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Watkins Glen High School honorees. Front from left: Natalee Oliver, Skye Honrath, Emily Melveney, Olivia VanSkiver and Kendra Fish. Back from left: Nick D'Alleva, Sam Hohle, Sam Caslin, Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons, Rachel Vickio, Brianna Hatch and Carson Thaete. (Photo by Jon Haeffner)

The Tribute 24 Awards

Twenty-four outstanding student-athletes at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools have earned the attention and admiration of school officials and The Odessa File. Here are the 2025 Tribute 24 Award honorees.

By Charlie Haeffner
Editor/Publisher

SCHUYLER COUNTY, May 31, 2025 -- Four years ago, after stepping away from a high school student honors team called the Top Drawer 24 -- a program which I had co-founded and in which I'd been heavily involved for 15 years -- I returned to its roots with a new program. While the Top Drawer program had expanded over the years to include more than a dozen school districts, I wanted to focus -- as we had in the early days of Top Drawer -- strictly on Schuyler County student-athletes.

Thus, this marks the fifth annual Tribute 24 Awards presentation, honoring two-dozen students in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools -- 12 from each one.

Once again, the students honored have grabbed both the attention of The Odessa File and that of administrators, coaches and teachers at both schools based on academics, athletics, character, leadership and, if applicable, citizenship.

This year, the honorees range from seniors to -- for the first time since the Top Drawer's first year, in 2006 -- a freshman: Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes. At O-M, there are seven seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and that one freshman. At WGHS, there are five seniors and seven juniors.

There are 10 repeat honorees -- five at WGHS (Skye Honrath, Nick D'Alleva, Rachel Vickio, Sam Caslin and Emily Melveney) and five at O-M (Sarah Strobel, Cara Reynolds, Jackie Mace, Jed Lynch and Gavin Lohmeyer).

Each of the honorees -- at recent ceremonies at O-M and WGHS --received a packet containing certificates from The Odessa File, Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno, New York Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Congressman Nick Langworthy to commemorate this selection.

In addition to the honorees' grades, athletic prowess, character, and leadership, an additional factor in the selections (perhaps unique to this program) was determination -- whether an honoree is believed to possess not only the personality to succeed in life and on the playing fields, but also the will to keep striving for excellence.

Grade-point averages cited are the most recent ones available.

The speakers:

Each of the two presentation ceremonies -- in the Odessa-Montour High School's Jack Davis Gym and in the Watkins Glen High School library -- featured a guest speaker: 2023 O-M graduate and three-time Tribute Award honoree Hannah Nolan in the Davis Gym, and 2009 WGHS graduate and four-time Top Drawer 24 honoree Katey Cheplick in the Glen library. Nolan is a track athlete attending SUNY Cortland (and, now that school is out, substitute teaching in the O-M district), while Cheplick is an Associate Vice President for Technical Solutions and Systems (IT) at Keuka College.

Speaking to audiences that included not only the honored students, but the students' parents as well, both Nolan and Cheplick offered congratulations for the achievements leading to this award. They told of their own experiences and imparted the message that the honorees will need to draw on those characteristics that have brought them this far -- in particular a strong work ethic, not to mention determination-- even more as they face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead of them in life.

After the ceremony, each was accessible to students and parents at a reception.

This year's Odessa File Tribute 24 Award honorees, by school but in no particular order, are as follows.

Photos in text: Speakers Hannah Nolan (at O-M, top) and Katey Cheplick (at WGHS). (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

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O-M's Tribute Award Honorees:

