GIHS Student Body Hears Special Guests - 2007

(left) Anthony Brindisi, Andres Arroyo, JOanne Kud, Chris Swiatek, Mrs. Sandra Anzalone, and Michael Hilliker
Mark Gorton photo - Click for larger view.
   Administrators and special guests spoke to the Grand Island High School student body on opening day Wednesday, September 5th in the main auditorium. On hand to talk about how students can get involved in various activities throughout the school year were Mr. Anthony Brindisi, founding member of GISBA (Grand Island School and Business Alliance), Mrs. Joanne Kud, President of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, and Deputy Michael Hilliker from the Erie County Sheriff's Department, a former GICSD employee.
   Grand Island High School Principal Mrs. Sandra Anzalone introduced all three special guests as well as Assistant Principal for Grades 11-12, Mr. Chris Swiatek, and the new assistant principal for Grades 9-10, Mr. Andres Arroyo.
   Mr. Brindisi spoke first about all the programs that GISBA sponsors including Corporate Bowl, where every year $7,000 in scholarship money is awarded to GIHS students. Job Search and Shadow Day are two more events throughout the school year that prepare and enrich a student's choice in careers and life after high school.
   Mrs. Kud detailed how eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors can become part of the Youth Ambassador Program with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. These students get a glimpse of the inner workings of the political and social structure within the Town of Grand Island. The Youth Ambassadors hold a very important role representing the school and the Chamber at various town events.
   Mr. Hilliker addressed the students about the Dollars for Scholars walk on October 20th in Veterans Park on Grand Island. This gives each class the opportunity to raise money for various school functions throughout their time at GIHS. Registration is at 11 a.m., with the event beginning at noon.

GIHS JV Football - 2007

JV football team waiting to be announced.

Clarence JV Offense, GI Sideline and Cheerleaders.
Jodi Robinson photos - click photos for larger view
Click "JV Football Roster 2007"
   The Grand Island JV Vikings Football Team never quit in their opening game, a loss to Clarence Saturday, September 1st. The score ended up 34-14 in favor of the Red Devils, but Coach Brian Willats said he was proud of his team's efforts. Next game is Saturday, September 8th and will be at home at 10 a.m., when the JV Vikings face Sweet Home.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Sept. 6, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 9/6/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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Varsity Vikings Lose To Clarence In Non-League Opener - 2007
By Kris Christensen
Click "Varsity Football Roster 2007"
   Saturday, September 1, 2007 . . .CLARENCE – Name a transgression that angers the football gods and the Grand Island Vikings probably committed it the first half of their season opening 28-14 loss at Clarence on Saturday.
   On the second play from scrimmage quarterback Matt Klock’s pass over the middle was intercepted by Clarence linebacker Matt Krumm who returned it to the Vikings’ 18-yard-line. Four plays later Ryan Connolly scored from three yards to put the Red Devils up 7-0. On the ensuing possession, Vikings punter D.J. Perri bobbled the snap from center and was taken down at the Grand Island 23. This time the Red Devils needed only three plays to score as Joshua Rawdin ran in from six yards out. Clarence’s third possession again started on Grand Island’s side of midfield and finished five plays when Connolly scored from 25 yards out putting the Red Devils up 21-0.
   Grand Island finally got their offense in gear when Klock hooked up with Alex Neutz on a 45-yard pass late in the first quarter. The drive stalled out when Klock was sacked for a five-yard loss on second down and then back-up quarterback Joe Oliverio misfired on fourth down.
   Clarence’s final score came on a 64-yard pass from Josh James to Ed Haroff. On the next possession the Vikings were on the move just before the half when Klock hit Neutz for a 29-yard gain followed by another five-yard pass to Neutz. An apparent 19-yard hookup between Klock and wide receiver Lance Robinson down to the Clarence 19 was wiped out by a holding penalty. On the next play Klock scrambled for 24 yards before throwing incomplete on the last play of the half under heavy duress.
   Despite trailing the Vikings defense did not fold, limiting the Red Devils to 68 yards in total offense in the second half.
   On their second possession of the second half the Vikings moved the ball deep into Clarence territory thanks in large part to a 54-yard run by Paul Chiaravalle. Alex Webb got the Vikings to the Red Devils’ six before coughing the ball up on the next play. The Vikings were stopped on downs at the Clarence one on their next possession.
   Grand Island finally broke through on the scoreboard midway through the fourth quarter when Mike Martinic took Joe Oliverio’s option pitch in from 10 yards out to cap a four-play, 54-yard drive that was set up by consecutive completions from Oliverio to Neutz of 19 and 31 yards.
   On Grand Island’s last possession of the afternoon, Oliverio again connected with Neutz on a 54-yard pass down the right sideline.

	
SCORING SUMMARY
Grand Island (0-0, 0-1)		0	0	0	14	14
	Clarence (0-0, 1-0)		21	7	0	0	28

	C – Ryan Connolly 3 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
	C – Josh Rawdin 6 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
	C – Ryan Connolly 25 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
	C – Ed Haroff 64 pass from Josh James (Kyle Ippolito kick)
	GI – Mike Martinic 10 run (Greg Feathers kick)
	GI – Alex Neutz 54 pass from Joe Oliverio (Greg Feathers kick)

   VIKING GAME NOTES: Junior wide receiver Alex Neutz proved why he is an All-Western New York candidate with seven receptions for 195 yards…For the first time in school history the Vikings are now carrying a dubious mark having lost five games in a row dating back to last season…Grand Island coach Dean Santorio had nothing negative to say about Clarence coach Tom Goddard’s curious decision to attempt nine passes in the fourth quarter despite holding a 28 – 0 lead entering the period. The Red Devils had thrown eight passes in the game’s first three quarters and attempted to catch GI off-guard by running a deep hitch-and-go route down the left sideline with a 28 – 7 lead and two minutes remaining in the game…Grand Island defensive tackle Ryan Harnden was battered but not broken after suffering a hand injury and a leg contusion in the second half. Santorio said that Harnden will be ready to go this week…Offensive guard Shawn Vanderbrook did a nice job coming over to the defensive side of the ball to fill in for Harnden in the second half…The Vikings will have their hands full at league rival Sweet Home on Saturday. The Panthers scored an impressive 34-21 win at Lancaster on Friday night with a combination of speed and power…Since their series renewed in 1996 following a near 30-year layoff the Vikings are 1-4 against Sweet Home in September but are 5-3 in October and November…Grand Island leads the overall series 8-7…Grand Island’s last two wins against the Panthers are among the most memorable in the history of the program. In 2004, the Vikings rallied from a 27-7 deficit to win 35-27. In 2005, GI pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Section VI playoff history with a 20-14 win at Ralph Wilson Stadium…The Vikings and Panthers have had a stranglehold on the Class A North Division since 2000. Grand Island won the league in 2000, 2001, 2003, and were co-champs with Sweet Home in 2005. Sweet Home won the league in 2002, 2004, and 2006…The Vikings have Kickoff Saturday at Robert Barczak Stadium is 2 p.m.

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GIHS Viking Football Preview - 2007

(left) Water Break - Coach Santorio & Offense - Running Back
Jodi Robinson photos - click photos for larger view
By Kris Christensen
Click "Varsity Football Roster 2007"
   October 2006 is a month a lot of Western New Yorkers would like to forget. Count Grand Island football coach Dean Santorio among those people. Much like the October Storm that swept through the area, the Grand Island Vikings suffered through some once-in-a-generation experiences.
   The Vikings entered October with an outside playoff chance before suffering a blowout, home loss to rival Sweet Home before closing out the season with bitter losses to Lewiston-Porter (a team they defeated earlier in the season) and Hamburg. At 3-5, the Vikings were out of the playoffs with their first losing record during Santorio’s tenure and only the fourth losing season in the school’s 44-year history.
   “We got banged up pretty well in the middle of the season,” Santorio said, “and we just didn’t want to play when we were outmanned.”
   Santorio thinks things are different in 2007, pointing to offensive guard/linebacker Christian Nestark in particular as someone he thinks will play a major role in restoring the Vikings to their winning ways. Nestark was lost for the season early on in Week Five at Lewiston-Porter and the coach sites his loss as a “turning point” in the forgettable season. “He has a chance to be one of the best linebackers who have ever played here,” Santorio said, “and that’s saying an awful lot.”
   “Christian has instincts for finding the football that you just don’t coach at the high school level.” according to Defensive Coordinator Steven Steck.
   Steck likes what he sees not only in Nestark but thinks the back seven of his Tampa Two defense has a chance to be exceptional, starting with cornerbacks Alex Neutz and Lance Robinson and safeties Joe Tanbakuchi and Mike Martinic. “We should be able to play more pressure packages than we ever have because of our corners and get our safeties up more in run support,” Steck says of the defensive scheme he has employed for the last six seasons.
   Joining Nestark at linebacker will be senior Alex Webb, a two-way starter in 2006, and junior Eddie Weiser. “I like our linebackers a lot,” Steck said, “they’re fast enough and they’re all really good tacklers.”
   The Vikings will be stout along the defensive line with senior Nick Tomkins and junior Ryan Harnden giving the Vikings a pair of 280-pound run stuffers in the middle. “Nick had a great year last year,” Santorio said, “and we expect him to be an all-league player this year and more.”
   Senior Greg Stephan will see time at defensive end along with juniors Greg Feathers, Chris Podlucky, and Adam Helman.
   Offensively, the Vikings' success will depend largely on the play of the quarterback position. Senior Matt Klock and junior Joe Oliverio shared the duties for the first half of 2006 before an injury to Klock made Oliverio the starter for the rest of the year.
   “Both of our quarterbacks need to be more consistent,” Santorio said, “we’ll play the guy who gives our team the best opportunity to win.”
   One thing that should help the consistency of the Vikings quarterback is a wealth of talented receivers. Santorio raves about the two juniors Neutz and Robinson on the offensive side of the ball and has great depth in Tanbakuchi and senior Eddie Mallwitz.
   “Alex runs great patterns and adjusts to the ball as well as any receiver we’ve had,” the coach says, “and Lance has really matured physically and with his mental understanding of the game.”
   Santorio likes the potential of his offensive line but acknowledges they will need some time to gel. “The mental part has to improve because it allows us to be more consistent,” he said, “because when they know what they need to do they are physical.”
   Senior Tim Boorady returns at left tackle along with Nestark at left guard. Shawn Vanderbrook will start at center while his brother Justin will be at right guard along with Feathers at right tackle. Podlucky and Stephan will split time at tight end.
   Santorio says that Webb and Weiser will see time at both fullback and halfback, while juniors Justin Raiser and Paul Chiaravalle will also take turns at fullback. Martinic is also expected to see time at halfback.
   Adam Helman is expected to handle the punting duties for the Vikings while Feathers will be the place kicker.
   As usual, the Vikings get no breaks with the schedule, opening at 2006 Class AA runner-up Clarence on Saturday (Sept. 1) coupled with key league contests at Class A runner-up Sweet Home in Week Two and preseason favorite Albion in Week Five. Despite the schedule, Santorio likes the direction of the team.
   “I think we’re getting to where we need to be with the attitude and character of our team,” he said, “guys who aren’t captains are starting to take ownership for what happens with this team.”




Grand Island Takes 2nd At Lewison Chalk Walk - 2007

(left to right) Island artists are Jenna Hutzler, Ariel Brucato and Erin O'Connor
Click photos for larger view.
   Three talented Grand Island art students ventured onto the extremely warm asphalt for the very first time on Saturday, August 11, 2007 to participate in the 23rd Annual WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition held in Lewiston. Ariel Brucato, Jenna Hutzler, and Erin O’Connor took the respectable Second Place trophy and prize money. Placing second is a major accomplishment for first time members who have never really experienced drawing in such an enormous scale with a medium reserved for sidewalks. The team’s composition, based on this year’s theme, On the Go with Van Gogh in Western New York, referenced to Van Gogh’s famous painting of his bedroom. With whimsical additions of Buffalo icons, locations and places along with other famous Van Gogh images, the artists used their individual skills to develop the fantastic drawing. The team was cheered on and supported during the four-hour contest by a large audience who witnessed the creation. Congratulations Ariel, Jenna and Erin on a fabulous achievement this summer!




Spring Choral Concert - 2007
   The Grand Island High School's Spring Choral Concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in the Grand Island High School auditorium. Several choral groups including the men's chorus, "Dominant Force," will perform. The concert will be under the direction of music teacher Carolyn Lokken.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 17, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 5/17/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - May 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 17, 2007 . . .Anybody happen to catch the 11 p.m. ABC News on Tuesday night? According to the media coverage, there is a serious problem with prescription drugs among both the middle and high school. Personally, I find this revelation very disturbing. I’ve walked the halls of the high school for nine months now and wasn’t aware that such a problem existed. Apparently there are bigger problems than the flip flop issue to deal with! According to the report, prescription drugs are harder to detect than “street drugs”. Principal Sandra Anzalone believes that our proximity to the Canadian border is also to blame for their availability to students. Administrators of both the middle and high schools are working together with town Supervisor Peter McMahon to educate both parents and students in order to stop this impending crisis.
   The Grand Island middle and high school will be participating in a practice evacuation drill on Friday, May 18, 2007. Students received letters stating that high school students will be transferred to Huth Road Elementary School and middle school students will be taken to Kaegebein Elementary. Faculty, staff and students have been instructed to take this drill very seriously. Students will not be dismissed early unless there is written documentation from a physician or dentist. Parents will be questioned by the attendance office if they report their child’s absence and this may be followed up by a call from a school administrator. This evacuation drill is scheduled to occur at 12:45 p.m. and will last for approximately one hour. Students will be returned to the Ransom Road complex by 2:03 p.m. in order to catch their bus home. High school students will have shortened classes that day rather than missing any classes.

Class of 2009 Chicken Dinner, A Success - 2007

(left) Sophomore class members Samantha Gieselman, Nicole Serra, Joey Khreis, and Class President Andrew Stange
Jeff Stange photo - Click for larger view.
   May 15, 2007 . . The Grand Island High School Class of 2009 held a Krolicke’s Chicken Bar-B-Q at the school in conjunction with the School Budget vote. The chicken dinner fundraiser has become a tradition on budget vote days for several years. The sophomore class was successful in their fundraising efforts and would like to thank Grand Island residents for their support. They also wish to thank their dedicated class advisors, Mrs. Rachael Hickey and Miss Elizabeth Dunn for their exceptional commitment to the Class of 2009.

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GIHS Internship Students Assist at Sidway! - May 2007

Click photo for larger view
   Nineteen Grand Island High School Internship Students went back to kindergarten on Tuesday, May 15th to help the faculty, staff, and PTSA at Sidway Elementary during their annual Kindergarten Orientation. This partnership is a favorite of the student interns because it involves working with children and helping them transition to school. Special thanks goes to Christian Nole who was the Charlotte Sidway "Bear" for the afternoon. Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain, GIHS School-to-Work Coordinator, commented that "internship is a wonderful opportunity to explore the career you want to pursue in college," and she encourages any current sophomore or junior at Grand Island to consider enrolling in the internship program at the high school.

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High School News - May 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 17, 2007 . . .Don't be alarmed if you are not able to drive down Ransom Road this Friday, due to numerous police cars and emergency vehicles. Grand Island High School and Veronica E. Connor Middle School are preparing for an emergency evacuation drill that will occur at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. At this time, high school students will be evacuated from the schools, through the back fields, until they reach the buses safely, parked on Bishops Gate Road. Middle School students will be evacuated to buses waiting for them on Tracey Lane. The School Board has spent a lot of time and money preparing for this drill and all hope that it goes smoothly.
    Who wouldn't love a signed Max Afenigenov jersey Or how about an autographed JP Losman jersey, or a game-worn Buffalo Bandits jersey? Well, all of this could be yours with just one winning pick. Team Fleet Feet, a Grand Island Relay for Life team of girls' cross country runners, is selling raffle tickets for these items now, through Relay, and the winners will be picked on the night of Relay. Tickets are 1 for $5, or 5 for $20. You can call 773-9254 to get tickets, or come to their garage sale Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to see the raffle items for yourself.

