Grand Island High School News Web Page 2005

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Dr. James Dempsey

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GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 29, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/29/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Girls On ALL-WNY First Team Soccer Honor Roll - December 2005
Alicia Barnaby, Jessica Kuehne and Jessica Remmes have been named to the All-WNY First Team Girls Soccer Honor Roll for the 2005 season. Click "Buffalo News" for story by Keith McShea featured in the December 29, 2005 edition.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 22, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/22/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Boys’ Basketball Team, Other Students
Collect Toys For Roswell Park Cancer Patients - 2005
                 
Anthony Poupalos, Rich Karpie and Aleem Shariff        Joe Amsdill, Brittany Papaj, Rich Karpie and Mike Karpie
      Click for larger view
   Members of the Grand Island Boys’ Basketball Team, during the week before Christmas break, collected toys for children staying in the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Toys were delivered by head coach Chris Simpson on Friday, December 23rd. Mr. Simpson’s Business classes also made some toy donations throughout the week. Fifth period Career and Financial Management students Rich and Mike Karpie, Brittany Papaj, Anthony Poupalos, Josh Kaplan, Gerrit DenBeste, and Joe Amsdill helped prepare the packages of gifts to be distributed.
   In all, over 300 toys were collected and distributed to the kids staying in the hospital over the holiday and to the emergency department. The team has collected the toys for the past seven years and looks forward to helping make the holidays special for those not fortunate enough to be home on Christmas.




GIHS Exams And Bus Schedule For Exam Week - January 2006
Click "Exam Schedule" for 2006 Exams. Click "Exam Week Bus Schedule".




High School DECA, Interact Clubs
Assist Neighbors Foundation's Holiday Distribution - 2005
  
DECA and Interact Club members from the high school assist the Neighbors Foundation holiday distribution.
   December 22, 2005 . . . Grand Island High School students from the DECA and Interact Clubs did their yearly good deed on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, by helping at the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation's Sorting Food project in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Thirty high school students turned out to participate. "This is a chance for these students to give back to their community which is so generous in giving to the needy of Grand Island," DECA Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain said this week. Interact Advisor is Laura Brigant.




GIHS Dec. 16 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams lost to Niagara Wheatfield on Friday, December 16th in the meet held at the Niagara Wheatfield pool. The Varsity score was NF 101 - GI 61. The Junior Varsity score was NF 106 - GI 53. Click "Swim Results/December 16th" for the complete scoring.




GIHS Dec. 20 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams lost to North Tonawanda on Tuesday, December 20th in the meet held at the North Tonawanda pool. The Varsity score was NT 99 - GI 87. The Junior Varsity score was NT 90 - GI 19. Click "Swim Results/December 20th" for the complete scoring.




Viking JV Hockey Team Beats Lew-Port - December 2005
The Grand Island Vikings defeated Lew-Port 7-1 in JV hockey action Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Niagara University. Goals were scored by Keith Doyle (2), Kurt Makowski, Zac Seiling, Justin Raiser, Josh Prygon and Julia (Millie) Fleming. Assists were made by Anthony Daubney (3), Ryan Vertino (2), and Justin Raiser, Billy Koller, Josh Prygon, and Cody Howgrewe each having (1). Rob Tates was in goal. The Vikings are currently in 1st place.




High School Concert Rescheduled - December 2005
The Grand Island High School concert, originally scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2005, has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005. Those attending the concert are urged to come early to participate in a basket raffle to benefit the Grand Island High School musicians in the wind ensemble, band, and orchestra.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 15, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/15/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Vikings Honored At WNY High School Football Awards Banquet - 2005

(left) Josh Anderson, Justin King, Coach Mike Stauffer, Coach Dean Santorio, Ryan Breier, James Rayhill, Ryan Harvey
      Click for larger view
   Several members of the Grand Island Vikings football team were honored Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the WNY High School Football Awards Banquet. This was the nineteenth annual edition of the event, organized by WNY High School Sports' publisher Dick Gallagher. John Murphy, the WKBW Sports Director and Voice of the Buffalo Bills, was master of ceremonies. Seniors Ryan Breier and Ryan Harvey received the Jim Braxton Award as Offensive MVP's of the Section VI Championship Game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Both Ryan Breier and Ryan Harvey were also awarded the WKBW-TV Offensive Players of the Year for Class A North. Ryan Harvey was also awarded first team All-WNY at the running back position. In addition, Ryan Breier was selected to the WNY High School Football All-Academic Team. Ryan Breier was an Honorable Mention at Defensive Back on the All-WNY Football Team. Senior Justin King was awarded first team All-WNY as an Offensive Lineman. Senior Josh Anderson and Junior James Rayhill received the Ace Cacciatore Award as Defensive MVP's of the Section VI Championship Game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Josh Anderson was also an Honorable Mention at Offensive Lineman on the All-WNY Football Team. James Rayhill also won the Jim Kelly Defensive Underclassman of the Year Award and was selected to the second team All-WNY Football Team at Defensive End. Coach Dean Santorio received the Joe Foyle Award as Large School Coach of the Year.




GIHS Dec. 13 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams won over Ken-East on Tuesday, December 13th in the meet held at the Ken-East pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers scored with 51 points over Ken-East's 31. The Vikings JV Swim Team beat the Ken-East JV swimmers 58-35. Click "Swim Results/December 13th" for the complete scoring.




GIHS Dec. 9 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams were victorious over Lew-Port on Friday, December 9th in the meet held at the Lew-Port pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers led the scoring with a 103 over Lew-Port's 83. The Vikings JV Swim Team beat the Lew-Port JV swimmers 70-12. Click "Swim Results/December 9th" for the complete scoring.




GIHS Basket Raffle During Student Concerts
- December 13th, 15th, 20th - 2005
A major basket raffle to benefit the Grand Island High School musicians in the wind ensemble, band, and orchestra is being held this week at three different school concerts. Click "Holiday Basket Raffles" for raffle and concerts information.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
December 2005
 
Erich Skelly                            Carissa Bailey               Kayla Nash
   Erich Skelly has been a resident of Grand Island all 17 years of his life, beginning school at Sidway for kindergarten, followed by Huth Road Elementary, Veronica E. Connor Middle School, and now the high school. Through the years Erich has had a great sense of pride for his community and the activities he participates in.
   Academically Erich has achieved honor roll almost every marking period of his high school career. Erich has been awarded his Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin, and Letter and is well on his way to acquiring his Bar. Erich has received the Pride of the Island award twice throughout his schooling, and has also been recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students for academics. He has also been named a scholar athlete in both football and lacrosse.
   Erich has many extracurricular activities including music and sports. He has been a part of the Grand Island Wind Ensemble since his sophomore year, freshmen year he was a part of the concert band, and in his junior year he was a part of both. The Grand Island Wind Ensemble has traveled to many national competitions where they have always been very successful. Sports have always been a large part of Erich's life; he is a tri-athlete who plays football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Erich was a part of the 2nd team all league offense his junior year in football, awarded the captain spot as a junior on varsity basketball, and started 12 of 16 games as a sophomore on varsity lacrosse.
   Erich's religious life has always been important to him. He is active in Young Life, a Christian organization for high school students, and also active in his church. Attending Trinity United Methodist Church all of his life, Erich has participated in many community service projects including four work camps. Work camp is set up to fix the houses of those in need. Erich has done things such as paint both the outside and inside of houses, set up gutters, put on new shingles, and build a wheelchair ramp.
   He has set very high goals for himself and plans on furthering his education at the University at Brockport to study Physical Education.
   Daughter of David and Cheryl Bailey, Carissa Bailey has been a Grand Island resident her entire life, devoting herself to being a well-rounded student and community member.
   Carissa's four years at Grand Island High School have been packed with extracurricular clubs and activities. For the past three years her day has started with "Good Morning GI..." as morning announcer. She is involved in many musical activities including choir as vice president, concert choir as president, vocal jazz, Madrigals and orchestra as president. As a devoted thespian, she is also an active member of Spotlighters Drama Club where she has been the president for the past two years. As a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), she is able to stretch her knowledge of business by taking part in competitions on both local and state levels, placing top ten at the state career conference in public speaking. This year, Carissa has also been chosen as the Vice President of Correspondence for the entire Western New York DECA Region. She is also a member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council. She is currently enrolled in the CEIP/Internship program where she will complete 57 hours of on-site, non-paid internship experience with Huth Road Elementary School and develop an employability portfolio which will highlight her workforce readiness skills. Rounding out her school activities, she is an active member of Interact and Humanities Club. These clubs stress community involvement and the importance of making a difference.
   Outside of school Carissa has taken piano, dance and acting lessons most of her life and has appeared in over a dozen musicals and plays starting at the age of six.
   Carissa has been a three-time recipient of the Pride of the Island Award given by Grand Island teachers who find positive characteristics in their students. For the past two years she has been selected to Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll. Because of her outstanding scores at NYSSMA solo fest, Carissa has had the opportunity to take part in the Conference All-State Women's Choir in Rochester for the past two years. She has also been a member of the All-County SATB Chorus for the past seven years. Participating in these activities has allowed her to earn her music blue Varsity letter, two pins, white letter and Varsity bars in choir and orchestra. This year Carissa is also serving as Grand Island Youth Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, taking part in many community activities.
   By Carissa's involvement in school organizations and through outside influences, she is able to take part in many community service projects. She is the captain of the "Spotlighters" Relay for Life team, raising over $1,500 for the American Cancer Society. As a member of DECA, she helped sort canned goods, which were delivered to locals in need on behalf of the Neighbors Foundation this past holiday season. For the last ten years, as a member of the Starry Night Theatre Company, Carissa has helped out with costumes, set design and performances. In 2004, Carissa served as Miss Erie County Fair Princess being the ambassador of the fair for its 11 days, greeting the public and judging special events. She also won 2nd-runner-up in the New York's Outstanding Teen pageant, a preliminary to Miss Teen America this past April.
   In the future, Carissa plans to attend college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Master's Degree in Elementary Education.
   Kayla Marie Nash has been a Grand Island resident since kindergarten. Throughout her academic career, Kayla has challenged herself by taking many advanced placement courses. She values academics, enjoys music and theater and believes in contributing to the community through numerous volunteer and community organizations.
   Kayla has received many academic awards including her academic and music letters and has twice received the Pride of Grand Island; she also has been recognized in the Who's Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll. She is a member of the Grand Island High School Masterminds and served last year as president of International Club. She is also a member of National Honor Society, History Club, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and participates in the Spring Musical.
   Kayla is a member of the Niagara Regional Theatre Guild and the St. Stephen's Parish Players. Within both companies she not only acts, but she builds sets, helps with costumes, and runs the spotlight. She produced the initial promotional cast interviews for the Lockport Community Television Show, "Western New York Tonight."
   Kayla has been an active volunteer at the Grand Island Library since seventh grade, assisting with the New York State Summer Reading Programs and holiday craft programs. At the library, Kayla coaches six through ninth graders for the Buffalo and Erie County's Battle of the Books. This past spring, Kayla was recognized by Bishop Kmiec for her dedication as an Altar Server at St. Stephen's RC Church. She also spends a lot of time volunteering at the Buffalo Museum of Science where she helps with the Camp-Ins and the Scout Workshops.
   Kayla also plays several instruments including the piano, guitar and dulcimer. She has taken voice lessons for four years and plans to continue her studies in the field of music by studying vocal performance and music education in college.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 8, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/8/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Dec. 6 Varsity/JV Swim Team Results - December 2005
The Grand Island High School Boys Swim Teams were victorious over Ken West on Tuesday, December 6th in the meet held in the Ransom Road pool. The Varsity Viking Swimmers led the scoring with a 102 over Ken-West's 70. The Vikings JV Swim Team also beat the Ken West JV swimmers by one point with the final scores of 82-81. Click "Swim Results/December 6th" for the complete scoring.




Jessica Remmes - All America - December 2005
Grand Island High School star soccer player Jessica Remmes is featured in the High School Extra /News & notes section of the Tuesday, December 6, 2005 edition of the Buffalo News. Click "Buffalo News Feature" for the story with photo by John Hickey/Buffalo News.




Lady Vikings Soccer Team Final Photo - 2005

(seated front left) Kathy Rogers, Catie Hilliard, Charlotte Booth, Jessica Remmes, Jessica Kuehne, Alicia Fisher; (middle kneeling) Jamie Raepple Kristin Wegrzyn, Rebecca Fetzer, Casey Carminati, Lianna Connors, Alicia Barnaby, Allie Weiser, Jordan Dudish; (back) Assistant Coach Pete Kuehne, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Nicole Fischer, Sarah Sukmanowski, Sam Drexelius, Megan DenBeste, Dana Szczepaniak, Heather Buzzelli, Cassie Ungaro, Jackie Coe, Coach Dave Bowman. Missing from the photo is Maria Lorence
      Jodi Robinson Photo - click for larger view
   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team posed for this photo on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 just before turning in their varsity warm-ups. Congratulations, Lady Vikings, on a fantastic season.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending December 1, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 12/1/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Winter Concert - December 2005
   The Grand Island High School choirs, bands and string orchestra will perform in a winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2005 in the high school auditorium, 1100 Ransom Road.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - Dec. 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the first marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Amy Bidell, Allison Boron, Darren DelSignore, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Taylor Jackson, Jacqueline Maitner, Charlene Meyer, Marvin Pawlowski, Alexander Richter, Sierra Seese, Kelly Williams, Amanda Zernickel
Grade 10: Chelsea Baran, Jasmeet Brar, Kelly Cich, Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Lindsey Miller, Nichole Nash, Anthony Perna, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 11: Stephanie Cartwright, Kristin Duggan, Karen Figliotti, Emily Hasselbeck, Shannon Howley, Justin McInerney, Thomas Minarcin, Andrea Monaco, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, Forrest Smith
Grade 12: Lauren Campbell, Kate Dlugosz, Lee Miller, Caitlyn Quider, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Aaron Wilson
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Lee Becker, Victoria Belous, Chelsea Bernardi, Courtnnie Booker, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Jonathan Caruana, Simarjot Cheema, Kyle Clayton, Hannah Cliff, Caitlin Cook, Dustin Coryn, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Aaron D’Angelo, Jason Davis, Shawn Davis, Kira Dennis, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Victoria Fortman, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Jordan Gibson, Samantha Gieselman, Andrew Ginsburg, Kaitlin Hager, Brendan Hall, Kaitlyn Hardison, Matthew Hazelet, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Caroline Kaminski, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Jatinder Kaur, Haroon Khawar, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Kristin Millar, Andrew Mrzygut, Jessica Mysliwiec, Alexander Neutz, Genna Nuchereno, Shawn O’Rourke, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Lauren Priest, Joshua Prygon, Jamie Raepple, Brian Reagan, Robert Rutland, Jennifer Schaber, Victoria Schaber, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Eric Siwicki, Alyssa Spada, Andrew Stange, Sara Stenzel, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Nicholas Vitello, Megan Wagner, Lauren Whitney, Christopher Wilczek, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 10: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Danielle Asbach, Tyler Baldes, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Lindsey Boyle, Lauren Braun, Thomas Breier, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Kahla Cerrillo, Jennifer Ciechoski, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Theresa Covatto, Richard Cribbs, Denise Curcio, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Anthony Daubney, Alexandra Davis, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Tiffani Dickinson, Michael Dinsmore, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Jacob Ferrante, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Sean Hook, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Jordan Kessler, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Kaitlyn Little, Shawna Long, Michael Magaris, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Brenna McCabe, Craig Meaney, Jeremy Meyer, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Shannon Pickel, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Scott Ross, Carrie Schooping, Patrick Sexton, Joseph Shanor, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Soos, Brittany Stallard, Lauren Stanwick, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Nicholas Taylor, Kristin Toellner, Jordan Toth, Nicholas Vallina, Kacey White, Andrea Whitefield, Patrick Winters
Grade 11: Traci Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Lauren Aughey, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Juliana Burkhart, Krista Burzynski, Evan Busch, Christine Call, John Certo, Abigail Cliff, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Laura Curcio, Michael Davis, Joshua Doermer, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Brett Fiedler, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachel Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, Cassandra Lange, William Lewandowski, Jacqueline Lunick, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Nicole Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, John Naumovich, Alicia Neutz, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Kyle Oursler, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, Amanda Richter, Andrew Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, David Santillo, Matthew Scibilia Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Ryan Stanko, Kristen Swan, Shannon Tegler, Stephanie Tolbert, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Keith Wegrzyn, Rhianna Wing, Bessie Zhang
Grade 12: Cortney Ambrosia, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Charlotte Booth, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, John Brucato, Wesley Burkman, Sarah Calvaneso, Jing Chen, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Chelsea DeGlopper, Kyle Doyle, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Ryan Harvey, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Lucas Mesmer, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Cristian Rivera, Sarnjit Samra, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Chelsea Sommer, Jeffrey Stange, Dana Szczepaniak, Nicholas Thompson, Brendan Waddington, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Marcia Wilbert




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - Dec. 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the first marking period of the 2005-2006 school year:
Grade 9: Kelli Adreon, Alexandria Avery, Daniel Basile, Sean Benninger, Tyler Booth, Brianna Busch, Danielle Bush, Mariah Christie, Allison Cislarski, Christopher Colan, Jordan Dixon, Natalie Dommell, Joseph Edel, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, Lauren Fermoile, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Andrew Fix, Amanda Geis, Zachary Gilbert, Krista Goff, Brandon Greenwood, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, William Koller, Victoria Kowzan, LeAnna Kozlowski, Danielle McGuire, Ashley McRae, Amanda Meyer, Jenna Modica, Smanatha Morrison, Nicholas Muoio, Katie Nordvik, Erin O’Brien, Brian O’Keefe, Destiny Perez, Travis Perno, James Pezzino, Sarah Pici, Scott Quider, Alexis Raepple, Lance Robinson, Michele Rossi, Michael Rustowicz, Richard Ryder, Kayla Salonek, Lee Schuster, Kaileen Shoemaker, Griffin Smith, Carly Snyder, Tess Stewart, Joshua Stoddard, Robert Tates, Charanjot Tiwana, Justine Vanthoff, Allison Walker, Alexandra Whitford, Andrea Wilson, Shaun Winter, Zachary Winter, Aaron Wood, Joseph Zarbo
Grade 10: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Ashley Bass, Amy Blocho, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Richard Boss, Haley Breier, Danielle Bruno, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Courtney Catalano, Jeremy Chopra, Molly Clingersmith, Jaclyn Coe, Monica Dalfonso, Neal DeMartin, Casey Deuser, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Christina Eldridge, Abigail Evans, Julia Fleming, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Shari Geblein, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Matthew Huber, Sara Johnson, Alexandria Kelly, Daniel Kilian, Sara Kurpiewski, Jacob Leffler, Matthew Little, Tara LoBocchiaro, Lisa Mager, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Amanda Mayes, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Amber Meyers, Courtney Mulvey, Christian Nestark, Salvatore Niro, Sara Orsolits, Sarah Palazzolo, Anthony Piccolo, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Audrey Senf, Luis Serrano, Aleem Shariff, Shawn Speidel, Nicole Stickl, Sarah Sukmanowski, Melanie Switalski, Michael Symington, Scott Thompson, Kaitlin Turner, Richard Vanthoff, Alexandra Weiser, Kelsey Wendling, Elizabeth Wilson, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 11: Kenneth Agnello, Safah Ali, Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Adam Bakula, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Caroline Boron, Heather Buzzelli, Ellen Cameron, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Jamison Crawford, Stacey Cyman, Ashley DeMaria, Mark Eberhard, Rachel Eisenhauer, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Krystal Ferguson, Jonathan Figler, Nicole Fischer, Thomas Geib, Bridget George, Mark Gramza, Carmella Grunzweig, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Jared Kazmierczak, Chelsea Kendra, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Dustin Lange, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Corey McGowan, Alex Missert, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Casey Olszewski, Jessica Perry, Shannon Quinn, James Rayhill, Travis Rockwood, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, Jordan Stickl, Melissa Thompson, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Matthew Ward, Kristina Waz, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams
Grade 12: Sheri Ackendorf, Melissa Affuso, David Anderson, Joshua Anderson, Jordan Bahleda, Vadim Belous, Ashley Bleistein, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Nicole Brown, Erich Burchfield, Cassondra Carlson, Desmond Carswell, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, David Cole, Michael Corrao, Michael DelZoppo, Breanne DeMarco, Monique Dhand, Steven Doermer, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Ashleigh Frieday, Alexander Grande, Caitlin Hall, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Toni Kaufman, Christopher King, Megan Koller, Jordan Krieger, Alissa Leckey, Cristina LoVullo, Morgan Macguire, Andrew Marrs, Anna Mastrangelo, Kenneth McCaffery, Timothy McRae, Diane Meyer, Ian Michaliszyn, Mercedes Miles, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Andrew Nawotka, David Nolf, Jessica O’Brien, Ian Pless, Christine Ray, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Jeffrey Rogan, Tatiana Salamone, Lisa Sonnenberg, Tina Sparks, Gregory Styliades, Tonja Sutton, Katherine Szpala, Robert Utz, Jason Walker, Christopher Webb, Melanie Wing, Dane Wood




High School Sports
State Rankings - 2005
   Buffalo News State Rankings Report
   The following Western New York teams were ranked in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll for the week ending November 20, 2005.
FINAL BOYS SOCCER
CLASS AA: 9, Lockport (17-3-2). CLASS A: 9, Kenmore East (15-5); 20, Lewiston-Porter (13-4-2). CLASS B: 5, Holland (19-2). CLASS C: 10, Westfield (17-3). CLASS D: None.
FINAL GIRLS SOCCER
CLASS AA: 15, Williamsville North (15-5-2); 18, Orchard Park (10-7-1). CLASS A: 3, Grand Island (21-2-1); 10, Williamsville East (19-1-2); . CLASS B: 6, East Aurora (20-2-1). CLASS C: 6, Portville (14-4-1). CLASS D: 4, Ellicottville (13-7-1).
FINAL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
CLASS AA: 23, Williamsville North. CLASS A: 6, Starpoint; 8, Kemmore East; 14, Sweet Home. CLASS B: 8, East Aurora; 20, Fredonia. CLASS C: 15, Southwestern; 17, Wilson. CLASS D: 17, Franklinville; 19, Barker.
FINAL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
CLASS AA: 17, Clarence; 18, West Seneca West; 25, Lockport. CLASS A: 14, Amherst; 18 Lake Shore. CLASS B: 1, East Aurora; 7, Olean; 13, Alden; 23, Albion; 25, Fredonia. CLASS C: 7, Akron; 13, JFK; 16, Wilson; 18, Falconer. CLASS D: 7, Randolph; 11, Franklinville; 17 Sherman.




