Grand Island High School News Web Page 2006

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"GIHS Sports Schedules/Information"

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Sandra Anzalone

"Complete Sports Schedule"





Scholarships Offered To Future Music Major Students - December 2006
   Grand Island High School students looking ahead to college where they will major in music should be aware of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Volunteer Foundation's Eleanor V. Millonzi scholarships. The scholarships for $5,000 and $1,000 (partially funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation) and up to three $1,000 scholarships from the Buffalo Chamber Music Society are available to Erie and Niagara County high school seniors who will major in music at any college or university in the fall of 2007. For applications and interview information, 885-0204 or 885-0331, Ext. 425. Deadline for applications and audition tapes or CDs is February 1, 2007.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 28, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/28/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 21, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/21/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Lockport - December 2006
   Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Lockport 91-89 on Tuesday, December 19, 2006. This was the first NFL dual meet victory at Lockport wsince the 2001-2002 NFL Championship season. "This was a total team effort, Coach Rob Collard said this week.
   The JV Vikings Swim team lost to Lockport, 85-70.
   Click for "12/19/06 Swim Meet Results."




High School News - December 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, December 21, 2006 . . . Attention all Grand Island High School Concert Choir Alumni - the night of your winter breaks that you have been waiting for is finally here! The Choir Alumni Sing. It will be held on Wednesday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m., and is open to all GIHS Choir alumni, as well as any current Concert Choir members. This hour long "reunion" is a great way to reconnect with other classmates and friends, as well as catch up with Mrs. Lokken, the choir director. With a night filled with song and laughter, it will definitely be one to make sure you attend! We hope to see you all there!




Date Set For Annual Concert Choir Alumni Sing - December 2006
   It is time for the annual Concert Choir Alumni Sing. Past members of the Grand Island Senior High School Concert Choir are invited to join in song at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 in the High School Choir Room. The group was formed in September 1995 and has grown in size and scope to its present ensemble of 80 singers. With many past members home visiting friends and family for the holiday, director Carolyn Lokken, hopes many will come out to join in this annual event.




High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, December 21, 2006 . . . I would like to begin my article by welcoming a new face to the Grand Island School District, so welcome to Mr. Robert Christmann, our new school superintendent. Many news articles credit Mr. Christmann with a wealth of experience and an eagerness to share his knowledge with our district. My first impression of Mr. Christmann without meeting him directly is positive for two reasons, the first being that Mr. Christmann has a friendly face and a twinkle in his eyes, the second reason is that he is quoted as saying that he intends to move to Grand Island with his wife. That means that not only will he be a leader of our school district but will also be a member of our community. He will have more of a vested interest in both our success and weakness.
   The Holiday Share the Magic is proving to be quite successful. Classrooms are filled with bags of clothing, toys, food and money. In order to bring out the holiday spirit, teachers and students are decorating classroom doors in hopes of winning the grand prize of a breakfast hosted by the student council. Despite the prize, I’m sure that everyone had fun working with one another and sharing the holiday spirit.
   Before I end my article I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year!!




More Homecoming Dance Photos - December 2006
   
(Left) Devan Golda and James Rayhill                     James Rayhill and Devan Golda                 Brad Caruana and Devan Golda, and James Rayhill and Lianna Connors
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos
   For more about the Homecoming dance, postponed from an October date due to the storm, click "Homecoming 2006"




GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Niagara Falls - December 2006
   Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Niagara Falls 108 to 73 on Friday, December 15, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. The Junior Varsity Vikings lost to Niagara Falls, 100-75. Click "Dec. 15 Swim Meet Results". Vikings swim coach is Rob Collard.




Pick Up Your "Viking" Blankets - 2006

   The Viking Blankets, sold by the Grand Island High School Class of 2009, have arrived and are available for pickup in the high school library from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday until December 22nd. Those who haven't prepaid are asked to have their payment available when they pick up their blanket. For further information, call Rachael Hickey at 773-8886 or e-mail rachaelhickey@k12.ginet.org




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2006
 
Lauren Aughey                    Erin Bonaquist               Abigail Cliff
   Lauren Aughey was born and raised on Grand Island. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten.
   Lauren has taken advanced classes since seventh grade, and is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Government, Macroeconomics, Literature and Composition, Psychology, and college level Spanish. she has received many academic awards, including the Academic Excellence Award, Pin and Letter. Lauren has also twice received the Pride of the Island Award, and also lettered in music. Most recently, she has received the 2006 Russell Sage Recognition Award, acknowledging "women of influence."
   Lauren has participated extensively in Grand Island's thriving music program, where she has played violin in the String Orchestra since fourth grade and taken private lessons since sixth grade. Throughout her middle and high school career, she participated in All County auditions and the All County Orchestra, and also Area All State Orchestra and All State auditions. She plays in the Pit Orchestra and the Grand Island String Quartet. Lauren has also taken private piano lessons. In addition to music, she has continuously participated in the Grand Island Ski Club and is a licensed scuba diver.
   Lauren also participates in many clubs and activities, including SADD (Students Against Destruction Decisions), where she has served as president, and the Life Lessons Club, which promotes organ donation. Also, she is a member of the National Honor Society.
   Lauren has contributed to the community in many ways, including her participation in Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. Through her involvement in the St. Stephen's Religious Education Program, she has also frequently volunteered at the Street Lights Soup Kitchen in Niagara Falls.
   After graduation, Lauren plans on attending a four-year college to pursue post secondary social studies education.
   Erin Bonaquist has been a resident of Grand Island for her entire life. She has attended Grand Island schools throughout her education. She has been an active member of her community through school, church and extracurricular activities.
   Erin is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of the Wind Ensemble and manager of the boys JV and varsity swim teams.
   She has also been a member of the varsity swimming and lacrosse teams since she was a freshman in high school. Erin is one of three team captains for the 2006-2007 swim season. She has received many awards for swimming, lacrosse and academics over the years. Last year Erin, along with three other swimmers, broke the school record for the 200 free style relay. She has received her varsity letter and multiple pins for both swimming and lacrosse.
   In addition to sports Erin is very involved in the music program at Grand Island. In the past she has participated in concert band, community band, and pit orchestra. She is currently the principle alto saxophone of the wind ensemble, and a member of the jazz band, saxophone quartet and pep band. She has received A+ ratings at all county festivals, and last year she was selected as the sole baritone saxophone player for the all county band. Erin has also received her varsity music letter and pin.
   In addition to these activities Erin also regularly attends Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. She has participated in several mission trips and community service activities. For two summers she was a member of a team that spent three weeks in the Czech Republic teaching English at a camp for Czech students.
   This past summer Erin worked at a Christian camp in New York, and she currently works as a lifeguard at the high school. Upon graduation, Erin would like to attend a university and plans to study business, majoring in marketing or advertising.
   Abigail Cliff was born in Birmingham, AL but has been a resident of Grand Island for the past twelve years. She attended Sidway Elementary School and Kaegebein Elementary School from kindergarten through third grade. She attended Covenant Academy from fourth to eighth grade, and Grand Island High School from ninth through twelfth grade. While in the Grand Island school system, Abby has continually challenged herself by taking a rigorous course load.
   Abby has been in the honors program since ninth grade, taking seven AP courses and a college Spanish course. In 2006, she was named an AP scholar for her excellent scores on the AP exams. In addition she has received Who's Who Among American High School Students and her academic certificate, pin and letter.
   While excelling in academics, Abby has also been involved in activities in and around Grand Island High School. She has played the oboe since fourth grade and has participated in the Grand Island Music Program since ninth grade. Abby has been a member of Concert Band, Pep Band, and Wind Ensemble, earning her first letter while in these groups. When not studying or playing her oboe, Abby is also involved with the National Honors Society, the High School Bible Club, and has recently joined the Masterminds Team.
   Outside of school, Abby has been heavily involved in her church and community. As a member of Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, she attends youth group and has been involved with the youth drama team. In 2004, she participated in a trip to the Czech Republic with members of the youth group in order to work at an English Camp. In that same summer she also helped with crafts at a VBS camp for underprivileged kids in the Adirondacks. Since 2005, Abby has also been a part-time volunteer librarian for the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church Library.
   In the community, Abby has volunteered as a summer assistant for the North Tonawanda History Museum and received a Student Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the museum. She is a recent member of the Grand Island Historical Society and has participated in Relay for Life, an event designed to raise money for cancer patients.
   After high school, Abby plans to go on to a four-year college to study history and foreign languages. She is the daughter of Dr. William and Mrs. Nancy Cliff.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 14, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/14/06" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, December 14, 2006 . . .The long awaited homecoming dance has come and gone. The Homecoming Dance brought many impressively dressed students out on a Saturday night. The evening went without incident. With Christmas a mere 13 days away, I’d like to once again mention the many opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Interact Club will be at the Fashion Factory Outlet on Thursday evening at the Opportunities Unlimited gift wrapping table and you can also find them seeking donations for the Salvation Army while ringing the bell at our local Tops Market. Other students will be on hand to assist in the distribution of food, toys and clothing on Saturday for the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Your help will be appreciated any where you wish to volunteer.




High School News - December 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, December 14, 2006 . . . The postponed (as a result of the October storm) Homecoming Dance was finally held for students at the high school on Saturday, December 8th. The festivities were open to all junior and senior students, and truly enjoyed by many. This year's theme was "Under the Sea," with Chasing Cars, by the group Snow Patrol, serving as this year's featured song. Prior to the dance, junior and senior students voted on the Homecoming Court, which was finally announced on Friday, during the Pep Assembly. Representing the student body were King and Queen James Rayhill and Devan Golda, along with their Court, consisting of Rich Anzalone and Ashley Ray, Mike Scappechio and Jaime Justen, Brad Caruana and Lianna Connors, and Kevin Pifer and Nicole Fischer. The night was full of wonderful music and dancing - a great time spent with friends. Thank you to the Student Council for putting on another excellent dance, and also, thank you again to the High School Administration for allowing the upperclassmen a second chance at our Homecoming Dance.




360 Attend High School Homecoming Dance - December 2006
   
(Left) Ashley Ray and Richard Anzalone; (right) Samantha McCollum and Andrew Czerwonka.
   
(Left) Matt Krupczyk, Lindsey Boyle, Joycie Rockwood, & Sam Kilb. (right) Cheryl Chamberlain and Sara Kurpiewski
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos - Click for a larger view.


King James Rayhill with Lianna Connors, voted to be on the King's Court
Click photo for a larger view. More photos will be added as they become available.
   The Homecoming dance, postponed from an October date due to the storm, took place in Grand Island High School gym on Saturday evening, December 9, 2006 when well over 360 juniors and seniors and dates enjoyed the music and dancing. Chosen by a vote of the junior and senior classmates and announced at the dance were King James Rayhill and Queen Devan Golda, and their Court, Rich Anzalone and Ashley Ray, Mike Scappechio and Jaime Justen, Brad Caruana and Lianna Connors, and Kevin Pifer and Nicole Fischer.




High School Pep Rally - December 2006
   
(Left) Girls Cross Country Team; (right) Senior section.
   
(Left) Seniors Lyndsey Clingersmith, Christina Sergakis and Lauryn Clingersmith; right) JV & Varsity Cheerleaders
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for a larger view.
   The long awaited Grand Island High School pep rally scheduled for October 13th and cancelled by the freak October storm took place on Friday, December 8, 2006. The students, dressed up in Viking colors and sitting with their respective classes, were very loud. All the sports teams were dressed in unique costumes and were cheered as they entered together. There was talk of tug-a-war contests, teachers against the students, and a bag with live gold fish was observed being carried into the gym.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 7, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 12/7/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




GIHS Boys Swim Team Beats Ken-West - December 2006
   Grand Island's Varsity Vikings swim team beat Kenmore West 62 to 32 on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 7 Swim Meet Results".




GIHS Boys Swim Team Beats Lew-Port 107-78 - December 2006
   Grand Island's varsity Vikings swim team beat Lew-Port 107 to 78 on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 12 Swim Meet Results" including the Jr. Varsity's 91-46 win over Lew-Ports JV team.




High School News - December 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, December 7, 2006 . . . Students at Grand Island High School are pumped up for Friday’s Pep Rally. Every sports team will express their Viking pride with their unique costumes and lively attitudes. This Saturday is Grand Island Senior High School’s homecoming dance which will most definitely be a well attended event. Students don’t forget to participate in “Share the Holiday Magic.” Participation involves a classroom door decorating contest, donating of food, clothes, toys and money to be given to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Remember only 18 days until Christmas.




GIHS Boys Swim Team Results - December 2006
   North Tonawanda beat Grand Island swimmers 100 to 64 on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in the Grand Island High School pool. Click "Dec. 5 Swim Meet Results."




High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   December 7, 2006 . . . Are you already getting tired of hearing the same Christmas songs over and over on the radio? Well, if its variety you want, come to the Grand Island High School on Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. to hear the Grand Island High School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble perform their annual Winter Concert. Seasonal tunes and themes will be performed by the top quality high school bands. The pieces that you will hear include Colours by Roger Cichy, Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival and his holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride.
   The 2nd Annual Holiday Basket Raffle sponsored by the Grand Island Instrumental Boosters will be going on all night long in the Viking Mall on December 14th to add to the festivities! Thanks to the Instrumental Boosters Club for their invaluable support of the high school instrumental music programs. The concert is open to the public, so all are welcome to enjoy the holiday music entertainment!
Editor's Note: Click "Holiday Basket Raffle" for complete information.




Instrumental Booster Club To Hold Holiday Basket Raffle - December 2006
   The Second Annual Grand Island Instrumental Boosters Holiday Basket Raffle is taking place this year on Wednesday, December 13th, Thursday, December 14th and Tuesday, December 19th. A variety of wonderful baskets will be displayed in the Viking Mall prior to each concert. Tickets are just $5 for 25 chances. Each concert will bring a new selection of baskets, with the winners bringing home their prize at the end of the evening. A special 3-night Premier Basket Table will also be available with tickets at $1 each for a chance at winning Bills tickets, savings bonds, and Special Holiday Surprises! For information or to contribute a basket please contact Kathi Hanaka, 775-1103; Jeanne Green, 773-6704; or Valerie Gaydosh, 774-1136.
   Click for "Concert Information.".




GIHS Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - December 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 30, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 11/30/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - November 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
    High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Steven Boyle, Luke Burkhart, Alexandra Buscaglia, Brittany Cieri, Kara Dudley, Lauren Fonte, Tara Hook, Zachary Kelly, Seth Kline, Lauren Kucharski, Jonathan LoTempio, Megan McInerney, Jennifer Mellett, Andrea Nicolia, Jared Northrup, Ryan Osvath, Sarah Palazza, Ashley Rutland, Kaitie Samland, Mary Scherrer, Christopher Stessing, Scott Suszczynski, Jameela Syed, Caitlin Taylor, Maritina Tsembelis
Grade 10: Kelli Adreon, Amy Bidell, Simarjot Cheema, Hannah Cliff, Dustin Coryn, Aaron D’Angelo, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Victoria Fortman, Rachel Gaydosh, Matthew Hazelet, Taylor Jackson, Joshua Kahn, Michael Karpie, Matthew Ludwig, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Neutz, Susan Pioli, Alexander Richter, Kuljit Singh, Carly Snyder, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Nicholas Vitello, Kelly Williams, Brianna Wojnar
Grade 11: Ellen Betterson, Brandon Caldwell, Kelly Cich, Cassandra Coffey, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Caitlyn Driscoll, Jacob Ferrante, Alexandra Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Anthony Perna, Matthew Riley, Carrie Schooping, Brandi Skill, Robert Stewart, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Shana Wierchowski
Grade 12: Abigail Cliff, Vincent Covatto, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Emily Kahn, Cassandra Lange, Sarah Mye, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Bessie Zhang
    Honor Roll
Grade 9: Alyssa Accardo, Kaitlyn Affuso, Sarah Ali, Richard Amantia, Jonathon Anderson, Stephanie Aronica, Adam Asbach, Elisabeth Asbach, Kimberly Asbach, Catherine Aughey, Stephanie Aughey, Alissa Bailey, Lisa Braun, Eric Breier, Sean Burke, Victoria Cacciatore, Amanda Camizzi, Kenneth Cerrillo, Kaitlyn Chapin, Krystal Chapin, Michael Chauby, Kathryn Cobello, James Cooke, Courtney Cox, Samatha Darby, Renee Doermer, Sarah Dolan, Maria Edel, Marwa Eltagouri, Kearney Erhard, Nicholas Ernst, Kayla Fermoile, Hillary Figler, Jeremy Figler, Joseph Fischer, Victoria Fleming, Rahsanica Ford, Alexander Fry, Kate Garten, Anthony Genova, Mary George, Christopher Gibney, Sara Grana, Anthony Grande, Maria Grant, Jill Greinert, Maria Guidotti, Chelsea Hall, Susan Head, Kelly Hooven, Krystin Hoppel, Timothy Howley, Sara Huttenmaier, Courtney Justus, Raman Kaur, Joel Klock, Kristy Knickerbocker, Brian Kulak, Savanna Kustra, Jeffrey LaRiviere, Steven Lillian, Joshua Little, Elizabeth Lorence, Daniel Major, Aman Mattu, Keran Mattu, Thomas McDonnell, Nicole McGuire, Christopher Moody, Michael Neumann, Erika Osberg, Deanna Paternostro, Breanne Rafferty, Jessica Randhawa, Michael Rayhill, Elizabeth Restey, Kyle Schutrum, Spencer Seese, Zaeem Shah, Margaret Shonitsky, Keith Skelly, Jamie Sobieski, Benjamin Soos, Vincent Spada, Michael Sperrazza, Blake Stanwick, Kelly Stark, Rachel Starr, Alexander Strauss, Kasey Sumner, Rachel Surdi, Samantha Tilkins, Kristin Wegrzyn, Eric Weigold, Zakiyyah Wilbert, Sara Wilczek, Nicole Winter, Molly Wynne
Grade 10: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Peter Aronica, Alexandria Avery, Nichole Barrett, Sarah Bastian, Lee Becker, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Allison Boron, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Kyle Clayton, Caitlin Cook, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Kira Dennis, Michaeline Dera, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicolette Fadel, Melissa Fargino, Shannon Farmer, Gregory Feathers, Christopher Fiels, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Kayla Gallagher, Leah Gangloff, Jordan Gibson, Samantha Gieselman, Andrew Ginsburg, Anthony Gugino, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Kaitlyn Hardison, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Molly Hyland, Alexandra Imperi, Kaitlin Incorvia, Caroline Kaminski, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Victoria Kowzan, LeAnna Kozlowski, Erin Krieger, Tristen LaBarre, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Carolina Luciani, Mia Magliazzo, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kimberley Mellett, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Genna Nuchereno, Mallory O’Connor, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Marvin Pawlowski, Destiny Perez, Sarah Pici, Christopher Podlucky, Jamie Raepple, Brandon Robinson, Lance Robinson, Michele Rossi, Robert Rutland, Kayla Salonek, Jennifer Schaber, Victoria Schaber, Lee Schuster, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kaileen Shoemaker, Eric Siwicki, Griffin Smith, Alyssa Spada, Sara Stenzel, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Emily Thompson, Justine Vanthoff, Alexandra Whitford, Lauren Whitney, Shaun Winter, Arlene Wunsch, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 11: Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Chelsea Baran, Ashley Bass, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Haley Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Heather Brooks, Courtney Catalano, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Anthony Daubney, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Sean Duff, Christina Eldridge, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Kelsey Fortman, Timothy Franklin, John Gannon, Shari Geblein, Nicholas Geib, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Michael Heftka, Cathryn Hillard, Jennifer Huber, Ian Johnson, Sara Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Nathaniel Keefe, Amanda Kennedy, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Jacob Leffler, Kaitlyn Little, Michael Magaris, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Amber Meyers, Nathaniel Miles, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Sara Orsolits, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Jordan Ricigliano, Joycelyn Rockwood, Audrey Senf, Joseph Shanor, Aleem Shariff, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Theodore Slipko, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Jessica Sturniolo, Elizabeth Szpala, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Noah Yanicki
Grade 12: Tracie Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Evan Busch, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Kiel Clarke, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Laura Curcio, Ashley DeMaria, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Brett Fiedler, Devan Golda, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Rachel Kaplan, Chelsea Kendra, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Ryan Link, Dianne Maerz, Sean McDermott, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Kelsey Nordvik, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Justina Potenzo, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Jonathan Schutrum, Nicholas Shemik, Stephanie Tolbert, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Rhianna Wing




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - November 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the first marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
Grade 9: Antonio Amin, Kolby Banker, Kelsey Bettinger, Jovana Bichler, Christina Borden, Patrick Brady, Anthony Bruno, Nathan Busch, Jason Caldwell, Julianna Capizzi, Mary Chiaravalle, Joseph Connors, Anne Cooper, Anthony Darpino, Kayla Deuble, Robert Domagala, Jordan Dudish, Alexander Fabiilli, Christopher Franklin, Samantha Green, Amy Grenke, Korey Hagen, Eric Harnden, Kelsey Hayden, James Heberlein, Emily Incorvia, Shaughn Irving, Matthew Kasprzycki, Nicholas Kelly, Laura Koller, Andrew LaLonde, Phillip Lenz, Sarah Lew, Ernest Little, Kori Loder, Scott Ludwig, Michael Lydle, Zackery Manquen, Daniel Mathes, Travis McGilveary, Sara McNulty, Hayley Metro, Michael Montaldi, Christopher Mornelli, Michael Mucci, Courtney Papaj, Danielle Perri, Alexander Re, Robert Ross, Anthony Russell, Robert Schiffhauer, Jonathan Seaman, Allison Snell, Michael Stallard, William Sundeen, Timothy Symington, Patricia VeRost, Aria Yanicki, Sarah Young, Rebecca Zimmerman, Travis Zukic
Grade 10: Adam Alkhatib, Anthony Aughtmon, Viktoria Belous, Sean Benninger, Chelsea Bonadonna, Marissa Booker, Tyler Booth, Brianna Busch, Jonathan Caruana, Christina Christiano, Mariah Christie, Christopher Colan, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Joseph Edel, Jenna Fanara, Lauren Fermoile, Brianna Fetzer, Amanda Geis, Zachary Gilbert, Krista Goff, Heather Goris, Brendan Hall, Adam Helman, Karen Hillock, Michael Hillock, Stephanie Hunt, Ryan Johnson, Jennifer Kane, Adam Kelly, Tristan Kessler, Haroon Khawar, Nicholas Lovetro, George McCraith, Danielle McGuire, Amanda Meyer, Jenna Modica, Samantha Morrison, Nicholas Muoio, Erin O’Connor, Brian O’Keefe, James Pezzino, Lindsey Pieri, Lauren Priest, Alexis Raepple, Kathryn Raiser, Jeffrey Riederer, Rachel Rogers, Joseph Romano, Michael Rustowicz, Anthony Schojan, Zachary Seiling, Alexander Spies, Kyle Spratford, Andrew Stange, Jonathan Stein, Mitchell Stessing, Robert Tates, Charanjot Tiwana, Ryan Vertino, Matthew Violanti, Megan Wagner, Allison Walker, Edward Weiser, Christopher Wilczek
Grade 11: Steven Accardo, Joseph Amsdill, Kimberley Banas, Jourdain Benoit, Micahlena Beyer, Jared Billica, Amy Blocho, Thomas Breier, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Christopher Carter, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Richard Cribbs, Jeffrey Cronos, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Jessica Doyle, Victoria Eldridge, Christopher Eley, Julia Fleming, Chelsea Fulle, Carl Grant, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Joseph Kobza, Sara Kurpiewski, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Lisa Mager, Kurt Makowski, Edward Mallwitz, Kirk Manquen, Stephen Mathes, Courtney Mulvey, Angelo Napolitano, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Rachel Olszewski, Jessica Oyer, Sara Palazzolo, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, David Perri, Anthony Poupalos, Lauren Quattrini, Caitlin Radecki, Justin Raiser, Jose Rivera, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Scott Ross, Stefane Samland, Luis Serrano, Patrick Sexton, Lauren Stanwick, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Natalie Suppa, Melanie Switalski, Jaffer Syed, Michael Symington, Andrew Tedesco, Jacquava Thompson, Nicholas Tomkins, Shawn Vanderbrook, Richard Vanthoff, Andrea Whitefield, Patrick Winters
Grade 12: Benjamin Angelo, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Christopher Bidell, Erin Bonaquist, Timothy Burns, Krista Burzynski, Heather Buzzelli, Darryl Caldwell, Bradley Caruana, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Jamison Crawford, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Courtney Donovan, Emily Eisenberger, Rachel Eisenhauer, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Krystal Ferguson, Nicole Fischer, Alicia Fisher, Daniel Gadawski, Thomas Geib, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Robert Justen, Jared Kazmierczak, Daniel Kilian, Brianna Konopa, Jessica Kuehne, Gabrielle Lapp, Lawrence Loveless, Jacqueline Lunick, Joseph Mash, Corey McGowan, Justin McInerney, Samantha Miller, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Christian Nole, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Kyle Oursler, Zachary Parisi, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Shannon Quinn, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Abigail Richards, Jasmine Rivers, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Matthew Scibilia, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Matthew Stoddard, Victoria Strada, Kristin Swan, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Zachary Tondera, Kristina Waz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams, Melanie Wing



High School News - November 30, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   This upcoming week at Grand Island Senior High School, we will try once again attempt to have our annual Pep Rally and Homecoming Dance which was postponed due to an unwelcome surprise by Mother Nature. I know that it doesn’t quite seem the same because it’s been so long since our homecoming football game but that’s okay because we know how to have fun!
   Many of us have survived the dreaded arrival of report cards and parent teacher conferences and are now ready to start the next marking period with a little better attitude. I know I am or so that’s what my parents tell me! Now on a more serious note, if you need a break from studying, please consider doing some volunteer work or take advantage of some of the services that volunteers are doing. Last Sunday, some members of Interact Club were on hand to wrap gifts at the Fashion Outlet Mall. Much to our disappointment we only had three customers. Please consider having your gifts wrapped. It saves you time and the money goes to many good causes, like Opportunities Unlimited, which was the organization that Interact Club was sponsoring.
   Only 25 days until Christmas. Keep in mind while your doing your holiday shopping that the Junior Class is selling Fowlers Candy bars, the Freshman Class is selling mittens and gloves at $5.00 a pair, and the Sophomore Class is selling fleece Viking blankets for $25.00 each.




