's tragedy struck via two major facility fires: June 19, 1897 and February 4, 1898.

8) In the early 1900's class size for graduating students averaged 11 students and extracurricular clubs & athletic teams were formed for the 1st time.

9) In the decade of the 1910's every member of the Class of 1914 shook hands with PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON while on their Senior Trip; the Class of 1917 cancelled their Senior Trip due to World War I, and the Class of 1918 travelled to Niagara Falls for their Class Trip.

10) In the 1920's fire again destroyed the school facility (January 14, 1929) with Seniors completing their studies in the Cole-Royce Hall and the Masonic Temple.

11) In the 1930's the Class of 1931 was the 1st Class to graduate from the newly constructed school (today's current Middle School) as several new academic departments were added to the high school curriculum.

12) In the 1940's among several events, enrollments increased and major changes took place in the athletic department (six-man football!).

13) In the 1950's CENTRALIZATION took place (thanks to Irving Goodrich, Sr., Don Wickham and others).

14) In the 1960's major changes included the closing of the last one-room schoolhouse; we joined the SCT-BOCES system, and the new high school facility was built.

15) In the 1970's Mike Yuhasz began a 25-year tenure as our Elementary School Principal following the 41-year career of MRS. MAE KLUBE. Major renovations also took place in the Middle School, and the District experienced the largest growth in enrollment in its history.

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Some excerpts from the soon-to-be-published updated District history:

* from COACH JOHN FAZZARY - Varsity Boys' Basketball -
" The 2003-2004 season would be a difficult one -- perhaps the most difficult of my coaching career. We did not have a true point guard and struggled to handle the ball under pressure. This was also the season after three of our students were killed in a car accident (Kyle, Brennan and Seth)...the team was very competitive losing several games by small margins. We were a young team and we knew we would be better next year. The
team was led by Senior Jared Peters and underclassmen Pat Suits, Devon Dickerson, Nick Augustine, Connor Flahive and Brad Hrynko." "The 2005-2006 team would rate closely to the 2001-2002 team as the greatest in
school history."

* from COACH KATE LA MOREAUX -- Varsity Girls' Swimming Coach:
"From 1996-2002, there was at least one, and often several, swimmers and divers who qualified for the State Meet, including: Kim Warren, Ashley Fazzary, Marian Schamel, Cathy Brown, Allison Hanley, Jenn Bills, Maryann Reiss, Michelle Warren and Courtney Warren. Some of these swimmers also qualified for Section IV relay teams, finishing as high as 4th in all New York State, regardless of school size."

* from COACH JIM SCOTT -- Seneca Youth Basketball Program:
"The Watkins Glen Youth Basketball Program was started in December 1984 and continues to this day (25 years later!). The program affords the opportunity for male and female youth in grades three through six to learn the game of basketball. Fundamentals of the game are stressed and competition between teams is an end result."

* from MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE -- Class of 1943 -- "Ring, Bells Ring" article...
"After the early settlers to Schuyler County had found or built a home, a main concern became where and how would their children be educated. When several families had settled in a certain area, they would hold a meeting in a home to consider where to build a school house. Records show that most school houses were built withn a radius of two miles (of the population served). This was considered a fair distance for children to walk to and from school."

* from teacher MARIE FITZSIMMONS -- who coordinated a Model UN Trip to South Africa:
"Early in the summer of 2007 we received an invitation from South African Schools to attend the Model UN at Cape Town! The South African students and staff were impressed by our delegation (at Cornell University's Model UN conference that spring) and were offering the chance of a lifetime for four of our students...How could we get funding? How could we get parents to let the kids travel so far? School approval? Time to
prepare? Well -------

* from teacher MAGGIE EDGLEY -- Video Production class:
"The beginnings of what is now Video Production began in 1997 with English teacher Dannie Brown teaching Journalism. .....In 1998 a Video Production class was formed to broadcast the school announcements on television through the local access channel 5.....In 2001, there was formed a Broadcast Club with WENY-TV anchorman Jay LaScolea teaching the fundamentals of broadcasting....Broadcasting classes began in 2002....."

* from ANDY PATROS - Technology Coordinator
"Content from the internet, word, power point, videos, digital photos -- are all current pieces of each staff member's daily content toolbox. By implementing an interactive whiteboard, a computer, scanner, document camera, digital camera, DVD player, etc., all can be integrated with the white board's functionality to offer a better technology experience for students and staff."

The History Book is ready

WATKINS GLEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT -- A HISTORY, 1853-2008 (155 years of people, achievements and events) --- the BOOK is done and now available for sale to the public.

-- if you've enjoyed reading the information found in this column over the past 22 months, that is only the “tip of the iceberg” as to what you will find in this updated historical account of our District;
-- more than two years in the making, this 8 1/2" X 11" soft-cover book encompasses 233 pages of facts and pictures in “telling the story”of the Watkins Glen Central School District from 1853-2008 (due to an April release date, a good deal of information pertaining to 2009 is also found in this volume).
-- this venture -- entirely a non-profit endeavor -- is as comprehensive as possible bringing the history of the past to meet that being made today, with a major emphasis on the years 1983-2008 featuring students and staff along with academic and athletic achievements and with other interesting bits of information as well. A complete listing of class membership (1883-2008) is also included.

To purchase your own copy of the updated/comprehensive "A History -- 1853-2008" please mail a check for $16.00 per copy to the Watkins Glen High School Student Council at the following address:

Watkins Glen High School
Attention: Student Council/History Book
301 12th Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

-- only books ordered in advance between March 2 and March 23 will be printed, with no books being printed after that. There will be no extras available for sale two or three months from now; again, as a strictly non-profit venture, this will be the ONLY printing for the book, so anyone interested need order now.

-- if you know of anyone out of the area who may be interested in ordering a book, please let them know of the details; anyone wishing to have their book mailed to them must also include $2.95 for postage and handling (please be sure your address is on your check); all others can come in and pick up their book when delivered to the school in late 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 21st in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Following are many miscellaneous historical "nuggets" from the Watkins Glen Central School District history...

* IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr.: born on a farm in Tioga Center; was a Math Teacher and Junior High School Principal at Williamsville, NY prior to coming to Watkins Glen; along with Board Member Don J. Wickham was highly instrumental in CENTRALIZATION of our District in the 1950s (which began the closing and disappearance of dozens of one-room and two-room schoolhouses);

* PROFESSOR S.S. (Samuel Sellen) JOHNSON: born in Altay (Schuyler County) and educated at Starkey Seminary in Eddytown, NY; one small example of the esteem in which he was held by all was having the 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903 & 1907 Oracles (Yearbooks) dedicated to him; served our District from 1874-1909; he died in 1926

* PROFESSOR JOHN A. BEERS: graduated from Candor Academy in 1895 and was Valedictorian at Susquehana Collegiate Institute in 1897; graduated from Syracuse University (Magna Cum Laude) in 1901; served in Watkins Glen from 1901-1941 (teacher, Coach and District Principal); chaperoned every Senior Trip from 1912-1935; died on April 11, 1951 at the age of 75;

* MR. WARREN HERTENSTEIN: born in San Jose, California in 1897; graduated from Citrius Junior College and Northwestern University; joined the U.S. Marines and spent 10 months in France during World War I; served in Watkins Glen from 1941-1953; Senior Trips during World War II went to New York City & not Washington, D.C.

* MR. JOHN R. COOK: born in Corning, NY and graduated from Alfred University (BS) and Cornell University (MS); Math & Science teracher, former Guidance Counselor & Vice Principal at Hammondsport and Dundee; served Watkins Glen 1953-1964; ranked by Irving Goodrich, Sr. and Don Wickham as "premier administrator" of their era; died April 4, 1997

* MR. JACK RANDOLPH TERRY: born in Sayre, PA and graduated from Mansfield State Teacher's College and Cornell University; stellar athlete in football & wrestling; named to Mansfield University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998; served Watkins Glen 1964-1967; very instrumental in construction of the new high school facility; died August 30, 2006

* DR. LLOYD N. PEAK: born in Pennsylvania; graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College, University of Scranton and University of Rochester; elementary teacher & principal; Assistant Superintendent and Curriculum Coordinator; served Watkins Glen 1967-1987 and truly developed education as we know it today; instituted 1st technology in our District; died May 5, 1991

* MR. WILFORD F. ROSS: graduated from Adrian College (Michigan) and Columbia University with additional course work at St. Bonaventure, NYU, Buffalo State, Sienna College & others; former biology teacher, high school principal and assistant superintendent; served Watkins Glen 1987-1990; noted for long-range planning, renovation projects & brought Mike DeNardo to our employ;

* MR. DONALD A. DRYDEN: born in Michigan and graduated from Augustana College, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University; Director of Community Education, Curriculum Director, Elementary Principal & Superintendent in Michigan; served Watkins Glen 1990-2000; added immensely to Professional Development & Technology Education; instituted $36,150,000 renovation project;

* DR. MARY ELLEN CORREA: grew up in Keesville, NY; graduated from College of St. Rose, Pan American University and University of Houston; Reading & Elementary Teacher, Principal & Superintendent prior to coming to Watkins Glen; served WG 2000-2006; worked tirelessly to complete $36,150,000 renovation; implemented many NYS programs (AIS, APPR, PDP, C-DEP, SAVE Legislation & more); noted for "21st Century Program" and securing first SRO Officer in our schools; assisted with SCT and SA-BOCES merger;

* MR. THOMAS J. PHILLIPS: born in Elmira, NY; graduated from SUNY Cortland (BA & Administration Degree) and Elmira College (Masters'); physical education teacher & Vice Principal in Elmira; Middle School Principal (South Seneca); Superintendent at Watkins Glen since 2006; noted for active involvement with increasing student academic achievement and full Inclusion programs, EXCEL AID/Renovation ($4 million+ for Health/Safety updates, Energy Management, Accessibility improvements, Technology Support and space renovations throughout the District); noted for long-range planning/5-year plans; worked to implement Shared Records Storage facility (old bus garage) and so much more; promotes & believes in a culture of a caring & positive environment to "surround & support" our students in giving them the finest educational opportunities possible; extremely conscious of a cost-effective education for all.

Interim Superintendents: KENNETH HARRIS January 1987-July 1987 and JOHN SKAWSKI July 1990-November 1990.

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Watkins Glen "ROARING TWENTIES"....... Senior Class notes

* 1920: Senior Trip was financed through bake sales, the Senior Ball and the Senior Play; best remembered for the "train wreck" returning home from Washington, D.C. (no one was injured and the railroad car they were riding in was not derailed as so many others were)
* 1921:on the Senior Trip, Class President WALTER BURRELL missed the train in Philadelphia, after he got off the train to search for an umbrella (he later caught up to the group!)
* 1922: commencement ceremony was held in the Presbyterian Church; Senior play was "The Real Thing After All"
* 1923: annual Senior Ball was held in the Masonic Temple; annual Play was: "Golden Days"
* 1924: commencement ceremony was held in the Methodist Church
* 1925: class were guests of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at the Jefferson Hotel; Senior Play was "Come Out of the Kitchen"
* 1926: Senior Play was "Mother Mine"; Alumni dinner (1st held in 10 years) was held at the Stephen House;
* 1927: "Class of 1st's" -- 1st Freshman Class in our history to be divided into 2 homerooms & 1st class to top $1,500 collected for Class Trip
* 1928: hosted Election Day dinner at Red Men's Club; Senior Play was "Seventeen"
* 1929: due to the school fire, classes were held in the Cole-Royce Hall & the Masonic Temple; Cook Academy facilities were shared for athletic activities.

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PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN saluted the Class of 1982 on being the 100th graduating class in our long & illustrious history, with a personal note:

"As graduates you have proven your skills and capabilities and now you will have many choices before you. ... I hope you will always remember to give your energies and your hearts to your communities, your fellow man and your country."

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COACH JIM SCOTT -- recently honored for his many years of volunteer service to the youth of our District (and many-times honoree as our Booster Club "COACH OF THE YEAR") deserves thanks & appreciation from everyone! COACH SCOTT would be the first to tell you that the Seneca Youth Basketball Program on Saturday mornings could not have achieved the success it has without the able assistance and help of so many others. Just to mention a few of the wonderful "Coaches" who have assisted him through the years: SAM BRUBAKER, NEIL DE RAICHE, TED PEARCE, A.J. ELLISON, NICK BARTONE, DAVID SEITHER, JEFF FAZZARY, HOLLY MOSHER, TRACEY WILLIAMS, TRAVIS LINCOLN, RICHARD AUGUSTINE, MIKE ARNOLD, JON EVANS, MATT CLARK, JASON SABATINI, BRIAN COOLICAN, NATE WEBER, JEREMY DAVIS, PHIL WALTERS, MOLLY SCHAMEL, ALICIA LEARN and dozens of others! How about these athletes (only a sprinkling of so many) who honed their skills under COACH SCOTT'S guidance:

* DREW "Never a Sub" BUBB * ADAM "The Fuse" MATHEWS * STEPHEN "The Spider" LEE * MARK "The Birdman" MATTHEWS * JOSH "By Gosh" MENLO

* COLIN "What's Happening" CHAPMAN * MELANIE "Sends Alarms" BARNES * BRANDON "The Phantom" MATTHEWS * DAVID "The Doctor" TERRY

* JULIE "The Thriller" MILLER * T. "Pop A" J. LOVE * ALICIA "Always Stern" LEARN * MATT "The Cat" KEEFER * KELLY "Only Yield" FIELD

* ANDY "The Conductor" CLARK * ERIC "Dancin" HANSEN * BEN "Likes to be Fed" WINSTEAD * TYSON "The Driver" VAN SKIVER * RYAN "Use the Iron" COON * JILL "Wants to Score a Million" PEVO...

