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The Odessa-Montour Class of 2016 poses in the O-M gym before Commencement.

53 earn diplomas at O-M

ODESSA, June 24 -- A total of 53 seniors were presented diplomas Friday night at the 2016 Odessa-Montour High School commencement ceremony, held before a capacity crowd in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium.

The class Salutatorian was Mechel N. Wead. The Valedictorian was Logan Barrett, who in a spirited speech -- complete with thematic piano music -- told the graduates "We are a family. We help each other out. We've always been there for each other." And he advised them: "Be yourself, because that's the best version of you."

High School Principal Almon "Skip" McCarty also had some advice: "Despite what you tend to peddle to your parents and friends, you don't know it all ... You will face adversity. It's how you handle it that will define you ... Do whatever you can to make the future better."

After monetary awards and scholarships were presented, diplomas were presented to the 53 O-M graduates.

The Class of 2016:

Bridgett Ann Barrett
Logan Matthew Barrett
Steven Z. Bennett
Cody M. Bowen
Courtney Lynn Brown
Gabrielle Madeline Cain
McKenna Anna Elise Carberry
Lovona Vidalia Carrigan
Jason Robert Carson
Abigail E. C. Chapman
Tyler Allen Clark
Starr Cole
Audreanna Nicole Crout
April C. Dunn
Luke Joseph Eberhardt
Jacob M. Edger
Bryce Elliott
Allen Fitzwater
Christopher J. Foote
Amy Rose Fudala
Ashton S. P. Furney
Danielle Fuskilo
Henna M. Herrmann
Caleb S. Holley
Angeleah Sue Holton
Anthony Robert Humphries
Joel E. Kelly
Ashley P. Kot
Erica P. Lockwood
Madison Edith Lodge
Dillyn T. McCormick
Hailey E. Menzi
Shawn-Michael Minnier
Elianna G. Monroe
Abelgayle L. Parker
Rosemary Lucinda Peckham
Samantha Potter
Victoria Elaina Pries
James Joseph Randolph
Emma Elizabeth Raymond
Bradley A. Reynolds
Olivia Anne Scata
Cody M. Smith
Kassandra Addoline Snyder
Craig A. Starkweather
Ryan Nicholas Taylor
James Donald Terry
Teirra Ann Terwillegar
Brandon Michael Voorhees
David Charles Wagner, Jr.
Mechel N. Wead
James G. Williams
Meagan A. Williams

Photos in text: From the top: Valedictorian Logan Barrett, a diploma, and Salutatorian Mechel N. Wead.

Awards presented at O-M's 2016 graduation ceremony

ODESSA, June 24 -- Awards and scholarships were announced and presented as part of Friday night's graduation ceremony in the Fetter-Brown Auditorium at Odessa-Montour High School.

They were as follows:

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 2016, chosen by a committee of the Rotary Club, is: Madison Lodge
   
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: Logan Barrett

3. THE FRANCIS C. WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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: Madison Lodge

4. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR CLERICAL STAFF AWARD
The dedicated and efficient clerical staff at Odessa-Montour offers a $100 award to a student who plans to further his/her education in business or a related field. This year’s winner is: McKenna Carberry

5. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION EDUCATORS AWAR
D
The teachers’ association annually presents two $400 awards to seniors who plan to study education. The winners are: Logan Barrett and Mechel N. Wead

6. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ACADEMIC AWARDS
The OMTA also presents $400 awards to the two seniors who have maintained a high average while attaining a large number of high school credits.  The winners are: Tyler Clark and Olivia Scata

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 2016 the award is given to a graduate entering higher education to study elementary education or a closely related field.  The award goes to: Mechel N. Wead

8. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS AWARD and 9. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS CHARLIE STAMP AWARD: Both go to Logan Barrett

10. ALICE LOPRESTI NURSING AWARD
This special nursing award in the amount of $1,000 is presented by the LoPresti family in memory of Alice LoPresti, who worked at Schuyler Hospital for many years. It is awarded to a senior who will continue education in the nursing field. The winner for 2016 is: Meagan Williams