High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   November 30, 2006 . . . On Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21, Grand Island High School held auditions for this year's musical, Beauty and the Beast. Students were asked to prepare a song to sing in front of other students and judges, as well as learn a dance routine as part of the audition. The following day after all auditions were completed, a callback list appeared around the high school. After school on Wednesday, November 22, students who were called back read parts from the script to see which they were most suited for. The cast list will be posted this week on Tuesday, November 28 for students to see. The musical production will take place from Thursday, February 1 through Saturday February 3. Good Luck to all who tried out!




High School News - November 22, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to take a minute and think about what the holiday is truly about and please say a prayer for our troops. Now for some school new. . .well I’ve got good news and for some . . not so good news. The good news is that we have an extra long weekend due to Thanksgiving and the not so good news is that we’ve got Friday off because of parent teacher conferences, which makes me think our first report cards are soon to be in the mail. Not too worry . . I’m sure we all did our best.




Class of 2009 Selling "Viking" Blankets - 2006

Viking Logo On Fleece Stadium Blanket
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2009 is selling gray sweatshirt fleece stadium blankets that feature a Viking and say "Grand Island Vikings" in royal blue. The cost is $25 each (including tax). Money is due upon delivery. Blankets are being sold by many sophomores and in the high school library and room 231. Delivery will be prior to the December holiday break. Orders will be taken until Friday, December 1, 2006. Anyone interested in purchasing a blanket can e-mail Ms. Hickey at rachaelhickey@k12.ginet.org or come to the library on Parent/Teacher Conference day (Monday, November 27, 2006) from 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.




Spanish Students Help Relay For Life - November 2006

(left) Student Teacher Miss Kristina Franklin, Spanish Teacher Mrs. Amanda Myers, and students Kelsey Mash, Hannah Cliff and Conor Bryan.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
    Mrs. Mandy Myers’ high school Spanish III class was recently asked to develop an advertisement for the American Cancer Society to promote healthy living to the U.S. Spanish-speaking population. Mrs. Myers, who is a Grand Island Relay for Life committee member, and her student teacher, Kristina Franklin, decided to incorporate the cancer topic into the current healthy lifestyle unit in their classroom. Students were asked to develop slogans in Spanish to encourage staying fit. Popular slogans referred to things such as not smoking, using sunscreen, eating healthy foods, and staying active. Mrs. Myers’ students have also been making donations to the American Cancer Society by purchasing $1 Relay sun cards, which are now being displayed on the classroom door. She is hoping to encourage her students to participate in this year’s Relay for Life on June 8, 2007.




Spotlighters' Voices from the High School Well Done - November 2006
(right photo) Missy Thompson and T.J. Slipco - Click photos for a larger view.


Lee Becker and Shannon Farmer - Nick Vallina and Amy Bidell - Juliana Burkhart - Click photos for a larger view.


Forrest Smith and Vinny Covatto - Abram Morgan and Ryan Guagliano - Amy Bidell - Abram Morgan - Click photos for a larger view.
   Voices from the High School, the Grand Island High School Spotlighters production presented November 17-18, 2006 was well worth the effort and long hours of rehearsals under the direction of Kathie Scarafia and Tracie Groves. The entire cast played their parts very well. There were no "stars of the show" making the play extra special for all who attended as their "star" took center stage and an opportunity to shine.




High School News - November 16, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   First I would like you to note that there are 38 days until Christmas, if you haven’t found somewhere to volunteer your time for those less fortunate, you may want to ask your guidance counselor, your class advisors or any of your friends who might be involved in various clubs. It really doesn’t take much of your time and it truly does make a difference.
    Last Thursday evening, the girls tennis team enjoyed their tennis banquet. All of the new players received their varsity letters, and others received varsity pins. Courtney Donner was awarded the Varsity Award by Coach Julie (Roth) Neville.
   Have you ever taken a moment to check out the Grand Island Central School website? It provides a wealth of information to both parents and students. Not only does it provide things like the school lunch menus, it offers the school calendar, upcoming events, sports schedules, high school morning announcements, plus a whole lot more. It is worth checking out and possibly bookmarking under your favorites.
   Next week is a short week due to Thanksgiving. Naturally we are all thankful for a short week but we should acknowledge what we are truly thankful for and please remember to think about, and thank all of the service men and women who are fighting for our freedom.




High School News - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   November 16, 2006 . . .The Grand Island High School Concert Choir had the privilege of performing at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, in a combined concert with the Syracuse University Singers this past Saturday night. This was quite an honor for the Concert Choir, as well as parents and friends, to hear a free concert of such caliber. Each choir sang four pieces of their choice, with the concert ending with a combined number titled Ride the Chariot. The college choir was a real inspiration to the Concert Choir, and now the students know that you can still be involved in music in college, and have fun with it!
   My family had the privilege of housing two of the singers for the night after the concert. They told us all about their experiences, musically as well academically at Syracuse University over the past few years, which was a thrill to hear about. Overall, the night was a wonderful experience that was enjoyed by everyone.




High School Music Students Host Florida Orange/Grapefruit Sale - 2006
   Grand Island High School band members and vocal and string students are offering Florida naval oranges and grapefruit to raise funds for their trip to national competitions. To order contact a band, orchestra or choral student by Sunday, November 19, 2006.




High School's Beauty and the Beast Program Is Great Advertising Opportunity - 2006
   Ad space in the year's Grand Island High School musical program for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, is available and a great advertising opportunity for local businesses and a great way to support the arts and our students at Grand Island High.
   Pricing information follows:
• 1/4 page ad - 2 1/4" X 3 1/2" = $25
• 1/2 page ad - 4 3/4" X 3 1/2" = $50
• Full page ad - 4 3/4" X 7 1/2" = $100
   For an advertising form and more information, contact Cindy Wynne (producer) at cindywynne@k12.ginet.org or 716-773-8868. Completed form and payment with all ad material (camera-ready artwork) is due by January 8, 2007.
   The Grand Island High School production takes place on the evenings of February 2, 3 and 4, 2007.




High School Parent/Teacher Conferences - 2006
   Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, November 27, 2006 in the High School from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m. Teachers will be in their rooms – a list of room assignments will be posted. Appointments are not necessary.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2006
 
Courtney Anne Donner        Bessie Zhang               Brian Dolan
   Courtney Anne Donner has been a resident of Grand Island all her life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. She is the daughter of Marilyn and John Donner. Throughout high school, Courtney has kept busy with her involvement in extracurricular activities with the school, sports and community service.
   A consistent honor roll student, Courtney has received the certificate of academic excellence, academic pin and the academic letter. She has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll, both for the past two years.
   The Pride of the Island has been awarded to Courtney three times. After eighth grade and nine years of Girl Scouts, she received the Silver Award which is the second highest Girl Scout award.
   Courtney has a great passion for music and is very involved in the music program. She has been in the distinguished wind ensemble for three years, and is the vice president and first chair clarinet. In the concert band for three years, she played the clarinet and trombone and was vice president in her sophomore year. All four years of high school, Courtney has been in the pep band as well as the jazz band, playing the saxophone and trombone. Also, she has been in the pit orchestra for the school musical the past two years. Courtney has participated in several honors ensembles including All-County and Area All-State. Recently, as a result of her A-plus audition scores of 100 and 99, she received at the Conference All-State audition, she was named an alternate on both the B flat and E flat clarinets. In March, she will be traveling to Syracuse to be the second chair clarinet in the New York State Band Directors Association High School Honor Concert Band. By the end of her sophomore year, Courtney received her varsity letter, first and second varsity pins, special all white letter and special band pin in music. She was honored with the Most Improved Musician award her freshman year. She has currently been a member of the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas for two years and has been a member of the Grand Island Community Band for four years.
   In school, Courtney is a member of the girls tennis team. Playing varsity all four years, she has been captain for the last two years and voted rookie of the year and most dedicated player by her team mates her first two years playing. Courtney has received her varsity letter and three varsity pins in tennis as well as the scholar athlete award since her freshman year. She has gone to sectionals the past two years. Along with her partner this year, they won the Niagara Frontier League qualifying tournament for the Section VI girls tennis championship. This past season, the team finished in second place in their league. She was a member of the junior varsity lacrosse team in her freshman and sophomore years, serving as captain as a sophomore.
   An active member of student council since freshman year, Courtney was an officer last year and is currently serving as vice president. She has given back to the community in various volunteer activities including helping with the Knights of Columbus charity dinners since 2001, teaching vacation bible school at St. Stephen's for four years and helping with the St. Stephen's garden club for two years. This summer she volunteered four days at Kingdom Bound and has also participated in Relay for Life, Street Lights Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Student Olympics, Share the Holiday Magic and at the Riverwoods Health Care Facility.
   Courtney worked at Martin's Fantasy Island for two summers. Since May of 2005 she has been employed at Justin Tyme on the River Restaurant in Niagara Falls.
   After graduation, Courtney plans on attending college to study music education. This would fulfill her dream since third grade of becoming a band teacher.
   Bessie Zhang entered the Grand Island school system in second grade, when she moved from Williamsville, NY. She has since graduated from Huth Road Elementary School and Connor Middle School, and is currently a high school senior.
   Bessie strives to succeed in all that she does. She has excelled academically during the ten years that she has spent in the district. By graduation, Bessie will have taken eight Advanced Placement classes and twelve honors classes in high school alone. Her challenging academic schedule currently includes AP Psychology, AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Literature. She has made the high honor roll consistently, and has maintained close to a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Bessie also scored impressively on the SATs (including a perfect 800 on the writing portion). She has received various academic awards, on both the national and local levels. Academics aside, she has also been named as an All-Star Cheerleader (twice) by the UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association), and as the Pride of the Island.
   Bessie is also extremely active in her school's community. She has been a cheerleader for Grand Island schools for seven years, and is currently co-captain of the high school's Varsity squad. Previously, she was both a violinist for nine years and a lacrosse player. Unfortunately, her exceedingly busy schedule did not allow her to continue these activities. While she was a member of the school's orchestra, however, she was selected to play in the all-County and Area All-State Orchestras. She is currently a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club (a community-service based club that works with organizations like Habitat for Humanity) and Life Lessons (a group that seeks to educate students about organ donation.) She is also an employee of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
   Bessie has always been, and continues to be, passionate about community service. To date, she has completed over 300 hours of volunteer work for various organizations. She has been a skating instructor for SABAH (Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped) for two years. She has also worked as an errand-escort volunteer at both Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. In addition, she is a tutor for Regents-level Biology students. This summer, she was also accepted to work as a research assistant for scientists researching androgen-independent prostate cancer at Roswell Park.
   One of the main factors contributing to Bessie's success is the fact that she is very ambitious. She will be applying to Duke University this fall as a biology major. She hopes to continue on to medical school and, eventually, a residency in plastic surgery. Although she is set on completing the rest of her education outside of Western New York, she may eventually return to the area to open her own cosmetic/reconstructive surgery clinic.
   Brian Dolan has lived on Grand Island his whole life. He has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten, and has excelled both academically and in other areas at school.
   He has achieved either High Honor Roll or Honor Roll status since the beginning of middle school in sixth grade. In high school, he has received his academic certificate, pin, and letter. Last year he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Brian has been published in "Who's Who Among American High School Students." He has also been recognized by the National Honor Roll.
   Brian has taken advantage of the honors classes at Grand Island since the sixth grade. He is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Calculus, and AP Physics, as part of a full schedule.
   He has also been involved with extracurricular activities at the school. This year he is a member of the Varsity Volleyball team. Brian has also been involved with the music program at Grand Island since the fourth grade. Since then, he has performed with the Jazz Band, Pep Band, and for the last two years has been a member of the Wind Ensemble, which is the audition instrumental group.
   Brian has also been active in his community. He has been very involved with both the Trinity United Methodist youth group and the Young Life organization. Brian has completed multiple service projects with both groups, including three week-long workcamps with the Trinity youth group during the summers.
   After graduation, Brian plans to attend college and pursue a degree in engineering and perhaps a career in medicine after that.
   



High School News - November 9, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   It won’t be long before we need winter coats, hats, gloves and mittens, so I thought I would like to mention that the freshmen class is selling mittens and gloves for $5 a pair. The mittens can be purchased from Mrs. Wynne in rm. 122. Grand Island Senior High School is also looking for actors and actresses for their production of Beauty and the Beast. Scripts may be picked up in the library and sign up for audition time is outside of the chorus room. Mark your calendars on the 17th of November, The National Honor Society members will be sponsoring their annual spaghetti dinner. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. The High School Spotlighters will be performing on the evenings of the 17th and 18th of November as well. Interact Club, along with the Grand Island Rotary Club was busy last week collecting money and new undergarments for the Buffalo City Mission and Corner Stone Manor.
P.S. Only 46 more days til Christmas.




GIHS Girls Soccer Team Ties For Championship, Loses in Penalty-kick Shootout - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team played Williamsville East in the Section VI championship game ending in a 3-2 score in favor of the Williamsville East Flames on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
   According to the Niagara Gazette article by Jonah Bronstein (Wed., Nov. 8, 2006): GI sent freshman goalie Kristin Wegrzyn into net for the shootout. Junior starter Allie Weiser left the game between the first and second overtime periods after taking a blow to the head. "I think she would have made the difference," Vikings coach Dave Bowman said.
   Click for the "Buffalo News Story" by Miguel Rodriguez.




High School News - Spotlighters Play - Spaghetti Dinner - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   November 9, 2006 . . . The Grand Island High School Spotlighters drama club will be performing for the public community in a few weekends with their play, "Voices From the High School." The play is very different from the past, because it is a collection of monologues and scenes created specifically for high school students to perform. It deals with the difficult issues in a high school student's life, such as love, hate, hope and hurt. The play will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, and again at the same time, on Saturday, November 18. Tickets are $3 per person. The play is directed by Ms. Nancy Scarfia and Tracie Groves.
   Now, I know what you're thinking- why go to a show without dinner? Well, you're in luck, because the National Honors Society is putting on a spaghetti dinner in the high school cafeteria on Friday night November 17, before the play. There will be take-out from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the sit down dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $6, and children under 12 years can eat for $4. This dinner is open to the public, and would be a great way to support multiple groups at the high school.




High School Honor Society Hosts Spaghetti Dinner - November 2006
   Members of the Grand Island High School Honor Society will host their annual spaghetti dinner on Friday, November 17, 2006. Take-out will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the sit down dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $6, and children under 12 years can eat for $4.




Island Students Attend DECA Regional Installation Dinner - November 2006
 
(left photo) Grand Island High School students and advisers who attended the installation.
(right photo) From left are Janeen Amantia, Corey McGowan, and Erica Barrett
Click photos for a larger view.
   Over 60 students, parents, and administrators from Grand Island High School attended the annual DECA Regional Installation Dinner on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. This event is the official induction of members into DECA, a national business and marketing club. Grand Island’s Regional Representative, Janeen Amantia,helped induct all members during a candlelight ceremony. Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain, DECA advisor for Grand Island High School, would like to thank the administration and school board members attending the event for their continued support of this incredible business organization.




Spotlighters Drama Club Fall Play: Voices from the High School - November 2006
Jodi Robinson photos - Click photos for a larger view.
   Members of the Grand Island High School Spotlighters drama club will put on their first production of the school year with the play, Voices from the High School by Peter Dee. The play is a collection of scenes and monologues that address what it’s like to be a teenager growing up today. Two performances will be held in the GIHS auditorium on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $3.
   The cast is an ensemble of 27 students who play various roles and work as a group to perform and interpret this lively and active script. The play is directed by Kathie Scarafia and Tracie Groves.




GIHS Cross Country Takes 3rd At Sectionals - November 2006
   The Grand Island Cross Country Teams just completed another successful season with a 3rd place finish at the Sectional Championships at Long Point State Park in Bemus Point. In less than ideal conditions, the Vikings competed in a snow storm with 4-6 inches and temperatures in the 30’s.
   The Boys Team placed 3rd with the top finishers being sophomore Evan Tsembelis and senior Tim Fargino taking 9th and 10th respectively. Senior Brett Fiedler took 20th running his best race of the season, while junior Chris Carter was spiked at the beginning of the race and ran the entire race with the injury, placing 28th. The fifth runner was junior Ryan Hagen who ran another strong race, placing 30th. Senior Joe Mash took 38th and sophomore Jordan Gibson placed 45th. The team had their best time gap between 1- 5 runner at 1:02. Kenmore East won the race with 78 points, Starpoint was 2nd with 90 points and GI was third with 96 points.
   The Girls Team took 8th place with the top finisher being junior Caitlyn Driscoll taking 18th place for her strongest performance of the year. Senior Emily Kahn ran another strong race and was 30th and Bridget George took 32nd. Rounding out the team were Traci Aladeen, 43rd; Karen Bellanca, 51st; Amber Spiesz, 54th; and Emily Thompson, 56th.




GIHS Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - November 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.




High School News - November 2, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   It's hard to believe that next Thursday, November 9, 2006 grades close and we begin to embark on our second marking period. It's funny that when we are sitting in class, time seems to move at a snail's pace but when you see that we have almost completed one quarter of the school year, you realize that it is really going by fast.
   The high school band gave a stellar performance on Wednesday evening. The concert was enjoyed by many families and friends. I would also like to mention that on November 17, 2006 members the National Honor Society will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. The National Honor Society is seeking donations from local businesses. Those interested can contact the school for more information at 773-8820.
   Also, be on the lookout for "Undies Sunday" (Nov. 5) as the Interact Club will be looking for donations to buy underclothes for the homeless. Don't forget that November 10, 2006 is Veteran's Day and unfortunately there is no school.




High School News - Sports Sectionals - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   November 2, 2006 . . .The fall season is coming to an end at Grand Island, which means only one thing for sports teams- sectionals begin! Some teams are already competing at the sectional level, while others are just starting. The boys' varsity soccer team has unfortunately ended their season already, along with boys' varsity football, boys' varsity golf and girls' varsity tennis. Congratulations to all teams on a great season! However, still competing for GI are the boys' and girls' varsity cross country teams, girls' varsity soccer, and girls' varsity volleyball. Good Luck to all athletes!
   This was a great season for all fall sports teams, and they thank their fans and community always supporting them!




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 2, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 11/2/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Students Take Advantage Of College Fair 2006 - 2006
                        
Click photos for larger view
   The Grand Island Youth Board, sponsor of the October 26, 2006 College and Career Fair, extends appreciation to the colleges, universities and businesses that turned out for the college fair. The event was attended by approximately 50 students and their parents. The Youth Board continues to encourage youth development and would like to thank all those who attended.