The "LEARN MOTORS" Team of 1994-1995 Coached by MATT CLARK, JIM SCOTT & SAM BRUBAKER is one of the featured pictures in the updated District history book which will be available in March. Team Members were:

CHRIS DRAKE * KEITH BUBB * BEN WINSTEAD * CRAIG HEATH * COLLEEN SCOTT * MIKE NYRE * RYAN BARR * MONIQUE ZAVALA * ALICIA LEARN * RYAN VAN HORN * ERIN HAZLITT

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AWARDS DAY ASSEMBLY -- Watkins Glen Middle School -- June 25, 1982

* MICHELLE FRAGOLA: Schuyler County Spelling Champion
* CHARLIE MELVENEY & JAMIE COLEMAN: 1st place in Schuyler County Youth Fair Walk-A-Thon
* CHRIS MELVENEY & JASON FAY: 1st place in Schuyler County Youth Fair (runners category)
* SAM BRUBAKER, CHRIS PROPER, FRED THORP, CHRIS CHEDZOY & MIKE PEARSALL: Gr. 6 NYS Math League Regional Winners
* BEN KRAMER: Mansfield State College Read/Writing Contest -- 1st Place
* MIKE LYND (1st),MIKE SCHAFFNER (2nd) & TAMMY GROVER (3rd): Schuyler County Bird Club Essay winners (thank you Mr. JOHN UPDYKE, teacher)
* JESSICA GREENSTEIN, JASON FAY, JULIE FRANZESE, DINA BRUBAKER & BRIAN GLOVER: Gr. 8 NYS Math League Regional Winners
* SAM BRUBAKER & TAMMY TOMASSI: High Scorers in Intramural Basketball Championship Game
* KIM DONAHUE (!st), DINA CIPRICH (2nd) & SUBRINA RUSSELL (3rd): Cancer Swim-A-Thon winners
* JIM STATES, EDWIN THEETGE & DUANE SIMPSON: Blue Ribbon Winners -- Scholastic Art Awards
* BEN KRAMER (MVP), BUD NEMETH (Most Improved), MARK VAN LONE (Best Sportsmanship): Junior High Swimming Awards
*GEOFF PIERCE & JULIE METAL: Honorable Mention Reading/Writing Contest
*HEATHER GAPP (President), NEIL FAZZARY (VP), SARAH BARTOW (Secretary) LISA BARTONE (Treasurer): Student Council Officers
* MICHELLE KNOPSKI: High School Student Council Treasurer

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Additional MIddle School achievements from the 1981-1982 school year:

* MRS. NANCY HOOVER established a student Newspaper Club
* MR. RICHARD SCHIED established a Young Writers Club
* MISS SHARON ISLEY established a student Video Club
* "MEMORY BOOK" was published for the very 1st time
* Teachers DANNIE BROWN, EMMA SMITH & SALLY KENYON transferred to the High School
* New teachers were: JOE TOBIA, JANET SIMIELE and BECKY SUE CROUT
* Long-time teacher NEIL PATTERSON retired in November
* Six students attended a Video Conference at the Concord Hotel
* Teacher JANE BURRIS sponsored a "Hall of Presidents"
* JASON FAY & JEFF LEONARD competed in the County's 1st Crop Walk
* SUE STOCUM & DINA CIPRICH were members of the Girls' Varsity Swim Team (Dina qualified for Sectionals)
* MATT STANSFIELD competed on the JV Football Team
* Teachers GEORGE MC GONIGAL & JOE TOBIA supervised the Intramural Program
* Teachers GEORGE MC GONIGAL & BECKY SUE CROUT supervised the Saturday Morning recreational program
* SUE DOANE, MIKE PETERS, TONY DE NARDO, DEBBIE VOORHEIS, MARJORIE DINKINS, CAROL HARTMAN & MISSY VAN ETTEN had original stories published
in the Schuyler County Historical Society's April 1982 Journal...(thank you, Mrs. KATE LA MOREAUX, teacher)

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 20th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

On a few occasions I have mentioned a book on the history of the Watkins Glen Central School District I have been working on the past two years (actually about thirty years in collecting material & information of note). That project is coming to a close now with final copy being edited and composed on a disk for publication. Copies of this book (approximately 250 pages in length) will be available for sale within the next few weeks, with delivery of the book anticipated in March at the latest (hopefully sooner than that!). The cost for this historical update will be the cost of individual printing to cover expenses --- this is not a "for profit" venture at all. Please watch this site and other local media sources as well for further details and actual cost, with information on how to secure your copy.

In this historical update you will find a wealth of information and interesting topics to include the following:
-- District Administration: Professor Samuel Sellen Johnson through Thomas J. Phillips;
-- County Superintendent of Schools and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent Irving D. Goodrich, Sr.;
-- Board of Education 1885-1886 through 2008-2009;
-- Personnel through the ages with specific "Memories" from many you know;
-- Athletic History in general with specific sections devoted to the Athletic "Hall of Fame," "The Varsity Boys' Basketball Program" written by Coach John Fazzary, the 1951 Boys' Varsity Basketball Sectional Champion Team, "The Top-Drawer 24 Teams," the "Swimmin Women" written by Coach Kate LaMoreaux, the "Saturday Morning Basketball Program" written by Coach Jim Scott, and many additional athletic highlights through the years;
-- Construction & Renovation projects along with a brief "history" of our custodial and maintenance departments;
-- a major update of "Class Histories" 1980 - 2008 (with some 2009 information);
-- the history of our District Calendars (with various dedications and student art projects);
-- our P.T.A. 1982-2009; a historic timeline 1852-2009; a section "In Memory of" many faculty/staff/students;.
-- Rural Schools with an in-depth article written by Marian Morehouse Boyce;
-- information on the Elementary, Middle & High Schools; articles on Computer Education (by Andy Patros), and Food Services (by Judy Mercer);
-- information on our Transportation Department; article on Special Education (written by Nan Woodworth-Shaw)
-- a "Quick Reference" to a variety of things to include:
1) Schuyler Scholars
2) Senior Class Officers 1980 - 2009
3) Boys' State & Girls' State 1987/88 - 2007/08
4) Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Senior Orator 1980's - the Present
5) Yearbook Dedications, Homecoming Queens, Student Council Presidents &
Senior Class Presidents 1971/72 to 2007/08
- ... and a whole listing of "FIRSTS" for your interest & enjoyment..... + much more!

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* CONGRATULATIONS to newest Athletic HALL OF FAME Members: ASHLEY FAZZARY, Class of 2001, and KEVIN MURPHY, Class of 2003.

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Relationship with Law Enforcement: Our District has always fostered and maintained a strong and positive relationship with law enforcement officials in our County to include the NY State Police, the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department and the Village Police Department. NYS Trooper DAVID WAITE has been our School Resource Officer for the past three years now; prior to that NYS Trooper SCOTT ELLISON served as our
School Resource Officer. Both of these Troopers share/shared time with the Odessa-Montour School District as well.

Prior to School Resource Officers actually in residence in our schools -- SRO's began service with the 2003-04 school year -- we depended upon the fine men and women working with the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department and the Village Police Department and still call upon them in time of need. Former SHERIFF MICHAEL MALONEY was a great supporter of our schools and was always available to answer our needs for advice, committee work and special projects (i.e. specifically "Drug Free School Zones"); Undersheriff PHIL BARNES & Senior Investigator MICHAEL WOOD responded as well to our needs, often with Investigator CRAIG GALLOW, and now-Undersheriff BRECK SPAULDING and other department staff as needed (i.e. MIKE worked specifically at times with our S.A.D.D. Club activities and assemblies). From the Village Police Department we could always count on DICK PIERCE, STEVE DECKER, MIKE POWERS, BILL CROFT, BILL RICE, DAVID NOVINSKY and others --- you gentlemen were our SRO's long before that term became popular. THANK YOU!

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Years of Service: As we end 2008, a brief look back to 1998 shows the following High School faculty/staff receiving service pins during November of 1998 for American Education Week (notice how many have retired or moved on since 1998): Years total were at conclusion of 1998-99 school year...

30 year pins: Dan Teed (31 years), Brian O'Donnell (30), Barb Hughey (30), Nick Dugo (30), Richard McIntyre (30)

25 year pins: Bob King (28 years), Dannie Brown (27), Mike Watson (27), Ray Thomas (26), Nancy Loughlin (26)

20 year pins: Tom Omiatek (23 years), Dave Warren (23), Elaine Wojtus (22), Kate LaMoreaux (22), Cyndy Wood (21), Craig Cheplick (20)

15 year pins: Diana Groll (18 years), Diane Melveney (17), Chris Omiatek (17), Eileen Malaney (16)

10 year pins: Lynn Norman (14 years), Karen Armstrong (14), Deb Patterson (13), Diane Wood (12), Jamie Harter (11), Cole Lee (10)

5 year pins: Kaz Estelow (9 years), Bridgette Searles (9), Nancy Bahns (9), Rick Pettet (9), Kelly Muir (7),
Barb Coon (7), Kathy Meierjurgen (6)

Staff: Liz Paradiso (26 years), Reetha Shumway (21), Nancy Cleveland (18), Tracie McIlroy (11), Ray Kaschalk (5), Tom Planty (5)

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Memories from Marianne Morin (from April 7, 2008)
" I remember when Anna Mae Orgill -- who was a Reading Teacher at the Middle School for many years and in the Elementary School for a year -- told me at Easter time that she had never been absent one day in all her teaching career." Marianne goes on to speak fondly of Phyllis Bond and Michele Benware (former Reading Teachers at the Elementary School). She also speaks of Arlene Kravitz, who preceeded her in her position.

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BUDGET PROCESS: Already as Superintendent THOMAS PHILLIPS, School Business Official GAYLE SEDLACK, Board of Educatiuon Members, Building Principals and other Administrators and faculty/staff are looking toward the development of the 2009-2010 budget, it's a nice opportunity to look back at former Business Officials to thank them for their service & dedication to our District:

Business Management: George Scaptura 1968-1985, Jeremiah Tuning 1985-1987, Craig Carr 1987-1996, Adrienne Zaharis 1996-4/30/02, Dominic Aloisio 7/1/02-1/04, Gayle Sedlack 1/04-Present

District Treasurers:: Irene Gillette 1949-1968, Mary DeDominick 1968-1969, Norma Baldassarre 1969-1985, Linda Schneider 1985-1987, Betty Edsall 1987-1996, Adrienne Zaharis 1996-2002, Gayle Sedlack
2002-Present

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Some snippets of past history.....

Year Event/Achievement
1979/80 -- TAMMY DAVIS was awarded Alumni Association History Award & the PBA Award;
1981/82 -- MATT SERLO (Student Council President); DINA CIPRICH (Junior Class President);
1983/84 -- District Budget was set at $6,269,764; DAWN MIRACLE (1965-1973) & MICHAEL OSBORNE (1965-1981) featured in Yearbook;
1985/86 -- Longest serving faculty in high school were: ERNIE TOLMAN, JERRY LOUGHLIN, CHRISTINE HUSTON, DON MASS & BOB MORIN.
1987/88 -- NICK DUGO named as Seniors "Favorite Teacher"; annual District Budget: $8,700,318
1989/90 -- National Honor Society inductees: MELANIE DYER, PETER LA MOREAUX, MATT MARCINIAK, JAMES ERGOTT, JEFF KING & BRIAN THOMAS
1991/92 -- JEFF FAZZARY, MARY FRANZESE, BRIAN COLEMAN & RONI PIERCE served on the Athletic Council
1993/94 -- NICK DUGO (Sumo Wrestling), KAZ ESTELOW (Tech Prep), CHRIS HUSTON (Garden Fountain) & MIKE WATSON (Mat Chat)
1995/96 -- Retiring at end of year: RITA BANFI, CHUCK MEDALIE, HELEN HUMAN, GERALD LOUGHLIN, EMMA SMITH, RUTH GIVIN, MICHAEL YUHASZ, GENE REASOR & HARRIET REASOR; DR. LLOYD N. PEAK & LOUISE STILLMAN & DON WICKHAM are inducted into the Schuyler County Hall of Fame
1997/98 -- MARIE FITZSIMMONS & KELLY SORENSEN both move from 1/2 time to full time teaching positions;
1999/2000 -- Year of Y2K, TILT Team, CORD Team, and CISCO Networking Program; BOB FOOTE is 'jack-of-all-trades" for Broadcast Studio
2001/02 -- All student smoking banned on the "ISLAND"; CRAIG CHEPLICK named Channel 18-TV Educator of the Week;
2003/04 -- CHAD DERSHAM (Student Council President); DESIREE ELLISON (Senior Class President)
2005/06 -- Interact Club Co-Presidents: JEFF KELLOGG & MEGAN GROLL; PROM: King - ANDREW NIELSEN and Queen - OCTAVIA CADY
2007/08 -- SOPHIE FITZSIMMONS-PETERS, ASHLEY SAVARD, MOLLY MURPHY & BRUCE WELLS along with Faculty members MARIE FITZSIMMONS & KATE LA MOREAUX attend Model UN Conference in South Africa.....

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 19th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"New" Elementary School...

In March, 1950, district voters passed a resolution organizing the Consolidated District No. 1 of the Towns of Dix, Hector, Reading, Orange and Tyrone and establishing a Central School for instruction in elementary and secondary subjects. In May, the Board of Education of the Watkins Glen Central School District was organized. The need for an Elementary School and a bus garage was an immediate concern and in November, approval was made to purchase the "Robert Cox" property. In August the voters approved erection of a new school, including a garage and an addition to the Burdett school. (From former Board of Education member WILLIAM WICKHAM, written for the "100 Year's Book" in 1981-82.)

In the years following World War II it wasn't easy to secure iron & steel for construction projects, and former County Superintendent IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr. always credited former School Board Member DON J. WICKHAM -- former NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets -- for his efforts in securing the proper building materials for our Elementary School.