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Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2007
 
Julie Pangborn                     Traci Aladeen               Brett Fiedler
   Julie Pangborn, a lifelong resident of Grand Island, attended Charlotte Sidway, Huth Road Elementary, Veronica E. Connor Middle and Grand Island Senior High schools. Julie has been a Pride of the Island recipient multiple times and is a National Honor Society member. She has taken many advanced classes since 6th grade and is currently enrolled in AP Calculus and college-level Spanish. While excelling in the classroom, she has also been very involved in music, theatre, volleyball, and community service.
   Julie was a participant in Choir in 9th grade and has been a member of Concert Choir for grades 10-12. She has also been a part of Vocal Jazz for the past four years. Julie was selected to perform in the elite Madrigals Ensemble in her junior and senior years. She was chosen as a member of the All-County Choir for 10th and 11th grade and is looking forward to another concert in the spring. She has capitalized on the opportunity for self-development and excelled in the NYSSMA Solo Festival for the last three years. Currently, she has received high honors in the festival, and will subsequently perform in the 2007 Conference All-State Women's Chorus.
   Julie has extended her love of music through theatre beginning in 8th grade. Winning the Rookie Award in her last year of middle school, she has gone on to participate in Guys and Dolls, Seussical, and She Love Me. She hopes to continue her involvement in theatre in college.
   Volleyball has been Julie's true passion since 7th grade. She was on junior varsity for 9th and 10th grade and varsity for 11th and 12th. Currently a co-captain on the varsity squad, she has shown leadership qualities both on and off the court. To develop her skills further, she attended three summer camps in the past two years, as well as playing all year round in 11th grade. Julie wishes to pursue a volleyball career at the collegiate level.
   Community involvement has also been very important to Julie throughout her life. Her parents, Therese and Timothy Pangborn, have taught her that life is about giving back. To exhibit this, she has prepared lunches at Saint Luke's Mission of Mercy, served dinners at The Islandview Senior Apartments, and has been a participant for three years and a team captain in her junior year in the annual Relay For Life fundraising event. As captain, her team raised approximately $1,500 for cancer research.
   Her scholastic achievement has earned her an Academic Excellence Certificate, letter and pin. In the areas of athletics and music she has received her varsity letter and pin as well.
   Julie plans to attend a four-year institution for a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education after graduation.
   Traci Aladeen was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She moved to Grand Island in 1996 and has been enrolled in the Grand Island School District ever since.
   From Kaegebein Elementary to Grand Island High School, Traci has succeeded academically. She has taken advanced classes and maintained honor roll and high honor roll averages since the sixth grade, and will have completed seven AP courses by the end of this year. She has received an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter. She received recognition for being a PSAT/NMSQT merit scholar, and scored in the 99th percentile for her SATs as well.
   Traci has been involved in many athletic activities, and has received a "Scholar Athlete" award every year of high school. She has been a member of the Piranhas Swim Club for almost ten years, and played Grand Island travel soccer from sixth grade until her sophomore year. She has completed four seasons of varsity cross country and three seasons of varsity track, and participates in Ski Club in the winter.
   Outside of sports, she is also active in the Masterminds team and the National Honor Society, and is a very dynamic participant in the Grand Island High School Music Program. She has played flute and piccolo in the Wind Ensemble for three years, along with pep band, pit orchestra, All County ensembles, and private studies outside of school. She has received both of her varsity letters, a pin and a varsity bar.
   Traci is also active in her church and community. She attends weekly youth group meetings at Trinity United Methodist Church, and has participated in its work camp for five years. She has been a part of numerous volunteer activities, including the annual CROP Walk, and the Friends of Lynette bike tour.
   After graduation, Traci plans to attend college, pursuing a minor in music and a possible major in the sciences.
   Brett Fiedler has spent 16 of his 17 years on Grand Island. Born in Buffalo, he moved to the Island just following his first birthday. He attended the Charlotte Sidway School for kindergarten and 1st grade, before graduating to Huth Road Elementary for grades two through five. He attended the Veronica E. Connor Middle School and is currently in the senior year at the Grand Island Senior High School.
   Brett has proven himself again and again in the field of academics throughout his education. He has earned straight A's since 6th grade and has never earned anything lower than the Honor Roll. He has been on the honors track in science, English, and history since the 7th grade. He has also challenged himself with several Advanced Placement courses in high school. He scored a 4 on the AP European History exam and a 5 on the AP US History exam. Currently he is enrolled in four AP classes such as AP Physics and AP Statistics.
   Next to his academic successes, Brett has also kept up a busy schedule since his entrance into high school. He has participated in Cross Country for four years, Indoor Track and Field for one year, and Outdoor Track and Field for two years. He earned a Rookie Award for Cross Country in his freshman year, and a varsity letter, and three varsity bars. He was also a captain of the boys' team his senior year. He earned a varsity letter and a varsity bar for outdoor track, and for Indoor he earned his varsity letter. He also took part in the school musical for two years in which he held two lead parts.
   Brett has taken part in such activities as the Corporate Bowl and the Relay for Life. He also takes part in many community services such as volunteering at the Golden Age Center and the YWCA.
   Brett currently plans to continue and excel in his academic career in college where he will most likely major in chemistry.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 10, 2007
Shari Geblein Feature
Evan Tsembelis Feature
Click "Sports Briefs 5/10/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - May 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 10, 2007 . . .And the fifth place winner is……Grand Island Senior High School, in Kiss 98.5’s High School Spirit 2007, pennies for Carly’s Club contest. Needless to say there won’t be any concert hosted by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus or even Madonna for that fact, just a good feeling of coming together for a great cause, along with the hopes of winning a concert. Here’s a thought, maybe we should plan ahead and start saving our pennies now for next year’s contest.
   Well… prom season is just around the corner and I thought I would do a little research as to where and why prom evolved. Did you know that Prom is short for promenade or promotion, and is used to describe a formal dance held at the end of the high school academic year. Common prom activities include dining, dancing, the crowning of a prom King and Queen, and socializing. In most cases, high school students accumulate funds for their class prom through fundraisers over the four years they attend their high school. The wait is nearly over.This year juniors will celebrate their prom locally at the Grand Island Holiday Inn on Saturday, May 12.
   Not too much new on the flip flop controversy, still not supposed to wear them but everybody is still trying to sneak them. It’s just my opinion but it makes me wonder if there aren’t more serious issues that administrators should deal with in place of the “No Flip Flop Policy!”
   On a more positive note, warm weather is here, just in time, as we all buckle down to complete those assigned, last minute projects, studying for tests, local and regents exams and let’s not forget “summer” assignments for those taking honors classes. If you ask me, the timing is all off, I don’t have any suggestions to make it better, all I know is that I think most of us have “Spring Fever” and this end of the year planning just doesn’t seem right.

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High School News - May 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 10, 2007 . . .There's exactly one month to go, and Grand Island is really getting into their "Relay Spirit". Grand Island Relay for Life is fast approaching, Friday June 8th, and Relay teams all over the Island are fund raising like crazy for it. Even the schools are getting into it, and the big buzz around GIHS is whether or not we can raise enough money by Relay for Mr. Swiatek, the assistant principal, to die his hair purple, and Mrs. Cannata, a hall monitor, to shave her head. Who wouldn't love to see that?
   Another popular fund raiser many teams are having is a garage sale. In fact, this Friday, May 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at 71 Old Carriage House Road, Team Huth is hosting a garage sale to raise money for Relay. On Friday, hot dogs and pop will be sold. Similarly, on Saturday, May 26th, Team Fleet Feet, comprised of 10 GIHS Cross Country girls, is having a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 120 Bishops Gate Road. At this sale, they will be selling raffle tickets for a signed Max Afinogenov jersey, signed JP Losman jersey, and Buffalo Bandits autographed jersey. Keep your eyes open when local papers come out to scope out the latest garage sales or fund raisers for many other GI Relay For Life teams.

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Substance Abuse Trends & Paraphernalia - May 2007

Sally Yageric displays paraphernalia.
Click photo for larger view
   Sally Yageric from the office of the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse gave a presentation on Monday, April 30, 2007 for the parents of students in the Grand Island School District. The statistics are frightening regarding the age of first use for alcohol, tobacco and drugs in New York State. According to Mrs. Yageric, within the last year 11.9% of 6th graders have used beer, 19.1% have used wine coolers and 4.6% have used liquor. The average age of first use of marijuana is 14 years old and 48.4% of 12th graders have used in the past year. Inhalants were addressed and the percentage of use in all grades is listed as an average of 6%. Usage of inhalants attacks the central nervous system and can kill during the first use.
   Locally on Grand Island heroin pills and prescription drugs were named as the drugs of choice, with the painkillers Oxycodone and Oxycontin being widely available. Mrs. Yageric displayed many different types of paraphernalia to the audience. Examples were lipstick tubes and chap stick tubes that are actually bowls for smoking marijuana and containers for holding drugs that are exact replicas of water bottles and snack containers. The presentation is shocking and informative. The drugs of today are much more potent than 30 years ago. The chance of addiction and overdose has risen as a direct result.

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President's Council on Physical Fitness - National Fitness Test - May 2007

Standing in the back are Erika Osberg, Maria Guidotti, Sarah Palazza, and Amy Grenke. Kneeling in the front are Jamie Sobieski, Jessica Mysliwiec, and Kate Garten.
Click photo for larger view
   The girls pictured above are Grand Island High School's top scorers in the President's Council on Physical Fitness - National Fitness Test. The 9th and 10th grade girls scored in the top 15% of the nation and have shown outstanding ability in health and fitness related skills. They were tested in areas of flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance, body composition and cardiorespiratory endurance.

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High School Talent Show Huge Success - April 2007
   
(left) Adrian Grant and T. J. Rains performing “Drum Off” - Ms. Rachael Fraser performing ballet dance “It Ends Tonight” - Digital Ladies (rock band) Andrew Stange and Lee Becker (Ryan Guagliano not pictured) performing “I am a Robot”

Jeff Stange Photos - Click for larger view
   A very successful Grand Island High School Talent Show took place April 26, 2007 in the Grand Island High School auditorium and included seventeen performances by students and a teacher, Ms. Rachael Fraser. The entertainers met rousing applause from a full house as they performed a variety of acts including dance, vocals and rock bands. Advisors for the annual event were Mrs. Amanda Souliske, Mrs. Julie Bowen and Mrs. Mary Kate McDermott.

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High School News - May 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 3, 2007 . . .Did you ever wonder what spreads faster, a wild fire or a good piece of gossip? My guess is gossip. Everybody knows that Grand Island Senior High School was actively participating in Kiss 98.5’s High School Spirit 2007, pennies for Carly’s Club. The high school with the most pennies this year wins a concert with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus AND the senior class heads off to Darien Lake for a FREE Graduation Celebration! Well…here’s the gossip, while at lunch one day last week, a group of students came up with the story that the second place school would have Madonna perform at the school, another student overheard it and passed the little tidbit of information along and before the day was out everyone was talking about it. So for anybody that doesn’t know it, Madonna is not scheduled to appear at anybody’s school. Students are anxiously waiting to hear which lucky school is the winner!
   Grand Island Senior High School is fortunate to have its own talent as bravery, excitement and fun raged through the school auditorium last Thursday evening. It was wonderful to watch some of our students perform with their bands, as well as the soloists, dancers and comediennes. On another exciting note, I would like to mention that for Relay for Life, Mr. Swiatek will dye his hair purple and Mrs. Cannata has agreed to shave her head if we raise a certain amount of money. I will let you know what the price tag is for this to happen in next week’s article. Here’s a thought . . . maybe Mrs. Anzalone and Mr. Swiatek would let us do a Relay for Life Fundraiser by having students donate a dollar and in exchange, we get to wear flip flops!

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 3, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 5/3/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - May 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, May 3, 2007 . . .With May already here, and AP examinations fast approaching, it is easy for students to begin to slack off on their school work. However, students must stay on the ball for these last few weeks of school. To ease the stress of constant test pressure and study time, I have researched some tips to help students cope with the weight of exams. Students need to learn to manage their time and plan out their schedules before exam time. While intensely studying, don't forget to schedule in study breaks to get your mind cleared. Some extra tips include getting the right amount of sleep prior to exams, and exercising to relieve any built up tension or stress. Finally, don't forget to keep it all in perspective. It's not the worst thing in the world if you don't ace every exam or test. Just do your best, because you know that you are a great student. Good Luck everyone!

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Stacey Cyman:
Art Work Accepted At Albright Knox Art Gallery's "Future Curators" Exhibition - May 2007

Click photo for larger view
    Stacey Cyman, a senior at Grand Island High School, has had her sculpture, entitled "Sushi," accepted into the Albright Knox Art Gallery's "Future Curators" Exhibition. Stacey's sculpture will be on display in the Gallery from May 11 through May 13.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 26, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 4/26/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, April 26, 2007 . . .Numerous students from Grand Island High School are participating in both an instrumental and vocal NYSSMA Solo/All-State festival on Saturday, April 28. Students play very well prepared solos for judges, and this year one of the most popular options is vocal duets. This is a very fun way for singers to "get their feet wet" in the festival without having the pressure of being judged for an All-State score. Some of the many talented students who are playing would have to be a group of clarinetists. Nine Wind Ensemble clarinet players are performing The Marriage of Figaro, with all clarinets, ranging from the e flat clarinet all the way to the alto and bass clarinets. Nonetheless, students from all areas are performing, including several instrumentalists as well as vocalists. This festival should be very exciting and rewarding for both students and music teachers of Grand Island High School.

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High School News - April 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, April 26, 2007 . . .Spring has finally arrived and with it comes the school’s dress code. Most of us can understand the policy of not being allowed to wear shorts and skirts that are too short, or the 2-inch strap rule on tank tops but the policy of forbidding flip flops is killing us. I don’t believe that we’ve ever been told as to why we can’t wear them, just that if we get caught in them, we may have to serve time in detention. Nobody in their right mind wants to do that when the weather is nice!
   Looking ahead, May 12th is Junior Prom at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Tickets will be on sale after May 1st and they are $35.00 each. May 2 and May 4 will be the last days to preorder your Venture Yearbook. Cost is now $65.00. Those who hesitate lose out! Please come out the evening of April 26 for an evening of fun and talent as the Grand Island Senior High School presents its annual talent show. Tickets are on sale at the door for $5.00.

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Grand Island High School Honor Roll - April 2007
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the third marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
    High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Steve Boyle, Luke Burkhart, Alexandra Buscaglia, Kara Dudley, Kearney Erhard, Nicholas Ernst, Hillary Figler, Lauren Fonte, Alexander Fry, Jill Greinert, Tara Hook, Seth Kline, Lauren Kucharski, Jonathan LoTempio, Megan McInerney, Andrea Nicolia, Ryan Osvath, Sarah Palazza, Kaitie Samland, Mary Scherrer, Christopher Stessing, Jameela Syed, Caitlin Taylor, Maritina Tsembelis
Grade 10: Kelli Adreon, Alexandria Avery, Simarjot Cheema, Darren DelSignore, Amber Duda, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Angela Fusco, Rachel Gaydosh, Taylor Jackson, Joshua Kahn, Charlene Meyer, Marvin Pawlowski, Alexander Richter, Carly Snyder, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Kelly Williams, Brianna Wojnar, Amanda Zernickel
Grade 11: David Benko, Ellen Betterson, Kelly Cich, Alexandra Davis, Jacob Ferrante, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Amber Meyers, Anthony Perna, Theodore Slipko, Robert Stewart, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Shana Wierchowski
Grade 12: Juliana Burkhart, Abigail Cliff, Vincent Covatto, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Emily Kahn, Cassandra Lange, William Lewandowski, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Robert Potter, Tara Rogers, Sydney Seese
    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, Christina Borden, Patrick Brady, Lisa Braun, Sean Burke, Nathan Busch, Amanda Camizzi, Kenneth Cerrillo, Michael Chauby, Brittany Cieri, Kathryn Cobello, James Cooke, Courtney Cox, Samantha Darby, Anthony Darpino, Sarah Dolan, Maria Edel, Marwa Eltagouri, Victoria Fleming, Kate Garten, Mary George, Sara Grana, Anthony Grande, Maria Guidotti, Eric Harnden, Susan Head, Kelly Hooven, Krystin Hoppel, Timothy Howley, Emily Incorvia, Courtney Justus, Raman Kaur, Joel Klock, Kristy Knickerbocker, Brian Kulak, Savanna Kustra, Jeffrey LaRiviere, Scott Ludwig, Daniel Major, Aman Mattu, Keran Mattu, Thomas McDonnell, Nicole McGuire, Sara McNulty, Jennifer Mellett, Christopher Moody, Christopher Mornelli, Kelsey Mulvey, Jared Northrup, Erika Osberg, Breanne Rafferty, Jessica Randhawa, Michael Rayhill, Alexander Re, Ashley Rutland, Kyle Schutrum, Spencer Seese, Zaeem Shah, Margaret Shonitsky, Courtney Silsby, Keith Skelly, Jamie Sobieski, Benjamin Soos, Vincent Spada, Michael Sperrazza, Blake Stanwick, Kelly Stark, Rachel Starr, Alexander Strauss, William Sundeen, Rachel Surdi, Scott Suszczynski, Samantha Tilkins, Kristin Wegrzyn, Eric Weigold, Zakiyyah Wilbert, Sara Wilczek, Nicole Winter, Molly Wynne, Aria Yanicki
Grade 10: Zachary Adams, Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Kaitlin Arida, Nichole Barrett, Sarah Bastian, Lee Becker,Viktoria Belous, Chelsea Bernardi, Tyler Booth, Allison Boron, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Olivia Chopra, Kyle Clayton, Hannah Cliff, Caitlin Cook, Dustin Coryn, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Kira Dennis, Korey DiMatteo, Shane Eddy, Joseph Edel, Mary Grace Egloff, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Brianna Fetzer, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Jordan Gibson, Samantha Gieselman, Andrew Ginsburg, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Kaitlyn Hardison, Matthew Hazelet, Michael Hillock, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Alexandra Imperi, Caroline Kaminski, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Brittany Keel, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, LeAnna Kozlowski, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Timothy Lewis, Carolina Luciani, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Jacqueline Maitner, Kelsey Mash, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Alexander Neutz, Mallory O’Connor, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Destiny Perez, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Lauren Priest, Jamie Raepple, Kathryn Raiser, Michael Rustowicz, Robert Rutland, Jennifer Schaber, Victoria Schaber, Lee Schuster, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Alexander Seyler, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Griffin Smith, Sara Stenzel, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Robert Tates, Emily Thompson, Nicholas Vitello, Megan Wagner, Allison Walker, Lauren Whitney, Shaun Winter, Arlene Wunsch, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 11: Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Kimberley Banas, Chelsea Baran, Ashley Bass, Teighlor Bennett, Kelsey Borgeson, Richard Boss, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Heather Brooks, Courtney Catalano, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Jaclyn Coe, Cassandra Coffey, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Anthony Daubney, Bailey DeGlopper, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Jessica Doyle, Caitlyn Driscoll, Sean Duff, Christina Eldridge, Victoria Eldridge, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Lisa Huttenmaier, Amanda Jaeger, 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, Christina Logel, Michael Magaris, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’, Brenna McCabe, Samatha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Sara Orsolits, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Carrie Schooping, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Brittany Stallard, Jessica Sturniolo, Michael Symington, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Noah Yanicki
Grade 12: Kenneth Agnello, Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Ryan Benninger, Krista Burzynski, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Anna Cislarski, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Stephanie Cope, Karen Coughlin, Laura Curcio, Brian Dolan, Matthew Dommell, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Rachel Eisenhauer, Ashley Fabio, Bridget George, Devan Golda, Emily Hasselbeck, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Jaime Justen, Rachel Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Justin McInerney, Mattthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Ian O’Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Justina Potenzo, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, Amanda Richter, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Nicholas Shemik, Forrest Smith, Matthew Stoddard, Shannon Tegler, Stephanie Tolbert, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Philip Wendt, Melanie Wing, Rhianna Wing

