CLARENCE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER • GRADUATION ISSUE • JULY 2020 Clarence School News Clarence Center • Harris Hill • Ledgeview • Sheridan Hill • Clarence Middle School • Clarence High School Congratulations to the Class of 2020 Additional Profiles of Top Students appear on pgs. 2-5 Valedictorian Salutatorian Grant GianGrasso Ryan Lopez Son of Mary Ellen Gianturco and James Grasso Son of John and Pam Lopez Activities: Chrysalis Literary Magazine (Editor-In- Activities: Senior Class Treasurer; The University at Chief ), Boy Scout Troop 27 (Senior Patrol Leader), Buffalo Gifted Math Program; Science Olympiad Wind Ensemble (Trumpet Section Leader), Jazz – President, Treasurer; Scholastic Bowl President Band, Model United Nations (President), Altar (4 yrs); Member – Student Council; Cross Server at Nativity Church, Country; Outdoor Track; Travel Soccer; Ski Club; Gifted Math Program (Ambassador), Roswell Symphonic Band; Wind Ensemble. Park Summer Research Internship, Superintendent’s Advisory Group, National Volunteer Services: CHS Winter Sleepout (4 yrs); Member – Clarence Youth Honor Society, Science Olympiad (Vice President), Men’s Swim Team, Lifeguard, Bureau; Bald for Bucks participant; Vacation Bible School Counselor; Clarence SCUBA, Sailing. Marching Band; Student Guide for New Teacher Information Day. Volunteer Services: Eagle Scout Project (Audio/Visual Tour at Reinstein Honors: Salutatorian, Graduate of The University at Buffalo Gifted Math Woods), Buffalo General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Program, Science Olympiad Regional Competition Medals (10), AP Scholar with Clarence Food Pantry, Goodwill, Clarence Summer Band/Marching Band, Camp Distinction, RIT Computing Medal Award, Scholar Athlete, High Honor Roll Scouthaven. (4 yrs), Northwestern University Academic Scholarship, University of Rochester Honors: United States Presidential Scholar, Jefferson Scholar, National Merit Deans Scholarship, Miami University of Ohio RedHawk Excellence Scholarship, Scholarship Winner, Eagle Scout with Multiple Palms, New York State Seal Case Western Reserve University Academic Scholarship, RIT Presidential of Biliteracy in Spanish & French (Trilingual), Principal Trumpet of All-State Scholarship, Stony Brook University Presidential Scholarship. Wind Ensemble, Harvard Book Award, Roswell Park Best Scientific Presentation College Plans and Major: Attend Northwestern University, studying Physics and Award, Gannon University Model U.N. 1st Place Delegate Award both 2018 and Astronomy 2019, CHS PTO English Award, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77 Peter P. Tycz II Memorial Scholarship, Graduate of the University at Buffalo Gifted Future Plans: I plan to become a Ph.D. level physicist and pursue a career in Math Program, Symphonic Band Outstanding Rookie and Outstanding Attitude research. Awards, All-County Band, Scholar Athlete, AP Scholar with Distinction. Personal Statement: At the start of 2020, we were just coming back to Clarence High College Plans and Major: Attend the University of Virginia on the Jefferson School from the chill whimsy of Winter Break. We strode eagerly into the new decade, Scholarship, studying Neuroscience and French. ready to finish out our Senior year in the perfect ways we all imagined and start our post-high school lives. Oh, how naïve we were. Our first forays into adulthood would Future Plans: I plan to become a surgeon. be marred by the world brandishing imperfection after imperfection. Everything we Personal Statement: If one trait defines the Clarence High School Class of 2020, it’s thought our Senior year would be, it was not. It would be easy to wallow in pity and strength. No other word than “strong” quite captures the combination of unwavering resign yourself to merely survive through the imperfections of the world. We are all resolve, perseverance and fortitude that uniquely characterizes this year’s graduates. capable of so much more than that. All our families and friends, classes and clubs, faculty It’s not because they overcame the challenges of balancing difficult classes, succeeding in and staff, coaches and counselors--everyone and everything who was part of our journeys athletic pursuits, leading others and nurturing relationships, always while exhibiting through the Clarence Central School District changed our lives, making us capable of grace under pressure. It’s not even because they conclude the foundational chapter of their so much more than that. Perfection is an impossible standard to achieve, but that’s no lives under extraordinarily demanding circumstances, serving their families, community reason not to strive for it. Imperfection can be viewed as failure. Or imperfection can be and country all while completing their high school education. They did do all this, but viewed as a mirror reflecting back at us, showing us how we can change for the better. the admirable manner in which they face every obstacle is the real reason they embody We have seen the world for what it is. Now it’s time to make the most of it. strength. Clarence’s Class of 2020 learned that strength and optimism not over these last four arduous months, but rather over these last four years, guided by loving family members, expert teachers, dedicated coaches, friends and countless others deserving of thanks. They’ve become accomplished and successful students, artists, athletes, engineers, actors and musicians who have in common a genuine passion for learning. Through their education, they’ve accumulated knowledge and the wisdom to apply it to the common good. So as they venture out into the world, the Class of 2020 is more than prepared to make a positive difference in the boldest way. I can’t wait to witness it. Superintendent’s Class of 2020 Top Students Cont’d. Message Miranda Bagar Daughter of Paul and