Victory For Boys Hockey - November 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Hockey Team, part of the WNY Club Small School, beat Southwestern 6-0.




Lady Vikings Soccer Wrap Up - Nov. 2005

This Buffalo News photo by James P. McCoy was incorrectly identified in the weekend edition of the Buffalo News. Pictured is Alicia Barnaby who scored both goals for the Lady Vikings in the State Semifinal.
By Teddy Linenfelser
   Our town can be very proud of all of our sports team, and this week, especially the GIHS Girls Soccer Team for an outstanding season under Coach Dave Bowman. The Island team made it all the way to the Class A semifinal for the State championship on Friday, November 18, 2005. But the championship was not to be. An extremely strong and talented defending Class A champion team, the South Side Cyclones, astounded the Island audience and the Lady Vikings in the semifinal played at Binghamton High. Final score was 7-2.
   GI Goalkeeper Allie Weiser, a sophomore, had the misfortune of receiving a concussion just into the second half. Kristin Wegrzyn, an 8th grader at Connor Middle School, took over and "did a credible job in the first playoff action of her career," according to the Niagara Gazette.
   According to the Buffalo News, "South Side of Rockville Centre is one of soccer-strong Long Island's elite programs, having won the Long Island title 18 of the last 20 years, including the last 10 in a row." South Side is the winner of three state titles, won in the last six years and runner-up the other three years.
   The South Side team won the State Championship by defeating the team from Burnt Hills 1 to 0. The "Cyclones" scored half way through the first half off of a corner kick.
   Click "GI/South Side" for earlier story. Click for "Niagara Gazette Story 11/18/05"




"Get Smart" - A Lot Of Laughs! - 2005
By Teddy Linenfelser
   Katherine Scarafia and Tracie (Moreau) Groves, both Grand Island High School graduates, did themselves proud in the directing of the Grand Island High School Spotlighters' comedy production, "Get Smart." The performances were held on the school stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, November 17-19, 2005. The 28-member cast performed with ease and confidence and all students contributed to a great show. Forrest Smith as Maxwell Smart, Ryan Guagliano as Agent 44, Vincent Covatto as the Chief, and most especially Patrick Sexton as Mr. Big, topped my personal list of actors. Princess Ingrid was played by Carissa Bailey whose stage experience showed through in her very professional performance.
   A complete list of the cast and crew follows:
Cast
Forrest Smith as Maxwell Smart, Julia Figliotti as Helen, Sarah Pici as Myra, Missy Thompson as Jane, Aaron D'Angelo as Fred, Matthew Brady as Professor Dante, Sarah-Jane Calvaneso as Professor Zalinka, Ryan Guagliano as Agent 44, Vincent Covatto as Chief, Lauren Priest as Miss Finch, Lee Becker as Hodgkins, T.J. Slipko as Man, Rachel Olszewski as Woman, Kyle Patterson as Garth, Rachel Gaydosh as Mary Wong, Cassondra Carlson as Shirley Wong, Melissa Affuso as Betsy Wong, Pat Sexton as Mr. Big, Diane Meyer as Big Sister, Tess Stewart as Little Sister, Caitlin Hall as Agent 99, Jennifer Freiermuth as Agent 13, Amy Bidell as Ann, Tara Rogers as Jill, Catherine Cline as May, Tiffany Turner as Laura, Carissa Bailey as Princess Ingrid and Mary Kate Duff as the Voice.
Stage Manager - Mary Kate Duff
Assistant Stage Manager - C. J. Whiting
Set Design - Diane Meyer
Properties Master - Kaitlyn Little, C.J. Whiting
Lighting Design - Andrew Rogers
Sound Design - Shannon Farmer
Stage Crew
Chelsea Bergman, Katie Nordvik, Sarah Lipp, Abby Evans, Hannah Cliff, T.J. Perry, Nick Vallina, Griffin Smith, Shannon Farmer, Taylor Kaufmann.
   Auditions for the Spotlighters' musical, which is usually scheduled for the first week in February, took place this week.




Injured Star Goalie, Allie Weiser, Doing Fine - 2005
   Sunday, November 20, 2005 . . . Allie Weiser, the Lady Vikings' star goalie, is home and doing fine. Allie was injured during Friday's state semifinal girls soccer competition against the Southside team that defended its Class A championship with a score of 7-2. When Allie went to make a save, she slid and got the ball. However, a girl from South Side couldn't stop due to her momentum and accidentally kicked Allie in the head. Allie, who at that point could not remember anything, was taken off the field and to a Binghamton hospital where she was treated for a concussion and released.
   Allie's parents, Trisha and Ray Weiser, expressed their appreciation to the community for their outpouring of concern. "We have received many calls from well wishers," Mrs. Weiser said today.
   Allie, a sophomore, and has 13 shutouts to her credit this season.




GIHS Girls Soccer Team Defeated 7-2 - 2005
Southside, the defending Class A champion of Section VIII, won Friday's state semifinal over the Lady Vikings with a score of 7-2. Both GIHS goals were scored by Alicia Barnaby, a GIHS junior. Unfortunately, star goalie, Allie Weiser, a sophomore, was injured early in the second half after "she took a knee to the head," according to the Buffalo News. The game was played at Union-Endicott in Binghamton. Grand Island ended its season at 21-2-1. (Scroll up for more complete reports)




Lady Vikings Soccer Team Takes Off For State Competition - 2005

(left) Lady Vikings forward Catie Hilliard takes one of the donated lunches from soccer mom, Karen Fisher;
(right) Lady Vikings Soccer Team and Coach Dave Bowman.
      Dan McMahon Photos - click for larger view
   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team took off this morning (Nov. 17) for Binghamton, New York where they will play in a state semi final game against South Side, and hopefully be in the final championship game on Saturday. A banquet for all state finalist teams is being held this evening.
   Among Island businesses supporting the trip is The Town Café Restaurant, providing a lunch for the Girls Soccer team for their bus trip to the state finals. Lynn Quarantello of the Town Cafe said the girls would need something to eat during the drive to the Championship round. The Grand Island Soccer Club wants to thank everyone on Grand Island for supporting their efforts to raise the necessary funds for the Girls Soccer Team's travel to the state finals this weekend.
   The following have donated to the team thus far:
Town Cafe' - (made 31 boxed lunches for the trip)
HSBC Bank
VFW Post 9249
Moose Lodge
Rod & Gun Club
Jemi of Grand Island
Tops Markets
Sportsplex - field time
Sahlens sports park - field time
Tourist Travel Service
Robert Fick CLU, CHFC
Carmen Pariso
Grand Island Soccer Club
Dowd Battery Company
Aronica & Company
Rockwood Brothers
Peter McMahon
Rick Nelson
Residential Construction Inc.
Sevenson Environmental Services
Contract Interiors
John & Beverly Mikulski
Grotz family
Barbara & Richard Snyder
Robert & Christine Ratajczak
Thomas Burke & Nancy Savoy-Burke




HELP! Please Donate To Lady Vikings Trip To States - 2005

   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Soccer Team is scheduled to play in the Class A semifinal for the State championship this weekend. Funds are needed within 24 hours for this to happen!
   The following letter is from the Grand Island Soccer Club and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team:
Dear Businessman:
   The Grand Island girls' varsity soccer team has advanced to the State Final Four high school tournament this coming weekend in Binghamton, New York. The games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 18 and 4 p.m. Saturday, November 19. As part of the weekend games, a banquet is being held for all of the qualifying teams on Thursday night. As a result, the team will be departing from Grand Island Thursday morning for this weekend event.
   The Grand Island Soccer Club (GISC) is asking for donations to assist the team with their expenses (lodging, meals, banquet, etc...) Please contact Mrs. Karen Fischer at 773-3460 or 909-4928 if you would like to make a donation. Checks should be made payable to the Grand Island Soccer Club (a 501c organization). The Grand Island Soccer Club and the girls' varsity soccer team thank you for your generous contribution.
Sincerely,
The Grand Island Soccer Club
and girls' varsity soccer team




High School DECA Club Holds Installation Dinner - 2005

Cheryl Chamberlain, left, with DECA members at installation.
   The Grand Island High School DECA Club held its annual installation dinner on November 8, 2005 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. DECA, a national business and marketing club, is involved in many different activities at the high school and serves the Grand Island community as well. Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain would like to thank the parents of the DECA members for their continued support of the competitive business club and Carissa Bailey, Regional Representative, for her role in the installation ceremony. Members who attended the installation are Janeen Amantia, Stephen Beatty, Corey McGowan, Stephanie Hopkins, Janice Sturtz, Mallory Fulle, Jasmine Rivers, Michelle Botwin, Rebecca Fetzer, Eric Sharpe, Christian Nole, Stephanie Tolbert and Carissa Bailey.
   Special guests attending the installation were School Board members, Myrna Blair, Richard Little and George Casey. Also in attendance were School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ramming, high school Principal Dr. James Dempsey, business department coordinator Bobbie Frisoni, business/technology teachers Suzanne Stevenson and Christopher Simpson and James R. Sharpe representing the Chamber of Commerce. The regional business competition is held in January 2006 and several members may qualify for state competition in March.




Lady Vikings Win Far Western Regional - 2005

   The Grand Island Lady Vikings won the Far Western Regional contest on November 12, 2005 and will move on to the state finals. Grand Island was tied with Aquinas 1-1 and won through a shoot-out when Jessica Remmes, Jessica Kuehne and Jackie Coe scored goals. Jessica Remmes also scored the regulation play goal. GI goalkeeper Allie Weiser had five huge saves.
    Click "Far Western Regional Win For Lady Vikings" for Niagara Gazette Story.
   The girls will play in the Class A semifinal for the State championship tomorrow (Friday, November 18) at 4:30 p.m. against South Side. The game will be played at Binghamton. Burnt Hills will play IX-Cornwall on Friday and the winners will meet at 4 p.m. Saturday at Union-Endicott for the final.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 10, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 11/10/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Vikings Lose Far Western Regional, 34-16 - 2005
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team ended a great season Friday evening, November 11, 2005 with a loss in the Far Western Regional contest. The score of 34-16 favored Geneva.
    Click "Far Western Regional" for Niagara Gazette Story.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
November 2005
 
Lauren Culp                  Joseph Orsolits Jr.               Chelsea DeGlopper
   Lauren Culp has been a resident of Grand Island most of her life. She has been enrolled in the Grand Island School District since starting kindergarten at Sidway. During her school years she has always tried to excel academically as well as participate in many extracurricular activities.
   Lauren has maintained honor roll and high honor roll status while balancing a busy schedule. She has been awarded the Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin and Letter and is well on her way towards achieving her bar. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
   She has contributed to her community by being active in Relay for Life, a walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society. She has performed many service projects such as collecting food for the local food pantry, playing her violin for the Grand Island Lion's Club annual handicap picnic, volunteering for the Huth Road's Fall Festival and the high school's Niagara Frontier League meet for girls' varsity swimming, and raising money for the Instrumental Boosters, which allows the orchestra, band, and wind ensemble to attend competitions around the nation.
   Lauren has been on the girls' swim team at Grand Island High School for five consecutive years. She was a co-captain of her team this past season. She has earned her varsity letter and several scholar athlete awards.
   A member of the orchestra throughout middle and high school, Lauren has served as its librarian, secretary, and vice president as well as leading her section to the Grand National Invitational in Tennessee. She has also earned her varsity letter in music.
   After graduation, she plans on attending the University of Buffalo for Business Administration.
   Joseph Orsolits Jr. has been an Island resident since he was two years old, and has attended Grand Island schools since starting kindergarten at the newly reopened Sidway School. He has maintained a high standard for himself throughout his academic career.
   Joe has consistently achieved Honor and High Honor Roll status since sixth grade. He earned the Gold "K" award in fifth grade as well as the President's award for Academic Excellence in both fifth and eighth grades. He has earned his Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin and Letter and should receive his bar this year. He is a four-time recipient of the Pride of the Island award.
   Joe has been deeply involved in the Music Department throughout his high school career. He has been a member of the wind ensemble all four years and has served as the wind ensemble stage manager since his sophomore year. He has been a member of concert band for three years, and was named "Co-Rookie of the Year" after his freshman year. He has also participated in jazz ensemble, pep band, and pit orchestra throughout his four years. Joe has been in the All-Erie County ensembles consistently since seventh grade, Area All-State ensembles since tenth grade and in Conference All-State Symphonic Band this year. He has earned his varsity letter, pins, white letter and bar for music. He has played trumpet since age 8, and has recently started piano lessons, as well as playing euphonium in the concert band last year.
   Joe has been a member of the men's cross country team and track team where he received the "Coach's Award" two years in a row. He has been twice named as a Scholar Athlete.
   Joe has volunteered as a member of the Niagara Falls PAL Youth Court for two years. He has played "Taps" for the VFW Post 9249 memorial services such as Veteran's Day and 9/11 services. For the last two years, Joe volunteered and served as the stage manager for all productions when Grand Island High School hosted the Junior High North All-County Music Festivals.
   After graduation, Joe plans to attend college to study Music Education and Performance. He is planning to pursue his master's degree to teach music on the high school or collegiate level.
   Chelsea DeGlopper is a life-long resident of Grand Island and has attended Grand Island public schools her entire academic career. She has challenged herself throughout school, taking advanced classes since middle school. She takes her studies seriously and has maintained a high honor roll average throughout high school. Chelsea has also received awards for her academic achievements, including her academic varsity letter and pin, the Pride of the Island award on two occasions, and the AP Scholar Award. Recently, she was named a Commended Student in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program.
   Chelsea is also very involved in the Grand Island music program. She has been a member of the Wind Ensemble for three years and the Concert Band for four years. Chelsea is the secretary for Wind Ensemble, and has been a librarian for both Wind Ensemble and Concert Band for the past two years. She also participates in Jazz Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Community Band, and Practice Buddies, in which she plays the clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone and piano, and will soon earn her white varsity letter for band.
   Outside of music, Chelsea is an active member of DECA and participates annually in Relay for Life. This year, she has become involved in a mentoring program that holds different activities for middle school students to attend throughout the year. Chelsea has also taken advantage of the opportunities to be involved in her community through her church, including volunteering for several years to work at the Lion's Club Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Presently, she also holds a part-time job, working ten to twenty hours a week at Burger King.
   After graduation, Chelsea plans to attend a four-year school where she intends to study either English or journalism and to continue her involvement in music.




Vikings Football Great, James Rayhill In Feature Story - 2005
   James Rayhill, a member of the special teams and defensive end for the GIHS Varsity Vikings, and the son of Donnette and Michael Rayhill, was featured in the Niagara Gazette on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. Author of the story titled "Rayhill Sparks Vikings On Defense, Special Teams," is Eric Keppeler. Click "Rayhill Sparks Vikings" for the feature.




Grand Island Beats Sweet Home At Ralph Wilson Stadium - Next is Far West Regionals - 2005
   The Varsity Vikings took the Section VI Class A championship at Ralph Wilson Stadium Saturday, November 5, 2005 with the final score, Grand Island 20, Sweet Home 14. Leading the Vikings, who will play the Geneva Panthers in the Far West Regionals at St. John Fisher University 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2005, were Ryan Harvey, Ryan Breier and James Rayhill.
   The Vikings beat Starpoint on October 22 with a score of 20-0 followed by a win over Hamburg with a score of 21-20 in a Section VI Semifinal on October 29. Click for "Buffalo News Story/GI 20 - Sweet Home 14".




Spotlighters To Present "Get Smart" - 2005
Wednesday, Nov. 16th rehearsal photos
Jodi Robinson Photos - click for larger view
   The Spotlighters, Grand Island High School's drama club, will present Get Smart in the high school auditorium on the following dates:
Thursday, November 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 19 - 7:30 p.m.

   The play is adapted by Christopher Sergel from the series originally created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Admission is $3. Playing the leads in the production, directed by Tracie Groves and English teacher Katherine Scarafia, are Forrest Smith as secret agent Maxwell Smart; Caitlin Hall as Agent 99; Vincent Covatto as the Chief; and Pat Sexton as the villain, Mr. Big. Carissa Bailey and Kyle Patterson are also playing large roles.




GI Girls Win Section VI Championship Soccer Game - Next Is Far West Regionals - 2005
GI 1 - Williamsville East 0

Parents of girls' soccer team decorated Viking Mall and individual lockers Wednesday evening Nov. 9.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
   The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team beat Williamsville East 1-0 on Saturday, November 5, 2005 in the Section VI Championship. The Vikings only goal was scored by Catie Hilliard who was assisted by Jessica Remmes, "the program's all-time leading scorer," according to the Niagara Gazette. The Lady Vikings will play Aquinas 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2005 in the Far West Regionals (Class A) at Irondequoit High School, Rochester.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending November 3, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 11/3/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Girls Varsity NFL Swim Championships - 2005
   Click for Grand Island High School Girls Swim Results in the Girls Varsity NFL Championships - 10/27/05 - 10/29/05
" NFL Championship Meet Results"
"Individual Rankings"
"Team Scores"




GI Girls Win Soccer Semifinal - 2005
GI 7 - Starpoint 0
   The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team beat Starpoint, 7-0 on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 in the Section VI Class A Soccer Semifinal. Click "GI/Starpoint" for a Niagara Gazette story by Nate Buetel.




Grand Island Beats Hamburg, Heads To The Ralph - 2005
The Varsity Vikings Beat Hamburg in a Section VI Semifinal (Class A) with the score ending at 21-20 on Saturday, October 29, 2005. The Vikings will play Sweet Home in the championship game Saturday, November 5, 2005 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Click "Buffalo News Story" for results of the GI/Hamburg game.




Vikings 20-0 Score Over Starpoint Opens Door To Section VI Playoff - 2005
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings took a 20-0 win from Starpoint on Saturday afternoon, October 22, 2005, and now move on to the Section VI Semifinals (Class A). Saturday's (Oct. 29, 2005) game against Hamburg at Hamburg starts at 1 p.m. Click for Buffalo News story, Vikings Beat Starpoint




Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Section VI Semifinals - Class A
Grand Island Vs. Hamburg at Hamburg, 1 p.m. Saturday, October 29.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 27, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/27/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 20, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/20/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Starpoint at Grand Island, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."




High School Fall String, Choral Concert Was Total Pleasure! - 2005
   The Grand Island Senior High School Music Department presented its Fall String and Choral Concert Wednesday evening, October 19th, in the high school auditorium. Choral director Carolyn Lokken, who directed five different voice groups, explained that members of two of them get to school at 6:30 a.m. to practice. The evening performances began with the entire auditorium singing "The Star Spangled Banner."
   Highlights of the 8 p.m. program, extremely well received by the large audience, were "Go 'Way From My Window" by the Grand Island Senior High School Choir with piano accompanist Carol Horrigan; "Always On My Mind" by the Vocal Jazz group with accompanist Kelcie Hanaka; and "Only You" by the Dominant Force, an all male choral club. The talented Madrigal Singers also sang "Awake Sweet Love," and "The Silver Swan" and the large Concert Choir performed four numbers including, the enjoyable "I Dream a World."
   The Grand Island High School Orchestra program, with Kelly Robertson conducting, began with the first number, "Concerto Grosso Opus 6 Nr. 6," played without a conductor and what an excellent job these students did. Student Christina Rivera was piano accompanist for "The Lord of the Dance," with excellence by the soloists and the entire orchestra.




NYS Troopers' K-9 Unit Visits GIHS Business Classes - 2005

From left are Trooper Brian Pazderski, "TC," and Rotary Exchange Student Max Opaskiatikul - Click photo for larger view
   The K-9 Unit from the NYS Troopers visited students in Mr. Christopher Simpson’s Business Education classes on October 18, 2005. With the help of School Resource Officer Chris Pyc, the students were given both a lecture on training and career requirements, and an actual demonstration of the unit’s capabilities. Trooper Brian Pazderski and “TC” attended a few afternoon classes in the business department and enlightened students about the K-9 career field. After a brief question and answer session, “TC” went to work on finding some hidden pieces of explosive compound.
   In accordance with New York State standards, students are required to have contact and be exposed to different career choices and paths. The NYS Troopers K-9 Unit is just one of the many professional careers that students are exposed to through the business department at the High School.




Cross Country Team Thanks The Community - 2005

Click for larger view
   The Grand Island High School Cross Country Team would like to thank the community for their support in fundraising for the team’s New York City trip. The team held car washes and a donut sale in the weeks prior to the trip. The Cross Country team competed at the Manhattan College Invitational Meet with over 12,000 other competitors, comprising 800 teams. This is the largest high school Cross Country meet on the east coast. The several inches of rain that fell did not dampen the competitors’ spirits.
   Medal winners were freshman, Jordan Gibson, Emily Thompson and seventh grader Christian Gibson, Both teams finished in the middle of the team scoring. Members of the girls’ team participating in the meet included: Caroline Boron, Emily Kahn, Traci Aladeen, Karen Bellanca, Caitlyn Driscoll, Bridget George, Sarah Orsolits, Allison Boron and Emily Thompson. Representing the boys’ team were: Christian and Jordan Gibson, Ryan Hagen, Christopher Carter, Joe Mash, Tim Fargino, Dave Sipos, John Connors and Jeff Rogan.
   Educational highlights of the trip included a visit to Ground Zero where the team took a moment to remember the lives lost on 9/11. Other stops included a tour of NBC Studios in which Ryan Hagen was an honorary weatherman and Bridget George was an honorary anchorwoman. The team visited Times Square, Central Park, Broadway and the Theater District, NikeTown and Macy’s.
   A special thanks to chaperones: Donna Thompson, Eric and Beth Boron, William Connors, Kevin Hagen, Sue Carter, Aaron Masters and Coach Sauer.




