Special Issue: Saluting Our Seniors

CCityity SScchoolhool DDiisstritricctt “Home, School and Community Educating for Life”

June - July 2021 Volume 17, Issue 4 2021 OHS Valedictorian & Salutatorian Nathan-Michael W. Gabler while he was in 4th grade. Nathan has been named the Valedictorian was hooked and performed in of the Class of 2021, ranking 1st numerous productions both with out of 149 students. He is the Olean and with Olean Theater son of Jeffrey and Christine Workshop. It was ironic that his Gabler. Nathan has maintained last performance at OHS would his standing on the high bring him back to his beginning honor roll for 16 consecutive and he was cast as Jean Valjean quarters, while also taking in “Les Misérables.” Nathan has numerous college level courses, performed at the Taste of Olean, participating in the Project Lead Theater in the Park and various the Way Engineering Program venues for the National Anthem. and the New Visions Medical Nathan is also active in his Professions Program. He community, offering many hours will graduate Olean with an to work on projects both close to Advanced Regents Diploma home and on the National Scale. with Honors and Mastery in In Olean, Nathan has served on Math and Science. the Olean Youth Court for the Nathan is the Co-President Nathan-Michael W. Paxton Retchless past three years, an assistant of the Olean National Honor coach for DIDI 500, and volunteered for the Olean STAR program, JCC Society, member of French Club, Gabler Kids College Summer Program, umpire for memorial tournaments and the Interact Club. He is honored to have received the John Flynn in Cuba, and continues to give back as an assistant coach for the Olean Engineering Award, the 20-40-60 Point Extra Curricular Award, the 100 Club Club. Nathan loves to travel and is extremely proud of the USA. (Earth Science), New Visons Medical Professions Student of the Quarter. For six years, Nathan has traveled to Washington, DC in the spring to serve He did Peer Tutoring, was a Dream It Do It Champion and now an Assistant as an ambassador for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. He also goes Coach and was part of Oak Hill Park clean-up for 2 years. to Washington, DC every other year as a Western Ambassador in Nathan has participated in six varsity , earning 16 varsity letters, the National Science & Engineering Festival. 17 scholar athlete awards, and was named as All Western New York Scholar Nathan has accepted an offer to attend West Virginia University in the fall. Athlete for Soccer and Diving. He decided to join the Olean Soccer Team He will be joining the Honors College and looks forward to pursuing a dual where he earned a Game Captain, Most Improved Award and scored a degree in both Bio-Medical Engineering and Neuroscience Research. He is defensive goal. He then left the field to enter the pool- another unfamiliar looking forward to the excellent academics, sporting, and arts opportunities place for Nathan. During swimming/diving season, Nathan joined the diving on the West Virginia University campus. squad where he took 3rd place at sectionals. He was a Sectional Qualifier for the three years on the varsity cross country team. Nathan also has been part Paxton Retchless has been named Salutatorian of the Class of 2021. She of the varsity football team for the past two years. Track and field particularly is the daughter of Tim and Lindsay Retchless. Paxton will graduate with an Pole Vaulting is another sporting passion of Nathan’s. He has been a member Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Math and Science. of the varsity track team for four years. Wrestling has been his long time Throughout high school, Paxton has been a member of Student passion, though. Nathan has been on the varsity wrestling team for six years- Government (Vice President), French Club, Interact Club, National Honor earning himself 2-3rd place Class Tournament finishes, 2-6th place Sectionals Society, girls’ varsity soccer (Captain), and varsity track and field. finishes, and an Invitation to NYS Journeyman Championship Tournament. Within the community, Paxton has been involved in Homeless Huskies, He was a two-time Take Down Award Winner, NYSPHAA Century Team the Olean Sports Boosters Can Drive, Toys for Tots, Oak Hill Park clean- Member, STWOA All-Academic Team, and only Father/Son duo on the up, and a Roswell affiliated student-led fundraiser for cancer research. Century Team from Olean. Additionally, Paxton has been a youth soccer referee for the Olean Soccer Spending time in the athletic arena is only equaled by his love for music Club and a cashier at BJ’s Wholesale Club. and theater. Nathan has been in the Band and Section Leader for four years. Paxton has received honors including the 20-point award, JCC Part-Time He has also been a member of the Orchestra for three years and participated Student Dean’s List Award, CCAA Girls Soccer 1st Team, Varsity Girls in Houghton String Fest numerous times. Singing is Nathan’s forte and has Soccer Coach’s Award, All-Western New York Scholar Athlete, and was been fortunate to have been a member of the Select Choir and a member nominated for the New York State Academic Excellence Award. of the Bel Canto for three of his years. He was selected to go to Area-All Paxton will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, majoring in State Tenor for three years and was delighted to participate virtually in the Pharmacy with a guaranteed acceptance into the PharmD program. NYSSMA-All State Vocal Competition this year. Olean introduced Nathan to the world of theater by casting him as Gavroche in “Les Misérables” Brynn Ackerman Olivia Bean Lydia Brant Kaura Chahal Zoey Clayson Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Brynn Ackerman is the daughter Club, and has participated in Art Zoey Clayson is the daughter of of Michael and Kimberly Ackerman. Club, the GSA, Chorus, Student Brian and Tracie Clayson. Zoey has Brynn has played for six Council, and was a member of the played the violin since fourth grade. years and has participated in track as Olean Theater Workshop and National In eighth grade, she joined the Olean well. Brynn was a member of Student Honor Society. Lydia will attend High School Color Guard Team and Council and French Club. Brynn was Keuka College this fall and major joined Thirst Project in tenth. Zoey also a member of National Honor in Occupational Therapy. She hopes was a member of the National Honor Society and Treasurer of Senior to become a pediatric Occupational Society and was Co-Student Director Advisory Council. Brynn plans to Therapist at a school. of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Les attend West Virginia University to Miserable.” Outside of school, she is study Psychology with a minor in Kaura Chahal is the daughter of a member of Trinity United Methodist Business. Dr. Puneet and Colleen Chahal. She Church. Zoey enjoys hanging out has participated in the Hugh O’Brien with friends and going for bike rides Olivia Bean is the daughter of Youth Leadership Program and the in the summer. She will attend St. James and Andrea Bean. Olivia was Society of Women Engineers Summer Bonaventure University this fall and a member of the National Honor Program, completed all three years will have an undeclared major. Society and was involved in the of Project Lead the Way, and was a Student Advisory Council. She has member of National Honor Society. been a member of the Select Choir, Kaura has been dancing with Ski Club and Spanish Club. Olivia Neighborhood School of Dance has participated in the girls’ varsity since age 3 and has earned multiple team for the past four years, and awards as a competition dancer. has had the opportunity to compete in She has been a dance teacher’s the All-County Tennis competition. assistant for six years and served as She has also participated in Pi Day, the Ballet 1 teacher for the 2020- Homeless Huskies, Oak Hill Park 2021 season. Kaura has been an clean-up, and the Olean Sports Booster active member of Band throughout Can Drive. Outside of school, Olivia high school, serving as Drum enjoys skiing and playing the guitar. Major and head of Percussion for Olivia will be attending the Rochester the past two years. As a registered Institute of Technology to major in Girl Scout, Kaura attended Camp Astrophysics. 7 Hills for twelve summers, completing the CIT program in Lydia Brant is the daughter of 2019. This summer she has been Emily Brant and Melissa Carr. Lydia hired as a Junior Counselor at was a student in the New Visions camp. Kaura will attend Clarkson Education Program at the Olean University in the fall, majoring in Career and Technical Center. She Aeronautical Engineering was the President of the OHS Film