Syracuse University Singers, GIHS Concert Choir To Perform at Whitehaven Baptist Church - 2006
   The Syracuse University Singers, under the direction of John Warren, will perform several concerts around the Buffalo area during the weekend of November 10th through 12th. The concert will feature works by Johannes Brahms, Jeffrey Van, Eric Whitacre, Heinrich Schütz, and Thomas Weelkes. Syracuse University affiliate artist Ken Meyer will be featured on guitar. The choral group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, November 11, 2006 will feature a combined concert with the Grand Island High School Concert Choir at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church.
   Grand Island Concert Choir will be performing works by Lotti, MacGillvray, Mulholland, and Lauridsen. The combined choirs will perform the traditional spiritual Ride the Chariot. Lillian Choi, a Grand Island High School graduate, is a member of the Syracuse Chamber Choir.
   The University Singers is the top choral ensemble at Syracuse University. With 25 members, the choir performs a variety of music, from Renaissance to contemporary music. The ensemble has toured throughout the Northeast, and has done a week long tour of the Florida coast.
   John Warren is Director of Choral Activities at Syracuse University, where he conducts the University Singers and the Hendricks Chapel Choir, and teaches conducting and choral literature to undergraduate and graduate students. From 1999-2005, Dr. Warren held a similar position at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. In 2005, Dr. Warren won the Younts’ Excellence in Teaching Award, the college’s highest faculty honor. He holds degrees from Furman University, the University of Concinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the University of Miami. In addition, Dr. Warren has worked with numerous outstanding conductors including Robert Shaw, Christoph Eschenbach, and Helmuth Rilling.
   Kenneth Meyer is regarded by the Washington Post as, “…A thinking man’s guitarist who focuses on the inner structure of a piece and plays with impressive gravity and power.” The Buffalo News has called him, “Impeccably articulate with superb technique.” Meyer directs a thriving guitar studies program at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music and continues to be a featured lecturer, performer, adjudicator and teacher at festivals, colleges and universities throughout this country and abroad. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music and records for Albany Records.
   The Syracuse University Singers will also perform at 7 p.m. Friday, November 10th at the First United Methodist Church in Canadaigua, NY; Sunday morning, November 12th at the 11 a.m. service at University Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, NY; and 3 p.m. Sunday, November 12th at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, NY.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
October 2006
 
Sarah Mye                       Sara El Houssieny               Donald Turner III
   Sarah Mye has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life, and has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. Throughout her school years, Sarah has managed to balance a challenging academic schedule with a variety of extracurricular activities.
   Sarah began taking advanced classes in the fifth grade, and since then has accumulated four Advanced Placement credits, earning an AP Scholar with Honor Award from the College Board. This year she is also challenging herself, taking five AP courses including AP Calculus, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Literature and Composition. As a result of her demanding curriculum Sarah is currently valedictorian and has been awarded several academic recognitions including the Pride of the Island Award, National Honor Roll, Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award for excellence in Honors Physics, and an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter. However, Sarah's involvement at Grand Island High School is not limited to academics.
   Sarah has been actively involved in many extracurriculars at the high school since her freshman year. These activities include the play, the musical, Spotlighters, Masterminds, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Corporate Bowl, and Concert Choir. In her sophomore year Sarah was the vice president of the Class of 2007, and in her junior year she was the treasurer of Interact Club. She is currently the treasurer for both Masterminds and Spotlighters, helping to organize fundraisers including the Costume Bash and several of the Spotlighters' movie nights. Last year Sarah received her varsity letters in both Masterminds and music, while her team placed third in the annual Corporate Bowl. Sarah also pursues her love of theatre at the Academy of Theatre Arts in Williamsville, where she has taken acting and dance lessons since her freshman year. This year Sarah earned a place in its theatre program, Teen to Teen, and will participate in workshops in WNY and in New York City.
   Sarah has also been actively involved in her community through various service projects. She has participated in Habitat for Humanity, helped to ring bells with the Salvation Army, and since her freshman year, Sarah has been a team captain for Relay for Life. In addition, Sarah has spent much time participating in community theatre, earning leading roles in the Niagara Regional Theatre Guild's productions of The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker. Sarah is also very involved with North Presbyterian Church in North Tonawanda, directing this year's Christmas pageant.
   After graduation, Sarah plans to continue pursuing her two loves, theatre and science at the university level.
   Sara El Houssieny was born in Morristown, New Jersey and has been a resident of Grand Island for 14 years. Sara has been enrolled in the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. She attended Sidway School, Huth Road Elementary as well as Veronica Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School. Sara has balanced her school agenda as well as extracurricular activities throughout her educational career.
   During high school, Sara has involved herself with numerous clubs and activities. Sara has been a member of the Grand Island High School musical every year of her high school career. Junior year, Sara joined the Grand Island Spotlighters' Drama Club and has acted in the 2006 One-Act plays and is currently a cast member in the fall play. During her years at Grand Island High School, Sara has been a member of International Club, Humanities Club, and Student Council.
   Sara has had a love of music her entire life. She has been a member of numerous Western New York honors choirs. She has participated as a choir member in ECMEA All-County Chorus five times during the course of her educational career. Sara has also received honorable scores at the NYSSMA Solo Festivals for the three years that she attended. By her junior year she had earned her Varsity Bar in Music. Sara takes advantage of all the extracurricular vocal groups that Grand Island has to offer. Sara has sung in the Grand Island High School Vocal Jazz Choir for three years. She has also been selected in her junior and senior year to be a member of the Grand Island High School Madrigals where she currently holds the office of vice president. Sara has been a member of the Grand Island Choir for all four years of high school and is currently choir vice president. She also plays an active role as being a member of the Grand Island High School Concert Choir and she is this year's concert choir president.
   Music also plays a huge role in Sara's life outside of school. Sara has been selected as one of 85 singers across New York State to attend The New York State Summer School of the Arts - School of Choral Studies 2005 & 2006. This program is led under the direction of Conductor Dr. Brady Allred and is held for a month in the summer time at SUNY Fredonia. Sara was awarded honorable mention at NYSSSA 2006 as well. She has been a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir and has played an active roll as the youngest member of the group. Recently, Sara has auditioned and been accepted to the Buffalo Choral Arts High School Master Chorale 2006-2007 and devotes time to attend regular rehearsals.
   Sara has challenged herself academically during her time at Grand Island High School. In her junior year, Sara took on Advanced Placement Language and Composition and currently she is enrolled in Advanced Placement Literature and Composition as well as Advanced Placement Music Theory. Sara has been a member of the High School Merit Roll and the High School Honor Roll.
   Sara plays an active roll in her community. She has been captain of her team in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life for three years. Sara has also devoted her time to helping at the charitable events held by the Grand Island Lions Club. She has volunteered with the Lions Club Handicap Picnic and Spaghetti Dinner for many years.
   After graduation, Sara plans on Double Majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as earning her Doctorate Degree in Choral Conducting.
   Donald Turner III has been a resident of Grand Island his whole life. He has been enrolled in all Grand Island school district schools from Sidway to Grand Island Senior High School. His family, the Mondouxs, has lived on Grand Island for many decades, and is quite well known. Because of this, Donald is very proud to be living here today and going here to graduate. Donald is a very active student as well as a very active citizen in the community.
   Donald has been a very intelligent student all through middle school and high school, always achieving honor roll or high honor roll status. He has been taking honors courses throughout his years in high school and has taken advantage of the many Advanced Placement Honors Courses offered at Grand Island Senior High School. He has taken AP Euro, AP U.S., and College level French in his junior and sophomore years. He is currently taking AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Government, AP Statistics, and AP Literature and Composition. He has earned many academic awards such as an Academic Award for Excellence certificate, pin and varsity letter. Donald has also won a Certificate of Achievement from the New York State Senate for Achieving High Academic Honors.
   Donald has been involved in many extracurricular activities in his years at Grand Island High School. He has been on the Masterminds Team and History Club all four years in high school. He was on the varsity bowling team his sophomore year. Donald has received a varsity letter for bowling and Masterminds. He is participating in even more extracurricular activities his senior year, such as DECA, PTSA, and National Honor Society, for which he is the secretary. He is also serving as a teacher aide for Mrs. Lori Burns, a math teacher at Grand Island High School, and helps her everyday with attendance, organization, and tutoring students.
   Donald has participated very actively in every vocal program offered in the school district since third grade. This pattern has remained constant even in high school, where he has participated in all music programs offered at Grand Island High School at one time last year. Donald has gone in early three times a week at 6:30 a.m. for Madrigals, The Dominant Force, and Vocal Jazz for the past two years and still does this school year. He was in choir in his freshman and junior year and was in Concert Choir for his sophomore, junior and senior year. He was involved in the high school musical for the past three years and will be involved again in this year's musical, "Beauty and the Beast." Donald has also been selected for special choirs, such as All-County Choir in his freshman and junior years. He has gone to Solo Festival twice and has received excellent scores. He has received many awards for all of these music activities including two varsity letters and pins.
   Donald is involved in many activities in the community as well as in school. He was a religious education helper for St. Stephen's Church. He has been active in Boy Scouts since fifth grade and is currently working on achieving the rank of Eagle. He has planted trees in Veteran's Park near the volleyball court for his Eagle project. He is a police explorer and has participated with them in helping to direct traffic for Grand Island's Fourth of July parade. Donald is also one of the first to be involved in the Grand Island Fire Company's new Cadet program, in which he goes through training and attends classes weekly to become a fireman. He responds to fire calls everyday and was very active in restoring Grand Island after the October 12th snowstorm this year. He worked steadily from about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, when the first call went out, to around 11 p.m. Friday night. He answered over 185 calls through the long night and day. Through everything else that he does, Donald still manages to hold a steady job at Wendy's and can frequently be seen there.
   Donald would like to thank his parents for all their support in his life. After graduation, Donald plans to attend college for education and business. He also plans on becoming a volunteer fireman for the Town of Grand Island.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 26, 2006
Courtney Donner and Lauren McGowan, Girls Doubles Tennis Champions
Click "Sports Briefs 10/26/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School News - October 26, 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Trying to catch up on some missed football, the Grand Island Vikings played a Sunday night, October 22 game against Medina and were unfortunately defeated. At Monday night's Board of Education Meeting the Homecoming Dance was approved for Saturday, December 9. Beginning Monday, December 4 we will have SPIRIT week ending on Friday, December 8 with PEP rally. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side. Tonight, Thursday October 26, there is a college fair sponsored by the Grand Island Youth Advisory Board. Representatives from various colleges and universities will be on hand to distribute literature and answer any questions.




Pre-Order GIHS Venture Yearbooks Now - 2006
   The Grand Island Venture Yearbook staff is proud to announce the first sale of the year for their 2007 edition of the school yearbook. Students may pre-order their book at the high school on Thursday, October 26 or Friday, October 27. Yearbooks will be sold in Mr. Simpson's room 171, Mrs. Chamberlain's room 153, Mr. Ball's room and Mrs. Mele's room during the day. The cost for the first sale is $60. Seniors who order their book during this sale will receive free name stamping and underclassmen may get namestamping for $5.
   There are 600 books on order and over 1090 students in the school. Please make sure you receive your book by pre-ordering. Any questions, please call Mr. Simpson at the HS Business Office, 773-8879.
   Seniors are also reminded that the final day to take or submit senior portraits is Friday, October 27th. Lifetouch, the official school photographer, will be in the school on Friday for Senior Portraits. Seniors are asked to see Mr. Simpson for an appointment. A sitting fee of $10 will be charged but will cover both the senior portrait for the book and the composite picture for the Viking Mall.




High School News - Pep Assembly, Homecoming Dance Dates Set - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   October 24, 2006 . . . You can postpone Spirit day, but the Viking Spirit will always triumph! Mother nature tried to dampen our spirits last week. School was canceled, as well as the Homecoming Dance and Pep Assembly. However, Grand Island High School's Homecoming Dance will be postponed until Saturday, December 9. Pep Rally will also be the previous day, December 8th, with both fall and winter sports allowed to participate. This may have come as a shock to many students, but this alternative might allow for other winter athletes to participate in the Pep assembly. Athletes and students will be more thoroughly informed as we get closer to that time, and we hope that this alternative will bring the entire student body together once again.
   Personally, I had an unforgettable experience when the power did go out on Thursday night, as well as my sixteen teammates who were here to share it with me. When we had heard that school, as well as the Pep Assembly, and Homecoming were canceled, many of us were devastated. From seniors to freshmen, we knew that we wanted this more than anything, and began to come up with a plan. We came up with the idea of writing a personal letter to Mrs. Anzalone, which explained how much Pep Rally has meant to us over the past 3 years, and this year, as seniors, it meant the most. We also tried to convince all of the other team captains to do the same, hoping that our attempt would give us what we desperately hoped for. We have finally gotten our wish, and are very thankful to our school administration for their patience and support. I know that this Pep Rally and Homecoming will be one to remember, and we are ever grateful to those who made it possible.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 19, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/19/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School News - Costume Bash Announced - 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Many students were disappointed this week as Mother Nature defeated the Grand Island Vikings. All of the Homecoming festivities as well as the game were cancelled due to the weather. The postponed homecoming game played on Tuesday (Oct. 17) between the Lockport Lions and the Grand Island Vikings also proved to be a disappointment, as we were defeated 7-0. The weather, along with the power outages, were also deciding factors in the cancellation of school on both Friday (Oct. 13) and Monday (Oct. 16). Don’t forget costume Bash this Saturday, tickets may be purchased during lunches. One last reminder that yearbooks will be for sale next week. Please check the signs around the school.




High School News - Spirit Week Cut Short - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   October 19, 2006 . . .This previous week, Grand Island High School celebrated Spirit Week. Students were allowed to participate in 'spirit days,' which consisted of Retro Day, Western Wednesday, and Character/Hero Day. On each day, students dressed up in costume according to the day's theme. Each of these theme days leads up to Friday, which is Blue and White day, or Spirit Day. Unfortunately, our spirit week was cut short because of the cancellation of school on Friday, October 13th due to the storm. High School students are hopeful that administration will be willing to reschedule the Pep Assembly, as well as the Homecoming football game and dance. Students were extremely disappointed when school had to be cancelled during such an exciting time, but we know that the GIHS staff has our best interest at heart, and we are grateful for their re-consideration of these events.




High School News - Wednesday Concert Time Changed - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   The crazy weather has finally passed on Grand Island, however, the craziness of schedules and happenings of students at Grand Island High School have not! Because of conflicting sporting events, on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, the High School Choral and String Concert has been moved from a 7:30 p.m. start time to 8 p.m. The concert will feature the Grand Island High School Choir, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and The Dominant Force ( Men's Choir)- all under the direction of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken. The Grand Island High School Orchestra will also be performing that night, directed by Ms. Debra Remson.
   The community's support would, and is always, greatly appreciated by all groups performing that Wednesday night. Even if you do not have any friends or family performing in the concert, come out and listen to a free night of entertainment for you by some extremely talented students of Grand Island!




JV/Varsity Football Rescheduled for Tuesday, October 17th - 2006
   The Grand Island/Lockport JV and Varsity games have been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2006.




Homecoming & Spirit Assembly Update - 2006
   School District Office, Oct. 16, 2006 . . .Homecoming and Spirit Assembly activities are postponed until the GIHS Student Council can get together with administration to reschedule the activities. Unfortunately there is a fair amount of faculty/staff who continue to have issues with electricity and flooding. Grand Island High School apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.




High School News - Five-Week Grade Warning - 2006
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   It seems like yesterday was the first day of school but it’s already the second week into October and it is time for the five-week warnings. Instead of thinking of them as negative we should look at them as a reminder that we’ve still got time to improve our grades before report cards are sent home. This past Saturday morning (Oct. 7), Interact Club joined members of the Grand Island Rotary Club and helped to pick up litter along the Beaver Island Parkway. It only took a few hours and left them with a good feeling of accomplishment. Also, the Girls Tennis Team completed their season on Tuesday, October 10th ranking second place up one from last year. For some of the team it was their final game as seniors. Good Luck to Vida Rostami, Courtney Donner, and Shannon Howley. This week is spirit week at Grand Island High School with Tuesday being retro-day, Western Wednesday, Thursday is character/hero day and Friday is School Spirit day including a pep rally. Homecoming is Saturday with the Vikings playing against Lockport. We’ve all got our fingers crossed. Our Homecoming Dance is Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Also would like to mention yearbook orders are on sale October 26 and 27 for $60.00 If you preorder on either of these days, seniors will get their name stamped for free and underclassmen can get their name stamped for $5.00 extra. Remember there are a limited number of yearbooks to be sold.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 12, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/12/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School News - Disney World Cross Country Classic - 2006
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   The Grand Island Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams had an extension to their summer as they traveled down to Orlando, Florida on October 6-9 to compete in the Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic. Both boys' and girls' teams did very well, considering it was 90 degrees for a high on their race day! However, they endured the heat, with Captain Tim Fargino leading the way for the boys, and Captain Bridget George leading the girls.
   The weekend also included slower-paced excitement as they enjoyed day trips to Disney's Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach water park. The participants feel proud and lucky to have represented Grand Island High School at such an important event, and they thank everyone who helped to make it possible.




Vikings Defeat Lew-Port 14-9 - 2006

By Coach Dean Santorio

   The Varsity Football Team defeated Lewport last Friday night (September 29, 2006) by a score of 14-9. The defense was led by Senior Captain James Rayhill who recorded 12 tackles and 3 sacks. Starting Quarterback Matt Klock unfortunately broke his leg on the third play of the game which gave Joe Oliverio control of the offense for the rest of the night. Joe did a great job in leading the team on two touchdown drives in the first half and ended the night 8 of 12 passing for 165 yards and a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Phil Wendt. Running back Mike Scappechio scored the first Viking touchdown on a 6-yard run that was set up by a 56-yard pass completion to Zach Tondera.
    The big turning point in the game came when the Viking defense held Lewport on four straight downs on the Grand Island 1-yard line with the score 7-0 in favor of the Vikings. That is when the offense took advantage of the great defensive stop and went on a 99-yard drive to score with 15 seconds left in the half on the Oliverio to Wendt 30-yard scoring pass. In the second half Lewport was able to score after a Grand Island turnover in their own end to cut the lead to 14 - 7. In the fourth quarter a Lewport punt down to the Viking 1-yard line allowed the Lancer defense to record a safety in the end zone to cut the margin to 14-9. After the Vikings picked up two crucial first downs to run the clock down to 1:45 they had to punt to the Lancers. The Lewport offense was able to drive down the field with 6 pass completions to the Vikings 8-yard line with 8 seconds left. On the next play James Rayhill was able to pressure the Lewport Quarterback and force a tough throw to the end zone that sophomore Alex Neutz was able to intercept and seal the victory with one second remaining on the clock.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 5, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 10/5/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Varsity Vikings Football Schedule - 2006
Sept. 2 - Albion, 2 p.m.
Sept. 8 - at Wmsv. South, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 - at Kenmore East, 2 p.m.
Sept. 23 - at Starpoint, 2 p.m.
Sept. 29 - at Lew-Port, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 - Sweet Home, 2 p.m.
Oct. 14 - Lockport, 2 p.m.
Oct. 21 - Wmsv. East, 2 p.m.




High School News - Senior Luncheon - 2006
By Caroline Boron - Student Writer
   The senior class enjoyed a wonderful day on Friday, September 29, when they had their senior luncheon. This was a fun-filled day for seniors, as they were able to be independent young adults, who were rewarded for their hard work during their high school career. At the luncheon, the Class of 2007 listened to guest speaker, Duane Paddock of Paddock Chevrolet encourage each and every one of us to continue living our lives with passion in all that we do. I was very pleased with his speech and will now try and live by his words of encouragement throughout this next year and into college. I hope that the rest of my fellow students were able to grasp Mr. Paddock's message in the same way, because I know that his message will encourage me to succeed in something that I really desire, knowing that I am capable of doing anything.




Monday Night Spike At High School - 2006

Click photo for a larger view.
   Monday Night Spike starts at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, October 2, 2006 at the Grand Island High School gym. Niagara Wheatfield is the opponent, and the Varsity girls will play best of 5 games in the front gym while the JV boys play 3 games in the back gym. Once those games are complete, the Boys Varsity will take the court in the main gym (probably about 6:15/6:30 p.m.) and the girls JV will play in the back gym. There should be plenty of spiking and digging for any fan, and there'll be baked goods and pizza available all through the evening. Plus - the first 30 spectators will receive a ticket for a free piece of pizza!




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 28, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/28/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




College Fair & Career Night October 26, 2006
   The Grand Island Youth Board is sponsoring a College Fair & Career Night in the Grand Island High School's large cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road on Thursday, October 26, 2006.
• Registration - 6-6:30 p.m.
• Fair - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
   Participants so far include Alfred State, Bryant & Stratton, Daemen College, D'Youville College, Villa Maria College, University at Buffalo, Hilbert College, Houghton College, Niagara University, St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College, Trocaire College, Buffalo State College, SUNY Brockport, Canisius College ROTC, Niagara Army ROTC, HSBC Bank, Elderwood Senior Services, Mark J. Frentzel, Town Justice, Fuccillo Dealerships and Niagara Frontier Publications.
   Also featured will be Military Recuiters, Business & Professionals, Financial Information, refreshments, and the addition of other college/university representatives.
   For further information or questions, email "harry@giyb.com" or click www.giyb.com.




High School News - 2006

By Caroline Boron - Student Writer

   Students at Grand Island High School have begun to fall into a comfortable routine during the first month of school. They have now become more independent about their schedules and classes and are now becoming more interested in extracurricular activities that Grand Island has to offer. On three out of five days, Grand Island offers morning vocal ensembles for students to participate in. Men's Choir, Madrigals and Vocal Jazz are favorites among students. It takes extreme dedication and a true passion for singing for students, and the director, Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, to be able to arrive at the school at 6:30 a.m. and rehearse! These groups will be performing soon for public entertainment in upcoming 2006-2007 concerts, so keep a watch for them.
   The class of 2007 will have the privilege of attending the Senior Luncheon to be held at Banchetti's Restaurant on Friday, September 29. They will be leaving school after third period, and then returning after the luncheon. During this spectacular feast, a guest speaker will talk to the senior class, giving them inspiration for their upcoming year. Also during this time, the Senior Superlatives are announced. Previously, seniors have been voting for one male and one female student who they think possesses different qualities. For example, the categories are often nicest hair, most comical, most likely to succeed, best dressed and so on. The seniors are looking forward to Friday and I know that it will be a memorable day for many.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 21, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/21/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School News - 2006

By Caroline Boron - Student Writer

   Grand Island High School is off to another great start for the new 2006-2007 school year. From freshman to seniors, everyone is getting acquainted with new fellow students, as well as new authority. Since Dr. Dempsey and Mr. Miller's retirement in June of 2006, a new principal and assistant principal have been appointed by the school board. I had the pleasure of serving on the committee for selecting the new assistant principal, so I had previously met both Mrs. Anzalone and Mr. Swiatek. My first impression of Mrs. Anzalone was that she is an extremely warm, confident and knowledgeable woman who seemed very excited about getting to know both staff and students and Grand Island High School. I also had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Swiatek at an assistant principal committee interview this past spring. His firm, down-to-business, professional demeanor is one that will be a great help to our high school this year.
   On a similar note, the Grand Island High School Student Council held its first meeting on Friday, September 15, and elected eight new officers for this school year. They include: President- Caroline Boron (senior), Vice President- Courtney Donner (senior), Treasurer- Allison Boron (sophomore), Secretary- Bailey DeGlopper (junior), and Decorating Committee- Diane Maerz (senior), Susan Pioli (sophomore), and Vince Covatto (senior). The Student Council is a group of high school students who are interested in assisting and planning certain events that will happen during the year. For example, we will soon begin to plan the Homecoming Dance for the fall, as well as Spirit Week and Winter Ball. All of these events really allow students to get involved in our school and show their school spirit in many different ways. I am very excited about all of our new officers and will continue to keep our community informed about all of our upcoming events.
   I look forward to writing to you all again and giving you more updates and happenings from Grand Island High School.




High School Open House - September 2006
   Grand Island High School will hold its annual Open House on Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Students will be given schedules to complete for their parents. Parents will follow that schedule which provides an opportunity to meet with each teacher and gain an overview of the curriculum for that subject area.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 14, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/14/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Varsity Vikings Beat Williamsville South 28-0 - 2006

By Justin Sondel

   The Grand Island Varsity football team put out an extraordinary performance last Friday night (Sept. 8), completely shutting down the offense of the opposing Williamsville South. Although Grand Island’s offense certainly did their part, the defensive unit proved to be unbeatable, holding Williamsville to an astounding -2 offensive yards. James Rayhill and Christian Nestark posted 7 tackles each with Rayhill being more effective against the pass and Nestark shutting down the run. Rayhill had three sacks against a quarterback that coach Dean Santorio described as, “one of the better out of pocket, scrambling QBs in the league.”
   While the defense disallowed Williamsville to gain any ground, the offense did their part recording four touchdowns throughout the course of the game. Matt McKenna accounted for 21 of the 28 points carrying the ball twelve times for 69 yards, scoring twice on the ground and once in the air. Matt Klock completed his passes 88% of the time, with 7 out of his 8 attempts finding the hands of his intended receiver. Klock threw for 89 yards including one 8-yard TD pass.
   GI looked impressive on both sides of the ball and boast high expectations for the Blue and White in the future. While we can’t expect for every game to run as flawlessly as this one, the Vikings show promise and should not be slept on. Look for the key players in this bout to continue performing and for even more players to step up their game as the season progresses.
   Next Game At Ken-East 2 p.m. Saturday, September 16th




Changes at Grand Island High School - 2006

By Vincent Coty, 11th grade student writer

   Many different things are changing at Grand Island High School. Some of these changes will effect the school a lot, or not at all. One of the biggest or probably the biggest change that has happened is Dr. Dempsey, and Mr. Miller have retired, and now there is a new principal, Mrs. Anzalone, and a new assistant principal, Mr. Swiatek. There have not been many changes so far but already students have expressed how they feel about the new principal and assistant principal.
   Last week the new administrators held little conferences with a couple of classes each period to go over the new rules, and some of the old rules. There are not a lot of changes this year which is good for the older students because they won't have to adapt to many new rules. One major rule that will most likely change, according to the new principals, is the length of detention. They have stated that they are trying to make detentions longer, that instead of going from 2:15-3:25 p.m., they are trying to make it from 2:15-4:25 p.m.. So instead of an hour detention, it will be a two-hour detention.
   A current change in the dress code is that there is a no flip-flop rule. No flip-flops allowed in school might sound ridiculous, but it might be due to a health issue or something regarding safety.
   During the last week, students started voicing their opinion about what they thought of Mrs. Anzalone. The overall student opinion is that she will not be as strict a principal as Dr. Dempsey. Other students just didn't like some of her new rules like the detention time, and others had no opinion to share. Mr. Simpson (Yearbook Accounting teacher and Varsity basketball coach) thinks that there will be no immediate changes, but sees new ideas coming in the near future. We will find out as the year progresses how this new principal will handle Grand Island High School. So let's welcome our new high school principal and assistant principal.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 7, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 9/7/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - September 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.