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Grand Island High School Merit Roll - April 2007
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the third marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
Grade 9: Rachel Abarca, Isam Abdellatif, Nicholas Alizadeh, Antonio Amin, Patrick Antonelli, Alissa Bailey, Conrad Baker, Benjamin Bakula, Kelsey Bettinger, Jovana Bichler, Jason Bogue, Eric Breier, Anthony Bruno, Nicholas Brzezinski, Tygue Busch, Victoria Cacciatore, Kaitlyn Chapin, Krystal Chapin, Mary Chiaravalle, Thomas Collins, Ian Conner, Joseph Connors, Ryan Darnley, Kayla Deuble, Brett Dlugosz, Renee’ Doermer, Jordan Dudish, Alexander Fabiilli, Kayla Fermoile, Jeremy Figler, Joseph Fischer, Rahsanica Ford, Christopher Franklin, Anthony Genova, Christopher Gibney, Maria Grant, Samantha Green, Amy Grenke, Chelsea Hall, Kelsey Hayden, James Heberlein, Sara Huttenmaier, Shaughn Irving, Matthew Kasprzycki, Nicholas Kelly, Zachary Kelly, Jacob Killian, Laura Koller, Phillip Lenz, Steven Lillian, Ernest Little, Joshua Little, Kori Loder, Elizabeth Lorence, Michael Lydle, Zackery Manquen, Daniel Mathes, Travis McGilveary, Timothy McMahon, Michael Montaldi, Michael Mucci, Michael Neumann, Sean O’Donnell, Courtney Papaj, Deanna Paternostro, Danielle Perri, Elizabeth Restey, Robert Ross, Anthony Russell, Robert Schiffhauer, Jonathon Seaman, Kodie Shamrock, Dominique Simmons, Allison Snell, Amber Spiesz, Michael Stallard, Kasey Sumner, Timothy Symington, Rebecca Zimmerman, Travis Zukic
Grade 10: Robert Amsdill, Peter Aronica, Daniel Basile, Sean Benninger, Amy Bidell, Jeffrey Blanton, Courtnnie Booker, Marissa Booker, Brianna Busch, Jonathan Caruana, Philip Cavuoto, Mariah Christie, Christopher Colan, Michaeline Dera, Natalie Dommell, Shannon Farmer, Christopher Fiels, Andrew Fix, Kayla Gallagher, Leah Gangloff, Amanda Geis, Krista Goff, Anthony Gugino, Ryan Harnden, Adam Helman, Karen Hillock, Stephanie Hunt, Molly Hyland, Kaitlin Incorvia, Ryan Johnson, Adam Kelly, Tristan Kessler, Joseph Khreis, William Koller, Victoria Kowzan, Tristen LaBarre, Drew Lazelle, Matthew Major, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kimberley Mellett, Kristin Millar, Ryan Mock, Jenna Modica, Samantha Morrison, Davis Nelson, Katie Nordvik, Genna Nuchereno, Erin O’Connor, Brian O’Keefe, James Pezzino, Lindsay Pieri, Scott Quider, Brandon Robinson, Lance Robinson, Rachel Rogers, Michele Rossi, Kayla Salonek, Kaileen Shoemaker, Eric Siwicki, Alyssa Spada, Kyle Spratford, Andrew Stange, Mitchell Stessing, Nicole Styliades, Charanjot Tiwana, Harlin Torres, Tiffany Turner, Justine Vanthoff, Ryan Vertino, Edward Weiser, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek
Grade 11: Steven Accardo, Joseph Amsdill, Danielle Asbach, Jared Billica, Timothy Boorady, Robert Borden, Haley Breier, Brandon Caldwell, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Vincent Coty, Richard Cribbs, Colleen Danahy, Daniel DeMarco, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Christopher Eley, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Shari Geblein, Mallory Griffiths, Meaghan Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Ian Johnson, Autumn Kaiser, Alexandria Kelly, Joseph Kobza, Sara Kurpiewski, Pasquale Lemme, Jessica Lew, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Maria Lorence, Tyle Magliazzo, Kurt Makowski, Edward Mallwitz, Kirk Manquen, Stephen Mathes, Amanda Mayes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Ashley McGuire, Nathaniel Miles, Courtney Mulvey, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Rachel Olszewski, Jessica Oyer, David Perri, Anthony Poupalos, Lauren Quattrini, Caitlin Radecki, Justin Raiser, Jordan Ricigliano, Adam Ripellino, Blake Rockwood, Stefane Samland, Audrey Senf, Aleem Shariff, Shawn Speidel, Lauren Stanwick, Jacquava Thompson, Nicholas Tomkins, Kaitlin Turner, Elizabeth Wilson
Grade 12: Alexandra Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Kiel Clarke, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Jamison Crawford, Thomas Cunningham, Ashley DeMaria, Paul Dhand, Courtney Donovan, Sara El Houssieny, Kate Endres, Timothy Fargino, Brian Foy, Joseph Fusco, Thomas Geib, Mark Gramza, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Megan Kaleta, Jared Kazmierczak, Jordan Kubik, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Jacqueline Lunick, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Casey Olszewski, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, James Rayhill, Abigail Richards, Jasmine Rivers, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Matthew Scibilia, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Melissa Thompson, Keith Wegrzyn, Amanda Williams, Bessie Zhang




GIHS Collecting Pennies For Good Cause, Big Prize
Deadline For Collection Friday, April 27th - 2007
   The Grand Island High School students, with the DECA Club heading up the Kiss 98.5 High School Spirit 2007 Contest/fundraiser, are in the midst of a competition with other high schools to collect the most pennies to win a nice prize. Kiss 98.5 is the official station in charge of this fundraiser and the prize is a concert with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus AND the senior class heads off to Darien Lake for a FREE Graduation Celebration!
   The pennies will go to a donation called Carly’s Club which helps to support kids and families with cancer as well as the cancer research in Western New York. Everyone is invited to help the high school students win by donated, pennies and pennies only! Contact a high school student to pick up your donation now. Donations must be made by Friday, April 27th.
   For more information about the contest, see http://www.kiss985.com/contests/rules/hss2007.pdf and http://www.kiss985.com/contests/hss2007.php




A Celebration of Inspiration at Grand Island High School - 2007
   
(Left) Courtney Donner and Marty Allen; (right) Richard Anzalone, Corey McGowan, Jordan Litz and Cheryl Chamberlain.
   
(Left) Tracey Beatty and Justina Portenzo; (right) Michael Murray and Jen Freiermuth.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view.


Teacher Sandy Burns is honored by Ray Page and Jess Coughlin

   The Celebration of Inspiration marked its 15th year of teacher appreciation by Grand Island High School seniors on Wednesday evening, April 18, 2007. This event is sponsored by the PTA Council and this year honored 33 teachers from the school district. Each presenter spoke of how the teacher inspired them and made a difference in their lives. The honoree then spoke about the student and appreciation for their mutual admiration. A plaque was given to each teacher.

List of Honoree(s) and Presenter(s)


Marty Allen - Courtney Donner
Mike Murray - Jen Freiermuth
John Arnone - Pierre Tanguay
John Ball - Brian Nusstein
Tracy Beatty - Justina Portenzo
Mollie Bowen - Adam Schopp
Lori Burns - Don Turner, Dan Dinsmore
Sue Campbell - Sarah Mye, Carrie Boron
Cheryl Chamberlain - Ian O'Rourke, Jordan Litz, Richard Anzalone, Corey McGowan
Carrie Earnst - Cassie Lange, Abe Morgan
Kathy Fik - Ashley Fabio
Roberta Frisoni - Val Paris
Johnathan Head - Ashley Ray
Maggie Kennedy - Rebecca Asbach
Rose Krauss - Bessie Zhang
Barbara Leifer-Lavitz - Forest Smith
Maureen Littlefield - Rachael Kaplan
Carolyn Lokken - Andy Rogers, Vince Cobatto, Sydney Seese, Sara El Houssienny
Carolyn Manzo - Carl Grant
Art Meaney - Corey Dudish
Julie Porter - Alicia Barnaby
Craig Reynolds - Janeen Amantia
Kathie Scarafia - Missy Thompson
Joanne Stafford - Julie Pangborn
Mike Stauffer - Chris McDonnell
Steve Steck - James Rayhill
Val Swain - Bill Lewandowski
Dan Sweeney - Emily Kahn, Trey Minarcin
Mary Therrien - Abby Richards
Tim Williamson - Sean McDermott
Cindy Wynne - Tim Burns

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High School News - April 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, April 19, 2007 . . .This week was the beginning of a new marking period for this year. Many students at Grand Island High School are counting down the days. Also, this week many students were recognized for their great achievements within the classroom. These outstanding students received Grand Island’s “Pride of the Island” award. The students who were recognized now have the honor of marching in the July 4th parade. Congratulations to all in succeeding. Also, GIHS is honoring other students this Friday (Apr. 20) from classes of the 1970’s! These students include Neil Tetkowski (Class of 1973), Dr. James Desemone (Class of 1975), William Whitford (Class of 1972) and Lee Zeplowitz (Class of 1976). These four previous students all became something in life and are helping to change the world around them. All of the current students will be attending unless a note is given to the office for an early dismissal. The assembly will start at 12:55 p.m. and go until 2:03 p.m.
   GIHS is now in competition will many other schools to win a concert from the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and in addition the senior class will be able to head off to Darien Lake for a free Graduation Celebration. But there is one catch; the High School that brings in the most pennies wins. The pennies will go to a donation called Carly’s Club which helps to support kids and families with cancer as well as the cancer research in Western New York. So, don’t forget your pennies! The GIHS DECA Club is heading up this event.




GIHS Annual Talent Show - 2007
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2008 will sponsor the Annual Talent Show 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2007 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5. There are twenty different acts including the following: Brenna McCabe (Irish Dancing), Rebecca Sobol (Baton), Cassie Ungaro (Vocals), and Christina Sergakis (Greek Dancing/Vocals). Numerous bands including Vega and Zephyr Kri will play. A skit at the end of the show will feature performances from several Grand Island High School teachers.

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High School News
Celebration of Inspiration - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, April 19, 2007 . . .Seniors in high school have the opportunity to recognize a teacher who has made a significant impact in their lives during their enrollment in Grand Island schools. This night is called Celebration of Inspiration, and is always a favorite of both seniors and teachers. Celebration of Inspiration will occur on Wednesday night, April 18, 2007, with refreshments starting at 6:30 p.m., and the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. Students will make a short speech about the impact that their teachers have had on them, which allows students to reflect back on great memories and lessons learned during their education. It is a wonderful night full of memories and gratitude, and it is a heart-warming way to end your senior year.




GIHS Students Participate In Shadow Day - 2007
   
(left) Huth Road second grade teacher Mrs. Beth Boron and student Miss Kacey White - (right) students Alicia Sommer and Kelly Cich with Dr. Lopat from Island Pediatrics
   
(left photo) Miss Piatek from State Farm Insurance with student Erica Barrett - (right) Student Janeen Amantia at Sidway School
Click photos for larger view.
   Over 80 juniors and seniors from Grand Island High School had breakfast at the Buffalo Launch Club with some very interesting local business leaders from all over Western New York on Wednesday April 4th. The topic of discussion was all about future careers and the students were very excited to spend the day "shadowing" their possible future job area. Sandy Burns and Cheryl Chamberlain coordinate the Career Exploration and Internship Program (CEIP) at Grand Island High School, and Shadow Day is one of the benefits of being an intern. This one of a kind experience is also available to the students due to the generous assistance from the Grand Island School Business Alliance (GISBA). GISBA is a unique partnership between education and business. Grand Island Schools Superintendent Robert Christmann is very impressed with the positive relationship that the community, business, and schools on Grand Island continue to build upon.
   Some of the locations students shadowed were: Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, Attorney Mark Frentzel, State Farm Insurance, the Grand Island Holiday Inn, Sidway School, Kaegebein School, Huth Road School, The MOG, Walden Galleria Mall Security, Island Pediatrics, and the Erie County Sheriff's Department.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 5, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 4/5/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
April 2007
 
Emily Kahn                    Nicholas Shemik               Sydney Seese
   Emily Kahn moved to the Island at the age of one and a half, and has since attended school in the Grand Island district, attending Kaegebein for elementary school. She has maintained superior grades since elementary school, followed by honors track through middle school and taking Advanced Placement courses in high school, constantly challenging herself to work harder. To date, she has earned the highest score possible on all of her Advanced Placement exams.
   Emily has participated in the Grand Island Corporate Bowl each year since she entered high school, and her team placed second in the competition two years in a row, defeating upperclassmen, even as freshmen, to earn scholarship money.
   Succeeding athletically as well as academically, Emily has played a sport each season since her sophomore year, running cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track. She has earned a varsity letter in each of these sports, and was named as the cross-country M.V.P. in hr junior year.
   Emily has been recognized by the College Board for exemplary achievements in several areas of standardized tests. She was named as a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist for outstanding grades on her PSATs. She was also acknowledged as an "AP Scholar with Honor" for grades on Advanced Placement examinations.
   Emily is also actively involved in the Grand Island community at all times of the year. A National Honor Society member, she routinely participates in such community service activities as the Crop Walk and Relay for Life, in addition to bi-weekly cleanups of the Buffalo city area for the environmental group, the Niagara River Keepers.
   Nicholas Shemik was born in Niagara Falls, New York and has been a Grand Island resident for the past fifteen years. He has been enrolled in Grand Island's Central School District since kindergarten, previously attending Trinity Church's preschool. Nick has always strived for academic excellence while maintaining involvement in both the school and local community.
   Nick has excelled through the use of honors courses that push him to his potential. His current course load includes AP Psychology, AP Government and Politics, AP Calculus, and college level Spanish. Throughout Nick's academic years on Grand Island, he has been awarded with numerous achievements including The Pride of Grand Island Award, Who's Who Among High School Students, the President's Award for Academic Excellence, a Scholar Athlete Award, Academic Excellence certificate and varsity letter, and acceptance into the National Honor Society.
   Nick has earned his varsity letter in both soccer and lacrosse while remaining a driving force in Grand Island's Mock Trial Team. He has also been a devoted soccer player to Grand Island's Travel Soccer Club for the past decade, while playing both summer and winter club lacrosse.
   Nick volunteers his time regularly as a student member of the Town of Niagara's Historical Society, where he works diligently to preserve history. He also volunteers at St. Leo's Church in Niagara Falls, often seen lending a hand in St. Leo's Bingo Hall. Nick has also helped at the Lions Club's Special Kids Picnic and has given back to the community by coaching Grand Island Little League Lacrosse.
   In the near future, Nick plans on attending a four-year university for Pre-Law studies with a minor in business Administration. Nick ultimately plans on becoming a Corporate Lawyer after graduation from Law School.
   Sydney Seese was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and lived there for three years. She and her family then moved to Ohio and resided in both Orville and Wooster. Finally, she moved to Grand Island before entering fifth grade and has attended Grand Island schools ever since.
   Sydney has challenged numerous advanced courses in her middle school and high school careers while still allotting time for a variety of extracurricular activities including the musical, S.A.D.D., and student council. In recognition for her efforts, she has received many awards such as an Academic Excellence certificate, pin and letter, and two letters in music. Sydney currently holds positions as a Class Representative and Secretary of Choir.
   Sydney has been involved with Relay for Life since her freshman year. She has been a team captain and a performer for the event, using her talents to aid the important cause. She has also participated in vacation Bible school for the Presbyterian Church as a bus helper and teacher helper.
   As part of a family of six and the eldest of four daughters, Sydney has learned patience and responsibility. Her parents have been very supportive of her goals and greatly helped her become a successful student and person.
   After she graduates, Sydney plans to attend a liberal arts college to double major in Music and Spanish Education.

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High School News - April 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, April 5, 2007 . . .On the evening of March 30th, Interact Club along with members of the National Honor Society spent the night outdoors in attempt to raise both awareness and money for the homeless. It was not quite the evening that I expected. Here I was with my friend Ashley Rutland, my sisters Lindsey and Stefane and a whole group of teenagers. I expected to have fun. I do not know why I assumed that I would, but instead I was cold, and miserable. I can’t imagine what it would feel like on a colder, windier, rainy or snowy night, yet those nights do come and many people have no choice but to endure them. I couldn’t wait until 6 a.m. when we were allowed to go home. My bed was calling my name. This event has served as a dose of reality in the fact that one never knows what hardships the future holds and that in any given moment everything you know could be taken away. One night of cold and discomfort gave me a new appreciation for everything that I have. (Editor's note: scroll down for photo of the writer and friends.)
   The Grand Island High School’s annual volleyball tournament takes place Thursday, April 26th. Those who are not playing are welcome to watch. Spring break officially begins at 2:03 p.m. on Thursday as we board the buses for home. Enjoy the break, have fun, rest up and for those going away to some place warm, please send us back some sunshine.

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Students Spend a Chilly Night Sleeping in Boxes to Benefit the Homeless - March 2007

Students shown (left) are Lindsey Samland, Kaitie Samland and Ashley Rutland
Story/Photo By Jeff Stange - Click photo for larger view
   Friday, March 30, 2007 . . .. Grand Island High School Interact and National Honor Society members constructed a cardboard box “village” and spent the night behind Grand Island High School to promote awareness on the plight of the homeless and raise donations to benefit the Friends of the Night People. Despite near freezing temperatures, the students braved the elements and kept their spirits high from 9 p.m. Friday night until 6 a.m. Saturday morning for this worthy cause.

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High School News
Annual Talent Show - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 29, 2007 . . .Even though the musical may be over, you can still enjoy listening to music, as well as enjoy talents of multiple students from the high school. On Thursday evening, April 26th, Grand Island High School will be holding its annual talent show. The show is run by the Junior class of 2008 at GIHS, and they will be selling tickets and refreshments to the audience that night. In order to be part of the show, students had to audition for the junior class officers and advisers to see who would make the cut. A list was posted in school, displaying the participants in this year's show. There will be two acts to the show, with some amazing performances by all students. The show is open to anyone who wants to come for a night of entertainment. Congratulations to all who tried out and Good Luck on Thursday night!