Olean City School District Newsletter 2 Jason Copella Kaden Cruz Keon Cruz Sara Cutler Caroline DeRose Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Jason Copella is the son of Scott activities, he helped clean Oak Hill Leaders Award, the Daughters of the and Gretchen Copella. He was a Park. He was a member the National American Revolution Good Citizen Captain of the Varsity Football Team Honor Society. He volunteered at Award, the 20-40-60 Point Award, the and participated in varsity track the Eldred Fire Department with his Cattaraugus County Youth Citizenship and field. Jason was a member of grandfather. He participated in a Award, and was selected as a WNY the National Honor Society and has every year while in high school, and Section VI Scholar-Athlete. Caroline received multiple academic awards. he participated in a trip to Cornell has been an Alpine ski instructor at These awards include JCC’s Part- University to experience the living of Holiday Valley Ski Resort for three Time Students Dean’s List Award and college students and experience the years and teaches young children NYSPHAA Scholar-Athlete. He also type of classes available there. Keon how to ski. Caroline has participated participated in Ski Club and Model will attend Jamestown Community in sports all throughout high school, United Nations. Jason has competed College with the goal to major in playing varsity tennis for four years in multiple Model United Nations Math. and varsity for three years. conferences and has won awards Caroline has been on the Principal including Best Delegation. Jason will Sara Cutler is the daughter of Advisory Committee for four years, be attending the University at Buffalo Jessica Cutler. She was in the GSA a HOBY Leadership Ambassador for and plans to major in Communications Club, Art Club, Reality Check Club, three years, and an Olean General and Business. and a few others. Her future goal is to Hospital volunteer for two years. be a Comic/Design Artist. She plans to Caroline will be attending Villanova Kaden Cruz is the son of Amethyst attend Jamestown Community College University and plans to major in Math Shaffer and Jermaine Cruz. He has and major in Art. with a Pre-Medical track to further her participated in the Interact Club, knowledge in rural medicine. which he joined toward the end of Caroline DeRose is the daughter his sophomore year. He assisted in of Mike and Melissa DeRose. She concessions at games and recycling. was the Student Activities Council Kaden has participated in volunteer President and was previously the activities as a member of National President of the Class of 2021 from Honor Society and helped Oak Hill 2017-2020. Caroline was a member Park clean-up with Mrs. Brown. of the National Honor Society and Kaden did volunteer work outside of has participated in many community school for the Eldred Fire Department. service projects such as Golf to Kaden has been an active participant Fight Cancer Tournament, Fall in in football and hopes to keep playing. Love with Science Day, and Souper Kaden will be attending University Bowl of Caring. Caroline founded of Buffalo with many opportunities Making Sisters Smile, a project aimed ahead. to help sisters at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse and raise awareness for Keon Cruz is the son of Amethyst Mental Health among the isolated Shaffer and Jermaine Cruz. He during the pandemic. She was participated in many volunteer awarded the George Eastman Young

