Graduates celebrate at the end of Friday night's ceremony. Facing camera, from left, are Alyssa Bleiler, Alicia Brace and Ashley Bryington.

66 earn diplomas at O-M

ODESSA, June 25 -- Odessa-Montour High School celebrated the graduation Friday night of 66 students, members of a class that speakers lauded for its close-knit nature and high achievements.

The ceremony -- before a standing-room-only crowd in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium -- featured speeches by Salutatorian Katlynne Ray, Valedictorian Allison Stamp, and keynote speaker Glenn Bleiler, and the presentation of dozens of awards and scholarships.

Ray and Bleiler both touched in their remarks on the issue of fear, and how it can stop people from trying to achieve things in life. "But even the biggest failure," said Ray, "beats the heck out of never trying."

Bleiler, a former Naval officer, former Town of Catharine Supervisor and current businessman, noted that success builds from failures, and urged the graduates to "learn from everything. Learning is more important than ever for your generation."

And he urged them to "talk with, listen to, humbly serve and be served by others. Cultivate friendships and relationships with others" because "you can achieve so much more" in tandem with like-minded achievers.

Stamp built from that thought, pointing to the strong friendships of the Class of 2011, and its tendency to help its members "achieve greatness...We have evolved from gawky freshmen to well-rounded students with all different kinds of interests, but all acknowledged and appreciated" by the others.

"We've truly treasured our time here," she said. "Nothing would have prepared us better for our future" than Odessa-Montour.

The 2011 graduates are:

Brandon R. Arnold
Ryan Ayers
Tiffany Lynne Bannister
Breonna R. Bates
Grant E. Bellows, Jr.
Alyssa J. Bleiler
Alicia M. Brace
Ashley Anne Bell-Bryington
Laurelle Elizabeth Bryington
Samuel M. Capozzi
Seth K. Case
Alexander Jay Chapman
Seneca Nicole Collins
Megan Nicole Cook
Anthony T. Curren
Tyler M. Davenport
Erika M. Decker
Brittany V. Doan
Kelsey Elizabeth Duet
Martin Edward Eccleston
Cameron M. Evans
Derek Lee Frasier
Glenn Freund, Jr.
Jocelyn R. Garrison
Taylor A. Gilbert
Kayla L. Grady
Allyson M. Hancock
Curtis J. Holton
Matthew T. Hutt
Neisha Marie Jacobs

Jamie B. Lachut
Tyler Marie Little
Timothy P. Markley
Michael Lawrence McCauley
Scott A. McCray, Jr.
Ashley Ann McLean
Michelle R. Melanson
Adam E. Mitchell
Mackenzie Retta Moore
Cameron Lee Nichols
Jessica Marie Niedermaier
James David Overhiser
Brittany Nicolle Pehnollow
Cory J. Pound
Rhion Alexander Rathbone
Katlynne Elizabeth Ray
Jessica Lynne Rhodes
Malissa Sue Richards
Kristina Marie Rood
Ashleigh D. Rouille
Itka Safir
Bethany Patricia Smith
Karissa M. Snyder
Melody Madalyn Stadelmaier
Allison Michelle Stamp
Thomas P. Starkweather
Megan Olivia Stebbins
Taylor Marie Thoman
Eric Trenchard
Zackary Michael VanNordstrand
Nicholas Vliet
Jeremy William Vondracek
Travis Taylor Wardwell
Kara Morai Wood
Michelle L. Woodford
Rebecca Elizabeth Zafonte

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Awards and Scholarships

The awards and scholarships presented Friday night were as follows, determined by either the faculty or the organization that issued the award.