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For my update to the District history -- due for publication early next year -- our Technology Coordinator ANDY PATROS reports that our District has the following technological resources:
-- 139 Mac Computers: 23 in the High School, 84 in the Middle School (with 64 laptops), and 32 in the Elementary School (with 24 laptops);
-- 241 PC's in the High School (37 laptops)
-- 189 PC's in the Middle School (90 laptops)
-- 200 PC's in the Elementary School (53 laptops)
* District has a total of 777 computers on the network!

As the District continues to strengthen teaching & learning, Mr. Patros points out that the next phase of the technological development is the implementation of "interactive whiteboards" (Promethean Boards) -- 3 (one in each building in 2007 and 27-30 installed throughout the District in the summer of 2008.)

Where did this begin? Former Social Studies Teacher (and Senior Class Advisor and Student Council Advisor) NICK DUGO reports the following: " Did you know that the Student Council purchased the first computer in the high school for the Math Club (under RUTH WARNER)? I think it was a TRS. It was in the late 1970s. The kids tried very hard to develop a program to keep track of race weekend program sales. It worked pretty well but couldn't keep track of all the details. I also remember the first time one of our students showed up with a hand-held Texas instrument calculator. Everyone was impressed, not knowing that it was the portent of things to come."
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Memories for the Month of December: a special thanks & appreciation to the following individuals who contributed so much to our District and died during the month of December:
--- JANE BURRIS --- 12/3/94 Teacher
--- MYRTLE MILLER --- 12/06/00 School Nurse Teacher
--- LAURA PALMER --- 12/11/90 Cook (1953-70 & 1971-73)
--- FLORA HILLERMAN --- 12/16/2006 --- Cafeteria Worker

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PETER GALATIS: taught Physical Education (1955-1968 Gr. K-6 and 1969-1987 Gr. 5-8) and it's my pleasure to call him a colleague and a friend! For many years he was Assistant Varsity Football Coach, then Varsity Basketball Coach (1956-1970), Watkins Glen's 1st Varsity Golf Coach (1962-1970) and coordinator for the Intramural Program for many years. Pete was elected to the WG "Hall of Fame" in 1991. Since 1987 a special Athletic Award has been named for him:

The "Peter Galatis" Award Winners at the WG MIddle School:

1987: Peter LaMoreaux
1988: Steve Decker
1989: Eric Scholtisek
1990: A.J. Ellison
1991: David Seither & Scott Wright
1992: Steve Bierline
1993: Mike Arnold
1994: Nate Weber
1995: Jesse Voorheis
1996: Nick Drake 2008:
1997: Ray Voorheis
1998: Phil Watson & Steve Oliver
1999: Colin Chapman
2000: Jared Peters
2001: Deven Dickerson
2002: Conor Flahive
2003: Steve Combs
2004: Alan McIlroy
2005: Kris Larson
2006: Stuart Cook
2007: Travis Waite
2008: Clayton Beaumont & Alec Moore

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Thank you BARB HUGHEY and CYNDY WOOD: I always marveled at the opportunities and "challenges" offered to high school students by Physical Education teachers Barb and Cyndy (dance-ballroom, country-line dancing, etc., cross country skiing, canoeing & scuba diving and so much more) -- an ever changing program offering our students programs of interest & challenge which comprised one of the best physical education programs in New York State. JAMIE HARTER got us involved in "Project Adventure" -- a program of challenges and confidence builders -- that TRACEY PRATT, SAM BRUBAKER and ROB MICHEL brought to even higher levels.

In 1990 Barb Hughey coordinated and implemented a very special participatory program --- for faculty/staff and students --- called "Spring Into Spring," a series of athletic events (both team and individual competitions). Who can forget the following:
-- CHUCK MEDALIE & PAT TAMMARO beating all participants in golf;
-- REETHA SHUMWAY & CAROL KUNZMANN as our "Queens of Shuffleboard"
-- KATE LA MOREAUX as our "Queen"
-- MIKE WATSON -- no one did "Simon Says" better
-- DANNIE BROWN as "Clown Brown"
-- NICK DUGO as the "Judge" complete with striped shirt & TOP HAT
-- and so many more.....

End result of "Sports Day" was fun for all! For those who appreciate actual statistics, the scores over the years were:
1990: Faculty/staff 46 points Students 46 points
1992: Faculty/staff 70 points Students 73 points
1994: Faculty/staff 67 points Students 47 points
1996: Faculty/staff 59 points Students 52 points
1998: Faculty/staff: 57 points Students 64 points
2000: Faculty/staff: 51 points Students 60 points

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VIDEO PRODUCTION: Many of us remember daily announcements at school over the intercom system; since 1998 those announcements at the Watkins Glen High School have been broadcast over television channel 5 from the broadcast studio within the school. A little "tour" of that history:
-- Video Production (a credit-bearing class) began in 1997 with English Teacher DANNIE BROWN teaching Journalism in a video production format;
-- in 1998 a Video Production class was formed to broadcast school announcements on in-school television. This Video Production class was in charge of broadcasting morning & afternoon announcements -- by 2000 the class was in charge of taping school events and showing them on tape-delay on Channel 5. (At this time our Broadcast Studio was located in an area near our Media Tech classroom, where the new cafeteria is today);
-- in 2001 a formal Broadcast Club was formed, under the direction of 1/2 time English Teacher (and then- current Channel 36 Television anchorman) JAY LA SCOLEA teaching the fundamentals of broadcasting. (New location for the studio was in the area formerly occupied by our Home Economics Department classes);
-- in 2002 the Broadcast Club was led by DANNIE BROWN with a Broadcasting Class taught by Library Media Specialist MAGGIE EDGLEY;
-- in 2003 MRS. EDGLEY changed the class title to "Video Production" with the main focus of creating fictional & expressionistic video work. Video Production students continue to produce morning &
afternoon announcements;
-- Channel 5 and Broadcast Journalism would not have been possible without the very capable contributions of our unofficial "troubleshooter" BOB FOOTE!

The Watkins Glen High School Band (year unknown).

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 18 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more school-related photos from days long gone by.

They include a picture of a Future Nurse's Club (at right) on an unspecified date. We ran this photo initially with only two people identified: the third person from the left (Sandra Arcangeli) and the School Nurse Teacher, Mrs. Myrtle Miller. Then Ron Pierce, teaching assistant at the WG Middle School, provided identities and a date: Left to right are Marion Ameigh, Candy Johnson, Sandy Arcangeli, Mrs. Myrtle Miller and (possibly) Sandy Harper. The picture was taken circa 1958/59, as these girls were in the Class of 1960.

This photo is marked on its back as the Watkins Glen Junior High School Class of 1935.

This is the Watkins Glen 4th Grade of 1942.

This is a scene at the Glen Avenue School in 1923. Teachers were Miss Doris Allison (grades 4 through 6), Miss Anna Cullen (grades 2 and 3), and Miss Jessie Hillman (grade 1). (Photo donated by Mrs. LeGrand Barnum of Burdett)

1939 Watkins Glen High School Poster Club. Front row, from left: Pruda Knowles, Miss Ellen S. Parker (teacher), Allene Owens, Jean Adams, Doris Weber and (first name unknown) Roberts. Back row, from left: Eugene Knowles, George Egan, John B. Wait, W. John Smith and Elwyn Miller.

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 1940.

Through the WGHS halls: A look back

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 18th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

More historical information from the Watkins Glen Central School District...

* June 26, 1934 COMMENCEMENT...
--Valedictorian: Norman Freudenheim
-- Salutatorian: Coralee Hicks
-- Essay: "Virtues of Languages in High School" by Bertha F. Wood
-- Duet: "Qui Vive, Ganz" -- Margaret Harris & Marilyn Hager
-- Presentation of High School Diplomas: W.W. Clute
-- Presentation of Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers
-- Award of Board Scholarship Cup: Dr. A.H. Jackson

* "The ORACLE" 1933:
-- Dedication: Principal John A. Beers
-- Faculty Advisor: Gordon F. DePew
-- Departing Teachers:

1) Miss Harriet O. Ganung: Training Class Teacher; with the abolishment of Teacher Training Classes in New York State, Miss Ganung is retiring after 36 years of service

2) Mrs. Winifred Love: Music Teacher; born and raised in Watkins Glen, with a teaching career that saw her serve in Odessa, Montour Falls, Burdett and Watkins Glen (her Glee Club in 1932-33 won 1st place in the sectional contest at Groton)

3) Miss Katherine O'Connor: Math Teacher; born and raised in Elmira (St. Mary's School and Southside HS); girls basketball coach at Watkins Glen for two years and a very popular teacher and good friend to all

* 1932-1933 was also the year of:
--Varsity Boys' Basketball Class B Sectional Championship (overall record of 19-3). Team
Members were:
*Coach Blake * Macreery * Fraboni * Spader * Weed * Granston * Macri * Sullivan
* Andrew * Stamp * Granston * Kenyon * Johnson

-- Varsity Football: 8 games played; 4 wins, 2 ties and 2 losses

-- Student Council: for 1st half of the year:
President: Betty Morris
Vice President: Lewellyn Kenyon
Secretary: Fred Hunt
Treasurer: Abraham Freudenheim
Sgt. at Arms: Philip Walsh

(Student Council established a hallway patrol to help maintain order, and decided upon issuing a Yearbook instead of the usual "Pepper Pot")

-- Student Council: for 2nd half of the year:
President: Joseph Fraboni
Vice President: Betty Hunt Cleveland
Secretary: Fred Hunt
Treasurer: Fred Sebring
Sgt. at Arms: Philip Walsh

(Student Council hall monitors reported students for misconduct in the hallways and these students were brought before the Student Council for "fair trial.")

-- GLEN HIGH ECHO: a bi-weekly newspaper published by the Post Graduate Class to supplement the Yearbook. Each issue contained four-pages and sold for $.02

--- Some Members of the Senior Class and their nicknames:
-- Charles Andrew "TOW"
-- Howard Davis "HOWDY"
-- Alice Love Ellison "AL"
-- Henry Fraboni "BIFF"
-- Aliene Grace "PINK"
-- Herbert Grant "POSEY"
-- Jack Hamilton "CHIC"
-- Frances Howard "SQUIRT"
-- Walter Johnson "WINCHELL"
-- Lloyd Sherrer "DUB"
-- Charles Stamp "STAMPY"
-- Sylvia Walsh "SIB"
-- Helen Wasson "PEE WEE"

All of the above information was gained from materials brought in by a gentleman who left them at the Middle School (old high school) for our archives. Thank you very much!!! He also gave us a mint-condition picture of the graduating Class of 1934. Hopefully that gentleman will see this information and contact this site with his name so we can extend proper recognition to him!
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* Information found on our very 1st District Calendar (1982-1983):
Board of Education: Lauren Lodge, President; Charles Cole, Vice President
Members: Marian Boyce, Carl Isley, Jr., Daniel Murphy, Geraldine Richtmyer and Sally Simson.

Superintendent: Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
Principal - H.S.: Frederic Lorenz
Principal - M.S.: Brian O'Donnell
Principal - E.S.: Michael Yuhasz
Business Manager: George Scaptura
District Treasurer: Norma Baldassarre
District Clerk: Katherine Discenza
School Nurse Teacher: Betty Lou Pearsall

School Physician: Dr. Joseph Y. Roberts
Health Office Aides:
High School: Liz Paradiso
Middle School: Rhoda Givin
Elementary School: Linda Fazzary

P.T.A. Officers:
President: JANET FITCH
Vice President: WILLIAM HEATH
Recording Secretary: COLLEEN BELIGOTTI
Corresponding Secretary: JANE BURRIS
Treasurer: SUE DUGO

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Remember these former staff members?

Name -- Years of Service -- Area

Peg Stowell 1964-1973 Grade 4
Elisa Tobia 1981-1988 Home & Career
Tom Thurlow 1968-1970 M.S. Guidance
Julie Mullen 1973-1984 Grade 3
Barry Kravitz 1973-1981 Grade 3
Lee Houseknecht 1970-1973 High School
Boyd Herforth 1977-1984 High School
Ralph Scazafabo 1972-1980 MS/HS Math
Sharon Herzig 1979-1984 M.S.
Nancy Hoover 1976-1985 M.S.
Lori Maas 1965-1975 E.S.
Ruth Shewan 1984-1993 M.S.
Debra Collier 1975-1977 H.S. Library
Ann Meacham 1969-1971 E.S.
Michelle Venditto 1987-2001 E.S.

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The Bell Choir, First Presbyterian Church, Watkins Glen, on an unspecified date. From left: Amy Andrews, Kristi Peak, Robin Tolman, Karin Richards, Dennis McCray, David McCray and Jeffrey Peak. Director Ernest Tolman is at rear. Member Ryan Tolman was absent.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 30 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more local photos from days long gone by.

They include a picture of an intramural girls basketball team from the 1960s (at right). No names were provided with the photo, but after it was published here, Carol (Giambo) Taber of Horseheads wrote in to say: "The girls in the picture that you have shown are: front row, Carol Giambo, Ruth Morey, Bonnie Wagner, and Ellen (I think) Thorpe; and back row, Kathy O'Grady, Pat Reinhart, S. (don't know) Soule, and M. (don't know) Havens. We had a lot of fun playing. Just as a point of information, my daughter-in-law called me from the state of Washington to tell me to look at the picture because they thought I was in it. They were right!"

The Watkins Glen kindergarten class of Grace Abbott, in a photo snapped on June 3, 1958. Left to right: front row, Michael Haight, Mary Spaziani, Gary Ayers, Kathleen Madigan, David Macri, Margaret Doolittle, Ernest Filippetti, Robert Macri, Rose Alice Lachut, Cheryl Elliott, Glenn Smith, Patricia Healy; back row, Richard Ennis, Gary Conklin, Brian Douglas, Elizabeth Franzese, Rosalee Houghtelling, Donna Simpson, Linda Hopper, Cynthia O'Bryan, Patricia Smith, Sheila Teed, Thomas Kloppel, Charles Sweeney, Margaret Borg, David Weed, Richard Ziarno, William Phelps, Jack Varner, David Havens, Orson Rumsey. Absent from picture: Carol Colunio and Costa Mitchell. Moved away: Jean Simpson, Veronica Lisk, Jack Liquori.