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Keith Wegrzyn Receives Merit Award For Art Work - April 2007

Click photo for larger view
   Grand Island High School senior Keith Wegrzyn took the 22nd Storrs All High Photo Show Merit Award for Grand Island High School for his black and white photographic print called Opening Day. Keith printed this photograph of his father and grandfather scouting out the perfect fishing spot using his darkroom experience. The All High Photo Show opened on Sunday, April 1, 2007 in the Kenan Center and will remain on view until April 22nd. Twenty-eight school districts in Western New York and beyond were involved in the competition.




Class of 2009 Offers Chicken Barbecue - 2007
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2009 is sponsoring a chicken barbecue on Tuesday, May 15th, the day of the district budget vote. Dinners, to be served in the GIHS small cafeteria, will be catered by Krolick’s and include: chicken, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, and roll and butter. Each dinner will be sold for $8. Pre-sale tickets are available now through the HS library (773-8886 or rachaelhickey@k12.ginet.org) or the day of the sale. Dinners will be served between 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hope to see you there!




Girls Basketball Tops In Winter Sports Season - 2007
   The Lady Vikings Basketball team finished 2nd in the NFL for the second consecutive year, two points shy of a NFL Championship. Coach Jen Banker's Vikings were led by 6’2” All Star center Courtney Donovan, only the third Lady Viking to score 1,000 points. Courtney finished with 1070 points, but more importantly had one of the greatest single seasons in Lady Viking history. Congratulations Lady Vikings.
   The Boys Swimming & Diving team once again finished with a winning record (8-6) and competed very successfully with the top teams in the NFL. Senior Ian O’Rourke finished his diving career as the greatest Viking diver in GI history. Ian accomplished everything possible which puts him in New York States elite company as 2006 State Champion.
   The Boys Basketball team had their most successful season in three years winning 10 games of which 6 came against NFL opponents. The Vikings were led by leading scorer and rebounds sophomore 6’4” Greg Feathers, a 2nd team All Star.
   The Boys (7-7) and Girls (4-10) Bowling teams were very competitive in this year's NFL. Coach Craig Davis feels the G&B Bowling program will continue to improve.
   The Wrestling team continues to improve through its Modified team and successful youth program. Coach Jeff Johnston feels this year’s team took a huge step in competing in the toughest league in WNY. The Vikings return all but two seniors, which should compete among the top teams in the league.
   The Girls and Boys Indoor Track program competes primarily individually, but finished 10th at the league Championships as a team. Coach Don Sauer has built the Indoor Track program in its short three-year existence into a very competitive program in WNY, setting 14 school records. Senior captain Tim Fargino led the winter track season with a school record in the 1000m run and a trip to the States. Fargino also anchored the record 400 relay team with teammates Evan Tsembelis, Ryan Hagen and Jordan Gibson. Meaghan Hayes set a school record in the 55 hurdles for the Girls team.
   Congratulations to all the winter season athletes and coaches for the outstanding efforts, accomplishments and sportsmanship.
    See Winter Sports Season for the 2006-2007 VIKING WINTER ALL STARS.

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High School News - March 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 29, 2007 . . .This week was a competition to all. The Student Olympics was held on Wednesday March 28. Here any student can join others and create a team. In this Olympics competition all different challenges were create. Even teachers were allowed to join. Also this week, the competition between grades and the students is over. On Thursday, March 29th grades will be closing therefore the third marking period will be over. Students of all grades will have Friday March 30th off due to Superintendent’s Day.
   This Friday (Mar. 31) our Grand Island High School Interact members and National Honor Society members will be sleeping outside in a box! The money collected will be given to Friends of the Night. This event will start at 9 p.m. and last until 6 a.m. Students are required to bring their own boxes and collect donations. A new project our members are working on is the opportunity to take a field trip and listen to important facts on how to protect our earth.




GIHS Art Exhibit - 2007
       
       
Jodi Robinson Photos
Click photos for larger view.
   The artwork of the Grand Island High School art classes was on display the week of March 26th in the Viking Mall. T.A.C.O or Teen Artwork Creatively Organized was the title of the exhibit that celebrated March as Youth Art Month.




24th Annual High School Student Olympics For Special Athletes - 2007

(left) Grand Island Special Olympic Athletes; (right) High School Olympic Teams

(left) Turtles; (center) Obstacle Course; (right) Top 3 - Team Uniform

Team Top Gun (left) Richard Anzalone, Ashley Ray, Corey Dudish, and Christian Nole

Jodi Robinson Photos - Click photos for larger view.
   The 24th Annual Student Olympics for Grand Island's Special Athletes took place on Wednesday, March 28th in the high school gym. Over 100 students competed in silly events to raise money for the special athlete group that meets on the Island. In the past two weeks the students have raised over $2400. The athletes use the money to buy uniforms, equipment, cover travel costs, and enhance their activities. In the past they bought mountain bikes, cross country skis, and team uniforms. This year's top money raiser was the team of Kasey Sumner, Molly Wynne, Tom McDonald and Jon LoTempio who raised $367.

Top Six Teams Overall:
1st - Team 7 - Nick Tomkins, Tim Boorady, Caitlyn Driscoll, Meagen Hayes
2nd - Team 19 - Kiel Clarke, Dan Gadowski, Jessica Keuhne, Courtney Donovan
3rd - Team 10 - Susan Pioli, Amber Duda, Alex Neutz, Joe Oliverio
4th - Team 13 - Corey Dudish, Rich Anzalone, Ashley Ray, Christian Mole
5th - Team 23 - Kolby Barker, Heather Goris, Matt Ludwig, Alexa Amato
6th - Team 29 - Allie Weiser, Sara Kurpewski, Ryan Benninger, Kevin Pifer

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GIHS Students Participate In 58th Annual All-County Music Festival - March 2007

Story/Photo By Jeff Stange - Click photo for larger view
   Saturday, March 24, 2007 . . .The Erie County Music Educators Association held the last in a series of four spring concerts comprising its 58th annual music festival at the Lippes-Slee Auditorium on UB’s North Campus this past weekend. ECMEA is a non-profit organization that represents and supports music education throughout Western NY. Over 4,000 students auditioned for this year’s festival with selection dependent on “exceptional musical talent, extraordinary achievement and a high degree of discipline and commitment.” Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, Grand Island High School Vocal Music Teacher, co-chaired the Senior High SATB Chorus portion of the festival.
   Grand Island students participating:
Senior High SATB Chorus
Sara El Houssieny, Shannon Farmer, Alexandra Imperi, Chelsea Bergmann, Caroline Boron, Karen Figliotti, Sierra Seese, Sydney Seese, Cassandra Ungaro, Sarah Bastian, Amy Bidell, Julia Figliotti, Dianne Maerz, Julie Pangborn, Forrest Smith, Vincent Covatto, John Gannon, Ryan Hagen, Jordon Toth, Brett Fiedler, Tim Lewis, Ryan Link, Robert Potter, Ryan Gualiano, Sean Hook, Andrew Stange, Rhianna Wing, Stephanie Cartwright.
Senior High All County Band
Abram Morgan (French Horn), Traci Aladeen (Piccolo), Nichole Nash (Flute), Courtney Donner (Eb Clarinet), Kelcie Hanaka (Clarinet), Taylor Jackson (Clarinet) Ashley Fabio (Bass Clarinet), Josh Kaplan (Tenor Sax), Emily Thompson (Trumpet), Matt Little (Tuba)
Senior High All County Orchestra
Noah Yanicki
Stephanie Cartwright (Viola)

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High School Musicians Provide Orchestra For Niagara Wheatfield High School Production - March 2007
   Several Grand Island High School string orchestra students, under the direction of Niagara Wheatfield Band director, Christine Reiderer, a Grand Island resident, will be providing the music for the Niagara Wheatfield High School production of Jane Eyre tonight (March 29) through Saturday at 7 p.m. A Dinner/Theatre Package is available on Saturday evening. Island students performing are:
Stephanie Cartwright and Lauren Emmi (Violin I)
Amy Bidell and Jessica Doyle (Violin II)
Jacob Ferrante (Cello)
Noah Yanicki (String Bass)
   "It is a great opportunity for our Orchestra kids to play outside our district!" Music Teacher Miss Deb Remson said.
   Niagara Wheatfield is locate at 2292 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, NY.
   Ticket information:
Tickets are $7
Dinner theater packages for Saturday's performance are available for $20 by prior reservation only (dinner 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., catered by Macri's Restaurant - 215-3605)

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Basketball Star Courtney Donovan - March 2007

   Grand Island High School senior and fantastic athlete Courtney Donovan has averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per basketball game this season. According to the Buffalo News, she ends a three-year career as a starter with 1,070 points, leaving her second all-time at the school." The News went on to say that Courtney "has a season-high 30 points against Lockport and netted 24 against eventual Class A champion Kenmore East. Her impact on the game is incredible, every aspect of the game . . .with the ball, without the ball,” coach Jen Banker said. Courtney led The Varsity Vikings to a 17-5 finish.
    Courtney was a three-year starter on both the Grand Island High School varsity volleyball and basketball teams and participated in varsity track for three years. In her junior year she was named to the 1st Team All-League for both volleyball and basketball. She also played on a Niagara P.A.L. AAU Basketball Team for three years in the summer. Courtney was a key player her sophomore year when the Grand Island Girls Basketball Team went undefeated, winning both the NFL and Section VI titles. She was voted Outstanding Female Athlete of her freshman, sophomore and junior classes. She was also voted Most Athletic by her senior class in the superlative polls.

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High School News
Special Athletes - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 29, 2007 . . .Thirty-three teams made up of students, and some of teachers, at Grand Island High School supported the Grand Island Special Athletes on Wednesday night, March 28th, by putting on Student Olympics in the gym. Students created teams of four, two boys and two girls, and competed in various silly events, including Musical Chairs, Egg Toss, Obstacle Course, and Tug of War. Teams were also encouraged to dress up in team uniforms, which were voted on during the opening parade into the gym. In order to participate, teams collectively had to raise a minimum of $75 and the total money raised was given to the Grand Island Special Athletes. Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third place teams, and the excitement of the night kept everyone in good spirits. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

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Order Your High School Yearbooks - March 2007
   Grand Island High School yearbooks (Venture 2007) may be pre-order for the last time on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 2-4, 2007. These are the last days for students to reserve a copy of this year's edition of the Venture Yearbook. Only 250 copies remain for sale. Pre-orders will be taken outside of the large cafeteria during all lunches. Again, this is the last chance to guarantee yourself a book for this school year. The cost is $65.00 and checks may be made payable to VENTURE 2007.
   Books will be on sale during Class Day, June 4th, but the staff cannot guarantee how many books will be available. If you have any questions, feel free to call the business office at 773-8879 or if you would like to mail your check, you can send it to: GRAND ISLAND HS, C/O CHRIS SIMPSON, 1100 RANSOM ROAD, GRAND ISLAND, NY 14072.




Girls Soccer (HSBC) Take 2nd In Tournament - 2007

(left photo) (left front) Alicia Barnaby, Alexa Amato, Catie Hilliard, Kristin Wegrzyn; (back) Allie Weiser, Nicole Fischer, Sam Drexelius, Carly Snyder, Casey Carminati, Coach Dave Bowman
(right photo) Coach Dave Bowman and Alicia Barnaby with her All-Tournament Team plaque
Click photos for larger view.
   The Grand Island Lady Vikings placed second at the NAIA Houghton College Indoor Soccer Tournament on Saturday March 3, 2007. The Vikings (HSBC) went home with a record of 4 wins and 2 losses and defeated the Arkport and Livonia team whose varsity programs just earned NY State Championship titles. The Vikings (HSBC) scored 14 goals in their six games and allowed only 7. Scoring for the Vikings (HSBC) was Alicia Barnaby with 5 goals, Catie Hilliard with 4 goals, Carly Snyder with 3 goals, Alexa Amato with 1 goal, and Sam Drexelius with 1 goal. Playing solid defense for the Vikings (HSBC) were Nicole Fischer, Casey Carminati, Kristin Wegrzyn, and Allie Weiser while Weiser and Wegrzyn made some key saves in goal during the tournament. Barnaby was named to the six-member All-Tournament team out of a field of approximately 144 players. The Lady Vikings represented the Grand Island branch of HSBC Bank and would like to thank Mike Samland and the rest of the branch for their support of Vikings soccer.

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High School Club Promotes Organ, Tissue Donation Awareness - March 2007

(left) teacher Rose Krauss shown with members of Life Lessons, Amanda Richter, Rachael Kaplan, Anthony Poupolos, Kayla Mornelli, Andrea Monaco, Brianna Konopa and Tara Rogers.
   The Grand Island High School has organized a new student club this year, Life Lessons, whose mission is to promote awareness of organ and tissue donations in Western NY. During the last week of March, club members will kick off an educational campaign by organizing a week long trivia contest, passing out prizes during lunch hours, and their biggest project, having a Life Lessons Fair on Saturday, March 31st. The Fair will be in the high school cafeteria from 11 am - 2 p.m. Students and family of all ages are welcome. Guest speakers, several from Grand Island, will share their experiences about donations. In addition, there will be entertainment from local student bands, carnival games, plenty of food and prizes! Life Lessons would like to thank the Grand Island Rotary for generously donating funds to buy T-shirts designed with the Donate Life theme. Students will be very excited to wear them during the week long campaign.




GIHS T.A.C.O. Art Show - 2007

GIHS freshman Alex Re
    The Art Department of Grand Island High School will be showcasing the artworks of talented students on Monday, March 26th in a show titled T.A.C.O. – Teen Artwork Creatively Organized. The work displayed in the foyer of the high school will represent works from all grade levels and all high school art classes. The art, ranging from photographs, paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, and textiles, will be comprised of various mixed media and exhibit individual, creative skills. Students who are preparing to send their art portfolio to Albany for Advance Placement credit will also be exhibiting a few of their works. The show will be introduced from 6-7 p.m. but many of the works will remain on display through the remainder of the week during school hours. Stop by and be amazed by the wonderful artistic talents of our Grand Island teenagers.

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High School News - March 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 22, 2007 . . .Now that Spring has officially arrived, most of the students at Grand Island High are anxiously awaiting Spring Break! Most of us agree that the sunshine and warm weather give us some much needed energy to finish off the year. Corporate Bowl was once again a successful event. Congratulations to Ryan Link, Rachael Kaplan, Cassie Lange, and Forrest Smith, otherwise known as Team MXA, for winning first place. Students can now look forward to the annual volleyball tournament on April 5 and the Grand Island High School’s Talent Show, Health Fair on March 31, and Student Olympics. Please see the guidance office if you need to register for the SAT, are seeking summer employment or wish to do some volunteer work. Remember that the counselors are there to help you!

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High School News
Students Prepare For All-County Music Festival - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 22, 2007 . . . Grand Island Senior High's finest instrumentalists and singers are headed to University of Buffalo this Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, to prepare for the Senior High All-County festival. Grand Island is delighted to have a number of students participating in the chorus, band and orchestra. Intense rehearsals begin on Friday afternoon and go until Friday night. Students travel back home and return again on Saturday morning for another rehearsal and finishing with concerts for parents and friends to enjoy in Slee Concert Hall on Saturday afternoon.
   The preparation for the festival was months in the making, beginning with instrumental solo auditions for band and orchestra, and quartet auditions for choir students. Students selected for the instrumental groups, had to begin diligently working to learn the music in time for this weekend. Mr. Martin Allen, the Grand Island High School band director, always strives for the best among his players and to be the most prepared players at the festival. Similarly, Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, the high school choir director, had prepared her students to their fullest ability before the January auditions to give them the best possible chance at being selected. Each year, Grand Island students go into the festival very well prepared and I'm sure their directors greatly appreciate the hard work of both teachers and students alike. It is quite an honor to have our community so widely represented throughout this year's Senior High festival.

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High School News - March 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 15, 2007 . . . Grand Island High School is definitely one busy place. GIHS hosted Tuesday night's annual Corporate Bowl. It was a great time shared by both contestants and the audience. Thumbs up to everyone who made it such a success! According to morning announcements, some other upcoming events include our own Student Olympics, Talent Show and Life’s Lessons Fair. Please be charitable, if you are asked to donate to the Interact Club as they spend the night outdoors sleeping in boxes and braving the elements to raise money to help out the homeless. This “sleepover” takes place the night of March 30.
   Spring sports are also starting to gear up; boys' tennis, track, and lacrosse have already begun practices. Our senior athlete of the week is Lauren McGowan. Last week she scored five goals against Williamsville South in Indoor Lacrosse. She now has 17 goals and 14 assists for the season!