1. THE WATKINS MONTOUR ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP
This $1000 scholarship is given to a senior who has displayed high standards of character and academic achievement. The winner in 2011, chosen by a committee of the Rotary Club, is: KATLYNNE RAY

2. THE NORTHRUP FOUNDATION AWARD
This award, in the amount of $1000, is given annually to the senior who has achieved the highest score on the college entrance examination. ANTHONY CURREN

3. THE FRANCIS C. WARD MEMORIAL AWARD
This $200 award, made possible by Peter Ward and many friends of Dr. Ward, goes to a student who will pursue a career in the medical field. The winner is: MALISSA RICHARDS

4. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR CLERICAL STAFF AWARD
The clerical staff at Odessa-Montour offers an award to a student who plans to further his/her education in business or a related field. This year’s winner is: ASHLEY McLEAN

5. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION EDUCATORS AWARD
The teachers’ association annually presents two $350 awards to seniors who plan to study in education. The winners are: MELODY STADELMAIER and ALLISON STAMP

6. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ACADEMIC AWARDS
The OMTA also presents $350 awards to the two seniors who have maintained a high average while compiling a large number of high school credits. The winners are: SENECA COLLINS and
TAYLOR THOMAN

7. THE J. EDWARD AND THELMA DOLAN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was developed as a legacy to two highly regarded teachers. It is a perpetual memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Dolan. Mr. Dolan taught math for 41 years and Mrs. Dolan taught third grade for 46 years. In 2011 the award is given to a graduate entering higher education to study mathematics education or a related field: REBECCA ZAFONTE

Holly Campbell, representing the Lake Country Players, presented the next two awards, sponsored by the Lake County Players

8. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS AWARD
The Lake Country Players is a performing arts group from Schuyler County. It is pleased to present an award to an outstanding student in the performing arts. The winner is:
ANTHONY CURREN

9. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS CHARLIE STAMP ESSAY AWARD: This award goes to:
ALYSSA BLEILER

10. SCHUYLER COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD: The retired teachers’ association offers a $500 award to a senior who is planning a career in education following their college studies. The student chosen this year is: ALLISON STAMP

11. THE GERARD CROSLEY SENIOR AWARD
This award is considered by many to be the outstanding prize of the year because the winner is chosen by the members of the Senior Class. The senior who has been selected to best represent the class of 2011 is: TAYLOR THOMAN

12. THE WALTER BAIRD ENGINEERING AWARD
The scholarship was instituted by Mrs. Elizabeth Baird to honor the memory of her late husband. It is presented to a student entering the field of engineering or who has excelled in math and science courses in high school. The winner this year is: TIMOTHY MARKLEY

13. THE VFW POST #2674 SCHOLARSHIP
The VFW established this $100 award several years ago to honor outstanding seniors. The awards for 2011 are given to: SENECA COLLINS, KATLYNNE RAY, ALLISON STAMP and TAYLOR THOMAN

14. GREATER SOUTHERN TIER COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Greater Southern Tier Counselors Association annually presents a college day at the Arnot Mall. The proceeds from this are presented to outstanding seniors throughout the Twin Tiers. The awards for 2011 are given to: JESSICA RHODES, KRISTINA ROOD and MEGAN STEBBINS

15. THE ODESSA LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This $100 award is given to the senior who has gone beyond what is required in order to help others in the Odessa and Montour communities. This year’s winner is: ASHLEY BRYINGTON

16. THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF SCHUYLER COUNTY AWARD
The Financial Institutions of Schuyler County annually present a $200 bond to an outstanding senior in mathematics. The winner is: BETHANY SMITH

17. THE SENKA AGENCY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AWARD
This award is given annually to a senior who plans to attend college, has strong academic ability and who will study business in college. The winner is: MARTIN ECCLESTON

18. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR FINE ARTS BOOSTERS SCHOLARSHIP
The Fine Arts Boosters recognize students who will enter college to study in the Fine Arts field. The winners for 2011 are: ALYSSA BLEILER and ASHLEY McLEAN

19. SCHUYLER COUNTY ITALIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL FRANK CHIACCHIERINI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
A $1000 award is provided from the proceeds from The Italian-American Festival in Watkins Glen. The scholarship is given in honor of Frank Chiacchierini, who was instrumental in the founding of the Italian American Festival. The selection is based on high standards of character, self-determination, and school and community service. The winner chosen by a committee of the scholarship presenters is: TAYLOR THOMAN

20. HORATIO ALGER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP: The Horatio Alger Association seeks to recognize those students who show evidence of integrity and perseverance in the face of adversity. The scholarship, in the amount of $5000, is presented to: ITKA SAFIR

21. SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP: This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to three outstanding students from Schuyler County. The scholarships are awarded to students entering a four year college, a two year college or a business, vocational, or technical school. The winners are: ITKA SAFIR and ALLISON STAMP