Local CPA's Visit GIHS Business Department Classes - 2005-2006
 
(left) Christopher Capolupo - (right photo) Christopher Capolupo and Nick Abdullah
   Members of Mr. Christopher Simpson’s Accounting classes were visited by employees of the Freed Maxick and Battaglia Accounting Firm on Friday, October 14, 2005. Through a program coordinated by the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and Niagara University, students were able to meet and network with real-world accountants and ask questions about college.
   Nicholas Abdullah and Christopher Capolupo (GIHS Class of 1998) spoke to the classes about opportunities in the accounting field and college life. Both gentlemen have been working in the field and shared the experiences they have along with the details of their business life.
   This was the second group of speakers to come through the business department’s classes this year. Earlier in the week, representatives from Bryant and Stratton College came in and spoke to the students on how to pick a career.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 13, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/13/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Girls Soccer Team Reports - 2005 Games
   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, coached by Dave Bowman, remain undefeated.
Game: Friday, September 23, 2005
The girls Varsity soccer team improved their league record on Friday to 5 and 0 by defending league rival Kenmore West 4 to 0. Scoring for Grand Island was Alicia Fisher with 2 goals and Catie Hilliard and Dana Szczepaniak each with 1 goal. Alicia Barnaby provided a much needed spark in the second half. Recording her third shut out of the year was Allie Weiser.
Game: Tuesday, September 27, 2005
The girls Varsity soccer team defeated Niagara Wheatfield on Tuesday 10 to 0 with their best performance of the year as they moved the ball without effort. Scoring for Grand Island was Jessica Remmes with 4 goals while Sarah Sukmanowski, Catie Hilliard, Sam Drexilius, Megan DenBeste, Dana Szczepaniak and Jessica Kuehne each scored one. Recording her 4th shut out in goal was Allie Weiser. Congratulations ladies.
Game: Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Lady Vikings Soccer team jumped out to a fast start by convincingly defeating the second place team in the league, North Tonawanda, with a 4 to 0 win. Very early in the game Jessica Remmes and Alicia Fisher each netted goals making it 2 to 0 just four minutes into the game. Jessica Remmes added another goal and Alicia Barnaby scored late in the first half to make it 4. Allie Weiser recorded the shut out in goal while Jessica Kuehne and Jackie Coe limited the Lumberjacks opportunities. Great job ladies on your 7 and 0 league record.
   The Lady Vikings Soccer team also won the following games:
Game: October 3, 2005 - Nonleague - V-Aquinas 3, Grand Island 0
Game: October 5, 2005 - NFL - Grand Island 3, Lockport 1
Game: October 7, 2005 - NFL - Grand Island 8, Niagara Falls 0
   Details of these games may be found in the "Sports Briefs" on this page.




High School Homecoming Dance - 2005-2006

(left) Carlos Darby, Michelle, Jake Andrews, Jordan Bahleda, Josh Raiser, Vanessa Alvarado, David Anderson and Ashley Bleistein.

(left) Carlos Darby, Jake Andrews, Josh Raiser and David Anderson.
Click photo for larger view
 
Click photos for larger view
The Grand Island High School Homecoming Dance was held on the evening of Saturday, October 8, 2005 in the school. It was a semi formal affair and the Island students were a picture to be proud of. Grand Island's Varsity Vikings Football Team played a close game against Williamsville South, winning by one point on Saturday afternoon on Masters Field. Final score, Grand Island 28 - Williamsville South 27.




String and Choral Concert At High School - Time Change - 2005
   The Grand Island String and Choral Concert featuring Choir, Concert Choir, The Dominant Force, Madrigal Singers, Vocal Jazz and String Orchestra will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium.




Intergenerational Community Sing, Everyone Welcome - 2005
   Singers of all ages are invited to join forces with current members of the Grand Island Senior High School vocal department for an intergenerational sing. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of song and fellowship Monday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior High School Choir Room. High school choral director, Carolyn Lokken, is hoping students, parents, grandparents, neighbors and Grand Island alumni will take this opportunity to join together for this event. Sing-ins are popular in communities around the country and are unique is bringing together singers of different generations. No experience is necessary. "Hope to see you there!" she said.




Update -Grand Island Swimming and Diving Team To Hold Organizational Meeting - 2005
   Swim Coach Rob Collard has announced an organizational meeting for the 2005-06 Grand Island High School Boys Swimming and Diving Team will be held at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2005 in room 214 at the high school.
   Any interested GIHS student in grades 7-12 not able to attend the meeting, should email Coach Rob Collard at robertcollard@k12.ginet.org to receive information.
   There will be a meeting for all 7th and 8th grade boys interested in swimming for the high school team this winter on Tuesday, November 1st at 3:45 p.m. in the Connor Middle School Little Theatre. The meeting should last approximately 10 minutes. All boys should have passed the Phys Ed Department fitness test and have a physical exam completed (have the yellow card) by the first practice on Monday, November 7th at 3:45 p.m. Email any questions to Head Coach Rob Collard at: robertcollard@k12.ginet.org




Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Kenmore East at Kenmore East, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15.
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."




Grand Island Victorious At Homecoming Game Vs. Williamsville South - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Varsity Football Team worked hard to take the win away from the Williamsville South Billies during the Vikings' Homecoming Game Saturday, October 8, 2005. Ryan Harvey, Ryan Breier and Derek Moody were among many standouts on the Vikings team that came up one ahead of their opponents with 28 to the Billies' 27. Click for the "Buffalo News Story - 10/9/05".




GIHS Qualifies For Business First's Rankings of Best High School Sports Programs, Section VI. - 2005
   Business First, Western New York's Business Newspaper, has notified Grand Island High School Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey that the high school has qualified for Business First's rankings of the best high school sports programs in Section VI.
   "Grand Island Senior High School is No. 9 on our list of big schools, those with more than 800 students. We based our rankings on the results of sectional tournaments and meets in 30 interscholastic sports between the 2000-01 and 2004-05 school years," Business First Projects Manager G. Scott Thomas said in a letter to the high school principal.
   The 10 best schools in all three categories (big, medium and small schools) will be listed in the fall 2005 edition of Western New York Life, a glossy, full-color magazine published by Business First.




High School Tennis Team - 2005-2006

Shown front left are Lauren McGowan (grade 10), Kelsey Wendling (10), Brittany Papaj (10), Courtney Donner (11), Vida Rostami (11), Sara Kurpiewski (10), Brandi Skill (10), Ashley Koerntgen (10); (back) Coach Julie Roth, Courtney Catalano (10), Micahlena Beyer (10), Jessica Cespedes (10), Andrea Whitefield (10), Kelsey Mash (9), Caitlin Cook (9), Shannon Howley (11), Brittany Stallard (10), Ashley Marien (12), and Monique Dhand (12). Missing from the photo is Danielle Bruno (10) who suffered a knee injury in practice the day before the photo was taken.
  
(photos from left) Team captains Vida Rostami and Courtney Donner; Lauren McGowan; Courtney Donner
 
(photos from left) Brittany Stallard; Caitlin Cook
Nathan Cook Photos - Click for larger view
The Grand Island High School Tennis Team posed for a group photo on Tuesday, October 4, 2005. The girls have had seven wins and three losses so far this season.




Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island Vs. Williamsville South at Grand Island, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 8 - Grand Island's Homecoming Game
See Sports Briefs below for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending October 6, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 10/6/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Commended Students - National Merit Scholarship Program - 2005-2006

(left) Lauren Campbell and Chelsea DeGlopper - Click for larger view
   Grand Island High School seniors Lauren Campbell and Chelsea DeGlopper have been named Commended Students in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program, as announced by Grand Island High School Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
   About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2006 competition for Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than one million students who entered the 2006 competition by taking the 2004 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (TSAT/NMSQT).
   A spokesperson for the National Merit Program commented, "It is important to acknowledge the attainments of academically talented students and to credit schools for the key role they play in their development. We hope the recognition received by these able young men and women who are commended in this rigorous, nationwide competition will encourage them to take advantage of opportunities for higher education and to diligently pursue their professional goals."




High School Senior Luncheon Held At River Oaks - 2005-2006
   
(left) Melinda Schultz, Tonja Sutton and Nicole Brown - Melinda Schultz, Jimmy Weatherston and Sara Boulden - Chelsea Sommer, Melinda Schultz, Sara Boulden and Jessica O'Brien
By Sara Boulden, Class of 2006
   Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2006 celebrated their annual senior luncheon on Friday, September 23, 2005 at River Oaks Golf Club. After signing the senior wall in the high school and taking the group 2006 photo outside on the lawn, class members drove to the Golf Club where they enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet and eagerly listened as their guest speaker not only supplied jokes, but also life lessons. At the buffet, the Senior Superlatives, who had previously been voted on by the class, were announced, and those lucky enough to win were applauded by their friends. The luncheon was a great opportunity for the class to be together during their final year at Grand Island Senior High School.




Vikings Football Schedule - 2005
Grand Island At Albion, 7 p.m. Friday, September 30
See Sports Briefs for last week's results. Scroll up for "Complete Sports Schedule."




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 29, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/29/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Girls Basketball Team Raising Funds For California Tournament - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Girls Basketball team is currently trying to raise funds to play in a tournament in California in December 2005. The team has set up two fundraisers as follows:
FLAG FOOTBALL 4 v 4 TOURNAMENT: Saturday, October 1st behind Grand Island High School
Age groups: 4-5 grades; 6,7,8 grades; 9-12 grades, 18-25 year olds, Adults
   Each team can have a minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 6. Cost is $10 per player. Contact Jenepher Banker at 773-8825 to register.
COLUMBUS DAY 5K and 1.4 MILE FUN RUN October 10, 2005 at Beaver Island State Park:
5K and 1.4 mile fun run sponsored by the Grand Island Girls Basketball team
   The races will begin 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Preregistration fee is $10. Prizes will be male and female winners in each age group. Contact Jenepher Banker to pre-register for the race at 773-8825. Race day entry fee will be $12.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 22, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/22/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




GIHS Homecoming Dance Date Change - Now October 8th - 2005
   In order to accommodate a volleyball tournament and still give the proper credence to the event, Homecoming events have been changed from the October 21, 2005 weekend to the October 7, 2005 weekend. The semi-formal dance will held from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2005.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending September 15, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 9/15/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




October String & Choral Concert - 2005
   The Grand Island String and Choral Concert featuring Choir, Concert Choir, The Dominant Force, Madrigal Singers, Vocal Jazz and String Orchestra will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2005 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. There is no admission charge. For more informatin, all the High School Music Department at 773-8868.




Vikings Lose To Sweet Home 21-0 - September 2005
   With one win over the Hamburg Bulldogs under their belts, the Grand Island Varsity Vikings lost their second game of the season. The loss to the Sweet Home Panthers Saturday afternoon, September 10, 2005 on Masters Field was a heartbreaker, ending with a score of 21-0. The first half was scoreless, however, Sweet Home racked up their 21 points in the fourth quarter. Grand Island meets the Lewiston Porter Lancers 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17th on Masters Field.




High School School PTA Officers - 2005-2006

Click for larger view
Grand Island High School PTA officers are (front left) Dr. James Dempsey (Principal), Terry Endres (President), William Miller (Vice Principal); (back) Donnette Rayhill (2nd VP), Sue Campbell (Council Delegate), Maureen Lewis (1st VP). Not pictured: Patty Meyer (Rec. Secretary), Catie Lewis (Corr. Secretary), Kathi Hanaka (Council Delegate).




Vikings Sports Scores - September 2005
Week ending Thursday, September 8, 2005
Football - Saturday, September 3, 2005
Grand Island 14 - Hamburg 13
See separate story

Boys Soccer
NONLEAGUE
Canisius 3, Grand Island 1

Boys Volleyball
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 25-25-17-25

Girls Volleyball
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 25-25-24-25

Girls Tennis
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Niagara Falls 3, Grand Island 2

Golf
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
Grand Island 18, Kenmore West 6
M-Chris Povinelli (KW) 36 at River Oaks




Vikings Beat Hamburg In Close Game
NEXT - Vikings At Sweet Home Saturday, 2 p.m. - September 2005
   The Grand Island Varsity Vikings beat the Hamburg Bulldogs on the Ransom Road field Saturday, September 3, 2005 with a close score of 14-13. This was the first game of the season. James Rayhill blocked the extra point after the Bulldogs scored. Ryan Breier had a 171-yard pass and had a touchdown. Ryan Harvey rushed for 109 yards which included a 14-yard touchdown. Leading the Viking defense was Derrick Moody with nine tackles. Grand Island will play Sweet Home at Sweet Home at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 10.




Girls Soccer Team Has New Coach - September 2005
   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team has a new coach, Dave Bowman. The team ended their last season with their third straight state semifinal in what was also the last game coached by the retiring Peter Prozik. Click for Girls Soccer Story by Julie Bender as featured in the September 6, 2005 edition of the Buffalo News




Vikings Meet Hamburg On Masters Field - First Game Of Season - September 2005
   The Grand Island High School Varsity Vikings Football Team will play the first game of its season 2 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2005 against the Hamburg Bulldogs on Masters Field, 1100 Ransom Road. The Vikings will be led by senior Quarterback Ryan Breier. Also expected to lead the team are Justin King, Derek Moody, Josh Anderson, Ryan Harvey, Josh Raiser, Brandon Antonelli and Erich Skelly. Coach Dean Santorio's team has an excellent chance of winning the Section VI championship, last accomplished in 2003. The Vikings' advantage is the fact that they have eight starters returning.




GIHS Parents Open House Announced - September 2005
   The annual Parents Open House will be held at Grand Island High School from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2005. Students will be given schedules to complete for their parents, who will follow that schedule which provides an opportunity to meet with each teacher and gain an overview of the curriculum for that subject area.




GIHS Boys Swimming and Diving - July 2005
   Ian O'Rourke (grade 11 for 05-06) was named to his second consecutive All-America Diving Team. Click National Public HS Rankings. Ian is ranked 48th in the US for 1-meter, 11 dives.
   The GIHS 200 Freestyle Relay achieved an All-America Consideration time and is ranked 161st in the nation. This is the first time a boy's relay from GIHS has achieved a national All-America consideration relay time. Click www.inswim.net/bp200frel05.html. The relay: Mike Seay, Kyle Sauer, Adam Salemi and Rob Rumsey
   The GIHS Boys Swimming and Diving Team earned the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) All-America Team Scholar Award for the 2004-05 season. The team's 3.586 grade point average was good enough for the silver award. This is the first All-America Team Scholar Award for the team. Please view www.inswim.net/acallamerteam05.html.




2005 High School Registration For New Students - July 2005
    - Freshman Orientation August 29th
   Students who have moved to Grand Island and are planning to enter Grand Island High School for the first time beginning in September should call and make an appointment to meet with a high school counselor. Guidance counselors will be available for appointments on Thursday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 23, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   When prospective students or parents call for an appointment, ask the secretarial staff for a pre-packet of information so the entire registration process may be expedited.
   New students must provide the following information at the time of registration:
• Proof of residence on Grand Island
• Original birth certificate
• Immunization records from a previous school
• A copy of academic transcript
Freshman Orientation
Monday, August 29 - 11 a.m. - for students
Monday, August 29 - 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. - for parents

   For more information and to schedule the appointment, call the high school guidance office at 773-8860 or 773-8866.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - July 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Tyler Baldes, Cassandra Coffey, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Amber Hultgren, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Ciara Morreale, Theordore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 10: Lauren Aughey, Juliana Burkhart, Laura Curcio, Brian Dolan, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Joseph Mash, Sean McDermott, Thomas Minarcin, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Donald Turner, Bessie Zhang
Grade 11: Chelsea DeGlopper, Caitlin Dwyer, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Christopher Prygon, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Kevin Sobol
Grade 12:Julie Amato, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Shayna DiMatteo, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hillard, Stacey Monaco, Emily Pifer, Yasmin Raza, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Kari Tondera
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Danielle Asbach, David Benko, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Casey Carminati, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Anthony Daubney, Tiffani Dickinson, Caitlyn Driscoll, Kelsey Fortman, Timothy Franklin, Thomas Gebhard, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Richard Karpie, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Jessica Lew, Kaitlyn Little, Morgan Majewski, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Jeremy Meyer, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Christian Nestark, Jordan Paolucci, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Riley Sexsmith, Patrick Sexton, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Melanie Switalski, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 10: Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Kong Chen, Ryan Chrostowski, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Michael Davis, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Jennifer Freiermuth, Joseph Fusco, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jared Kazmierczak, Ashley Kippley, Brianna Konopa, Erik Lang, Matthew Lang, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Justin McInerney, Jarrad Mendel, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, John Naumovich, Alicia Neutz, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Robert Potter, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Travis Rockwood, Andrew Rogers, Vida Rostami, Justin Samland, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Matthew Scibilia, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Rhianna Wing
Grade 11: Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Christopher Benko, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, Ian Clark, David Cole, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Kate Dlugosz, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Rebecca Fetzer, Ashleigh Frieday, Mallory Fulle, Colleen George, Alexander Grande, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Christopher King, Nicole Komin, Jordan Krieger, Rayn Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Kenneth McCaffery, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Sarnjit Samra, Erich Skelly, Dana Szczepaniak, Katherine Szpala, Nicholas Thompson, Kaitlin Voltz, Brendan Waddington, Jason Walker, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert
Grade 12: Tamika Adams, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Kate Bonaquist, Gloria Calvaneso, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Robert Coughlin, Dana D’Angelo, Erin Dent, Jeanmarie Dragonette, Jill Endres, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Robert Goris, Alicia Harrison, Justin Helman, Beth Huber, Gretchen Kiehl, Justine Kirsch, Edward Kopra, Allison Kulak, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Meghan Macguire, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Alissa Pioli, Florence Porignon, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Thoedore Royal, Michael Schimley, Meher Singh, Robert Sugar, Heather Szaflarski, Phillip Thompson, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Erik Zito




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - July 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the fourth marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
Grade 9: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Kimberley Banas, Teighlor Bennett, Chelsea Bergmann, Robert Borden, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Devon Brant, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Courtney Catalano, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Richard Cribbs, Ashley Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Neal DeMartin, Casey Deuser, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Sean Duff, Victoria Eldridge, Chirstopher Eley, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Julia Fleming, Chelsea Fulle, John Gannon, Bethany Gebhart, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Alexandria Kelly, Sara Kurpiewski, Jacob Leffler, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Maria Lorence, Michael Magaris, Lisa Mager, Kurt Makowski, Kirk Manquen, Amanda Mayes, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Amber Meyers, Nathaniel Miles, Salvatore Niro, Rachel Olszewski, Sara Orsolits, Jessica Oyer, Brittany Papaj, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Roxanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Scott Ross, Audrey Senf, Aleem Shariff, Joshua Shilling, Shawn Speidel, Brittany Stallard, Gregory Stephan, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Nicholas Tomkins, Nicholas Vallina, Elizabeth Wilson
Grade 10: Kenneth Agnello, Jansen Amantia, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Krista Burzynski, Chase Cedrone, Samantha Chambers, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Jeffrey Cronos, Stacey Cyman, Megan DenBeste, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Samantha Drexelius, Kate Endres, Nicole Fischer, Daniel Gadawski, Bridget George, Devan Golda, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrew Hooper, Kristen Kobza, Jordan Kubik, Jessica Kuehne, Dustin Lange, William Lewandowski, Kevin Mazgaj, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Justina Potenzo, Shannon Quinn, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, William Sommer, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Pierre Tanguay, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Amanda Williams
Grade 11: Melissa Affuso, Vanessa Alvarado, Stephen Beatty, Ashley Bleistein, Timothy Blonski, Ryan Breier, Wesley Brzezinski, Erich Burchfield, Wesley Burkman, Cassondra Carlson, Aaron Clark, Catherine Cline, Carlos Darby, Michael DelZoppo, Monique Dhand, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Garrett Fallin, Eric Feathers, Joshua Gavlock, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Caitlin Hall, Meghan Hartman, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Kevin Holzle, Ryan Keifman, Ben Kim, Megan Koller, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Christina Manning, Anna Mastrangelo, Amanda McCord, Ian Michaliszyn, Christopher Miller, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Philip Nestark, David Nolf, Kyle Patterson, Peter Poleon, Cole Remmes, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Tina Rott, Tatiana Salamone, Andrew Sharpe, Ashleah Shelton, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Chelsea Sommer, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Janice Sturtz, Robert Utz, Brittany Weber, Aaron Wilson, Melanie Wing
Grade 12: Ashraf Abdellatif, Tanya Ambellan, Joshua Billica, Patrick Blum, Amy Boutet, Kevin Buyer, Alex Coastes, Kaitlynn Cook, Thomas Cope, Geoffrey Crossley, Erik Deuble, Michael Digati, Daniel Elmer, Amanda Finn, Kelly Frantz, Jodi Gleason, Meaghan Grotz, Ryan Harvey, Nicole Hauser, Nicholas Heftka, Rick Ianni, Christian Karnath, Kelly Knickerbocker, Steven Kopf, Catherine Kulak, Jessica Laurendi, Gregory Lazelle, Christiana Maddi, Jason Manijak, Christina Maroulis, Matthew Masse’, Tara McDonnell, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerney, Christopher Mehltretter, Arianna Nelson, Jennifer O’Donnell, Ashley Perez, Jeffrey Pickel, Tiffanie Sadowski, Adam Salemi, Jessica Samland, Steven Sarkess, Nicole Spada, Shaina Starr, JennaBeth Stockman, John Stoneham, David Survillo-Melgar, Twila Swope, Colin Thompson, Devon Toth, Alicia Vetter, Christopher Weatherston, Stephen Weigold




Grand Island High School Class Of 2005 Senior Prom - Send Us Your Photos
 
(left) Steve Kopf, Adrienne LaLiberty, Myles Passanese, Natalie Fischer, Shayna DiMatteo, Ryan Clarke, Florence Porignon, Andy Boron, Sarah Tanbakuchi and Ted Rodgers; (right) Steve Kopf and Adrienne LaLiberty
   Bob Kopf Photos - Click photos for a larger view.
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2005 Senior Prom was held Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Niagara Club, Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls.
   Prom pictures will continue to be posted here as they are submitted. Email photos and names to teddy@giecom.net




Grand Island High School Class Of 2005
 
Click photos for a larger view.
   Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2005 posed for the annual photograph on the grounds of the Ransom Road school complex.