Varsity Vikings Ready For The Season - 2006

By Justin Sondel

   For the past three weeks the Grand Island Varsity football team has been working diligently in preparation for their upcoming season. These young men have been sacrificing their lazy days of summer for brutal workout regiments in hopes that they will be able to turn out an impressive season. The team lost some of its key players to graduation this year, and so lacks the experience that they possessed in the prior season. Although on the surface this may seem discouraging, Head Coach Dean Santorio claims that what this team lacks in experience they make up for in heart and dedication.
   Coach Santorio will need some of his more experienced players to step their games up this year if the team expects to be successful. One player to look for is the captain of the team, James Rayhill. Rayhill plays on both sides of the ball holding the starting tight end and defensive end positions. Last year Rayhill made the second team All WNY squad and hopes to make first team this year. When asked what he enjoyed most about his team captain, Coach Santorio said, “He never stops. He never quits on a play.” Another player to watch for is Phill Wendt who, despite standing at only 5’5” had the second most receptions on the entire team last year at the wide receiver position. Wendt is also a versatile player helping on the defensive side of the ball as a safety. Kong Chen and Andy Czerwonka will be expected to exhibit their experience on both the offensive and defensive line. As Coach Santorio put it, “These guys are our experienced players and so we will look to them for leadership.” A few other players to watch for who will be stepping up to starting positions for the first time this year are Mike Scappechio and Christian Nestark. Scappechio would have had a starting position last year, but had to sit out most of the season due to injury. This year he will be yet another both sides player starting at the running back and safety positions. Nestark will step up as the starting inside linebacker.
   Although this team lacks the logged playing time of last year's team, they have a winning attitude, an attribute that is often most important. A record around .500 would not be a disappointment in this year of building but with the mindset that this team displays, an even more successful season is by no means out of the question. Look for a GI team that will, if nothing else, be exciting and fun to watch.
   The Vikings' first game is at home on Masters Field, 2 p.m. Saturday, September 2nd against Albion.




Three's A Charm For Chalk Walk - 2006

Click photo for a larger view.
   On Saturday, August 12th, a crowd witnessed three talented Grand Island High School students receiving once again the First Place title at the 22nd WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition. This blue ribbon ceremony makes three in a row for Grand Island. The many hot practices in the back parking lot of the high school over the summer paid off for Andy Sharpe (captain), Chris Damiani, and Brendan Waddington. The all male senior team began drawing on the asphalt street surface at noon and ended at the 4 p.m. deadline. This year’s theme, Renaissance Goes Surreal, directed the students to interpret the concept from two historic art periods. They chose a famous section from the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo: The Fall of Man and The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The task was to alter the Renaissance painting, turning it into a surreal composition. The team used surreal references from Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte and Max Ernst. Andy Sharpe retires from Chalk Walk after four years of excellent dedication.
   Chalk Walk adviser was Grand Island High School Art Teacher Megan Gaiek




GIHS Students To Compete In WNY Chalk Walk Competition - August 2006
   Three very talented art students from Grand Island High School will head to the 22nd Annual WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition on Saturday, August 12, 2006, being held in conjunction with the Lewiston Art Festival. The 2005 team received the highest honor last year, taking home the most prestigious first place title. It is the team’s goal to repeat their excellent performance and take first place again. This year’s team has two returning members, Andy Sharpe (captain) and Chris Damiani, and newcomer, Brendan Waddington. They have worked very hard over the summer perfecting their composition for this year’s theme: Renaissance Goes Surreal. The team has four hours to complete the 8-foot by 10-foot chalk drawing on the black asphalt surface. Come show your support throughout the contest. It begins on Fifth Street at noon and the students promptly end at 4 p.m. A raindate has been set for Sunday, August 13th.




GIHS Freshman, And New Student Orientation - July 2006
   Monday, August 28 is the date for both student and parent orientations (Parents are welcome at either session). For each session you are requested to meet at the High School auditorium as follows:
• 11:00 a.m. the Student Orientation begins.
• 10:50 a.m. students may pick up their student packets. They may then tour the building and receive their schedules for the 2006-2007 school year.
• 11:00 the program begins
• approximately 11:30 a.m. students will have the opportunity to tour the academic wing following their schedules. Food will be on sale in the large cafeteria.
   The Parent Orientation takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. From 6:15-6:30 p.m. Student-Parent Handbooks are available. It is requested that you pick one up in the Viking Mall outside the auditorium. The program will commence at 6:30 p.m. for parents only. GIHS strongly encourages all freshmen, new students and parents to attend the August 28 Orientation programs.
   The first student day of school is Wednesday, September 6. There will be regular a.m. and p.m. transportation on that day. Students eligible for transportation will receive notification via the mail. Please contact the Transportation Department at 773-8890 with your transportation questions. Please do not contact the school, as they will not be able to answer your concerns.




2006 High School Registration for New Students - July 2006
   Students who have moved to Grand Island and are planning to enter Grand Island High School for the first time beginning in September should call and make an appointment to meet with a high school counselor. Guidance counselors will be available for appointments on Tuesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 24, 2006 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
   When prospective students or parents call for an appointment, ask the secretarial staff for a pre-packet of information so the entire registration process can be expedited.
   New students must provide the following information at the time of registration: proof of residence on Grand Island, original birth certificate, immunization records from a previous school and a copy of their academic transcript.
   For more information and to schedule the appointment, call the high school guidance office at 773-8860 or 773-8866.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - June 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
    High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Allison Boron, Simarjot Cheema, Hannah Cliff, Darren DelSignore, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Matthew Hazelet, Taylor Jackson, Matthew Ludwig, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Neutz, Alexander Richter, Robert Rutland, Jennifer Schaber, Sierra Seese, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Kelly Williams
Grade 10: Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Kelsey Fortman, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Jeremy LaBarre, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Anthony Perna, Alexandra Peters, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Shana Wierchowski
Grade 11:Karen Bellanca, Stephanie Cartwright, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Kristin Duggan, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Emily Kahn, Cassandra Lange, Justin McInerney, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Bessie Zhang
Grade 12:Carissa Bailey, Mary Kate Duff, Ashley Marien, Lucas Mesmer, Steven Mrzygut, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol
    Honor Roll
Grade 9: Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Natalie Agnello, Kaitlin Arida, Alexandria Avery, Lee Becker, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Maria Buyer, Kyle Clayton, Dustin Coryn, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Kira Dennis, Michaeline Dera, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicholette Fadel, Melissa Fargino, Shannon Farmer, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Samantha Gieselman, Anthony Gugino, Kaitlin Hager, Kaitlyn Hardison, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Caroline Kaminski, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Brittany Keel, Benjamin Kose, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Timothy Lewis, Carolina Luciani, Mia Magliazzo, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Marvin Pawlowski, Destiny Perez, Sarah Pici, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Joshua Prygon, Jamie Raepple, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Carly Snyder, Alyssa Spada, Sara Stenzel, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Nicholas Vitello, Arlene Wunsch, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 10: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Chelsea Baran, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Ellen Betterson, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Kahla Cerrillo, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Anthony Daubney, Alexandra Davis, Daniel DeMarco, Michael Dinsmore, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Abigail Evans, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Shari Geblein, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Kelcie Hanaka, Cathryn Hillard, Sean Hook, Jennifer Huber, Matthew Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Sara Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Todd Kunze, Kaitlyn Little, Tara LoBocchiaro, Shawna Long, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’ Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Lindsey Miller, Ciara Morreale, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Michelle Paternostro, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Jordan Ricigliano, Matthew Riley, Blake Rockwood, Joycelyn Rockwood, Carrie Schooping, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Robert Stewart, Nicole Stickl, Jessica Sturniolo, Michael Symington, Elizabeth Szpala, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Nicholas Taylor, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Noah Yanicki
Grade 11: Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Erin Banas, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Krista Burzynski, Christine Call, John Certo, Kiel Clarke, Lauryn Clingersmith, Jessica Coughlin, Jamison Crawford, Laura Curcio, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Samantha Drexelius, Emily Eisenberger, Sara El Houssieny, Robert Elsaesser, Devan Golda, Emily Hasselbeck, Jaime Justen, Rachel Kaplan, Chelsea Kendra, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Matthew McKenna, Nicole Morgan, John Naumovich, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, David Rosati, Ryan Samland, David Santillo, Adam Schopp, Matthew Scibilia, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Jordan Stickl, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Kristina Waz, Keith Wegrzyn, Rhianna Wing
Grade 12:Jamil Abdellatif, Cortney Ambrosia, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Vadim Belous, Christopher Benko, Amanda Bentley, Timothy Blonski, Charlotte Booth, Matthew Brady, Lauren Campbell, Cassondra Carlson, Jing Chen, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Chelsea DeGlopper, Breanne DeMarco, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Caitlin Dwyer, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Toni Kaufman, Nicole Komin, Jordan Krieger, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Anna Mastrangelo, Robert Michaels, Lee Miller, Natalie Mucci, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, James Pici, Christine Ray, Jeffrey Rogan, Sarnjit Samra, Davis Sipos, Jeffrey Stange, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Aaron Wilson




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - June 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
Grade 9: Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Sarah Bastian, Victoria Belous, Sean Benninger, Marissa Booker, Tyler Booth, Conor Bryan, Jonathan Caruana, Mariah Christie, Christopher Colan, Caitlin Cook, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Korey DiMatteo, Joseph Edel, Jenna Fanara, Gregory Feathers, Christopher Fiels, Amanda Geis, Jordan Gibson, Andrew Ginsburg, Krista Goff, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Adam Helman, William Henderson, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Alexandra Imperi, Haroon Khawar, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Victoria Kowzan, Drew Lazelle, Nicholas Lovetro, David McMichael, Kimberley Mellett, Davis Nelson, Katie Nordvik, Genna Nuchereno, Erin O’Connor, Brian O’Keefe, Travis Perno, James Pezzino, Lauren Priest, Brian Reagan, Lance Robinson, Joseph Romano, Michele Rossi, Kayla Salonek, Victoria Schaber, Lee Schuster, Kaileen Shoemaker, Eric Siwicki, Griffin Smith, Kyle Spartford, Andrew Stange, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Robert Tates, Emily Thompson, Justine Vanthoff, Megan Wagner, Allison Walker, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek, Shaun Winter, Brianna Wojnar, Joseph Zarbo
Grade 10: Steven Accardo, Rebecca Amato, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Jared Billica, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Lauren Braun, Haley Breier, Heather Brooks, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Courtney Catalano, Jeremy Chopra, Molly Clingersmith, Jaclyn Coe, Taylor Cool, Richard Cribbs, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Meghan Dollard, Jessica Doyle, Sean Duff, Christina Eldridge, Julia Fleming, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Ryan Hagen, Meaghan Hayes, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Ryan Hoople, Ian Johnson, Christopher Jurga, Natalie Krieger, Sara Kurpiewski, Marissa Lange, Pasquale Lemme, Desire’ Link, Matthew Little, Michael Magaris, Kurt Makowski, Kirk Manquen, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Amber Meyers, Christian Nestark, Sara Orsolits, Sarah Palazzolo, Brittany Papaj, Lauren Quattrini, Scott Ross, Stefane Samland, Audrey Senf, Luis Serrano, Aleem Shariff, Damanpreet Singh, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Gregory Stephan, Melanie Switaliski, Jacquava Thompson, Scott Thompson, Kaitlin Turner, Elizabeth Wilson, Patrick Winters, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 11: Kenneth Agnello, Safah Ali, Benjamin Angelo, Rebecca Asbach, Alicia Barnaby, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Ellen Cameron, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Ryan Chrostowski, Anna Cislarski, Lianna Connors, Stephanie Cope, Stacey Cyman, Michael Davis, Ashley DeMaria, Paul Dhand, Matthew Dommell, Mark Eberhard, Rachel Eisenhauer, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Joseph Fusco, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Jonathan Herlan, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Jared Kazmierczak, Jordan Kubik, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Alex Missert, Abram Morgan, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Brian Nusstein, Kyle Oursler, Valerie Paris, Jessica Perry, Shannon Quinn, Jasmine Rivers, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Peter Schaber, Alysse Schuster, Ryan Stanko, Kristen Swan, Shannon Tegler, Stephanie Tolbert, Christie Utz, Jason Voltz, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams
Grade 12: Megan Boss, Nicole Brown, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, David Cole, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Michael DelZoppo, Monique Dhand, Jessica Fike, Ashleigh Frieday, Caitlin Garrigues, Alexander Grande, Meghan Hartman, Joel Hasselbeck, Stephanie Hopkins, Lauren Kalisz, Christopher King, Megan Koller, Morgan Macguire, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Cristina Rivera, Ramcy Rizek, Francisco Rodriquez, Tina Rott, Alexi Salamone, Jeremy Siehnel, Chelsea Sommer, Lisa Sonnenberg, Tina Sparks, Janice Sturtz, Tonja Sutton, Dana Szczepaniak, Kaitlin Voltz, Jason Walker, Melanie Wing, Cory Zaranek




Island Girls Named To 2006 ALL-WNY Girls Lacrosse Honor Roll - 2006
   The following Grand Island High School girls lacrosse team members have been named to the 2006 All-WNY Girls Lacrosse Honor Roll (Division III) as posted in the Buffalo News:
First Team
P Player School Yr.
A Kathy Rogers-12
D Rebecca Fetzer-12
Honorable Mention
MIDFIELD: Catie Hilliard-10, Cassie Ungaro-11




High School Volunteers Beautify Courtyard - June 2006

Shown from left are Jane Boyle, Tim Burns, Sandy Burns, and Ray Page.
Click photo for a larger view.
   High School volunteers Sandy Burns, Jack Burns, Tim Burns, Jane Boyle, Jay Boyle, Ray Page, and Rose Krause recently did a lot of work on the High School court yard gardens. Thanks go to Building & Grounds for supplying a rototiller, dirt, and mulch and Jack Burns and Jay Boyle for digging the dirt. Thanks also go to Mr. Gene Ryshkus, owner of Grand Island Nursery for donating plants and fertilizer. The gardeners also thank Mrs. Sandra Anzalone for donating a beautiful hanging basket and plant pole.




Class Of 2006 Graduation - June 2006

GIHS Concert Choir (left) and good friends Ashley Bleistein and David Anderson
Click photos for a larger view.
   Grand Island High School seniors, Class of 2006 graduated on Thursday, June 22nd with ceremonies held in Kleinhan's Music Hall, Buffalo. The high school's concert choir performed during commencement.
   Recipients of Honor Awards - Presented on Class Day
Grand Island Teachers Association Scholarships in memory of Veronica Connor - Chelsea, DeGlopper, Eric Feathers
Thomas Hewitt Award Winners - Robecca Fetzer, Ian Clark
James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award - Lauren Culp
Erie 1 Career & Technical Center Teachers' Union Scholarship - Jeffrey Stange
NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence - Lauren Campbell, Chelsea DeGlopper, Mary Kate Duff, Rebecca Fetzer, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Katharine Rogers, Kevin Sobol, Dana Szczepaniak, Kathrine Szpala
Foreign Exchange Student Recognition - Phichai (Max) Opaskiatikul
NYS - State Comptroller's Award - Casey Dahlstrom
NYS Attorney General's Triple "C" Award - Megan Boss, Jing Chen, Kayla Nash, Tiffany Pasqualichio
The Zachary Zarbo Spotlighters Memorial Scholarship - Carissa Bailey, Matthew Brady, Sarah Jane Calvaneso, Mary Kate Duff
Dr. H. J. Cougan P.E.C. Award - Lauren Culp
National Vocational-Technical Honor Society - Michael DelZoppo
Drama Awards
   Robert C. Tomkinson/Paul M. Zoltoski Memorial Award - Carissa Bailey, Sarah Jane Calvaneso
   Spotlighters Award - Kyle Patterson
Musical Theater Awards
   Best Actress - Sarah Jane Calvaneso
   Best Actor - Erich Burchfield
   Directors Award - Allison Makowski, James Pici
   Spirit Award - Catherine Lewis
Departmental Awards
   Art Award - Christopher Damiani, Garrett Fallin, Diane Meyer, Andrew Sharpe, Brendan Waddington
   Family and Consumer Science Award - James Pici
   Business Student of the Year - Robert Michaels
   Mathematics Award - Katharine Rogers, Kevin Sobol
   Social Studies Award - Mark Webb
Outstanding Female Athletes of the Year Award - Ashleigh Frieday, Jessica Remmes
Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year Award - John Connors
   A list of awards presented at the graduation exercises will be posted as it becomes available.




Grand Island High School Sr. Prom - June 2006

From left are Ian Clark (Class of '06), Lindsey Boyle, Sean D'Angelo (Class of '06),
Caitlyn Driscoll, Eric Feathers (Class of '06), and Meaghan Hayes

"Burger King Bunch" - David Anderson, Amanda Mayes,
Ryan Kucharski, Sara Boulden, Melinda Schultz and Eric Quattrini


David Anderson and Amanda Mayes

   Grand Island High School Senior Prom 2006 was held at the Adam's Mark, Buffalo, on June 16, 2006. Chris Prygon and Jessica Remmes were chosen king and queen. Class advisor for the Class of 2006 is Dave Lilleck. Senior Prom photos may be added to this page by submitting them for approval to "teddy@giecom.net"




Grand Island High School Class Of 2006 - June 2006

Click photos for a larger view.
   Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2006 posed for the annual photograph on the grounds of the Ransom Road school complex.




Final High School Band Concert Features Christopher Tucker - June 2006
   Composer Of Piece Dedicated to Isle Music Teachers

   The final Grand Island High School band concert for the 2005-2006 school year was presented in the auditorium Wednesday, June 7th, directed by Marty Allen, and featured the music of Christopher Tucker, including a dedicated piece written for Sherm Lyke Jr., Clarke Elliot and Allan Ripley on the occasion of their retirement.
   Who is Christopher Tucker? Christopher Tucker is emerging as one of America’s bright and innovative classical composers. An unabashed romantic, his music has been heralded as having wonderful maturity, musical imagination, and sensitivity. He has composed works for chamber ensembles, chorus, band and orchestra creating an impressive catalogue of compositions at such an early age. In addition, Mr. Tucker has begun to amass numerous awards in composition and conducting from organizations including the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), Phi Beta Mu, the National Band Association, WASBE and ASCAP. Click www.tuckermusicworks.com for the composer's personal web page.
    Grand Island High School music teacher Marty Allen came up with idea of commissioning a piece to honor the three music teachers who are ending their careers at the end of the school year. When he sought advice on who might be a good person to approach to create the piece, Christopher Tucker's name was suggested. The Band Boosters Club loved the idea, and immediately offered to provide Mr. Allen what ever he needed to make it happen. During a 40-minute conversation with the composer, the two decided on the structure of the piece. Legends, very unique by itself, had a flavor of other famous American composers, notably Grofe and Copland. "Prelude to Sel" was written for Sherman E. Lyke Jr. Soliloque "C.S.E" was composed for Clarke Elliot and "Ripley's Jollity" was dedicated to Allan Ripley.




More GIHS Jr. Prom Photos - June 2006

From left are Sara El-Houssieny and Chris Sendziak, and Mallory Zilliox and Adam -

A large group of very happy prom goers on May 25th, 2006 in front of the fuschia trolley! Click for much larger view.
   The annual Grand Island High School Junior Prom was held Saturday, May 20, 2006. Click Jr. Prom 2006 for previous story and photos.




Grand Island High School Commencement - 2006
   Grand Island High School will hold its forty-first Commencement Exercises at Kleinhan's Music Hall at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006.
   The program will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Janice Sturtz, vice president of the Class of 2006. Class President Breanne DeMarco will welcome the graduates, their families and friends. A congratulatory address will be given by Dr. Thomas M. Ramming, Superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District.
   Class speakers will be the top three academically ranked students. Katharine Rogers ranks first in the Class of 2006 and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has been involved in the International Club, Masterminds, and History Club. She has earned varsity letters in women's lacrosse, as well as soccer. She plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majoring in chemical engineering. She is the daughter of Mrs. Karen Rogers and the late Harrison Rogers of Grand Island.
   Chelsea DeGlopper ranks second in the Class of 2006. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in concert band, wind ensemble, and jazz band. In addition, She has been an active member of DECA and “Relay for Life.” Chelsea plans to attend the University of Rochester to study English with a career goal of journalism. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. DeGlopper of Grand Island.
   Ranking third in the Class of 2006 is Kevin Sobol. Kevin is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been an active member of Choir, Concert Choir, and All-County Chorus. Kevin plans to attend Canisius College majoring in biology. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sobol of Grand Island.
   Military and Employability Portfolio Recognition will be presented by Dr. James R. Dempsey, principal of the high school. Recipients of the Grand Island High School scholarships and awards will be presented by Mr. William Miller, assistant principal, and will receive their awards from Dr. Ramming.
   Musical interludes will be performed by the high school choir and Madrigals under the leadership of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, and the band, conducted by Mr. Martin T. Allen.
   Class of 2006 officers are:

Breanna DeMarco..……………………………  ………...……President
Janice Sturtz……...…….…………………………………Vice President
		Sheri Ackendorf………………………...………………………Treasurer
		Kaiklin Voltz……..…….………………………………………..Secretary
		Lauren Kalisz and Karalyn Rossi……………..………….….Historians
   Parents, relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend this special event honoring the Class of 2006.




Grand Island High School Potential 2006 Graduates - 2006
   Click "Potential Graduates" for the list of Grand Island High School Potential 2006 Graduates.




High School PTSA Academic Awards Night - 2006
   The PTSA Academic Awards Night was held Thursday, May 25, 2006 in the Grand Island High School auditorium when honor roll students from all four grades received Certificates of Excellence, Academic Pins, Academic Letters or Academic Bars.
   PTSA President Terry Endres gave the introduction and Dr. Karen Karmazin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction also spoke.
   The following Science Awards were presented:
Earth Science Outstanding student Award: Charlie Lavallee
Earth Science Mod Outstanding Student Award: Kristin Millar
Honors Biology Outstanding student: Taylor Jackson
Regents Biology Outstanding student: Kelsey Fortman
Honors Chemistry Outstanding student Award: Ashley Koerntgen
Regents Chemistry Outstanding student Award: Karen Figliotti
ASTRONOMY Outstanding student Award: David Santillo
AP PHYSICS Outstanding student Award: Kathy Rogers
Physics (Baush & Lomb Scholarship): Sarah Mye
   "Each student has worked very diligently this year and should be commended for a job well done," Science Department Program Coordinator Lee Nowocien said this week.




GIHS Boys Lacrosse News - 2006
The Grand Island High School Boys Lacrosse Team, coached by Steve Steck, defeated Williamsville East on Friday, May 26, 2006 with the final score 9-4. Click "Buffalo News Story".




High School Band Concert - June 2006
   A Grand Island High School band concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006 in the high school auditorium. The GIHS band is under the direction of music teacher Marty Allen.