Jocelyn Bagar This newsletter celebrates the Activities: Scholastic Bowl (Vice President), Latin Club, Student Class of 2020 who individually Council, Hair and Makeup Crew, National Honor Society, Model and collectively reached levels United Nations, Dancer at The Dancing Pointe, Research in the Oral of tremendous success. You can Oncology Lab at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. read the incredibly impressive profiles of our top students, Volunteer Services: Member of the YRoswell youth outreach team. who will be attending some Geoffrey M. Hicks, Ed.D. of the best universities in Honors: AP Scholar Award, NYS Regents Scholarship, 3rd Best Superintendent the nation. For me, the most Delegate at the 2018 Gannon Model U.N. Conference, Rensselaer impressive part of the profiles are the personal statements Medal Award, Gold Medal on the National Greek and Latin Etymology Exam, Magna Cum Laude wherein our students describe the impact Clarence High on The National Latin Exam. School has had on their lives. Those statements honor College Plans and Major: Study Biomedical Engineering with a pre-med track at Washington our teaching staff, athletic and music programs, and University in St. Louis. most importantly, the culture of high expectations in our community. The Class of 2020 had to overcome enormous Future Plans: Pursue a career in medicine. challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal Statement: Consider some of the numbers that define the Class of “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 2020. Two hundred fifty-three scholarships and other – Jane Goodall awards were distributed to members of this class. Sixty percent of the senior class graduated with an Advanced I cannot imagine a quote that better encompasses what I have learned over the past four years at Clarence Designation Regents Diploma, signifying additional rigor High School, from teachers who inspired me, and pushed me to evolve both as a student and human being, to and coursework. Over ninety percent of the senior class the friends I have lost and gained, who taught me perseverance through tough times, and helped me to find will seek to further their education by attending either a myself. The halls of CHS bore witness to more of my failures than I’d like to admit, my lowest lows; however two or four-year college. Forty-five students in the class through these faults, I learned to keep fighting for the things that matter the most. Do not fear failure, do were graduates of our Academy of Business and Finance, not fear trying over and over again, because eventually you will succeed (quote inspired by D. Smith). Do and twenty-nine students graduated with Project Lead not allow the world to make you feel small, when you were made to be great. Thank you for an unforgettable the Way pre-engineering certification. Four students Senior year amongst an excellent 13 years of education (shoutout to COVID-19)— and especially, have enlisted in the military. Clarence teams won fourteen Congratulations to the historic Class of 2020! league championships and three sectional titles. Alexander Crego The academic numbers are outstanding, but even more notable are the number of community service hours Son of Ann Marie and Scott Crego completed by the Class of 2020. Over the course of their Activities: National Honor Society President, Future Business Leaders high school career, the class worked a combined 15,091 of America President, Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corp (LVAC) hours of community service, despite the cancellation of EMT and Preceptor, Eagle Scout Troop 664, ACG President, Medical community service when the pandemic began in March. Assistant at John Crofts M.D, Elder at Clarence Presbyterian Church, Fifteen seniors received the Distinguished Clarence Superintendent’s Advisory Board. Community Service Award, indicating at least 100 hours of community service with fifty hours accumulated in their Volunteer Services: Stop the Bleed Program in Clarence School senior year. District, Eagle Project: Flag retirement box at Clarence Senior Center, LVAC explorer for blood pressure clinics and emergency calls. The Class of 2020 made the most of their opportunities at Clarence and their achievement speaks volumes about the Honors: Baylor President’s Gold Scholarship, LVAC Explorer of the Year Award 2018, CHS PTO quality of our school district and our community. History Award, National Honor Society Officer Award, Robert Hendler Scholarship, Thomas G. Coseo Outstanding Senior Award, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award for commitment to social justice, FBLA competition awards, AP Scholar with Distinction, Swimming Congratulations to: Freshman of the year award. College Plans and Major: I plan to study Neuroscience on a premed track at Baylor University. The CHS AOBF Apps Team students recently named Future Plans: I plan to go to medical school, earn my M.D., match into residency and continue to as a winning team in the 2020 Lenovo Scholar Network serve others in their medical emergencies. Mobile App Development Competition! Personal Statement: Reflecting on my past four years, I’m thankful to my parents, friends, and especially Mark Layer for being selected Elementary Physical teachers who have molded me into the person I am today. One class inspired my passion for my education Education Teacher of the Year of WNY by the Western during my sophomore year: Mr. Meyer’s AP World History. At the beginning of the year Mr. Meyer first Zone of NYS AHPERD! taught us how to attack difficult primary sources from ancient and modern times using the SOAPSTone method. Each letter representing a different aspect for determining validity and bias of a text (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone). With these tools many students were engrossed in ancient texts

