The Top Drawer 24 pose at Wednesday's gathering. From left: Meghan Kraus, Greg Addicott, Hilary Swartwood, Dan Stephens, Mallory Storelli, Trevor Carey, Haleigh Wixson, Jenna Swarthout, Andrew Conklin, Jessica Stansfield, Amber Swartz, Eric Mack, Angela Keough, Adam Rice, Alyssa Bleiler, Maggie Lucero, Austin Stephany, Katie Ray, Stuart Cook, Taylor Chaffee, Travis Waite, Michelle Melanson, Allison Stamp and Shelby Olafson. (Photo by Don Romeo)

Top Drawer 24 honored

State Park gathering features speeches, awards

Year-End Awards presented. Click here.

ODESSA, June 3-- The members of the Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding student-athlete-citizens from four area high schools were honored Wednesday night in a party at the Watkins Glen State Park Pavilion.

The group was selected by a committee based on a combination of academic, athletic, and personal achievements. This year's team is the fifth so honored.

The 24 attend the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour, Trumansburg and Bradford high schools -- each of which has student population within Schuyler County. Most of the honorees come from WGHS since it has most of the students within the county.

The evening was highlighted by speeches -- from Schuyler County Hall of Famer Jim Howell, from former Top Drawer team member Ben Robertson (a Trumansburg graduate now attending RIT), from physical therapist Amanda Smith-Socaris, and from Hall of Fame coaches Jim McCloe (Waverly wrestling) and Kate LaMoreaux (Watkins Glen swimming).

The night also featured the presentation of the sixth annual Susan B. Haeffner Schuyler County Sportsmanship Award -- named after the late wife of Odessa File Editor/Publisher Charlie Haeffner -- to Watkins Glen High School freshman Devon Shaw. It was presented by a long-time soccer coach of Devon's, Mark Stephany. (See story here.)

Also presented: the annual Odessa File Athlete of the Year Awards. They went to Taylor Chaffee at Watkins Glen High School, and to Dan Stephens and Michelle Melanson at Odessa-Montour. (See story here.)

Three area superintendents and their high school principals were on hand for the ceremony, as were dignitaries including Watkins Glen Mayor Judy Phillips and County Administrator Tim O'Hearn.

The speeches seemed to draw the close attention of the audience. Robertson addressed the honorees specifically, saying that when they leave high school, they had better be prepared for some steep competition in anything they attempt -- in particular on the playing fields. They will be the hunters, he said, who must elevate their efforts if they hope to take positions held by others. And when they attain those positions, he said, they will become the hunted -- requiring even greater effort to keep what they have attained.

"If you become satisfied," he said, "you become stagnant."

McCloe and LaMoreaux dwelt, too, on success -- with McCloe urging the honorees to dream and, in that dreaming, to set goals high, commit to them, and believe that they can be achieved. LaMoreaux told the honorees that while they have had a lot of help in getting where they are today -- from parents, teachers, siblings and a community that financially supports the school sports programs -- they are anything but normal.

"But who wants to be normal?" she asked. "Your normal classmates are not here to be honored; you are."

Emcee for the event was, as in years past, Watkins Glen High School Principal Dave Warren. And as in years past, each honoree was described in short biographies read by former WGHS Principal and current School Board president Brian O'Donnell, after whom the Top Drawer team is named in its subtitle: The Brian J. O'Donnell Schuyler County Scholar-Athlete-Citizen Team.

Each honoree was called forward to receive a medallion, along with certificates provided by the offices of State Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Tom O'Mara. O'Donnell also took the honorees on a walk before the start of the formal program, imparting wisdom to them in a wooded area of the park.

The invocation was once again presented by the Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon, and closing remarks came from area sports fan and Top Drawer 24 committee member John James.

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As in years past, anyone in grades 9 through 12 was eligible for consideration for inclusion on the team. However, no freshmen made the team this year, nor in the past three years. Four sophomores were on it last year, and four are again this time. There are also 10 juniors and 10 seniors. Eight of the 24 were members of the team last year.

Nobody was chosen strictly on the basis of what he or she might have achieved on the playing fields, though that played heavily in the selection process. And nobody was chosen strictly on academic accomplishment, although that too was important.

There was another factor taken into account, too: the ability by the honorees to engage the world through civic endeavors or to leave behind them positive consequences from their positive actions.

Input was provided by teachers, coaches and administrators -- with the entire selection process overseen by a 16-person committee.

As in the past, cheese, crackers, grape drink, cake and grapes were provided at the party, in a setting prepared by local school and park officials.