11. THE GERARD CROSLEY SENIOR AWARD
This $400 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 2016 is: Mechel N. Wead

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: James Terry

13. OMCS SUPERINTENDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP
Odessa-Montour Superintendent Chris Wood developed this scholarship for a college or career-bound senior to enhance technological creativity and innovation. The 2016 winner of a laptop computer is: James Terry

14. SCT COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The SCT Counselors Association annually presents a college day at the Arnot Mall. The proceeds from this are presented to outstanding seniors throughout the Twin Tiers. In 2016 the awards in the amount of $200 each are given to: Starr Cole, Angeleah Holton, Elianna Monroe and James Williams

15. NYS EDUCATION DEPT. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
The State Of New York awards academic excellence scholarships to seniors who have achieved the highest average on selected Regents examinations. This year’s winners are:   
Logan Barrett, Rosemary Peckham and James Terry

16. FRANK MUDRAK SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was created in loving memory of Frank Mudrak, who was a science teacher at O-M for 29 years. The award is given to a senior who has demonstrated interest in, understanding of and capability in using the methods and concepts of scientific inquiry toward solving real world problems. The winner of this $300 award is: April Dunn
APRIL DUNN

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: McKenna Carberry
   
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 winner of the $250 award for 2016 is: Logan Barrett

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: Joel Kelly

20. ODESSA-MONTOUR ADMINISTRATORS’ SCHOLARSHIP
This $50 award honors the top four students of the class of 2016. The awards for 2016 are given to: Logan Barrett, Mechel N. Wead, Rosemary Peckham and Olivia Scata

21. SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES CHAPTER OF NYS SCHOOL FACILITIES ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is awarded to a dependent of an active chapter member who has enrolled in a full-time program leading to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. This $500 scholarship goes to: Gabrielle Cain

22. 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 2016 is: Jacob Edger

23. WATKINS GLEN-MONTOUR FALLS LIONS CLUB COOK/WARNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This $1000 scholarship is presented annually to at least two Schuyler County residents who plan to further their education. Selection is based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, honors, common sense, decision making, community work experience and application presentation which includes an essay and interview. The winner, chosen by the presenters, is: Mechel N. Wead

24. 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: Bryce Elliott

25. SAMMY M. WARREN AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES
This award is given in memory of Sammy Warren, who was a member of the class of 1970.  Selection of the recipient is based on scholastic and personal achievements and community involvement. The participant must demonstrate a personal interest in sustainability or the environment. The winner of this $300 award is: Madison Lodge

26. SCDL EXCELLENCE IN MATH AWARD
This $200 award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown excellence in math.  The winner this year is: Rosemary Peckham

27. BELLE CORNELL ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter school working toward a degree in a medical-related field. This year’s winner will be working with animals studying vet technology: Bridgett Barrett

28. 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: Olivia Scata

29. NELSON BEEBE SCHOLARSHIP
This $200 award is given in memory of Nelson Beebe. He was an outstanding community member and educator, and supported athletics programs at Odessa-Montour throughout his life. It is given to a graduating senior who has supported athletics while in high school. The award was made possible through donations made in Mr. Beebe’s name to the OM Sports Boosters. The winner, chosen by the presenters, is: Tyler Clark

30. CUMMINGS FAMILY MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is given by Lisa Frost and her siblings in memory of their parents. The award is presented to: Ashton Furney

31. 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. Her daughters, Nancy Downs and Kathy Farnsworth, give this $1000 scholarship in her loving memory. The winner for 2016 is: Mechel N. Wead

32. CHEMUNG, SCHUYLER, TIOGA MASONIC CHARITIES SCHOLARSHIP
Two $500 scholarship are presented in the Chemung, Schuyler, Tioga District to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic success and have proven themselves exemplars of the moral character and devotion to community espoused by the Masonic Institution. This year’s winner, chosen by the presenting organization is: Bridgett Barrett