This is a basketball team from 1945. It is unclear who the players are on a left-to-right basis, but names on the back of the photo, scattered about, include: T.J. O'Rourke, Donny Green, Frank Button, Jim Fazzary, Charles Greene, Paul Churcher, Teddy Marciniak and Tommy Rondinaro.

This is a 6th grade class from 1915-16 at Northern Union School, where John A. Beers was principal. Left ro right: front row, James Pastore, Starr Martin, John J. Thompson; Henry McKenna, Donald Gurnett, John Reams, William Rooney, Walter Powers, Thomas Moran, Emma Walling, Louise Clark, Mary Peters and Debert Cunningham; middle row, Albert Green, Louis Baker, Joseph Orsino, Mary Cullen, Emma Woodward, Naomi Fordham, Anna Demery and Mary Morris; back row, Albert Betts, Oliver Campbell, Roswell Green, George Olson, Belle Haynes, Marian Hyatt, Aileen Demery, Eleanor Millen, Lucille Peck and Anna Kuhn.

Through the WGHS halls: A look back

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 17th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* "History" within the history:
On June 24, 1998 two men were honored with honorary membership in the Watkins Glen High School Class of 1953:
1) JAMES ANGELO
2) JAMES KUHN
Certificates, awarded to both men, read in part:
"Whereas he attended a school on the hill called "PADUA" but his heart remained in the valley with his friends at Watkins High ... and ... whereas his contributions of time, energy and friendship toward the Members of our Class of 1953 deserve special recognition...

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* Congratulations to FRED & PEG LORENZ who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last November (Fred was Middle School Principal 1977-1981 and High School Principal 1981-1988 and Peg was long-serving Elementary School Teacher); FRED reports that he celebrated his 75th birthday this past July and he and Peg are "still chugging along."

* Special THANKS to those who responded to my call to send in information on various student achievements from the 1970s --- I heard from NANCY HOOVER, PEG RICHARDSON, TRACIE MC ILROY, JILL DRAKE and MARIE FITZSIMMONS --- thanks and appreciation to you for your contributions!

* "GOODRICH PARK" re-dedicated on Saturday, October 4th: only one area or facility in our District is named for anyone and it is so very appropriate that "Irving and Marie Goodrich" are remembered in this way as both were such an important part of our history (Irving as the educator and Marie as the lady who stood with & fully supported the educator); we were very fortunate to have had these fine people in our lives. A look back at their contributions shows the following:

Irving Goodrich: 1905-1996

* 1936-40 Supervisor, Westside (Towns on Dix, Orange, Reading & Tyrone)

* 1940-1968 County Educ. Superintendent and the Superintendent of Schuyler County BOCES

* 1968-1975 1st SCT BOCES Superintendent

Mr. Goodrich also spearheaded Centralization in the Watkins Glen School District in the early 1950s and headed efforts for consolidation of Odessa and Montour Falls in the late 1950s. He was highly sought after for educational advice well into his 90s.

Marie Goodrich: 1908-1989

* President, Watkins Public Library Boar of Trustees.

*Charter Member of the Friends of the Watkins Public Library.

* Member & Secretary, Eastern Star

* "History" within the history:
The original "GOODRICH PLAYGROUND" located on Decatur Street next to the International Motor Racing Research Center served the needs of our youngest students from September 18, 1997 until this past June. Speakers and participants in that original dedication were:
-- Don Dryden: Welcoming Remarks
Superintendent of Schools
-- William Stamp: from STC BOCES
Past Director, Exceptional Children's Center
-- Ken Wilson: on behalf of Rotary
President of Rotary
-- Irving Goodrich, Jr., and Dr. Dan Dolk: family remarks
-- Billie Bauman: acceptance of the playground
Principal, Elementary School
-- Linn Henry: Dedication remarks
President, WG Board of Education
-- Jean Argetsinger: Ribbon Cutting
President, Public Library Board of Trustees
* Public Librarian Harriet Eisman was also on the program.

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* Schuyler County "Hall of Fame" has honored several individuals with strong ties to the Watkins Glen Central School District:
-- 1995: Warren W. Clute, former School Board Member
Don J. Wickham, former School Board Member
Dr. Lloyd N. Peak, former Superintendent
Louise Stillman, former Librarian
-- 1996: Irving D. Goodrich, Sr., former Superintendent
-- 1997: John A. Beers, former District Principal
-- 2000: Dr. Thomas J. Love, former Board Mem.
-- 2007: Jean Argetsinger, former Board Member

Throughout this 2008-09 school year (while renovations are taking place in the County Building) watch for these "Hall of Fame" plaques to be on display in our High School as we continue to recall the outstanding contributions each of these individuals made to our District.

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*"Watkins Glen (Central School District) 1853-2008" --- a comprehensive look through the vast historical data of our District is complete and will be offered for purchase by the public beginning in November. Students from Mrs. Eileen Malaney's Business Education classes are reprocessing the written copy now, and adding a number of pictures to the format to have it ready for printing in November. Watch for additional information here, on Channel 5 (Public Access Channel ), and other media outlets as to how you may purchase your copy. Cost for each book will be just to cover printing expenses --- any profits realized will be donated to the High School Student Council. Among items you will read in this book are the following:
* "Through the Eyes of the Coach" -- the Basketball teams of Coach John Fazzary;
* "Ring Bells Ring" -- a look at one-room schoolhouses written by Marian Morehouse Boyce
* "Swimmin Women" -- by Coach Kate LaMoreaux
* "25 Years of Seneca Youth Basketball" -- by Coach Jim Scott
* stories by Marie Fitzsimmons, Maggie Edgley, Mike DeNardo, Nan Woodworth-Shaw, Judy Mercer, Andy Patros, our three Principals and more...
* plus so much more to include:
- Food Service - Academic Achievements
- Transportation - Facilities - Special Educ.
- Cafeteria - Personnel through the Years
- 1951 Varsity Boys' Basketball Champions
- Board of Education and much, much more..

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* Watkins Glen "Athletic" HALL OF FAME: some of the honored Coaches...
-- KATE LA MOREAUX: coached Girls' Varsity Swimming Team; ranked #1 in NYS Class C/D 1995/96 through 2002/03; undefeated in dual meets 1995-2003 (more than 100 dual meets); consistently named "Scholar Athlete Team"
-- BARB HUGHEY: coached very successful Girls' SWIM teams 1972-1977 with several Sectional Champions; also coached very successful Girls' Tennis Teams 1978-1987 with winning seasons 7 out of 10 years;
-- MIKE WATSON: Wrestling Coach from 1985-2000 compiling record of 145-45-2 with undefeated seasons in 1990 and 1991; coached seven "Century Club" career leaders and two NYS Champions (one at WG and one previously at Notre Dame); turned the annual WG Invitational Wrestling Tournament into one of the premier athletic events in all of New York State;
-- JERRY LOUGHLIN: coached for more than 26 seasons (Varsity Tennis, Basketball - Girls' and Boys', JV Boys Basketball and Varsity Golf); coached dozens of outstanding athletes and citizens of our community; gave much in time and personal resources to the athletes.
-- RON PIERCE: long-time Girls JV Basketball Coach and Girls JV Softball Coach --- numerous winning seasons

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* One Coach not in the Athletic Hall of Fame yet but deserving of mention here is COACH MICHELLE VENDITTO -- Varsity Basketball and Softball Coach from 1989-2003 -- winning more than 100 victories in each area and helping bring several IAC Championships to our school.

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* PTA Outstanding Educators: from the 2000's
1999-2000: Jennifer Nichols
2000-2001: Richard McIntyre
2001-2002: Kathleen Gillette
2002-2003: Mike Yuhasz (Elementary)
Brian LeBaron (Middle)
Kate Bartholomew (High)
2003-2004: Barb Franzese (Elementary)
Scott Morse (Middle)
Craig Cheplick (High)
2004-2005: Marianne Morin/Kathy Gillette (ES)
Holly Arnold (Middle)
Dennis Brady, Danielle Hurd, Nancy
Ruda & Debbie Savard (HS)
2005-2006: Trevor Holland (Elementary)
Jim Murphy (Middle)
Nancy Bahns (HS)
2006-2007: Trish Ervay (Elementary)
Angela Weeden (Middle)
Tom Planty (HS)
2007-2008: Mary Ann Smith (Elementary)
Ben Connelly (Middle)
Kai D'Alleva (HS)

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 16th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As we are entering the 2008-2009 school year, let's take a brief look back at the 1908-1909 school year:

* School Board: George C. Wait, President; Charles A. Cole, A.C. Ladow, Jessie Norton,
F.L. Moran, G.W. Burrell, M.M. Cass, Jr.

* District Principal (Superintendent)
S.S. Johnson (completing the last year of a 35-year career in Watkins Glen)

* Some faculty:

Elizabeth Maloney (in the 19th year of a 50-year career, 1890-1940)

Anna Cullen (in the 6th year of a 33- year career, 1903-1936)

Josephene Curry (1st year of a 47-year career, 1908-1955)

Jane Mosher (in the 6th year of a 32-year career, 1903-1935)

Katherine Whippy (in the 22nd year of a 48-year career, 1887-1935)

* the Class of 1909 would graduate a total of 14 students (9 women; 5 men)

* the Class of 1909 would be the final class to have John A. Beers as Assistant Principal

* an "informal" Alumni Association was in its 4th year of operation in 1908-1909

* the Athletic Association was formed officially in 1909

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Meet some more Watkins Glen Athletic Hall of Fame Members:

* Steve Decker: won several Varsity letters in Soccer; set then school record with 31 saves against Notre Dame; Baseball and Basketball All Star as well

* Roni Pierce: five-year member Varsity Softball Team, Gr. 8-12; pitched 1 no hitter, 8 one-hitters, 13 two-hitters, 5 three-hitters & 4 four-hitters; led Grade 12 team in doubles, triples, home runs, and RBIs; also award-winning Cheerleader & Team Captain;

* Colin Hatsell: five-year member Varsity Swim Team, Gr. 8-12; 1st swimmer in Schuyler County history to swim the 100 Free in under 50 seconds -- held school record 1988-2001; Varsity Golf Team and Varsity Cross Country Team Captain;

* Traci Lincoln: Varsity Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Softball & Track; during 11 of her sports seasons, her teams earned IAC Championships as she was often named an All Star;

* Peter LaMoreaux: Football, Basketball, Track & Volleyball star; Team Captain for each sport; MVP in Football, Basketball & Track; also participated in several Marathons;

* Michelle Seither: six-year member Varsity Swim Team (Gr. 7-12); 5 time All IAC & Team Captain; scored 1st 3-point basket in WG Girls' Varsity Basketball history; earned 10 Varsity letters;

* James Combs: outstanding star in Football, Basketball & Track; Defensive Player of the Year (1984 in Football) and All Twin Tiers "33"; undefeated in Gr. 11 & 12 in Shot Put & Discus. (Personal bests: Shot = 49 feet 3 inches; Discus = 139 feet; and High Jump = 5 feet 10 inches);

* Keri McIlroy: Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball & Softball star; 33-13 career pitching record in Softball (15-1 in IAC and 20-3 in 1995-96 season alone); individual winner in 3-point competition in 1st-ever "Shootout" at Exceptional Seniors Game in 1996;

* Dominick Franzese: earned 11 Varsity letters in Baseball (.300+ career batting average), Basketball (career high of 32 points scored against Horseheads), and Football (starting Quarterback/Punter/Place Kicker);

* Laurie Caldwell: Varsity Cheerleader; 1st Place at USCA Camp and National Grand Champion in 1982.

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"History within the history..."

* Dr. Lloyd N. Peak had the idea for and authorized the 1st District Calendar for the 1982-83 school year;

* the cover for the 1983-84 District Calendar was designed by Gr. 8 student Jamie Coleman (now our School Doctor);

* the 1984-85 District Calendar was designed by Gr. 9 student Dawn Compton (today the wife of Dr. Jamie Coleman);

* the 1985-86 District Calendar was dedicated to our Transportation Department for their many, many years of safe/reliable service to our students;

* the 1989-90 District Calendar was dedicated to everyone involved in the "Community Playground Project "of June 7-11, 1989 -- with the idea, momentum, organization and planning attributed to Peggy Scott

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School maintenance and custodial department:
-- Our facilities always look great thanks to the wonderful staff we have today led by Mike DeNardo. Our staff of today follows in the outstanding footsteps of some truly effective and efficient employees like:
* George Conklin * Betty Auble * Curly Auble
* Sue Caslin * Irene Burgess * Bob Church
* Joan Clark * Caesar DeSoto * Iva Jennings
* George Howard * Mildred Hoagland * John Dilts
* Mary VanAmburg * Mary Ellen Hines * Charlie Keach
* George Miller * Emilia Morelli * Harry Robertson
* Mert Silliman * Harry Rice * Allan Waite
* Ada Simmons and so many, many others...

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Years of Service: Longest current service...