GIHS Regents Schedule - Bus Schedule - 2005
   Click "June Regents Schedule" for the New York State Regents Examination schedule for June 2006.
    Click "June Regents BUS Schedule" for busing information.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
June 2006
 
Megan Boss                Mark W. Webb                     Allison Makowski
   Megan Boss has been part of the Grand Island community her entire life. She has been attending Grand Island schools since kindergarten at Sidway Elementary School. During her years of schooling, Megan has not only valued her academics but has also balanced extracurricular activities and community service.
   Through school might not have always come easy for Megan, she has always taken academics very seriously and put forth much effort in everything that she does. At the age of seven, she was involved in a motor vehicle accident, which changed her life forever. She was now dealing with a learning disability that made school more difficult for her. However, she has worked hard, passed many obstacles and achieved many of her goals. Megan sees school as a very important aspect of her life, and therefore treats it as such.
   While attending Grand Island Senior High School, Megan has also been involved in many extracurricular activities. She has been a contributing part of the Grand Island girls' swimming and diving team since she was a freshman; she has been to sectionals three years in a row and has placed the past two years. This year Megan is proud to be one of the captains of the team. She has also been an active part of the yearbook committee for three years, spending countless hours working to produce the final award-winning book at the end of each year.
   Megan has performed community service through the Grand Island Recreation Department, as well as a lifeguard for the Special Olympics with swimming events for mentally challenged individuals. By being part of the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, Megan has had the chance to affect other communities as well. Each year the youth group helps clean up a Christian camp so that other children will have a safe environment in which to play. She has also volunteered as a camp counselor at a Christian camp through her affiliation as part of the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church.
   After graduation, Megan plans to attend a two-year college to achieve her Associate's Degree in nursing. After that, she plans to finish her schooling at a four-year university where she will be able to complete her BS/MS degree in nursing. Her plan is to gain clinical expertise by working and continuing her education at the same time.
   Mark William Webb has achieved many good things in his academic life. When he graduated from eighth grade, he received the National Language Arts Olympiad Medal as well as a Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. At Grand Island High School, Mark has consistently achieved Honor Roll status and even made the High Honor Roll at the end of his sophomore year, when his grade point average was 3.89. Because of his Honor Roll achievements, he received the Academic Certificate in his freshman year, Academic Pin in his sophomore year, the GI Academic Letter in his junior year and the Academic Bar in his senior year.
   Mark has challenged himself by selecting Advanced Placement courses. In the past he has taken AP U.S. History, Language and Composition, and European History. This year he is enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses: U. S. Government, Microeconomics, Psychology and Physics, which is the most demanding course the High School offers. Mark has a strong interest in the sciences. He has taken all of the following Honors courses: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
   Mark has been active in the Interact Club throughout high school. Last year, when he was president, the Interact Club collected money at Tops for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive in December. They also helped sort donated food for the Neighbors Foundation. Mark and other Interact Club members participated in a sleep-out which raised money for the homeless in Buffalo. They painted the benches in the school's courtyard and put in various plants. At two different times, Mark joined other students to work on refurbishing homes in the Habitat for Humanity Program. Interact Club students also collected money for Hurricane Ivan victims and contributed to two scholarship funds set up in memory of Zachary Zarbo.
   Mark has taken part in other high school programs as well. For two years he competed in the Corporate Bowl. In his junior year, Mark participated in the Mock Presidential Debate. He took the role of George Bush and presented the President's views on the subject of stem cell research. Mark has also volunteered in the Kids Voting Program.
   While in high school, Mark has given of his time to help at many Rotary-sponsored events on a yearly basis. These include all the major fundraisers - the hot dog sale, Lobster fest, the chili sale, as well as the highway clean-ups done on the Beaver Island Parkway.
   Through his church, Mark has joined other young people and worked for a week in each of the last four summers, repairing homes for low-income families. This is part of the Reach Workcamps program, a Christian-based outreach organization. Mark traveled to New Mexico and Tennessee for two of these work camps and took part in two others which were held in Niagara Falls.
   Mark was named to the National Honor Society in his junior year and currently attends the group's meetings. Also, he received a Pride of the Island Award in March of 2005 for his positive, responsible, and energetic contributions to his classes, school and community. Mark is now serving on the Superintendent's Advisory Council.
   Mark has interests outside of the classroom as well. He has taken guitar lessons and played at his church during two Christmas services. Mark greatly enjoys playing strategy games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, with his friends and loves the challenge of various computer games. His future plans include pursuing an MBA in the University of Buffalo's Honors Program, with a concentration in human resources.
   Allison Makowski has been a resident of Grand Island almost her entire life. She has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten at Sidway. Allison has always been one to attain excellence along with being involved in various extracurricular activities.
   Academically, Allison has achieved greatness. Besides being on the honor roll, she has participated in Advanced Placement and honors courses since freshman year. She has been awarded Pride of the Island three times throughout her academic career, Academic Excellence Certificate, Letter and Pin. She has also been selected for the National Honor Society.
   In addition to her academic career, Allison has participated actively in numerous extracurricular activities. She has participated in the high school musicals for three years running along with being an active member of Concert Choir, Madrigals and Vocal Jazz. Allison is also an active member of the student council and in her senior year has become its president. She was selected to be the captain of the Grand Island swim team and plans to play her fourth year of lacrosse in the spring.
   Allison is also active in her community. She has taught religion classes at St. Stephen's Church on Sunday mornings. She has also taught Community Education swim lessons in the high school pool. Among other community activities, Allison has participated in the Relay For Life and Student Olympics.
   Allison has many goals for the future. She plans to attend college with the hopes of entering Medical School.




National Honor Society Inducts 49 At Ceremony - 2006
   The Grand Island High School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony took place Wednesday, May 17, 2006. All students met the following criteria for selection into National Honor Society: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. As part of the organization, all members must perform at least 24 hours of community service in their senior year. Following are the 2006 inductees:
Seniors: Katherine Szpala
Juniors: Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Vincent Covatto, Laura Curcio, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donovan, Kristin Duggan, Karen Figliotti, Nicole Fischer, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachael Kaplan, and Cassandra Lange.
   Also, Dianne Maerz, Sean McDermott, Jarrad Mendel, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Matthew Scibilia, Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Forrest Smith, Joshua Snyder, Stephanie Tolbert, Donald Turner III, Cassandra Ungaro and Bessie Zhang.
   Officers of the GIHS 2006 National Honor Society are President Karalyn Rossi, Vice President Nicholas Thompson, Secretary Mallory Fulle and Treasurer Lucas Mesmer.
   Music for the Processional was provided by the Grand Island String Quartet: Ms. Remson (Violin I), Giovanna Andolina (Violin II), Stephanie Cartwright (Viola) and Jacob Ferrante (Cello).
   President Kara Rossi gave the welcome speech, and Faculty Advisor Mr. Andrew Bowen and Principal Dr. James Dempsey spoke to the inductees. The tapping ceremony was performed by the National Honor Society officers.




Grand Island High School Jr. Prom - May 2006
 
Couples from left are Queen and King Ashley Ray and Rich Anzalone, Ian O'Rourke and Kristen Duggan, Corey McGowan and Lauren Culp (during a visit to the Niagara Sailing Club), and Christina Sergakis and Josh Raiser.
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos
   The annual Grand Island High School Junior Prom was held at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Saturday, May 20, 2006 and sponsored by the Junior class and class advisors Jodie Rudney and Julie Porter. Chosen King and Queen during the evening were Ashley Ray and Rich Anzalone. Principal Dr. Jim Dempsey, who will retire at the end of the school year, was in attendance. Jr. Prom photos may be added to this page by submitting them for approval to "teddy@giecom.net"




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 25, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 5/25/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




End Of Year High School Choral Concert A Tribute To District Music Department - May 2006
By Teddy Linenfelser
   The Grand Island High School choral concert Tuesday night (May 23, 2006) under the direction of Carolyn Lokken was a great tribute to our music department. Retiring high school Principal Dr. Jim Dempsey refers to it as a "dynasty." The dictionary describes the word as a succession of rulers of the same line of descent, or a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time. Dr. Dempsey is right!
   Over 400 students took part in the choir, concert choir, vocal jazz choir, The Dominant Force and the Madrigal Singers. Carissa Bailey, a senior, received the National School Choral Award in recognition of singular merit, ability, achievement, of outstanding contributions to the success of the school vocal program.
   GIHS junior Sydney Seese received the Zachary R. Zarbo New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) School of Choral Studies Memorial Scholarship. This is given to help with the tuition of a student who would like to attend the NYSSSA Choral School at SUNY Fredonia during the summer of 2006. This award is dedicated to the memory of Zachary Zarbo, who was an active participant in the Grand Island Choral program and who had attended the NYSSSA School of Choral Studies in the summer of 2004.
   The last scheduled number on the program was the Senior Song, Letting Go, sung by the combined choirs of the high school. The senior choir students ended the program with the singing of May the Road Rise To Meet You by Charles Kirby and dedicated to their music teacher Ms. Lokken. "This is totally student selected, student rehearsed and a reflection of the growth and development of their musicality and musical literacy in the choral program," Ms. Lokken said. "It is a real treat and a very touching gesture on their part," she said. "These are wonderful kids doing great work. I couldn't be prouder,"Ms. Lokken said.




Boys Tennis
Viking Netsmen Earn Share of NFL Title - May 2006
By Coach Donald W. Pray
   It wasn't the way they had hoped it would turn out. The Grand Island Boys Tennis Team suffered only its second loss of the season Monday, May 22nd, 3-2 to Niagara Wheatfield. The Vikings finish their season in first place and will most likely share the league title with Niagara Wheatfield and Niagara Falls. Both Wheatfield and the Falls have two losses and have one match left to play. For the Vikings, this is their third league title in four years. Along with 2006, the team won the title in 2003 and 2004.
Singles
Steve Beatty (G) d. Tom Sheehan 6-1, 6-3
Justin Tompkins (N) d. Andy Nawotka 6-3, 6-3
Matt Scibilia (G) d. Kyle Mahlstrom 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
Doubles
Sean Davidson and Scott Sobiegray (N) d. Dave Nolf and Pierre Tanguay 6-1, 6-2
Paul Sciria and Eric Herman (N) d. Joel Hasselbeck and Steve Doermer 6-4, 7-5.




AP Gov't & Politics Class Video Conferences - 2006
    
Students are shown ready to video conference. (right) Director of Instructional Technology Molly Talty and system.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
   The Grand Island High School has recently acquired a video conferencing system through a New York State 'hardware" fund. The first conference was held Thursday, May 18th between the senior AP Government and Politics class taught by Mrs. Lynn Mele, and Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter's office. Congresswoman Slaughter was scheduled to be there but couldn't make it due to illness. The Deputy Press Secretary John V. Santore took over along with two members of the Slaughter staff in Washington and answered questions from the students regarding immigration, passport implementation at the borders and raising taxes for education. The staff also addressed how they came to be employed in the office through internships. Director of I.T. Molly Talty can be thanked for this wonderful, educational tool she expects will be used in many different areas in the future.




High School Choral Concert - May 2006
   A Grand Island High School spring choral concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2006 in the high school auditorium. The vocal groups will include Choir, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals Singers and The Dominant Force, and are under the direction of music teacher Carolyn Lokken.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 18, 2006
Boys Tennis Results - Grand Island 5, Lockport 0
Click "Sports Briefs 5/18/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2006
 
Dana Szczepaniak                Katharine Rogers                     Ronald Warner
   Dana Szczepaniak has lived on the Island for 15 years. She attended Charlotte Sidway Elementary School until she moved on a Kaegebein Elementary School in the second grade. Dana firmly believes that the Island is the key factor to her academic and athletic success.
   Dana has been enrolled in honors classes since sixth grade and has taken five AP classes throughout her high school career. She has received an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter along with being ranked among the top 5% of her senior class.
   Not only is Dana a member of the National Honor Society, but she was also recognized as a member of the National Honor Roll and Who's Who Among American High School Students.
   To speak only of Dana's academic success would be only part of her story. She has been a member of the soccer program on the Island since second grade, and has played for the high school team for four years. Dana has also been a member of the high school basketball team since 8th grade and was recognized as the captain of the junior varsity team her sophomore year. In ninth and tenth grade, she was also a member of the high school softball team.
   Dana is very active musically. She played in the concert band for two years and has been a member of the Wind Ensemble since her junior year. She has also been involved with the community band, pep band, and jazz ensemble.
   Because Grand Island is the community that Dana loves, she thrives on its success. Dana has volunteered for band events, practice buddies, middle school mentoring, the soccer club, as well as the Huth Road Harvest Festival. She has also donated time to the variety show.
   After graduation, Dana plans to further her education on the collegiate level, and major in international business, with a minor in Spanish, to pursue her love for travel and business within one career.
   Katharine Rogers has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. Throughout the years she has excelled in academics and athletics. Additionally she participated in extracurricular activities and assisted in volunteer activities.
   Academically, Kathy has consistently achieved High Honor Roll and Honor Roll status. She has taken honors and advance placement classes throughout middle school and high school and is currently taking five AP classes. She has been awarded an Academic Excellence certificate, pin and letter. In her sophomore year, she was awarded the Outstanding Chemistry Student Award and the Pride of the Island in her junior year.
   Kathy has also been nationally recognized for her academic achievements. She was recently awarded the AP Scholar with honors for achieving exemplary grades on her AP tests. Last year she was also awarded the Baush and Lomb Honorary Science Award (which is presented to the top science students) and the RIT Computing Medal (awarded to outstanding students). She was also inducted into the National Honors Society.
   Not only has Kathy excelled in academics, but she has also excelled in many sports in and out of school. She has played travel soccer for Grand Island for the past nine years and has joined the Buffalo Wings Premier Lacrosse team for the last three years. She participated in high school soccer for six years, four years on JV and two years on Varsity, and was awarded her Varsity Letter and the Scholar Athlete award. She also joined the Indoor Track team her sophomore year, receiving her Varsity Letter. Kathy was also on the Varsity Lacrosse team since 8th grade. She has received many awards for lacrosse including 2nd team NFL, Academic All American, Scholar Athlete and her Varsity Letter and pin. She was ranked as the 5th highest scorer in league competition.
   Kathy has participated in many diverse extracurricular activities. She has been a member of Masterminds for three years and history club for two years. She was also the treasurer of International Club her junior year. Recently she has joined Art Club. In addition, she participated in the Corporate Bowl for two years and attended a Mini-Med School at UB in her junior year.
   Kathy not only excels in school-based activities, but she also gives back to the community. She has been a proud soccer coach for the past two years, coaching a U-9 and a U-10 Grand Island House Soccer teams. She volunteered at the Buffalo Science Museum and at the Kaegebein Fair in 2004. For the past two years she has also participated in the Relay for Life and in the Student Olympics.
   After graduation, Kathy plans to attend college to major in engineering and to obtain a master's degree in business.
   Ronald Warner has been an Island resident for 15 years. He has attended Grand Island schools since entering kindergarten. During his 10th grade year, he was a Pride of the Island recipient. For the past four years, Ron has been a member of the award-winning Venture yearbook staff. In his senior year, he has taken on a more active role as an editor.
   Ron has been an active member of Boy Scout Troop 510, where he served as the senior patrol leader for two years. At the age of 16, Ron earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank achievable in the Boy Scouts. In order for Ron to earn the rank of Eagle, he was required to organize and run a project that served his community. For his Eagle Project, he wanted to do something that would have an impact on a large number of people who were in need of assistance. Ron organized a food and winter coat drive to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York. The drive was conducted in the elementary schools on Grand Island. In order to raise the students' interest in the drive, Ron convinced two restaurants to contribute pizza to the classrooms that donated the most food and coats. The drive was held for one week in November of 2004, and was successful beyond anything the Scouts ever imagined. They collected 3,729 lbs. of food and 704 winter coats. When the food bank came to collect the food and coats, the driver remarked that he had never picked up so much from one place before.
   Ron is also a member of the Grand Island High School Varsity Wrestling Team. This year, he will be wrestling in the 125 lb. weight class. Being a member of the wrestling team has assisted Ron in maintaining his physical health and helped build character for a leadership role.
   Ron is an employee at the River Oaks Golf Course. He has been employed by the pro shop at River Oaks for two years Ron has been a member of the Grand Island Youth Advisory Council the past three years. He plans on attending a four-year college, where he will earn his Master's Degree in Elementary Education.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 11, 2006
Tennis Results
Click "Sports Briefs 5/11/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




District Art Show Drawing Winner Announced - May 2006


Madelyn Webb (top) was the winner of a basket of art supplies.
   Grand Island School District sponsored its annual K-12 district art show entitled "Art in the Air" which opened Monday, May 15th. This year, as in the past, a banner was made available where children of all ages were encouraged to draw their own artwork in relation to the theme. This year the children were asked to draw what they would find in the air. It has been a great way to have an interactive space at the art show while people are taking in the art exhibits.
   The art show opening also featured a questionnaire with art related questions based on the theme, for the students to fill out. Their completed forms were then entered in a drawing. At the end of the show, the student whose correct winning entry blank was drawn, won the basket of art materials. This year's winner is Madelyn Webb, a first grader at Sidway School.




High School To Be Site of District Art Show, “Art in the Air” - May 2006

Grand Island High School students, Heather Goris and Tiffany Turner, work diligently on their projects for this year’s upcoming district-wide art show, “Art in the Air.”
   The foyer in the Grand Island High School, on Monday May 15th, will be transformed again into a colorful gallery. It will showcase the talented artistic works of Grand Island's kindergarten through 12th grade students. For many years, the art departments from each school collaborate on a theme. Each art teacher within the district builds lessons into their curriculum that reflects the topic. The theme this year is “Art in the Air.” Because the idea for the show can be interpreted in a variety of ways, the artwork will be inventive, imaginative, varied, and creative. A reception with refreshments will take place that evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The art show will remain on display throughout the remainder of the week.




GIHS Students Win Photography Awards - 2006
   Grand Island High School Art Teacher Dana Allen has announced that two GIHS students have won awards at the Storrs All High Photo Show. Bailey DeGlopper, grade 10, won Best Floralscape of Show and Kelly Williams, grade 9 won Best Animal of Show. The show is available through May 14th. Click "Photo Show Article" written by Jean Westmoore for the May 3, 2006 edition of the Buffalo News.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 4, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 5/4/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Boys Tennis Team Defeats Kenmore East - 2006
   The Grand Island Boys Tennis Team defeated the Kenmore East team at Parker Field on Thursday, April 27, 2006, 3-2.
1st Singles Steve Beatty (GI) def Kevin Baran (KE) 6-1 / 6-4
2nd Singles Matt Scibilia (GI) def Eddie Papaj (KE) 7-5 / 7-6 (8-6)
3rd Singles Andy Nawotka (GI) def Joe Crawford (KE) 6-1 / 6-4
1st Doubles Jay Licata and Bryan Papaj (KE) def Steve Doermer and Pierre Tanquay (GI) 6-2 / 1-6 / 7-5
2nd Doubles Kevin Myers and Tom Repp (KE) def Casey Dahlstrom and Dave Nolf (GI) 6-2 / 2-6 / 7-6 (7-2)
   GI is now 3-0 in the NFL and alone in first place. Matt Scibilia was down 3-0 in the first set and fought off four set points in the second set to win. GIHS Boys Tennis Head Coach is Don Pray




Class of 2006 To Hold Chicken BBQ & Basket Raffle - May 2006
   The Grand Island High School Senior Class of 2006 will sponsor a Chicken BBQ & Basket Raffle from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 in the high school senior cafeteria.




Katherine Rogers Wins Lottery Scholarship - 2006

Katherine Rogers
   Tuesday, May 2, 2006 . . . It was announced today, that the New York Lottery 2006 Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship recipient from Grand Island is Grand Island High School senior Katherine Rogers. This fall Katherine will study Chemical Engineering at either the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
   Since its inception in 1967, the New York Lottery has contributed over $27 billion in aid to education, including $2 billion in fiscal year 2004-2005. In addition to revenue directly committed to elementary and secondary education, the Lottery also sponsors several education programs. Under the leadership of Governor George Pataki, the LOT Scholarship was created to benefit truly well-rounded individuals who are involved in many aspects of high school life, not just academics. To date, nearly 6,900 high school seniors have received the New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship and are now attending colleges and universities across the state. This year, the Lottery is once again awarding the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship to one exceptional senior from every participating high school in New York State. Each winner receives a $4,000 scholarship, paid annually in $1,000 increments to be applied toward the cost of attendance at an accredited New York college, university, or trade school.   This scholarship award is intended for students who are involved in many areas of high school life including citizenship, community service participation, leadership skills and academics. Katherine has done this in a superb fashion.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - April 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the third marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
    High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Simajot Cheema, Darren DelSignore, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Kaitlyn Hardison, Taylor Jackson, Jacqueline Maitner, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Richter, Jennifer Schaber, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Kelly Williams
Grade 10: Chelsea Baran, Cassandra Coffey, Amber Hultgren, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Tara LoBocchiaro, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Anthony Perna, Brandi Skill, Nicholas Taylor, Kristin Toellner, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 11: Lyndsey Clingersmith, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Chelsea Kendra, Brianna Konopa, Sarah Mye, Patrick O’Donnell, Tara Rogers, Forrest Smith, Donald Turner, Bessie Zhang
Grade 12: Lucas Mesmer, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Brendan Waddington
    Honor Roll
Grade 9: Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Natalie Agnello, Alexa Amato, Kaitlin Arida, Alexandria Avery, Lee Becker, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Allison Boron, Maria Buyer, Kyle Clayton, Hannah Cliff, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Kira Dennis, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicolette Fadel, Melissa Fargino, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Rachel Gaydosh, Samantha Gieselman, Anthony Gugino, Matthew Hazelet, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Caroline Kaminski, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Benjamin Kose, LeAnna Kozlowski, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Carolina Luciani, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Alexander Neutz, Genna Nuchereno, Brian O’Keefe, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, Marvin Pawlowski, Destiny Perez, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Joshua Prygon, Jamie Raepple, Robert Rutland, Victoria Schaber, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Tess Stewart, Emily Thompson, Nicholas Vitello, Allison Walker, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 10: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Danielle Asbach, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Ellen Betterson, Robert Borden, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Courtney Catalano, Kahla Cerrillo, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Taylor Cool, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Anthony Daubney, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Jessica Doyle, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Abigail Evans, Jacob Ferrante, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Shari Geblein, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Kelcie Hanaka, Cathryn Hillard, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Jennifer Huber, Matthew Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Sara Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Ciara Morreale, Nichole Nash, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Shannon Pickel, Anthony Poupalos, Matthew Riley, Blake Rockwood, Joycelyn Rockwood, Scott Ross, Carrie Schooping, Audrey Senf, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Theodore Slipko, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Brittany Stallard, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Melanie Switalski, Michael Symington, Elizabeth Szpala, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Jacquava Thompson, Jordan Toth, Nicholas Vallina, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White
Grade 11: Kenneth Agnello, Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Christopher Bidell, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Krista Burzynski, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Lauryn Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Jamison Crawford, Laura Curcio, Michael Davis, Ashley DeMaria, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Joseph Fusco, Emily Hasselbeck, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachel Kaplan, Jared Kazmierczak, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, Cassandra Lange, William Lewandowski, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Justin McInerney, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Nicole Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, John Naumovich, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O’Brien, Ian O’Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Travis Rockwood, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, David Santillo, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Matthew Scibilia, Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Shannon Tegler, Zachary Tondera, Cassandra Ungaro, Kristina Waz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Rhianna Wing
Grade 12: Jamil Abdellatif, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Vadim Belous, Christopher Benko, Ashley Bleistein, Timothy Blonski, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Ryan Breier, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Tucker Coryn, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Chelsea DeGlopper, Gerrit DenBeste, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Garrett Fallin, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Kenneth McCaffery, Diane Meyer, Robert Michaels, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, James Pici, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Cristina Rivera, Francisco Rodriguez, Sarnjit Samra, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Chelsea Sommer, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Dana Szczepaniak, Nicholas Thompson, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Aaron Wilson