The selectees on the Top Drawer 24 team are as follows, by school and grade:

WGHS

10th Grade

Taylor Chaffee -- swimming, basketball, softball
Jessica Stansfield -- volleyball, basketball, softball
Angela Keough -- soccer, basketball, track
Austin Stephany -- soccer, basketball

11th Grade

Haleigh Wixson -- swimming, golf -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Adam Rice -- cross country, swimming, golf
Shelby Olafson -- soccer, basketball, track
Andrew Conklin -- soccer, basketball, track
Amber Swartz -- cross country, indoor track, track
Travis Waite -- football, basketball, golf

12th Grade:

Stuart Cook -- football, basketball
Eric Mack -- soccer, indoor track, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Jenna Swarthout -- soccer, golf

O-M

11th Grade:

Allison Stamp -- soccer, basketball, track -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team
Katie Ray -- soccer, basketball, softball -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team
Alyssa Bleiler -- swimming, track
Michelle Melanson -- soccer, basketball, track

12th Grade:

Maggie Lucero -- volleyball, bowling, track -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team
Trevor Carey -- soccer, basketball, tennis -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team
Dan Stephens -- soccer, basketball, tennis -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team

Trumansburg

12th Grade

Hilary Swartwood -- soccer, indoor track, track -- 2nd year on Top Drawer team
Greg Addicott -- football, basketball, track
Meghan Kraus --volleyball, basketball, track

Bradford

12th Grade

Mallory Storelli -- soccer, cheerleading, softball

Photos in text:

From top: Honoree Trevor Carey receives medallion and certificates; speaker Ben Robertson; honoree Austin Stephany, with Dave Warren on the left and Brian O'Donnell in the background; speaker Jim McCloe; honoree Katie Ray; honoree Allison Stamp.

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Michelle Melanson receives medallion and certificates from emcee Dave Warren.

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Thumbnail sketches of the honorees.

Haleigh Wixson is a Watkins Glen junior who excels in swimming year in and year out -- consistently advancing to the New York State Swimming Championships. She holds the school Backstroke swimming record, and also plays on the varsity golf team. A High Honor student, she is an enthusiastic reader and a talented singer who once again exhibited her ability on stage in this year's school play, Bye Bye Birdie. She is involved in the Interact service club, is a district lifeguard, volunteers to help the Glen Gators youth swimming group, volunteers in a kindergarten class, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She was also The Odessa File Schuyler Fall MVP after earning four Athlete of the Week awards. This is her second straight year on the Top Drawer 24 team.

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Trevor Carey is an O-M senior who excelled this year in soccer and basketball, and played doubles on the varsity tennis team. He has maintained High Honor status in the classroom, and has gained the admiration of teachers and students alike for his soft spoken drive for excellence. He is also known for his Student Aide work and Interact Club activities, is a member of the National Honor Society, and coaches Youth Basketball. This is his second straight year on the Top Drawer 24 team. He plans to attend Corning Community College in the fall, with an eye toward transferring to the University of Buffalo with a major in pharmacy.

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Maggie Lucero is an O-M senior who competes in three sports -- volleyball, bowling and track -- the latter as an effective and often winning Discus thrower. She is a consistent High Honor student, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a member of the much-respected Youth Court. She also had a key role in the school play, The Wiz, portraying a particularly nasty witch and belting out songs with a rich, show-stopping voice. She is treasurer of the Interact service club, editor of the school website, and a member of Student Council and the Youth Board. She plans to attend St. John Fisher College in the fall.

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Trumansburg honorees (from left) Hilary Swartwood, Greg Addicott and Meghan Kraus.

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Hilary Swartwood is a senior at Trumansburg High School, where she has carved out a marvelous career in track. A member of the school's soccer team and captain of the indoor and outdoor track squads, she holds several school track and field records. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, the environmental awareness Green Team, the Vocal Jazz Choir, the Concert Band and the Mixed Chorus. She helps out with Pee Wee Track, actively participates in community projects including the Earth Day Clean Up, was recently involved in the Youth and Philanthropy Program through the United Way, and last year traveled to Guatemala as part of a mission involving youths there. She will attend the University of Buffalo and will be running on its Track & Field squad. This is her second straight year on the Top Drawer 24 team.

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Eric Mack is a WGHS senior who excels in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track, serving as captain on all three squads and earning All-Star honors in both the fall and winter sports. He is a High Honor student, and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Rotary-affiliated Interact service club and a church group, and played the key role of Albert in the school play, Bye Bye Birdie. This is his second straight year on the Top Drawer 24 team. He plans to attend SUNY Oswego in the fall.

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Left: Honoree Jenna Swarthout. Right: Speaker Jim Howell.

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Dan Stephens is a senior at O-M who was an IAC All-Star and division co-MVP in soccer, an IAC All-Star in basketball, and the No. 1 singles player on his school's varsity tennis team. A consistent Honor Roll student, he is involved in the Rotary-affliliated Interact service organization, and is a Student Aide who assists with the school's Reading Program. He also serves as a referee and coach in Youth Basketball. He plans to attend Keuka College in the fall. This is his second year on the Top Drawer 24 team.