Class Day Awards Ceremony At High School
Class of 2005
Bob Kopf Photos - Click for larger view
From left are Natalie Fischer receiving the GITA Veronica Connor Scholarship Award, Stacey Monaco receiving the GITA Terry Swartz Memorial Scholarship Award, Tamika Adams receiving the James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award, and Amanda George and Robert Goris receiving the Hewitt Award.
   The annual Grand Island High School Senior Class Day Awards Ceremony took place Monday morning, June 6, 2005 in the auditorium. The following are the awards and recipients in the order of presentation:
• GITA Veronica Connor Scholarship Award - Natalie Fischer
• GITA Terry Swartz Memorial Scholarship Award - Stacey Monaco
• James A. McCartin Memorial Achievement Award - Tamika Adams
• Hewitt Award - Amanda George and Robert Goris
• Foreign Exchange Student Recognition - Florence Porignon
• New York State Attorney General's Triple "C" Award "Courage, Commitment, and Character" - Johanna Aponte, Kevin Buyer, Sara Hilliard, Elizabeth Huber, Chantelle LeFevre, Jennifer O'Donnell, Sean Rafferty, Nicole Tates
• New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship - Kari Tondera
• Dr. H. J. Cougan Participation, Effort and Cooperation Award - Renee' Collins
• National Vocational Technical Honor Society - Kelly Astridge, Stephen Weigold
• National Merit Scholarship Commended Students - Devon Toth
• National Merit Scholarship - Sofia Syed
• Grand Island Lions Club Scholarship - Robert Goris and Mary Elizabeth Lacki
• Greater Niagara Musician's Association Scholarship - Emily Pifer
• Drama Awards:
   Robert C. Thompkinson/Paul M. Zoltowski Memorial Award - Jenna Meyer and Robert Sugar
   Spotlighters Award - Kelly Frantz
   Zachary R. Zarbo Memorial Scholarship - Amanda Rodriguez, Amanda Thompson
• Musical Theater Awards:
   Best Actor - Adam Salemi, Sean Driscoll
    Best Actress - Mary Elizabeth Lacki
    Directors Award - Kathryn Figliotti and Robert Sugar
    Spirit Award - Amy Boutet, Kari Tondera
• Art Awards - Maria Fusco, Kelly Knickerbocker, Nicholas Heftka, Jessica Samland, Nicole Tates
• Business Education Student of the Year Amy Boutet
• English Awards - Amanda Thompson, Devon Toth
• Family and Consumer Science Award - Tracey Schmidt
• Mathematics Awards - Brian Choi and Kathryn Figliotti
• Social Studies Awards - Jessica Stickl, Sofia Syed
• Web Club Award - Anthony Capone
• Outstanding Athletes of the Year Award - Sara Hilliard, Glen Bird





GIHS Top Ten Members - 2005
   Grand Island High School’s Class of 2005 will graduate on Thursday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Congratulations to all of our outstanding graduates. Here are the top 10 members of the Class of 2005.


Erin Dent is 18 years old and the daughter of Bruce and Robin Dent. Her plans are to attend Canisius College, and to major in Biology minor in Psychology. Erin's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way, family, friends and teachers. Erin's Advice: Get involved in your community – it feels good!


Meghan Macguire is 18 years old and the daughter of Duffy and Sue Macguire. Her plans are to attend college (Carnegie Mellon). Meghan's Inspiration: A variety of people have helped me along the way including Mrs. Jenepher Banker. Meghan's Advice: Always try your best and don’t worry after that.


Sara Hilliard is 18 years old and the daughter of Robert and Susan Hilliard. Sara's Plans: Pharmacy major at UB with a minor in Spanish. Sara's Inspiration: My parents were my biggest inspiration. Sara's Advice: Don’t carry so many books.


Sarah Tanbakuchi is 18 years old and the daughter of Mostafa and Sue Tanbakuchi. Sarah's Plans: Attend the University of Miami to study journalism. Sarah's Inspiration: My closest friends and family. Sarah's Advice: Work hard in high school, but enjoy it because it flies by so fast.


Meher Singh is 18 years old and the daughter of Amrit Kaur and Jasprit Singh. Meher's Plans: College at SUNY at Buffalo majoring in Math/Science. Meher's Inspiration: A variety of people – family, friends and teachers. Meher's Advice: Be yourself, plan for the future, excel in academia and chill out.


Kari A. Tondera is 18 years old and the daughter of Gary and Joanne Tondera. Kari's Plans: SUNY Geneseo with a Biology/Pre-Med degree. Kari's Inspiration: My parents. Kari's Advice: Get involved and make the memories last. High school goes by so quickly.


Yasmin Raza is 17 years old and the granddaughter of Kanakray and Pushpa Pandya and daughter of Parul Bhatia. Yasmin's Plans: Attend SUNY at Buffalo for Classics and Pre-med. Yasmin's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. They include my mother, grandparents, other family members, as well as teachers and friends. Yasmin's Advice: Enjoy your time here, but put in the necessary effort to do well.


Lindsay Henderson is 17 years old and the daughter of Joseph and Jennie Henderson. Lindsay's Plans: Attend Canisius College, major in Biology minor in Music. Lindsay's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. Some of them include my family, friends and teachers. Lindsay's Advice: Always try your hardest, get involved and do your homework.


Adam S. Ungaro is 18 years old and the son of Richard and Kim Ungaro. Adam's Plans: Attend the Liberty University majoring in Biology. Adam's Inspiration: A variety of people helped me along the way. Adam's Advice: Stay true to who you are.


Brian L. Choi is 17 years old and the son of Shih-Jen Ho and Loong-Sang Choi. Brian's Plans: Cornell majoring in Engineering Physics. Brian's Inspiration: Parents. Brian's Advice: Take AP Calculus and AP Physics




Grand Island High School Commencement - 2005
   The 40th annual Grand Island High School Commencement Exercises will be held at Kleinhan's Music Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2005.
   The program will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Class of 2005 Vice President Amanda George. Class President Robert Goris will welcome the graduates, their families and friends. A congratulatory address will be given by Dr. Thomas M. Ramming, Superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District.
   Class speakers will be the top three academically ranked students. Erin Dent ranks first in the Class of 2005 and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Canisius College, majoring in biology. Her career goals are to attend medical school and earn her medical degree. She is the school’s recipient of the RPI Medal and is president of the "Masterminds." Erin has been an active participant in Youth Court and has been a mentor in the Kaegebein after school program. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dent of Grand Island.
   Meghan Macquire ranks second in the Class of 2005 She is a member of the National Honor Society, SADD, and Library Club. She played varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and is a member of the 2002 Niagara Frontier Basketball Champions Team, the 2004 New York State Section Champions and State Quarter Finalists Team. She was a member of the 2003 and 2004 New York State Section VI Champion Soccer Teams. She participated in travel soccer, coached a youth basketball league, and participates in the travel basketball team. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Macguire of Grand Island, Meghan plans to attend Carnegie-Mellon University to study the health sciences.
   Ranking third in the Class of 2005 is Sara Hilliard. Sara is a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Interact Club and Student Council. She has earned her Silver Award from the Girl Scouts and is an active member of Grand Island’s Youth Court. On the varsity basketball team, Sara has played forward and was a member of the Section IV Class A Champs. In soccer, she has played all positions and made All-NFL 1st team in 2004. She has been named All-American Scholar Athlete for her participation in girls’ lacrosse. Sarah plans to attend the State University Center of New York at Buffalo majoring in pharmacy. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hilliard of Grand Island.
   Military and Employability Portfolio Recognition will be presented by high school Principal Dr. James R. Dempsey. Recipients of the Grand Island High School scholarships and awards will be presented by Mr. William Miller, Assistant Principal, and will receive their awards from Dr. Ramming.
   Musical interludes will be performed by the high school choir and Madrigals under the leadership of Mrs. Carolyn Lokken and the band, conducted by Mr. Martin T. Allen.
   Class of 2005 officers are:


      		Robert Goris..……………………………………………...……President
Amanda George..…………………………………………Vice President
		Kari Tondera…….……....………………………………………Treasurer
		Sarah Tanbakuchi…….………………………………………..Secretary
		Mary Elizabeth Lacki and Gretchen Kiehl……………….….Historians
   Parents, relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend this special event honoring the Class of 2005.




Grand Island High School Potential 2005 Graduates - 2005
   Click "Potential Graduates" for the list of Grand Island High School Potential 2005 Graduates.




Kara Black Takes A Third In State Championships - 2005
Kara Black broke a section record in the 200 with a time of 24.53 and a third place finish in the June 3-4, 2005 State Championships. Kara won the 100 meter and 200 meter in the Section VI Track & Field championships. This was her third year to qualify for the state championships.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
June 2005

   
Meaghan Grotz                  Meghan MacGuire               Gretchen Kiehl               Adrienne LaLiberty
   Meaghan Grotz has been a Grand Island resident all of her life. She started grade school with fellow Grand Islanders at Huth Road Elementary, and continued all the way up through her senior year at Grand Island High School. At Huth Road she was awarded the "H" pin and the Presidential Academic Aware of Excellence.
   Meaghan takes school seriously. She has maintained honor roll status while balancing a tough schedule full of Honors and Advanced Placement courses. She has earned the Academic pin and the Varsity Letter for Academics while being inducted into the National Honor Society. For her freshmen year, Meaghan was the manager of Varsity Girls Tennis Team, and received her Varsity Letter in that sport. She also received the gold bar and MVP JV Undefeated Player in her sophomore year. By balancing academics and sports, she received the Scholar Athlete Award. Meaghan participates in school activities, is a member of the student council, and was co-chair of the Decorating Committee during her junior year. Meaghan also played the clarinet during her freshmen and sophomore years with the high school band, and during her junior year in the elite Wind Ensemble.
   Meaghan has been active in the community through her church, St. Stephen's. She was a teacher during Liturgy of the Word and helped with other events at her church. She also participated in Practice Buddies with the music program.
   Meaghan is active in local awareness in organ donation, needing a double lung transplant herself. She is also active in local awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, having been diagnosed with it at birth. She is presently recovering from a lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh hospital. She is a role model of persistence, courage and faith in her fellow man. (Editor's note: Meaghan received a double lung transplant in November 2004)
   Meaghan has written an article that was published in the Buffalo News last year. She also plans on attending Niagara University for English or Journalism.
   Meghan MacGuire has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She attended St. Stephen School from kindergarten to eighth grade and has attended Grand Island High School for the past four years. Her community service includes refereeing and coaching for the Youth Basketball League on Grand Island and volunteering at the Buffalo Women's Shelter for Battered Women. She has also coached a middle school girls travel basketball team in the summer.
   While at Grand Island High School, Meghan has participated in various sports including soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Outside of school, she has played on an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball team for six years and a Grand Island travel soccer team for five years. She was also named co-Grand Island High School Female Athlete of the Year for three years. In tenth grade, she earned honorable mention all-league in lacrosse and second team all-league in basketball. In eleventh grade, she was named second team all-league and an academic all-American in lacrosse, and earned first team all-league and third team all-Western New York in basketball. She has received varsity letters in soccer, basketball and lacrosse.
   School academics play a large role in Meghan's life. She has taken honors and AP courses throughout high school. She is currently enrolled in four AP classes and is a member of National Honor Society. She has been the treasurer of the Library Club for three years and had participated in SAAD in tenth grade. In ninth grade, she received the biology award and in tenth, the anatomy/physiology award. She has received the academic honors of an Academic Excellence certificate, pin, and varsity letter.
   After graduation, Meghan plans to attend college and pursue a career majoring in the field of liberal arts and sciences.
   Gretchen Kiehl has been a resident of Grand Island for twelve years. She has attended the Grand Island school district since kindergarten. Throughout her 17 years she has been an active part of her community, having performed such community services as tutoring elementary school children, working in her church nursery, participating in Relay for Life, Ride for Roswell, and Student Olympics, and coaching the young age group swimmers on the Grand Island Piranhas.
   Gretchen has also been very active in her school. She was the Historian for the Class of 2005 for all four years and a member of the Student Council. Currently she is treasurer of the Interact Club and is on Dr. Ramming's Student Advisory Council. Gretchen is very involved with the music program at Grand Island High School, participating in the Chorus, Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. She is the former secretary of Concert Band, and is the former treasurer and current president of the Wind Ensemble. She is a proud member of the French horn section, that received an award for the most Outstanding Section last year. Gretchen has also been playing the piano for 10 years outside of school.
   Being a member of the Grand Island Piranhas has been an important part of Gretchen's life. She joined the team in third grade, and since then has spent many hours at the pool (including before-school practices) and away at swim meets. She is very proud of her accomplishments in swimming. Since her sophomore year she has also been a member of the Girls High School Swimming and Diving Team and was the captain of the team this year. She has received her Letter and 2 Bars. The sport has taught her responsibility, discipline, and the value of hard work, which she has been able to apply to all aspects of her life.
   Academically, Gretchen has been very successful. She has been on the honor roll all four years and has received her Academic certificate, letter, and bar. This year she was a member of the NHS and was a finalist for the Youth Ambassador Program.
   Gretchen plans to attend college and major in nursing. She would like to thank her parents for all their love and support; they were an imperative part of Gretchen's success in high school. She would also like to thank her sister, Margaret, for being so supportive and a wonderful best friend.
   Adrienne LaLiberty has been a Grand Island resident since she entered sixth grade at Veronica E. Connor Middle School. During her middle and high school years she has always tried to challenge herself academically as well as participate in many extracurricular activities. Al throughout her academic career she has been in honors classes and taken many AP courses; her hard work paid off last year when she was inducted into the National Honor Society.
   Adrienne has contributed to her community by being active in the St. Stephen's Youth Group during her middle school years, performing many service projects such as raking leaves for the elderly, collecting food for the local food pantry, wrapping gifts at Christmas for the needy and Christmas Caroling for the senior citizens. She continued to volunteer through the St. Stephen's Religious Education program during the school year as a Liturgy of The Word team member.
   She has played soccer for the Grand Island Travel Soccer Club since sixth grade, and had the opportunity to be a co-captain of her travel team for several years. Adrienne has also volunteered as a soccer coach for the younger children during the past two summers with the GISC House League program.
   As an athlete, she has played J.V. and Varsity Girls Soccer for five years. She was a co-captain of her J.V. team in 10th grade. She has earned her Varsity Letter. As a member of the soccer team she has also earned several Scholar Athlete Awards, as well as the Coaches Award from Mr. Bowman for Fall 2001 season and a Defensive Player Award from Mr. Prozik for the fall 2003 season.
   Adrienne has been in band throughout middle school and high school. She plays the flute and is presently serving her second term as secretary of the Concert Band. She is a member of the Band Boosters Club.
   Adrienne was appointed to the Grand Island Student Advisory Council this year as a student representative to work with our school superintendent on school issues. She has also been a member of the PTSA during her high school years and has also been on Student Council for the past two years.
   After graduation Adrienne plans on attending a four-year school.




Kara Black Qualifies For State Championships For Third Year In A Row - 2005
Grand Island High School track star Kara Black will be making her third trip to the state championships in Syracuse this weekend after winning the 100 meter (12.39) and 200 (25.39) in the Section VI Track & Field championships. Kara remained unbeaten in those races this season.




GIHS Exams And Bus Schedule For Exam Week - 2005
Click "Exam Schedule" for 2005 Exams. Click "Exam Week Bus Schedule".




Grand Island High School Faculty Relay for Life Team - May 2005

Pictured: Alicia Szyprowski, Mary Colpoys, Chris Simpson, Lynn Mele, Bobbie Frisoni, Tracy Monteleone, Tracy Cummings, Theresa Seitz, and Maggie Kennedy.
Not Pictured: Paul Buccholz, Debra Remson (survivor)
   Relay for Life is an event that provides an opportunity for a community to come together to fight against cancer. June 10-11 will mark the third year this event has been held on Grand Island. The faculty of the Grand Island School District is proud to be involved with such a fantastic event. "We are pleased to say that there are now eight teacher teams totaling 93 teachers involved across the district!!," Alicia Szyprowski said this week.
   Grand Island has proven that it is a community committed to making a difference. "We could not reach our goal without the support we have received. Our faculty at Grand Island has held various fundraisers including a purse party, wristband sales, Buddy Pictures, pizza sales, and doughnut sales," she said.
    In addition to the faculty teams, there are also two school-related personnel teams, two bus driver teams, and over 200 high school students involved. This year there are more teams involved than ever. Everyone is determined to work together in helping to fight cancer. "Please support us in our efforts to top last years total, $47,000." This year, all of the teams combined have already raised over $45,000!! The team appreciate the support and encourage all to attend this year to make it the best yet!




Grand Island Doubles Tennis Team Moves On to Semifinals - 2005
   In Tuesday's (May 24, 2005) state qualifier, Grand Island's Doubles Tennis Team of Steve Beatty and Steve Kopf advanced to today's (May 26, 205) second round. Beatty and Kopf had straight set wins over Bryce Barker and Pete Coate from Allegany Limestone, 6-1, 6-2 - and Ryan Clover and C.J. Karrer, 6-3 and 6-1. The Viking team now faces Hamburg's Casey Burkacz and Matt Kane today.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 26, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 5/26/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




National Honor Society Inducts 47 At Ceremony - 2005
   The Grand Island High School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony took place Thursday, May 18, 2005. Following are the 2005 inductees:
Seniors: Victoria McCraith
Juniors: Lauren Asbach, Timothy Blonski, Wesley Burkman, Lauren Campbell, Ian Clark, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Shawn D'Angelo, Chelsea DeGlopper, Kate Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Kate Duff, Rebecca Fetzer, Mallory Fulle, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Nicole Komin, Jordan Krieger, Ryan Kucharski, Laura Lang, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Ashley Marien, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Joseph Orsolits Jr., Christopher Prygon, Caitlyn Quider, Jessica Remmes, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Sarah Samra, David Sipos, Kevin Sobol, Dana Szczepaniak, Nicholas Thompson, Robert Utz and Mark Webb.
   Officers of the GIHS 2005 National Honor Society are President Alissa Pioli, Co-Vice Presidents Mary Beth Lacki and Ted Royal, Secretary Jill Endres and Treasurer Robert Goris.
   Music for the Processional was provided by the Grand Island String Double Quartet. Members are Lindsay Henderson, Vida Rostami, Lauren Aughey, Giovanna Andolina, Stephanie Cartwright, Ashley Marien, Alexandra Angelo and Jacob Ferrante.
   President Alissa Pioli gave the welcome speech, and Faculty Advisor Mr. Andrew Bowen and Principal Dr. James Dempsey spoke to the inductees. The tapping ceremony was performed by the National Honor Society officers.




Boys Swimming/Diving Team Qualifies For National
Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) Team Scholar Award - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Swimming and Diving Team qualified for the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) Team Scholar Award. Over 267,000 students are involved in aquatics at the high school level in over 12,900 boys' and girls' aquatic programs in the nation. Approximately 2% of these students are recognized with the High School Team Scholar award. During the 2003-04 academic year, 184 teams were recognized with the Team Scholar award.
   The list of the accepted applicants may be viewed on the NISCA website at "www.nisca.net".
   NYS Swimming and Diving High School Rankings are now posted at the following link: "http://www.computeraide.com/NYState/NISCA.nsf/NISCA?OpenView".
   Grand Island 2004-2005 Boys Swimming and Diving ranks 14th in New York State for large schools (enrollment 950+). Visit the following link to view GI's status in the Top 100 US Public HS swimming times to date. "http://www.inswim.net/allamer05b.html".
   For Diving: "http://www.inswim.net/aadiveapps05.html".
   Head Coach Rob Collard says, "Congratulations guys!"




Tondera Receives 2005 New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship - May 2005

by Joanne Kud
   Grand Island High School senior Kari Tondera has been selected as a recipient of the 2005 New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. The scholarship award is intended for students who are involved in many areas of high school life including citizenship, community service participation, leadership skills and academics. School officials from public and private high schools throughout New York State were invited to nominate two graduating seniors to be considered for this scholarship based on the criteria provided by the New York State Lottery. “We feel the schools are in the best position to decide what two students should be recommended to the statewide selection committee in Albany,” stated Lottery Director Nancy A. Palumbo.
   This year, the New York Lottery is once again awarding the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship to one exceptional senior from every participating high school in New York State. Each winner receives a $4,000 scholarship, paid annually in $1,000 increments to be applied toward to the cost of attendance at an accredited New York college, university, or trade school. Scholarship recipients were notified in late April.
   Kari is active in many school organizations. She has been treasurer for the Class of 2005 since her freshman year, and treasurer of Student Council for two years running. Kara is also active in clubs such as DECA and Interact. She is a member of concert choir and has been the historian of the group since her sophomore year. She is a member of Madrigals and has been in two high school musicals, “South Pacific” and “Guys and Dolls.” This year, Kari was also chosen to be a Youth Ambassador for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, representing the youth of Grand Island at business events in the community. She has received the Pride of the Island award three times during her school career and was inducted into the National Honor Society in her junior year.
   Kari has demonstrated community involvement by participating for the past three years in the Ride for Roswell and the Relay for Life. She volunteers in the emergency room at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and tutors elementary school children.
   This fall, Kari plans on working toward a degree in biological sciences at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Her future goal is to attend medical school.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 19, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 5/19/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Amherst Defeats Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team - 2005
    The Grand Island Varsity Girls Lacrosse team was defeated Thursday, May 12, 2005 by Amherst 5 - 9. The Vikings took control of the game early on when Jess Stickl and Kathy Rogers were able to score two quick goals in the first five minutes of play. Grand Island kept up the pressure and played great defense. Outstanding goalkeeping was done by Christina Maroulis who had a shot save percentage of 70 for the day. Her agility and quickness provided Grand Island the will to fight back after being down 4 - 2 at the half. Coming back from half time, GI was not ready to give up and scored three more goals. The goals scored by Kathy Rogers (2) and Sara Hilliard gave the Vikings a spark of hope against the number one ranked Amherst team. Good communication and movement on the defense by Rebecca Fetzer, Deb Basta, Meghan Macguire, Morgan Macguire and Allison Makowski helped slow down Amherst's offensive game. Grand Island's record is now 5 - 9 and they play again Friday in their last game of the season against against Mount St. Mary's.
   The girls are coached by Nicole Marabella.




Kara Black Outstanding In Track - 2005
Kara Black, a Grand Island High School senior, tied two meet records at the 21st Western New York Classic held at Lancaster May 14, 2005. Click "Kara Black" and then scroll down to "Girls Track."




Vikings Suffer Tennis Loss In NFL Doubles Tournament - 2005
From left: Grand Island Vikings Steve Kopf and Steve Beatty, and Gyula Forgo and Gabor Forgo of the Niagara Falls Wolverines - (right) Steve Kopf
Bob Kopf photos - click for larger view
   The Niagara Frontier League doubles tennis tournament took place Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Grand Island. Grand Island's Steve Kopf and Steve Beatty lost to the Niagara Falls Wolverines players Gabor Forgo and Gyula Forgo, who won three matches. Scores were 6-1, 6-3 in the finals. Beatty and Kopf will represent the NFL in the Section VI doubles championships May 24, 2005 at Lancaster High School, as will the Forgo brothers.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 12, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 5/12/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.