Cara Reynolds: This year's O-M Valedictorian with a 98.26 GPA, she plans to attend SUNY Delhi with an eye on a career as a veterinarian. Co-President of the Senior Class, she is a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club and the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, and volunteers for the American Heritage Girls. She competes in track and was an Odessa File First Team All-Star in swimming after winning four races at the Section IV, Class C meet, helping her team to its eighth straight title. "She is someone who enjoys being part of the program," said her track coach, Skip Strobel. "She will take on any role to assist the team and can often be found cheering on her fellow throwers when not competing." Added her swim coach, Jason Westervelt, "Cara has an incredible work ethic in the pool and knows how to rise to the occasion." This is her second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Sarah Strobel: A senior ranked 5th in her class with a 95.72 GPA, she wants to be a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Co-President of her class and a member of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, she has competed this year in cross country and track & field. A member of Student Council, Drama Club (with roles in school musicals), Yearbook, Varsity O, the school's Student Advisory Committee, and the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities (NYSCLSA), she plans to attend Nazareth University in the fall. "Her five years of track experience make her a great mentor to the younger athletes on the team," said track Coach Skip Strobel, her father. "She is always willing to offer advice and help where she can. She is a positive role model." Guidance counselor Dan Batchelder echoed that while introducing her to the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Student of the Month in December: "Sarah is an extraordinarily positive role model -- often reaching out to help younger students." This is her second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Jed Lynch: A senior ranked 6th in his class with a 94.73 GPA, he has competed this year on the varsity soccer and track teams (he was an Odessa File All-Star in both), and in the past on the wrestling squad. A member of the school's Student Advisory Committee and Varsity O, he plans to attend a trade school with an eye toward a career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). "Jed is an incredible leader, fiercely competitive, always willing to do what is best for the team," said his track coach, Skip Strobel. "Odessa-Montour track has been lucky to have him, and he will be missed." This is his second year as a member of the Tribute 24 Award team.

Jackie Mace: A senior ranked 10th in her class with a 92.89 GPA, she has over the years competed in soccer, cross country, track and, most notably, in wrestling -- the sport she plans to continue when she attends Utica University. The president of the FFA Chapter at GST BOCES, a member of the National Technical Honor Society, and a volunteer at the Montour Falls and Dutton S. Peterson (Odessa) libraries, she plans to pursue a career as an Earth Science teacher. "She's always wanting to be the best," said her cross country and track coach, Skip Strobel. "Injuries prevented her from competing in track this year, but she was at almost every practice and meet trying to help her teammates." As her wrestling coach, Dan Batchelder, put it: "Jackie does not shy away from challenging obstacles, working hard to overcome them. Her strong work ethic and sound character will serve as a great foundation for her to achieve her goals and be an exceptional member of society." This is her second year as a member of the Tribute 24 Award team.

Gavin Lohmeyer: A senior ranked 8th in his class with a 93.97 GPA, he is president of the Varsity O Club, has played a key role on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams, and plans to play baseball in college. He will attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with an eye on a career as a mechanical engineer. Says his football coach, Trevor Holland; "Gavin is an imposing physical player who sacrificed through the pain to help his team succeed." Added his baseball coach, Jason Westervelt: "Gavin Lohmeyer is an outstanding young man who knows how to work with his peers." This is his second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Leah Antes: A freshman with a 96.87 GPA (second in her class), she is an All-Star in three varsity sports: soccer (where she shared the team lead in goals), basketball (where she led the team in scoring with 17.5 points a game), and track & field, where she has excelled in the High Jump, Triple Jump and Long Jump. A member of the school's Yearbook Club and Student Council, she is the first freshman on an Odessa File Tribute 24 Award team in its five years of existence. Said her track coach, Skip Strobel: "Leah is a natural athlete who doesn't take her natural ability for granted. She works very hard at making herself better regardless of the sport. She is well known throughout the track circles and is respected by her competitors."

Connor Foggie: A junior with a 97.69 GPA, he is a three-sport athlete: soccer, basketball and baseball. President of the Junior Class, he is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Rotary Interact and the Varsity O Club, and participates in a Youth Group at the Odessa Methodist Church. While he has not decided on which college to attend, he is planning to study a science field (biology, chemistry or pharmacology) at a four-year school before advancing to Pre-Med and a related career. Says his baseball coach, Jason Westervelt: "Connor Foggie has an incredible work ethic and is one of the greatest sportsmen I have ever coached."

Riley Brooks: A senior with a 97.3 GPA, she is a member of the school's varsity swim and golf teams. Treasurer of Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Varsity O Club and the Junior Class, and a participant in the school's last three musicals, she is also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She plans to attend Florida State University at Panama City with a goal of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator. Said her swim coach, Jason Westervelt, "Riley Brooks is a kind, compassionate young lady who is admired by her peers." O-M Secretary Judy Kastenhuber, in introducing Riley to the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club in October as its Student of the Month, lauded her for her volunteerism, and for her leadership.

Lucas Barr: A senior with a 92.87 GPA, he competed this year on the cross country and track & field teams, and in the past in soccer and wrestling. A member of Student Council and the National Technical Honor Society, he is also part of an Odessa United Methodist Church youth group and has been a member of the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department for four years. Teacher Holly Campbell, who has directed school plays in which Barr has worked backstage and performed onstage, said he is "one of those kids who would never shirk a responsibility." Added his track coach, Skip Strobel: "He's a great person both on and off the field. Someone I can rely on to always do what is right. He never complains and is always encouraging others." He plans to attend Alfred State to study Electrical Construction and Maintenance, and pursue a career in those fields.