June - July 2021 3 Hayleigh Federowicz Marina Heister Sydney Kellogg Kiran Khettry Lauren Kielar Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Hayleigh Federowicz is the Career Development Conference. Honor Society. She received the daughter of Justin Federowicz and Marina was a member of National Cattaraugus County Youth Citizenship stepmom Bianca Federowicz and the Honor Society, DECA Honor Society, Award and has been on high honor daughter of Michelle Whitcomb and has received the JCC Part-Time roll throughout high school and stepdad Tim Whitcomb. Hayleigh’s Student Dean’s List Award, and the has received the JCC’s Part-Time accomplishments include being a Cattaraugus County Youth of the Student Dean’s List Award. She has four-year member of the Olean High Week Award. Marina has played on participated in Homeless Huskies, School and teams. the girls’ varsity golf team throughout concessions at sporting events, had Hayleigh also played soccer for one high school and has competed at a role in the school’s production of year. Hayleigh was a member of the Sectionals multiple times. Marina “The Music Man,” and was a member National Honor Society, DECA and will attend Niagara University to play of Chorus for three years. She has Vice President of Student Activities Division I Golf and major in Finance. volunteered with Toys for Tots, the Council. For the past four years, Genesis House, TopSoccer, SPCA, Hayleigh has been on the high honor Sydney Kellogg is the daughter of East Coast Paws Transport Group, and roll. Hayleigh created a Heather Drayton and Thomas Ellis. Catholic Charities. She plans to go to rap video this season that received Sydney is a class officer and she was Binghamton University and major in 100,000 views on both Facebook and in Student Activities Council at Olean Integrative Neuroscience on a Pre- Twitter, and over ten thousand views High School. She plans on going to Health track to become a PA. on Instagram and Tiktok. She was Alfred State for Nursing and obtain recognized by the Bills organization her Associates and Bachelor’s degree. as well as several players. Her video Her hope is to become a traveling was featured on both Buffalo news nurse, to explore different parts of the stations. She will be attending the world and help people in need. University at Buffalo and plans to major in Business with a focus in Kiran Khettry is the son of Moira Finance. and Manoj Khettry. He participated in Ski Club, Interact Club and Student Marina Heister is the daughter of Activities Council Secretary. He was Mark and Kim Heister. Marina has a member of National Honor Society been an active member of Student and varsity soccer and track. He will Council throughout high school. This be attending Dayton University. year Marina was the Treasurer of both Student Council and Student Activities Lauren Kielar is the daughter Council. She has also participated of Steve Kielar and Danielle Kielar. in the DECA business competition She was a part of the New Vision- throughout high school, and this year Health Profession program at Olean she was the winner of the Regional BOCES. Lauren is the Vice President Competition, she placed third at the of the Class of 2021, Vice President New York State competition in the of Interact Club, a member of Prom Sports and Entertainment Division and Committee, member of Liberty competed at the DECA International Partnerships and a member of National Olean City School District Newsletter 4 Justin Lin Joseph Magro Christine Martin Isabella Martinelli Maggie McClelland Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Justin Lin is the son of Xiang his high school career. He has be attending Jamestown Community Xian (Jerry) Lin and Xiu Fang Lin. participated in varsity soccer all four College with her major undecided. He has participated in Interact Club years of high school while receiving starting his sophomore year, assisting many awards. He was Captain of the Isabella Martinelli is the daughter in school recycling and occasionally soccer team junior and senior year. Joe of Molly Van Dixon and Dennis helping with the pasta dinner for has also been awarded CCAA West Martinelli. She was a member of Veterans on Election Day, hosted by 2nd Team, CCAA West 1st team twice, National Honor Society, as well as the Olean Rotary Club. Justin has been MVP of the team, Rookie of the Year, World with Water. Isabella played an active member in the Science Club and Scholar athlete winner. Joe will be second singles for the girls’ varsity for the past two years, which recently attending the University of Pittsburgh tennis team in the 2020-2021 school combined with the STEM Club to at Bradford to play soccer and plans to year and has been a part of the team become STEAM Club. He has also major in Exercise Science. for three years. She plans on attending participated in Youth Court for two Jamestown Community College in the years helping young offenders correct Christine Martin is the daughter fall and is majoring in English. their paths, Oak Hill Park clean-up of Dan and Nancy Martin. Christine with Mrs. Brown and other volunteer was a member of the National Honor Maggie McClelland is the daughter activities as a member of National Society and has contributed to of Tracie and Karl McClelland. Honor Society. Justin will attend multiple community service projects, Maggie has been a two-year varsity Stony Brook University with his major such as the Oak Hill Park clean-up, and four year junior varsity volleyball undecided. and Unified Basketball. Christine player. She was a member of National has also been an active participant Honor Society and has been on Joseph Magro is the son of in Olean Athletics throughout high high honor roll each year. Maggie David and Mary Magro. Joe was a school. She has participated in soccer is planning on attending Jamestown member of National Honor Society and basketball for four years and Community College to major in and has participated in many different softball for two years. Christine was Childhood Education, then plans community service projects, such as named a Big 30 All-Star for Soccer, to transfer to Fredonia to finish her The Souper Bowl of Caring and the and was also selected to the CCAA college education. Maggie hopes to Souls for Souls walk. Joe has been a West First Team. Christine has been impact children by teaching them in member of Recycling Club and Ski named a Scholar Athlete for each fun and creative ways! Club throughout high school. Joe has sport. She has received the 20-40 participated in athletics all throughout Point Award as well. Christine will