22. ARNOT HEALTH COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is presented to a senior entering the medical field in recognition of outstanding community service. The winner, chosen by a committee of the presenters is: TAYLOR THOMAN

23. McGARRY SCHOLARSHIP: This award is given by the McGarry Family in memory of their son Danny, who graduated from Odessa-Montour in 1994. The award is presented to a senior who has been an inspiration to others. The winner for 2011 is: JESSICA NIEDERMAIER

24. WATKINS GLEN-MONTOUR FALLS LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
Mr. Tom McGarry, President of the Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Lions Club, announced the winner: ALLISON STAMP

25. LEONARD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
The intention of this $500 scholarship is to recognize the student, who, over time, has persevered, improved, grown personally, academically, and socially, handled responsibility, and whose hard work, desire and dedication may have quietly provided an inspiration to others in the class to strive for excellence. The scholarship winner is: SENECA COLLINS

26. CHEMUNG, SCHUYLER, TIOGA MASONIC CHARITIES SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is presented annually to a graduating senior who is involved in their community and excels academically. This year’s winner, chosen by the presenting organization is: TAYLOR THOMAN

27. SCDL EXCELLENCE IN MATH AWARD
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown excellence in math. The winner this year is: ALEXANDER CHAPMAN

28. BELLE CORNELL ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter college working toward a degree in the medical field. The winner is: ASHLEY BRYINGTON

29. FRANCES VanBILLIARD ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter college and major in business or a related field. This year’s winner is:
JESSICA RHODES

30. NELSON BEEBE SCHOLARSHIP
This award is given in memory of Nelson Beebe. He was an outstanding educator at Odessa- Montour High School, an outstanding community member, and a supporter of athletics. It is given to a graduating senior going into the field of education who is a supporter of athletics. The award was made possible through donations made in Mr. Beebe's name to the OM Sports Boosters. The winner is: ALEXANDER CHAPMAN

31. BURTON R. CUMMINGS MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is given by Lisa Frost and her siblings in memory of their father. The award is presented to: KRISTINA ROOD

32. VERA DAVIS FARNSWORTH SCHOLARSHIP: Vera Davis Farnsworth was the valedictorian of the class of 1933 and graduated from Elmira College in 1938. She returned to Odessa to teach history. Mrs. Farnsworth left Odessa when her husband, a co-teacher at Odessa, was drafted into the Army. Mrs. Farnsworth taught history and English in several Western New York schools and retired from Wellsville Central School. After retiring she went to work for Congressman Lundine in Washington, D. C. Her daughters, Nancy Downs and Kathy Farnsworth give this scholarship in her living memory. The winner for 2011 is: KATLYNNE RAY

33. WATKINS GLEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP
The Business & Education Committee of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce offers a $500 annual scholarship award to a graduating senior from Bradford, Odessa-Montour, and Watkins Glen High Schools. By offering this scholarship, the Chamber hopes to make a small impact on the future leaders of our community. The award goes to: KATLYNNE RAY

34. OMCS SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD
Superintendent James Frame presented this award. It is a computer, with the winner selected based on attendance, dedication and other factors. The winner is: MALISSA RICHARDS

35. JOANNE S. HAYES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
For more than 30 years, the Arc of Schuyler has provided supports for people with disabilities and their families in Schuyler County. This $1,000 scholarship is presented by the Arc of Schuyler County in memory of Joanne S. Hayes, who dedicated her life to helping individuals with developmental disabilities lead more fulfilling, rewarding lives. The winner, chosen by a committee of the presenters is: KATLYNNE RAY

36. SCHUYLER HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HEALTH CARE SCHOLARSHIP
The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary presents a $1000 scholarship to a deserving Schuyler County high school graduate who will be entering the health care field. The winner chosen by a committee from the hospital auxiliary is: KATLYNNE RAY

37. MAURICE COSTA SCHOLARSHIP
In her will, Theresa Costa directed that a scholarship be set up in honor of her husband, Maurice Costa. This scholarship in the amount of over $5,900 is awarded to students who will continue the study of the “manual trades,” and the winner is: TAYLOR GILBERT