continued on page 3 Page 2 Class of 2020 Top Students Cont’d. of Hammurabi and Suleiman the Magnificent. Our passions led to stronger debates College Plans and Major: Attend Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in in the classroom and continuing discussion after class. AP World was the first class I Game Design and Development. wanted to study outside class. I began to realize that in order to find my future career I Future Plans: Pursue a career in game design or computer programming. needed to find my passion that I wanted to do every day. Personal Statement: It took me a while to find my place here in Clarence, but now Ashley Felber I am so grateful for every moment I’ve spent here, the good and the bad. Even though Daughter of Richard and Julie Felber I’ve lived in many places, this is where I call home. It’s where I’ve made lifelong friends and made cherished memories that will stay with me forever. It’s hard to believe that Activities: National Honor Society, Student Council my time at CHS is coming to an end, and even harder to leave without saying a proper (Interclass Representative), Leadership Academy, goodbye to all of these friends and thanking the amazing teachers who have done so International Club, Varsity Swimming (Captain). much to guide me here today. Growing up a military kid, I’ve had my fair share of abrupt goodbyes, but this by far is the most gut-wrenching. While this is a sour ending Volunteer Services: Let Them LOL, Brothers of to our high school career, it does teach us an important lesson about taking things for Mercy, Clarence Youth Bureau, National Honor granted. We never know how much time we have left to do what we want to do, or say Society, CHS Freshman Orientation. what we want to say, or say goodbye, so we have to make the best of the time we have. Honors: Community Service with Distinction, Roman author Vergil once said, “Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered by Angela Riordan Memorial Science Scholarship, NYS Scholarship for Academic endurance,” and Class of 2020, we will conquer, and we will endure. Excellence, 2019 All-WNY Scholar Athlete, NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Honorable Mention, Varsity Swimming White Letter Award, Coaches Catherine Powell Award, 4-time NYS qualifier in swimming, 2019 ECIC Champion in the 100 Daughter of Stephen and Deann Powell Backstroke, 4-time Varsity Swimming MVP. Activities: Engineering Club, UB Gifted Math College Plans and Major: Majoring in Biology on the pre-med track and Program, Tae Kwon Do, Clarkson University swimming at SUNY Geneseo. Horizons I and II. Future Plans: Obtain a Medical Degree to become a pediatrician. Volunteer Services: Clarence Youth Bureau, Personal Statement: It is very surreal knowing that my time in the Clarence Salvation Army. school system has come to an end. I now understand why people say high school flies by: Honors: University at Buffalo Presidential it feels like just a few months ago I was a nervous freshman on the first day of school. Scholarship, Pride of New York Scholarship, SEAS Hearing that my time at Clarence would be concluded online was heartbreaking for Women’s Empowerment Award, Rochester Institute of Technology Computing me, as I’m sure it was for many others. Missing out on College Decision Day, Spring Medal Award, Clarence High School Academic Excellence Distinction, National Homecoming Week, Senior Prom, the Senior Picnic, and