June - July 2021 5 Claire Meyers Bret Miles Christian Myers Aodhán Ó Sé Alyssa Otero Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Claire Meyers is the daughter of played baseball during high school live at the Jamestown Community Daniel and Tanya Meyers. Claire was and has been on honor roll and high College campus in Jamestown this a member of National Honor Society, honor roll throughout his high school fall, and plans to transfer to a four year and was a member of the World with career. Bret will be attending Alfred school after his time at Jamestown Water Club from eighth grade to her University and plan on majoring Community College. Aodhán hopes junior year. She has consistently been in Athletic Training. He hopes to to one day become an Assistant on high honor roll throughout her high become a trainer for a professional Anesthesiologist. school career, and was awarded the sports team. Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Alyssa Otero is the daughter of Award in her junior year. Outside of Christian Myers is the son of Gigi Miller and Miguel Otero. Alyssa school, Claire has had a part-time William and Rosetta Myers. Christian was a member of National Honor job at Old Navy since her sophomore participated in soccer through Olean Society. She has been a part of Drama year. Claire will be attending St. Soccer Club over the summer for Club, World With Water, and Impact Bonaventure University and plans to many years. He will be attending Club throughout high school. Alyssa go into the 4+1 MBA in Professional St. Bonaventure University and plans to attend Jamestown Business Accountancy Program, which will is thinking about studying Early College for a degree in Business allow her to first earn a Bachelor of Childhood Education. He hopes to Administration. After receiving Business Administration (BBA) with a become an elementary school teacher. her business degree, she plans on major in Accounting and then a Master furthering a degree in Interior Design of Business Administration (MBA) Aodhán Ó Sé is the son of Jessica and a Real Estate License. Alyssa’s degree. Kubiak and Seán Ó Sé. Aodhán goal is to one day own her own transferred to Olean High School interior design business. Bret Miles is the son of Christine from Archbishop Walsh in November Calbi and Jeffrey Miles, II. He has of 2019. Aodhán will be going to

Olean City School District Newsletter 6 Lucas Perry Adrian Ross Lucas Sakala Rebecca Schneider Andrew Sherburne Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Lucas Perry is the son of Jennifer since eighth grade and is a member Society, and has participated in Film Perry. Lucas was involved in Select of various clubs including Interact Club, Model United Nations, Select Choir, National Honor Society, Club and Chess Club. Lucas plans Choir and Bel Canto Choir. He has basketball, soccer, and other clubs. on attending Jamestown Community received the 20-Point Award, the JCC Some of his best achievements in his College to study Business and Part-Time Student Dean’s List Award, high school career include winning Entrepreneurship in hopes to one day and the JCC College Connections gold at Select Choir competition, create a successful business. Student of the Year Award for the and getting 90% or higher for every 2019-2020 academic year. Andrew marking period. He plans on attending Rebecca Schneider is the daughter has performed in many school and Alfred State to pursue a career as a of Robin Hagenbuch and Michael local community theatre productions, nurse. Schneider. Rebecca has played school has won a TANYS Achievement in soccer since the seventh grade, was Performance Award, and has also Adrian Ross is the son of Timothy involved in Chorus for three years contributed behind the scenes in fields and Joanne Ross. He was a member and is a member of the Souper Bowl such as costume design, tech-crew, and of National Honor Society and has of Caring. Rebecca has made the rehearsal assisting. He has spent time volunteered for the YMCA’s Annual honor roll every semester and was volunteering for organizations such Campaign for 2021. He was in the a member of the National Honor as Rebuilding Together and Souper Culinary Arts class at Olean’s Career Society. Rebecca also received the Bowl of Caring, has participated in and Technical Education Center. He JCC Part-Time Student Dean’s List Olean High School’s yearly Oak Hill was in Chorus for three years, was Co- Award. Rebecca will be attending Park clean-up, as well as Homeless President of Film Club and President Niagara University to major in Huskies. This fall, Andrew will be of Art Club for a year. He has been Communications and Media Studies. heading to New York City to study accepted into the Culinary Institute of Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute America at Hyde Park, N.Y. and will Andrew Sherburne is the son of of Technology. be attending in the fall. Robert and Amy Sherburne. Andrew has held positions within the Olean Lucas Sakala is the son of Susan High School Student Council, as well and Dale Sakala. Lucas has been a as Student Activities Council. He member of the track and soccer team was a member of National Honor