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Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
March 2007
 
Sean McDermott                    Ashley Fabio               Cassandra Ungaro
   Sean McDermott has lived on Grand Island since third grade. He started at Grand Island High School as a freshman in September 2003 and has taken a challenging curriculum, including such classes as AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Calculus and a Niagara University course in sign language. In addition to an intense course schedule of school work, he is also very active in extracurricular activities. He plans to major in a field of Computer Sciences and attend Law School after completion of his undergraduate studies. Although Sean knows he wants to become a lawyer, he is exploring what field of law to study.
   Sean McDermott has received his academic certificate, pin, letter, and he is currently working towards an academic bar. Sean received the honor of being "Pride of the Island" his freshman year. Last year he was inducted into the National Honor Society and was also the recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal Award. He holds firm to self the belief that hard work and determination pays off.
   Sean has participated in extracurricular activities in the community and the school. He joined the Boy Scouts of America and has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, Sean is active in the Order of the Arrow (OA), the honor society of the Boy Scouts. He is a Vigil Member, which is the highest honor of the Order. He currently holds the OA positions of Polaris Chapter Chief and 2008 Section Conclave Chairman. This past summer, he worked at Schoellkopf Scout Reservation as the Order of the Arrow representative, where his duties included visiting campsites, teaching Citizenship in the World Merit Badge, and a variety of other tasks.
   Sean believes and relies deeply on his faith. As a member of the church choir, he sings everything from regular masses to church rededications. Occasionally, he will help with other parts of the mass. Sean's Eagle Scout Project was carried out at his church where his crew removed old landscaping and planted a tree and several bushes.
   The extracurricular activities Sean participates in at the high school are the Mock Trail, Chess Team, Audio Visual Crew, Ski Club, Spotlighters and Relay for Life, which raised over $120,000 in 2006.
   Sean has found his four years at Grand Island High School challenging and rewarding. He looks forward to attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Applied Networking and System Administration.
   Ashley Fabio has been a life-long resident of Grand Island and has attended Grand Island public schools her entire academic career. During her school years, she has always tried to excel academically as well as participate in many after school activities. Ashley has maintain honor roll and merit roll throughout high school, receiving awards for her academic achievements, including her academic excellence letter and pin.
   Ashley has been very active in the Music Department since the fourth grade. She plays the clarinet and bass clarinet and is presently a member of the high school wind ensemble. She also participates in the pep band. She ahs earned her Varsity letter, pins, white letter and should soon earn her bar this year. She has been a member of all county bands for the past five years. Ashley has participated in school musicals since the 8th grade including Annie Jr., Guys and Dolls, Seussical, and She Loves Me.
   Ashley has been a member of the Grand Island girls swimming and diving team for four consecutive years. She earned her varsity letter last season.
   Outside of school, Ashley has become a certified lifeguard and currently works at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. She has been a volunteer at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital and Our Lady of Peace nursing home. She participates in Relay for Life as well as the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis each year. She is an active member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church and youth group where she served at a homeless shelter in Washington, D.C. This past summer she attended the National Lutheran Youth Convention in San Antonio, Texas for one week and participated with Habit For Humanity to help rebuild homes for needy families.
   After graduation, Ashley plans to attend college to pursue a major in becoming an X-ray and ultra sound specialist.
   Cassandra Ungaro has lived on Grand Island all of her life. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island school district since the sixth grade and has taken on academically advanced classes along with many extracurricular activities.
   Currently Cassandra is taking classes that include AP Psychology, AP Theory, AP Statistics, and AP Literature and Composition. She has received many academic awards including the National Honor Roll Award for Academic Achievement, National Student Leadership award, Who's Who for American High School Students, People to People Ambassador and Presidential Classroom Scholar. She received the Scholar Athlete for Soccer and Lacrosse, a Varsity letter in soccer, music, and lacrosse, a Varsity Letter (PTSA) Academics, a Certificate of Academic Excellence, and a Academic Pin of Achievement. Cassandra is also currently a member of the National Honors Society.
   Cassandra has been involved in many extracurricular activities. She has been a member of the GIHS soccer team, where she traveled with her team to the State Tournament, lacrosse and ski club programs in which she has received her varsity letters. She enjoys taking part in her church youth group and Young Life.
   Ever since Cassandra can remember she has shared a passion for music. Along with playing her flute in Wind Ensemble, she enjoys singing in the High School Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, playing her flute in Pep Band, and participating in the High School Musicals. She has traveled with the Wind Ensemble to Tennessee, Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois. Outside of school she has competed in many vocal and flute competitions: ECMEA Festivals, All-County auditions, Area All-State, Conference All-State alternate. Cassandra was chosen as a finalist in the Kingdom Bound Talent Search of 2005, National Christian Artist Talent Search of 2005, and recently the Exalting Him 2006 National Talent Search.
   Cassandra has contributed to the Grand Island community by activities such as Mission Trip to Gulfport for Katrina relief, Vacation Bible School, Special Music Ministry, Fire of Worship teams, Relay for Life, Student Olympics, and Christmas Caroling.
   After graduation, Cassandra plans to attend college at Liberty University and pursue a major in the field of music education.

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Indoor Track Star Tim Fargino Enters National Meet - 2007

   Thursday, March 15, 2007 . . .Grand Island High School indoor track star Tim Fargino, a senior, ran at the "Nike National Scholastic Championship" in Landover, MD over the weekend of March 9-11. He qualified for his performances during the indoor season with his time in the 1000m races (2:36.00). He ran the 800m (shorter distance) and was 2nd in his race at nationals, which was one of six different races. Tim's time was 1:59.62 which set a new school record for Indoor Track here at Grand Island. It was his best time by 2.5 seconds (He ran 2:01 last year outdoors). Overall, he was 25th out of 52 runners from all the races. In Section VI Indoor League and Invitational Meets he was undefeated this winter in both the 600m and the 1000m races with school records in both. He won the Southern Tier Invite and the RIT Invite, the Indoor League Championships and the Section VI Title with impressive performances.
   The son of Bob and Denise Fargino, Tim is looking at University of Louisville, Oswego State and University of Miami (FL.) to continue his college studies.
   Grand Island High School Track Coach Don Sauer contributed to this story.




Choral Kaleidoscope Concert - 2007

High School Choir directed by Mrs. Caroline Lokken
Jeff Stange Photo - Click photo for larger view.
   The school district's Choral Kaleidoscope Concert was presented on Thursday, March 8, 2007 in the Grand Island High School auditorium. Music groups taking part were the Connor Middle School Sixth Grade Chorus directed by Susan L. Waters, Connor Middle School Seventh Grade Chorus directed by Annalea Masiello, Connor Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus directed by Annalea Madiello, Grand Island High School Choir directed by Carolyn Lokken, and the Grand Island High School Concert Choir directed by Carolyn Lokken. See Concert Program for the music presented and most appreciated by the large audience.

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High School News
Choral Kaleidoscope Concert - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 15, 2007 . . . There was beautiful music to be heard as you walked through the Viking Mall on Thursday night, March 8, as the Choral Kaleidoscope Concert was taking place. The concert consisted of five choirs, including Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grade chorus, as well as the High School Choir and Concert Choir. The Sixth Grade Choir was conducted by choir director Mrs. Susan Waters, as well as a student teacher, and the Seventh and Eighth grade Choirs were conducted by Mrs. Masiello. All three groups did a wonderful job, singing fun songs for the audience to enjoy. The High School Choirs were conducted by Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, who did a wonderful job with the Choirs. The numbers selected showed off a lot of talent from each group, and it was obvious that a lot of hard work and time was put in to preparing for their performances.
   Now the High School Choirs will be preparing for NYSSMA competition, where your group performs in front of a panel of judges and gets rated on performance. Good Luck to those taking part in the competition, and congratulations on a fabulous concert!




Grand Island DECA Students Take Top Honors at State Competition! - 2007
 
(left) Group picture; (right) Kayla Mornelli and Christian Nole win 3rd place

 
(left) Andrew Czerwonka, Kori Loder, and Maritina Tsembleis - (right) Ian O'Rourke and Cheryl Chamberlain

 
(left) Don Turner wins! - (right) All of the guys


All of the girls

Cheryl Chamberlain photos - Click for larger view
    Twenty-one students from Grand Island High School attended the New York State Career Conference on March 7 – 9 in Rochester, NY. Students competed with over 2,000 businesses and marketing students from all over the state in areas such as: travel and tourism, sports and entertainment marketing, and decision making. Grand Island was once again victorious in many events and overall brought home 15 medals and three trophies. Janeen Amantia took first place in the state for her extraordinary Chapter Scrapbook and credits the entire GIHS DECA Club for this prestigious award. Kayla Mornelli and Christian Nole also won third place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing, securing them a spot at the National DECA Conference in Orlando, FL. Corey McGowan helped to nominate the New York State Officers to their new positions and was applauded by the State Committee for his efforts. School Board member, Mr. George Casey, volunteered his business expertise as a judge for some of the state events and cheered our winners!
   Other state top-ten medals winners from Grand Island were:
• Andrew Czerwonka and Ross Aydelotte for Travel and Tourism
• Don Turner for Quick Serve Restaurant Management
• Maritina Tsembleis and Kori Loder for Decision Making Marketing
• Corey Dudish for Visual Advertising
• Ian O’Rourke for Career and Financial Management
   Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain and Mr. Christopher Simpson, Grand Island High School business teachers, were proud to chaperone and assist these outstanding students on this worthwhile leadership conference.

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GI JV Hockey Team Suffers Loss At Championships - March 2007
   The Grand Island JV Hockey Team lost to North Tonawanda 4-2 on Saturday, March 3rd in the WNY Club Hockey Championship Game. Ryan Vertino and Eddie Weiser scored for Grand Island.

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O’Rourke Takes 2nd In State Diving Championship - March 2007
   Grand Island High School senior Ian O'Rourke, winner of the state diving championship for the past two years, took 2nd place in the 2007 NYS Diving Championship on March 3, 2007. First place winner is Nathan Geary, a Lancaster High School senior.
   See "http://www.netsync.net/users/pstyer/Swimming/Boys/2007/2007NYSDiving%20Results.htm" for Diving Results and "http://www.netsync.net/users/pstyer/Swimming/Boys/2007/2007NYState.htm" for all results.

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High School News - March 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 8, 2007 . . .This week was full of nerves. Spring Sports tryouts started on Monday, March 5th. These sports included baseball, softball, boys tennis, and, girls/boys lacrosse. Good luck to all students. Also, this week a hand full of DECA members will travel to Rochester on Wednesday, March 7th for competition. This event will be chaperoned by Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain and Mr. Christopher Simpson. On Thursday, March 8th seven members from Grand Island’s Interact Club will be going on a field trip spreading the word about what they do. Joining them will be other schools as well.
   Grand Island High School is yet again getting involved. At this week's Interact meeting held by Mrs. Laura Briganti, the members discussed their yearly "sleep in a box" event. Joining them this year will be the Grand Island National Honor Society members. All members of both groups will bring a box to sleep outside of the Senior Cafeteria and have the opportunity to raise money. The participants will be served hot chocolate. This event will take place on March 30th starting at 9 p.m. until March 31st.

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High School News
High School Corporate Bowl - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 8, 2007 . . . Do you like to watch Jeopardy? Well, you won't have to watch it on television next week. Just come and see it for yourself! The Grand Island High School Corporate Bowl will be held next Tuesday, March 13th at 7 p.m. with the final round the following week, March 20th. The Corporate Bowl is an academic trivia game in which two teams compete against one another to win scholarship money. Students are ready to go this year, with 22 teams of four players each and $7,000 available in scholarship prize money. Each of the games will be taped by Adelphia channel 13 and will air in the coming weeks after the competition. All are welcome to attend and support the student teams. Best of luck to all teams competing!

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GIHS Artists In Daemen Art Show - March 2007
   Six Grand Island High School art students participated in the Daemen College All High Art Show on March 4th. Rich Cribbs, Samantha Drexelius, Samantha Chambers, Cassidy Hogrewe, Nicole Nash and Tim Burns displayed their original pieces in the show. Tim Burns received an Honorable Mention and a $1,000 scholarship for his sclupture. The All High Art Show will displayed through March 30th.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending March 1, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 3/1/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - March 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 1, 2007 . . .This week was hard for everyone. The break is over and we are all back in school looking forward to our next day off. Lucky for the high school students as they get a half day on Friday, March 2nd because of parent teacher conferences. The students will be let out around 10 a.m. and the conferences will start at 12 p.m. and run until 2:30 p.m.. On this half day the high schoolers will be having an assembly to help give the principals a chance to get reacquainted with the students. The monthly GISBA meeting was held on Wednesday, February 28th. At this meeting the members discussed the yearly Corporate Bowl which will be held March 13th and March 20th. Also discussed was the States Competition for DECA which will be held on March 7th until March 9th.
   I would now like to congratulate two members of our high school staff. First to congratulate would be Mrs. Cheryl Mulvey. She was one of the most loved lunch monitors and is now headed to Daemen College. Second to congratulate is Mr. Andrew Bowen. He was an excellent math teacher and cared for all of his students. Now, he is the new principal at Saint Mary’s High School. Congratulations to both.

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2006 Scholar Athletes - March 2007
   The 2006 Fall Scholar Athlete Teams recognized by the NYS Public High School Athletic Association are: Golf, Footbal, Girls Tennis, Girls Cross Country, Boys Cross Country, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball, Boys soccer, Girls Soccer and Girls Swimming and Diving.
   To qualify, a varsity team must average a minimum of 90% with several additional requirements considered.
   The following students were recognized at a January 2007 Board of Education meeting in Grand Island High School.
Girls Tennis - 92.67
Alyssa Accardo
Kimberly Asbach
Catherine Aughey
Stephanie Aughey
Danielle Bruno
Alexandra Buscaglia
Courtney Catalano
Courtney Donner
Julie Hasselbeck
Tara Hook
Shannon Howley
Ashley Koerntgen
Kelsey Mash
Lauren McGowan
Breanne Rafferty
Vida Rostami
Kaitie Samland
Brittany Stallard

Golf - 90.53
Sean Benninger
Brian Brink
Jeremy Chopra
Anthony Daubney
Darren Delsignore
Chris Eley
Alex Fry
Alex Killian
Casey Olszewski
John Osberg
Chris Rajczak

Girls Cross Country - 91.00
Traci Aladeen
Karen Bellanca
Caroline Boron
Brooke DeMarco
Caitlyn Driscoll
Bridget George
Emily Kahn

Boys Cross Country - 93.38
Tim Fargino
Brett Fiedler
Christian Gibson
Jordan Gibson
Ryan Hagen
Forest Smith
Evan Tsembelis

Girls Volleyball - 90.45
Haley Breier
Tiffany Dickenson
Courtney Donovan
Ashley Kippley
Jessica Oyer
Julie Pangborn
Alex PEters
Susan Pioli
Ashley Ray

Boys Volleyball - 90.92
Paul Dhand
Korey DiMatteo
Brian Dolan
Mike Heftka
Scott Holler
Paul Holler
Rich Karpie
Todd Kunze
Scott Ross
Jeff Szczepaniak

Football - 90.17
Joe Amsdill
Matt Klock
Ed Mallwitz
Matt McKenna
Alex Neutz
Pat O'Donnell
Joe Oliverio
Justin Raiser
Dave Rosati
Ajit Singh
Joe Tanbukuchi
Nick Taylor
Zach Tondera
Richie Vanthoff
Alex Webb
Phil Wend

Girls Soccer - 90.00
Alexa Amato
Alicia Barnaby
Lindsey Boyle
Heather Buzzelli
Casey Carminati
Jackie Coe
Amber Duda
Jordan Dusish
Alicia Fisher
Catie Hillard
Jordan Kessler
Ashley Mazurkiewicz
Jamie Raaepple
Carly Snyder
Allie Weiser
Kristin Wegrzyn

Girls Swimming - 90.58
Erin Bonaquist
Emily Eisenberger
Kelsey Fortman
Victoria Fortman
Mallory Griffiths
Jamie Justen
Rachael Kaplan
Mallory Griffiths
Megan McInerney
Kristin Millar
Nicole Morgan
Jessica Mysliwiec
Alicia Neutz
Alyssa Spada
Kristin Toellner

Boys Soccer - 90.03
Mike Asbach
John Berger
Jared Billica
Kiel Clarke
DJ DeMarco
Matt Hazelet
Sam Kilb
Kurt Makowski
Justin Samland
Ryan Samland
Joe Shanor
Nick Shemik
Josh Snyder
Kristin Toellner

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NYS High School Boys Swimming, Diving Championships - March 2007
2007 NYS Swimming and Diving Championship Meet will be held March 1-3, 2007. Qualifiers from Grand Island, NY
Grand Island High School
Josh Kaplan - Junior - 100 Backstroke
Ian O'Rourke - Senior - 1-Meter Diving - Sixth NYS Meet
St. Joe's
Angelo Ciraolo - Senior - 50 and 100 Freestyles
See overview sheet for the NYS Meet at "http://www.netsync.net/users/pstyer/Swimming/Boys/2007/2007NYState.htm" This lists all the entries from fastest to slowest in the meet. As results become available, they will posted on this page. Scroll down and click 'psych sheet' for a listing of fastest to slowest entries for the each event at the NYS meet.

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High School News
Half Day On Friday
Wind Ensemble Trip - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, March 1, 2007 . . . This Friday, March 2, Grand Island High School students will only be having a half- day off of school, due to parent-teacher conferences. Personally, as a high school student, I enjoy half days because you get out of classes around 9:45 in the morning and you then have the whole day to hang with your friends or sleep! I now hope that everyone is informed and has a fun afternoon off of school.
   The High School Wind Ensemble will be taking a field trip to Kleinhan's Music Hall in Buffalo on Wednesday, March 8 to record a tape for the Mid- West Competition. This tape will be the ensemble's audition piece, of which only five bands from the country will be chosen for. It is an honor to be considered for this competition, and the ensemble feels honored to be considered by auditioning. If chosen, the 2007-2008 Wind Ensemble will perform at the Mid-West competition with the pieces selected from the tape.

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GI JV Hockey Team Needs Your Support! - March 2007
   The Grand Island JV Hockey Team will play for the Western New York Club Hockey JV Large School Championship on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at Buffalo State Hockey Arena at 12 noon. The team finished the season in 2nd place with a record of 12 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie. They beat Niagara Wheatfield in the play-offs by scores of 5-2 and then 3-2 in triple overtime to advance to the championship. They will play North Tonawanda. Come out and support the Grand Island JV Hockey team!!!
Four JV Hockey Players Selected to WNY Club Hockey All-Star Team

1st Team 
Ryan Vertino - Forward 
Bill Koller - Defense 

2nd Team 
Marvin Pawlowski III - Defense 
Mitchell Stessing - Goaltender 

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High School News
GIHS Madrigals Sing For Wedding - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 22, 2007 . . . It was a beautiful sunny day, a perfect day for a winter wedding. On Saturday, February 17, the GIHS Madrigal singers filled the Canisius College chapel with beautiful music as they sang at a high school social studies teacher's wedding. It really meant a lot to have been asked to sing at Mr. DeDario's wedding, because many of the Madrigals singers had already known him through his work with this year's musical. Under the direction of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken, the Madrigals performed most of the music for the ceremony and were well received by both guests and clergy.
   Special music chosen by the bride and groom included Voice Dance, Set Me as a Seal, Red, Red, Rose, Pachabel's Canon, More, and a Parting Blessing, which all fit beautifully with the service. As for what we thought of the wedding, an alto of Madrigals states, "It was cool that he thought we were good enough to sing at his wedding. Everyone loved us." I'm sure that all of us were flattered that we had this chance, and were more than ready to help someone who gave so much of his time and talent to help us.