38. TOMMY K. MARTIN LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is given by the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge #1546 to a student who is going to college and majoring in criminal justice or a related field. The scholarship is given in honor of Tommy K. Martin, who was a dedicated law enforcement officer for several years. The winner chosen by a committee of the scholarship presenters is: CORY POUND

39. VANBUSKIRK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The VanBuskirk Memorial Scholarship is offered to a senior who is industrious, participated in high school activities, and will continue their education. The award was originally made possible through the generosity of the family and friends of George VanBuskirk and most recently through many donations made in memory of Roger and Dolores VanBuskirk. The winner of this year’s $500 award is: MELODY STADELMAIER

40. THE DONALD K. FORREST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is given to honor the memory of Donald K. Forrest. It is presented to a senior who will continue his or her education in the arts or engineering. This year’s winner will study Graphic Design at Roberts Wesleyan College: ALYSSA BLEILER

41. GUTHRIE HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP
The Guthrie Clinic awards scholarships to students entering the health care field. There are ten regional scholarships awarded annually. The winner at Odessa-Montour, selected by a committee of physicians and Guthrie employees is: KATLYNNE RAY

42. MYRTLE-JEFFERSON LODGE #131 SCHOLARSHIP
Richard Clawson from the Myrtle –Jefferson lodge #131 of Montour Falls presented this scholarship to: CAMERON NICHOLS

43. SCHUYLER COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Deputy Sheriff’s Association gives a scholarship to a Schuyler County resident who is attending college to major in criminal justice or a related field. This year’s winner, selected by a committee of the association is: CORY POUND

44. THE LADIES’ WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CLUB AWARD
The Burdett Ladies Wednesday Afternoon Club was established in September 1895. It was formed as a literary society fostering culture in the area. A fund was set up to present an award to the high school senior who has made excellent progress in the literary field. This $100 award goes to: KRISTINA ROOD

45. NATIONAL CARGILL COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This scholarship is presented by Cargill as part of the Cargill Community Scholarship Program and is administered by National FFA. Winners were selected for academic achievement and excellence in school and community activities. Scholarships of $1000 each were awarded to outstanding high-school seniors living in U.S. communities where Cargill operates. One thousand five hundred twenty-one winners were selected from over 7,600 applicants. Winning from Odessa-Montour is: TAYLOR THOMAN

46. CHEMUNG VALLEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Chemung Valley Soccer Association (CVSA) is a non-profit organization designed to promote youth soccer in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties. CVSA provides an opportunity for area middle and high school students to referee games and gain valuable work experience. For these referees, CVSA has established a scholarship program for graduating seniors who have been involved in refereeing for three or more years. This year, two scholarships of $250 each are awarded to: KATLYNNE RAY and MELODY STADELMAIER

Photos in text:

Top: Allyson Hancock exults as she receives her diploma from School Board President Debra Harrington.

Second: Valedictorian Allison Stamp presents the Class Message.

Third, Fourth and Fifth: Sam Capozzi, Adam Mitchell and Martin Eccleston receive their diplomas from School Board President Debra Harrington.

Sixth: Senior Class President Anthony Curren, who led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced High School Principal Greg Conlon.

Seventh: A combined Faculty-Student ensemble sings Goodbye, My Friend.

Eighth: Senior Taylor Thoman plays the flute as part of a performance by the High School Band. Various adults also performed as part of the group.

Ninth: High School Principal Greg Conlon, who introduced speakers and presented awards and scholarships.

Tenth: Glenn Bleiler, who presented the Graduation Address.

Eleventh: Salutatorian Katlynne Ray addresses her classmates while presenting the Class Welcome.

Twelfth: Graduating senior Derek Frasier as the Class of 2011 left the stage at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Thirteenth: Scotty McCray sings as part of the Faculty-Student ensemble.

Fourteenth: Mike McCauley receives his diploma from School Board President Debra Harrington.

Fifteenth: Graduating senior Bethany Smith.

Sixteenth: Rebecca Zafonte receives her diploma from School Board President Debra Harrington.

Seventeenth: Graduating senior Alyssa Bleiler.

Eighteenth: Malissa Richards receives the Superintendent's Award from O-M Superintendent James Frame.

Cameras were out and everyone was on their feet as the graduating seniors reached the stage at the start of Friday night's ceremony.