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - April 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the third marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
Grade 9: Joseph Aladeen, Robert Amsdill, Mark Argy, Sarah Bastian, Sean Benninger, Marissa Booker, Conor Bryan, Brianna Busch, Mariah Christie, Maggie Coffas, Dustin Coryn, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Joseph Edel, Gregory Feathers, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Amanda Geis, Jordan Gibson, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Alexandra Imperi, Tristan Kessler, Haroon Khawar, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Victoria Kowzan, Nicholas Lovetro, Ashley McCord, Danielle McGuire, Daniel McKenna, Kimberley Mellett, Samantha Morrison, Nicholas Muoio, Jessica Mysliwiec, Davis Nelson, Katie Nordvik, Erin O’Connor, John Osberg, Travis Perno, Sarah Pici, Lauren Priest, Scott Quider, Brian Reagan, Lance Robinson, Michael Rustowicz, Shane Ryan, Kayla Salonek, Lee Schuster, Kaileen Shoemaker, Eric Siwicki, Griffin Smith, Carly Snyder, Kyle Spratford, Andrew Stange, Mitchell Stessing, Joshua Stoddard, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Robert Tates, Justine Vanthoff, Ryan Vertino, Alexandra Whitford, Lauren Whitney, Christopher Wilczek, Shaun Winter, Zachary Winter, Joseph Zarbo
Grade 10: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Kimberley Banas, Ashley Bass, Chelsea Bergmann, Jared Billica, Kelsey Borgeson, Haley Breier, Heather Brooks, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Jeremy Chopra, Molly Clingersmith, Jaclyn Coe, Vincent Coty, Richard Cribbs, Colleen Danahy, Casey Deuser, Meghan Dollard, Christina Eldridge, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Mallory Griffiths, Ryan Hagen, Meaghan Hayes, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Christopher Jurga, Nathaniel Keefe, Amanda Kennedy, Daniel Kilian, Sara Kurpiewski, Marissa Lange, Pasquale Lemme, Kaitlyn Little, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Maria Lorence, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Kirk Manquen, Samantha McCollum, Amber Meyers, Nathaniel Miles, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Sara Orsolits, Sarah Palazzolo, Brittany Papaj, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Stefane Samland, Luis Serrano, Aleem Shariff, Shawn Speidel, Lauren Stanwick, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Scott Thompson, Nicholas Tomkins. Kaitlin Turner, Elizabeth Wilson, Patrick Winters
Grade 11: Benjamin Angelo, Ryan Ayers, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Erin Bonaquist, Ellen Cameron, Joshua Camizzi, Chase Cedrone, John Certo, Ryan Chrostowski, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Stacey Cyman, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Courtney Donovan, Samantha Drexelius, Mark Eberhard, Emily Eisenberger, Sara El Houssieny, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Krystal Ferguson, Nicole Fischer, Devan Golda, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Megan Kaleta, Jessica Kuehne, Gabrielle Lapp, Matthew Lewis, Ryan Link, Jacqueline Lunick, Christopher McDonnell, Matthew McKenna, Alex Missert, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Christian Nole, Brian Nusstein, Casey Olszewski, Jessica Perry, Justina Potenzo, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Michael Scappechio, Alysse Schuster, Jordan Stickl, Kristen Swan, Pierre Tanguay, Stephanie Tolbert, Christie Utz, Amanda Williams
Grade 12: Sheri Ackendorf, Melissa Affuso, Cortney Ambrosia, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Nicole Brown, Erich Burchfield, Cassondra Carlson, Vincent Cesario, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, John Connors, Michael Corrao, Lauren Culp, Monique Dhand, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Eric Feathers, Robert Fiels, Ashleigh Frieday, Russell Gaiser, Alexander Grande, Ashley Harrison, Meghan Hartman, Joel Hasselbeck, Adam Henry, Stephanie Hopkins, Beth Huffnagle, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Megan Koller, Jordan Krieger, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Morgan Macguire, Amanda McCord, Ian Michaliszyn, Christopher Miller, Chad Moran, Krista Moran, Natalie Mucci, Daniel Nobrega, Jessica O’Brien, Kyle Patterson, Ian Pless, Christine Ray, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Jeffrey Rogan, Tina Rott, John Ryan, Candace Santana, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Lisa Sonnenberg, Janice Sturtz, Katherine Szpala, Kaitlin Voltz, Jason Walker, Melanie Wing, Cory Zaranek




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 27, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 4/27/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 20, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 4/20/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 13, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 4/13/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Musicians Receive Superior Ratings At Dixie Classic Festival - April 2006
  
Shopping, sightseeing and eating were all part of the Grand Island High School musicians' weekend.
   All Grand Island High School School groups from the District Music Department received "superior" ratings on their performances at the Dixie Classic National Festival held in Chicago April 7-9, 2006. Martin Allen's Wind Ensemble took the award for Best Overall group in the Festival. Mr. Allen also directed the concert band and Miss Deb Remson directed the GIHS orchestra. "Four trophies were brought home," Miss Remson said. "Each of three groups got a Superior rating and a trophy. The Wind Ensemble took home a big trophy for the Best Instrumental performing group of the entire festival!" she said.




GIHS Winter Sports Season Highlights - 2006
Ashleigh Frieday, Ian O’Rourke and Girls Bowling Team
   Junior Ian O’Rourke accomplished everything possible, as the #1 Diver in New York State and the Lady Vikings Bowlers won the first ever Section VI Class B Championship.
   Ian, last year won the NYS Public High School Diving Championship, but finished 2nd in the Federation, which includes all Private, Catholic, Independent and Public schools in NYS. This season, Ian won it all. A three time All-American, he won both the Public school and Federation Championship.
   The Girls Bowling team got hot at the right time of the season, winning the Section VI, Class B Championship at Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga. The Lady Vikings finished 4th overall in WNY, totaling 5032 pins and finishing with a 70-pin cushion over perennial champions Maryvale. Co-Captains Krista Moran and Jessica Coughlin led the charge for first-year Coach Craig Davis.
   The Lady Viking Basketball team had another successful season, finishing 2nd in the Niagara Frontier League at 10-4, and reaching the Section VI semi-finals. The Lady Vikings were led by Senior Ashleigh Frieday, the Lady Vikings all time scoring leader with 1209 points. Ashleigh becomes only the fourth player in Viking history to score 1,000 points: Carlin Hartman 1513 pts., Anthony Scott 1192 pts., and Julie Roth 1007 pts. Junior 6’2” Courtney Donovan was the Lady Vikings dominant inside force all season.
   The Boys Swimming and Diving team, 2004-05 NFL Champions, took a big hit to graduation, still able to compete successfully in every contest. The team was led by Federation Diving Champion Ian O’Rourke and state qualifier junior Jordan Stickl (50 & 100 Free). The team has many promising young swimmers and divers in the program, so look for the Vikings to be back up on top of the league next season.
   Another very young team with a bright future is the Viking Wrestling team. Senior captain Joe Ciechoski led the team with 25 wins at 119 lbs. Weight class. The Vikings' highlight of the season was heavyweight Tucker Coryn recording a pin, the last match of the night, with the score tied, upsetting Lockport for Vikings head coach Jeff Johnston’s first career win against Lockport. The Vikings return several promising young wrestlers, with help from the modified team, Club Wrestling, and intramurals.
   The Girls and Boys Viking Indoor Track team once again was very successful participating in 9 all day meets at Fredonia State, Buffalo State, and Lancaster High School. Coach Don Sauer’s Indoor Track team has to be very flexible for practice using the new gym, upstairs wrestling facility, weight room, swimming pool and running outdoors throughout the winter. This year's outstanding achievements were senior John Connors (300M) and junior Tim Fargino (1000M) both qualifying to the State Tournament at Cornell University.
   The Viking Basketball team rebounded from one of the worst seasons last year to a respectable 8-13 record. The Vikings had a never give up attitude this season, which was spearheaded by seniors Ryan Breier, Eric Skelly, Derek Moody and Frank Rodriguez. Coach Simpson has a good nucleus of young players leading the attack next season.
   The Boys Bowling team suffered through one of its most disappointing seasons in years. They started the season with a huge victory over Lockport, but never seemed to get on track the rest of the year. The Boys team finished with a 3-11 record, but lose only one senior to graduation. It looks like a bright future for the Boys Bowling team.
   The Viking Sports teams, once again, finished second overall (Spring 2005, Fall 2005, and Winter 2005-2006) in the NFL Sports Supremacy Award.
   "I am very proud to announce that the Lady Viking Basketball team, Boys Basketball team, and Boys Swimming & Diving team qualified for the NYSPHSAA Winter season Scholar Athlete Team Award," Jon Roth said. Seniors Dana Szczepaniak (Basketball) and Ian Clark (Indoor Track) were awarded the Section VI/Buffalo News All WNY Academic Winter Season Team Award for 2005-06.
   Congratulations to all our Student Athletes, Champions and coaches for another excellent winter sports season.
    Click for NFL All-Stars
Story submitted by Jon Roth, Director of Interscholastic Athletics .




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 6, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 4/6/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
April 2006
 
Lauren Asbach                Monique Dhand                     Mary Duff                     Breanne DeMarco
   Lauren Asbach has been a Grand Island resident all her life. Since starting her academic career in kindergarten in Sidway, Lauren has continually remained intent on her studies as well as active in her community.
   Since starting high school, Lauren has challenged herself by taking AP and Honors courses, and while doing so has been able to remain on the honor roll. She has received her Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin, and Letter and was inducted into National Honor Society last year. She has also been honored with the Pride of the Island Award twice.
   Lauren has participated in the music program by playing the clarinet in Concert Band ninth through eleventh grade and playing the bass clarinet in Wind Ensemble this year. She was also a part of the chorus for musicals Guys and Dolls and Seussical the Musical and joined Vocal Jazz her junior year. Lauren swam on the Junior Varsity Girls Swim Team her junior year, however because she wanted to concentrate on her studies this year, she did not swim but remained involved by becoming a team manager.
   Lauren is an active member of her church youth group and also participates in her youth group's drama team. In the summer of 2003 she went on a missions trip to High Braes, New York for a week where she helped run a day camp for kids in kindergarten through second grade. That summer she also was coach for both of Grand Island's teams which competed in the Battle of the Books competition. One team placed third. Lauren was an assistant leader in VBS for two summers as well. During the school year, Lauren assisted in Children's Church for various age groups.
   Lauren plans on attending either Buffalo State College or Niagara University and majoring in history education.
   Monique Dhand has been a Grand Island resident since kindergarten. She attended Huth Road Elementary School through 5th grade and then continued on to Veronica E. Connor Middle School. She is currently attending Grand Island High School where she is a senior. Monique has worked to her full potential in and outside of school.
   Throughout her academic career, she has challenged herself with honors and Advanced Placement classes and she has been a constant honor roll or high merit roll student. Monique's extracurricular activities have included International Club, Spotlighters, History Club, and Internship and Portfolio. She has helped to plan and participated in International Night for numerous years. Monique is an active part of two sports teams, Indoor track, and Tennis. She has received a varsity letter for both in her junior year and currently holds the record for the long jump. Monique has also participated in the Corporate Bowl for the past two years and plans to compete this year as well.
   Outside of school, Monique has been continually active in her community. She does so by volunteering at the Grand Island Memorial Library for the summer and holiday programs for children. One such program includes the Battle of the Books, which recently took first place among all the Western New York libraries, gaining an official proclamation from the Town Board. On the weekends, Monique also helps at her Hindu Cultural Society Temple. In addition, she volunteers at the Buffalo Science Museum and has participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and the Student Olympics.
   After graduation, Monique plans to attend a four-year college. She hopes to someday enter the medical field and work with children.
   Through her high school and middle school career, Mary Kate Duff has been an honor student and, similarly to most other recipients of the Rotary Student of the Month award, she is a member of the National Honor Society and challenges herself through enrolling in AP courses. She appreciates the opportunities that Grand Island High School has given her and feels strongly that her skills have been properly developed through the hard work of her teachers, but in spite of this, academics are not her first priority and is definitely not the criteria she wishes to have her life evaluated on.
   Mary Kate has been involved with various community service projects, but has found that she works best in the lively atmosphere of an auditorium. Mary Kate has discovered a passion for leadership and involvement through her work with Grand Island High School's Spotlighters Drama Club. Via stage-managing both the 2004 and 2005 fall productions, she has uncovered a potential within herself to organize, lead, and direct. She feels these skills will be far more useful in life than SAT scores or academic pins. She aspires to be a role model amongst her peers, though she is fully aware that she is comparably flawed and will always need the guidance of another in this task.
   As vice president of Spotlighters, Mary Kate strives, though not with complete success, to help all members find their niche within the club. In her own life, active involvement with Spotlighters had led to life-changing relationships and special bonds with peers and adults. These are the treasured rewards of her career at Grand Island schools that she will use to pursue theatre studies after high school in order to direct or stage manage for community and youth theatres as an adult.
   Breanne DeMarco has been a resident of Grand Island since she was an infant. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island School District since starting first grade at Kaegebein Elementary School. It was at Kaegebein where she was awarded with the "Golden K" pin and received Pride of the Island.
   Bre has taken advantage of every opportunity given to her while attending Grand Island. She is involved in sports all year long. She participates in cross-country, basketball and track and field. Bre has also been a part of the varsity cross country and track and field team since seventh grade. This year she served as captain of the cross-country team and has been MVP of the tack team the past three years. Bre plays on the Girls Varsity Basketball team where she has earned her varsity letter. She has been a scholar athlete for all of her varsity seasons while in high school
   Bre is also involved in other school activities such as student government, Student Advisory Council, and Key Communicators. She has represented her class as president for the past four years. Bre has been involved in Student Advisory Council since freshman year and currently is serving as president. She received the honor of being asked to be a Key Communicator where she helps discuss different issues concerning the community four times throughout the year.
   Bre not only occupies her time with studying and athletics but also makes time to help in the community. She is involved in her church youth group where she has been on several work camps helping fix homes of those in need across the country. On many occasions, Bre has volunteered at Kaegebein helping with events such as Kaegebein's 50th Anniversary and school book fairs.
   Bre plans to continue her education after graduation by attending a four-year college.




High School Talent Show Gets Rave Revues
Students! Submit Your Photos - March 2006

Walk It Off band (left) John Lew, Jordan Dixon, Andrew Stange and Griffin Smith
   The annual student talent show held at the Grand Island High School Thursday, March 16, 2006 was a huge success. Parents and kids alike proclaimed it "a great show."
   Shown above is Andrew Stange's band, Walk It Off featuring Stange (drums and vocals), Griffin Smith (lead guitar), Jordan Dixon (guitar and vocals), and Jon Lew (bass).
   The show was sponsored by the GIHS Class of 2007. Photos of the various acts will be added here as they are submitted for consideration.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
March 2006
 
Charlotte Booth                Laura Long                     Catherine R. Cline
   Charlotte Booth has been a resident of Grand Island all her life. She has been enrolled in Grand Island School District since starting kindergarten at Charlotte Sidway Elementary School. Throughout the years, she has excelled in many areas.
   Academically, Charlotte has consistently and easily achieved Merit Roll and has often reached the Honor Roll level. The National Youth Leadership Forum and the National Society of High School Scholars have recognized her.
   In high school Charlotte has been extremely involved in extracurricular activities. In her freshman and sophomore years, she was a member of the award-winning Concert Band. During those years, she was also on the J. V. softball team and the J.V. soccer team, which she was named captain of during her sophomore year and led them to an undefeated record. As a junior, she played on the Varsity softball team and also played on the State Finalist and undefeated Varsity soccer team. She was honored with the Scholar Athlete award twice in 11th grade and hopes to achieve this again during this year's season.
   Charlotte has been continually active in her community as well. She frequently volunteers at soup kitchens in Buffalo and at retirement homes throughout WNY. She has also done a great deal of service with her youth group at Trinity United Methodist Church. She has attended three Reach Work camps as far as New Mexico and Tennessee to fix homes. She is also very active in Teen Leaders at the Tonawanda YMCA, and Relay for Life.
   Charlotte is a very busy and dedicated young lady. She is in a group called "Picture This" with three other members where she plays the piano and sings. Her group is well recognized around Buffalo and other cities and Charlotte would like to pursue her interest in music on the side in her future. She is also very involved in Young Life and other church groups. In addition, she has competed in numerous pageants where she has won titles including Miss Jr. Teen New York, Miss Teen Sunburst Niagara Frontier, Miss Teen Erie County A.T.O.C. and 2005 America's Fair Princess. Traveling, whether it is for pageants or sports, has been something she has enjoyed doing. In addition, she writes songs and poems, which the International Society of Poets has recognized her for.
   Charlotte has set very high goals for her future. After graduation in June, Charlotte plans to attend either Daemen College or the University of North Carolina to obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.
   Laura Long has been a resident of Grand Island since she was four years old. She attended Sidway School and has continued through to Grand Island High School. Throughout her schooling Laura has been academically committed and is interested in art.
   Laura has maintained either honor roll or high honor roll status throughout middle and high school. She was a district finalist in a foreign language poster contest and has also earned her Academic Certificate, Pin and Letter. She is eager to earn her Academic Bar this year. Laura was inducted into the National Honor Society in eleventh grade, and continues to actively participate in its events.
   Laura has always been interested in Arts and was a member of the Kaegebein Art Club. She joined the Grand Island High School Art Club in tenth grade. This is her third year as an active member and she is the current vice president. She was the captain of the Art Club Relay For Life team for the past two years and wants to continue onto a third. She has participated in Art Alive at the Albright Knox Art Gallery for the past two years, and is highly anticipating this year's participation.
   Apart from the Art Club Laura has been involved in many art classes. In eighth grade she took Studio in Art. She continued through high school, including an independent study in quilting with Mrs. Wynne. Currently she is in Advanced Placement Studio in Art, concentrating on landscapes in watercolor.
   When she is not in school, Laura is often found sewing, a hobby of hers. She has done this since she was seven years old. Laura is also a senior in Girl Scouts and has earned her Silver Award and is working on her Gold Award. She also works at her favorite store, Jo Ann Fabrics between fifteen and twenty hours a week.
   After graduation, Laura plans to attend a four-year school where she is interested in studying Business and Textiles in order to one day open her own formal gown shop.
   Catherine R. Cline has been a resident of Grand Island and has attended Grand Island schools her entire life. While in the district she was involved in many activities and excelled at everything she did.
   Academically, Catherine has achieved merit and honor roll status throughout high school. She challenged several Advanced Placement courses as well. She has been awarded with Who's Who Among American High School Students, with honors. She will be graduating high school with 35+ credits.
   While in high school, Catherine has been extremely involved in extra curricular activities. As a freshman, Catherine was involved in the Art Club, Spotlighters, Choir, Vocal Jazz and All-County. During her sophomore year, she joined Concert Choir and the play, and musical productions. She also earned her Varsity letter for music. As a junior, Catherine added lacrosse to her list of rigorous activities and earned another Varsity letter. As a senior she added Madrigals and the Superintendent's Advisory Council to her list. For four years, she has been a member of the Venture yearbook staff, earning the titles of Assistant to the Teacher, Music Editor, Clubs and Activities Editor, and Assistant to the Editor. She sings and plays the guitar and keyboard. She plays soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, snowboarding and track.
   She has played soccer for the Grand Island Soccer Club since she was five. She started in the House League, moved up to play travel for the Club in sixth grade, and continues to play for them. Over the summer, she gave up two days a week to help coach a youth lacrosse league.
   As far as the community is concerned, Catherine is involved. She was a Girl Scout until freshman year. In her freshman, sophomore and junior years she was an active member in many church youth groups and, as a junior, even joined a worship band. She helped with food drives and donations whenever she could. For the past three years, she has taken part in Relay For Life.
   She has always enjoyed history, and in eleventh grade, she fell in love with the idea of teaching it a the high school level.
   As a senior, she is involved in an A. P. Psychology class. She is also currently participating in an internship with a teacher who teaches Global 9 and 10 classes. In addition, Catherine enrolled in Criminal Law and America's Wars courses.
   In the future Catherine sees herself attending Buffalo State College and earning Bachelor Degrees in U. S. History and Psychology. She will earn a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. She then intends to return to Grand Island High School to teach U. S. History and Introduction and A. P. Psychology classes.




GIHS Students To Play At Kleinhans With GBYO - March 2006
   Four Grand Island High School students, involved in the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, will be among 90 of WNY's most talented student musicians performing a "Side By Side" concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall, 71 Symphony Circle in Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2006. The Island students are juniors Stephanie Cartwright and Vida Rostami, and seniors Lauren Campbell and GBYO's principal trumpet player, Joe Orsolits.
   The winner of a competition to see which school has the most spectators in attendance, will receive a monetary reward for that school's music department. For free concert tickets, contact the Grand Island High School Music Department at 773-8868.




Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - April 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2006 in the Grand Island High School band room, 1100 Ransom Road. Please note that the time has been changed so as not to interfere with the Connor Middle School musical production at 7 p.m. the same night. This will be the last meeting before the Grand Island High School performing groups leave on April 6, 2006 for the trip to Chicago. For more information, call Booster Club Co-President Cindy Orsolits at 774-2774.




High School DECA Club Members Shine At State Conference - 2006
 
Grand Island High School students at State DECA competition 2006

 
(left) Catherine Cline and Cheryl Chamberlain; (right) Carissa Bailey wins at NYS DECA conference

 
(left) Stephen Beatty, Eric Feathers, Christopher Simpson and Corey McGowan; (right) Carissa Bailey, Janice Sturtz, Rebecca Fetzer, Chelsea DeGlopper, and Lauren Culp


(left) Catherine Cline, Christopher Simpson, and Stephen Beatty

 
(left) Carissa Bailey and Cheryl Chamberlain; (right) Lauren Culp, Janeen Amantia, Catherine Cline, Chelsea DeGlopper, Carissa Bailey, Janice Sturtz, Rebecca Fetzer, Cheryl Chamberlain

Cheryl Chamberlain photos - Click for larger view
   Eleven students from Grand Island High School attended the New York State DECA Conference March 8-11 with their advisors Cheryl Chamberlain and Christopher Simpson. This three day event is the capstone of the year for business students and over 2,300 DECA members from all over NYS competed in business related categories. The eleven students that participated were:
Janeen Amantia, Carissa Bailey, Stephen Beatty, Catherine Cline, Lauren Culp, Chelsea DeGlopper, Eric Feathers, Rebecca Fetzer, Corey McGowan, Janice Sturtz, and Stephanie Tolbert.
   Grand Island School Board member George Casey served as a judge during this year’s event and cheered the GIHS DECA students to victory in their events. A total of seven gold medals were awarded to the following GIHS DECA students who rank in the top ten of NYS: Chelsea DeGlopper (2 medals) for Quick Service Restaurant Management, Rebecca Fetzer for Food Marketing, Eric Feathers for Sales Demonstration, Catherine Cline for Decision Making Human Resources, Stephanie Tolbert for Public Speaking Extemporaneous, and Carissa Bailey (medal and **second place trophy in NYS) for Public Speaking Prepared. Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain was awarded the Gold Bar Plaque for increasing DECA membership by over 15 students this year.
   "Congratulations to all and a special thank you to Mr. George Casey from the students of GIHS DECA."