Rilke Arrance: A junior with a 96.12 GPA, she competes on the school's varsity volleyball and track & field teams, is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Montour Baptist Church, and volunteers at the Montour Library. While she has not yet decided on a college to attend, her career goal is to become an ultrasound technician or a radiologist. Said one track coach, Skip Strobel: "Rilke Arrance is someone who loves to compete. She works very hard and is always trying to improve. And she is very encouraging to others." Added another track coach, Burton Brewster: "Rilke is a pleasure to coach. She is willing to do whatever the team needs and always gives her absolute best." And guidance counselor Dan Batchelder said this: "Rilke has always strived for greatness and makes every organization/team/group/ that she is involved in better through her presence. Her work ethic, charisma, and character make her a truly unique individual."

Evvie Zinger: A sophomore with a 94.27 GPA, she is a standout in three sports: soccer, basketball (on both offense and defense) and track & field (in several events, including the Pentathlon). Co-President of the Sophomore Class and Rotary Interact and a member of the Varsity O and Yearbook Clubs, Student Council and the National Honor Society, she is considering a career in either dermatology or forensic science. Says her track coach, Skip Strobel: "It would be hard for anyone to outwork her. She is always striving to be better. She is beloved by teammates and is an asset to the program."

Jared Watson: A sophomore with a 98.72 GPA, he competes on the varsity football, wrestling and track & field teams, and is on the school's Student Advisory Committee. A member of the Montour Methodist Church and the Odessa Conservation Club, he says of his career goals: "I want to learn taxidermy on the side and get a job welding while coaching wrestling." Says his football coach, Trevor Holland: "One of the most team-oriented players I have ever coached. An excellent role model of hard work." Added his track coach, Skip Strobel: "Jared is a student of his sport, does anything he can to make himself better, always wanting to learn and improve. I'm looking forward to having him another couple of years." And from his wrestling coach, Dan Batchelder: "Jared is a young man who has the leadership skills of a seasoned commander. He is also an individual who completely understands the concept of teamwork and how individuals should work to their full potential to support the needs of a group. Jared is a great example for other students to follow."

Photos in text above: From the top, honorees Sarah Strobel, Jackie Mace, Leah Antes, Lucas Barr and Evvie Zinger with Odessa File Editor and Publisher Charlie Haeffner. He handed each honoree a packet containing Certificates of Recognition or Achievement from The Odessa File, Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno, State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Congressman Nick Langworthy. (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

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The Odessa-Montour honorees:

From left: Jackie Mace, Gavin Lohmeyer and Riley Brooks.

From left: Rilke Arrance, Lucas Barr and Cara Reynolds.

From left: Jared Watson, Evvie Zinger and Jed Lynch.

From left: Leah Antes, Connor Foggie and Sarah Strobel.

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The Watkins Glen honorees:

From left: Brianna Hatch, Sam Hohle and Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons.

From left: Carson Thaete, Emily Melveney and Kendra Fish.

From left: Natalee Oliver, Olivia VanSkiver and Sam Caslin.

From left: Skye Honrath, Nick D'Alleva and Rachel Vickio.

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About each WGHS honoree:

Skye Honrath: A senior with a 4.01 GPA, she was a Tribute 24 Award honoree in her sophomore and junior years, too. An All-State soccer player, she led WGHS to a 12-4 record this year while setting the school career goal record (93). She also shares the single-season mark of 33, attained in her junior year. A member of the National Honor Society, she volunteers at the Bethany Village nursing home and with Seneca Santa. She plans to attend Binghamton University with an eye toward Pre-Med in the field of Pathology. She has been praised by her soccer coach, Scott Morse, as "a phenomenal athlete who displays the utmost in sportsmanship and class on the field. She led the team in scoring every year on varsity. Her skill and technique make her one of the best goal scorers in school history."

