The Top Drawer 24 pose at Wednesday's gathering. From left: Alex Gatch, Casey Holland, Austin Stephany, Joe Markley, Charlie Woodward, Jesse Houck, Adam Rice, Thomas Wickham, Tucker Randle, Matt Kautz, Andrew Conklin, Brian O'Donnell, Taylor Carey, Shelby Olafson, Haleigh Wixson, Taylor Chaffee, Haley Tuttle, Allison Stamp, Alyssa Bleiler, Jessica Stansfield, Angela Keough, Shannon Hazlitt, Amber Swartz, Katie Ray and Malissa Richards. (Photo by Don Romeo)

Top Drawer 24 honored

Speeches, awards mark 6th annual gathering

WATKINS GLEN, June 2-- For the sixth consecutive year, two-dozen outstanding student-athlete-citizens from four area high schools were honored Wednesday night as members of the Top Drawer 24. They were presented medallions and certificates 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. 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 the largest student population within the county.

As it is every year, the evening was highlighted by speeches -- from former Trumansburg Athletic Director and Section IV Hall of Famer Tom Major, from sports official and Section IV and Chemung County Hall of Famer Margaret "Sis" Tremblay, from former Top Drawer team member Jeff Meehan (a WGHS alum), from YNN Meteorologist Vanessa Richards, and from Pittsburgh Steelers scout Mark Gorscak

The night also featured the presentation of the seventh annual Susan B. Haeffner Schuyler County Sportsmanship Award -- named after the late wife of Odessa File Editor/Publisher Charlie Haeffner. The honor went to two Watkins Glen High School students: Sam Richardson and Ashley Tieppo.

Also presented were the annual Odessa File Athlete of the Year Awards. They went to Taylor Chaffee at Watkins Glen High School for the third straight year, and to Michelle Melanson of Odessa-Montour for the second straight year.

Three area superintendents and their high school principals were on hand for the ceremony, as were dignitaries including Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, District Attorney Joe Fazzary, County Judge J.C. Argetsinger, County Attorney Dennis Morris, and County Legislators Phil Barnes and Mike Yuhasz.

The speeches were for the most part aimed at the honorees, cautioning them (in the case of Meehan, who just completed four years at St. John Fisher College, where he played football) that they will need to work much harder at the college level, and urging them (in the case of Major) to pick a career path in life that "is something you're going to enjoy, and then do your best at it."

Tremblay said the Top Drawer recipients should thank people who have helped them along the way -- including their parents, "whose faces are beaming with as much pride tonight as your own." She also quoted the late John Wooden, legendary coach of the UCLA men's basketball team: "Be more concerned about your character than your reputation." She also quoted poet Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

YNN's Richards said she had decided she wanted to be a meteorologist when she was a child -- after watching the move "Twister," about meteorologists chasing tornadoes. She later played some soccer in high school and wasn't very accomplished, and thus felt like a failure until her coach told her that "failure is when you don't try." Later on, she applied that philosophy when a guidance counselor told her she was "setting myself up for failure" by pursuing her dream of being a meteorologist. She went after it, anyway, and achieved it.

Gorscak, eschewing a microphone so he could wander in front of the crowd, addressing faces in the audience directly, advised hard work as a key to success, and told the honorees to "remember your beginnings, know where you are, and know where you're going." He said "you can always make the dark spots bright," although "sometimes you have to look for the brightness, be creative."

"Inch by inch, life's a cinch," he said he was once told by a coach of his. "Do that first inch, and the others keep rolling."

He also outlined his philosophy of The Ripple of Life, where life is like a pool in which a pebble has been dropped, affecting not only the surface, but the water beneath, as well. "You don't know who you are going to meet who will affect your life and take you places. And you will have the same effect on others."

The 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 a certificate provided by the office of State Senator 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 or sophomores made the team this year. There are 10 juniors and 14 seniors. Twelve 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 20-person committee.

As in the past, finger foods, cake and a beverage were available for all those attending the presention ceremony.

Photos in text:

Top: Speaker Margaret "Sis" Trembley, foreground, with WGHS teacher Cyndy Wood, who introduced her.

Second: Speaker Mark Gorscak of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Third: Speaker Jeff Meehan (foreground), speaker Tom Major (left) and WGHS teacher Zach Brown listen to Sis Tremblay during her speech.