the last few days of high school Merit Scholarship Program Commendation, AP Scholar with Distinction, New with our friends was devastating for the graduates as a whole. However, there is a lot York State Seal of Biliteracy, Society of Descendants Award, Clarence to take away from these unusual circumstances. I think most people would agree they High School English Department Award. have learned never to take anything for granted again. Over the past couple of months, I have realized how grateful I am for all the memories I’ve made at CHS. I wouldn’t College Plans and Major: University at Buffalo for Mechanical Engineering be who I am today without my teachers or my peers, whom I have grown up with with a minor in Technical Theatre. over the past 12 years. Throughout this, I have also been reminded to wholeheartedly cherish every moment. With all of the “lasts” we have unexpectedly lost as seniors, it was Future Plans: Theme park or set design. important for us to find joy in the little things. There were so many new moments to Personal Statement: There are so many memories that stick out from my four years at appreciate, like classes over zoom, Instagram college decision shoutouts, and senior lawn Clarence High School, but the unorthodox conclusion to our senior year will no doubt be signs. Our senior year was definitely one we won’t forget! Congratulations Class of what we talk about for years to come. The class of 2020 will always be able to tell stories 2020, I am excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of you! of loss and sacrifice, but we will also be able to tell stories of perseverance. We will tell stories of how we finished our classes and graduated despite the difficulties of distance Thomas Pawlak learning, because above all, the class of 2020 is a class of students who overcame the Son of Daniel and Anita Pawlak odds. We attended classes on Zoom, we took (and retook) our AP exams online, and we received our caps and gowns in our homes from teachers wearing masks. Physically and Activities: Varsity Rifle, JV Rifle, Rifle Club, virtually, we completed our time at Clarence High School, and I will always be able to Symphonic Band, Chess Club. look back fondly on these four years. I will always remember all of the amazing friends I Volunteer Services: Brothers of Mercy, Our Lady made, as well as all of the teachers who shaped me during my time at the high school and of Peace Church, Boy Scouts of America, Clarence went out of their way to ensure the transition to distance learning was manageable for Marching Band. us. To the class of 2020: we may be taking the next step in our lives into an uncertain world, but we are the class who did not give up, and we will keep persevering through Honors: AP Scholar with Honor, NYSPHSAA whatever comes next. Thank you for an amazing four years, and congratulations! Scholar Athlete, Rifle NYS Team Champion, continued on page 4 Section VI Air Rifle Team Champion, Section VI Air Rifle High Kneeling (4th Place), Air Rifle Division Team Champion, CHS Varsity Rifle School Record Kneeling and Prone Scores, CHS Varsity Rifle High Kneeling and Prone Averages, CHS Varsity Rifle Coach’s Award, ACL/NJCL National Latin Exam Silver Medal, NJCL National Roman Civilization Exam Silver Medal, NJCL National Latin Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal, NJCL National Latin Vocabulary Exam Bronze Medal. Page 3 Class of 2020 Top Students Cont’d.