June - July 2021 7 Adam Spencer Collette Trudeau Kailyn Vanderhoef Grace Ventura Yuki Wada Class of 2021 Honor Graduates Adam Spencer is the son of Kailyn Vanderhoef is the daughter She plans to attend Niagara University Gretchen Spencer and Wesley Spencer. of Danielle and Jesse Minges. in the fall to pursue a BFA in Adam’s accomplishments include Kailyn’s accomplishments include Performance Arts on a Pre-Law track staying on high honor and honor being a member of National Honor roll through his four years of high Society, a member of the varsity Yuki Wada is the son of Rintaro school. He was a member of National girls’ golf team, and Kailyn has made and Ritsuko Wada. Yuki was a Honor Society. He has also been a honor roll all through her high school member of National Honor Society junior varsity baseball player for one career. Kailyn will attend JCC+SBU and maintains high honor roll. Yuki year and a varsity baseball player program and she is majoring in Early is an accomplished musician. He for three years. Adam will attend St. Childhood/Childhood Education. has been 2nd violin principle at the Bonaventure and major in Business. NYSSMA All-State Conference. He Grace Ventura is the daughter is a Concertmaster at Hochstein Youth Collette Trudeau is the daughter of of Louis and Sally Ventura. Grace Symphony Orchestra in Rochester and Shawn and Shawna Trudeau. Collette participated in many activities is currently preparing for the David has been involved in Interact Club, throughout her high school career. Hochstein Recital Competition. He National Honor Society, varsity tennis, She was a member of Select Choir also assists in his father’s business, French Club, Orchestra, and Studio since ninth grade and a member of Wada Bow Grip. Yuki is a leader. 107. Outside of school, Collette has Bel Canto since eleventh grade. She He founded the Cattaraugus County been involved in Homeless Huskies, served as the National Honor Society Dear Asian Youth Chapter. He has Oak Hill Park clean-ups, Toys for Tots, Co-President as a senior after having been President of the Interact Club and the Olean Sports Booster Can been inducted into the organization where he delivered letters of support Drive. Collette spent the summer of during her junior year. Grace has been to frontline workers and initiated a 2019 volunteering at the Cattaraugus involved with Community Theatre fundraiser to help youth with Cleft County Health Department. Collette groups since she was four years old Palate Syndrome. He has been a two also organized a week long fundraiser and she participated in Drama Club year member of Olean Area Youth for Roswell Park Comprehensive throughout high school. She has also Court. He has received medals at Cancer Center, in February of 2020. been a member of the Spanish Club DECA business competitions and has Collette received the 20-40 Point and Model UN and has played varsity been the recipient of the Cattaraugus Award and has received the JCC tennis in her junior and senior years. County Citizenship Award. Yuki Part-Time Student Dean’s List In her sophomore year, Grace was played soccer for the Huskies for three Award. Collette received the Ann Lee accepted into the New York State years. Yuki will attend Binghamton Hancock Konneker Cutler Scholarship Summer School of the Arts for a four- University and he plans to play violin through Ohio University. Collette will week intensive study of Theatre. Grace in the University Orchestra and study be attending Ohio University in the has been involved in many community Business and Law. fall, majoring in Biological Sciences organizations including being a guest on a Pre-Medicine track. writer for the Olean Times Herald.