NYSSMA Performance Evaluations By Grand Island’s Music Ensembles - 2005





Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Defeats Williamsville East, South, And Iroquois - 2005
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse team defeated Williamsville South on Thursday, May 5, 2005 with a score of 8 - 3. Although Williamsville scored first, that would be the last time they would be in the lead of the game. After a great defensive play by Kathy Rogers that jarred the ball away from the goalie, the Vikings were able to capitalize and scored a quick empty net goal to tie the game. Grand Island took over from there and did not look back. Great play in the midfield allowed the Vikings to control the game and dictate play. Goal scorers for GI included Kathy Rogers (2), Alissa Pioli (2), Jess Stickl (1), Cassie Ungaro (1), Sara Hilliard (1), and Meghan Macguire (1). Christina Maroulis had a shot save percentage of 77 for the day to help the cause. This was a great win for GI after being defeated by Hamburg on Tuesday 2 - 12 and by West Seneca East on Monday 4 - 11.
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse team defeated Williamsville East in an exciting overtime game Friday, May 6, 2005 by a score of 8 - 7. Grand Island took the lead early in the first half with goals by Kathy Rogers (2), Elyse Rippelino, and Catie Hilliard to end the half 4-3. Williamsville East played hard in the second half to take the lead with two minutes to go. The Vikings were not ready to give in to defeat when Catie Hilliard scored with less than a minute to tie the game at 6 - 6 and send it into overtime. Williamsville East scored first in the overtime, but the never say die Vikings struck back on a goal made by Kathy Rogers to tie the game at 7 -7. This sent the game into sudden death overtime. Using their momentum, Grand Island took possession of the ball and were patient, waiting for their opportunity. They took it when Catie Hilliard was checked in the head, which allowed the Vikings possession by the goal. Although shaken, Catie Hilliard finished the play by scoring the game winner. Christina Maroulis had a shot save percentage of 63 for the day thanks to her defensive crew of Deb Basta, Allison Makowski, Morgan Macguire, Rebecca Fetzer, Meghan Macguire, and Sara Hilliard. This win brought Grand Island's record to 4 - 8. The Vikings play again on Monday at Iroquois.
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team defeated Iroquois Monday, May 9, 2005 with a score of 8 - 7. Grand Island came into the game ready to avenge their earlier loss to Iroquois (4 - 5) which was won by a goal in the last minute of play. The Vikings played very consistently today in the heat, never resting or taking the other team for granted. Kathy Rogers and Noelle Pietras both scored 2 goals in the first half to help the team get on the board. The game was tied at half time at 4 goals a piece. In the second half, Iroquois took the lead for a short period of time before Grand Island began clawing their way back. Great defensive work by Rebecca Fetzer, Cassie Ungaro, and Jessica Stickl allowed Grand Island to take back the game by forcing Iroquois to make errors. Goals by Sara Hilliard and Kathy Rogers (2) in the second half allowed Grand Island to not only tie up the game at 7 - 7, but also steal the momentum away. With 59 seconds left, Elyse Ripellino scored to clinch the victory. Iroquois did have one last opportunity to score, but Christina Maroulis thwarted the effort and Grand Island kept possession of the ball until the end of the game. This was the third consecutive win for the Vikings and brought their record to 5 - 8. The team plays away at Amherst on Thursday, May 12 at 4:30 p.m.
   The girls are coached by Nicole Marabella.




Celebration of Inspiration - 2005
   The Celebration of Inspiration, in its 13th year of teacher appreciation, was presented by the PTA Council on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at Grand Island High School. High School seniors, who presented a total of 31 faculty members districtwide, spoke of how the special teacher they chose, inspired them, encouraged them, believed in them or perhaps taught them something they'll always take with them.
   PTA Council President Kim Schopp and PTSA President Terry Endres made the presentations. Those honored and presented with a plaque, and the student presenter(s) follow:
Mr. Andrew Bowen - Dana D’Angelo
Mrs. Sandy Burns - Tracey Schmidt
Mrs. Claire Cieslewicz - Alison Newman
Mrs. Ann Earne - Jacqueline Schmit
Mrs. Carrie Earnst - Erin Dent
Mr. Aaron Fisher - Ashley Perez
Ms. Roberta Frisoni - Shannon Barr
Mr. James Randles - Amy Boulet
Mr. Michael Stauffer - Mary Beth Lacki
Mrs. Kristine Taylor - Kelly Frantz
Mrs. Joan Vandermey - Betsy Bergmann
Mr. Timothy Williamson - Meher Singh
Miss. Katherine Scarafia - Amanda Thompson
Mr. Martin Allen - Michael Schimley
Mrs. Carolyn Lokken- James Czora & Allison Williams
Mrs. Megan Gaiek - Maria Fusco & Kaitlynn Cook
Mr. Donald Pray - Robert Goris & Sarah Tanbakuchi
Mrs. Carol Horrigan - Adam Salemi & Gretchen Kiehl
Mr. John Arnone - Jill Endres & Jenna Meyer
Mrs. Jenepher Banker -Sara Hillard
Mr. Chris Simpson- Amanda Lunney
Mr. Lee Nowocien - Erik Zito
   The program, developed 13 years ago by then PTSA president Marilyne Brandoni, together with Maureen Schumacher and Superintendent Paul Fields, is now supported by donations from all the Island school district PTAs.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending May 5, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 5/5/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
May 2005

   
Alissa Pioli                          Adam Ungaro               Kari Tondera                     Jessica Stickl
   Alissa Pioli has spent all of her life living on Grand Island. She started in the Grand Island School District in kindergarten at Huth Road Elementary School. Alissa has also been very active in her school and her community.
   Alissa has actively engaged in honors classes at the Grand Island High School. Advanced placement US History and physics classes have enabled her to further her education and become more challenged during school time. She also participates in many of the sports and the extracurricular activities the school has to offer. Alissa has been a part of the Grand Island volleyball program for five years and was named captain her senior year on the varsity team. She has also played on the basketball team and has run on the track team. She also skis with the ski club on Saturday nights in the winter. As a sophomore she was selected to be part of the Student Advisory Council (SAC). Her senior peers elected Alissa National Honor Society President this year. Alissa has also received the academic award, academic pin, and academic letter.
   Participating in the community comes mostly from her participation in her church, Trinity United Methodist Church. The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) houses families who cannot afford to pay for a house and food by themselves. Volunteers from the church help out by making time to cook dinner or play with the children of the family for a set amount of time. Alissa's youth group also participates in Reach Workscamps.
   After graduation, Alissa plans to attend college and pursue a study in the field of physics.
   Adam Ungaro has lived on Grand Island all of his life. He has received High Honor and Honor Roll status throughout all of his educational years while receiving academic certificate, pin and academic letter in recognition of his high achievements. He has excelled in all of the advanced classes and has taken advantage of many of the AP courses.
   During high school, Adam has participated in National Honor Society, Student Advisory Council, Student Representative for Athletes in Action, and Corporate Bowl. Adam was invited to attend the National Student Leadership Conference and the People to People Leadership Forum on Medicine.
   Adam has been the recipient of Pride of the Island, Scholar Athlete Award, and Who's Who Among American High School Students. He has also been involved in Young Life, Campaigners, Discipleship training, the school Bible Club, and he is an usher at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church.
   Adam's passion is in athletics. He has received varsity letters and pins in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. He was the captain of the varsity soccer team this past year. In the previous season, his team earned the title of Section VI champs, and where he made the 2nd All-League Soccer Team. Adam also played premier soccer. Adam has played hockey since the age of four. His travel team won the State championship and proceeded on to the national level in Coral Springs, Florida. Adam has also played varsity hockey for the past three years of high school, and competed at the State tournament. In the spring, Adam plays lacrosse, where this year he is captain. He also enjoyed coaching Little League lacrosse.
   When not playing sports, Adam works at Anderson Ice Cream and enjoys hanging out with his friends. From an educational perspective, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in the sciences with the intent of later pursuing a career in dentistry.
   Kari Tondera has been a Grand Island resident her entire life. She has attended Grand Island schools since beginning at Kaegebein Elementary School to senior year at Grand Island High School. Throughout her eighteen years, she has challenged herself through honors and advanced placement courses, while still actively participating in school and community events.
   Kari is active in many school organizations including treasurer for the Class of 2005 since freshman year and treasurer of Student Council for two years running. Kari is active in clubs such as D.E.C.A. and Interact. She is a member of concert choir and has been the historian of the group since her sophomore year. She also is a member of Madrigals and has been in two high school musicals, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls.
   Recently, Kari was chosen to be a Youth Ambassador for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. She has received the Pride of the Island three times during her school career and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Kari has also received her academic certificate, academic pin and academic letter in recognition of scholastic achievement.
   Throughout high school, Kari has participated in community activity. As a tutor of elementary school children, she works as a mentor for others. She also volunteers in the emergency room at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, helping her prepare for a future career in pediatrics. Kari has participated in the Ride for Roswell and the Relay For life for the past three years. As a junior, she worked as a lifeguard at Fantasy Island. After graduation, she hopes to attend Geneseo for a degree in the biological sciences.
   Jessica Stickl has lived on Grand Island her entire life. she has been an active part of Grand Island for the past four years through different activities, community services, and events.
   Jessica has been involved in sports during her whole high school career. She has played varsity volleyball for three years, varsity basketball for one year, and varsity lacrosse for four years. She has received Varsity Scholar Athlete multiple time for all three sports, as well as National Student Athlete for lacrosse. Other high school activities she has been involved with include National Honor Society and Bible Club, of which she is co-leader. She has earned numerous awards, including Who's Who Among American High School Students, Academic All-American, Pride of the Island, and National Student Leadership Award. Academically, Jessica has maintained high honor roll status throughout her high school career and has received her academic letter.
   Outside of school, Jessica has been involved with many church activities and community services. These include teaching children's church, nursery volunteer, youth group, and small group Bible studies. She has done community service work at Sonrays, City Mission, Cornerstone, nursing homes, and A Work of Love. Jessica also had the opportunity to be a part of an 18-day missions trip to the Czech Republic in the summer of 2004. On this trip, she helped to teach English as a second language to high school and college aged students.
   In the future, Jessica plans to attend a four-year college and major in history. She is looking toward a future career in journalism or secondary education.




Basketball 2on2 Tournament - 2005
    A Basketball 2on2 Tournament will be held at Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Friday May 20, 2005. Divisions include grades 3rd through 5th girls and boys, and 6th thru 8th girls, boys and Co-Ed teams. The championship game will be played on Sunday May 22.
   JV, varsity & adult girls, boys and Co-Ed teams will play Sunday May 22, 2005. Cost $20.00 per team. Double Elimination.
   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team is sponsoring the 2on2 tournament as a fundraiser for their trip to California next year to play in a tournament. Contact Jen Banker 773-8825 for information.




Beach Volleyball 2on2 Tournament - 2005
   A Beach Volleyball 2on2 tournament will be held at Veteran's Park, Bedell Road, on Saturday, June 4, 2005. Divisions include 8-10 grade, varsity and adult girls, boys and co-ed teams as well as a family division to include one adult and one child 13 or under. Cost $20.00 per team. Double Elimination.
   The Grand Island High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team is sponsoring the tournament as a fundraiser for their trip to California next year to play in a tournament. Contact Jen Banker 773-8825 for information.




Grand Island High School Class of 2006 To Hold Chicken BBQ - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Class of 2006 will hold a chicken BBQ at the high school on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - the day of the school district budget vote and trustee election. The Class of 2006 fundraiser will feature Krolick's chicken and the cost is $7.50 per plate. Dinners may be picked up in the small cafeteria between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.




Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Defeats Williamsville East 8-4 - 2005
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team defeated Williamsville East 8-4. Although this was the third game in a row for the Vikings this week, the team played hard and without fatigue. Grand Island began the scoring in the first minute of play and held the lead the entire game. They played aggressively and controlled the play of the game from beginning to end. Goals were scored by Kathy Rogers (1), Cassie Ungaro (1), Alissa Pioli (1), Rebecca Fetzer (1), and Sara Hilliard (4). Excellent defensive play in the midfield by Deb Basta, Morgan Macguire, and Allison Makowski allowed the Vikings to win crucial ground balls to keep the tempo of the game. After playing half their schedule, the Vikings have a record of 2-5. The girls are coached by Nicole Marabella.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 28, 2005
   Boys Tennis Wins Two
Click "Sports Briefs 4/28/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - April 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the third marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Jacob Ferrante, Amber Hultgren, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Nichole Nash, James Sica, Theodore Slipko, Elizabeth Szpala, Nicholas Taylor, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki
Grade 10: Lauren Aughey, Juliana Burkhart, Laura Curcio, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Joseph Fusco, Shannon Howley, Jaime Justen, Rachael Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Cassandra Lange, Sean McDermott, Thomas Minarcin, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Vida Rostami, Sydney Seese, Forrest Smith, Donald Turner, Bessie Zhang
Grade 11: Chelsea DeGlopper, Kate Dlugosz, Julie Drozdowski, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Colleen George, Jordan Krieger, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Steven Mrzygut, Kevin Sobol, Nicholas Thompson
Grade 12: Julie Amato, Kelly Carter, Shayna DiMatteo, Kathryn Figliotti, Stacey Monaco, Emily Pifer, Jessica Stickl, Corrine Stolzenburg, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Tyler Baldes, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Casey Carminati, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jaclyn Coe, Taylor Cool, Theresa Covatto, Denise Curcio, Alexandra Davis, Tiffani Dickinson, Andrew Donahue, Jessica Doyle, Caitlyn Driscoll, Kelsey Fortman, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Richard Karpie, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Marissa Lange, Kaitlyn Little, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Courtney McCoy, Lauren McGowan, Jeremy Meyer, Lindsey Miller, Ciara Morreale, Danielle Nash, Jordan Paolucci, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Joycelyn Rockwood, Carrie Schooping, Riley Sexsmith, Patrick Sexton, Damanpreet Singh, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Shawn Speidel, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Melanie Switalski, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 10: Tracie Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Michael Asbach, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Ryan Benninger, Brandon Bettinger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Ryan Chrostowski, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Vincent Covatto, Michael Davis, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Timothy Fargino, Nicole Fischer, Emily Hasselbeck, Paul Holler, Emily Kahn, Jared Kazmierczak, Jessica Kuehne, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Ryan Link, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, John Naumovich, Alicia Neutz, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Casey Olszewski, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Robert Potter, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Andrew Rogers, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Peter Schaber, Matthew Scibilia, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Joshua Snyder, Kristen Swan, Melissa Thompson, Zachary Tondera, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Rhianna Wing
Grade 11: Melissa Affuso, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Stephen Beatty, Christopher Benko, Charlotte Booth, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Ryan Breier, Wesley Brzezinski, Wesley Burkman, Lauren Campbell, Jing Chen, John Connors, Lauren Culp, Shawn D’Angelo, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiami, Michael DelZoppo, Monique Dhand, Mary Kate Duff, Garrett Fallin, Mallory Fulle, Russell Gaiser, Joshua Gavlock, Caitlin Hall, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Lauren Kalisz, Nicole Komin, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Amanda McCord, Robert Michaels, Krista Moran, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Jessica O’Brien, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Tatiana Salamone, Sarnjit Samra, Jeremy Siehnel, Erich Skelly, Tina Sparks, Janice Sturtz, Dana Szczepaniak, Katherine Szpala, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert
Grade 12: Tamika Adams, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Deborah Basta, Joshua Billica, Kate Bonaquist, Brian Choi, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Jaclyn Colosi, Kaitlynn Cook, Dana D’Angelo, Erin Dent, Jill Endres, Amanda Finn, Natalie Fischer, Kelly Frantz, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Jodi Gleason, Robert Goris, Alicia Harrison, Ryan Harvey, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Christian Karnath, Justine Kirsch, Kelly Knickerbocker, Edward Kopra, Allison Kulak, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Christina Maddi, Jason Manijak, Stephanie McGowan, Calvin Meaney, Jenna Meyer, Andrew Missert, David Nardozzi, Paula Nuchereno, Jeffrey Pickel, Alissa Pioli, Florence Porignon, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Adam Salemi, Michael Schimley, Meher Singh, David Survillo-Melgar, Twila Swope, Heather Szaflarski, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Phillip Thompson, Kari Tondera, Devon Toth, Adam Ungaro, Alicia Vetter, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Erik Zito




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - April 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the third marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
Grade 9: Steven Accardo, Alma Aponte, Chelsea Baran, John Bidell, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Devon Brant, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Courtney Catalano, Jennifer Ciechoski, Molly Clingersmith, Erin Courter, Ashley Curry, Shannon Curry, Colleen Danahy, Anthony Daubney, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Michael Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Sean Duff, Victoria Eldridge, Christopher Eley, Timothy Franklin, Chelsea Fulle, Bethany Gebhart, Shari Geblein, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Carly Hall, Meaghan Hayes, Molly Hayes, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Ryan Hoople, Matthew Huber, Matthew Jones, Sara Kurpiewski, Jeremy LaBarre, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Michael Magaris, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Edward Mallwitz, Nicholas Martinez, Michael Martinic, Adam Masse’, Stephen Mathes, Amanda Mayes, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Amber Meyers, Christian Nestark, Rachel Olszewski, Sara Orsolitis, Jessica Oyer, Brittany Papaj, Anthony Perna, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Adam Ripellino, Rosanne Rizek, Blake Rockwood, Stefane Samland, Audrey Senf, Luis Serrano, Joshua Shilling, Brittany Stallard, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Laura Sydow, Michael Symington, Nicholas Tomkins, Nicholas Vallina, Andrea Whitefield, Elizabeth Wilson, Patrick Winters
Grade 10: Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, John Berger, Franklin Black, Krista Burzynski, Ellen Cameron, Anna Cislarski, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Karen Coughlin, Andrew Czerwonka, Paul Dhand, Brandon Digati, Joshua Doermer, Mark Eberhard, Sara El Houssieny, Ashley Fabio, Jennifer Freiermuth, Daniel Gadawski, Colin Gallagher, Bridget George, Devan Golda, Meghan Higgins, Cassidy Hogrewe, Andrew Hooper, Robert Justen, Megan Kaleta, Brianna Konopa, Erik Lang, Dustin Lange, Lawrence Loveless, Kevin Mazgaj, Joniqua McAdory, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Sean O’Brien, Justina Potenzo, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, Abigail Richards, Jasmine Rivers, Sarah Rivers, Travis Rockwood, Justin Samland, Michael Scappechio, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, William Sommer, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Shannon Tegler, Amanda Williams
Grade 11: Sheri Ackendorf, Cortney Ambrosia, Carissa Bailey, Ashley Bleistein, Timothy Blonski, Daniel Brierton, Erich Burchfield, Cassondra Carlson, Joseph Ciechoski, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, David Cole, Erin Conn, Michael Corrao, Carlos Darby, Sara DeBole, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Eric Feathers, Jessica Fike, Ashleigh Frieday, Alexander Grande, Matthew Guidotti, Ashley Harrison, Meghan Hartman, Adam Henry, Marcellus Hogan, Kevin Holzle, Angelia Jaeger, Toni Kaufman, Ben Kim, Catherine Lewis, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Morgan Macguire, Diane Meyer, Ian Michaliszyn, Christopher Miller, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Daniel Nobrega, David Nolf, Joseph Orsolits, Kyle Patterson, Cole Remmes, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Tina Rott, Andrew Sharpe, Ashleah Shelton, David Sipos, Chelsea Sommer, Jeffrey Stange, Daniel Szyprowski, Kaitlin Voltz, Jason Walker, Ronald Warner, Brittany Weber, David Whitney, Aaron Wilson, Melanie Wing, Dane Wood, Cory Zaranek
Grade 12: Ashraf Abdellatif, Tanya Ambellan, Johanna Aponte, Lindsay Aronica, John Bakula, Henry Belding, Christopher Benninger, Glenn Bird, Patrick Blum, Amy Boutet, Garrett Carlson, Ryan Carney, Christopher Caruana, Alex Coates, Rebecca Cunningham, Erik Deuble, Joshua Deuble, Michael Digati, Sean Driscoll, Daniel Elmer, Meghan Finucane, Jason Fritschi, Collin Griffiths, Meaghan Grotz, Nicole Hauser, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Amy Hillock, Beth Huber, Rick Ianni, Brian Judkins, Gretchen Kiehl, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Catherine Kulak, Jessica Laurendi, Gregory Lazelle, Amanda Lunney, Nicholas Mann, Christina Maroulis, Matthew Masse’, Victoria McCraith, Maureen McInerney, Christopher Mehltretter, Kevin Mehltretter, Arianna Nelson, Jennifer O’Donnell, Patrick O’Laughlin, Ashley Perez, Noelle Pietras, Sean Rafferty, Laura Rodriguez, Pooya Rostami, Theodore Royal, Tiffanie Sadowski, Jessica Samland, Steven Sarkees, Tracey Schmidt, Nicole Spada, Shaina Starr, JennaBeth Stockman, Robert Sugar, Colin Thompson, Nicholas Tim, Stephen Weigold, Emily Winters




Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Defeated By East Aurora 7-4 - 2005
   The Grand Island High School girls varsity lacrosse team was defeated Wednesday, April 27, 2005 by East Aurora 7-4. Strong play by Vikings Sara Hilliard, Rebecca Fetzer, and Allison Makowski in the midfield allowed Grand Island to make quick transitions on offense. Excellent defensive play by goalie Christina Maroulis, helped keep the Vikings in the game with a shot save percentage of 70%. This coupled with goals by Kathy Rogers, Sara Hilliard, Catie Hilliard, and Caitlin Hall helped bring the score to 5-4 with four minutes of play left in the second half. The Vikings record is now 1-5 and they play away at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28th against Williamsville East. The Varsity girls are coached by Nicole Marabella.




GIHS Instrumental Boosters Meeting - 2005
The GIHS Instrumental Boosters will meet 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 in the Grand Island High School Band Room. All are welcome.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 21, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 4/21/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island High School Has New Viking Sports Information Website - 2005
The Grand Island High School athletic department has announced its new "www.highschoolsports.net" website which features Grand Island High School schedules and information. Presently there are spring sports teams, opponents, dates and times listed, starting with "today's" games.