Alexander Renzoni Bryan Renzoni

Son of Linda and Jeffrey Renzoni Son of Linda and Jeffrey Renzoni Activities: Student Council (President), Class of Activities: Student Council (Treasurer), Class of 2020 (President), Chorale (President and Student 2020 (Treasurer), Chorale (4-year member, 2-year Director), Vocal Jazz, Euphonix, Chamber Choir Treasurer), Vocal Jazz, Chamber Choir, Euphonix, (Student Director), Amherst Bel Canto Choir, Amherst Bel Canto Choir, Symphonic Orchestra, Drama Club (Treasurer and Student Director), Chamber Orchestra, Greater Buffalo Youth Symphonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Greater Orchestra, 2-time NYSSMA Conference All-State Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, National Violinist (Symphonic Orchestra and Chamber Honor Society, Future Teachers of America (Co- Orchestra), Drama Club (Secretary and President), Vice President and Treasurer), Leadership Club, The Red Devils’ Advocate National Honor Society, Leadership Club, Scholastic Bowl, The Buffalo News (President and Co-Editor-In-Chief ), Scholastic Bowl, The Buffalo News NeXt NeXt Section (Student Correspondent), Varsity Basketball (Announcer), Baseball Section, Varsity Basketball (Announcer), Class Rank Committee, Strategic (Clarence High School and Mathewson McCarthy Baseball), Varsity Track and Planning Committee, School Improvement Team, Superintendent’s Advisory Field, Umpire (Town of Clarence Baseball Association), Class Rank Committee, Group. Strategic Planning Committee, School Improvement Team, Superintendent’s Volunteer Services: CHS Freshman Orientation, Student Council Sleepout for Advisory Group, Leadership Conference at University at the Poor and Homeless, CHS Kids’ Night Out, CHS Open House, Westminster Buffalo (3-time participant), Boy Scouts of America Troop 664 (Eagle Scout), Presbyterian Church Youth Group, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Sheridan Hill Clarence Youth Bureau Advisory Board (Student Representative). Elementary, Sisters of Charity Hospital, Epiphany United Church of Christ, Volunteer Services: Clarence Youth Bureau, CHS Freshman Orientation, Eastern Hills Mall, Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company Labor Day Fair, Student Council Sleepout for the Poor and Homeless, CHS Kids’ Night Out, Buffalo News Kids Day. CHS Open House, Meals on Wheels, Let Them LOL, Eagle Scout Project: Honors: National Merit Scholarship Finalist, New York State Seal of Biliteracy, restored and stained Clarence Town Park Pavilion, Halloween in the Park, AP Scholar, Major Andrew Byers Student Council Award, NYSSMA Teacher’s Desk, Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company Labor Day Fair, Conference All-State Symphonic Orchestra Participant, National School Choral Clarence Hollowfest, Westminster Presbyterian Church Youth Group, Buffalo Award, Robert Vehar Memorial Scholarship, CHS Chorus Thanks You Made a Niagara Riverkeeper, Sheridan Hill Elementary Carnivals, Sisters of Charity Difference Award, CHS Chorale and Outstanding Section Awards, Dr. Richard Hospital, Brothers of Mercy, Epiphany United Church of Christ, Buffalo News W. Moomaw Choral Service Award, CHS Drama Club, Best Actor in a Leading Kids Day. Role and Best Ensemble Actor Awards, PTO Orchestra Award, Emily R. Frantz Honors: University at Buffalo Presidential Scholarship, New York State Seal of Scholarship for Public School Teaching, Rochester Institute of Technology Biliteracy, AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended Scholar, Eagle Innovation and Creativity Award. Scout, Academic Varsity Letter, Academic Varsity Pins, National Honor Society, College Plans and Major: Attend Ithaca College as a Music Education major. NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete, Major Andrew Byers Student Council Award, Dr. Paul L. Warner Memorial Chemistry Award, CHS Drama Club Award, Robert Future Plans: I hope to obtain a Master’s Degree and pursue a career in Music Hendler Scholarship, NYSSMA Conference All-State Symphonic Orchestra and Education. String Orchestra Participant, Dr. Richard W. Moomaw Choral Service Award, Personal Statement: CHS Outstanding Section Award, Best Actor in a Supporting Role Award, University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award. When I moved to the Clarence School District in 2011, I was undeniably anxious, as I did not know what experiences and challenges would lie ahead of me. Little did I know College Plans and Major: Attend the University at Buffalo Honors College on that I would be blessed to find countless opportunities across a number of disciplines, the Presidential Scholarship, studying Medicinal Chemistry and completing a while tailoring my experience to my interests and desired level of academic rigor. I am master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry as well. extremely thankful to all of the teachers, staff, and administrators who have guided Future Plans: I hope to obtain a master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry and me across my nine years in the District. Many of my teachers from Sheridan Hill a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacology, or Elementary, Clarence Middle School and Clarence High School have become invaluable a related field. I would then like to pursue a career in Medicinal Chemistry or mentors to me, and have given me the skills, encouragement and confidence necessary medicinal research. to