Olean City School District Newsletter 8 Good Luck To Our OHS Seniors! Brynn E. Ackerman – West Virginia University Levi N. Grey – Employment Aiden J. Nenno – Buffalo State Anthony J. Addotta – Erie Community College Lilly C. Guenther - JCC Hannah L. Newark - Employment Zane M. Anderson – Employment Rylie E. Gumtow – St. Bonaventure University Aodhán Ó Sé - Jamestown Community College Kellen C. Baker – Employment Caroline E. Hall - JCC (Jamestown) Laurrel A. Balcom – Employment Jamie S. Hall - Employment Alyssa M. Otero – Jamestown Business College Anthony M. Bardo-Mendoza - Employment Joseph C.M. Halsey – United States Air Force Nicholas A. Pantuso - JCC Olivia R. Bean – Rochester Institute of Ja’Asia S. Ham – Employment Ajhani M. Parks-Barker - Employment Technology Caleb A. Hamed – SUNY Fredonia Grace E. Parr – Houghton College Kayden J. Belleisle – Linemen School Michael S. Hamed - JCC Lucas T. Perry – Alfred State College Ammiel A. Benedict – University of Pittsburgh Steven T. Hammond – Employment Kassandra M. Persson – Penn State Behrend at Bradford Eric M. Havens – Mercyhurst College Molli M. Pettit - JCC Mary L. Bergevin - Employment Marina E. Heister – Niagara University Kyle J. Pockalny – United States Army Maddie R. Borden - JCC Taytem L. Heitzinger - Employment Josiah L. Price - JCC McKenzie L. Boysha - JCC Bryce R. Hensel – Linemen Trade School Kaleb F. Ramadhan – Erie Community College Lydia R. Brant – Keuka College Joshua D. Hill – JCC Kendall E. Ramlall – United States Army Jason M. Brooks – St. Bonaventure University Breanna C. Hogle - Employment Pamela J. Reagle - JCC Mark A. Brown – Alfred University Noah C.W. Howard – United States Army Anna M. Reiller – Employment Aiden W. T. Butler – Rochester Institute of Olivia J. Jodush – Alfred State College Paxton L. Retchless – University of Pittsburgh Technology Gavin E. Johnson – Stony Brook University Alayna L. Rhodes - Employment Mary J. Carll - Jamestown Business College Trevon M. Johnson – Employment Mason N. Riehle - Employment Zachary T. Cavana - JCC Anthony M. Jones, Jr. – JCC Skylar M. Rivera - JCC Kaura M. Chahal – Clarkson University Ryan A. Kasperski - Employment Nathaniel P. Robinson - Employment Conner T. Childs - Employment Sydney I. Kellogg – Alfred State College Adrian M. Ross - Culinary Institute of America of Zoey A. Clayson – St. Bonaventure University Kiran J. Khettry – Dayton University Hyde Park Jason T. Copella – University of Buffalo Lauren C. Kielar – Binghamton University Cameryn J. Roulo - Employment Jaykob J. Cornell - JCC Dakota A. King – Employment Lucas J. Sakala - JCC Logan W. Cowles – Army National Guard Christian M. Kinnaird - Employment Rebecca K. Schneider – Niagara University Jazmine R. Crivelli – Alfred State Chase B. Kratts – Alfred State College Brianna M. Schwindler - Employment Kaden M. Cruz – University of Buffalo Mikaylah R. Kriner - JCC Andrew J. Sherburne – Fashion Institute of Keon A. Cruz – JCC Nathan C. Kwiatkowski – Mercyhurst Technology Sara M. Cutler - JCC University Kaleb M. Siler - Employment Hannah E. DeArmitt – Finger Lakes Community Jade C. Lambert – St. Bonaventure University Ava L. Skiver - Employment College Justin B. Lin – Stony Brook University Alexandor L. Smith – Hyles-Anderson College Caroline R. DeRose – Villanova University Joseph T. Magro – University of Pittsburgh at Paige E. Smith - JCC Austin J. Dibble - Employment Bradford Zane N. Smith – JCC Verrssai R. Donovan – Isaiah J. Maine – JCC Adam M. Spencer – St. Bonaventure University Adam M. Dougherty – SUNY Fredonia Tanea L. Malone - BOCES Gabriel M. Springstead - Employment Cody M. Doxey – Alfred State College Christine A. Martin - JCC Norah G. Sweitzer – SUNY Fredonia Alice J. Dwaileebe – SUNY Fredonia Isabella C. Martinelli - JCC Leandra A. Tascone - Employment Baine L. Dwaileebe – BYU – Idaho University Delaney J. Mazza – St. Bonaventure University Liam M. Taylor – Alfred State College Andrew C. Emerton - Employment Jill G. Mazza – St. Bonaventure University Nathaniel M. Z. Thompson - Employment Hayleigh G. Federowicz – University of Buffalo Joseph R. Mazza – Lineman Institute of the Collette M. Trudeau – Ohio University Caleb M. Foster - JCC North East Timothy J. Tucker – Employment Nicole K. Foster – SUNY Fredonia William E. Mazza - Employment Hailey M. Tuttle – Employment Chance D. Frame - Alfred State Maggie N. McClelland - JCC Kailyn M. Vanderhoef – JCC and SBU Evan L. Fusco – Linemen Institute of the North Khrystal C. McNeil – Employment Grace F. Ventura – Niagara University East Jonah E. Menter – United States Army Connor D. Vroman – National Guard Nathan-Michael W. Gabler – West Virginia Claire E. Meyers – St. Bonaventure University Yuki Wada – Binghamton University University John S. Michienzi – JCC Alexander J. Weinbach – St. Bonaventure Camontae N. Gayton - Employment Hannah N. Miko - Employment University Katie C. Geise – Employment Bret M. Miles – Alfred University Ryan S. Weseman – Oswego State University Alexis R. Gibbons – East Tennessee State Thomas A. Mineo, V. - JCC Kaidyn M. West – Wright State University University Jade A. Mooney - Employment Bruce J. Wetherby - Employment Caleb R. Gill - JCC Ryan P. Murphy – United States Army Micheyla E. Williams – University of Pittsburgh Patrick J. Green - JCC Christian T. Myers – St. Bonaventure at Bradford Tyler T. Greene - Employment University Andrew M. Zaleski – Employment

June - July 2021 9 Message from the Superintendent Dear Huskies:

What a year! Parents, students, faculty, staff, Board of Education, administration, etc. deserve a huge thank you. It was not always pretty, but we made it.

It is easy to focus on the negatives, but we all became very nimble and capable of adapting to an ever changing world. We learned we do not and cannot control everything. Our ability to work with technology was forced to improve and we will be remembered as the Zoom generation or you are muted.

Forgiveness became common place and the ability to move on was a necessity. Not so simple traits, but very important to navigate our ever changing world. Learning loss is a new concept being thrown around, people learned, but not the usual content or in the traditional manner. Students will be fine.