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Allison Stamp is an Odessa-Montour junior who was an IAC All-Star soccer goalkeeper and a key member of the girls basketball team that reached the finals of the Section IV tournament for the second straight year. She is also an outstanding member of the track team. A High Honor student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact service club, the Student Council and the Prom Committee. She is also an Elementary School Teacher's Aide. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Honoree Adam Rice receives medallion and certificates from emcee Dave Warren.

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Katie Ray is an Odessa-Montour junior who was an IAC All-Star soccer player and a member of the varsity girls basketball team that reached the Section IV, Class C final. She is involved in the Rotary-affiliated Interact service organization, is a High Honor student, and is a member of the Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, the O-M chapter of SADD, and the Prom Committee. She is the Junior Class vice-president, an Elementary School Teacher's Aide, and a youth basketball coach. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Andrew Conklin is a soft-spoken WGHS junior who was an IAC 1st Team All-Star goalkeeper on his school's highly successful varsity soccer team, a key member of the varsity basketball team, and an outstanding mid-distance runner on the track team. He is a consistent High Honor student, and is a member of the Interact service club, the National Honor Society, and the school's Newspaper Club.

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Left: Speaker Kate LaMoreaux. Right: O-M High School Principal Greg Conlon.

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Adam Rice is a quiet WGHS junior who lets his actions speak loudly for him. A consistent High Honor student, he was the IAC Butterfly swimming champion and earned Eagle Scout status with a civic-minded project that is visible for anyone driving past Clute Park: a new sign near the park's entrance. He was a crew member in the school play, Bye Bye Birdie, is a member of Youth Court and the Rotary-affliliated Interact Club, and is a Seneca Santa volunteer.

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Michelle Melanson is an Odessa-Montour junior who excels at three sports, making her one of the premier athletes in her school. She was an IAC All-Star soccer player, an IAC All-Star basketball player, and a key member of the varsity track team, winning sprint races with regularity. She was also The Odessa File Schuyler Winter MVP. She is a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the O-M chapter of SADD, and a member of the Student Council, the Interact Club and the Prom Committee.

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Honorees Shelby Olafson, left, and Maggie Lucero.

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Stuart Cook is a WGHS senior who has excelled at two sports -- as captain of the football team and as an IAC All Star basketball player. He is an Honor Roll student, a member of the Business Honor Society, attended Boys State, is involved in the Interact service club, and has been on Varsity Club and served as a district lifeguard. He plans to attend Slippery Rock College in the fall, where he will major in Business.

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Shelby Olafson is a WGHS junior who plays three sports -- soccer, basketball and track -- and is a state-level competitor in the latter, specifically in the High Jump, an event in which she holds the school record. A High Honor student and a gifted pianist, she is a member of the High School Band and Jazz Ensemble, and has participated in the New York State School Music Association program every year since 6th grade. She is also a dancer -- in ballet, jazz, lyrical and tap -- and a member of Leslie's School of Dance. She has coached for the Saturday morning basketball program since 8th grade, and was inducted into the National Honor Society on June 1. Although hampered this year by a leg injury that sidelined her for most of what was a promising basketball season and delayed the start of her track season, she immediately started winning the High Jump upon her return, as well as an event that was new to her: the Shot Put.

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Amber Swartz is a WGHS junior who excels at running and hurdles, and accordingly competes in cross country -- where she was captain and an IAC All-Star -- and in indoor track and spring track. She is a High Honor student, the Junior Class president, and a member of the Interact service club, the National Honor Society, the Music Club, the Varsity Club, and the Yearbook staff. She is also a Live Like Liz volunteer, and volunteers for church dinners and the annual United Way dinner.

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From left: Honoree Taylor Chaffee, teachers Abby Tormey and Kelly Muir, and students Chelsea Lehman and Kendra Shaw.

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Jenna Swarthout is a WGHS senior who is a two-sport standout -- in soccer and golf -- as well as a High Honor student. She is co-president of the service-oriented Interact Club, and as Student Council president is often the spokesperson for her classmates when an issue needs addressing to administrators or the School Board. She is a member of the Business Honor Society and the National Honor Society, and has volunteered at such events as Kids' Nite Out, St. Mary's Dinner, the Charity Ball and the Arc Dinner. She plans to attend the University of Buffalo in the fall on a full scholarship.

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Jessica Stansfield is a WGHS sophomore who is a consistent High Honor student and an outstanding athlete -- excelling at volleyball (an IAC All-Star), basketball and softball. She is service-oriented -- involved in the Friends of Rachel, the Interact Club, and the Varsity Club, of which she is president. She is admired by many for her friendly disposition -- which does not get in the way of an intense desire to excel and win on the athletic courts and fields.