Faculty:

Jack Telech -- since January 1973
Nancy Loughlin -- since September 1973
Claudia LaFace -- since March 1976

Staff:

John Fazzary -- School Bus Driver since 1954
Tom Harbot -- cleaner/custodian since 11/12/1974
Kay Goossen -- cleaner since 3/9/1977
Liz Paradiso -- health office since September 1974

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 15th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* New Book of District History compiled..... sometime near October/November, a new volume of Watkins Glen School District History 1853-2008, "155 Years of People, Achievements and Events," will be available at a nominal price to cover printing. Watch for details on the Channel 5 Bulletin Board and other media outlets such as The Odessa File, and local newspapers. A sampling of what you will find in this updated volume from the Table of Contents:
Section 1
-- Irving D. Goodrich, County Superintendent of Schools and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent
-- District Principals/Superintendents: S.S. Johnson through Tom Phillips
-- Building Administrators
-- Board of Education 1886-2008
Section 2
-- 1980's, 1990's, 2000's in some detail (outlining faculty/staff and student achievements &
events)
Section 3
-- Elementary, Middle and High School facility and personnel specific information
-- Value of Commitment (Nick Dugo, Barb Hughey, Nancy Loughlin and many others)
-- Variety of High School Program information (i.e. Humanities, Model UN, Interact Club, Video
Production/Broadcast Club
-- "Mark Twain Scholars" 1988-89 through 2006-07
-- Several "Firsts" in our District history
-- Computer Education information
-- Food Service
-- Special Education Services
-- Athletics:
1) Individual & team achievements. 2) Athletic Department 2003-2008 (thanks to Craig Cheplick).
3) "Swimmin Women" (thanks to Kate LaMoreaux). 4) "Through the Eyes of the Coach (thanks to
John Fazzary). 5) "Top Drawer 24" (thank you, Charlie Haeffner). 6) WG "Athletic Hall of Fame (thanks to Bill Davis). 7) "Melissa Wilson" Scholarship & Basketball Awards. 8) Seneca Youth Basketball (thanks to Coach Jim Scott). 9) 1951 Varsity Boys' Basketball Champions. 10) More.....
-- Construction & Renovation - "Ring Bells Ring" (thanks to Marian Morehouse Boyce)
-- Maintenance/Custodial/Cleaners - Historical Timeline 1852-2008
-- Transportation - P.T.A. Officers 1982/83--2007-08
-- District Calendars - Faculty/Staff --- through the years up to the present
-- Curriculum Coordination - "Key" Support Personnel
-- "Memories" from former faculty/staff - The "Best & the Brightest" -- alumni employees
-- Quick Reference Guide to: 1980/1990/2000 Valedictorians/Salutatorians, Senior Orators.
Senior Class Officers 1980-2009
Boys' State/Girls' State: 1987-88--2007-08
Yearbook Dedications/Homecoming Queens/Student Council Presidents/etc.
P.T.A. Educators of the Year 1987-88--2007-08
In Memoriam
Roll Call of Classes 1883-- 2008

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* I'm looking for the following information: (Anyone knowing the correct names may respond to )
1.1976-77 Homecoming Queen??? 2. 1975-76 Yearbook Dedication??? 3. 1975-76 Student
Council President???
4. 1975-76 Senior Class President??? 5. 1974-75 Student Council and Senior Class Presidents???
6. 1971-72 Homecoming Queen???

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Some W.G. "Hall of Fame" members and statistics:

BLAINE MOREHOUSE: IAC All Star (Football) and IAC Defensive Player of the Year 1985/86;
also NYS All Star 1985/86; Member of SUNY Cortland Football Team; Division III All American in 1988
JIM SCOTT: lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball; graduated from Corning Community
College holding 11 of 17 possible school records in Basketball; at SUNY Brockport named to SUNY All Conference Team 1967-68 and 1968-69;
TOM HARRISON: during the 1954-55 season had a 25 points per game average in league games,
a 30 points per game average in non-league games and a career high of 41 points against Odessa-Montour; holds the distinction of taking and making the very 1st "ceremonial" basket in the new Field House at our official dedication for the new facility;
MIKE COOLICAN: scored three touchdowns in 3rd annual "Bucket Game" vs. Odessa-Montour,
averaged 19.5 points on Varsity Basketball Team and earned three varsity letters in Baseball;
MIKE LEARN: four-year member of Varsity Football Team (Quarterback & Defensive End), League All Star in both 1968 & 1969; three-year member of Varsity Basketball Team and four-year member of Varsity Baseball Team (MVP in 1969);
JASON BOND: premier male diver in WGHS history; record holder in 11 Diving Championships;
placed 3rd at NYS Championships in 1988;
BECKY DRAKE: 1st WG female diver to qualify for NYS Swimming & Diving Championships
(finished 13th place statewide); Division III All American at SUNY Cortland;
HEATHER THORP: earned 12 Varsity letters in Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball; concluded
Basketball career at Alfred University as all-time school leader in free throw percentage (.819), one- season free-throw percentage (.855), all-time three-point percentage (.326) and scored 25 points against Keuka College in her final game;
KRISTEN BROWN: earned 11 Varsity letters in Track, Tennis, Basketball and Swimming; IAC All
Star in Swimming in 1988-89-90-91-92; held school record in five individual events; Team Captain for LaFayette College Swim Team;
SHEILA SUITS: Track, Swimming, Volleyball and Basketball Star; placed 1st in EVERY IAC Track
Meet in both the Shot and the Discus; held school Shot Put record at 37 feet 10 1/2 inches;
MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER: outstanding career on Varsity Swim Team, Varsity Basketball
Team and Varsity Softball Team; graduated as All-Time WG scorer in girls' basketball with 971 total points; IAC All Star in both Basketball & Softball;
HOLLY MOSHER: three-sport star (Volleyball, Basketball & Softball); career Basketball points 629
with an 11.9 point per game average; career high of 28 points scored against TAE (Edison); member of Basketball & Softball Teams at Ithaca College.

... read about more Hall of Fame members in next month's column!
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Some "History" within the history...

* June 21, 2003: Valedictory Address given by Megan Nichols:
"As you sit here today and throughout your life, think about the teachers, friends or relatives who
have had a positive impact upon your life. They have always been there, through the good times and the bad, always helping and caring for you. Whether you return to this community or move to another, it is important that you reciprocate this kindness to the future generations of children."

* October 22, 1995: Senior Recognition Game (Varsity Football); among the nicknames were the
following: Travis Lincoln ("Amps"), Bill Spencer ("Dollar Bill"), Scott Yaw ("Gino"), Jason Stenquist ("Stener"), and A.J. Matwiejow ("Waka Waka").

* September 18, 1998: dedication of the "Peter Pevo Friendship Garden"
Welcoming Remarks...................Billie Bauman, Elementary School Principal
Garden History...........................Judy Richards, Beautification Committee Chair
Remarks:................................... Linn Henry, Board of Education President
................................................. Brian O'Donnell, High School Principal
................................................. Michael Yuhasz, former Elementary School Principal
Ribbon Cutting:......................... Mrs. Peter Pevo and Mr. Jack Pevo

* Senecan Yearbook Highlights:

1992 Remembered: "Watson's Wonder Women," especially MICHELE W. COMPTON, who was "a tough act to follow; we will be fortunate to find another of her caliber."
1993 Remembered: classmate JASON CERVONI (1975-1985) and highlighted 1st male
cheerleader in decades. DAN WAGNER "brought great spirit to everyone."
1994 Remembered: "Class Flirts," SHANNON BANKS and CHRIS LE ROUX
1996 Remembered: freshmen comments to the question "What do you like best about High
School?"
MELISSA CARR -- "It's OK, I Guess."
PATTI FRANZESE -- "I like it because you have a lot of freedom but you get way too much homework."
KELLY NEY -- "I like it because we have more freedom and the guys are hotter."
SHELLY KRESS -- "It's better than I expected."
1989 Remembered: MATT MARCINIAK -- 1st wrestler in 35-year history of WG Wrestling to win a
Section IV Championship; AARON STANSFIELD -- 1st WG wrestler to win 100 career matches.

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 14th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As another school year comes to a close and we say farewell and THANK YOU!!! to such wonderful employees as DAYLE SLUSSER MARIANNE MORIN, BARBARA FAZZARY, and BOB HILL, all via retirement (85 combined years of service among them!!!), let's look at some of "The History Within the History":

-- Remember when BOB HULL was District Tax Collector (1981-82)?
-- SHIRLEY THOMPSON was Tax Collector from 1988-1998; BARB SPECCHIO did the job from 1974-1981.
-- Remember when COACH MIKE WATSON and the Glen Matmen (wrestlers) handed Waverly its 1st ever IAC defeat in 1990-1991?
-- Remember District "Messengers" ARLYN BRACE (1954-1973), ANTHONY HICKS (1981-1984) and GLENN DAVIS (1984)?
-- How about some of our District Treasurers: IRENE GILLETTE (1949-1968), NORMA BALDASSARRE (1964-1985) and MARY DE DOMINICK (1968-1969)?
-- How about these ladies on our Clerical Staff:
* JANE KNAPP (1967-69 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1985 as Middle School Secretary)
* BARB BALDWIN (1967-1969 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1994 as High School Secretary)
* MARY COOK (1969-1980 High School Clerk)
* GLADYS DAVIS (1957-1975 Elementary School Secretary)
* MABEL RONDINARO (1968-1994 as Secretary to the Superintendent)
* MARY ANN VAN AMBURG (1970-2002) long-time Elementary School Secretary
* RHODA GIVIN (1967-1988 in Middle School Health Office)
* RUTH GIVIN (1970-1996) Middle School Library Aide
* DOROTHY COGSDILL -- HS Main Office -- part time 1960-1967, then full time 1967-1983
* HELEN SMITH PURVIS (1969-1989) Middle School Guidance Office
* KATE DISCENZA -- Business Office (1971-1998)
* BETTI FERRI -- HS Main Office (1982-1997)

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WG Elementary School highlights...
-- opened in the Fall of 1953 (as a Gr. K-6 facility); Gr. 5/6 moved to the "old" high school (now our Middle School) when the "new" high school opened in 1969; remember MEL ADESSO and CECILIA DE NARDO working in the cafeteria? How about BOB CHURCH & GEORGE HOWARD as cleaners and long-time building custodian CHARLIE KEACH (what a great work ethic he had!)

-- anyone remember the day MAJOR JAMES COLEMAN parked his big green cadillac in front of the bus garage?
-- how about PETER PEVO's apple cider press and all the fun with the VanderGraf generator and helium balloons?
-- remember DOROTHY EMERY (Librarian), MICHELE BENWARE (Reading), FLORENCE CARPENTER, LOLA KNAPP, JEANNETTE HULL, JEAN LAWTON (what a great sense of humor!), Bobbi Olcott, Linda Gould and RITA BANFI???
-- anyone remember when there were seven 4th grades? How about those 4th grade teachers -- MARYLOU THOMPSON, DORIS FAZZARY, NANCY CALLAHAN, PETER PEVO, MAJOR COLEMAN, JEAN HANVILLE and LOIS HAMILTON?
-- remember MILDRED DENSON, ED & CAROL LINDSAY and BARRY & ARLENE KRAVITZ?

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Miscellaneous Highlights through the years...

1. 1990-91: new teachers included KAZ ESTELOW and BRIDGETTE SEARLES.

2. 1991-92: retirements prior to this school year opening were ROBERT DRABKOWSKI and PEG LORENZ (teachers) and JOAN CLARK (custodial); RICK PETTET was hired as a new teacher and TRACIE MC ILROY transferred from the Middle to the High School; the "DR. LLOYD N. PEAK Professional Library" opened and "Chocolate Thursday" tradition began in the high school (Thanks Tracie!)

3. 1992-93: JUDY VAN SKIVER was hired as a Grade 1 teacher and MARIE KEEFER joined the high school staff as teacher aide to a handicapped student; two popular faculty quotes were:
-- CRAIG CHEPLICK: "Work hard, play hard."
-- BARB HUGHEY: "Fit people are ordinary people with conscious determination."

4. 1993-94: the summer prior to the new school year beginning, NANCY LOUGHLIN was elected as the 1st Woman President for the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club; during the year DAVE COOK's team made the FINALS of the Chem Bowl competition and the "DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE" was approved.

5. 1994-95: head groundskeeper JOHN DILTS retired in January after 27 years of service (he was a perfectionist!); DAVE COOK, JOHN VONA, JULIA RAFFERTY, HAZEL VERDEGAAL and BOBBI OLCOTT retired in June.

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1997-1998 --- an in depth look at the year.....

-- retirees from the previous June included JUDY CARUSO, MIDGE FRANZESE, MEG BARTOW, DORIS DE NARDO, CHRIS HUSTON , and MICHAEL YUHASZ;
-- MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KELLY MUIR moved into full-time positions after previously being 1/2 time teachers;
-- FIONA GIBSON, JEANNIE ANDREWS, TRISH ERVAY and PEG RICHARDSON began working at the elementary school and ZACH BROWN moved into a full-time position at the middle school;
-- the HUMANITIES (combo of Global Studies & English) PROGRAM began in the high school under direction of MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KATE LA MOREAUX;
-- CYNDY WOOD received the American Red Cross Health & Safety Line of Service Award and NANCY LOUGHLIN was awarded a "Paul Harris Fellow" by Rotary;
-- the Kindergarten Playground was dedicated in honor of "Irving & Marie Goodrich";
-- Middle School Teacher STEVE LO PRESTI was named by the PTA as "Teacher of the Year";
-- foreign exchange students were: MARIANELLA VEGA (Costa Rica) and ANNE GAELLE TAUGAIN (France);
-- ALISSA NORMAN was Homecoming Queen (with IRA CADY as the King), MICHELLE MC NANEY was named as HOBY Award winner, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS won the "Principal's Leadership Award";
-- HOLLY JOHNSON and CHRIS SCHONEMAN were Queen & King of the Semi-Formal, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS & COLE BUBB were Queen & King of the PROM;
-- Rotary Students of the Month were HOLLY JOHNSON, MELISSA KISSELL, JASON BARRY, JULIE DILL, JESSICA SEDLACK, JESSICA O'BRIEN, JON EVANS and AUDREY BYERS;
-- Varsity Football Team finished 4th in their conference and the Boys' & Girls' Soccer Teams won Divisional Championships; Varsity Girls' Swim Team completed their 3rd consecutive undefeated season while the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team won the Divisional Championship (with JV girls' basketball completing the very 1st undefeated season in their history at 16-0);
-- JV Baseball team finished season tied for 1st place, girls' JV Softball Team finished 2nd place in the league, and Golf Team concluded a stellar 12-2 season;
-- STEVE TERRY established school record with 34 career assists in soccer; TRACI LINCOLN was selected IAC Large School Southwest Division MVP in girls basketball, and MOLLY SCHAMEL threw the discus 89 feet,10 1/2 inches
-- MARY ROSE CHICONE & NICHOLE CHAFFEE sang "The National Anthem" at many athletic events...