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

WGHS

12th Grade

Haleigh Wixson -- swimming, tennis -- 3rd year on the Top Drawer team
Adam Rice -- cross country, swimming, golf -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Shelby Olafson -- soccer, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Andrew Conklin -- soccer, basketball, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Amber Swartz -- cross country, indoor track, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Casey Holland -- cross country, swimming, track -- 1st year on Top Drawer team
Shannon Hazlitt -- cross country, indoor track, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Thomas Wickham -- soccer, swimming, golf -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

11th Grade

Taylor Chaffee -- volleyball, basketball, softball -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Jessica Stansfield -- volleyball, basketball, softball -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Angela Keough -- soccer, basketball -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Austin Stephany -- soccer -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Haley Tuttle -- swimming, basketball -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

O-M

12th Grade:

Allison Stamp -- soccer, basketball, track -- 3rd year on Top Drawer team
Katie Ray -- soccer, basketball -- 3rd year on Top Drawer team
Alyssa Bleiler -- swimming, track -- 2nd year on the Top Drawer team
Malissa Richards -- soccer, track -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

11th Grade:

Matt Kautz -- soccer, basketball, golf -- 1st year on Top Drawer team
Taylor Carey -- volleyball, basketball, track -- 1st year on Top Drawer team
Joe Markley -- football, track -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

Trumansburg

12th Grade

Tucker Randle -- football, indoor track, track -- 1st year on Top Drawer team
Charlie Woodward -- soccer, basketball, tennis -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

11th Grade

Alex Gatch -- football, baseball -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

Bradford

11th Grade

Jesse Houck -- baseball, soccer, basketball -- 1st year on Top Drawer team

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Thumbnail sketches of the honorees.

Haleigh Wixson is a Watkins Glen senior who has excelled in swimming year in and year out -- consistently advancing to the New York State Swimming Championships. Haleigh, who set school and Section IV swim records this year, was also a member of the varsity tennis team. She is a High Honor student (with a 95.5 average), an enthusiastic reader and a talented singer who once again exhibited her ability on stage in this year's school play, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She is involved in the Interact service club, is a district lifeguard, volunteers to help the Glen Gators youth swimming group, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She was also The Odessa File Schuyler Fall MVP for the second straight year after earning four Odessa File Athlete of the Week awards. She plans to attend SUNY Geneseo in the fall. This is her third straight year on the Top Drawer 24 team.

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Tucker Randle is a Trumansburg senior who excels in football, indoor track and spring track. He was a 1st Team Section IV All-Star in football, and is an exceptional High Jumper in track, winning Section IV indoor and outdoor titles last year, as well as sharing in a Section IV 4x100 Relay title. He is a High Honor student with a 3.6 grade-point average, is a member of Boys State, the Green Team Environmental Club and the Outdoor Education Club, is a math tutor, and recipient of a Student of Distinction award. He coaches Pee Wee football and track, is on the community Earth Day Cleanup Committee, has helped rebuild the overlook at Buttermilk Falls, is on the Farmers Market Building Committee, and has visited Guatemala to help build a school for children -- a trip he plans to repeat this year. He will attend Hobart College, where he plans to play football.

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Charlie Woodward is a Trumansburg senior who competes in soccer, basketball and tennis. He was the IAC MVP in soccer, and a Section IV First Team All-Star. In tennis, he led his team to a 9-1 record this year, was the team MVP, and finished second in the IAC tournament. He is a High Honor student with a 3.8 grade-point average, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Concert/Jazz Band, has served in the Big Friend/Little Friend organization for two years, and is a Pee Wee volunteer coach, a church trumpet player, a tutor, and a member of the Green Team Environmental Club. He plans to attend Ithaca College in Physics and Engineering, playing varsity soccer and possibly varsity tennis.

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Alex Gatch is a Trumansburg junior who is a top running back in football, and an outstanding catcher and hitter in baseball. He was an IAC Division All-Star in football, and All-League in baseball. He is a superb student with a 3.8 grade-point average, well-mannered, and highly recommended by his teachers. He is a Pee Wee football volunteer coach, a Biddy Basketball volunteer, and a Summer Recreation counselor, and involved in the Earth Day Cleanup, a youth church group, and volunteer Christmas baby-sitting. He is a member of Ski Club, French Club and the National Honor Society, and has won Woodworking, Physics and Triple 'C' Awards. He is an early applicant to Hobart College.