John Connors, Tim Fargino (Track), Ian O'Rourke,
Jordan Stickl (Swimming) Compete At State Competition - 2006

(left) John Connors, Tim Fargino, Jordan Stickl and Ian O'Rourke
      Click photo for larger view
   Ian O'Rourke is the current state diving champion after winning the NYS Federation Diving Championship on Saturday, March 4, 2006. He qualified for his fifth straight NYS Meet winning his fourth straight Section 6 diving title. Ian's 11 dive score qualifies him for his third straight All-America team. Click Ian O'Rourke to read more.
   Jordan Stickle had a great season on the swim team and qualified for the state meet in the 50 and 100 freestyles. He finished 29th in the 100 Free. Jordan qualified last year as a sophomore swimming the backstroke leg of Grand Island's 200 yd. Medley Relay. That relay currently holds the GI school and pool records.
   High School swim coach is GIHS chemistry teacher Rob Collard.
   GIHS Boys track team members John Connors and Tim Fargino led the Grand Island boys indoor track team and qualified for the state championships held March 4, 2006 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. They are coached by Don Sauer.
   GIHS senior John Connors is looking forward to studying pharmacology in college, possibly at SUNY Albany, SUNY Buffalo or the University of North Carolina. The son of William and Sylvia Connors, he has run Indoor Track for the past three seasons, is one of the top three runners in the 300, and has qualified by winning his heat in placing 3rd at sectionals. John's time of 38.12 is a new school record. Captain of the Cross Country Team, he also holds a record on the 4x400m Relay. In Outdoor Track he runs the 110 High Hurdles, 400 IM Hurdles and the 400 as well as the 4x400 relay.
   Tim Fargino, a GIHS junior has also run Indoor Track for the past three seasons. He holds the school records in the 600m (1:26.0) and the 1000m (2:41.2) and is a member of the 4x400 relay team record of 3:52.8. Tim was the top cross country runner on the team. He was third in the sectionals in the 1000m run and has the 4th best time in WNY in the 1000.




High School Talent Show - March 2006
   The annual Grand Island High School talent show will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2006 in the school auditorium. Cost is $5. The show will feature a variety of acts and local bands including the band, Thee Onyx. Members of Thee Onyx are Kyle Kraft on drums and lead vocals, Zach Winter on guitar and vocals, and DJ Perri on bass guitar. Also on the program is Andrew Stange's band, Walk It Off featuring Andrew Stange (drums and vocals), Griffin Smith (lead guitar), Jordan Dixon (guitar and vocals), and Jon Lew (bass).




Lady Vikings Section VI Champions - 2006

Coach Craig Davis, Senior Co-Capt. Krista Moran and Sophmore Tory Eldridge. Missing from picture are Co-Captain Chrissy Ray, Jessica Coughlin, Stephanie Cope and Nicole Serra.
      Click for larger view
   For the first time in the school’s history, the Grand Island Girls Varsity Bowling Team ended their season with a first place finish among Class B schools in the Section VI Tournament held at Thruway Lanes on Tuesday, February 28. The Lady Vikings had a very respectable 4th place overall finish.
   After the morning three-game session, the Lady Vikings found themselves in third place with a total pin fall of 2661. They trailed the eventual overall and Class A champion, Lockport (2684) and eventual 2nd place overall Class A school, Frontier (2691). The Lady Vikings were paced by senior co-captain Krista Moran – 590 three game set and junior Jessica Coughlin – 582 three game set. Junior Stephanie Cope chipped in with a 204 game and sophomore Tory Eldridge helped out with a 194 game.
   The Lady Vikings entered the afternoon session with a seemingly commanding lead of 170 pins over 2nd place Class B school, Maryvale (2491). However, after the second game of the three game set, the lead had dwindled down to a scant 16 pins. The Lady Vikings were now also tied with Class A school, Niagara Wheatfield, for third overall. After some inspiring words and bowling from senior co-captain Chrissy Ray, the Lady Vikings bowled, by far, their best game of the afternoon and ended up with a 70 pin lead over Maryvale and the Class B Championship. The Lady Vikings slipped to fourth overall as Niagara Wheatfield continued their excellent afternoon of bowling.
   Also bowling for Grand Island and adding her emotional support was freshman Nicole Serra. First year coach Craig Davis was very pleased with his team’s mental toughness and hopes that this year’s championship will be the first of many.




Ian O'Rourke Wins
First NYS Federation Diving Championship - March 2006
   Grand Island High School junior Ian O'Rourke won the NYS Federation Diving Championship on Saturday, March 4, 2006 and repeats as the NYS Public High School champion. His 11 dive score qualifies him for his third straight All-America Diving Team. Complete Prelim and Final Meet Results for NYS Federation and NYS Public High School may be found at: "www.nbsharks.com/highschool/BoysHS/2006/NYS/Single.ht".
   See also "Buffalo News Story 3/5/2006" by Miguel Rodriguez.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending March 2, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 3/2/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
February 2006
 
Melissa Affuso                Tim Blonski                        Catherine Lewis
   Melissa Affuso has been a resident of Grand Island all of her life. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island schools since kindergarten at Sidway Elementary. Throughout the years she has been busy balancing her academics with extra curricular activities and community involvement.
   Melissa has always been drawn to the excitement of music and the stage. She has been very actively involved in the high school Choir, Concert Choir and Concert Band. During her freshman and sophomore year she was a practice buddy and a member of the high school's pep band. She was voted for president of Choir and Madrigals her senior year, as well as vice president of Concert Choir. In addition to these academic classes, Melissa is involved in Vocal Jazz and a select choir group, "Madrigals," with both groups meeting at 6:30 a.m. before school on a weekly basis. Melissa has received her music letters, pins and white letter because of all her hard work and dedication to music. She is also an active member of the drama club, "Spotlighters," at the high school. Melissa has taken part in all four musicals throughout her high school career. She took a leading role during her junior year and has been in the chorus for her other three years of high school.
   Melissa also took part in three of the high school fall plays and earned a leading role her junior year. In her sophomore year, Melissa began reading daily announcements in the morning and afternoon to the entire student body. In her junior year, Melissa was secretary of the Humanities Club. She has been accepted into the ECMEA All-County Chorus three times and looks forward to auditioning again during her senior year. Melissa has attended yearly solo festival competitions around the county where she was graded on her talent and vocal abilities. The summer before her senior year, Melissa attended the New York State Summer School of the Arts for Choral Studies. This program was held at SUNY Fredonia, where 85 high school students from around the state auditioned and were accepted into a vigorous month-long music program.
   Outside of school Melissa is constantly keeping herself busy. She has taken dance lessons for nine years, studied with a private voice teacher for over four years, and has taken piano lessons for seven years.
   Melissa has constantly been involved with her church by earning lead roles in three of the St. Stephen's Parish Players musicals. She has been a religion teacher for ages for seven years and has helped in soup kitchens around the community. She has participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and a community youth group, Young Life, for two years.
   Academically, Melissa has been recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students and National Honor Roll for Academics. She was awarded the Grand Island High School PTSA Academic Excellence Award during her junior year. Melissa has taken advantage of the CEIP/Internship course offered at the high school where she has worked 57 hours, non-paid internships at Huth Road Elementary and at Righteous Babes Records in Buffalo. While in this class she has prepared an employability portfolio, which displays her accomplishments and skills. Melissa was voted as secretary for Student Council her senior Year, after being a part of the student council for two years.
   After graduation, Melissa plans on attending a four-year college to study as a double major in Vocal Performance/Music Education.
   Tim Blonski has been a student of the Grand Island School District since he entered Kaegebein Elementary at the age of five. In the many years since then, he has become involved in various aspects of student life. However, no matter the circumstances, from academics to athletics, Tim has prided himself in applying maximum effort in exchange for optimum success.
   As a student, academics have remained Tim's top priority. Consequently, he has received numerous honors to commend his scholastic achievements, including Pride of the Island, RIT Computing Medal, and National Honor Society. Moreover, Tim's repeated standing as an honor roll student has earned him an academic pin and letter. Tim knows that academics are the keys to achievement, and thus, he is determined to follow the path he has created towards scholastic success.
   Although academics have always been Tim's first priority, it is the same competitiveness that fuels his performance in the classroom that drives him to excel on the athletic field. In the past four years of high school, Tim has earned three Varsity letters for athletics and will have participated in 12 athletic seasons. He has been a member of the varsity soccer, swim, and lacrosse team, and will have served as captain for all three by the time he graduates.
   Over the years, Tim has been an active participant in the community. For the past two summers, he has volunteered for Meals on wheels in the City of Buffalo. Additionally, he has volunteered his time as a youth soccer coach for the Grand Island House Soccer Program and has helped coach in Grand Island's Youth Lacrosse League.
   Following high school, Tim plans to pursue a career in law. He has applied to a variety of different universities, including UB, Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany and Geneseo. He hopes to use his law degree to pursue a career as a Sports Agent.
   Catherine Lewis has been a resident of Grand Island since the fourth grade. She has attended Huth Road Elementary, Veronica Connor Middle School, and Grand Island High School. She has tried to balance her high school career with challenging academics, varsity sports, and extracurricular clubs.
   Catherine has been taking higher-level classes since the earliest opportunities were offered to her. She is currently taking her third and fourth A.P. classes, and in her junior year she took a college French class through Niagara University. She has been recognized both locally and nationally for her academic successes, by Who's Who Among American High School Students twice, Pride Of The Island twice, as well as Outstanding French Student and Academic Certificate, and this year she is a member of the National Honor Society.
   Catherine is very dedicated to her music and art activities. She has been an avid member of Art Club her entire high school career. As a sophomore and a junior, she participated with the GIHS Art Club in Art Alive at the Albright-Knox with wins both years for the Club. Catherine currently participates in three choirs, Concert Choir, Madrigals and Vocal Jazz. For her musical involvement, Catherine has earned her Varsity Letter, two pins and her White Varsity Letter. She has been in the musical as a sophomore and junior and was a member of the stage crew as a freshman. She has also participated in All-County and Solo-Fest performances since her freshman year.
   Catherine is currently captain of the Girls' Varsity Swim Team. It is also her fourth year on the team. She has earned her Varsity Letter as well as her varsity pin. As a sophomore she was recognized as the Junior Varsity Most Valuable Swimmer. She is also involved in the Mock Trial team, History Club, and is president of the Humanities Club. She has also competed in the Corporate Bowl since she was a freshman.
   Catherine has always been involved in community service, such as teaching Vacation Bible School and volunteering at various Bishop Timon-St. Jude activities. She has participated in Relay for Life for two years and is currently serving as the Corresponding Secretary for the PTSA.
   After high school, Catherine plans to attend college to study Adolescent Education, specializing in history, with a minor in French.




Vikings Represent HSBC, Win Another Fredonia Indoor Tournament - 2006

(Front left) Coach Chris Pepper, Catie Hilliard, Dana Szczepaniak, Jessica Remmes, Jordan Dudish, Coach David Bowman; (back) Kristin Wegrzyn, Alicia Fisher, Sam Drexelius, Heather Buzzelli, Jackie Coe
      Click for larger view
   The Grand Island Lady Vikings won their third championship at the Fredonia State Indoor Soccer Tournament on Sunday, February 12th. The Vikings (HSBC) went home with a record of 6 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie as they defeated Bolivar II 3-1, Lake Shore 10-0, West Seneca West 5-0, and Bolivar 2-0, and tied Livonia 2-2 in the first round. The Vikings (HSBC) were seeded number 1 going into the playoffs. In the semifinals they defeated Bolivar II 8-2, then went on the defeat Livonia 3-2 in the finals. Scoring for the Vikings (HSBC) were Jessica Remmes with 10 goals, Alicia Fisher with 8 goals, Dana Szczepaniak with 5 goals, Catie Hilliard with 4 goals, Jordan Dudish with 2 goals, Heather Buzzelli with 2 goals, Sam Drexelius with 2 goals, and Jackie Coe with 1 goal. Playing solid defense for the Vikings (HSBC) was Coe, Dudish, Buzzelli, and Casey Carminati while Kristin Wegrzyn made some key saves during the tournament and recorded 3 shutouts and allowed only 7 goals in seven games. The Lady Vikings represented the Grand Island branch of HSBC bank and would like to thank them for their support of Vikings soccer.




NFL All-Stars Announced - March 2006
   GIHS Juniors qualify for the New York State Swimming and Diving Championships. Ian O'Rourke (1-meter diving) and Jordan Stickl (50 and 100 yd Freestyles) qualifed for the NYS Meet held this Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 2006 at ECC Flickenger Aquatic Center in Downtown Buffalo.
   Jordan qualified last year as a Sophomore swimming the backstroke leg of Grand Island's 200 yd. Medley Relay. That relay currently holds the GI school and pool records.
   Ian qualified for his fifth straight NYS Meet winning his fourth straight Section 6 diving title. Ian's 11 dive score qualifies him for his third straight All-America team.
   See attached NYS meet timeline and psych sheet. The psych sheet lists the meet qualifiers from fastest to slowest in each event.
   Section 6 Championship (NYS Meet Qualifier) and New York State Meet Championship Swimming and Diving results will be posted at the following sites:
   "NYS Section Championships and Qualifiers 2006".
   "New York Public High School Swimming".
   "All Star Swim".




High School Job Search 2006

(left) Nicole Komin, Chelsea DeGlopper, Rebecca Fetzer, and Lauren Culp.
Cheryl Chamberlain photo - Click for larger view
 
Cheryl Chamberlain photos - Click for larger view
   Over 100 Grand Island High School juniors and seniors attended the annual "Job Search" held Thursday, February 16, 2006 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. This program was coordinated by Bobbie Frisoni and the High School Business Department in conjunction with GISBA (Grand Island School Business Alliance). The students participated in job interviews with Grand Island business leaders. Break out sessions on Job Interview Success, Resume Building, and Successful College Study Skills were provided by Niagara University representatives.
   Guest Speaker, Tony Brindisi, from the Keller Insurance Group, Inc., captured the audience with the history of the Job Search program and how it has assisted students to prepare them for the “real world” of work. This authentic program affords the students the actual skills needed to be successful in the workforce.




High School Band Concert - March 2006
   A Grand Island High School band concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006 in the high school auditorium. The GIHS band is under the direction of music teacher Marty Allen.




Island Swimmers Are Section 6 Championship Qualifiers - Feb. 2006
   The Section 6 Championship Meet Swimming and Diving Preliminaries have been announced. Please visit the following link to see where the Grand Island High School Boy's Swimming and Diving Team ranks going into Thursday's Swimming Prelims held at SUNY Fredonia. "Top 40 Event Qualifiers" (click on 'Boys 2005-2006 School Year' - 'Section VI Championships'). The meet starts at 5 p.m. Directions to the SUNY Fredonia pool are also on the prelim web site.




Diving Champion Ian O'Rourke Named Super 7's Athlete Of Week - Feb. 17, 2006
   Grand Island High School junior, Ian O'Rourke, has been name WKBW's Super 7 Athlete of the Week. Ian ranks number one in the state in six one-meter springboard dives. He is the three-time defending champion heading into next week's section six championships. For WKBW's video, click "O'Rourke Athlete Of Week."




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 16, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 2/16/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island 3rd In Boys NFL Swimming and Diving Championships - Feb. 9 - 2006
   Grand Island High Swimmers competed in the Boys NFL Swimming and Diving Championships February 9, 2006. The meet was hosted by Niagara Wheatfield High School. For results, click "Feb. 9 Swim Championships"




High School Winter Ball 2006

Winter Ball 2006 king and queen, Chris Prygon and Jesse Remmes. Click photo for larger view


Students chosen for the court shown from left are Nick Geib and Amanda Mayes, Queen Jesse Remmes and King Chris Prygon, Amber Duda and Alex Neutz, and Ashley Ray and Rich Anzalone. Click photo for larger view

     
Click photos for larger view
 
Cheryl Chamberlain Photos

Lindsay Boyle and Ryan Hagen
   A very well attended Winter Ball 2006 was held at the Grand Island High School on Saturday evening, February 11th. A Kiss 98.5 DJ provided the music for over 490 students who attended the dance in semi-formal attire. The student council sponsored the Winter Ball and Alicia Szyprowski served as their advisor. The gym was decorated in a masquerade theme with balloons in black and red following the theme of Mardi Gras.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - Feb. 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the second marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
    High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Darren DelSignore, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kaitlyn Hardison, Taylor Jackson, Michael Karpie, Charlene Meyer, Marvin Pawlowski, Jennifer Schaber, Sierra Seese, Kuljit Singh, Evan Tsembelis
Grade 10: David Benko, Jasmeet Brar, Kelly Cich, Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Amber Hultgren, Matthew Klock, Ashley Koerntgen, Tara LoBocchiaro, Anthony Perna, Alexandra Peters, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Alexander Webb, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 11: Vincent Covatto, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Justin McInerney, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, Vida Rostami, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Donald Turner, Bessie Zhang
Grade 12: Kyle Doyle, Colleen George, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi
    Honor Roll
Grade 9: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Alexandria Avery, Lee Becker, Victoria Belous, Sean Benninger, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Allison Boron, Maria Buyer, Kyle Clayton, Hannah Cliff, Caitlin Cook, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Kira Dennis, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Kelsey Foote, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Rachel Gaydosh, Samantha Gieselman, Brandon Greenwood, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Matthew Hazelet, Scott Holler, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Caroline Kaminski, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Erin Krieger, Charles Lavallee, Timothy Lewis, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kimberley Mellett, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Alexander Neutz, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Destiny Perez, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Lauren Priest, Joshua Prygon, Jamie Raepple, Alexander Richter, Robert Rutland, Victoria Schaber, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Eric Siwicki, Alyssa Spada, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Nicholas Vitello, Allison Walker, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek, Kelly Williams, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Joseph Zarbo, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 10: Steven Accardo, Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Chelsea Baran, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Lindsey Boyle, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Courtney Catalano, Kahla Cerrillo, Jennifer Ciechoski, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Colleen Danahy, Anthony Daubney, Alexandra Davis, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Jessica Doyle, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Abigail Evans, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Cathryn Hillard, Sean Hook, Jennifer Huber, Amanda Jaeger, Sara Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Nathaniel Keefe, Jordan Kessler, Samuel Kilb, Ryan Killian, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Sara Kurpiewski, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Shawna Long, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Amber Meyers, Lindsey Miller, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Anthony Poupalos, Ciatlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Blake Rockwood, Joycelyn Rockwood, Scott Ross, Carrie Schooping, Audrey Senf, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Melanie Switalski, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Marc Velocci, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Patrick Winters
Grade 11: Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Michael Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Juliana Burkhart, Evan Busch, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Laura Curcio, Michael Davis, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Krystal Ferguson, Emily Hasselbeck, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Chelsea Kendra, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Nicole Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, John Naumovich, Christian Nole, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Christopher Rajczak, Amanda Richter, Travis Rockwood, David Rosati, Lindsey Samland, David Santillo, Adam Schopp, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Kristen Swan, Zachary Tondera, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams, Rhianna Wing
Grade 12: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Lauren Campbell, Cassondra Carlson, Jing Chen, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Chelsea DeGlopper, Michael DelZoppo, Kate Dlugosz, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Angelia Jaeger, Jordan Krieger, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Kayla Nash, Phichai Opaskiatikul, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, James Pici, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Cristina Rivera, Sarnjit Samra, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Dana Szczepaniak, Nicholas Thompson, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Aaron Wilson




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - Feb. 2006
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the second marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
Grade 9: Kelli Adreon, Joseph Aladeen, Daniel Basile, Sarah Bastian, Marissa Booker, Tyler Booth, Conor Bryan, Brianna Busch, Jonathan Caruana, Mariah Christie, Dustin Coryn, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Joseph Edel, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Andrew Fix, Kayla Gallagher, Amanda Geis, Jordan Gibson, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Krista Goff, Brendan Hall, Adam Helman, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Craig Hooper, Brittany Keel, Haroon Khawar, Joseph Khreis, Victoria Kowzan, LeAnna Kozlowski, Beau Lapp, Drew Lazelle, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Daniel McKenna, Nicholas Muoio, Jessica Mysliwiec, Katie Nordvik, Brian O’Keefe, Craig Perno, James Pezzino, Sarah Pici, Scott Quider, Brian Reagan, Lance Robinson, Rachel Rogers, Michele Rossi, Michael Rustowicz, Kayla Salonek, Kaileen Shoemaker, Christopher Smith, Carly Snyder, Kyle Spratford, Andrew Stange, Sara Stenzel, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Justine Vanthoff, Ryan Vertino, Megan Wagner, Lauren Whitney, Andrea Wilson, Shaun Winter
Grade 10: Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Timothy Boorady, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Heather Brooks, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Jeremy Chopra, Jaclyn Coe, Vincent Coty, Richard Cribbs, Shannon Curry, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Sean Duff, Christina Eldridge, Victoria Eldridge, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Shari Geblein, Mallory Griffiths, Meaghan Hayes, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Ryan Hoople, Matthew Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Kennedy, Joseph Kobza, Pasquale Lemme, Kaitlyn Little, Matthew Little, Maria Lorence, Michael Magaris, Lisa Mager, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Edward Mallwitz, Amanda Mayes, Samantha McCollum, Courtney Mulvey, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Sarah Palazzolo, Shannon Pickel, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Stefane Samland, Luis Serrano, Joseph Shanor, Aleem Shariff, Damanpreet Singh, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Lauren Stanwick, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Michael Symington, Scott Thompson, Kaitlin Turner, Andrea Whitefield, Elizabeth Wilson
Grade 11: Kenneth Agnello, Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Krista Burzynski, Heather Buzzelli, Joshua Camizzi, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Lauryn Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Karen Coughlin, Jamison Crawford, David Cyman, Stacey Cyman, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Matthew Dommell, Courtney Donovan, Samantha Drexelius, Mark Eberhard, Rachel Eisenhauer, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Nicole Fischer, Joseph Fusco, Thomas Geib, Bridget George, Devan Golda, Mark Gramza, Carmella Grunzweig, Ryan Guagliano, Lamar Hogan, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Jared Kazmierczak, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Matthew Lewis, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Jacqueline Lunick, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Alex Missert, Abram Morgan, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Kelsey Nordvik, Brian Nusstein, Casey Olszewski, Kyle Oursler, Valerie Paris, Jessica Perry, Robert Potter, Shannon Quinn, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Alysee Schuster, Matthew Scibilia, Jordan Stickl, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Stephanie Tolbert, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Kristiana Waz
Grade 12: Sheri Ackendorf, Melissa Affuso, Cortney Ambrosia, Vadim Belous, Ashley Bleistein, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, Nicole Brown, John Brucato, Erich Burchfield, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, Tucker Coryn, Breanne DeMarco, Gerrit DenBeste, Monique Dhand, Steven Doermer, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Robert Fiels, Jessica Fike, Ashleigh Frieday, Alexander Grande, Caitlin Hall, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Stephanie Hopkins, Beth Huffnagle, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Christopher King, Megan Koller, Nicole Komin, Andrew Lang, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Morgan Macguire, Anna Mastrangelo, Kenneth McCaffery, Diane Meyer, Christopher Miller, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Andrew Nawotka, David Nolf, Jessica O’Brien, Christine Ray, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Jeffrey Rogan, Tatiana Salamone, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Chelsea Sommer, Tonja Sutton, Katherine Szpala, Kaitlin Voltz, Brendan Waddington, Jason Walker, Brittany Weber, Melanie Wing, Dane Wood




GIHS Parent/Teacher Conferences - March 3, 2006
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held from 12–2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2006 in the High School. STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 9:45 a.m. Teachers will be in their rooms. A list of room assignments will be posted. Appointments are not necessary.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 9, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 2/9/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS's She Loves Me Is Fabulous Show - February 2006
   
She Loves Me cast photos - Click for larger view


Pit orchestra musicians before the Saturday show started - Click for larger view

 
(left) Brett Fiedler, Robert Potter, Forrest Smith and Sarah-Jane Calvaneso; (right) Erich Burchfield, Brett Fiedler - Click for larger view

 
(left) Cast in Finale; (right) Forrest Smith - Click for larger view

 
(left) Nick Thompson and Carissa Bailey; (right) Robert Potter - Click for larger view

 
(left) Sarah-Jane Calvaneso, Carissa Bailey, Robert Potter, Brett Fiedler, Nick Thompson; (right) Vincent Covatto and Kyle Doyle - Click for larger view
         Amy Morgan Photos
   The cast, chorus and orchestra of the Grand Island High School's musical production, She Loves Me, February 2-4, drew standing ovations and much applause from all three audiences. Taking the leads in the play, directed by Nancy Lang and Carolyn Lokken, were seniors Carissa Bailey and Nick Thompson. Carissa's performance was backed up by her experience in just about every theatrical aspect. The musical score gave her great opportunities to show just how good she is, and good she was especially in her "No More Candy," and "Vanilla Ice Cream," numbers.
   Nick Thompson, who appeared in the previous high school productions of South Pacific, Guys and Dolls and Seussical, played his part like a seasoned actor opposite "co-worker" Amalia (Carissa Bailey).
   Forrest Smith, an 11th grade high honor student, deserves a line of credit for his entire performance but especially his "Grand Knowing You," song where he moved up the scale with his beautiful falsetto voice. Sarah-Jane Calvaneso, Brett Fiedler, Robert Potter, Erich Burchfield, Matthew Brady and Kyle Doyle rounded out the cast.
   The overtures played by Marty Allen's pit orchestra that opened each act, were pure delight. Professionalism personified describes this group of musicians.
   Nancy Lang served as choreographer, Carolyn Lokken, vocal director, and Cindy Wynne, producer and art advisor. Set designs were under the direction of Mark Tollner and Mark Gorton served as technical assistant.
   A list of the very talented cast and chorus members may be found by clicking "She Loves Me".