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 13th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

June 2008 --- Through the Hallways of Watkins Glen Schools...

* this is the time of year for the annual showcase of students' Art work in our schools with a very special thanks & appreciation to our talented and very dedicated Art Teachers:
-- ELAINE WOJTUS in our High School
-- KAREN HANSEN & FRED TROY - Middle School
-- SUSAN COMSTOCK - Elementary School

* recently the Watkins Glen Office of Arnot Medical Services sponsored a student Art Show with outstanding work by K-12 students on display; included in that display were works by:
-- LUKE MORRIS Kindergarten
-- KAI PITTMAN Grade 1
-- ALYSSA ARCANGELI Grade 3
-- RYAN RHODES Grade 4
-- HUNTER KARIUS Grade 6
-- MARA BRISBOIS Grade 7
-- KATRINA SWARTHOUT Grade 7
-- SAMANTHA PHILLIPS Grade 7
-- RYAN YASKULSKI Grade 11
-- CHLOE TAYLOR Grade 11
-- BRIANA ROBERTSON Grade 12
-- ARIEL FORCE Grade 12

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* more Inspirational & unforgettable colleagues:

* MIKE WATSON: 15 exciting and productive years as Health Teacher & Coach; a great "Cheerleader" for our students and faculty/staff; "Simon Says" well done!

* CRAIG CHEPLICK: brought the study of Latin back to the curriculum; added Psychology as well to meet students' needs; outstanding Coach and then Faculty Manager for Athletics the past five years, he brought back the "Hall of Fame," helped institute the "Top Drawer 24" and kept the overall athletic program vibrant and growing!

* DANNIE BROWN & DIANE MELVENEY: great teachers who got involved in so many positive ways; led Academic Challenge Teams for years -- worked hard to prepare and meet needs of the Advanced Placement students; always gave more than 100%!

* ABBOTT MORGAN & MARILYN FILIPPETTI: how many hours did they spend bringing so much joy and entertainment through so many fine arts productions involving so many?

* ERNIE TOLMAN: he helped entertain thousands over the years through Choral presentations; his wife JEAN did the same through Middle School programs

* CAROL KUNZMANN: each and every day she went above & beyond her job as Reading/Resource Room Teacher and SADD Advisor; she loved people and wanted to help everyone become successful & productive; she, along with her very caring & able Teaching Assistant REETHA SHUMWAY, always devoted 100%++ and helped make people feel good about themselves!

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Through the years we have also been fortunate to have many community people assist with our programs in so many productive ways:

-- LINCOLN WAGER for all your help & talents at various sporting events; RICK HUGHEY for all the time spent "breaking" cross country ski trails in the WG State Park (with your wife Barb!); SUE DUGO for all those Senior Trips you helped chaperone; BOB MORIN for your years of filming/videotaping so many events; MARLENE LUM (High School)/MARYLOU VAN BUREN (Middle School/JACKIE DILL (Elementary School) for your years of service as such reliable and talented substitute teachers; ED AUGUSTINE for your years assisting with our athletic programs with such humor and positiveness; BOB FITZSIMMONS for always being there for us, especially in times of tragedy and need; DAVE RYAN/DOUG COTTON and other Rotarians for beginning our very positive & contributing Interact Club; BOB LEE for all your help with annual "Boys' State" honorees and your years of Coaching; and FRED THORP for all the time & energy you devoted to our basketball program.

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Some additional Class of 1951 history (thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio):
-- ORACLE STAFF: Marion Viglione (Editor-in-Chief), with Barbara Clark/Ted Specchio/Brian Field/Sally Howell as Associate Editors and:
*Nancy Miller (Junior Editor)
*Mary McAnarney (Sophomore Editor)
*Carol Miller (Freshman Editor)
*Beatrice Symes (Music Editor)
*Clifford Morehouse (Sports Editor)
*Charles Cole (Business Manager)
*Charles Potter & Betsy Bolton (Circulation)
*Charles Greene (Photography)
* Milford A. Warner -- Faculty Advisor

Class of 1951 - Class Officers:
President: JOSEPH DEL ROSSO
Vice Pres.: JAMES FREEMAN
Secretary: ANN VITALI
Treasurer: BRIAN FIELD
Business MGR. TED SPECCHIO

Class of 1951 -- "History"
-- September of 1938 found this Class attending Kindergarten; took MRS. BURNETT on a picnic to Lakeside Park in Junior High; Grade 8 saw "Junior Jester" newspaper (thanks to Nancy/Jane & Betsy!); "Popcorn Hop" was the Freshman dance and "Nautical Hop" and Mardi Gras highlighted Sophomore Year; as Juniors, the "Twirp Twirl" was the big event along with the "Moonlight Sonata" theme for the Junior Prom; Senior Year saw involvement in the sales of "Grand Prix" booklets, Election Day Dinner, "Mumbo Jumbo" as the Senior Play, the Senior Trip in April to Washington, D.C., and finally graduation!

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Did you know???

* Former High School Principal Milford A. "Bud" Warner began his career in Watkins Glen teaching Science & Mechanical Drawing and spent his 1st year after retiring as High School Principal as the District's Transportation Supervisor

*Myrtle Miller was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1906 and grew up in Elmira; she came to Watkins Glen as School Nurse Teacher in 1935 after graduating from St. Joseph's School of Nursing (Elmira, NY) and Buffalo State Teachers College

* Jack Telech (January 1973), Nancy Loughlin (July 1973), Claudia LaFace (1976) and Kate LaMoreaux (1979) are currently among the District's longest-serving active teachers

* Sharon Clark, Secretary to the Superintendent, previously was Secretary for CSE/Special Projects Coordinator (Rick Lintal), Secretary to Middle School Principal and Secretary to High School Principal

* Harold Dennison drove school bus for more than 50 years; John Fazzary has driven for more than that and is still active as a driver

* Guidance Counselor Nancy Loughlin taught French for many years and also taught English; she is fully certified in all three areas

Some employee relationships:

1-- Doris Fazzary (former ES teacher) and Margaret Swinnerton (HS Health teacher) are mother & daughter;

2-- Cyndy Wood (Pool Director) and Kelsey Wood (HS Social Studies Teacher) are mother & daughter

3-- Lola Bartholomew (former HS Teacher) and Kate Bartholomew (HS Science Teacher) are mother & daughter

4-- Gloria Brubaker (Board Member) and Sam Brubaker (HS Phys. Ed. Teacher) are mother & son

5-- Kevin Field (Board Member) and Maggie Edgley (HS Library Media Specialist) are brother & sister

6-- Tom Richardson (Board Member) and Peggy Richardson (HS Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife

7-- Joe Fazzary (Board Member) and Barb Fazzary (ES Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife and parents of Bambi Kelly (UPK Teacher)

8-- Ann Woodworth Meehan (former HS Business Teacher) and Nan Woodworth-Shaw (Director of Special Services) are mother & daughter

9-- Mike Watson (former HS Health Teacher & Coach) and Nils Watson (HS Social Studies Teacher) are father & son

10-- Milford A. "Bud" Warner (former HS Principal) and Kate LaMoreaux (HS English Teacher & former Coach) are father & daughter

See you in July with more facts and information from the Watkins Glen Central School District!!!

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 12th in a continuing series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WG Central School District news & memories for May.......

1951 Boys' Varsity Basketball Champions

* Boys' Varsity Basketball Team won the Section IV Class B CHAMPIONSHIP on March 16, 1951 by defeating New Berlin by a score of 48-36 at Cornell University's Barton Hall;

* Coach Joe Lemak's team completed a commendable 13-5 record in a very strong & challenging schedule, then dominated in Sectional play, defeating Homer by a score of 66-56 and Cato-Meridian 66-36 to earn the right to play for the Championship against New Berlin.

* In that Championship game against New Berlin, FRANK BUTTON led all scorers with 22 points; T.J. O'ROURKE had 11 points, TED MARCINIAK scored 10 points and TONY TALLARIDO hit for 5 points. Teammates who contributed so positively all season long were: A.J. "TONY" SPECCHIO, JOHN WILLIAM "BUB" SMYDER, ROGER HERRICK and DELEVAN "AUGIE" GATES. Team Manager was JOE DEL ROSSO, and ANTHONY STEPHNO served as Assistant Manager.

* Cheering on the team during their CHAMPIONSHIP season were Varsity Cheerleaders:
LELA POTTER, NANCY INMAN, KATY DISCENZA, WARDA EDSALL, ANNIE RILEY, and KAY VITALI

* Our Section IV Class B Championship Team was led by Captain & member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame T.J. O'Rourke (a Southern Counties ALL STAR 1st Team as a Sophomore, Junior & Senior and the League's Top Scorer that season), Frank Button ("Red" and "Knotty Knot" -- also a Southern Counties All Star) and Ted Marciniak (also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame). Their Coach, Joe Lemak, is also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame.

* Tracie McIlroy interviewed her dad and team member Roger Herrick in 2001 and among his fondest memories were:
-- "It was the first time we ever played on a regulation full-length court."
-- We were a fast-break team, and that court seemed like it was three miles long."
-- "It was also the first time we played with glass backboards -- they don't react like wood backboards and we had to get used to them real quick."

* For many years prior to his death on 10/18/2001, Coach Joe Lemak would visit the school to fondly gaze at that 1951 trophy and share with me memories of the "greatest team he ever coached."

* On June 6, 2001 the living members of that Championship team were honored by the WG Sports Boosters and presented with special certificates to commemorate their outstanding achievement.

* On June 14, 2006 this 1951 Championship team was nominated -- as a team -- to the WG Athletic Hall of Fame by another stellar athlete, Tom Harrison (a Hall of Fame member himself); *** that nomination will be re-submitted again this year for consideration.

* My thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio for contributing much of the information and a team picture for this article.

Photos in text above:

Top: The 1951 varsity basketball Section IV championship team from Watkins Glen. Standing, from left: Coach Joe Lemak, John William "Bub" Smyder, Delevan "Aukie" Gates, A.J. "Tony" Specchio, and Joe DelRosso. Seated, from left: Tony Tallarida, Ted Marciniak, T.J. O'Rourke, Frank Button and Roger Herrick.

Bottom: The 1951 Section IV trophy.

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The Value of Commitment... so many faculty/staff members have made a difference in so many lives.....

-- Former Board Member & President Dr. Thomas J. Love always spoke so fondly of teachers Harriette Allen (English), Orval Perry (History), Gordon DePew (Biology) and A.C. Munson (Math).

-- Among Ernie Tolman's most inspirational colleagues were Anne Meehan & Naomi Roberts

- George Conklin, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds from 1959-1985, counts John Cook & Lloyd Peak among his most unforgettable colleagues "because they both were compassionate and fair in their dealings with people, and the students' interests were always first."

That tradition continues today.....

-- Just a brief look at SOME of the inspirational & unforgettable more recent high school faculty are:
* NICK DUGO -- he will always be remembered for his commitment to students through his teaching and organization and participation in Homecoming activities (parades, bonfires, election of Royalty and crowning of our Queens), annual Senior trips to Washington, D.C., Senior Days at Darien Lake, formal & memorable Commencement exercises each June, Blood Banks, All Night Senior Parties, sundae parties, voter registration & election opportunities, visits to the County office building, and so much more;
* BARB HUGHEY -- her planning & implementation of "Sports Days"/"Spring Into Spring" athletic competitions between faculty/staff and students from 1990-2000 provided a degree of entertainment, excitement and school spirit rarely found in any schools; her involvement in offering such a variety of life-time skills through her teaching was absolutely outstanding;
* NANCY LOUGHLIN -- living through and working with every State Education Department program and federal program from the 1970's to the present (A-B-C Schedule to Regents Action Plan to Excellence & Accountability to No Child Left Behind --- and so many more...); working to foster AP and ACE (college level) opportunities for students, helping create the new Freshman Academy program, implementing summer Orientations for new students to the high school, helping implement the very successful Interact Program, planning and hosting annual Thanksgiving Dinners, and so very much more;
* JERRY LOUGHLIN -- this long time Biology teacher and Coach was always well planned & prepared, challenging his students and athletes to always do their best and be their best; many of his efforts (his generosity to others specifically) may have gone unpublicized but they did not go unnoticed;
* HELEN HUMAN -- helped foster such a welcome and caring environment in the Library, earning the respect of everyone! For years she maintained scrapbooks of student achievements publicized in the media.
* Barb Baldwin -- the personification of the perfect secretary -- personable, knowledgeable, efficent and always kind and positive with all.

(Watch for other inspirational and commited faculty/staff in future columns!)

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More interesting and sometimes astonishing facts to note:

-- in 1982/83 our District had less than 25 computers (12 Franklins at the Elementary School, 5 VIC 20's at the Middle School and a 'few' TRS 80's at the High School); at last count, for this 2007-08 school year there are currently 777 computers on our network; from Jerry Gregory to Andy Patros, with Dave Ackland and others in between, we thank you for your vision, your efforts and your expertise;

-- Gail Franzese (at our High School) is completing 30 years of service in our Food Service/Cafeteria operation; Pat Stansfield is close behind with 23 years of service and Teresa Louden and Marilyn Hoxie have 16 years of service; Lori Gezzi is finishing 10 1/2 years of service --- thank you ladies (and your colleagues) for keeping up the fine tradition of good folks like Mel Adesso, Pat Edmister, Josie Tomassi and so many others.