Rachel Vickio: A junior with a 3.77 GPA, she is a three-sport All-Star -- in soccer, basketball and track & field -- the latter a sport in which she consistently wins the Discus event, including at the recent IAC Championships. The 2023-24 Odessa File WGHS Athlete of the Year, she was slowed by injuries this year, but was still an outstanding athlete. Secretary of the Varsity Club and a member of the National Honor Society, she volunteers during the Saturday morning youth basketball program at WGHS, with the Lions Club Christmas Tree program, and with Seneca Santa. While undecided on which college to attend, her career goal is to become a nurse. Says her basketball coach, Alicia Learn: "Rachel is a true team player. She exemplifies selflessness by consistently looking to pass the ball, ensuring that every teammate has the opportunity to shine. Rachel remains composed, directing the flow of the game with subtle yet impactful moves." Added her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Rachel is an incredible athlete who brings dedication, commitment and hard work to everything she does. She is one of those rare athletes who would be great at any sport she played." This is her second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Emily Melveney: A junior with a 4.1 GPA, she is a standout member of the girls Section IV champion swim team, and an exceptional golfer -- An Odessa File All-Star in both sports. A National Honor Society honoree, she is a member of the Burdett Presbyterian Church, volunteers with the Glen Gators swim program, and works summers at the Watkins Glen State Park. While undecided yet on which college to attend, she wants to become a Physician's Assistant. Says her swim coach, Jason Westervelt; "Emily Melveney is a hard working student athlete who is very coachable and very talented." One member of the selection commitee added; "She is a diligent worker with a desire to succeed." This is her second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Sam Caslin: A senior with a 4.0 GPA, he is an Odessa File All-Star in basketball and track. The National Honor Society and Senior Class president, he is also the Varsity Club treasurer, a Student Council representative, and captain of the basketball squad. A volunteer coach in the Saturday morning youth basketball program and a Seneca Santa volunteer, he plans to attend Binghamton University and pursue a Political Science degree with an eye toward Law School. Said teacher Kelsey Wood, in introducing Sam to the Watkins-Montour Rotary as its Student of the Month in December: "If you observe something incredible being done by our community youth, Sam is probably behind it." His coaches point to his work ethic and leadership, with one saying he "epitomizes character." Said his basketball coach, Scott Morse: "Sam Caslin is a terrific player, leader, and all-around great person. His dedication and commitment to the basketball program has been incredible and greatly appreciated." This is his second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Carson Thaete: A junior with a 4.01 GPA, he is a member of the boys varsity swim team, earning Odessa File All-Star status as well as designation by this website as one of two Schuyler Winter MVPs. A member of the National Honor Society, he helps with the Glen Gators swim program and the United Southern Tier Aquatics. While not yet decided on which college to attend, he says he wants to earn a degree in Aerospace Engineering and "become a pilot." Says his swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Carson Thaete is a very goal driven young man with a surplus of talent." Added a media observer: "Carson Thaete came out of nowhere, seemingly just learning the sport two years ago, becoming an All-Star last year and arguably the team's best swimmer this year. Talk about determination ..."

Kendra Fish: A senior with a 4.12 GPA, she is the class Valedictorian. A longtime member of the perennial Section IV, Class C champion girls swim team, she is president of Varsity Club, the Senior Class treasurer, a Student Council representative, and a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Teacher Kaz Popovich, when introducing Kendra to the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its March Student of the Month, described her as "a rock star, in and out of the classroom." She devotes time to the school's Food Pantry and to volunteer work, and plans to attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with an eye on a career in Environmental Engineering. Says her swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Kendra Fish is a very intelligent young lady and truly defines student athlete."

Nick D'Alleva: A senior with a 4.03 GPA, he is a three-sport Odessa File All-Star, in football, wrestling and lacrosse. A member of the National Honor Society, and the Student Council vice president, he plans to atttend SUNY Cortland with career goals of serving as an officer in the Army and owning his own gym in Florida "or another state with a warm climate." Says his football coach, Trevor Holland: "Nick is a very talented student-athlete who pushed himself, as well as others, to achieve excellence." Added his wrestling coach, Dan Batchelder: "Nick is a man with truly Presidential qualities as he is a true contributor to his school and community." And his lacrosse coach, Geoff Crossley, said this: "I have only had one year to coach Nick, but I think that is all it takes to know what type of person he is. Nick is the kind of player and individual that you want to build a team around. He is a leader and ... when it comes to lacrosse, his game IQ is off the charts." This is Nick's second year on the Tribute 24 Award team.