pursue a career in my desired field. I am also forever indebted to my parents, who have celebrated all of my successes, guided me through every disappointment, and have Personal Statement: When I arrived in Clarence in fourth grade, I was welcomed always been my biggest source of support. To my fellow seniors – though our final year with open and loving arms. From that moment on, I never looked back. While my at Clarence has been quite the unexpected journey, I hope you realize how much stronger parents claim that I got on the bus to go to Kindergarten yesterday, I know that it’s been and appreciative we are because of it, and I hope you will use that strength to conquer a little longer than that simply because of how I’ve grown as a person. From the shy kid any obstacle that you are faced with. No matter where I go, I will always be proud to who never asked questions to a lead actor on the CHS stage, a lot has changed over the have been a member of the Red Devil Nation. Congratulations Class of 2020! last ten years of my life in Clarence. Despite the bumps in the road, some bigger than others, I kept moving forward and working hard through it all. With the help of my countless incredible teachers, I learned both academic curriculum and life lessons that will serve as my pathway towards a brighter future. While I still don’t know perfectly well how to drive to the high school, I know where my true passions lie, and I figure that there has to be some value in that. To the entire Class of 2020, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you for letting me learn from you and alongside you. Although we shared both our biggest successes and our worst failures, what’s most important is that we did it together. Continue to work hard, do what you love, and continued on page 5 Page 4 Class of 2020 Top Students Cont’d. most importantly, be kind. If there’s any time that the world needs a good laugh or a Biliteracy Recipient, NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete, Female Athlete of the Year smile, it’s right now. To the Clarence faculty and staff, I thank you for your continuous Runner-Up, United States Outstanding Athlete Award, Kristin Carpenter support, guidance, and concern about my oversized backpack. You have served not only Memorial Award, Two-Time Section VI Girls Soccer Champion, Two-Time as my mentors for several years, but as role models for me to look up to. To my parents, NYS Regional Girls Soccer Champion, Two-Time NYS Soccer Semi-Finalist, thank you for pushing me to become the man I am today. Thank you for picking me up Section VI Girls Basketball Runner-Up, Girls Varsity Basketball Hustle & Heart and dusting me off and sending me back out into the world to learn all over again. Award, Varsity Soccer White Letter Award, All WNY Scholar-Athlete. Lastly, thank you to Alex: my brother, my study buddy, my personal calendar, and my College Plans and Major: I will be attending the University at Buffalo Honors best friend. I couldn’t imagine my time in Clarence without you. Congratulations Class College with a major in biological sciences. of 2020 – may you cherish this moment for the rest of your lives. Future Plans: Pursue a Pre-Dental track into Dental School and specialize in risten ima K Z Orthodontics. Daughter of Mark and Lisa Zima Personal Statement: My first memory of CHS is sitting in the auditorium at freshman orientation and listening to the seniors tell us to cherish every moment Activities: Student Council (Representative for we have here because the four best years of our lives will be over before we know 3 years, Senior Class Vice President), Leadership it. At the time I thought it could not have been true, but now, sitting here with Academy, SADD, National Honor Society, my high school diploma I cannot seem to recall where all the time went. It feels Superintendent’s Advisory Group, Clarence Travel like just yesterday that I was sitting at the homecoming football games cheering Soccer, JV and Varsity Soccer (Captain), JV and on our team. While my years at CHS might be over, I certainly will never forget Varsity Basketball (Captain), JV Lacrosse, Unified the people and experiences that played a crucial role in building my character and Basketball (coach) shaping who I am today. I am forever grateful to the teachers and mentors who Volunteer Services: Town of Clarence Youth Bureau, Kevin Guest House, VIVE, believed in me and went above and beyond to help me to achieve great things. I Clarence Center Elementary, Clarence Summer Basketball Camp Counselor, Let also want to sincerely thank my close friends and family who have stuck by my them LOL, Jericho Road, YMCA, Saint Mary’s Church, Helping Hand’s Food side through the ups and down; I would not be where I am today without you. Pantry, CHS Freshman Orientation The Clarence family has been a true blessing with all it has offered me through the past years. For a class that were once strangers to each other, we have become Honors: University at Buffalo Pride of New York Scholarship, Italian-American connected in a way unlike any other. To the class of 2020, I hope each and every Police Association Scholarship, AP Scholar with Distinction, Global Resources one of you receive the happiness and success you are destined for. I can’t wait to International Charitable Foundation Inc. Program Scholarship, NYS Seal of see what the future has in store for all of us! Congratulations Class of 2020