Grand Island Girls Lacrosse Loses to Iroquois 5-4 - 2005
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse team suffered a tough loss to Iroquois Saturday, April 16, 2005 by a score of 5-4. The Vikings began the game playing hard and scored a quick shot by Kathy Rogers, but Iroquois gained momentum and scored 3 unanswered goals. At the end of the first half, Iroquois was leading 4-1. The Vikings regrouped however and scored 3 goals to tie the game up at four goals a piece. Goals were scored by Kathy Rogers, Cassie Ungaro, and Catie Hilliard. Strong defensive play by Morgan Macguire and quick transition by Cassie Ungaro helped keep Iroquois out of GI's defensive end. With less than 2 minutes to play, Iroquois scored the game winner. Grand Island played hard until the end, but was not able to convert as the time ran out. Their record is now 1-3 and their next game is on April 26th at 4:30 p.m. at home against Amherst. The Varsity girls are coached by Nicky Marabella.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending April 14, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 4/14/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse Beats Williamsville South 6-4 - 2005
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse team played Hamburg on Monday, April 11, 2005 and were defeated 3-12. Goal scorers for Grand Island were Kathy Rogers (2) and Noelle Pietras (1). Defensive stand out, Allison Makowski, played well.
   Grand Island Girls Varsity Lacrosse team came back from a 4-0 deficit to beat Williamsville South. The Vikings were behind by 4 goals in the first half when Kathy Rogers scored 2 goals before the half was up. In the second half great defensive play by Meghan Macguire and Sara Hilliard stopped the offensive flow of South. The Vikings continued scoring to tie the game and then ultimately win 6-4. Second half goals were scored by Kathy Rogers, Noelle Pietras, Sara Hilliard, and Cassie Ungaro. Goalkeeper Christina Maroulis had a shot save percentage of 75%. Grand Island's record is now 1 win and 2 losses. Their next game is Saturday at home against Iroquois. The Varsity girls are coached by Nicole Marabella.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month
April 2005

   
Emily Pifer                          Melissa Roach               Mary Elizabeth Lacki            Michael Schimley
   Emily Pifer has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She has taken every chance she has to participate in the opportunities given her on the Island, in both school and community.
   Emily has taken advanced classes since sixth grade and continues to take on a rigorous academic load, including several Advanced Placement classes. She has always thrived academically and has been on honor and high honor roll throughout middle school and high school. She has received academic awards, such as Academic Certificate, Academic Pin, Academic Letter and Business Person of the Month. Emily is also involved in several extra-curricular activities, such as Student Council, where she has been secretary for the past two years, and Class Representative for the 2005 Class Officers. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the Pride of the Island award in tenth grade. Athletically, Emily has been on both Junior Varsity and Varsity Softball, where she has been captain and received the Coach's Award and Defensive MVP.
   Emily has a great passion for music and is actively involved n the music program. She has played clarinet for the wind Ensemble since ninth grade and is currently vice president. She also plays clarinet for Pit orchestra and saxophone for Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Community Band. Emily has participated in several honor ensembles including Area all-State and All-County Orchestra. In December 2004 she traveled to Rochester to perform with the All-State Wind Ensemble, and she has also been selected to perform with the All Eastern Orchestra. She has received her Varsity Letter, First Varsity Pin, Second Varsity Pin, White Varsity Letter, and Varsity Bar all in music. This past spring the Wind Ensemble traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee to perform at the Grand National Adjudicator's Invitational where Emily received the award for Outstanding Soloist.
   Outside of school Emily has been a member of the Grand Island Youth Advisory Board since ninth grade. She has also traveled with the Trinity United Methodist Youth Group the past two summers on workcamps to fix homes for the underprivileged. Emily has participated in Meaghan's Miracle, Relay For Life, Share the Holiday Magic, Community Sweep, and Practice Buddies.
   Future college plans for Emily include attending an out-of-state college, where she will either major in Music Therapy or Music Education.
   Melissa Roach has lived on Grand Island and been enrolled in the Grand Island school system for her entire life from elementary school at Huth Road, to senior year at Grand Island High School. Melissa has become very involved in both her school and her community throughout her years on the Island, participating in activities through her church, youth group and school.
   For the past two summers Melissa has attended Reach Workcamps with the Trinity United Methodist Youth Group where students have volunteered a week of their life to help repair and restore the homes of those who are unable or cannot afford it. She has also had the opportunity to volunteer in soup kitchens and to volunteer in other churches where needed.
   Melissa is active in her school where she is a member of the student council and a former member of the Junior Varsity volleyball team. She has received several awards, some of which include Honor and High Honor Roll status throughout her middle and high school years, and the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Pin and Letter. Melissa has been active in band since her years at Huth Road School, and is now a member of the distinguished Wind Ensemble where she plays the flute. Melissa was honored as a member of the All County Orchestra her freshmen year as a result of her A+ audition rating at the All County Music Festival. She volunteered to help and encourage younger flute players in the elementary schools through a music program called "Practice Buddies," and has received her Varsity letter in music. Melissa plans on attending Abilene Christian University in Texas with a major in nursing.
   Mary Elizabeth Lacki has been a resident of Grand Island all her life, and has attended the Grand Island schools since kindergarten. Throughout high school, she has been kept busy with her involvement in extracurricular activities through the school, sports and community service.
   During her high school career, Mary Elizabeth has participated in many organizations and has received many honors. Freshman year, she was on the Varsity track and field team, gaining a 4th place Sectionals patch and was named Rookie of the Year. In 10th grade, she joined the Varsity cross-country team, where she has excelled marvelously to be this year's lead runner and captain. She has since then gained many NFL patches and numerous medals from different invitationals and meets from both cross country and track. Mary Elizabeth has participated in the high school musicals, and last year, had the lead roll as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She plays percussion in the Wind Ensemble, and sings in Madrigals, Vocal Jazz and Concert Choir. Mary Elizabeth is a member of Spotlighters, Interact Club and Student Council where she held the position of head Decorating Committee the past two years. She is also the co-vice president of the National Honor Society, and is the historian of the Class of 2005.
   During the past two years, Mary Elizabeth has been a religious education teacher through St. Stephen's Church. In addition, she has taken part in St. Stephen's Church plays as well as supervising the younger children. Over the summer, she was a soccer coach and a referee.
   During high school, Mary Elizabeth has received many awards including the National Student Council Award, Who' Who Among American High School Students, the Academic Excellence Award and the honor or high honor roll. She has earned the Scholar Athlete Award many times, the Coaches Award and Most Valuable Player of the Cross Country team.
   After graduation, Mary Elizabeth plans to attend Niagara University where she will pursue a major in the field of theatre.
   Michael J. Schimley has been a Grand Island resident all his life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten.
   Michael has balanced an academically challenging curriculum along with many extracurricular activities both at school and in the community. Michael has taken advanced classes since sixth grade, including AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Statistics, and College Spanish while maintaining high honor roll and honor roll consistently. He is currently a member of the National Honor Society and has received the academic certificate, academic pin, and academic letter in recognition of his academic achievements.
   Michael is also a Scholar Athlete for both soccer and track and has received a varsity letter in soccer, track, and music. He is on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, and is active in student council, Interact, yearbook, and Internship
   Michael has also enjoyed playing trumpet in the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, and Brass Choir as well as the "Practice Buddies" music program.
   Michael has been very active in the community as well, particularly with the Grand Island Soccer Club as a player, U10 house coach, a referee, and a referee mentor. He has also been a USSF licensed referee since 2001. He has participated in such activities as Student Olympics, Relay for Life, Meaghan's Miracle, West Seneca Day at St. Stephen's Church, Lion's Club Spaghetti Dinner and the St. Stephen's food drive.
   After graduation, Michael is planning on attending college with a major in Business Administration with hopes to have a career in management.




Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble Performs At Prestigious Music Education Conference - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble had the honor of performing at this year’s Eastern Division Conference of MENC, held March 3-6, 2005 in Baltimore, Maryland. MENC, the National Association for Music Education, is the world’s largest arts education organization that addresses all aspects of music education.
   Ensembles initially auditioned at the state level. Approximately one hundred groups were subsequently endorsed in each state and then screened by the MENC Committee. The Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble was the solitary high school band selected by this prestigious committee to perform at the Conference.
   Thousands of music educators from the Eastern United States attended the conference this year to celebrate the importance of music education. In addition to performances by school ensembles and evening concerts featuring the Fred Hughes Band, Juanita Williams, and Rockapella, the MENC Eastern Division Conference included workshop sessions, exhibits of music education products and services, and special concerts by well-known musicians.
   The Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble’s performance was met with a standing ovation from the audience of music educators, performers, and composers. Music teacher and conductor, Martin T. Allen, was approached by dozens of educators inquiring what the secret was to Grand Island’s success. “One composer even described Grand Island’s performance to be ‘the classiest’ at the conference,” said Mr. Martin.
   “This is an exceptional honor for the students. They are fine musicians who are very dedicated to making great music. Grand Island’s bands have had many honors throughout the 17 years I have taught here, but this is probably the most exciting performance we have given,” stated Mr. Allen.




Glenn Bird, Cory Angelo GIHS Track Stars - March 2005
To Compete at Indoor Track State Championships at Carrier Dome
   Senior Co-Captains Glenn Bird and Cory Angelo had excellent performances at the Section VI Indoor Track Championships Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Fredonia. Both Grand Island athletes will compete at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Indoor State Championships at the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University this Sunday, March 27, 2005. Bird placed 2nd against some tough sprinters in the finals of the 55 meter dash. He ran a 6.83 FAT (Fully Automatic Timing) a mere 1/100th of a second from his school record which he set last year at sectionals where he placed 4th. “He had his best start out of the blocks,” noted Grand Island Coach Don Sauer. “We tinkered with his foot placement a bit, so I guess it worked.”
   Cory Angelo placed 3rd in the Pole Vault with a 9’ – 0” effort. By placing 3rd and meeting the state qualifying performance of 9’ – 6” two weeks ago, she qualified to go to States. She had to compete with the National HS Record holder from Lancaster and the former State Record Holder from Iroquois. “Cory is so laid-back that nothing phases her, she just went out and competed,” said Coach Sauer. Bird and Angelo are following former teammates Kara Black and Mike Feathers in competing at States. Feathers is on a Track & Field scholarship at Clemson University.
   Senior Glen Bird placed 5th in his heat of the 55 meter dash with a time of 6.99. Top four advanced to the semi’s. Cory Angelo placed 28th in her speciality, the Pole Vault clearing 8’ - 0”.




Bird, Angelo, Fargino Qualify For Indoor Track Sectionals - March 2005
Three School Records Broken, Team Places 16th
   Senior Co-Captains Glenn Bird, Cory Angelo and Sophomore Tim Fargino set new school records at the Indoor League Championships March 12, 2005. Bird placed 3rd in the 55 meter Dash and tied his own school record with a 6.6 effort. Angelo shattered her own school record by a foot with a 9’ 6” effort in the Pole Vault taking an impressive 2nd place. Sophomore Tim Fargino broke the 600 record with a fine effort of 1:30.3 in placing 6th overall. Monique Dhand broke the Long Jump record with a 12’-1 ľ “ effort. Other highlights included Wes Burkman’s holding off a challenge and won the unseeded section of the 1600 and Co-Captain Junior John Connors had an excellent effort of 18-6 ˝ in the Long Jump. Junior Eric Feathers had his best throw in the Shot Put with a 40 foot toss while Jeff Rogan ran his best time (43.1) in the 300. The Indoor Sectionals are in two weeks at Fredonia.



Bird Soars On Indoor Track Team - March 2005
   Senior Co-Captain Glenn Bird is having another outstanding season. After a stellar performance on the gridiron this fall, he now is focused with the Grand Island Indoor Track and Field Team. Currently, he is ranked 2nd on the Indoor circuit in the 55m Dash in the Section 6 Performance Ranking at 6.6 seconds. He won the 50m Dash at the Lancaster Invite (January 19, 2005) at 6.1 that breaks his own school record. He now will concentrate on the dash in the next few weeks on the Indoor League Championships this weekend and Sectional State Qualifiers in three weeks. He missed last years’ State Meet by a mere .07 seconds.
   Other highlights include Freshman Jackie Coe who won the Fredonia Invite in December 2004 with a 7.6 performance. She is ranked 7th in the 55. Senior Captain Cory Angelo won the Lancaster Invite in her specialty, the Pole Vault. Her best performance this season is 8-6 and she is ranked 8th. Sophomore Tim Fargino placed 2nd in the 600 at the Frosh-Soph Invite earlier in the season and has progressed in both the 600 and 1000 meter run. The Girls 4x800 Relay set a new school record at Fredonia. Caitlyn Driscoll, Bridget George, Emily Kahn and Lianna Connors ran 11:09.1.
   Junior Eric Feathers has thrown 39-10, his best of the season in the Shot Put while Junior Co-Captain John Connors has high jumped 5-6, 40.7 in the 300 and run 3:02 1000 meters. Bridget George leads the team in the 1000 with a 3:36 effort. Caitlyn Driscoll leads in the 1500 with a 5:53.9 Monique Dhand is the top 300 runner. The team will compete in the Indoor League Team Championships this weekend and Sectionals on the 26th of February.




Corporate Bowl To Be Shown on Adelphia Channel 13 - 2005
    Adelphia Channel 13 will show the finals and championship rounds of the Grand Island Corporate Bowl on Saturday, March 19th at 12:30 p.m., again on Sunday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m. and also on Saturday, March 26th at 1:30 p.m.





GIHS Students In Top 10 In State DECA Conference, Rochester - 2005
Click photos for larger view
Large group photo shows DECA Advisor Cheryl Chamberlain, Betsy Bergmann, Stephanie Hopkins, Carissa Bailey, Mandi Thompson, Janice Sturtz, and Kari Tondera.
   Six students from Grand Island High School participated in the New York State DECA Conference in Rochester, NY on March 9-11, 2005. DECA is an active business and marketing club at GIHS that competes with other schools from around the area, state, and national levels. During this three-day conference, these students competed in various business related events such as public speaking and job interview skills. The following students earned medals and were chosen top ten in the state for the following events: Carissa Bailey and Betsy Bergmann for public speaking prepared; Mandi Thompson for public speaking extemporaneous; and Kari Tondera for job interview skills. Stephanie Hopkins and Betsy Bergmann served as electoral delegates for Grand Island and Janice Sturtz, president of the GIHS DECA Chapter, represented Grand Island. This conference is held each year when over 2,000 high school students from around New York State compete for a chance at the national level of competition. Cheryl Chamberlain, GIHS DECA Advisor, was also acknowledged for increasing membership in the chapter. Mrs. Chamberlain encourages anyone, from grades 9-12, taking a business course in the high school, to become involved in DECA.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - March 2005
   
Greg Lazelle                              Kate Bonaquist                  Amanda George
   Greg Lazelle moved to Grand Island from Kenmore in the second grade and considers himself fortunate to have been able to attend Grand Island's outstanding public school system. His high school career has been marked by excellence, dedication, involvement and serving.
   Greg's true passion lies in the field of music. He is grateful for the hours of hard work the teachers he has worked with, have dedicated to him. This has allowed him to explore and bring out his talents in music, and led to the development of the musician he is today. He has shown his appreciation and sacrificed many well-spent hours playing in musical groups in his school as well as the community. In school he has been involved with groups such as the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and pit orchestra in the school musical. Being the section leader of these groups has been demanding, enjoyable, and has given Greg opportunities to display leadership.
   Auditioning and playing in honor ensembles such as Area All State and Conference All State has exemplified how his dedication and hard work have paid off. It has also allowed him to represent his school with pride. The community Greg is part of has presented him with opportunities as it has allowed him to become a member of the internationally awarded American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. He has received an outstanding soloist award at a national competition, his varsity letter, and the Rookie of the Year award in orchestra. He considers his greatest achievement to have performed at Carnegie Hall and selection to the New York State Summer School of Arts.
   Although Greg is very involved with music, he serves his community in other ways as well. He feels strongly about honoring the men and women in the Armed Services. His recent joining of the Sons of the American Legion has enabled him to do this. His involvement with the Buffalo City Mission has allowed him to give to the people in his community who are in need.
   Greg's involvement with his church's youth group and Cornerstone discipleship classes have challenged him and helped develop his character. Programs such as the Big Buddy Band Program and the mentoring program at Kaegebein School are unique opportunities presented to high school students. Greg's work in these programs has fostered his love for teaching. Greg plans to major in music and history at a college with a strong musical background and liberal arts program, such as Indiana University at Bloomington. He is also considering joining the Air Force Reserves immediately after high school and the Peace Corps after college. No matter where his endeavors lead him though, he will always be indebted to the school and community he grew up in.
   Kate Bonaquist has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She has attended both the Island's elementary schools and has continued through the education program on Grand Island through high school. During high school, Kate has been an active member in her community through school, church, and extracurricular activities.
   In school, Kate is a member of the National Honor Society, Superintendent's Senior Advisory Council and a leader of the Bible Club. She has also been a member of the Grand Island Swim Club during ninth and tenth grade, and the Grand Island Swim Team during tenth and twelfth grade. Kate has received many awards for her achievements in academics and swimming including her academic certificate, pin, and letter, three French awards and her varsity swim letter.
   In addition to these activities, Kate also regularly attends Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. She has participated in several mission trips, community service activities, volunteers as a church nursery worker, and was a member of the Student Active Leadership Team (SALT). Kate was also a member of the orchestra at her church, but her musical activities do not stop there.
   Kate has been greatly involved in the music program at the high school, playing in both Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. She has played flute, piccolo and bassoon in both ensembles and is principal flautist for Wind Ensemble for the 2004-2005 school year. Kate has also played in the pit orchestra for the high school musical and was selected as a member of Area-All State Band.
   This past summer, Kate traveled with a band made up of several students from Western New York, to France, Germany, and Austria. Upon graduation, Kate would like to attend a college with a major in international business and study abroad.
   Amanda George has been a Grand Island resident for the past thirteen years and has attended Grand Island schools her entire educational career. Amanda has been extremely school and community oriented all of her life, and is often found donating her time and effort to various organizations.
   In school, Amanda has managed to juggle a heavy course load consisting of 5 A.P. classes with an abundance of extracurricular activities and varsity sports. Amanda is the vice president of the Class of 2005, member of the Student Council, secretary of Masterminds, and a Corporate Bowl participant, and a member of Ski Club. She has also been the right and left side hitter for the Girls' Varsity Volleyball Team for the past three years, and the third baseman for the Girls' Varsity Softball Team for the past four years.
   In addition to these clubs and activities, Amanda takes great pride in her involvement with the music program. She has played the flute in Concert Band, bassoon in Wind Ensemble, participated in Vocal Jazz, Concert Choir, Choir, and Pep Band. She has also been the treasurer for Concert Band for two years, and is currently the treasurer of Wind Ensemble. Amanda can also be seen in the school musicals as a featured dancer.
   Community involvement is also one of Amanda's top priorities. She has been a 4th grade religious education teacher at St. Stephen's Church since her freshman year, and is a Silver Award recipient for Girl Scouts, which she still actively participates in. During the summer, Amanda plays third base and shortstop for the girls' 16&U Grand Island Viper's Softball Team.
   During high school Amanda has received many academic awards, including the Certificate, Pin, and Varsity Letter for Academic Excellence, the Honor's French Student Award, has had perfect attendance for two years, and has consistently been on the honor roll. After graduation, Amanda plans to attend college to major in human development.




Grand Island Girls Varsity Basketball Ends
Impressive Run In Far-West Regional - Feb. 2005
 
By Josh Gavlock
Photos by Cheryl Frieday - Click for larger view
    Grand Island faced off against Honeoye Falls-Lima, in a test of two New York State powerhouses. Honeoye Falls-Lima eliminated Grand Island last year in the same game by almost thirty points, but things were not the same this year. Grand Island came into the game a bigger and more mature team.
   The Vikings refused to be intimidated by the Cougars' impressive season, with their only losses coming versus first ranked Our Lady of Lourdes, and a loss to Scott County, Kentucky while playing in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Cougars averaged an astonishing 79.75 points per game through the season.
   The Vikings came out slow in the game under the constant pressure from the Cougars' full-court press. Although Grand Island often struggled to get out of their own zone, they played some tough defense, and the first quarter ended 20-13 in favor of Honeoye Falls-Lima.
   Honeoye Falls-Lima began to pull away with a huge lead in the second quarter. The Cougars were leading 27-15, until Grand Island began to lock down on defense, and went on an 8-0 run. Grand Island ended the second quarter on a three point shot from Ashleigh Frieday, which knotted the score at 38-38.
   The Vikings took the lead to begin the third quarter, but it was short-lived, as the Cougars went up 41-40, and would never trail again in the game.
   Grand Island's star senior and team leader, Meghan Macguire, fouled out of the game late in the third quarter, but the Vikings refused to give up.
   Although they were down in the game, Grand Island went into the fourth quarter with their heads up, knowing that the game was far from over. The Vikings managed to outscore the Cougars in the fourth quarter, without help from Macguire.
   Despite the late push by the Vikings, the Cougars continued to go basket-for-basket with Grand Island, refusing to give up the lead that they built up in the third quarter. The game ended 74-61. Grand Island's leading scorers were sophomore Courtney Donovan with 19 points, junior Ashleigh Frieday with 18 points, and junior Dana Szczepaniak with 13 points.
   The Cougars, who are now 22-2, have once again moved onto the state semifinal game at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.
   Grand Island finished the best season in school history with a record of 21-3.
Reporter Josh Gavlock is a Grand Island High School junior.




Boys Swim Team Schedule - 2005
   For Grand Island High School Boys Swim Meets, click 2005 Boys Swim Schedule.




GIHS Lacrosse Season Underway - March 2005
   The Grand Island High School Lacrosse team started practice on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 under Coach Steve Steck and Assistant Coach Mike Brand. Captains for the "young, but talented" 2005 Vikings team are seniors Jeff Pickel and Adam Ungaro. The team's first game is at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2005 at Hamburg. Grand Island lacrosse information, schedules, history, rosters, statistics, and much more may be found at www.grandislandlacrosse.com.




Grand Island Boys Varsity Swim Team Places Third in Section VI Championship - Feb. 2005
By Josh Gavlock
   Grand Island went into the Section VI Swimming Championship hoping for the best, and that is exactly what they got. The Vikings took first place in three events, and finished in third place with 174 points.
   The Grand Island 200 medley relay team composed of Jordan Stickl, Adam Salemi, Mike Seay, and Rob Rumsey improved the fastest time in WNY, which was set by the foursome earlier in the season, by .23 seconds. Grand Island captured another first place finish from Rob Rumsey, who led the field in the 100 meter backstroke.
   Viking diver Ian O'Rourke also helped the Grand Island cause by winning his third Section VI diving title in three years.
   Grand Island also qualified for five events in the upcoming New York State Championships. The relay team of Jordan Stickl, Adam Salemi, Mike Seay, and Rob Rumsey earned a spot in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay. Mike Seay will represent the Vikings in the 100 free, and Rumsey will try to defend his Section VI first place finish in the 100 back. Ian O'Rourke will represent GI in the diving competition.
   The NYS Championships will be held this upcoming Friday and Saturday on Long Island. The team is coached by Robert Collard.
Reporter Josh Gavlock is a Grand Island High School junior.