I recently chaperoned the prom and never have I been in the company of so many well-mannered wonderful students in my almost 50 years working with young adults. The Avenue of Graduates was introduced during the pandemic as a way to celebrate our graduates. It was such a success and will become a permanent Husky tradition to hang each graduates’ banner along our beloved Union Street. The parade starts at 7 pm on Sunday, June 20th Fathers’ Day. Graduation will return to an age-old traditional venue, at 11 am on Saturday, June 26th.

We plan to offer a wide arrange of summer programs both for remediation and for enrichment. You will be notified by ParentSquare and information will be posted on the district website.

Once again, thank you all with your tolerance and fortitude in helping us to defeat Covid-19.

Sincerely,

Rick Moore

American Soapbox Derby On Saturday, June 5, OIMS and OHS participated in the American Soapbox Derby in Jamestown, NY. OIMS did very well in the Stock Car STEM race, with Lokesh Anumalasetty placing 2nd and Liam Austin placing 3rd. Lokesh also won for best Stock Car decoration. OHS Super Stock cars had some tough competition with experienced drivers (look out next year!!)

Thank you to Dream It. Do It. WNY, Bob Sherburne, and Christine Gabler as well as the many supportive parents who helped make this happen. We are looking forward to the Downhill Dragster in August!

Olean City School District Newsletter 10 News From OHS A Special Prom

On May 14, 2021, 20 students attended “SPRING FLING 2021” at the Allegany American Legion. Students from Ms. Bowker’s and Mrs. Bennion’s classes enjoyed dressing up, dancing outside in the pavilion, seeing friends from other schools and eating amazing food and cupcakes. We thank CABOCES and Mrs. Deb Golley for including us in this fun event! Thank you Kay and Ms. Amy for joining us too!

Model United Nations Team Competes in Spring Virtual Conferences Model United Nations (MUN) is an extracurricular activity that mimics the functions of the United Nations (UN). Participants independently research, write, and debate while interacting within the framework of UN Rules of Procedure. Students compete against students from other schools as they make informed arguments and collaborate with others to draft resolutions on current international issues. This year’s OHS senior team members are Grace Ventura, Jason Copella, Nate Kwiatkowski, and Aiden Butler. These students have participated in MUN for a number of years and have also served as role models and mentors to students new to the team. Braydon Mandel, Kaylynn Keesler, and Tanvi Patro are juniors who returned to participate this year. Sophomore members of the team are Nate Martinelli, Chance Padlo, Naomi Hill, and Lily Schena. David Ruszkowski, Heartly Phipps, and Riti Anumalasetty are freshmen who joined the team this year. Results of the Williamsville North Conference: Jason Copella and Nate Kwiatkowski - Outstanding Delegate honors Results of the St. Bonaventure University Conference: Heartly Phipps - Best Delegate honors Nate Kwiatkowski - Excellent Delegate honors Chance Padlo and Tanvi Patro - Best Resolution award Chance Padlo - Superior Delegate honors Aiden Butler - Honorable Mention recognition

June - July 2021 11 OLEAN HIGH SCHOOL 2021 JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM

A “Midsummer Night’s Dream” was the theme of our OHS Prom on May 22nd. The prom was held at the Bartlett Country Club and was well attended. Masks could not hide the smiles on our students’ faces as they enjoyed this elegant evening.

Events throughout the night included dining, dancing, dessert, and door prizes. It was a perfect spring night for this event. Students enjoyed appetizers, mocktails, and chocolate-covered strawberries. The sunset and scenery of the patio provided a unique space for outdoor dancing. The evening ended with the announcement of the royal court. Our court included: Ethan Burdick, Junior Class Prince; Chloe Hirt, Princess; Kaleb Ramadhan, Senior Escort; and Kailyn Vanderhoef, Attendant. The King and the Queen of the Prom were Andrew Sherburne and Isabella Martinelli.

Thank you to all students who attended the 2021 Junior/Senior Prom, their families, OHS staff, and Bartlett staff (which included some of our very own graduates). We would like to extend a very special thanks to our prom committee for all their time and hard work—we couldn’t have done it without you!

The JCC 2510/2520 French students have just completed their second Talk Abroad. What is Talk Abroad you ask??? It is an online platform for World Language learners that helps students to increase their language proficiency through video chat of 30 minutes with a native speaker. This platform was adopted into the JCC language curriculum about 3 years ago when the design and output of material was reformed.

The JCC World Language curriculum is presently taught using authentic resources (such as videos, interviews, podcasts, surveys, articles etc.) that discuss current and complex topics such as the influence of media in how we see the world; or if one person can truly make a difference. French students were able to choose partners from France, Belgium, Togo, Canada and Tunisia; then they discussed the aforementioned topics. The goal of the conversation is to practice introductions, gather information about their partner, and to make a cultural comparison in order to gain a different perspective.