-- 1983 Senecan (Yearbook) mentions Adam Marciniak & Kenny Thurston and their sailing hobby (16 foot Hobie Cat) with outstanding finishes in Glenora Cup Races

-- 1982/83 yearbook also mentions that Senior Barry McKinney became a certified pilot in a Cessna 172 (before he ever drove a car alone)

-- for the 1990/91 school year, local celebrity "Sheik" Spaulding was hired as a high school Hall Monitor (to keep law & order). What a great guy! On August 31, 1992 -- on his 79th birthday!!! -- Sheik retired.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, April 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of Theresa Bianco (right) and Gabrielle Rosier, WGHS Class of 2003, preparing and packing material for the High School and Field House cornerstones. (The cornerstones say 2002, but were sealed and installed on May 30, 2003.)

Watkins Glen High School Class of 1933. The only notations on the back of the photo are the year and "The Payne Studio, Photographs, Watkins Glen, N.Y."

The photographs above and below are of Watkins Glen Middle School classes about 30 years apart. No date appears on the back of either photo. One has a stamp for "The Symes Studio, Watkins Glen."

A Watkins Glen "Town Meeting" on April 27, 2000. Left to right in foreground are High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, Superintendent Don Dryden, then-U.S. Senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Student Council President Andy Clark.

There are no notations on this photo, taken after a house fire had run its course. A fire hose is visible in the foreground.

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 11th in a continuing series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* A look as some retirements over the past 15 years or so...
1989 -- John VanDuren (HS Driver Education)
1990 -- Marilyn Filippetti (HS English)
1991 -- Robert Drabkowski (HS Science), Andy Holmes (HS English), Betti Ferri (HS Clerk), Peg Lorenz (ES Teacher), Ernie Tolman (HS Music), Jean Tolman (MS Music), Kitty Depew (HS Library Clerk), Joan Clark (Custodian)
1992 -- Bob Morin (HS Social Studies), " Sheik" Spaulding (HS Monitor)
1993 -- Don Maas (HS Art), Carol Kunzmann (HS Reading/Writing), John Vona (MS Technology), Doris Fazzary (ES Grade 4)
1994 -- Barb Baldwin (HS Secretary), Mabel Rondinaro (Secretary to the Superintendent), Nancy Callahan (ES Grade 4), Betty Lou Pearsall (School Nurse Teacher), Abbott Morgan (HS English), Arlene Kravitz (ES Teacher)
1995 -- Dave Cook (HS Science), Bobbi Olcott (ES Teacher), Hazel Verdegaal (MS Reading),
Julia Rafferty (MS Teaching Assistant)
1996 -- Helen Human (HS Library Clerk), Gerald Loughlin (HS Science), Emma Smith (HS Social Studies), Michael Yuhasz, (ES Principal), Charles Medalie (HS Guidance), Rita Banfi (ES Teacher), Rhoda Givin (MS Nurse's Clerk), Ruth Givin (MS Library Clerk), Gene & Harriet Reasor (Transportation)
1997 -- Chris Huston (HS Home Economics)
1998 -- Pat Tammaro (HS Social Studies), "Midge" Franzese (ES Teacher), Judy Caruso (ES
Teacher), Peter Pevo (ES Grade 4), June Irmischer (HS Science), Marylou Thompson (ES Grade 4), Bill Davis (ES Phys. Educ. and Faculty Manager for Athletics)
1999 -- John Updyke (MS Science), Ross Lyon (MS Resource), Bonnie Dilts (Teacher Aide), Mary Doland (Teacher Aide), Josie Tomassi (Food Service), Kathy Fragola (ES Sp. Ed.), Carol & Ed Lindsay (ES Music)
2000 -- Don Dryden (Superintendent), Mike Watson (HS Health -- died in service 8/2000)
2001 -- Robert King (HS Librarian), JoAnn Axtell (MS English), Bill Henderson (MS Science),
Nancy Cleveland (MS Guidance Secretary -- died in service -- January 2001), Dave Warren
(resigned as HS Math Teacher to accept position as Middle School Principal -- July 2001), Connie Gooley (MS Librarian)
2002 -- Barb Hughey (HS Phys. Educ.), Karen Schamel (ES Teacher), Marilyn Denson (MS
CORE), Linda Gould (ES Grade 2), Ed Westbrook (ES Grade 3), Donna Reimels (ES Teacher), Reetha Shumway (HS Teaching Assistant)
2003 -- Brian O'Donnell (HS Principal), Diane Melveney (HS Math), Dannie Brown (HS English), Richard McIntyre (HS English)
2004 -- Ralph VanBuren (MS Technology), Andrea Heichel (MS Health)
2005 -- Barb Franzese (ES Kindergarten), Chris Omiatek (HS English), Tom Omiatek (School
Psychologist), Steve LoPresti (MS CORE), Lynn Norman (HS Math), Dave VanDyke (MS
Custodian), Ray Thomas (HS Math), Sue Caslin (HS Cleaner)
2006 -- Dan Teed (HS Technology), Nick Dugo (HS Social Studies), Nancy Bahns (HS Social
Studies), Chris Updyke (MS Spanish), Marty Evans (District IST), Connie Lazoration (MS
Home/Career), Dr. Mary Ellen Correa (Superintendent)
2007 -- Richard Schied (MS Math), Tom Planty (HS Social Studies), Kathy Sluty (ES Teacher), Cole Lee (HS Spec. Educ.), Jennifer Butler (MS Spec. Educ.)

********

* 1920's: our own "Black Thursday" fell on January 14, 1929 with the fire that destroyed the high school building; Seniors were able to complete their studies in the Cole-Royce Hall and the
Masonic Temple. This decade came to a close with a major construction project to erect a new
school.
* 1930's: all classes met in off-campus sites until the new building was complete; Class of 1930
put on their Senior Play in the dining hall of the Presbyterian Church, with Commencement taking
place in the Glen Theatre; this decade saw great advances in academics with a strengthening of
the curriculum and the addition of many new academic departments.
* 1940's: perhaps the major change was the retirement of long-time District Principal John A.
Beers in 1941 (came to Watkins as a teacher & Vice Principal in 1901); became District Principal in 1909; arrival of District Principal Warren Hertenstein in 1941 took us through the War-years, gasoline rationing, six-man football and much more; many young men left school during their Junior or Senior year to enter the armed forces for World War II.
* 1950's: decade of Centralization, tenure of District Principal John R. Cook (1953-1964), the
opening of a new Elementary School building and the founding of several new High School clubs; Principal Mae Klube brought stability to the Elementary School, and a fairly substantial
construction project at the high school (today's Middle School) resulted in addition of a girls'
gymnasium, a band room and two industrial arts classrooms.
* 1960's: decade of major change -- retirement of John R. Cook, tenure of Jack Terry, our
enrollment in the SCT-BOCES, the arrival of Dr. Lloyd N. Peak as Chief School Officer (later
Superintendent), the designation of our District as a Superintendency and the construction of a
completely new high school resulting in our current configuration (K-4, Gr. 5-8, and Gr. 9-12
facilities.
* 1970's: at the Elementary School, Principal Mae Klube retired (completing 40 years in education) and Mike Yuhasz began his 25-year term as Elementary School Principal; Charlena Curry retired as Middle School Principal and was replaced by Frederic Lorenz, and Milford "Bud" Warner began his 2nd term as HS Principal in 1974; major renovation took place at the Middle School (via a $1 million grant) & student enrollment reached its highest numbers ever.
* 1980's: the busy decades just continued; "Bud" Warner retired as HS Principal and was replaced by Fred Lorenz; Brian O'Donnell was appointed as Middle School Principal; in 1986
Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak resigned (after a 20-year tenure) and accepted position as
Superintendent at Amagansset Long Island District; in 1982 the 100th Class graduated from the
Watkins Glen HS; new Superintendent Will Ross joined the District in 1987; HS Principal Fred
Lorenz retired in 1988 and Brian O'Donnell was appointed new HS Principal; former Curriculum Director Sandra Woolley became MS Principal.

*********

* CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Jim Scott and all of his volunteer assistants through the years
--- this is the 20th year for Saturday Morning Watkins Glen Youth Basketball. During that stretch
of time, literally hundreds of area youth have benefitted from Coach Scott's energy & enthusiasm,
talent & personality, kindness and caring ...AND... terrific emphasis on basic skills &
SPORTSMANSHIP. Many of these young athletes have had a major impact on WG Athletic
teams as they have grown and come up through the grades. Just some of his volunteer
"Coaches" who have helped make this program possible are:
* SAM BRUBAKER * NEIL DE RAICHE * TED PEARCE * NICK BARTONE * ED AUGUSTINE * A.J. ELLISON * HOLLY MOSHER * JEFF FAZZARY * DAVID SEITHER * TRACEY WILLIAMS * TRAVIS LINCOLN * JASON SABATINI
* BRIAN COOLICAN * MIKE ARNOLD * NATE WEBER * JON EVANS * MATT CLARK * JEREMY DAVIS

**********

* Clerical Staff -- one of the major SUPPORT groups for the operation of our schools.....

Elementary School: Remember the great jobs done by Gladys Davis, then MaryAnn Van Amburg?
Middle School: Remember what a fine job Jane Knapp did? Anyone remember the year of three secretaries -- Diane LaRue, Gloria Brubaker & Betty Calhoun?
High School: Remember Barb Baldwin and Betti Ferri staffing the Main Office?

* Teaching Assistants: among some of our 1st Teaching Assistants were Jeanette Stephno,
Sandy Berry, Joan Gascon and Julia Rafferty, all in the Middle School. Reetha Shumway had a
20+ year career in the High School. How about those long-serving Teaching Assistants at our
Elementary School -- Barb Fazzary, Lorraine Augustine, Rosemarie Franzese, Marcie Ergott,
Jolene Miller and Angie Morelli? Teacher Aide Jeannie Andrews (ES) also has helped so many
students through the years!

* What a debt of gratitude we owe to the following:
* Sheik Spaulding, Walter Wood and Charlie Butler, Sr. (All Hallway Monitors at the High School over the years);
* Lincoln Wager -- his strong singing voice & assistance with our Basketball program;
* Fred Thorp -- for all of his time and talent assisting our Varsity Basketball program;
* Rick Hughey -- He and his wife Barb cut numerous cross-country ski trails in the State Park so our students could incorporate cross-country skiing into Physical Education classes.

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 10th in a continuing series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* 1950 Coach Joe Lamak Varsity Football Team (Games were played at the County Fairgrounds):
-- Les Murray, Ken Smith, Jim Henderson, Jim Paradiso, Frank Bartholomew, Edgar Stratton, Lou DelRosso, Sammy Greis, Harry Van Horn, Bob Wager, Gordon Bauman, Clifford Morehouse, Dick Clark, Kenny Field, Bill Tinker, Keith Smith, Red Matthews, Jerry O'Grady, John Landry, Ted Marciniak, Tony Specchio, Bill Ames, T.J. O'Rourke, Brian Field, George Harnas, Captain Rich Franzese, Co-Captain Fry Herrick, Fran DeSarno, Bill Ryan, Delivan Gates, Tony Tallarido, & Roger Herrick.
Assistant Coach: Bud Warner
Team Manager: "Bub" Smyder

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* WG's 1st Football Team (cicra 1922) following the Great War! Watkins had played football for a number of years prior to the 1920s, then dropped it due to the Great War (World War I). John Donohue, from Boston, a graduate from Holy Cross and a former college football player, convinced Watkins High School administration to bring back football. Halfway through the season Watkins did field a team -- this team defeated Penn Yan 6-0, DeSales (Geneva) 13-0 and St. Peter & Pauls (Elmira) 24-0. As the City of Elmira's High School team was State Championship caliber, Donohue convinced an Elmira Junior Varsity All-Star team to meet Watkins at Elmira's Dunn Field on Thanksgiving Day in 1922. Watkins' John Frank recalled a good game (until most of the Elmira Varsity managed to get into action, too) and Donohue's team lost by a score of 18-0.
* Team Members - Watkins Varsity Football Team 1922:
-- Frank Harrington, Bill Walsh, George Shannon, Daniel Sullivan, Royce Smith, Tommy (Dutch) Moran, ? Johnson, Frank Moran, Herman Klube, Bill Tuttle, Walt (Dope) Powers, David Smith, Levi Brimmer, John Coughlin, Tom Viglione, Delivan Gates, Tom O'Rourke, Irving (Grub) West, Lawrence Skuse, Lynford Wood, John Frank, and Charles Barnard.
Coach: John Donohue
Assistant Business Manager: George Patterson
Manager: Stillwell Brown
Mascot: Leo Frank
Principal: John A. Beers

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* Baccalaureate Service -- Sunday, June 24, 1923, 7:30 p.m. Prayer by: Rev. William Guillan
Sermon by Rev. Dewitt Thompson of Auburn, NY

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* Schuyler Players present: "You Can't Take it With You" -- March 16, 17, & 18, 1961 in the Elementary School Auditorium.
Cast included: Francis Beattie, Beth Verrill, Carol Symes, William Elkins, George Emery, John Wait, Louise Benton Argetsinger, Thomas Kanaley, Michael Argetsinger, and others. Some people "behind the scenes" included: John Callanan (tickets), Charlotte Curry (set design), and the Girl Scouts of Watkins Glen Troop #1 -- supervised by Mary Sciore -- as ushers.