Girls Varsity Basketball Team Wins Section VI Class A Title - Feb. 2005
By Josh Gavlock
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Basketball Team proved that their number 1 ranking in Western New York was no fluke, but not without a test. Grand Island went into the championship game on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at the ECC Burt Flickinger Athletic Center to take on a vastly improved Lewiston-Porter team. The Vikings had already crushed the Lancers twice in league play. The Vikings really had to follow their team motto of "Respect everyone, but fear no one," as many expected GI to crush the eighth seeded Lancers. The game didn't go as expected, and Lew-Port hung with Grand Island throughout the game.
   Sophomore Courtney Donovan scored the first 8 Viking points. She finished with 14 points and blocked 10 Lew-Port shots. Lew-Port led by as much as 7 points in the third quarter, but the Vikings refused to give up. Junior Ashleigh Frieday scored 12 of 16 in the second half, helping to keep the Vikings in the game. The fourth quarter was when Grand Island pulled through. After being down by one point with around three minutes to play, Viking senior Meghan Macguire missed a trio of one and one foul shots, in which the Vikings grabbed the rebound each time, keeping the ball in Grand Island's possession. Macguire and Senior Sara Hilliard each scored a foul shot, putting the game away for the Vikings. Final score GI 49 - Lew-Port 44.
   Grand Island now moves on to play the Section V Champion from the Rochester area. Honeoye Falls-Lima, a state finalist last year, plays Newark for the chance to play the Vikings at the ECC Burt Flickinger Athletic Center at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2005. Honeoye Falls-Lima eliminated Grand Island last year in the Far-West Regional game. The Lady Vikings are coached by Jenepher Banker.




Girls Varsity Basketball Team Wins Class A-1 Finals - Feb. 2005
By Josh Gavlock
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Basketball Team went into the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center with a lot of confidence, coming off a huge win over the Pioneer Panthers by a score of 48-35.
   The Vikings continued their dominance throughout the regular season, and the playoffs, by scoring a victory against the Williamsville East Flames. Grand Island trailed only once during the game, when East came out early nailing a 3 pointer to put the Flames up 3-2. The Vikings came back quickly and dominated the first half, hitting most of their big shots, and shutting down the offense of the Flames. The Flames scored only 6 points in the second quarter, and the Vikings went into halftime up 31-15.
   Grand Island was unable to get back into the flow they had in the first half, only scoring 11 points in the second half. However, the Flames couldn't penetrate the Vikings strong defense led by sophomore Courtney Donovan, who racked up 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Vikings were led in scoring by junior forward Ashleigh Frieday, as she tallied three baskets from outside the arch, and finished with 16 points. Meghan Macguire also contributed 10 points.
   The Flames couldn't close the gap in the second half, and the Vikings cruised to an easy victory, by a score of 42-29. Grand Island continued their undefeated streak, and will now face off against Lewiston-Porter at noon again at the ECC Burt Flickinger Athletic Center on Saturday, February 26. The Vikings have already defeated the Lancers twice earlier in the season.
Reporter Josh Gavlock is a Grand Island High School junior.




Grand Island JV Hockey Team Wins Semifinals - 2005
By Mary O'Brien
   The Grand Island Junior Varsity Hockey Team played Friday, February 18, 2005 in the WNY Club Small School division semifinals against Lewiston Porter. Grand Island won 5-2 with goals scored by Tom Cunningham, Phil Wendt, Sean O'Brien, Jarrod Mendel and Frank Black. Grand Island's goalie, Jacob Lefler, was outstanding in Friday's game played at Hockey Outlet on Niagara Falls Boulevard. As a result of the win, they now play in the finals at 11 a.m. on "Super Saturday", February 26 at Buffalo State College.
   The team's coach, John Koller of Grand Island, was named "Coach of the Year" and two players were named as all stars. Tom Cunningham is 1st team all star and Phil Wendt is 2nd team all star. Congratulations Grand Island JV and good luck on Super Saturday!




Grand Island Boys Swim Team 2nd in Relays - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Swim, 2nd in relays, also has the fastest 200 medley relay time in WNY. Team members of the GI 200 medley team are Jordan Stickl, Adam Salemi, Rob Rumsey and Mike Seay. The swimmers swam a record time of 140.77 on Saturday, February 19, 2005. For an in depth story on the swim teams, click Boys Swim Team Story and scroll down for Grand Island swim team news.




Girls Varsity Basketball Team Wins Semifinals - Feb. 2005
   The Grand Island Girls Varsity Basketball Team remains undefeated (14-0) as they won the Semifinal with a win over Pioneer Panthers, 48-35. Top scorers for the Lady Vikings were Courtney Donovan and Ashleigh Frieday, tieing in points at 17 each. The Vikings were ahead throughout the game with credit going to Meghan Macguire who adding seven assists and Ashleigh Frieday who had 14 rebounds.




Grand Island Falls in Super Sunday - Feb. 2005
By Josh Gavlock
Grand Island High School Junior
   Sunday, February 20, 2005. . . Today marked the first time that the Grand Island Varsity Hockey Team had made it to the WNY Small School Championship in around a decade. The Vikings took on the Cheektowaga Warriors, who handed Grand Island their only league loss earlier in the season.
   Cheektowaga started the scoring on a chaotic goal midway through the second period. The Vikings answered quickly on a beautiful goal by the team Captain, Andrew Marrs, which put GI on the board with less than a minute to play in the second period.
   The Warriors pounded GI's junior goalie Derek Brennan, who played a phenomenal game throughout the entire third period. It remained a 1-1 tie until with just over one minute left to play in the third period, a Grand Island player crashed into Brennan and Cheektowaga Captain, Matt Bessing, scored to put the Warriors up 2-1. The Vikings had a few chances to tie the game, but the game ended with a 2-1 victory for the Warriors, who were crowned the small school champions.
   Brennan stopped 40 of 42 shots, and was named MVP of the game. The Vikings have ended the season with a record of 21-2-0, and now prepare for the New York State Championships, which will be held in New York City in March. The team is coached by Brian Hall.




Girls Varsity Basketball Team Wins Quarterfinals - Feb. 2005
   The Lady Vikings beat Amherst, 59-34, in the Section VI Class A-1 basketball quarterfinals on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in the Grand Island High School gymnasium. Leading the scoring for Grand Island was Courtney Donovan with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Lady Viking Ashleigh Frieday chipped in 13 points and six steals and Dana Sczcpaniak's 12 points added to the win. The Grand Island team, coached by Jenepher Banker, had a healthy lead at halftime when the score was 32-9 in their favor.




Erik Deuble Takes 3rd In WNY High School Automotive Technology Competition - Feb. 2005
   Grand Island High School student, Erik Deuble, was one of four Erie 1 BOCES students who were among the winners in this year’s Western New York High School Automotive Technology Competition. This competition brought together the finest young mechanical minds in Western New York at the Erie Community College Vehicle Technology Training Center in Orchard Park. Organized by the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association (NFADA), the event tested teams of two students from 13 of Western New York’s Career Educational and Technical Centers on mechanical knowledge and hand-on diagnostic procedure.
   Erik and his teammate, Clayton Utz from Kenmore East High School, placed third in this year’s competition, representing the Kenton Career and Technical Center. This win continues Kenton’s string of top three finishes under instructors Gary Willis and Gary Carlson II. Kenton already has established itself as a contender for next year’s contest.
   “Erie 1 BOCES does well in this competition year after year,” said Jon Metz, Director of Career and Technical Education. “I attribute this success to the dedication of our instructors who make sure we are delivering up-to-date curriculum while using cutting edge technology.”
   All winners at the competition received an array of prizes, including MAC and Snap-on tools, racing hats and t-shirts, along with NASCAR die cast vehicles. Scholarships were awarded to every competitor from NFADA/ECC. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred awarded two $1,000 scholarships to the first place team from Potter Career and Technical Center. DaimlerChrysler awarded the top three schools new engines to be used for student training.




High School Students Take Advantage Of Job Search Seminar - 2005

(left front) Amy Boutet, Shannon Barr; (back) James Czora, Chad Moran, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Stacey Monaco.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click For Larger View
   The students in the junior and senior classes at Grand Island High School were invited to attend a "Job Search" seminar at the Grand Island Holiday Inn on Thursday, February 17, 2005. Members of the Grand Island business community have often asked how they could help the students on Grand Island, specifically at the high school level, discover what it's all about in the "real world." The GI School/Business Alliance along with the GIHS Business Department provide a clear answer to that question through the active participation in the job search seminar.
   The goal of the program is to help students gain authentic experience as they prepare resumes, interact with employers who may be actively searching out potential employees, participate in the interview process, and receive immediate feedback regarding their performance. Students will also develop a "survival kit" by attending workshops hosted by Buffalo State College which include "Financial Aid 101," "Surviving Your First Year at College," The New SAT," and "The College Search Process."
   Miss Bobbie Frisoni, a teacher at GIHS and the School-to-Work Coordinator, gave the welcoming address and Mr. Tony Brindisi, co-owner of The Keller Insurance Group and active member of the GISBA, was a guest speaker. Interview participants included representatives from Contour Financial Planning, Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., GI Central School District, GI Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Agency, The Keller Insurance Group, Legends Equities Corp., M&T Bank, NYS Sign Assoc., NYS Troopers, Sidway Elementary School, Town of Grand Island, United States Army, United States Air Force, Wegman's, Young Life and YWCA of Western New York.




Girls Varsity Basketball Team Enters NFL Quarterfinals - Feb. 2005
   The Lady Vikings won their last home game Thursday, February 10, 2005 when they beat Ken East to go 14-0 in the NFL. This was the first time any Grand Island girls basketball team ever went undefeated in the league and only the second time ever to win the league. GI is currently ranked as the #1 Large School in Western New York and #7 in the state. The Lady Vikings play Amherst in the quarterfinal game in the section playoffs 6 p.m. tonight (Thurs., Feb. 17, 2005) at Grand Island. The team is coached by Jenepher Banker.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Feb. 17, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 2/17/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island High School Honor Roll - Feb. 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained honor roll status for the second marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 9: Kahla Cerrillo, Denise Curcio, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Caitlyn Driscoll, Jacob Ferrante, Amber Hultgren, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Kaitlyn Little, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Lauren McGowan, Danielle Nash, Elizabeth Szpala, Nicholas Taylor
Grade 10: Kristin Duggan, Brett Fiedler, Shannon Howley, Rachael Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Cassandra Lange, Sean McDermott, Andrea Monaco, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Sydney Seese, Bessie Zhang
Grade 11: Shawn D’Angelo, Chelsea DeGlopper, Julie Drozdowski, Caitlin Dwyer, Mallory Fulle, Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Caitlyn Quider, Kevin Sobol, Nicholas Thompson
Grade 12: Julie Amato, Brian Choi, Kathryn Figliotti, Stacey Monaco, Meher Singh, Jessica Stickl, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Phillip Thompson
Honor Roll
Grade 9: Joseph Amsdill, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Tyler Baldes, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Ellen Betterson, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Cassandra Coffey, Theresa Covatto, Shannon Curry, Anthony Daubney, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Jessica Doyle, Kelsey Fortman, Chelsea Fulle, John Gannon, Thomas Gebhard, Bethany Gebhart, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Kelcie Hanaka, Meaghan Hayes, Molly Hayes, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Alexander Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Richard Karpie, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Natalie Krieger, Todd Kunze, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Adam Masse’ Stephen Mathes, Courtney McCoy, Jeremy Meyer, Lindsey Miller, Ciara Morreale, Nichole Nash, Christian Nestark, Sara Orsolits, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Caitlin Radecki, Joycelyn Rockwood, Carrie Schooping, James Sica, Damanpreet Singh, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Shawn Speidel, Robert Stewart, Jessica Sturniolo, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Kristin Toellner, Jordan Toth, Marc Velocci, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Shana Wierchowski, Noah Yanicki, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 10: Tracie Aladeen, Janeen Amantia, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Michael Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Erin Banas, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Christopher Bidell, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Ryan Chrostowski, Kiel Clarke, Abigail Cliff, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Vincent Covatto, Laura Curcio, Michael Davis, Paul Dhand, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Emily Eisenberger, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Karen Figliotti, Joseph Fusco, Bridget George, Emily Hasselbeck, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Jared Kazmierczak, Brianna Konopa, Matthew Lang, William Lewandowski, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Dianne Maerz, Joseph Mash, Justin McInerney, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Alicia Neutz, Sean O’Brien, Patrick O’Donnell, Ian O’Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Kevin Pifer, Robert Potter, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Travis Rockwood, Tara Rogers, David Rosati, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Peter Schaber, Matthew Scibilia, Nicholas Shemik, Ajit Singh, Forrest Smith, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner, Cassandra Ungaro, Christie Utz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams, Rhianna Wing
Grade 11: Melissa Affuso, Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Christopher Benko, Ashley Bleistein, Timothy Blonski, Megan Boss, Sara Boulden, Matthew Brady, Wesley Brzezinski, Wesley Burkman, Jing Chen, Aaron Clark, Ian Clark, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Lauren Culp, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Michael DelZoppo, Kate Dlugosz, Mary Kate Duff, Garrett Fallin, Rebecca Fetzer, Ashleight Frieday, Joshua Gavlock, Colleen George, Alexander Grande, Joel Hasselbeck, Mary Hayes, Angelia Jaeger, Lauren Kalisz, Nicole Komin, Jordan Krieger, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Sarah Lipp, Ashley Marien, Anna Mastrangelo, Robert Michaels, Ian Michaliszyn, Krista Moran, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Joseph Orsolits, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Christopher Prygon, Eric Quattrini, Joshua Raiser, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Katharine Rogers, Karalyn Rossi, Tatiana Salamone, Sarnjit Samra, Jeremy Siehnel, Erich Skelly, Dana Szczepaniak, Robert Utz, Brendan Waddington, Jason Walker, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Aaron Wilson
Grade 12: Tamika Adams, Tanya Ambellan, Corey Angelo, Deborah Basta, Kata Bonaquist, Kevin Buyer, Kelly Carter, Ryan Clarke, Renee’ Collins, Dana D’Angelo, Erin Dent, Erik Deuble, Shayna DiMatteo, Jill Endres, Amanda Finn, Natalie Fischer, Maria Fusco, Amanda George, Robert Goris, Alicia Harrison, Justin Helman, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Beth Huber, Justine Kirsch, Kelly Knickerbocker, Allison Kulak, Catherine Kulak, Lisa Kurpiewski, Mary Elizabeth Lacki, Adrienne LaLiberty, Gregory Lazelle, Amanda Lunney, Meghan Macguire, Jason Manijak, Victoria McCraith, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerney, Calvin Meaney, Jenna Meyer, David Nardozzi, Paula Nuchereno, Ashley Perez, Jeffrey Pickel, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, Toni Quagliana, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Theodore Royal, Adam Salemi, Steven Sarkees, Michael Schimley Corrine Stolzenburg, John Stoneham, Robert Sugar, Heather Szaflarski, Nicole Tates, Amanda Thompson, Kara Tondera, Devon Toth, Adam Ungaro, Daniel Victor, Amanda Webb, Stephen Weigold, Erik Zito




Grand Island High School Merit Roll - Feb. 2005
   The following Grand Island High School students have attained merit roll status for the second marking period of the 2004-2005 school year:
Merit Roll
Grade 9: Steven Accardo, Chelsea Baran, Ashley Bass, John Bidell, Jared Billica, Amy Blocho, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Devon Brant, Thomas Breier, Heather Brooks, Alicia Camizzi, Casey Carminati, Courtney Catalano, Molly Clingersmith, Taylor Cool, Erin Courter, Richard Cribbs, Ashley Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Michael Dinsmore, Samantha Dinsmore, Meghan Dollard, Sean Duff, Victoria Eldridge, Christopher Eley, Lauren Emmi, Abigail Evans, Julia Fleming, Shari Geblein, Marc Gerfin, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Carly Hall, Michael Heftka, Lea Hinaman, Sean Hook, Matthew Huber, Christopher Jurga, Alexandria Kelly, Sara Kurpiewski, Jacob Leffler, Pasquale Lemme, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Lisa Mager, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Nicholas Martinez, Brenna McCabe, Samantha McCollum, Craig Meaney, Amber Meyers, Courtney Mulvey, Rachel Olszewski, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Anthony Perna, Anthony Poupalos, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Matthew Riley, Roxanne Rizek, Scott Ross, Stefane Samland, Audrey Senf, Riley Sexsmith, Patrick Sexton, Aleem Shariff, Joshua Shilling, Brittany Stallard, Gregory Stephan, Nicole Stickl, Michael Symington, Andrew Tedesco, Nicholas Tomkins, Nicholas Vallina, Roman Velletta, Andrea Whitefield, Elizabeth Wilson, Patrick Winters
Grade 10: Benjamin Angelo, Rebeccas Asbach, Ross Aydelotte, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Arielle Brzezinski, Krista Burzynski, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Anna Cislarski, Lauryn Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Jeffrey Cronos, Stacey Cyman, Brandon Digati, Joshua Doermer, Mark Eberhard, Jonathan Figler, Nicole Fischer, Jennifer Freiermuth, Daniel Gadawski, Colin Gallagher, Devan Golda, Ryan Guagliano, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Andrew Hooper, Megan Kaleta, Chelsea Kendra, Jessica Kuehne, Erik Lang, Dustin Lange, Joniqua McAdory, Matthew McKenna, Abram Morgan, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Brian Nusstein, Casey Olszewski, Kyle Oursler, Justina Potenzo, Christopher Rajczak, Jasmine Rivers, Justin Samland, David Santillo, Adam Schopp, Alysse Schuster, William Sommer, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Kristen Swan, Pierre Tanguay, Shannon Tegler, Melissa Thompson, Matthew Ward
Grade 11: Jamil Abdellatif, Sheri Ackendorf, Cortney Ambrosia, David Anderson, Jordan Bahleda, Carissa Bailey, Stephen Beatty, Charlotte Booth, Ryan Breier, Daniel Brierton, Erich Burchfield, Joseph Ciechoski, Catherine Cline, David Cole, Carlos Darby, Sara DeBole, Steven Doermer, Justin Dowd, Justin Everett, Eric Feathers, Russell Gaiser, Caitlin Hall, Ashley Harrison, Meghan Hartman, Marcellus Hogan, Kevin Holzle, Stephanie Hopkins, Ben Kim, Christopher King, Justin King, Megan Koller, Laura Lang, Timothy Lavallee, Alissa Leckey, Catherine Lewis, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Morgan Macguire, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, Amanda McCord, Christopher Miller, Derek Moody, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Philip Nestark, Daniel Nobrega, David Nolf, Jessica O’Brien, Kyle Patterson, Cole Remmes, Ramcy Rizek, Jeffrey Rogan, Tina Rott, Alexi Salamone, Melinda Schultz, Andrew Sharpe, Ashleah Shelton, David Sipos, Chelsea Sommer, Lisa Sonnenberg, Tina Sparks, Jeffrey Stange, Janice Sturtz, Katherine Szpala, Daniel Szyprowski, Kaitlin Voltz, Brittany Weber, Melanie Wing, Dane Wood
Grade 12: Lindway Aronica, Kelly Astridge, Henry Belding, Joshua Billica, Glenn Bird, Amy Boutet, Gloria Calvaneso, Ryan Carney, Christopher Caruana, Kyla Christie, Melinda Christie, Jaclyn Colosi, Kaitlynn Cook, Justin Cope, Thomas Cope, Robert Coughlin, Michael Digati, Daniel Elmer, Jennifer Farrell, Jarett Forysinski, Kelly Frantz, Jason Fritschi, Joshua Gerace, Jodi Gleason, Collin Griffiths, Ryan Harvey, Nicole Hauser, Nicholas Heftka, Brian Judkins, Jeffrey Justen, Christian Karnath, Gretchen Kiehl, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Jessica Laurendi, Gary Leckey, Megan Little, Christina Maddi, Alex Marien, Matthew Masse’, Kevin Mehltretter, Arianna Nelson, Jennifer O’Donnell, ReNae Okelberry, James Poupalos, Sean Rafferty, Poonam Randhawa, Pooya Rostami, Tiffanie Sadowski, Jessica Samland, Amrtpal Samra, Tracey Schmidt, Jacqueline Schmit, Jacqulene Sondel, Nicole Spada, Adam Sperrazza, Scott Stanko, JennaBeth Stockman, Jarilyn Stoorza, David Survillo-Melgar, Nicholas Tim, Alicia Vetter, Emily Winters, Scott Xie




High School Winter Ball A Dressy Occasion- 2005
  
From left are William Burnham and Abby Richards; Jessica Laurendi, Jake Stamler, Nichole Patterson and Tammy Popovec; Winter Ball court: (seated front left) Ashley Ray (Duchess) and Lauren McGowan (Lady); (back) Andrew Czerwonka (Duke), Erik Deuble (King), Justine Kirsch (Queen), Laura Lang (Princess), Lucas Mesmer (Prince), and Edward Mallwitz (Lord)
Adam Kratz photos
   Grand Island High School students, dressed for the occasion, enjoyed their Winter Ball on the evening of February 12, 2005. This year's theme was "Winter Around The world" and the song of the evening was "Open Arms" by Journey. Student Council members and advisors Mary Colpoys and John Head planned the annual event. Popular music was provided by DJ Anthony of Kiss 98.5.
   Couples in the court photos are seniors King Erik Deuble and Queen Justine Kirsch, 11th graders Princess Laura Lang and Prince Lucas Mesmer, 10th graders Duke Andrew Czerwonka and Duchess Ashley Ray, and 9th graders Lord Edward Mallwitz and Lady Lauren McGowan.




GI Varsity Hockey Headed To Super Sunday - 2005
   The Grand Island Varsity Hockey Team, under Coach Brian Hall, will be playing at 11 a.m. Sunday, February 20, 2005 at Buffalo State College arena in the final championship game of small school club hockey. In what is called "Super Sunday" the Vikings, with a 16-0 record, will be playing against Cheektowaga. Tickets are available at $7.00 each at the door, $6.00 pre-sale at the high school or from the varsity players.




Boys Varsity Swim Team Beats Ken-West - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team beat Kenmore West 128 to 48 on Friday, February 11, 2005. Grand Island is 13-1 in the NFL. Click GI VS. Kenmore West for results.