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High School News - February 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 22, 2007 . . . Is winter over for 2007? This week was the first time we saw the sun in a month! The temperatures this week seemed to have reached 37. This weather will continue on until next week with a few snow showers in between. This weather probably made it hard for the skiing areas. The Grand Island Ski Club had the opportunity to finish the season with five days of skiing starting on Saturday, February 17th. What a great week to have off. The Grand Island school district began its winter/spring week off on Friday, February 16th. But it will be hard to get back into the swing of things on Monday. For our GI high school students, they will have a half day due to parent teacher conferences. Therefore they will be released from school around 10 a.m.
   The high school’s annual Job Search took place last week on Thursday, February 15th. This was held at the Grand Island Holiday Inn where the students had a chance to interview with various business workers including Bryant & Stratton College, the Grand Island Recreational Program, Wegmans, Tops and Sidway School Principal Mrs. Denise Dunbar, just to mention a few. This event was chaperoned by Business Teacher Mrs. Cheryl Chamberlain. Also, this week on Thursday night was the last GIHS Varsity Basketball game for our senior cheerleaders, Lindsey Samland and Kate Endres. Each was honored with a yellow rose and silver key chain. Congratulations girls!

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GIHS Instrumental Booster Club Meeting - March 2006
   An Instrumental Booster Club meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road.

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Viking Basketball Player Greg Feathers - Feb. 2007
   Grand Island High School sophomore Greg Feathers, a top basketball player for the Vikings, was featured in the February 21, 2007 issue of the Niagara Gazette. For the story by Nate Beutel, click "GIHS Basketball Player Greg Feathers".




More Beauty and the Beast Photos - 2007
Jeff Stange Photos
 
 
 
 
 
Click photos for larger view
Beauty and the Beast was presented February 1-3, 2007 by Grand Island High School students. Click Beauty And The Beast for more photos and story




Job Search – A One of a Kind! - 2007

(left) Brittany Stallard, Josh Camizzi, Rich Karpie, Tim Burns, Lindsey Boyle, Karen Coughlin, Rebecca Asbach, Ashley Ray and Nick Culp.
   Cheryl Chamberlain Photo - click for larger view
   
Left: Nick Culp and Town Council member Mary Cooke, Right: Mr. Michael Heftka interviewing Christian Nole.
   Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view.

Business Teacher Cheryl Chamberlain and student Ashley Ray.
    The Grand Island Holiday Inn was the setting on Thursday, February 15, 2007 for Job Search Seminar 2007 where over 65 Grand Island High School business students participated in interviews with 25 local leaders from business, government and education. These interviews are a part of each student’s Career Exploration and Internship Portfolio and the feedback was extremely positive. A group of interviewers from Astellas Pharmaceutical, located here on Grand Island, said that “in the seven years doing Job Search Seminar, this was the best group of students we have had the pleasure of interviewing.” Cheryl Chamberlain, School-to-Work Coordinator, scheduled the students for their interviews and was pleased with the results. “For many of our students, this is their first official interview, and quite a few walk away with job opportunities.” The “One of a Kind” theme proved quite useful, as senior Ashley Ray spoke during the opening program. She told the audience that Job Search has helped her be more assertive and confident when speaking at interviews. Miss Ray also spoke highly of the interviewers and how their positive comments helped her to improve her interviewing skills.
   This program was enhanced by Bryant and Stratton College. The college presented different career clinics to the students throughout the morning. Also in attendance were Superintendent Robert Christmann, High School Principal Sandra Anzalone, Assistant Principal Christopher Swiatek and Business Department Coordinator Sandy Burns. The Business Department Faculty at Grand Island prepared students before and during the seminar.
   Job Search is sponsored by GISBA (Grand Island High School Business Alliance) which is comprised of local businesses and education working together to help Grand Island students excel in their future career. Those with an interest in being a part of GISBA, are asked to contact Cheryl Chamberlain at 773-8820.

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

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Grand Island High School Merit Roll - February 2007
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the second marking period of the 2006-2007 school year:
Grade 9: Kaitlyn Affuso, Richard Amantia, Antonio Amin, Patrick Antonelli, Stephanie Aronica, Adam Asbach, Benjamin Bakula, Kolby Banker, Malorie Bennett, Jovana Bichler, Jason Bogue, Christina Borden, Patrick Brady, Eric Breier, Sean Burke, Julianna Capizzi, Kaitlyn Chapin, Krystal Chapin, Mary Chiaravalle, Ian Conner, Joseph Connors, Anne Cooper, Courtney Cox, Anthony Darpino, Kayla Deuble, Brett Dlugosz, Jordan Dudish, Alexander Fabiilli, Rahsanica Ford, Christopher Franklin, Maria Grant, Samantha Green, Amy Grenke, Korey Hagen, Chelsea Hall, Eric Harnden, James Heberlein, Sara Huttenmaier, Shaughn Irving, Matthew Kasprzycki, Laura Koller, Andrew LaLonde, Phillip Lenz, Sarah Lew, Steven Lillian, Kori Loder, Elizabeth Lorence, Scott Ludwig, Michael Lydle, Thomas McDonnell, Travis McGilveary, Timothy McMahon, Sara McNulty, Michael Mucci, Courtney Papaj, Robert Ross, Anthony Russell, Kyle Schutrum, Jonathon Seaman, Margaret Shonitsky, Dominique Simmons, Allison Snell, Amber Spiesz, Michael Stallard, Rachel Starr, Kasey Sumner, William Sundeen, Patricia VeRost, Sarah Young, Rebecca Zimmerman, Travis Zukic
Grade 10: Adam Alkhatib, Peter Aronica, Danathon Aunchaleenukoul, Daniel Basile, Viktoria Belous, Sean Benninger, Tyler Booth, Jonathan Caruana, Maria Christie, Ciatlin Cook, Michaeline Dera, Natalie Dommell, Joseph Edel, Jenna Fanara, Shannon Farmer, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Andrew Fix, Kayla Gallagher, Amanda Geis, Jordan Gibson, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Krista Goff, Heather Goris, Anthony Gugino, Brendan Hall, Adam Helman, Stephanie Hunt, Molly Hyland, Kaitlin Incorvia, Jatinder Kaur, Brittany Keel, Tristan Kessler, Haroon Khawar, Joseph Khreis, Victoria Kowzan, Tristen LaBarre, Drew Lazelle, Nicholas Lovetro, James McDonnell, Dan McGuire, Kimberley Mellett, Kristin Millar, Jenna Modica, Nicholas Muoio, Davis Nelson, Brain O’Keefe, James Pezzino, Kathryn Raiser, Rachael Reagle, Joseph Romano, Richard Ryder, Anthony Schojan, Alexander Seyler, Eric Siwicki, Griffin Smith, Alexander Spies, Kyle Spratford, Sara Stenzel, Mitchell Stessing, Robert Tates, Ryan Vertino, Allison Walker, Edward Weiser, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek
Grade 11: Steven Accardo, Alam Aponte, Kimberley Banas, Jourdain Benoit, Chelsea Bergmann, Micahlena Beyer, John Bidell, Jared Billica, Kelsey Borgeson, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Jennifer Ciechoski, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Richard Cribbs, Shannon Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Neal DeMartin, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Christopher Eley, Abigail Evans, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Shari Geblein, Nicholas Geib, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Cathryn Hilliard, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Lisa Huttenmaier, Ian Johnson, Nathaniel Keefe, Alexandria Kelly, Jordan Kessler, Joseph Kobza, Marissa Lange, Jacob Leffler, Pasquale Lemme, Kaitlyn Little, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Maria Lorence, Michael Magaris, Kurt Makowski, Stephen Mathes, Nathaniel Miles, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Jessica Oyer, Sarah Palazzolo, Jordan Paolucci, David Perri, Anthony Poupalos, Lauren Quattrini, Caitlin Radecki, Justin Raiser, Jordan Ricigliano, Blake Rockwood, Scott Ross, Stefane Samland, Joseph Shanor Aleem Shariff, Lauren Stanwick, Gregory Stephan, Michael Symington, Jacquava Thompson, Scott Thompson, Nicholas Tomkins
Grade 12: Kenneth Agnello, Janeen Amantia, Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Adam Bakula, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Heather Buzzelli, Ellen Cameron, Bradley Caruana, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Stacey Cyman, Ashley DeMaria, Joshua Doermer, Matthew Dommell, Courtney Donovan, Corey Dudish, Emily Eisenberger, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Jennifer Freiermuth, Joseph Fusco, Thomas Geib, Emily Hasselbeck, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Megan Kaleta, Daniel Kilian, Brianna Konopa, Jessica Kuehne, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Jacqueline Lunick, Christopher McDonnell, Justin McInerney, Samantha Miller, Abram Morgan, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Alicia Neutz, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Casey Olszewski, Kevin Pifer, Justina Potenzo, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Sarah Rivers, Andrew Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Matthew Stoddard, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Shannon Tegler, Keith Wegrzyn, Amanda Williams, Melanie Wing, Rhianna Wing




Winter Ball 2007 Photos

(left photo) Nick Argy, Kevin Pifer, John Naumovich, Ben Angelo, Dan Gadowski;
(right photo) Dan Gadowski, Erin Banas, Ben Angelo, Nicole Fischer, Joe Strano, Jessica Kuehne, and Adam Schopp
Click photos for larger view.
   The annual Grand Island High School Winter Ball was held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 in the school. Send your Winter Ball photos for consideration on this page to teddy@giecom.net

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GIHS Parent/Teacher Conferences - 2007
High School Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held from 12:00 – 2:30p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2007 in the high school. Teachers will be in their rooms – a list of room assignments will be posted. Appointments are not necessary. Students will be dismissed at 9:45 a.m.




Alicia Barnaby Signs Letter Of Intent - 2007

Alicia Barnaby (left) with her parents, Terri and Ed Barnaby.
Click photo for larger view.
Photo by Jodi Robinson
   Thursday, February 15, 2007 . . .Alicia Barnaby, a senior at Grand Island High School, signed a letter of intent on Thursday, February 15, 2007 to accept an athletic scholarship to St. John's of the Big East Conference. Alicia has been a four-year starter on the Grand Island Girls Varsity Soccer Team. The name Alicia Barnaby has become well known within the soccer circles of Western New York, as she plays in both the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Alicia is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders that Grand Island has ever produced. Her distribution, decision making, confidence, scoring ability, and overall control of a game made her a player that other teams needed to control in order to be successful against the Vikings. During her tenure, the Vikings had a record of 77-7-9 and won four NFL Titles, four Section VI Titles, three Far West Regional Titles, and participated in the NYSPHSAA tournament three times. In her full, four-year varsity career Alicia was a four-time NFL team player, three-time All-WNY team player, and three-time All-NYS team player.
   While her accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves, Alicia gave the team stability knowing that it was always in a game and at any moment a scoring chance could occur because all her teammates had to do was get open and she would find them. This is evidenced by the team recording exactly 400 goals in the four years she was there. What Alicia has done for Grand Island soccer is amazing and she will be a player who cannot be replaced. As the Lady Vikings move forward, it will be a difficult task to find someone to step into her role on the field.

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Jessica Kuehne Signs Letter Of Intent - 2007

Jessica is shown signing the letter of intent with her mother, Jude Kuehne to her left and Jessica's brother, Peter Jr. and father, Peter, behind them
Click photo for larger view.
Jodi Robinson Photo
   Thursday, February 15, 2007 . . .Grand Island High School senior Jessica Kuehne signed a letter of intent to accept a scholarship from Sienna College for this coming fall. Jessica has been a four-year starter on the Grand Island Girls Varsity Soccer Team. Her talent and reputation have become very well known around Western New York in both the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Jessica started her varsity career as an 8th grader as she was called up from the Junior Varsity team for sectional play in which she contributed some valuable minutes to a team that advanced to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's championship tournament. This experience paved her way to a very successful career as one of the Lady Vikings all time best defensemen. During her tenure, the Lady Vikings had a record of 77-7-9 and won five NFL Titles, five Section VI Titles, four Far West Regional Titles, and participated in the NYSPHSAA tournament four times. In her full, four-year varsity career, Jessica was a four-time NFL team player, three-time All-WNY team player, and three-time All-NYS team player.
   While her accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves, Jessica gave the team, and coach on the sideline, a very comfortable feeling knowing that she was back there on defense and an opponent would have to do something pretty special to beat her and get to the goal. This is evidenced by the team recording 62 shutouts while she was on it. Jessica complimented the rest of her teammates very well while providing the confidence and stability that any coach would be grateful to have.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 15, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 2/15/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - February 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 15, 2007 . . .Once again Mother Nature cast her spell and left us with a pretty hefty blanket of snow. Many of us ignored its beauty as we made our way to either school or work. Many of us were so disappointed that we had school. It appeared that our neighbors to the north were closed as well as our friends in districts such as Hamburg, and Orchard Park. Then there are our other friends in districts like the Holland, where you're left to ask wouldn’t it just make more sense just to list if their school is open since they’ve used so many snow days already. However, we are fortunate that our snow days have not yet disrupted either our February or Spring breaks.
   Weather did not prevent many of the Grand Island High School students from enjoying Winter Ball last weekend. Appointed King and Queen were Rich Anzalone and Ashley Ray. Members of the court include Max Kilb and Joycie Rockwood, Amber Duda and Alex Neutz, Joel Klock and Mallory Bennett.
   According to morning announcements, anyone interested in spring sports should see their Phys. Ed teachers for information. Sports candidates’ questionnaires are available from the coaches, Athletic Dept., and Phys. Ed. teachers ONLY! Mrs. Chamberlain’s Portfolio and Internship will attend a day long job fair at the Grand Island Holiday Inn on Thursday February 15, 2007. Students will have the opportunity to meet and interview with prospective employers.

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High School News
Beauty & The Beast - "Chip the Teapot," How Did They Do That? - 2007

Click photo for larger view.
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 15, 2007 . . .Grand Island High School's performance of Beauty and the Beast (Feb. 1-3) was a huge success, and I am grateful for the chance that I was given to perform in it. Whenever I am recognized as Chip the teacup by friends and family, I am always asked the same question. How did you fit into that box? Well, here is the answer for all of the inquiring minds out there who want to know. The box was actually a cart on wheels, made out of wood. It was almost like I was performing a magic trick each time that I had to climb in and out of it. And I had many lovely assistants who helped me perform my wonderful feat of limberness, as I transferred my body from one cart to another. I sat on a bench inside of the cart, and then on a phone book on top of that. There was a hole in the top of the cart that my head fit through. There was one other important part of my costume. No, it wasn't the suspenders or the red cheeks, but the cup head. Believe it or not, that part of my costume was able to come on and off as I pleased, and was held on by a strap of elastic band that went around the back of my head. This was surprisingly the most comfortable part of my costume. It was almost like a nice pillow to rest on if I got tired.
   However, after closing night, I had to say good-bye to my home of nearly the past three weeks. This was one of the best musicals I have ever been in by far, and I am so glad that my senior year was an unforgettable show. I had an amazing time during the musical season, and I am so thankful for all of the friendships and opportunities that have been given to me.

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High School News
GIHS Wind Ensemble - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 15, 2007 . . . For two years, I have been a member of the prestigious Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble, an audition only group of the highest caliber players in our school. This group, under the direction of Mr. Martin Allen, has competed in various musical competitions nationwide, and has done extremely well for a high school band. We are now about to begin preparing an audition for the Mid- West competition. During a few days in March, Wind Ensemble will be making a recording that will then be sent in to the judges at the Mid- West competition. However, multiple bands in the country will submit tapes, but only a few high schools will be selected. If the selection works out in our favor, and the Wind Ensemble is chosen to perform at Mid-West, then the 2007-2008 Wind Ensemble would fulfill the request.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 8, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 2/8/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"




Beauty and the Beast Performance Photos - 2007
Amy Morgan Photos
 
(left) Sara El Houssieny - (right) Sara Mye - Click photos for larger view

 
(left) Vincent Covato, Sara El Houssieny, Forrest Smith; (right) Sarah Mye and Forrest Smith
Amy Morgan Photos - Click for larger view

 
(left) Caroline Boron, Rhianna Wing, Julie Pangborn - (right) T.J. Slipko and Sarah Mye - Click photos for larger view

 
(left) Robert Potter; (right) Patty Sexton

 
(left) Napkins in action!; (right) Julie Pangborn

 
(left) Robert Potter, Vince Covatto, Sarah El Houssieny - (right) Caroline Boron, Sara El Houssieny

 
(left) Sarah Mye and Brett-Fiedler - (right) Abe Morgan

 
(left) Ensemble, "Be Our Guest" - (right) Abram Morgan, Sarah Mye
Amy Morgan Photos - Click for larger view


Jeff Stange Photos - Click for larger view

   Audiences all seemed to be amazed at the caliber of the performances of the Grand Island High School production of Beauty and the Beast presented February 1-3, 2007. Stormy weather didn't seem to keep anyone away as the auditorium was nearly packed at all four performances. Saturday's matinee was not a sell out, but attended by families with little kids. And for their benefit, the entire cast made it a point to go to the Viking mall in costume so the awestruck children could shake hands and see their favorite characters.
See "Cast"
See "Behind The Scenes"
   See "Between The Bridges"

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High School News - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 8, 2007 . . . On Saturday, February 10th, Grand Island High School will hold its annual Winter Ball, which is open to grades 9-12. Tickets are $10, and this year's theme is Rock and Roll/ 50's Night. Student Council members have been hard at work putting together decorations for the dance, which will be hung up in the Viking Mall for fellow classmates to enjoy. For each dance, students get to vote on the Court or Royalty. The Winter Ball allows each class to vote on a pair to represent their grade at the dance. Students vote on the following - King and Queen (Senior class), Prince and Princess (Junior class), Duke and Dutchess (Sophomore class), and Lord and Lady (Freshman class). Student Council is eager to put on this dance for all to enjoy, and I hope all who attend have a wonderful time!