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Angela Keough is a WGHS sophomore who is a three-sport standout and a consistent High Honor student. Quiet by nature, she carries an intensity onto the playing fields that serves her well. She scored a team-leading 10 goals in the soccer season, and was a starter on the basketball team as it won a division title. Illness kept her from what was expected to be an outstanding season in track -- another sport at which she excels. She is involved in Interact Club, Science Club, and the Show Choir, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She also participates in a Church Youth Group, and volunteers in her church's Vacation Bible School.

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Emcee Dave Warren congratulates honoree Travis Waite.

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Taylor Chaffee, a sophomore, is a talented athlete -- the winner of The Odessa File Athlete of the Year Award at Watkins Glen High School in her freshman year and a favorite to win it again this year. She is regularly on the High Honor roll, and still finds time to be an IAC All-Star in swimming, basketball and softball. She was captain of the swim team and both the captain and MVP of the division-winning basketball team. She is involved in the Interact service club and Varsity Club.

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Austin Stephany is a WGHS sophomore who is a High Honor student and a gifted soccer and basketball player. He was an IAC All-Star and division co-MVP on the soccer field, where he led his team in scoring as it put together a highly successful season. Service-oriented, he played a role in the planning for the Devon's Day fund-raiser earlier this month for his soccer teammate, Devon Shaw, who is battling cancer. He is also involved in the Interact Club and Varsity Club, and is a member of the National Honor Society.

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Travis Waite is a gifted athlete who was a key player on the WGHS football and basketball teams this year as a junior, earning IAC 1st Team All-Star status in both sports. He is also a member of the varsity golf team. He is the school record-holder in the Pentathlon, a member of the Watkins Glen Power Lifting Club, a consistent Honor Roll student, a Watkins Glen Youth Basketball coach-mentor, and a Seneca Santa volunteer who also assists annually with the Schuyler County Office for the Aging Dinner.

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Left: Honoree Stuart Cook. Right: Speaker Amanda Smith-Socaris.

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Alyssa Bleiler is an Odessa-Montour junior who was the school's preeminent swimmer during the fall, winning four Odessa File Athlete of the Week awards, and has had a successful track season. She is a High Honor student and played the title role in the school play, The Wiz. She is also musically accomplished, competing in singing competitions and singing in her church choir. She is a member of the National Honor Society and teaches Red Cross swimming.

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Mallory Storelli is a Bradford High School senior who is a consistent Honor Roll student, president of her school's National Honor Society, treasurer of the Senior Class, treasurer too of the Yearbook and the Prom Committee, a Schuyler Scholar honoree, and captain of the varsity soccer, cheerleading and softball squads. She is also involved in the school's theater projects -- four differnet one-act performances presented through the year. She plans to attend SUNY Brockport and major in Business Administration.

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Left: Honoree Mallory Storelli. Right: Honoree Dan Stephens and girlfriend Stephanie Collins.

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Greg Addicott is a Trumansburg High School senior who excels in football, indoor track and spring track, and has served as captain of all three teams. He was a member of a school-record-setting 4x100 team that recently won an IAC championship, and has competed at the state level in track. He is also a consistent High Honor student, is a member of the National Honor Society, is involved in Student Government, and is a volunteer in various community service projects such as Earth Day Clean Up and a Buttermilk Falls Gorge Renovation Project. He also volunteers to work with younger kids through the Pee-Wee Football Program. He will attend Ithaca College in the fall, majoring in Pre-Med and planning to compete in Track and Field.

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Meghan Kraus is a Trumansburg High School senior who was an IAC volleyball All-Star and excels in basketball and track. She is a member of the National Honor Society and an involved member of her Church Youth Group. She volunteers to work with younger kids through the Pee-Wee Track program and the school's Biddy Ball program, and helps with the Earth Day Clean Up every year. She will attend Alfred State College in the fall, majoring in Nursing and planning to compete in volleyball.

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That's all of them -- 24 remarkable people who, at the heart of it, have one thing in common: they convinced the selectors that they belong on this team by excelling in unique and impressive ways. They are tough, and yet compassionate; determined, and yet sportsmanlike.

They have tackled athletic, academic and citizenship opportunities in high school, and in so doing have developed and excelled -- and prepared themselves for life's many challenges.

Honoree Andrew Conklin, left, with closing speaker John James.

Honorees Jessica Stansfield (left) and Angela Keough.

From left: Honorees Alyssa Bleiler, Eric Mack and Amber Swartz.

Left: Honoree Haleigh Wixson. Right: Emcee Dave Warren.

Students listen as Brian O'Donnell talks to them during their walk.