JV Swim Team NFL B Meet Championships - Feb. 7 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Junior Varsity Swim Team came in 5th place at the NFL B Meet Championships held at North Tonawanda High School Tuesday, February 7, 2006.
   Click "NFL B Meet Championship Results/Tuesday, February 7" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




All American Soccer Player Jessica Remmes Signs Letter Of Intent - Feb. 2006

(Sitted left) Cole Remmes (Jessica's brother), Martin Remmes (her father), Jessica and Debbie Remmes (her mother); (standing) Director of Athletics Jon Roth, Rochester Jr. Rhino's Coach Dan Shoniker, Past Grand Island Girls Varsity Coach Peter Prozik, Boys Varsity Coach Peter Kuhne, Boys JV Coach Chris Pepper and Girls Varsity Soccer Coach David Bowman.
 
         Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view
   All American soccer player Jessica Remmes signed her letter of intent, on Friday, February 3, 2006, to attend James Madison University in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by family members, past and present coaches and teammates, Jessica accepted a full scholarship to the public, four-year school. Jessica was the first All American Girls Soccer Player in Western New York since 1983.




NFL Diving Championship Schedule - February 2006
   Grand Island High School Swim Coach Rob Collard has announced a change of plans for the NFL Diving. The Diving will be held at Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Warm-up on Friday will begin at 3:30 p.m. and competition will begin at 5 p.m. If a team needs board time, divers can come with coaches on Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m.
   Click "Championship Schedule".




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Feb. 3 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team lost to the Lockport Lions at Grand Island on Friday, February 3rd by a score of 94-89. The JV Swim Team lost to Lockport 103-44.
   Click "Swim Results/Friday, February 3" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 2, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 2/2/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Band Concert - February 2006
   A Grand Island High School band concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2006 in the high school auditorium.
   An all-Island band concert takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2006 in the high school auditorium and will include bands made up of students in grades 4-12.




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Jan. 27 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team lost to North Tonawanda at Grand Island on Friday, January 27th by a score of 101-85. The JV Swim Team lost to North Tonawanda 89-57.
   Click "Swim Results/Friday, January 27" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Jan. 31 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team beat Niagara Falls High School at Grand Island on Tuesday, January 31st by a score of 96.50-88.50. The JV Swim Team lost to Niagara Falls 108-69.
   Click "Swim Results/Tuesday, January 31" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




Honor Society Spaghetti Dinner - 2006
   The Grand Island High School's annual Spaghetti Dinner is being held from 5:30-7:15 p.m.Friday, February 3rd at the high school, 1100 Ransom Road. Take-out dinners will be available from 2:30-3:30 p.m.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 26, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 1/26/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
January 2006
 
Casey Dahlstrom                Ashley Marien               Brandon Antonelli
   During his high school career, Casey Dahlstrom has taken interest in various studies within the school. Growing up on Grand island, he has been a prominent member of many school related and extracurricular groups. For instance, he has performed in many choral events with Concert Choir and has enjoyed a number of art classes. He is a member of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, and the student representative for the Grand Island School District's Safety Committee. Casey is recognized by many teachers, as well as students, for his hard work and dedication. Through his outstanding work ethic and overwhelming success in his studies, he has earned a certificate, pin and varsity letter for academic excellence. Currently, he is hard at work earning his academic bar.
   When not in classes, Casey can be found taking part in many extracurricular groups. He has participated in varsity volleyball, varsity tennis, and was awarded Scholar Athlete three times. If not on the court, Casey actively participates in the school musicals. He played the role of the "Shore Patrolman" in South Pacific, and a gambler in the musical, Guys & Dolls. Last year, he portrayed a hunch in Seussical: The Musical. Along with his continuing contribution to the drama department, Casey has taken part in Vocal Jazz and Humanities Club. Throughout his school career, he has taken advantage of every opportunity offered to him.
   Outside of school, the Boy Scouts of America has been an incredible aspect of Casey's life. After achieving Eagle Scout in September of 2004, he has continued his interest in scouting with an honor group called Order of the Arrow. He has taken a leadership roll as a board member representing the Polaris District. Also, participating on a ceremonies team with this group, he has gone on to compete in sectional competitions, receiving top honors. Boy Scout Troop #510 named him Scout of the Year in 2004.
   After being diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of three, Casey has publicly spoken about his experiences with cancer and Camp Good Days and Special Times. He has presented in front of a class at the University of Buffalo, spoken to a crowd of several hundred people at a local nightclub, and taught high school health classes for a day. He served as a volunteer for the Lions Club Special Kids Weekend Picnic for handicapped children.
   Casey believes strongly in the value of community service, and began volunteering at the age of four. He is well respected by his family, friends, and community, and will attend college where he has an interest in studying animal behavior, animal management and theatre.
   Ashley Marien has been a resident of Grand Island for her entire life. In this time, she has consistently challenged herself with an active school schedule, along with numerous extracurricular activities and significant community involvement.
   Throughout middle and high school, she has challenged herself with Honors and Advanced Placement courses. In her senior year, she has also taken on an independent study and an internship with Sidway Elementary School. She has remained on the high honor and honor roll throughout these years. Because of this achievement, she has earned her Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin and Varsity Letter. She also was recently inducted into the National Honor Society.
   In school, she has been a part of several music groups. She has played the viola for over eight years, and participated in the school orchestra. She was named to the All-County Orchestra in her freshman year, and to the Area All-State Orchestra in her junior year, along with participating in the double String Quartet. For her first year contribution to the orchestra, she was awarded "Rookie of the Year." She also played in the pit orchestra for South Pacific. During her sophomore year, she was in Choir, Vocal Jazz, and was named to the All-County Choir.
   Throughout high school, she has been involved in the school's musical. In addition to having participated in the pit orchestra, she was onstage for Guys and Dolls and Seussical: The Musical. She has also been involved in many other clubs including International Club, Spotlighters Club, Humanities Club, and History Club. This past year, she also joined the tennis team.
   In the community, Ashley is proud to be a volunteer with the Buffalo Museum of Science as a Camp-In assistant. She is also proud to have celebrated local history by participating in the Island's Historic Pageant for the Sesquicentennial.
   As for her future, Ashley plans on studying classical archaeology or elementary education at SUNY Albany or SUNY Buffalo.
   Brandon Antonelli has been a Grand Island resident his entire life, and has participated in the Grand Island School System since kindergarten thirteen years ago. Since this time, Brandon has made an impact on the community through his involvement and enthusiasm in his academics, athletics, and community service.
   Academically Brandon has achieved honor roll status ten times as well as high honor roll twice. This accomplishment is the reason that he has been awarded with an academic certificate, pin, and varsity letter, as well as being nationally recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students twice. Brandon has also been a recipient of the Pride of the Island award, as well as the scholar athlete award.
   Not only has Brandon experience academic success, but he has also had success in sports. He has been a tri-sport varsity athlete for two years, and hopes to continue his athleticism into college. while in high school, Brandon has been captain of the varsity wrestling team twice in his sophomore and junior year, as well as being a varsity football captain in his senior year. He hopes to return in his senior year as an assistant coach to the wrestling team.
   Brandon is not only involved in sports but also high school clubs. He is a current member of DECA, a business relations club, as well as a active member in the Career Exploration Internship Program, in which he has created a portfolio to go to competition. He has also been an active intern at two current sites to gain experience in his future fields of study.
   While not competing in sports, or studying for school, Brandon dedicates the rest of his time to his community. He currently sits on the Youth Advisory Board, a town council that is dedicated to improve the assets of today's youth. Additionally, Brandon has participated in Relay for Life to raise money for cancer. Currently he and his teams over a two-year period have raised over six thousand dollars. Brandon also participates in G.I.F.T.S. as a youth mentor, and in Special Olympics.
   After graduation, Brandon plans to attend college and major in Athletic Training with hopes of eventually being the head athletic trainer for a professional football team.




Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2006 in the Grand Island High School band room, 1100 Ransom Road.




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Jan. 20 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team lost to Niagara Wheatfield at Grand Island on Friday, January 20th by a score of 103-67. The JV Swim Team lost to Niagara Wheatfield 107.50-72.50.
   Click "Swim Results/Friday, January 20" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




Rehearsals In High Gear For GIHS Musical She Loves Me - 2006
  
(left) Carissa Baily and Nick Thompson; Matt Brady, Erich Burchfield and Brett Fiedler; Forest Smith and Sarahjane Calvaneso; Brett Fiedler and Robert Potter
         Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view
   Rehearsals for She Loves Me have moved to high gear in anticipation of the show’s three-day run, February 2, 3, and 4, at the high school. Curtain time for all three shows is 7:30 p.m. The sixty-member student cast is working overtime to coordinate music, comedy, drama, and staging. The art department is hard at work as well, preparing sets, programs, tickets and the transformation of the Viking Mall into a valentine post office.
   She Loves Me is the work of Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock, two noted musical writers. The show opened on Broadway in 1963 and has enjoyed performances in professional, community and high school venues. In 1993, thirty years after its Broadway debut, the show was revived on Broadway to rave reviews. It is regarded as a little known musical gem. The music is reminiscent of a bygone era, prior to the outbreak of World War II complete with a waltz, a tango, the sounds of a Hungarian folk dance, and a bolero. In the story line, we see a glimpse of a strained Eastern European economy. Clerks are worried about keeping their jobs and anxious to make a sale to those who still have money to spend. The comic opening chorus number, "Sounds While Selling," gives the audience an audio vignette of Maraczek’s Perfumery in old Budapest with an ambitious sales staff and shop full of wealthy customers. The dramatic theme of She Loves Me is the classic story line of two people who dislike each other who eventually fall in love. The mood is lightened by the songs, "Dear Friend, Ice Cream, A Trip to the Library" and "Twelve Days to Christmas." Love does triumph in the end of this fairy tale setting but not before transforming the lives of each of the characters.
   Tickets for all three performances can be purchased at the door for $7 General Admission. She Loves Me is served up like an old fashioned valentine that will surely tug on your heart strings. (Scroll down for list of cast members)




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 19, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 1/19/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




She Loves Me Is Grand Island High School February Musical - 2006
   She Loves Me, a musical, will be presented by Grand Island Senior High School students in three 7:30 p.m. evening performances, Thursday, February 2; Friday, February 3; and Saturday, February 4 in the high school auditorium. She Loves Me is the creation of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, the musical masterminds behind Fiddler on the Roof. The story is based on a play, Parfumerie, which was also the basis for the films The Little Shop Around the Corner, In the Good Old Summertime and You’ve Got Mail.
   The story revolves around two rival co-workers, George (Nick Thompson) and Amalia (Carissa Bailey). Their days at the perfume shop are spent in constant bickering but outside, they shop they have fallen in love with secret pen pals. The plot entangles when George discovers his secret love is really his adversary, Amalia. Other characters who lend both humor and song to the stage include the lady’s man, Kodaly (Forrest Smith); one of his current love interests, Illona (Sarah-Jane Calvaneso); the shop owner, Mr. Maraczek (Erich Burchfield); the anxious family man, Sipos (Robert Potter); and an ambitious delivery-boy, Arpad (Brett Fiedler). The comic role of the Head Waiter is played by Kyle Doyle and a private detective investigating the employees’ comings and goings, for Mr. Maraczek, is played by Matt Brady.
   The production team for She Loves Me includes Directors Nancy Lang and Carolyn Lokken; Producer and Art Advisor Cindy Wynne; Orchestra Director Martin Allen; Set Designer Mark Tollner; and Technical Assistant Mark Gorton.
   A large chorus completes the production and includes Melissa Affuso, Lauren Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Chelsea Bergmann, Lee Becker, Allison Boron, Caroline Boron, Cassi Carlson, Kahla Cerrillo, Sam Chambers, Vincent Covatto, Casey Dahlstrom, Ashley Fabio, Shannon Farmer, Aaron D’Angelo, Alexandra Davis, Sara El Houssieny, Julia Figliotti, Karen Figliotti, Andrew Fix, Jen Freiermuth, Rachel Gaydosh, Colleen George, Ryan Gualiano, Caitlin Hall, Taylor LeFevre, Catherine Lewis, Dianne Maerz, Allison Makowski, Sam Miller, Abram Morgan, Ciara Morreale, Natalie Mucci, Sarah Mye, Kayla Nash, Julie Pangborn, Tiffany Pasqualichio, James Pici, Andrew Rogers, Robert Rutland, Sydney Seese, Patrick Sexton, T.J. Slipko, Kim Snell, Alicia Sommer, Andrew Stange, Jessica Sturniolo, Donald Turner, Cassie Ungaro, James Weatherston and Rhianna Wing.
   Members of the Pit Orchestra are Traci Aladeen, Nichole Nash, Carolyn Asbach, Courtney Donner, Kaitlyn Little, Valerie Paris, Chelsea DeGlopper, Joe Orsolits, Lauren Campbell, Kelcie Hanaka, Marc Gerfin, Andy Nawotka, Stephanie Cartwright, Lauren Aughey, Jessica Doyle, Ashley Green, Amy Bidell, Ashley Marien, Alex Angelo, Jacob Ferrante, and Ellen Cameron.
   Presale tickets are $5 and available through January 25th. General admission tickets will be available at the door for $7.00. Presale tickets may be ordered by calling the Grand Island High School Music Department at 773-8868.




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Jan. 13/Jan. 17 - 2006
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team lost to Lew-Port at Lew-Port on Friday, January 13th by a score of 63-39. The JV Swim Team beat Lew-Port 59-38 at Lew-Port.
   The Grand Island Varsity and JV Varsity swim teams beat the Kenmore East teams by scores of 109-57 and 56-53 respectively on January 17, 2006 in the Ransom Road pool. Click "Swim Results/Friday, January 13" and "Swim Results/Tuesday, January 17" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
January 2006
 
Rebecca Fetzer                Erich Burchfield               Karalyn Rossi
   Rebecca Fetzer has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She started off in kindergarten at Sidway and has made her way through the Grand Island School District to her senior year at Grand Island High School. Rebecca has managed to balance her high school career with challenging honors courses, various extracurricular activities, and community service.
   Rebecca has been in the honors programs since the fifth grade. She takes all honors courses available to her and throughout her high school career has taken five advanced placement courses. She routinely achieves honor or high honor roll and has received an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and letter for her academic achievement. Her hard academic work led to her acceptance into the National Honors Society during her 11th grade year and allowed her to be recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students.
   While at Grand Island High School, Rebecca has been active in the many extracurricular activities available to her. She has been a member of the Grand Island Wind Ensemble for three years and is currently serving as the treasurer. She also participates in the jazz band, the pep band, the All-County Bands, and the Area All-State Bands. Rebecca has been a member of the DECA Club for the past three years and is also currently a member of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
   Sports also play a major role in the life of Rebecca. She has been playing soccer for the school for the past five years. She was a captain of her JV soccer team in 10th grade and earned her varsity letter in 11th grade. She also has played varsity lacrosse for the past three years and has earned her varsity letter and two pins. She has been named a Scholar Athlete four times and was named an Academic All-American for lacrosse in 11th grade.
   Rebecca also places a great emphasis on community service. She has worked on repairing the homes of those less fortunate through Reach Workcamps for the past three years. She regularly participates in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and volunteers for the Neighbors Foundation. Also, she was a coach of a Grand Island House Soccer Team for one summer.
   For the future, Rebecca plans on attending a university to continue her studies. She intends to study pharmacy and obtain her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree.
   Erich Burchfield grew up on Grand Island. He has strong beliefs and convictions and enjoys making people smile. He is actively involved with the choral and instrumental programs at the high school, but art and computer technology are what he is concentrating on for the future.
   Erich is a member of Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, and Men's choir. He has attended Solo Fest, All County, Zone 1 Area All State and this year was chosen to sing in NYS Conference All State Mixed Choir in Rochester. Along with singing he has been in Jazz Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. He also has been in the school musical three years in a row. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Lokken have shown him discipline and organizational skills that have, and will help him be successful in life.
   Erich has an interest in art where he gives credit to his art teachers in helping him be creative. In his sophomore year he came in third in a Holocaust Art Contest from the Holocaust Resource Center. Growing up with his brother, Rusty, a computer authority, Erich came by the computer inherently. It was not long before art and the computer became one and graphic arts and animation became his love.
   Erich is also involved in his church, Zion UCC. He sings, ushers, reads, and is the youth advisor in his youth group. He has done fundraising for the Tsunami victims, serves at Friends of the Night People, walks for Cystic Fibrosis, and Relay for Life. He has done many fundraisers and volunteers to help out when he can.
   Erich would like to thank his brother, Rusty, for sharing his computer knowledge, his father for all of the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed, and his mom for her sense of humor about life. He plans to attend college in the fall for Computer Animation. He is grateful for the blessing in his life and wishes that everyone could have the support he has had in his life.
   Throughout her high school career, Karalyn Rossi has balanced her time between focusing on academics and taking an active role in extracurricular activities and various community service events.
   As a student, Karalyn has taken school and academics very seriously. She has continuously achieved Honor Roll and High Honor Roll status. During her entire high school experience, she has challenged herself academically by enrolling in honors and Advanced Placement courses. In addition, she has completed an Independent Study as an English Aide during her sophomore year. All of the hard work and dedication to her studies allowed her to be inducted into the National Honor Society in her junior year, where she is currently serving as president. Karalyn has also been recognized for her scholastic achievement when she was awarded an Academic certificate, pin, and letter, and she expects to receive an academic bar this year. She received an AP Scholar Award and is a Pride of the Island recipient. She was also selected as one of two Grand Island students honored in September as the Business First "First Honors."
   Not only has Karalyn been dedicated to her studies, she has also been actively involved in the various extracurricular activities offered at GIHS. She has held the position of Historian for the Class of 2006 for the past three years. DECA is a club in which she has been involved, and as a junior, she participated in the DECA competition held at Lancaster High School. As a sophomore, Karalyn took part in Corporate Bowl, and as a junior, she created an employability portfolio through the internship program at Grand Island where she received the Certificate of Completion with Distinction. Through the program, she has also attended the Job Search Seminar held at the Holiday Inn. She has been a member of Library Club since her sophomore year, and during her senior year she joined Student Council and Mock Trial.
   Athletics are an important part of Karalyn's high school experience. She has been involved in the basketball, tennis, and volleyball programs offered at GIHS. She has been a member of the Grand Island girls' basketball team all four years of high school, and as a varsity player, she earned a varsity letter and sectionals patch. During her junior year, she was a member of the Grand Island girls' varsity tennis team where she received a Varsity letter along with the Scholar Athlete Award, and as a sophomore she participated in volleyball.
   In addition to her studies, extracurricular activities, and athletics, Karalyn has demonstrated the importance of community service. Kara is a Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador where she serves as the liaison between the Chamber, the Town of Grand Island, and area businesses. She is a youth mentor at Veronica E. Connor Middle School, taking part in events such as Fall Harvest. She also volunteered at the Fall Festival at Huth Road Elementary School. For the past two years, she has been a Relay for Life participant and volunteer in order to help raise much-needed funds for American Cancer Society. Also, during the summer of 2004, she coached a weeklong youth summer basketball clinic at the high school, and during July of 2005 Kara staffed a voter registration table at the Island Happenings community event. She has also been involved in church as a scorekeeper for the St. Stephen's 3 vs. 3 "Hoopla" basketball tournament and volunteer at the St. Stephen's Chicken Chowder sale for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
   After graduation, Karalyn plans to attend the State University of New York at Buffalo where she will study Pre-Law. After finishing undergraduate studies, she hopes to move on to law school where she will earn her Law Degree.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 12, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 1/12/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Boys Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - Jan. 10 - 2006
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams both tied to Kenmore West at Kenmore West on Tuesday, January 10th with scores of 47-47 and 47-47. Click "Swim Results/Tuesday, January 10" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




Basketball Star Ashleigh Frieday Breaks Two Records - 2006
   Grand Island High School basketball star, Ashleigh Frieday, broke her own points record (new total - 1016 points) and also the record for Grand Island High School girls all-time leading scorer during the Tuesday, January 10, 2006 basketball game against Lewiston Porter. Julie Roth's record set in 1996 was 1007 and it was Ashleigh's 13th point of the Lew-Port game that surpassed that record. The Grand Island girls won the "home" game, 64-22. Ashleigh chipped in 22 points.
   Click "Ashleigh Frieday" for a feature story by Jonah Bronstein published in the January 11, 2006 edition of the Niagara Gazette.




GIHS Jan. 6 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - January 2006
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams lost to Lockport on Friday, January 6th in the meet held at the Lockport pool. The Varsity score was Lockport Lions 96 - GI Vikings 87. The Junior Varsity score was Lockport 130 - Grand Island 3. Click "Swim Results/Friday, January 6" and scroll down for the complete scoring.




GIHS DECA Club Competes In Region 12 Competition - 2006
 
(left) Cheryl Chamberlain and Carissa Bailey - (right) Lauren Culp advanced to the DECA's state level.
   Twenty-eight students from The DECA Club at Grand Island High School competed on Sunday, January 8, 2006 in an all day event at Williamsville South High School. DECA, a business and marketing club, is an active part of the business department at Grand Island High School. The Region 12 competition includes over 11 schools from all across WNY. Students took written tests and were involved in role-plays in many different business categories. Carissa Bailey, the Regional Representative for Grand Island, was an integral component of the event and assisted in organizing this huge competitive endeavor.
   Eight students qualified to advance to the state level of competition in March. They are Catherine Cline (Decision Making), Lauren Culp (Accounting), Chelsea DeGlopper (Quick Service Food Management), Eric Feathers (Sales Demonstration), Corey McGowan (Visual Advertising), Karalyn Rossi (Decision Making), Janice Sturtz (Retail Merchandising), and Stephanie Tolbert (Public Speaking, Extemporaneous).
   Dr. Thomas Ramming, Suzanne Stevenson, Christopher Simpson, John Ball, Catherine Kern, Amy Kessel, and Theresa Seitz from the Grand Island School District were among the administrators and teachers involved in judging and proctoring. Mary Cooke, Andrew Zysk, and Cheryl Bailey were judges from the business sector that volunteered their time as well. Cheryl Chamberlain, the Grand Island High School DECA advisor, encourages students to get involved in the DECA program which promotes future careers in business and marketing fields.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 5, 2006
Click "Sports Briefs 1/5/06" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.

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