33. EDWARD A. WOOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Mrs. Patricia Wood presents this scholarship to: Bridgett Barrett and Mechel N. Wead

34. 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: Madison Lodge

35. MAURICE COSTA SCHOLARSHIP
In her will, Theresa Costa directed that a scholarship be set up in honor of her husband, Maurice Costa. This scholarship is awarded to a student who will continue studies in the “manual trades.” In 2016 two scholarships are being awarded in the amount of $7,250 each to: Abigail Chapman and Joel Kelly

36. WATKINS GLEN ELKS LODGE 1546 SCHOLARSHIP
This $1500 scholarship is presented to a deserving senior attending college. Selection is based on academics, community service and athletics. The winner, chosen by the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge Scholarship Committee, is: McKenna Carberry

37. VANBUSKIRK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The VanBuskirk Memorial Scholarship is offered to a senior who is industrious,     participated in high school activities, and will continue his or her 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: James Williams

38. 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 Engineer, starting at Corning Community College: James Terry

39. LYNN COLLIER MEMORIAL BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP
The Chemung/Schuyler Municipal Clerks Association gives this scholarship, in the amount of $500, in memory of Lynn Collier, who was Catlin’s Town Clerk for 22 years. Two scholarships are given each year, one to a Chemung County resident and one to a Schuyler County resident. The 2016 winner for Schuyler County is: McKenna Carberry

40. 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 worked very  hard and has shown marked improvement in English Class throughout high school, and who is planning to attend college. In 2016 this $150 award goes to: Starr Cole

41. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS AWARD
The Odessa-Montour chapter of the National Honor Society offers this $200 scholarship to a senior member who is enrolled full-time in a college, university or technical institute in the fall semester immediately following graduation. The recipient must be a member in good standing who demonstrates the characteristics of scholarship, service, leadership and character. The winner for 2016, chosen by the faculty, is: Mechel N. Wead

42. THE MILITARY ENLISTMENT APPRECIATION AWARD
This award, in the amount of $100, is presented by Patrick and Nancy Carlisle to a senior who has enlisted in the military. The money is to help offset expenses as the student prepares to leave for basic training. The Carlisles thank you for serving our country and wish you luck on your courageous journey. This year’s winner will be serving in the U.S. Army: Ashton Furney

43. 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. Each year, CVSA awards a scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has been active in soccer in his or her high school years, as well as with CVSA through refereeing. This year, the $500 scholarship is awarded to: Tyler Clark

Photos in text:

From the top: O-M graduates throw their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony; exchange students Marie Bucher (from France, attending Watkins Glen, and Danielle Fuschilo, from Brazil, attending O-M); graduate April Dunn waits in the hallway with classmates before entering the auditorium for the ceremony; Bridgett Barrett receives her diploma from School Board President Robert Halpin; cap messages displayed by two female graduates as they entered the stage; Bryce Elliott, left, and Anthony Humphries reach the stage; Joel Kelly receives his diploma; graduates Madison Lodge, right, and Dani Fuschilo; graduate Nikki Crout strikes a pose reminiscent of her leaping for an errant throw while playing catcher on the varsity softball team; B.C. Cate Principal Veronica Lewis and O-M Superintendent Chris Wood before the commencement ceremony; and graduate Chris Foote and girlfriend Callie Stillman, herself a 2015 graduate of O-M.

Left: Amy Fudala. Right: Tyler Clark shakes hands with Superintendent Chris Wood.

Left: Olivia Scata prepares to receive her diploma from School Board President Robert Halpin. Right: Graduate Lovona Carrigan before the ceremony.

Left: Luke Eberhardt shakes hands with Superintendent Chris Wood after receiving his diploma. Right: High School Principal Skip McCarty presents a speech with advice for the Class of 2016.

Left: James Terry receives his diploma from O-M School Board President Robert Halpin. Right: Graduate Rosie Peckham with her mother Nancy after the ceremony.

 

 

© The Odessa File 2016
Charles Haeffner
P.O. Box 365
Odessa, New York 14869

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