The Talk Abroad experience is the ultimate opportunity for students to feel validated about reaching an intermediate proficiency level in French. Intermediate proficiency defines someone who is able to handle a variety communicative tasks and social situations, with solid phrases and good transitional words. In addition to navigating language, our JCC French students also gain competency with their creativity, flexible thinking, tolerance and acceptance of those things that are different, and learn to view uncomfortable situations as a challenge with the goal of self-improvement. Students in the World Language programs in Olean are encouraged to continue with their World Language practice well past the Level One graduation requirement. Students continuing onto JCC 2510/2520 French could earn a total of 6 JCC college credits and a marvelous skill set, giving our local students a cutting edge in our competitive global world.

Olean City School District Newsletter 12 News From OIMS Leaving Our Mark at OIMS Ms. Cawley’s 7th Grade Art students have been working on creating paintings for the ceiling tiles in the classroom. Students have been creating designs that somehow represent who they are to leave their mark on OIMS.

Awesome Peculiar Pet Winners The 5th graders Donation of Miss Burrows’ Brittnee Wagner (student and Mrs. Hamed’s at OIMS) and her mother, rooms participated Penny Bellamy, donated an in a writing AmTryke adaptive tricycle contest through the to be used for students publishing company in special education Young Writer’s called classrooms. This adaptive “Peculiar Pets” where tricycle will give students the students wrote who cannot ride a typical poems about a fantasy bike an opportunity to learn pet. The students in to ride a bike. Pictured with the picture were selected to publish in the final contest book. Erin Smith, physical therapist. Husky Nation Cereal Drive May the 4th The district recently held a “Husky Nation Cereal Drive”. Olean Intermediate Middle School (OIMS) Be With You Student Activities Council spearheaded this Miss Burrows’ class celebrating Star effort in order to support the Olean Food Wars day for May 4th. Pantry. The district coordinated with Cutco who agreed to match the number of cereal boxes donated.

This was an overwhelming success in the district! The district schools and local community contributed over 1,800 boxes of cereal! OIMS led this effort by collecting over 900 boxes!

To raise the level of competition, each school Photo: OIMS 6th Grade Students: created a challenge to see which grade could Lina Chauhdry, Mia Bean, Emma Anderson collect the most cereal boxes. The winning grades will celebrate with either a pizza or ice cream party. A special thanks to Mrs. Char Dwaileebe for all of her hard work coordinating this effort between the district schools, Cutco, and community.

This was a resounding success for not only our community food pantry, but also to see so many students contribute to this effort. We saw many huskies help pull the sled during this cereal drive! June - July 2021 13 Washington West Elementary School

Thank You SPOs I’m a Poet and I A super shoutout to our Safety Patrol Officers, especially our own Officer Dave! Thank You Know It Third graders completed a poetry WW Faculty & unit, reading aloud their chosen Staff works to one another in a Poetry We’ve searched under the stars Presentation. Their acrostics, and over the moon and CAMP limericks, and haikus were true find a better staff than those at works of wonder, and we commend Washington West. Thank you to them for their creativity. our WW family for making this year one of our best yet!

We’re BACK! Our husky pups were thrilled to be back together as one class to close out the 2020-21 school year! Thank you to the whole of the Washington West faculty, staff, and community for making this year one to remember. Happy Huskey Pups These husky pups were welcomed to school by the BIG DOG himself! What a great year it’s been!

Olean City School District Newsletter 14 East View Elementary School

Beautiful Story Telling New Baby Chicks Lennox, from Mrs. Knight’s class, stopped by the Students in Mrs. Sakala’s class recently hatched baby office to share some of her wonderful writing. chicks.

We Appreicate You Nurse Jennings was honored for School Nurses day with a parade Sprouting Up Hunter is really sprouting up in Mrs. Stephens’ and carnations. We are very appreciative for everything all our Kindergarten class. school nurses do each day for our children, families and staff.

Enjoying Lunch Outside Mrs. Hughes’ class is having their lunch outside on a warm Spring day.

June - July 2021 15 Olean City School District 410 W. Sullivan St. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION Olean, NY 14760 www.oleanschools.org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 73 oard of ducation B E Olean, NY 14760 Mary Hirsch-Schena, President Andrew Caya, Vice President John Bartimole ECRWSS Janine Fodor Paul Hessney Ira Katzenstein Kelly Keller James Padlo OR CURRENT RESIDENT Frank L. Steffen, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools Rick T. Moore POSTAL PATRON LOCAL

School Business Administrator Jenny M. Bilotta

Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the staff and students. Welcome New Hire! You will be missed! Olean City School District Mission/Vision

The Olean City School District is a student-centered community of excellence in which all members are challenged to learn, achieve, contribute, and innovate.

John Bartimole, Frank L. Steffen Jr., Michelle George – Guiding Principles Board of Education Board of Education School Nurse (RN) Trustee Trustee A commitment to fostering:

A respectful, safe, and welcoming Congratulations! environment to the following Embracing diversity retirees. You will be Continuous improvement missed! Academic excellence and lifelong learning Sally Gildner – Sandra Padgett – Teacher Aide Teacher Aide Honesty, integrity, responsibility, and accountability

Student potential and achievement

Susan Sorokes - Debbie Weatherell – Kathryn Welch - Teacher School Counselor Teacher Olean City School District Newsletter 16