Lady Vikings Varsity Basketball Team Wins League Championship - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Lady Vikings Varsity Basketball Team clinched the Niagara Frontier League championship, with an unbeaten Niagara Frontier League regular season (14-0).
   The Lady Vikings beat Lockport 47-35 on February 8, 2005. Leading the scoring for Grand Island was Courtney Donovan with 23. Others scoring for GI were Ashleigh Frieday 6, Sara Hilliard 3, Megan Macguire 15. Grand Island was ahead 24-18 at the half. Megan Macguire had 3-point goals.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Feb. 10, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 2/10/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Parent/Teacher Conferences - 2005
High School Parent/Teacher Conferences are being held Friday, March 4, 2005 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Appointments are not necessary. STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 9:44 a.m.




High School Musical - "Seussical" - More Photos - 2005
High School students are shown in rehearsal for Seussical. Click photos for larger view.
   
Melissa Affuso - Melissa/James Czora - Melissa
  
Group - Rob Sugar, Melissa Affuso and Mary Beth Lacki - Melissa Affuso
   "Seussical" - the 2005 winter musical at Grand Island High School - on stage in the Ransom Road auditorium, February 3-5, 2005, has been tagged one of the very best musical productions in the history of the school. Nancy Lang and Carolyn Lokken directed "Seussical" and Carolyn Lokken was the vocal director. Director Marty Allen's student orchestra was topnotch and professional throughout the play, and all choral and solo music showcased the high talent level of the students.




Boys Varsity Wins Swim Meet Against Niagara Falls - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team won over Niagara Falls 100 to 69 on Friday, February 4, 2005. Grand Island is 12-0 in the NFL. Click GI VS. Niagara Falls for results.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Feb. 3, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 2/3/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Grand Island High School Student Writer/Reporter Wanted - 2005
Wouldn't your byline look good here?
   Grand Island High School students with an interest in journalism and a nose for news
are invited to submit stories on events, studies and news at the high school. Photos may
also be submitted. Articles for consideration, and all inquiries may be sent to teddy@giecom.net.




High School Musical - "Seussical" - In Rehearsal - 2005
High School students are shown in rehearsal for Seussical. Click photos for larger view.
  
Nick Heftka, Sarah Calvaneso and Dianne Maerz, Bird Girls
  
Noelle Pietras /Sean Driscoll, James Czora/Devon Toth, Alex Marien
  
The Whos, Sean Driscoll, James Czora
  

  
Mayor and Mrs. Mayor of Who, Rob Sugar and Mary Beth Lacki
   "Seussical" - the 2005 musical production by Grand Island High School students takes place as follows:
• Thursday, February 3 - 7:30 p.m. - tickets $7
• Friday, February 4 - Family Night - Children's Entertainment 6 p.m. - show starts 6:30 p.m. - tickets Adults $7, Students and Seniors $5
• Saturday, February 5 - 7:30 p.m. - tickets $7




High School Receives Anonymous $50,000 Scholarship Donation - 2005
   A donation of $50,000 has been received by the school district to be used for scholarships for Grand Island High School girls entering the field of engineering.
   The donor, who requests anonymity, obtained her doctorate in engineering and is working in a university research center. The donor explained that she remembers clearly her graduation from Grand Island High School in the 1970s and hearing her parents tell her that they heard people say she would fail in her plans to enter into the male-dominated world of engineering.
   "I wanted to help repay the scholarship I received and help other girls to get into the field of engineering," she told the E-News at Isledegrande.com. It was decided that the scholarship would be named for former Island residents Jean and Bob Bennett, "who were great role models for the teenagers at that time," she said. "The Bennetts really encouraged all of us to perform to the best of our ability, and always give back to our community."
   The Bennetts' son, Robert W. Bennett, associate director of admissions at Clemson University, will chair the scholarship committee. Bob, a 1976 graduate of Grand Island High School and Alfred University, is now residing in Anderson, South Carolina.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Jan. 27, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 1/27/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - February 2005
   
Devon Toth                              Sarah Tanbakuchi                  Joshua Billica
   Devon Toth has been a Grand Island resident nearly all her life, and has attended Grand Island schools since third grade. She prides herself on being an active member of both the Grand Island and high school communities and engages in many extracurricular and volunteer activities in order to improve those communities.
   At the high school, she is an active member of the student council, and acts as the decorating co-chairman of the organization, coordinating the decorations for the school's formal dances. As a member of the group she also helped to organize the Meaghan's Miracle Basket Raffle this past year and the annual Share the Holiday Magic charity drive. In addition, Devon is an energetic part of the vocal music department in the high school. She sings as an Alto in the Grand Island High School Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Madrigal Singers. She has also served as Historian of both Choir and Concert Choir in the past. Devon has also enjoyed being involved in the high school's productions of The Music Man, South Pacific, and Guys and Dolls. Devon has been vigorously involved in the Mock Trial Team, Interact Club, and was previously a Class of 2005 officer. This year she was excited to engage in new activities such as National Honor Society and the Superintendent's Advisory Council, where she and several of her peers discuss their concerns with Dr. Ramming.
   Outside of school, Devon enjoys her work as a religious education teacher at St. Stephen's Church, as well as her leadership roles in the Grand Island Youth Board and high school representative to the Grand Island Safety Board. During this past election she was also involved locally in the Democratic Presidential Campaign.
   This past fall Devon was chosen as a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for excellence on her PSAT's. She hopes that the addition of this honor to her numerous other academic achievements, including the Academic Certificate, Pin and Letter, induction into Who's Who in American High School Students, the Pride of Grand Island Award and consistent honor roll status will help her to achieve her goal of studying political science at Boston College or Colgate University next fall.
   Sarah Tanbakuchi moved to Grand Island from Williamsville, New York when she was eleven. She has attended Grand Island schools ever since. Sarah has maintained high honor roll status since middle school while always embracing a challenging academic course load. She has received her academic certificate, pin and letter from the PTSA and is currently taking AP statistics, AP biology and AP psychology.
   Sarah has received the Pride of the Island award, and was included in the 36th annual edition of Who's Who in American High School Students 2001-2002. During her junior year she was inducted into the National Honor Society and also received the Science Award in Oceanography and Marine Biology.
   Sarah has also been very active in extracurricular activities throughout her high school career. She has received her varsity letter and been a member of the Girls' Varsity Volleyball Team since tenth grade. During her junior year she was named all-star of tournament play in the Amherst Tournament, which Grand Island took first place in. She was also named to the All Western New York second team. Now, as a senior, she is co-captain of the team.
   Sarah has been very involved in school. She was elected president of Student Council her junior and senior year. In this position she helps organize Homecoming, Winter Ball, Share the Holiday Magic, the Teacher Appreciation Breakfast and various other functions. Last year she led an effort that raised nearly $8,000 for the "Meaghan's Miracle" foundation. Sarah is also secretary of her senior class, has participated in Concert Choir, is a member of INTERACT Club, and the Superintendent Advisory Council.
   Being very active in the community Sarah has spent her time volunteering for Planned Parenthood. She also has enjoyed participating in the Relay for Life, and the Ride for Roswell. Over the past two years she has captained a team known as "The Islanders" for the Ride for Roswell. Sarah is also certified in CPR and a certified lifeguard. During the summer she works as a medical office assistant.
   Joshua Billica has been a resident of Grand Island for his entire life. He has been in the Grand Island school district from kindergarten in Kaegebein Elementary School, to his senior year in high school and has been involved in many community activities in his seventeen years on Grand Island and is actively involved in the Grand Island Soccer Club as a player and a volunteer.
   In school, Joshua has been very involved in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team and is the manager of the Girls Varsity Softball Team. He also was part of the stage crew for the plays and musicals, including the productions, Happy Daze, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Music Man, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls. He also sings bass in the Grand Island Concert Choir, is a member of the Grand Island Youth Court, and has participated in Relay For Life. Joshua's favorite hobbies are reading and playing soccer. He is also employed as a babysitter and he enjoys his job very much.
   Academically, Joshua has been very successful. He is currently enrolled in AP Statistics, AP Government, AP Microeconomics, and college level French. Joshua is also currently a member of the National Honor Society, and has received the Pride of the Island award three times. He has also had perfect attendance in his first three years of high school.
   After graduation Joshua plans to attend college and pursue a career in education, automotive design or culinary arts.




High School Instrumental Boosters To Meet - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Instrumental Boosters will meet at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 1, 2005 in the high school band room. All are welcome.




High School To Hold 8th Grade Orientation - 2005
   Grand Island High School will hold the annual 8th grade orientation programs for students and their parents on Thursday, January 27, 2005. It will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
   Parents who reside in the district will have an opportunity to tour the school and hear presentations from the various departments to learn more about the academic and extracurricular programs offered at the school.
   All parents of 8th grade students are invited.




Boys Varsity Wins Swim Meet Against Kenmore East - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team won over Kenmore East 50 to 26 on Thursday, January 20, 2005. Click GI VS. Kenmore East for varsity and JV results.




More GIHS Musical News - Seussical, The Musical - 2005

   Rehearsals for Seussical, the Musical are in high gear at the High School in anticipation of opening night Thursday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s performance is being billed as family night with Dr. Seuss story time at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Seussical performance at 6:30 p.m. The final curtain call will be Saturday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m.
   "Seussical" is based on the stories of author, Theodore Geisel, known to all as Dr. Seuss. The musical incorporates characters and story lines from twenty Seuss stories into a new classic.
   The music is a wonderful mixture of funk, ballad, soul, English operetta a la Gilbert and Sullivan and Sousa inspired military music. "Seussical" opened on Broadway November 30, 2000 and ran until May of 2001. Two national tours followed and rights for the show were released within the last year.
   The chorus has a major role in this musical book. The demanding singing roles of The Whos, Cadets, Jungle Animals, Hunches, Dancing Fish and Circus members are performed by Carolyn Asbach, Lauren Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Deborah Basta, Chelsea Bergmann, Caroline Boron, Matthew Brady, Lauren Campbell, Kahla Cerrillo, Sam Chambers, Catherine Cline, Casey Dahlstrom, Alexandra Davis, Sara ElHoussieny, Ashley Fabio, Karen Figliotti, Katie Figliotti, Jen Freiermuth, Colleen George, Ryan Hagen, Caitlin Hall, Emily Hasselbeck, Stephanie Hopkins, PJ Lemme, Kurt Makowski, Ashley Marien, Lindsay Miller, Samantha Miller, Ciara Morreale, Natalie Mucci, Kayla Nash, Jessica O’Brien, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Andrew Rogers, Sydney Seese, Patrick Sexton, TJ Slipko, Kim Snell, Alicia Sommer, Jessica Sturniola, Nick Thompson, Donald Turner, Cassie Ungaro, and James Wetherston.
   Tickets for all three 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. Ticket prices are $7 general admission for Thursday and Saturday. Friday Family night tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors citizens.
   The stories of Dr. Seuss have been enjoyed for decades by young readers but Dr.Seuss himself said adults are just “obsolete children.” You will find rhyme and reason for children of all ages in this year’s high school production of Seussical.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Jan. 20, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 1/20/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




High School Musical - Seussical, The Musical - 2005
   Students at Grand Island High School are reliving their elementary years as they prepare Seussical, The Musical. Auditions are complete and the sounds and sights of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters fill the auditorium each day after school in anticipation of the curtain going up Thursday, Friday, and Saturday February 3rd, 4th and 5th.
   Seussical follows the antics of The Cat in the Hat (James Czora). He is discovered on stage by JoJo (Melissa Affuso), who thinks too much. JoJo’s “Thinks” bring characters from many Seuss stories to life: Horton the elephant (Sean Driscoll), Gertrude McFuzz (Noelle Pietras), Sour Kangaroo (Sarah Calvaneso), Young Kangaroo (Dianne Maerz), Mayzie La Bird (Devon Toth), The Bird Girls (Carissa Bailey, Amy Boutet, Amanda George, Catie Lewis, Allison Makowski, Julie Pangborn, Yasmin Raza, Kari Tondera, and Rhianna Wing), General Genghis Khan Schmitz (Alex Marien), Wickersham Brothers (Brian Choi, Vincent Covatto, Brett Fiedler, James Pici, Forrest Smith), Yertle the Turtle (Nick Thompson), The Grinch (Erich Burchfield), Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville (Rob Sugar, Mary Beth Lacki), and even Cindy Lou Who (Deb Basta).
   The story line revolves around Horton’s attempts to save the citizens of Whoville. He is ridiculed by the other animals of the jungle for believing in something they cannot see. Horton insists “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” The citizens of Who are facing similar problems. JoJo is sent away to military school to stop thinking. The military is committed to saving the world for those in the world who eat their bread “butter side up.” Horton has some distractions along the path to save the planet of Who: he cares for Mayzie’s egg, tries to find Who after it is dropped in a field of clover, is sold to a circus and is finally remanded to the Nool asylum for the criminally insane. Horton remains steadfast in saving the citizens of Who and keeping his word to all his friends.
   Directors Nancy Lang and Carolyn Lokken are working with an additional 48 students, who complete the cast of Whos, Jungle Citizens, Cadets, Dancing Fish, and Circus members. A student orchestra led by instrumental music teacher, Martin Allen, comprises the pit orchestra. A team of artists headed by art teacher Mark Tollner will create the sets and Mrs. Cindy Wynne joins the musical team as the producer.
   The curtain times are as follows:
• Thursday, February 3rd - Curtain time 7:30 p.m. - General admission $7
• Friday, February 4th - Curtain time 6:30 p.m. - Family night - Adults $7 - Students and Seniors $5
      Story Hour at 6:00 pm
• Saturday, February 5th - Curtain time 7:30 p.m. - General admission $7
   Advance tickets can be purchased in from cast members or by phone order at 773-8868.




Boys Varsity, Jr. Varsity Win Swim Meets Against Lew-Port - 2005
   The Grand Island High School Boys Varsity Swim Team beat Lew-Port 111 to 74. Click GI VS. Lew-Port for varsity results.
   The JV Boys were also victorious coming out on top of a close one, 65-64 over Lew-Port.
   For the complete meet schedule, click 2005 Boys Swim Schedule.




Island Varsity Swim Team Remains Unbeaten - GI 64 - KW 26 - 2005
   Grand Island's Varsity Swim Team remains unbeaten as they came out on top 64-26 in a meet against Kenmore West on Friday, January 14, 2005. Grand Island is now 7-0. Click "Vikings/Ken-West Meet" for results.
   The Jr. Varsity team also beat the JV Ken-West team with a score of 58-26 and notable is the fact that the Junior Varsity 200 Free Relay team of 1) Ryan Benninger, grade 10; 2) Paul Holler, grade 10; 3) Matt Scibilia, grade 10; 4) Matt Ludwig, grade 8 - made a new JV Record: 1:46.28.
   The Vikings are coached by Rob Collard.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Jan. 13, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 1/13/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Island Students Win Regional DECA Competition - 2005

DECA winners from left are Kari Tondera, Betsy Bergmann, and Mandy Thompson.
   Fifteen Grand Island High School DECA Club members participated in a regional competition held Sunday, January 9, 2005 at Lancaster High School. A total of 11 schools competed in tests and role-plays in areas such as public speaking, job interview, and decision making. Winners from Grand Island who will now go on to the NY State DECA Conference being held in Rochester, NY in March are Kari Tondera, Betsy Bergmann, and Mandy Thompson. Other DECA members are eligible to attend this conference and compete as direct entry competitors. All of the GIHS DECA students placed in the top ten of the events that they competed in and did an incredible job at the regional competition.
   Among the judges at this event were Grand Island Town Council Member Mary Cooke, former councilmember Mike Heftka, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Ramming, and faculty members Bobbie Frisoni, Sue Stevenson, and Christopher Simpson. Bobbi Hopkins, a parent chaperone, assisted at the competition.
   "I am really proud of these outstanding students," DECA advisor Cheryl Chamberlain said in a press release to the Grand Island E-News this week.




NCAA, NIRSA Volleyball In Action At High School
Proceeds For GIHS Men's Volleyball - 2005
   Grand Island High School will host an NCAA/NIRSA Men's College Volleyball game 7 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2005 in the high school gym, 1100 Ransom Road. Volleyball competition will be between D'Youville and the University of Buffalo. Admission is $2/adults and $1/students. Proceeds will benefit Grand Island Men's Varsity/JV Volleyball.




Unbeaten Island Varsity Swim Team Beats Unbeaten Lockport Team 97-86 - 2005
   Grand Island and Lockport were unbeaten teams in the Niagara Frontier League until the two met in the Grand Island High School pool on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. Grand Island was the victor despite the disqualification of Grand Island's state-ranked and All-American diver Ian O'Rourke.
   The Vikings are coached by Rob Collard. Click "Vikings/Lockport Meet" for results.




GIHS Regents Schedule - Bus Schedule - 2005
The University of the State of New York Education Department Regents Examinations will be given in Grand Island High School on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 through Friday, January 28th. Click "January Regents Schedule" for Grand Island High School Regents Exams. Click "January Regents BUS Schedule" for busing information.




GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Jan. 6, 2005
Click "Sports Briefs 1/6/05" for this week's Grand Island High School Sports Briefs.




Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month - January 2005
   
Erik Zito                              Justine Kirsch                  Julie Amato
   Erik Zito has been a Grand Island resident for 13 years and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. He has been an active student as well as an active member in his community. He has strived to be a high honor/honor roll student while tending to his studies in accelerated classes and has carried a perfect attendance record. On two separate occasions, Erik was chosen as Pride of the Island.
   Throughout Erik's four years of high school, he has participated in many extra curricular activities making him a well rounded student. Some of these activities consist of Varsity/JV soccer, travel and indoor soccer, ski club, jazz band, concert band, wind ensemble, and honor society. By participating in these activities he has learned a great deal about himself and others. Erik feels that participating in other activities besides school is important because it teaches you real and valuable life lessons. He says, "Band is a big part of my life because it teaches me to settle for nothing but the best. All throughout my musical education I have always had teachers who were set on perfection and would accept nothing less from us. I admired that quality in them considering the amount of carelessness that goes overlooked these days. Being in the music program has taught me discipline, a feeling of true accomplishment and pride."
   Along with participating in many school activities, he likes to get out and become involved in the community. For the past two years, along with his friends, Erik has participated in the Ride For Roswell, a 32-mile bike ride in the hope of helping Roswell find a cure for cancer. He also puts his musical talent to use by participating in practice buddies, a big brother musical program where he gives lessons to beginner instrumental students. Also, by being a member of the Grand Island Pep Band and the Grand Island Community Band, he is able to spread his music throughout the community helping people grow and enjoy themselves. Other community activities include working a spaghetti dinner for the Lions Club, teaching young children the fundamentals of soccer for the Soccer Advisory Council and participating in the Walk For Life.
   In order for Erik to better prepare himself for the real world, he currently holds a job at the Grand Island Memorial Library, tutors trumpet to a home school student and is a soccer referee in the summer months. Sure Erik likes to keep busy with his academics, school activities, work and serving his community, but in the rare occasion that he does find a free moment, he loves to work mechanically building, constructing and designing anything he can dream up. He also enjoys soccer, racquet ball, snow and water skiing, snowmobiling, motorcycling and paintball.
   Erik's future plan is to attend college to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering and to one day work with robotics.
   Justine Kirsch has been a Grand Island resident for he entire life. She has attended Grand Island schools from kindergarten at Kaegebein to twelfth grade at Grand Island High School. She has been involved in many activities in both the school and in the community.
   As a student, Justine has received honor and high honor roll status throughout middle school and high school. Through this she has earned her academic excellence certificate, pin, and academic letter. She has been a recipient of Pride of the Island twice. Additionally, she has received recognition from Who's Who Among American High School Students for the past two years.
   Justine has been active in the community in a variety of activities. She has taken dance lessons for twelve years at several local dance academies, been a member of the Concert Band, participated in Pep Band, Practice Buddies, and the Community Band. She has also been a member of the High School Bowling Team for the past two years. Justine has completed numerous hours of community service at St. Gerard's Food Pantry through a St. Stephen's group, at St. Florian's Church in Buffalo through her family, and also at the Grand Island Memorial Library helping with the Children's Summer Reading Programs. She has recently participated in the Relay For Life and American Breast Cancer Walks.
   Justine completed the Career Exploration Internship program last year, which involved a 57-hour internship at Tops Pharmacy in Niagara Falls. She now holds a part time job at Grand Island Tops Pharmacy. After graduating, Justine plans to attend the University of Buffalo where she will major in Pharmaceuticals.
   Julie Amato has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life. She has been in the Grand Island School District since first grade beginning at Huth Road Elementary School. Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in many activities, both school and community related.
   In school, Julie is an oboe player in the Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble. She also plays the English horn and in 9th grade played the saxophone in Jazz Ensemble. She is also an active participant in the Pep Band and has helped in many band booster fundraisers. Julie was inducted into the National Honor Society in 11th grade. Furthermore, as an 11th grader, she was a member of the Varsity Indoor Track Team and participated in the talent show. Additionally, Julie has taken AP classes, as well as many honor classes all through high school.
   Julie is very active in her community. She has participated in Relay For Life, Ride for Roswell, and the St. Stephen's Carnival. She also provided entertainment for the Miss Niagara Pageant as a dancer for two years, as well as for the Grand Island Sesquicentennial celebration. Julie assists at Miss Bev's Dance Studio where she has been taking lessons since the age of three and has been competing since she was six years old.
   Julie has been the recipient of many awards throughout high school. She has received the Certificate, Pin, and Letter of Academic Excellence, and she has been on the honor and high honor roll consistently for all four years. She has received two awards for Excellence in French, as well as a Varsity Letter in Band. She is currently in the top 5% of her class. After graduation, Julie plans to attend a local university to continue her academic studies.




High School Concert Choir Alumni Sing - 2004
    Graduates of Grand Island who sang in the Concert Choir are invited to an Alumni Sing-In. Current members of Concert Choir welcome its former singers to join in an evening of song and fellowship at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2005 in the new choir room in the senior high school.
   Director, Carolyn Lokken, started Concert Choir in 1994 with 36 members. This group is an auditioned group which has grown in strength and numbers over the past ten years. Choir members have earned a reputation for excellence with consistent high ratings at New York State’s School Music Association Major Organization Rating Festivals and as guests of The Buffalo Choral Arts Society and The New York State School Board Association. Mrs. Lokken and the officers of the ensemble hope many will be in town to celebrate the holidays and will stop in to sing on Wednesday. "Hope to see you there!"

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