Olivia VanSkiver: A senior with a 4.12 GPA, she is the class Salutatorian. A member of the girls varsity soccer, basketball and track & field teams, she volunteers at Saturday morning youth basketball and is a member of the Schuyler Strikers Soccer Club. Secretary of the National Honor Society, she plans to attend the University of Buffalo for a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, pursue a master's degree in cancer studies, and eventually become a Pediatric Medical Oncologist. Said her basketball coach, Alicia Learn: "Olivia manages to balance a rigorous sports schedule with her studies, showcasing remarkable time management and discipline. She has an encouraging attitude and creates an inspiring environment for everyone around her." And her soccer coach, Scott Morse, said this: "Olivia was such an important piece of our soccer program over the last several years. She is highly skilled and has a tremendous understanding of the game. What I appreciate most is her leadership, commitment and kindness she brought to the team every day."

Sam Hohle: A junior with a 4.1 GPA, he is a member of the soccer, indoor track and lacrosse teams. A member of the National Honor Society, he is vice president of the Varsity Club and a member of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. He has donated time to the Hector Presbyterian Church food bank, and to the Watkins Glen Public Library. He says he is applying to the Naval Academy, with the hope of becoming a naval officer, an economic analyst or a Foreign Service officer. Says his indoor track coach, Kelly Sterner: "Sam is genuinely kind ... nice, with wonderful attributes. He is thoughtful, has a quiet strength. He's goal-oriented, and does lots of volunteer work, like helping with reading at the library, and working in the school market. He's pure of heart, and is going to go somewhere." Added his lacrosse coach, Geoff Crossley: "Sam is the type of person who will put in all the work for the team and expect nothing in return. The most unselfish player I have ever coached in my 16 years."

Natalee Oliver: A junior with a 3.57 GPA, she is an Odessa File All-Star in three sports: soccer (where she is an All-State defensive player), basketball, and track -- where she recently won the 800 Meter Run at the IAC Championships and set a school record in the 1500 Meters at the Section IV, Class C meet. A member of Varsity Club, and a volunteer at Saturday morning youth basketball, she is undecided on which college to attend, but is planning to become a nurse. Says her basketball coach, Alicia Learn: "Natalee's remarkable speed and relentless hustle on the floor make her a standout performer; she’s always in the right place, putting in extra effort to ensure every play counts. Natalee celebrates the success of her teammates as much as her own, firmly believing that the collective triumph is the greatest reward." Added her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Natalee Oliver is a hard-working and dedicated athlete. She has worked hard to increase her speed over the years and that has made a huge impact on the team and our success."

Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons: A junior with a 3.9 GPA, she is a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball and track & field) who is secretary of the Junior Class and a member of Varsity Club and the National Honor Society. She helps with youth soceer and Saturday morning youth basketball, and helps out at the Burdett Fire Department and with Seneca Santa. While she has not yet decided on which college to attend, she says "I want to become a Science Teacher." Says her basketball coach, Alicia Learn: "Zade has a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication that makes her a true role model both on and off the court. Zade is a great leader and team player, always cheering her teammates on." Added her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons is a wonderful young lady and outstanding soccer player. It was tough not having her this last season (due to injury), but I am excited to get her back next fall!"

Brianna Hatch: A junior with a 3.34 GPA, she is a three-sport Odessa File All-Star athlete (in soccer, basketball and softball). She was also named MVP of the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Large School South Division after her Lake Hawks won the IAC basketball title this past season, compiling a 17-4 record. A member of Varsity Club, she volunteers at Saturday morning youth basketball and with Seneca Santa, and plays Empire Elite Basketball. While she has not yet decided on which college to attend, she has her eyes set on a career in the health care field. Says her basketball coach, Alicia Learn: "Brianna is calm under pressure and consistently exhibits a sense of poise. Her commitment to success shines through in every sport she plays." Added her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Brianna Hatch is a phenomenal athlete. She is fast, strong and aggressive and makes an incredible impact in every game. What I love most about having Brianna on the team, however, is her terrific sense of humor and positive attitude."

Photos in text above: From the top: Honorees Rachel Vickio, Sam Caslin, Nick D'Alleva, Sam Hohle and Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons with Odessa File Editor and Publisher Charlie Haeffner. He handed each honoree a packet containing Certificates of Recognition or Achievement from The Odessa File, Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno, State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Congressman Nick Langworthy. (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

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That's all of them -- twenty-four notable people who share at least one thing in common: by excelling in unique and impressive ways, they have earned the admiration of coaches, administrators, teachers and this website, and a seat on this team. They have successfully embraced many athletic, academic and social opportunities in high school, and thus prepared themselves for life's many challenges.