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High School News - February 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 8, 2007 . . .Should we be thanking Mother Nature or our new Superintendent Mr. Christmann for having Monday off due to the cold weather? According to the news canceling or not canceling school due to weather is quite controversial. One would think that there should be a “set” criteria that determines whether or not the schools should be closed due to weather. I believe that Channel 7 said that it has been nine years since we’ve had such bone chilling temperatures. Is this weather a fluke or is it somehow related to global warming?
   Monday wasn’t the only day for a surprise. Wednesday offered us a surprise as well. Many of us received our second quarter report cards. Fortunately, nobody was grounded at my house, but we were given the “speech” about improving and the reminder to do our best. Although we’ve just received our report card, the third marking period actually started about two or three weeks ago. So…. we are definitely on the downhill!
   Grand Island High School’s version of Beauty and the Beast proved to be the next best thing to Broadway. Each show was well attended, and the cast never tired. Kudos to everyone involved.
   Another gala event will take place this Saturday night at Grand Island High School, as students dressed in their finery will attend the 2007 Winter Ball. Who will be crowned King and Queen?

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Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
February 2007
 
Caroline Boron                    Courtney Donovan               Karen Figliotti
   Caroline Boron has attended Grand Island schools throughout her entire academic career and has shared her many talents with her schools, church and community.
   During her years at Grand Island High School, Caroline has been very active with a number of musical groups. She plays clarinet in the High School Wind Ensemble, sings in the Concert Choir, and is currently the treasurer of the Madrigals singers. Carrie also sings in the Vocal Jazz group and plays piano in the Jazz Band. She has participated in All-County for both choir and band since sixth grade, receiving A+ ratings in each competition. Her dedication to music has earned her choral and instrumental varsity letters and pins.
   Caroline is currently enrolled in College Spanish, as well as in AP Music Theory. She is an active member of Student Council, having served as the treasurer in eleventh grade, and as president in her senior year. Since junior year, Carrie has been involved with the High School Interact Club, which is involved with community service acts around the area. She has also participated in the Crop Walk and Relay for Life.
   Caroline has been very active in extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the Varsity Cross-Country and Track teams, earning both varsity letters in eleventh grade. She has had the pleasure of participating in all four high school musicals. Caroline currently writes a weekly high school column for the online newspaper - Isledegrande.com.
   Carrie is also passionately involved in her church community. She has been a member of her church Youth Choir since age nine, as well as a piano accompanist and an acolyte. She enjoys staying involved in her church pageant from year to year, knowing that the younger students look up to her for it. Realizing that her life is full of blessings, Caroline has always been willing to give back to her church community in any way that she can.
   Caroline has always strived to achieve her best, and her hard work has reflected in the many achievements she has made. She received the Triple "C" Award in eighth grade, as well as the Pride of the Island Award. This year, Caroline was proud to receive the Who's Who Among American High School Students, Who's Who Among American High School Students-Sports Edition, and National Honor Roll Awards.
   The community has always been important to Caroline, as she was honored at a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at six months of age. Carrie suffered from coarctation of the aorta at birth, and had her first surgery at nine days old. She is grateful to the community for their aid and support given to her family during such a desperate time in her young life.
   Caroline has always wanted to give back to her community, having done so by becoming involved in Grand Island's Relay For Life for the past two years. She has donated her time and funds to the American Cancer Society through Relay, knowing that her effort has continued to help fight the ongoing battle with cancer. Other volunteer activities include working at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, helping at the Huth Road Bazaar, participating in Habitat for Humanity, and Student Olympics.
   Caroline plans to attend college after graduation, possibly majoring in journalism.
   Courtney Donovan has been a resident of Grand Island for the past thirteen years. She lives with her parents, Dennis and Debra, along with her younger brother, Sean.
   Courtney developed a love for books at an early age and began reading at the age of four. Mrs. Boron, her kindergarten teacher at Charlotte Sidway, had her reading books to her fellow classmates. She continued to excel in all subjects throughout Kaegebein Elementary School and began taking honors classes in sixth grade. In eighth grade she received a perfect score on her regents Spanish exam and was named Spanish Student of the Year. Courtney began taking Advanced Placement classes in ninth grade and will complete a total of five AP courses upon graduation. Her senor year schedule is a challenging one and includes: AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and AP Biology.
   Courtney has maintained High Honor and Honor Roll status throughout all of her middle and high school years. She is the recipient of several scholar athlete awards and three Varsity Letters. She has been selected twice as a "Pride of the Island" student. She has been a member of the National Honor Society, Superintendents Communication Council, and Student Advisory Council since her junior year. Currently the president of SAC, she has also been active in Relay for Life for several years.
   Courtney was a three-year starter on both the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and participated in varsity track for three years. In her junior year she was named to the 1st Team All-League for both volleyball and basketball. She also played on a Niagara P.A.L. AAU Basketball Team for three years in the summer. Courtney was a key player her sophomore year when the Grand Island Girls Basketball Team went undefeated, winning both the NFL and Section VI titles. She was voted Outstanding Female Athlete of her freshman, sophomore and junior classes. She was also voted Most Athletic by her senior class in the superlative polls.
   Courtney has excelled both in the classroom and on the court and plans to take both to the next level. She will study Biochemistry in college, and eventually attend Pharmacy School. She also plans to play basketball at the college level.
   Karen Figliotti has lived on Grand Island for sixteen years and has been enrolled in the Grand Island School District since kindergarten. While she places a strong emphasis on academic success, she remains active in numerous musical and extra curricular activities, as well as community events.
   Karen has been a part of various choirs since third grade and now participates in Vocal Jazz and is secretary for Concert Choir and Madrigals. She has participated in the musical and All-County choir since eighth grade and has also taken part in Solo Festival for voice. Karen began playing the French horn in elementary school and is currently a member of the Wind Ensemble. She actively participates in Student Council, Masterminds, and National Honor Society.
   Karen has achieved Honor and High Honor Roll status since sixth grade and has received numerous awards for her academic and musical success. She has earned the Pride of the Island Award twice as well as the Academic Certificate, Pin, and Letter. She was recognized with the Outstanding French Student and Outstanding Science Student awards and has also received two pins, a Varsity Letter, and a White Varsity Letter for music involvement.
   Karen actively volunteers for the Greyhound Rescue and Adoption Team, through which she educated others about adopting retired racing greyhounds as pets. She has worked with children affected by HIV/AIDS with the Children's Hospital PACT Clinic and volunteered at St. Luke's Mission. In addition, Karen has ridden in both Tour de Cure and the Ride for Roswell. She has taken part annually in Relay for Life to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and has also distributed flyers encouraging people to vote in the Erie County Legislature elections.

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GIHS Boys Jr. Varsity & Varsity Swim Results - Jan./Feb. 2007
   Grand Island - Lockport - See "1/26/07 Swim Meet Results - GI Vs. Lockport"
   Grand Island - Kenmore East - See "1/30/07 Swim Meet Results - GI Vs. Kenmore East"
   Grand Island - Niagara Wheatfield - See "2/2/07 Swim Meet Results - GI Vs. Niagara Wheatfield"
Niagara Frontier League - "2/6/07NFL B Meet Results"

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Class of 2008 To Hold Basket Raffle - February 2007
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2008 will hold a Basket Raffle in the Viking Mall during the All Island Band Concert that begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 12th. Basket Raffle tickets - $5.00.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending February 1, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 2/1/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - February 2007
Lights, Camera, Action
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 1, 2007 . . .Lights, camera, action...The Grand Island High School production of Beauty and the Beast will grace the stage with evening shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and an afternoon matinee on Saturday. This show is the product of the hard work of many individuals including Sara Mye (Belle), Forrest Smith (Beast), Caroline Boron (Chip), and a host of others. Every person associated with the production should be given credit for a job well done.
   The third marking period has begun and that means that for many of us our half year classes have ended and perhaps new classes will start. Many friends have been moved from shared lunch periods and from gym classes, causing some stress. New rules from the school administration are also causing some students to stress. The crackdown on being on time for class with no exceptions, is difficult when the halls are crowded with a long distance to walk and you just pray that you don't need to stop at your locker and don't even think of using the bathroom between classes. A new battle with administration is their ban on teachers using full length movies to teach any part of the curriculum. They are limited to 10 to 15 minutes per class period. Speaking for myself, I always enjoy watching a film after reading a particular piece of literature because it allows you to compare and contrast the two. I'm sure that despite our inability to see what was wrong with the way things were done previously, administration has our best interest at heart. So we'll just have to learn to walk a little faster and to enjoy TV at home.

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Basketball League Tryouts At GIHS - February 2007
   Tryouts for an elite 15- and 16-and-under AAU basketball team will be held by the Niagara Police Athletic League. Tryouts run from 9-11 a.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road. The team will travel to college recruiting tournaments this summer. For further information, call Jenepher Banker at 773-4905.




Beauty and the Beast This Weekend - 2007
 
(left) Forest Smith as "The Beast" and Sarah Mye as "Belle" - (right) Brett Fiedler as "Gaston" - Click photos for larger view

 
(left center) Molly Wynne and Nick Vallina; (right) T. J. Slipko and Brett Fiedler - Click photos for larger view
   The Grand Island High School production of Beauty and the Beast takes place at Grand Island High School auditorium February 1-3, 2007.
• Thursday, February 1 - 7:30 p.m. - $7
• Friday, February 2 - 7:30 p.m. - $7 - Senior Citizens will be admitted free at the door with a Senior Citizen ID
• Saturday, February 3 - Matinee 1 p.m. - $5
• Saturday, February 3 - 7:30 p.m. - $7
    Tickets are $7 general admission for the evening shows and $5 general admission for the matinee. Tickets are available from all cast members and may also be held on reserve by calling the High School Music Department at 773-8868.
   Scroll down for cast etc.

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High School News - Beauty and the Beast - 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, February 1, 2007 . . .Do you realize what talent is right outside your back door? Eighty plus of Grand Island's finest are performing Beauty and the Beast on from February 1 through February 3, with two shows on February 3. The cast, pit orchestra, and directors have been hard at work getting a great show ready for the community to see. Due to such a large cast, there was no stage crew needed, but there were many generous hands at work backstage. The high school Art Club and art classes have been very busy in painting all of the wonderfully decorated displays and some of the sets. Their hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated by both cast and directors. This year's cast has really taken on a challenge and is ready to put on a spectacular show for all. We hope that you will be a part of this magical show, and come support the young adults of Grand Island this weekend!

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Behind The Scenes - "Beauty And The Beast" - January 2007

Matt Eddy - Student Artist - Click poster for full view
   Grand Island Senior High School students are busy behind the scenes preparing for the opening of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Dates and times for the four performances are Thursday, February 1; Friday, February 2; Saturday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday Matinee at 1 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Tickets are $7 general admission for the evening shows and $5 general admission for the matinee. Tickets are available from all cast members and may also be held on reserve by calling the High School Music Department at 773-8868.
   With opening night one week away, a dedicated set painting crew under the direction of Mr. Mark Tollner has been putting finishing touches on the French provincial town and the castle to create an Old World European set on the high school stage. The set artists include Stacey Cyman, Samantha Chambers, and Caitlyn Cook.
   Stage Manager, Mr. Mike DeDario, is organizing the giant cast to handle the quick changes between scenes. Mr. Mark Gorton is creating the lively town and eerie castle with lighting effects. Assisting him are students Sean McDermott with Samantha Tilkins and Kalla Clark on spotlights.
   "Our cast is indebted to the dedication and hard work of the Pit Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Martin Allen," music teacher Carolyn Lokken said this week. "This ensemble composed entirely of students is a reflection of the high caliber of talent among the student body," she said. Members of the orchestra include: Traci Aladeen on piccolo and flute; Carolyn Asbach on flute; Kori Loder on oboe and English Horn; clarinetist, Courtney Donner; and Jen Huber on bass clarinet. Trumpeters Nick Ernst, Michael Chauby; French horn players Shana Wierchowski, Caitlin Taylor, Jill Greinert; trombonist, Alex Fry and Brian Kulak on tuba complete the brass section. Accompanying on strings are violinists, Stephanie Cartwright, Jessica Doyle, Rachael Kaplan, Lauren Emmi, Ashley Green and Mary Grace Egloff; cellists, Jacob Ferrante, Alex Angelo and Jonathan LoTempio, and bassist, Ellen Cameron. Percussionists include Marc Gerfin, Val Paris, Theresa Covatto, and Nichole Nash. Kelcie Hananka and Mr. Adam Potter will assist on keyboards.
   Students fill the many jobs necessary to make a musical come to life each year. The poster and program was designed by Matt Eddy. Students assisting Mrs. Nancy Lang with choreography are Kim Snell, Giovanna Andolina, Ciara Morreale, Jessica Sturniolo, Kahla Cerillo and Cassie Ungaro. Student Producer CJ Whiting has been busy in the art department preparing the layout of the program under the watchful eye of producer, Mrs. Cindy Wynne. She is also mentoring student, Stacey Cyman, who is sewing additional costume parts in conjunction with her AP Art portfolio. Other artists have been busy this week; they are Sara Johnson, Jacquie Maitner, Jared Kazmiercz, Bob Elsaesser, Desire Link, Ashley Rutland, Samantha Tilkins, Erik Lang, Kenneth Cerillo, Jen Huber, Katie Nordvik, Amanda Arki, Cassidy Hogrewe, Rhianna Broady, Tim Burns and David Benko. Meghan Yahner will be videotaping the performances.
   With a cast of 80 students and over 50 students working behind the scenes, Beauty and the Beast is truly a home grown production. "Please join us for curtain time on Feb. 1, 2, and 3."

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High School News - January 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 25, 2007 . . . At this week's Board of Education meeting, scholar athletes were invited to an ice cream social prior to the meeting for their hard work and dedication during the fall and winter sports season. In order for any team to be invited, they had to collectively have a team average of 90 percent or higher. The athletes also received a scholar athlete t-shirt and pin during the social, before attending the meeting. During the meeting, Mr. Roth, the Grand Island High School Athletic Director was proud to announce that for the 2006-2007 fall and winter sports seasons, all 10 teams qualified for the scholar athlete award. He also introduced each coach, who shared a few highlights of each team's season with the audience. This was a great honor for each team and athlete, as well as a wonderful way to allow their hard work and achievement to be shared with our community.

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High School News - January 2007
Cheerleaders Place 4th In Competition
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 25, 2007 . . . This was a winning week for Grand Island High School. On Sunday, January 21, 2007 Grand Island Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders competed in the Lockport Cheerleading competition placing 4th overall. At Monday night’s Board of Education Meeting, 10 athletic groups were honored for being Scholar athletes. Along with receiving a special t-shirt and pin, these students were honored with an ice cream reception. Special Recognition was given to James Rayhill (Varsity Football), Jessica Kuehne (Girls Varsity Soccer) and Alicia Barnaby (Girls Varsity Soccer).
   Many of you, like myself, are enjoying almost a full week off due to regents exams. It’s a lovely thing but just keep in mind that on Monday we should be ready to embark on our third marking period. So it’s probably time to start buckling down if you haven’t done so already. It’s not all bad. We do have next Friday off for Staff Development.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 25, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 1/25/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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Rayhill Named to 2006 First Team All State Football Team - January 2007

James E. Rayhill
   The New York State Sportswriters Association has chosen Senior Grand Island Vikings football captain James Rayhill to be on the 2006 First Team All State Football Team, representing Class A at the defensive end position. James has been a starting Grand Island varsity football player for two years, coached by Mr. Dean Santorio and Mr. Steve Steck. He has played defensive end, offensive tackle and guard, tight end, long snapper, and special teams for the Vikings.
   In addition, at the Western New York Football banquet, James was chosen to the First Team All Western New York Football Team, First Team All Western New York All Academic Football Team, and was one of three Section VI Class 'A' Defensive Players of the Year.
   James has applied to John Hopkins University, Lehigh University, Hobart, and Albany. Rayhill hopes to play football at Lehigh, Hobart, or Johns Hopkins. He is also interested in playing Division I lacrosse at Hobart, as a goalie. James is the son of Donnette and Mike Rayhill of Timberlink Drive.

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GIHS Boys Jr. Varsity & Varsity Swim Results - January 2007
   Grand Island's Jr. Viking Swim Team beat Lew-Port with a score of 63-27 on January 16, 2007 when the Varsity Vikings lost to Lew-Port 52-50. Click for "1/16/07 Swim Meet Results - Lew-Port."
   Grand Island swimmers met Niagara Falls on January 19, 2007 when the Jr. Varsity team beat the Falls 105-48 and the GI Varsity Vikings won over Niagara Falls 102-83. Click for "1/19/07 Swim Meet Results - Niagara Falls."

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McGowan To Represent Region 12 DECA at State International Career Conference - January 2007

Corey McGowan
   Corey McGowan, a senior at Grand Island High School, has been chosen to represent Region 12 DECA as a member of the Nominations Committee at the New York State International Career Conference in March. Currently, Corey is the president of the Grand Island High School DECA chapter. Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain recommended Corey to this position based on his continued service and future career path as a business major. Corey will also have the opportunity to represent the Western New York Region 12 DECA at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 18, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 1/18/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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High School News - January 2007

By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 18, 2007 . . . On January 22, 2007 the Junior Varsity and the Varsity Girls Tennis Teams will be honored by Interim Superintendent Dr. Zacher and the Board of Education for having achieved academic excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for their 2006 fall season. Students on the team are Courtney Donner, Shannon Howley, Vida Rastami, Michelina Beyer, Sara Kurpewski, Lauren McGowan, Brittany Stallard, Courtney Papaj, Kristen Laurendi, Danielle Bruno, Kelsey Mash, Stephanie Aughey, Catherine Aughey, Kim Asbach Alexandra Buscaglia, Tara Hook, Kaitie Samland and Brittany Papaj.

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High School News
Administration Cracking Down On Policy - January 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 18, 2007 . . .The new year at Grand Island High School has brought with it a renewed sense of order in our school. In an effort to maintain the educational atmosphere, the administration is cracking down on the late, and dress code policies. Students are now being penalized for arriving late to class even one time, receiving a detention. This policy certainly brought students to realize that they are to pass through the hallways in four minutes, and I saw a definite improvement in student compliance since the long weekend. When asked about the new late policy, Dianne, a senior at GIHS, said, "I think it's unfair because students should be given a second chance. I mean, something happens like your locker gets jammed and your late...if you're constantly late, I'd understand, but one time, you've gotta give kids a break."
   Similarly, students are to dress appropriately for the school day, and a few winter outfits have now been banned from the school dress code like scarves, hoods with fur, summer-wear during the winter, ski jackets, and other winter outdoor apparel. I hope that these policies work to enforce the rules of student life at Grand Island, but also work to create a more unified student body.