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* Senior Class Play 1940 "The Whole Town's Talking"
Cast included: William Kelly, Polly Stillman, Charles Tong, John Wait, Justine Eisenhart, Katherine Kotsones & Esther Green.
Some of the ads in the booklet included: "Elmo M. Royce," "The Thompson Pharmacy," "The Glen Springs," "The Olympian," "Grand Union," "Glen Chevrolet Company," "D. Burr Stone Texaco," "Freudenheim's," "Pellet & James," "The Jefferson Hotel," "Whiting's Alleys," "Woodward & Stouffer Hardware," "Nick's Fruit Store" & others...
Class Officers for this Class of 1940 were:
President: Essie Osterhoudt
Vice Pres.: Ruth Woodward
Secretary: Marguerite King
Treasurer: Robert James
Business Manager: George Scaptura
Class Advisor: Mr. Timms

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* Senior Class Play 1970: "Teahouse of the August Moon" directed by Marilyn Filippetti and Donald H. Maas, March 20 and 21, 1970
-- Behind the scenes: Mr. Nick Giambo (Scenery), Mrs. Anne Woodworth (Advisor), Mr. Daniel Teed (Printing), Mr. Harold Mathews (Advisor)
-- Cast included: David Chicone, David Havens, Jenny Dean, Carmen Garrett, George Weed, Fred Kelly, Elizabeth Franzese, Carol Colunio, David Dunbar, Liz Smith, David Symes, Marilyn Wilson, Mary Rose Spena, Allison Maas, Larry Specchio, Barry O'Malley, Sam Argetsinger,
Richard Garland, Ernie Thurston, Bill Palmer, Sam Baldwin, Steve Tinker, Sue Bauman, Roann Baldassarre, Dianne Dunlap, Peggy Doolittle & Christine Hickey.

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* Commencement --- June 24, 1930: At 2:30 p.m., held at the Glen Theatre (due to the fire previously at the High School).
Salutatory Address, Carl Walsh; Class History, Irving Russell; Class Prophesy, Elizabeth Mourey; Senior Oration, Roger Chapman; Class Will, Doris Ely; Charge to Juniors, Doug Giles; Violin Solo, Elizabeth Walsh; Valedictory, Grace Birge

-- Presenting High School Diplomas: W.W. Clute, President, Board of Education
-- Presenting Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers
-- Prizes Awarded: Scholarship Medal, Scholarship Cup, PTA English Prize, "Norman W. Abbey" Oratorical Prize, and the NYS Chemistry Prize

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* 1968-1969 athletic information:
Cross Country Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains Paul Albertson & Jack Hoose (Team was Lakes Region League Champion)
Varsity Basketball: Coach Pete Galatis; Co-Captains Mike Learn, Jim Nitche & John Margreno (Team record 13-6; 3rd place in League)
Wrestling Team: Coach Jeff Smythe; Co-Captains Steve Franzese & Jack Hoose (overall record 5-6-1)
Tennis Team: Coach Major Coleman; Captain Sam DeDominicis, four-year record was 34-6
Golf Team: Coach Pete Galatis; Captain Dale Havens (team finished 4th in Lakes Region League)
Track Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains -- All the Seniors (Team record 10-2, Champion of Lakes Region League)
Varsity Baseball: Coach Bill Davis (Team Record was 11-5, Champions of the Lakes Region League)
Varsity Cheerleading: Coach Malloy (Members: Karen Callanan, Carol Colunio, Barb Flahive, Liz Franzese, Carmen Garrett, Diann Semski & Connie Woodward
Varsity Majorettes: Coach Snyder; Team Members were Jennie Dean, Peggy Doolittle, Nancy Johnson, Mary Rose Spena & Marilyn Wilson
*** The All Sports Banquet --- the 2nd in our history --- was held at St. Mary's Center

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* Commencement -- June 23, 1931: At 2:30 p.m., Watkins Glen High School Auditorium (1st one held there after new construction!)
Salutatory, Anna Morris; Class History, Charles Decker; Class Prophesy, Selma Howard; Violin Solo, John T. Beers; Class Will, Ellen Kelly; Charge to Juniors, June Cunningham; Reply, Richard Walsh; Valedictory, Nello Arcangeli
Essay (Training Class Honor) -- Grace Birge, "Character Building"
Presentation of Diplomas: W.W. Clute; Awarding of Palmer Method Teacher Certificates: H.O. Ganung
Presentation of Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers

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* Alumni Banquet: June 22, 1985: Presented by the Class of 1960 (the 25-Year Class)
Call to Order: Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
Alumni Association Business: Jim Chedzoy
Dinner: Catered by Carol Bower
1960 Officers, Alumni Association: President, James Chedzoy; Vice President, Nancy King Cole; Secretary, Marge Smith Arcangeli; Treasurer, Gerri Yanch
1961 Officers, Alumni Association: President, Jo Pat Wright; Vice President, John Updyke;
Secretary, Rosemary Schimizzi; Treasurer, William Green

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* Baccalaureate Service: June 21, 1925: Held at local church.
Prayer, Rev. F.N. Bouck; Sermon, Rev. Robert J. Drysdale of Rochester, NY

* Baccalaureate Service: June 20, 1926: Held at First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Prayer, Rev. A.B. Herr; Sermon, Rev. Adna Wright Leonard, Bishop of Buffalo Area

Faculty and students of the old Watkins High pose in front of the school in this undated photo.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 20 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of the fire that destroyed the old Watkins High School in 1929. The ruins were leveled, and the school rebuilt on the same site -- what is now the Watkins Glen Middle School.

Another view of the school, pre-fire, can be seen in the photo above the headline.

Rear of the Watkins High School before the 1929 fire. It's now the site of the Middle School

These are members of the Watkins Glen High School at Mount Vernon, Virginia, in 1930.

This appears to be a group identified with Watkins High School during 1915-16 (the date on the ball). Eona Burnett is holding the ball. Kneeling are Florence Wood Eisenhart (left) and Maude Simpson. Seated, from left: Kathryn Wood Ball, Lola Harwood Chidester, Elizabeth Stevens Burrell and Marie Orzechowski.

A look back at some WGHS facts

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 9th in a continuing series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Another segment of our stroll down the halls of Watkins Glen Central Schools brings the following:

In the Spring of 1982 -- just in time for the 100th commencement ceremony in our history -- I was part of an effort to coordinate the first 100 years of our District's history. That effort resulted in "The 100 Year's Book" -- a pretty comprehensive compilation of the history (people & events) of the Watkins Glen Central School District from 1883 through 1982.

It's time again to update that history, and I'm pleased to announce that a "new" book is in the works. This volume will speak to the entire history of the District from prior to 1883 up to and including the current Class of 2008. Watch for more details in the next month or so and learn how you can secure a copy of the new (and improved) "100 Years Book + 26"

To continue "dusting off" some of the events and achievements from years gone by, I offer the following this month:

* 1982-1983 school year:

Class Officers were.....

..................Seniors and Juniors
President: Allison Isley, Ed Alling
Vice Pres.: Eric Rocholl, Chris Wickham
Secretary: Sharron Scaptura, Margaret Franzese
Treasurer: Adrienne Kramer, Don Mason

..................Sophomores and Freshmen
President: Laurie Caldwell, Dina Ciprich
Vice Pres.: Kim Kelly, Michele Pierce
Secretary: Elaine Ware, Joe Gibbons
Treasurer: Betsy Bianco, Lisa Osborne

* 1983-1984 school year:
-- Yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Frank Steber, English Teacher for the past 34 years (29 of those in Watkins Glen!);
-- Lori Bruce (Italy) & Gwen James (Denmark) spent a year of study abroad;
-- Dawn Maricle (1965-1981) and Michael Osborne (1965-1981) were featured as members of the Class of 1984.

* 1984-1985 school year:
-- Major changes included end of the old A-B-C schedule in favor of more traditional scheduling at the high school; "Free" periods for Juniors & Seniors were eliminated in favor of "Honor Passes";
-- Computer Education was added to the curriculum and the Regents Action Plan became a reality.

* 1985-1986 school year:
-- Some "inside" information shared by the staff of the Senecan included:
1. "Emily Kramer, Mike Klemann and Kelly Bonzo from the Junior Class (are) examples & an inspiration to other students";
2. "Lisa Bartone, Jeff Forney & Steve Beaver ... all experienced driving woes in the 'Speed Zone'";
3. "Those stylish standout students -- Mindy Franzese in her mermaid skirt, Keli Hall wearing her oversized jacket, Marcia Josey in her fingerless black lace gloves, Neil Fazzary in his break dancing clothes, Brian Naylor wearing his cream white suit, Ben Kramer in his paisley shirt and Carol Morin/Rhonda Van Alstine/Sonja Voorheis for 'awesone and different hair styles.'"

..... moving on into the 21st Century:

* 2000-2001 school year:
-- Craig Cheplick was named by West Virginia University as "Person Who Made A Difference in My Life" as nominated by student Brandon Margreno;
-- Judy Pearce, school bus driver, walked 10 miles in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk and raised $1,540.50 for research;
-- "Operation Recognition" (granting High School diplomas to veterans who were in World War II and who had to leave High School to enter the Armed Services):
1. Herbert Allen Templar 12/08/00
2. Elmer T. Buckley 12/20/00
3. John C. Coolican 1/19/01
4. Clyde J. Weed 2/08/01
5. Albert Colunio 4/30/01
* This program was later extended to include veterans from the Korean War as wel l...

* 2001-2002 school year:
-- High School "X-Day" schedule was eliminated in favor of a more traditional one;
-- Peggy & Ken Field donated a number of plants to adorn the HS library;
-- Bob Foote continued to be a fabulous resource and trouble shooter behind the scenes in the Broadcast Studio;
-- Congressman Amory Houghton donated a U.S. Flag -- which had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building on January 22, 2002 -- to be placed on permanent display in our Field House
-- RYAN COON was presented with a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program & LYNN MARIE BENNETT became a published poet by having a poem published in "The International Library of Poetry -- A River of Emotion."

* 2002-2003 school year:
-- "Open Campus" (at lunch time) ended for Grade 9 students as plans were put in place to phase out this long-standing privilege with one additional Class per year
-- Laurie Macri & Gail Butler, Main Office clerical, won the annual Halloween Costume "Funniest" category by virtue of their "Bathing Beauty" shirts.
-- Teachers Sam Brubaker, Nancy Ruda, Margaret Swinnerton and Kate Barthomomew were presented with 5-year service pins for their years of teaching
-- Theresa Bianco and Gabrielle Rosier were instrumental in getting information packed into the two new corner stones (one at the entrance to the High School Main Office and one at the entrance to the Field House)...

Some Athletic achievements over the years:
Next time you're in our Field House, think about the following:
-- 1st JV and Varsity Boys' Basketball games played there -- December 3, 2002 against Odessa-Montour; some of the "1st's" in those games :
* 1st JV basket made by: Brian Rentschler
* 1st Varsity basket made by: Drew Bubb
* 1st Varsity assist, steal & 3-pointer: Todd Lincoln
Team Scores: JV's -- WG 28, OM 27
* Conor Flahive scored winning points via foul shots with 4 seconds left.
Varsity -- WG 70, OM 32
-- Todd Lincoln had game-high 16 points
-- Craig Bianco had three 3-pointers

Scholar-Athlete teams (2001-02) -- probably our best year ever for these awards:
-- Boys' Soccer -- Girls' Soccer -- Girls' Swimming
-- Varsity Softball -- Girls' Cross Country -- Golf Team
-- Girls' Track -- Boys' Cross Country -- Tennis Team
-- Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

More "1st's" 2001-2002 year... Varsity Baseball Team on newly constructed field
--1st pitch: ceremonial 1st pitch thrown out by former Varsity Baseball Coach and then Middle School Principal Dave Warren -- catcher was NICK BUTLER
-- 1st WG Baserunner was JON PRESTON -- drew a walk, then stole a base;
-- 1st WG hit and RBI -- NICK BUTLER with a single scoring JON PRESTON with 1st WG run

Varsity Girls' Softball Team on newly constructed field: 2001-2002 year...
-- Keri McIlroy, Class of 1996 (Member of WG Athletic Hall of Fame as a pitcher, 20-3 during the 1995-95 season) threw out 1st ball/ceremonial pitch
-- 1st WG Hit: Shannon Lewis (a single)
-- 1st run scored: Ashley Bauman
-- 1st RBI: Jessica Brown (a 2-run double, the 1st double)
-- 1st triple: April Byers
-- Jessica Brown was 3 for 5 with a double and 4 RBIs
-- Shannon Lewis was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 2 RBIs
-- Katie Oats & Sylvia Brown had 2 hits each

1860's: April 3, 1863, the Chapter 69 Laws of 1863 were enacted to create a Union Free School District in the Village of Watkins and to create a Board of Education "therein with powers of taxation and other powers for school purposes." The formal name was established as the Watkins Academy. A Charter of Operation was received from New York State, and the Watkins Union School District began.

1870's: This decade saw the District go from early uncertainty and changing educational direction to the consistency & stabliization provided by the arrival of Professor S.S. Johnson, who re-wrote the curriculum and condensed the time frame of each grade level from two years to one year, thereby allowing more students to stay in school and attend high school.

1880's: Mary Freer became the 1st graduate (1883) and Lula Martin received the 1st Regents diploma (1884). Classes during this decade averaged just four students per senior year with the 1st male students -- Herbert Morgan & Edward Thompson -- being in the Class of 1887.

1890's: During this decade, only nine young men graduated from high school as compared to forty-six young women; there were two major fires (6/19/1897 and 2/04/1898) which virtually destroyed all school facilities; while rebuilding took place, classes were held in such places as Gurnett's Hall (corner of Third & Franklin Sts.), the Baldwin Block (located on the site of the current Glen Theater) and the Beach Building of the Sheldon Block (just east of the old
Jefferson Hotel).

1900's: Several major events characterized the arrival of the new Century -- among them the arrival of Professor John Beers as teacher & Vice Principal in 1901, plus increasing enrollment (senior classes now averaged 11 students) and the formation of extracurricular activities and athletic teams.

1910's: This decade was noted for many things:
-- Class of 1910 was 1st graduating class under Professor Beer's leadership (S.S. Johnson having retired in 1909);
-- Class of 1911 was last class NOT to have an annual Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1912 was 1st Senior Class to have a Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1914: each member of the Class shook the hand of United States President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, D.C.;
-- Class of 1917 was forced to cancel their Senior Trip (due to World War I);
-- Class of 1918 went to Niagara Falls for their Senior Trip (again due to World War I).