Hesslink’s Legacy Lives On

The family of Jack Hesslink recently made a generous donation in his honor to three Clarence athletic teams close to his heart—Boys’ Track, Girls’ Track and Gymnastics. Pictured (L-R) are Jason Lehmbeck, Athletic Director, Superintendent Geoffrey Hicks, Marilyn Hesslink, Sue (Hesslink) Corrie and Kerry (Hesslink) VanHorn.

Mr. Hesslink worked for the Clarence CSD for 34 years, serving as a coach, teacher, our first Athletic Director and Director of Physical Education. He coached football, track and field, gymnastics, tennis, swimming and wrestling and taught at Clarence Center Elementary, Sheridan Hill Elementary and CHS. A running enthusiast, Mr. Hesslink competed in his first Buffalo in 1947 and his final Turkey Trot in 2014. One of the hallmark sporting events at Clarence, the All Elementary Track meet is fittingly named after Jack Hesslink. His family thanks all who contributed—family, friends, former athletes, the CC Sunshine Club and the Clarence Teachers’ Association.

Page 5 Class of 2020 – By the Numbers…

Graduates...... 362 Justin Fan - 99.82 Regents Advanced Designation with Honors...... 106 Justin has been an outstanding member of Regents Advanced Designation...... 112 my class for the past two years. He goes above and beyond to reach his full potential. Regents...... 125 Justin is dedicated, conscientious and polite. Regents with Honors...... 8 When there are extra opportunities available Local...... 5 to learn more or volunteer, Justin is eager to Career Development and Occupational Studies Credential ...... 23 participate. Academic excellence is something Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential...... 1 to be very proud of. It can only be achieved with strong character traits, clear priorities Endorsed with Mastery in Mathematics & Science...... 70 and consistency. This is what Justin strives for Endorsed with Mastery in Mathematics...... 7 each day in school. It is my honor to celebrate Justin Fan and his outstanding Endorsed with Mastery in Science...... 56 accomplishments at Clarence Middle School. Congratulations on achieving Endorsed with a Career & Technical Education Certification...... 19 the highest academic average in this year's 8th Grade Class! – Mr. Bodemer Honor Roll All Four Years...... 90 Community Service with Distinction...... 15 Total Hours Completed by the Senior Class...... 15,091 Caroline Johnson - 99.66 National Merit Scholarship Winners...... 3 Caroline strives to do her absolute best in National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists...... 1 every class and every challenge that she is National Merit Commended Students...... 10 faced with. She is an incredibly hard worker Project-Lead-The-Way Pre-Engineering Certification...... 29 and role model for all students. She makes National Art Honor Society...... 8 every room that she is in a better place and National Honor Society...... 46 takes every opportunity that she is given to enrich herself and to learn to her fullest National Technical Honor Society...... 8 potential. Congratulations on this fantastic Military Enlistments...... 4 achievement! Seal of Biliteracy...... 68 –Miss Saeva Academy of Business & Finance...... 45

Sheridan Hill fifth grader Nicholas Ippolito gained a new reading buddy while learning remotely this spring.

Clarence Center student Gia Matuszewski hard at work in virtual kindergarten.

Lukas and Michael Chirayath dressed up Harris Hill first grader as essential workers for Freddie Berman, our Ledgeview’s Thank You remote story master with Essential Workers School his Lego creations. Spirit Day. Page 6 Clarence Middle School Grade 8 Awards Presentation Barbara J. Gilmour History Award NYS Attorney General Triple “C” Award Joseph Insinna ◆ Louis Mancuso Lucas Fleming ◆ Josi Gac Lia Meichenbaum ◆ Kyle Priset Music Theater Service Award Addison Peters Clarkson University Horizons Award Maria Jobes ◆ Caroline Johnson Library Achievement Award Tiffany Jiang Paul Englert, Jr., Memorial Award Thomas Rook Joseph Cavaluzzi Memorial Mathematics Award Clarence Schools Enrichment Foundation Eleni Deck ◆ Conner Forgette ◆ Mariana Priore (CSEF) Spirit Award Gianna Sampugnaro ◆ Elijah Schneeberger Cayden Decker Jean Ellen Mayer Memorial Award Student Council Award Ashley Burns ◆ Emily Garver ◆ Julia Matteson Yuki Kanehira ◆ Louis Mancuso Gabrielle Nuara ◆ Haley Terhaar Clarence Middle School Citizenship Awards Theressa Meider Award For Niklas Ferger ◆ Liam Graham Inspirational Achievement Lea Hendler ◆ Isabella Insinna Lillian Post ◆ Brittany Rivett Nathan Czopp ◆ Isabella Mora Sofia Rott ◆ Rachel Rouse Jacob Schneeberger ◆ Kara Seibold NYS Comptroller Achievement Award Sara Ablove ◆ Maggie Brown Landon Pinto ◆ Leeanah Prisinzano