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Attention GIHS Rock Bands - January 2007
   Niagara University will host its second annual High School Rock Band Showcase on Friday, April 13. Prizes for the winners of the High School Rock Band Showcase, sponsored by Jackson Music of Grand Island, will include a $300 Jackson Music gift certificate plus free studio recording time at GB Audio, Cheektowaga. Bands interested in competing are to e-mail Fred Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing at Niagara University, at fjh@niagara.edu for consideration. Include band member names, high school and phone numbers.

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Rehearsals For "Beauty and the Beast" In High Gear - January 2007

Matt Eddy - Student Artist - Click poster for full view
   Rehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are in high gear at the High School in anticipation of opening night Thursday, February 1st at 7:30 pm. Friday’s performance is being billed as Senior Night. Senior Citizens will be admitted free at the door with a Senior Citizen ID for the 7:30 pm curtain time. A Saturday matinee will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at 1:00 pm with a general admission ticket price of $5.00. The final curtain call will be Saturday, Feb. 3rd at 7:30 pm. General admission for the evening performances is $7.
   Beauty and the Beast is based on an age old fairy tale. The musical incorporates characters and story lines from a French tale into a new classic. The musical, made popular on stage and screen, has introduced some new showstoppers to the Broadway repertoire: Be Our Guest, Human Again, Gaston, If I Can’t Love Her and the title song "Beauty and the Beast."
   The chorus has a major role in this musical. The demanding singing roles of Townsfolk, the Enchanted Castle objects, Gaston’s Cronies and the Silly Girls are filled by: Giovanna Andolina, Julia Figliotti, Karen Figliotti, Rachel Gaydosh, Dianne Maerz, and Cassie Ungaro (Silly Girls); Ryan Link, Andrew Stange (Cronies); P.J. Lemme (Narrator); Cassie Lange (Enchantress); Aaron D’Angelo (Young Prince); John Gannon (Bookseller); Patrick Sexton (Townsperson) Andrew Fix ((Baker); Rebecca Asbach (Lady with a Baby); Rachel Olszewski (Lady with a Cane); Sydney Seese (Aristocratic Lady); Alex Davis (Milkmaid); Jordan Dixon (Fishman); Lee Becker (Eggman); Matt Little (Candleman); Andrew Rogers (Hatseller); Kearney Erhard (Shepherd Boy); Kim Asbach, Lauren Fonte (Sausage Curl Girl); Amy Bidell (A Mother); Alex Re, Griffin Smith, Nick Vallina, Donald Turner (Wolves) Alyssa Accardo, Kaitlin Affuso, Beth Asbach, Alissa Bailey, Chelsea Bergmann, Allie Boron, Kahla Cerrillo, Mariah Christie, Karen Coughlin, Renee Doermer, Sarah Dolan, Kara Dudley, Ashley Fabio, Shannon Farmer, Hillary Figler, Victoria Fleming, Tom Gilewicz, Kaitlin Hager, Tara Hook, Tayler Kaufman, Alex Kelly, Kaitlyn Little, Samantha Miller, Ciara Morreale, Andrea Nicolia, Sarh Pici, Liz Restey, Sierra Seese, Spencer Seese, Kim Snell, Alicia Sommer, Sara Stenzel, Tess Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Kasey Sumner, Maritina Tsembelis, Kacey White, and Molly Wynne (Townsfolk and Enchanted Objects).
   Tickets for all performances may be purchased in advance from all cast members or by placing your ticket order by phone with the Grand Island Senior High School Music Department at 773-8868. Beauty and the Beast is a storybook musical experience. “Be Our Guest” and join us Feb. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the High School Auditorium.

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GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Teams Beat Kenmore West - January 2007
   Grand Island's Jr. Viking Swim Team beat Kenmore West with a score of 91-32 on January 12, 2007 when the Varsity Vikings also were victorious over Ken-West 103-76. Click for "1/12/07 Swim Meet Results - Ken-West."
   Grand Island swimmers met Niagara Wheatfield on January 5, 2007 when the NW Jr. Varsity team beat the Vikings 103-57 and the NW Varsity team beat Grand Island 94-67. Click for "1/5/07 Swim Meet Results."
   North Tonawanda beat Grand Island's JV Swim Team 108-65 on January 9, 2007. The Varsity Vikings also suffered a loss to NT with final score 123-63. Click for "1/9/07 Swim Meet Results."
   Thanks to Swim Coach Rob Collard for these results.

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Niagara Gazette Features Top Viking Swimmer Adam Bakula - Jan. 2007
   Grand Island High School senior Adam Bakula, a top swimmer for the Vikings, was featured in the January 10, 2007 issue of the Niagara Gazette. For the story by Nate Beutel, click "GIHS Swimmer Adam Bakula".

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 11, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 1/11/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
January 2007
 
Shannon Howley                    Rachael Kaplan               Philip Wendt
   Shannon Howley was born in Charleston, WV, and has been enrolled in the Grand Island school district since the seventh grade. She has continuously excelled academically while being involved in numerous extracurricular activities.
   Throughout her middle and high school years, Shannon has maintained High Honor Roll while taking many advanced classes. She is currently enrolled in AP Statistics, AP Government, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Psychology. Shannon has received many academic awards including an Academic Excellence certificate, pin and varsity letter. She was also a recipient of the outstanding Foreign Language Award for French.
   In school, Shannon has been very involved in extracurricular activities. She has participated in National Honor Society, SADD, Ski Club, and Student Government. She was a member of the varsity gymnastics team for three year, where she earned her varsity letter and pin. She has also participated in track and field since the seventh grade and earned her varsity letter and pin. In addition, Shannon has been a member of the girls' tennis team for two years.
   Shannon has also been a recipient of the Pride of the Island Award, the Scholar Athlete Award, and Who's Who Among American High School Students Award.
   She has contributed to the Grand Island community by donating her time over the past five years to St. Stephen's Church as a religious education teacher. She has also helped as a classroom aid for two years at St. Stephen's Vacation Bible School. Other volunteer activities include working at the Huth Road School Bazaar and Sisters of St. Francis Soup Kitchen.
   After graduation, Shannon plans on attending Niagara University, where she wishes to major in Psychology and minor in French. Later, Shannon plans on pursuing a law degree at the University at Buffalo's Law School.
   Rachael Kaplan is a lifelong resident of Grand Island and has attended the Grand Island school system since kindergarten. She is the daughter of Steve and Jill Kaplan.
   Rachael is a high honor roll student who plays an active role in her school and community. She maintains a busy schedule and constantly challenges herself by striving to succeed in Advanced Placement courses. She has also received her academic letter, Biology Award, French Award, Presidential Academic Award, and is a two-time recipient of the Pride of the Island. This has permitted her to be recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor. She is currently the president of the National Honor Society. Rachael is a member of Interact and has participated in many of the club's functions such as Habitat for Humanity and the community clean up. She is also involved with Life Lessons, a group devoted to the promotion of organ donation.
   Rachael is a talented musician who plays the violin in the Grand Island orchestra. She has competed in numerous music festivals and achieved top honors. She has also been a member of the Erie County and Area All-State Orchestras for multiple years. Rachael has been a part of the girls' varsity swimming and diving team for the past two years. She has had the opportunity to compete in the Niagara Frontier League meet and has qualified for sectionals. Previously, she was a member of the varsity gymnastics team, where she competed in sectionals for four consecutive years. Collectively, Rachael has earned four varsity letters and four varsity bars.
   Outside of school, Rachael trains year-round at Gleason's Gymnastics, where she has been a part of the competitive team for seven years. In 2005, she was the Level 8 State Champion on the floor exercise, and in 2006 she also received top honors. Rachael has been the recipient of the Coaches' Award multiple times for her excellent work ethic and effort.
   Every Sunday, Rachael volunteers at Temple Beth Zion as an assistant kindergarten teacher. She is also a Certified Therapy Dog Handler and has taken her dogs to various local schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.
   Rachael plans to continue her education in college and pursue a career in either medicine or marine biology.
   Philip Wendt was born in Norwich, New York. He moved to Grand Island in 1994 just before starting kindergarten and has been a Grand Island student every since.
   Philip has earned Honor Roll distinction throughout high school and has received the academic excellence certificate, pin, and letter for his achievements recognized by the PTSA. Philip has also received the scholar athlete award for lacrosse as a sophomore and for football as a junior.
   He has also been involved in extracurricular activities since he was in middle school. Philip is a member of the Grand Island football and lacrosse teams. He received his varsity letter in football, hockey, and lacrosse, as well as a varsity bar in lacrosse. Furthermore he has received a sectional patch for the football team's Section VI championship in 2005. In addition, Philip has also had the honor of playing on the number two ranked travel hockey team in the nation according to nationalhockeyrankings.com as of March 2006. With this team he has won a state championship in 2006, the north eastern regional tournament twice and also finished in second place at internationals twice.
   Philip has devoted much of his time to the community as well. He has been a little league lacrosse coach as well as a little league soccer coach over the past few years. Likewise, he has spent time at the Buffalo City Mission volunteering and has lent a hand helping cut and remove fallen branches from people's homes and property from the recent snow storm this past October.
   After high school, Philip hopes to attend a liberal arts college and play college lacrosse.

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High School News - January 2007
Silly String Collection To Aid Soldiers In Iraq

DECA students shown at recent competition - (back) Cheryl Chamberlain, Courtney Justus, Jasmine Rivers, Richard Amantia, Christopher Simpson; (front) Meghan Haley, Lauren Fonte, and Corey Dudish
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 11, 2007 . . . The Grand Island school is getting involved. This Sunday, January 7, 2007 was the DECA Billboard Competition. Students were chosen to create a billboard to support a New York State business. One student was Lauren Fonte. In an interview with Lauren, she stated that her billboard was a “New York State Highway Billboard for the Girl Scouts of America.” When asked if she recommended DECA, she stated, "Yes, I do because it is a great way to learn how to better market yourself, and it provides research and experiences for future careers.”
   This Monday, January 8, 2007 there was the monthly Interact meeting held by Mrs. Briganti and Mrs. Webb. At this meeting they discussed the activities for the rest of the year. They decided within the days January 17-19 there will be a collection of Silly String. This collection was inspired by a New Jersey lady who’s son is in Iraq. The new way to look for explosive wires is to spray silly string. The Interact members will be collecting either cans of silly string or money to help support the cause. On March 30th, the yearly sleep out will occur. This sleep out is when you sleep in a box outside but first you need to earn a little money. Now for plans that may change throughout other meetings. In February, a soup kitchen was in effect and also, in April Habitat for Humanity. A reminder for all Interact members, your yearbook picture will be taken on January 16th in the Viking Mall.

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High School News
All-County Music Festival Auditions - January 2007
By Caroline Boron (Senior) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 11, 2007 . . . From fifth grade on, instrumental and choral students can participate in the Erie County All-County Music Festival where they can show off their musical talent in front of a judge. Students who audition for All- County Band must perform a solo on their specified instrument. This process is a very long, difficult road to success. Nevertheless, students must truly enjoy the success that comes from diligent practice in order to perform their solo to the best of their ability. The All-County festival continues into the senior high level, where students are still interested. I had the pleasure of talking to one student in particular about her experience auditioning for All-County. Rachel Gaydosh, a sophomore at Grand Island, explains her reason for auditioning with the following, " I like the experience of going to the festival, preparing for the judges, and hearing what they have to say. I try to improve from there." Many students share this same desire for a great experience, while being able to share their musical talent with others.




43 Students Take Part In DECA Club State Conference - 2007
 
(left) Maritina Tsembleis wins in her event; (right) group of winning GIHS seniors

 
(left) Richard Anzalone and Ashley Ray receiving their awards; (right) Grand Island's Regional Representative Janeen Amantia and GIHS Business Teacher Cheryl Chamberlain

Cheryl Chamberlain photos - Click for larger view
   Forty-three Grand Island High School students attended Regional Competition at Williamsville North High School on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007. Over 500 students from all over WNY competed and 16 students from GIHS qualified for New York State Competition in March 2007.
   DECA is a national business and marketing club and is growing every year at GIHS. A special thank you goes to School Board members Neil Seaman and George Casey for judging, along with town Councilwoman Mary Cooke, also a judge. Many thanks to Christopher Simpson, GIHS business teacher, for his assistance in DECA at GIHS, and the many teachers who helped with this event. "I could not be more proud of these students and the effort they put forth everyday in and out of school," Mrs. Chamberlain said.
   The winners are listed below along with their categories.
Ashley Ray, Decision Making Human Resources
Richard Anzalone, Decision Making Human Resources
Marwa Eltagori, Decision Making Marketing
Maritina Tsembleis, Decision Making Marketing
Brittany Stallard, Decision Making Marketing
Erica Barrett, Job Interview
Donald Turner, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Stephanie Tolbert, Public Speaking Extemporaneous
Alicia Barnaby, Public Speaking Prepared
Amanda Camizzi, Food Marketing
Laura Curcio, Buying and Merchandising Management (team event)
Shannon Quinn, Buying and Merchandising Management (team event)
Jasmine Rivers, General Visual Advertising
Corey Dudish, General Visual Advertising
Andrew Czerwonka, Travel and Tourism (team event)
Ross Aydelotte, Travel and Tourism (team event)
   Other students may qualify for States if students from other schools cannot attend...we may have more!

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GIHS Readying Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" Production - January 2007
   The clanging of flatware and the crashing of plates on the Auditorium stage is not noise of students hurriedly finishing their lunch. It is the sounds of students putting the finishing touches on Be Our Guest, a production number from the high school’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Student auditions are complete and the sounds and sights of their favorite Disney characters fill the auditorium each day after school in anticipation of the curtain going up Thursday, Friday, and Saturday February 1st , 2nd and 3rd.
   Beauty and the Beast is the fairy tale built around the theme of inner beauty. A handsome, young Prince (Forrest Smith) is warned by an old beggar woman not to be deceived by appearances. The Prince turns the old woman away only to see her transformed into a beautiful Enchantress. She casts a spell that turns the Prince into a hideous Beast and places his castle and all who live there under a spell only to be broken if the Prince can learn to love and earn another’s love in return.
   In a nearby village an intelligent young girl, Belle, (Sarah Mye) lives with her eccentric father, Maurice, (Abe Morgan). The village brute Gaston (Brett Fiedler) has his sights set on marrying the young girl and makes a plan with his bumbling side kick, LeFou, (T.J. Slipko) to woo Belle. The story takes a turn, when Maurice attempts to drive his latest invention to the village fair. He is overtaken by wolves (Alex Re, Griffin Smith, Donald Turner and Nick Vallina). Maurice escapes and takes refugee in a castle. Maurice discovers it is populated with enchanted objects including Lumiere, a charmingly handsome candelabra (Vincent Covatto), a high strung clock (Robert Potter), a matronly teapot (Sara El Houssieny), her little boy, Chip, (Caroline Boron), an opera diva turned Wardrobe (Julie Pangborn), an attractive little feather duster (Rhianna Wing) and a cast of flatware, napkins, doormats, egg beaters and other assorted kitchenware.
   The story continues with brave attempts to save Belle’s father, lessons in manners and charm for the Beast, deceitful plots to have Maurice committed to an insane asylum and a good old fashioned food fight. In true fairy tale form there is a happy ending for almost all characters.
   Directors Nancy Lang, Carolyn Lokken and Michael DeDario are working with the ensemble of over 80 students who complete the cast of Townspeople, Gaston Groupies, and Enchanted Objects. A student orchestra led by instrumental music teacher, Martin Allen, comprises the pit orchestra. The High School Advertising Class under the tutelage of Art teacher Cindy Wynne has worked on program design and a team of artists headed by art teacher Mark Tollner will turn the High School stage into the enchanted castle.
   The curtain times are as follows:
Showtime - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 3rd, Friday, February 4th, and Saturday, February 5th - General Admission $7. Friday Night Only Senior Citizens admitted free with Senior ID
Showtime - 1 p.m. - Saturday matinee (February 5th) - General Admission $5
   Advance tickets may be purchased from cast members or by phone order at 773-8868.

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GIHS Regents Schedule - Bus Schedule - 2007
   Click "January Regents Schedule" for the New York State Regents Examination schedule for January 2007.
    Click "January Regents BUS Schedule" for busing information.

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GIHS Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Ken-East - January 2007
   Grand Island's Boys Varsity Vikings swim team beat the Kenmore East Bulldogs 99-66 on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
   Click for "12/19/06 Swim Meet Results."
   Thanks to Swim Coach Rob Collard for these results.

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending January 4, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 1/4/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"

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Niagara Gazette Features Top Viking Wrestler Lee Schuster - Jan. 2007
   Grand Island High School sophomore Lee Schuster, a top wrestler for the Vikings, was featured in the January 3, 2007 issue of the Niagara Gazette. For the story by Nate Beutel, click "GIHS Wrestler Lee Schuster".

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High School News - January 2007
By Kaitie Samland (Freshman) - Student Writer
   Thursday, January 4, 2007 . . . It’s hard to believe that the holiday break is over and unfortunately it feels like we never left. Congratulations to Mrs. Briganti’s, Miss Dunn’s and the chorus room for winning this year's Share the Holiday Contest. Mrs. Briganti’s homeroom was first place in their collection of food, clothing and toys. The chorus homeroom took first place for their collection of monies and Miss Dunn’s homeroom won first place for the door decorating contest. I’m not sure where room 211 placed in the door decorating contest, but I would like to thank Mrs. Briganti, Thomas McDonnell, and Susan Head for all of their help.
   I know it doesn’t seem possible but the second marking period closes on January 26, 2007. No need to panic folks, there is still some time to honor the New Year’s resolution of doing better in school and if that doesn’t work out then we’ll just have to focus on the third semester. Some things to look forward to include Martin Luther King’s Birthday, All County Auditions on the 20th, Regents exams during the week of January 22 through the 26, and the high school musical of Beauty and the Beast on February 1-3, 2007.

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