PTO Achievement Awards French ...... Sean D’Andrea Global Achievement Award ...... Melanie Fanara Spanish ...... Eostre Mejia Science ...... Emily Sciolino Jonathan Serpe Alexis Majewski Colin Bigham Sienna Liu Jordan Brandau Latin ...... Oaklie Zdrojewski ...... Annika Singh ...... Ciera Connell Social Studies Home & Careers Amanda Tangelder Technology ...... Michael Lizauckas Nora Swiencicki Samantha Cummings ...... Nevaeh Bolden Harmon Whipple Language Arts Grace Baumann Clara Lahti Bridget Kaufman Art ...... Charlotte Wolfe Natalie Holden Maeve Cronin Physical Education ...... Ryan Ameis Ella Zobel Math ...... Monica Eiss Sienna Heary Chorus ...... Henry Czajkowski Samantha Pusloskie Orchestra ...... Isabella Buck Alexander Pusateri Mykayla Redenbach Band ...... Caroline Johnson Clarence Middle School Award For Highest Average Music ...... Ashley Otterstein Justin Fan 99.82 ◆ Caroline Johnson 99.66

Page 7 First Class Presort U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Permit No. 862 Clarence Central School District Buffalo NY 9625 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031 716.407.9100 www.ClarenceSchools.org Superintendent Geoffrey M. Hicks, Ed.D. 716.407.9102 Editor Sheila M. Rivera

CHS AOBF Students Helping Front-Line Workers

oday’s high school students are analyzed the cost of goods and developed a Ttomorrow’s leaders, innovators and system to assemble 4,800 shields. entrepreneurs. Introducing high school When we asked Nissha Medical students to the world of work and the Technologies President & CEO Sam business world helps them explore and Heleba how he thought things went, he define a pathway for college and careers. said, “We wanted the students to gain The cornerstone of the CHS Academy of a complete knowledge of business. We Business and Finance program is the summer exposed them to all facets of business internship program. including operations, supply chain, sales and Amidst the COVID 19 pandemic, which marketing, and finance. They faced the same finds businesses navigating unchartered challenges we face at the same level of rigor waters, Nissha Medical Technologies, we do. The six Clarence students performed headquartered in Buffalo, hosted six CHS well above expectations. They embraced the Academy of Business and Finance student program with a high level of passion and interns. Academy students participated in a strong work ethic. Plus, I think they had a two-week rigorous internship to refine fun. A great group of students! Though, I manufacturing assembly processes and stumped them with my LEGO challenge.” build Nissha’s LATITUDE™ Plus brand Brandon Gaglio, a Global Operations of protective facial shields for hospitals and Analyst from Nissha had the following to healthcare workers across North America. L-R: Cameron Tiutiunnyk, Camryn Cwiklinski, Ethan Heleba, say about the internship project. “Over the Students were charged with working in Dominic Memminger, Erin Miley & Evan Davidson two weeks that the students of the Business teams utilizing lean manufacturing principles Academy were with us, it was amazing to explored in a classroom setting. They were exposed to the operations and see their hunger for knowledge. The students were exposed to all aspects of manufacturing side of the business by taking an existing process, identifying our business, from production, to finance and sales and marketing. They began bottlenecks and inefficiencies, to ultimately create an improved process which learning manufacturing concepts, took that information and built a process was approved by Nissha’s quality control team. for assembling face shields. They learned the financials behind the product, Producing and manufacturing LATITUDE™ gave students an opportunity to and ultimately created a sales and marketing plan to launch the product in a serve and provide value back during the COVID 19 pandemic and exposure new marketplace. Not only did the students take away a hands-on learning to a professional work environment while attaining valuable employability experience, they also were able to help front-line workers during this global skill sets through experiential learning. Students learned about the operations, pandemic.”