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Allison Stamp (left) is an Odessa-Montour senior who was an IAC All-Star soccer goalkeeper and a key member of the school's winning girls basketball team. She is also an outstanding member of the school's varsity track team. A High Honor student (with a 97 average), she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact service club, the Student Council, and the Elmira Soaring Capital Soccer Club, and is a youth basketball coach and a Reading Buddy. She was honored this school year as a Rotary Student of the Month, an event at which she was described as a leader and a role model. She plans on attending SUNY Geneseo and study Education. This is her third year on the Top Drawer team.

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Katie Ray is an Odessa-Montour senior who was an IAC All-Star soccer player and point guard on her school's winning girls varsity basketball team. She is involved in the Rotary-affiliated Interact service organization, is a High Honor student (with a 96 average), and is a member of the Student Council, the O-M chapter of SADD, the Elmira Soaring Capital Soccer Club, and the National Honor Society. She is class vice-president, worked backstage on the school musical, coaches youth basketball, and is a lifeguard. She plans to attend Nazareth College and study Physical Therapy. This is her third year on the Top Drawer team.

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Andrew Conklin (right) is a WGHS senior who was an IAC All-Star goalkeeper on his school's IAC Large Schools champion 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, is a member of the Interact service club and the National Honor Society, and attended Boys State. As a measure of his popularity, he was chosen by his fellow students as both the Homecoming King and Prom King. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall. This is his second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Jesse Houck is a Bradford High School junior who has been a five-year member of the varsity baseball, basketball and soccer teams, carries top academic ranking in his class with a 96.7 average, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Envirothon, Band, Chorus, Chess Club, and Ski Club, and is a class officer. He supports and assists with the Mustard Seed Attic's annual food drives and collections, and is a participant in the Adopt-a-Highway program.

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Adam Rice is a WGHS senior who was a captain of the varsity cross country team, a standout member of the Section IV champion swim team, and a key member of the varsity golf team. A consistent High Honor student (with a 91 average), he is a civic-minded Eagle Scout who built the Clute Park entrance sign last year, was onstage in the school's spring musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, is a member of the Rotary-affliliated Interact Club, the Varsity Club and Student Council, and attended Boys State. He was also honored this school year by Rotary as a Student of the Month, an event at which he was described as a person "who embodies quiet leadership." He plans to attend the Coast Guard Academy. This is his second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Shelby Olafson (right) is a WGHS senior who was a cheerleader this year and played soccer and track, the latter as an outstanding High Jumper (she holds the school indoor and outdoor records) who also excelled at the Shot Put. A High Honor student and a gifted pianist, she is a member of Interact, the National Honor Society and the High School Band and Jazz Ensemble, and has participated in the New York State School Music Association program in piano and trumpet 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. She plans to attend Penn State University and compete in track. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Amber Swartz is a WGHS senior who excels at running and hurdles, and accordingly competes in cross country -- where she was co-captain of the IAC championship team and an IAC All-Star -- and in indoor track and spring track. She is a High Honor student (with a 96.5 average) and a member of the Interact service club, the National Honor Society, the Music Club, Varsity Club, and the Yearbook staff. She has also served as a Live Like Liz volunteer, and volunteers for church dinners and the annual United Way dinner. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Jessica Stansfield is a WGHS junior who is a consistent High Honor student (a 91.83 average) and an outstanding athlete -- excelling at volleyball, basketball and softball. She is service-oriented -- involved in the Interact Club and the Friends of Rachel -- and is a member of Varsity Club and the National Honor Society. 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. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Angela Keough is a WGHS junior who is a soccer and basketball standout and a consistent High Honor student (with a 95.84 average). She was the leading scorer on the girls soccer team for the second straight year, and a starter on the IAC Large School champion girls varsity basketball team. She is a member of both the Interact Club and the National Honor Society. She has also participated in a Church Youth Group, and has volunteered in her church's Vacation Bible School. She recently traveled to Italy, where she played soccer as part of a visiting Section IV team. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Taylor Chaffee, a Watkins Glen High School junior, is a talented athlete -- the winner of The Odessa File Athlete of the Year Award at Watkins Glen High School in her freshman and sophomore years and a contender to win it again this year. She was an IAC All-Star this year in volleyball, basketball and softball, the leading scorer on the IAC Large Schools champion basketball team, the division MVP, and The Odessa File Winter Sports MVP. She is a High Honor student (with a 92.25 average), and a member of the Interact service club, Varsity Club and the Yearbook staff. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Austin Stephany (right) is a WGHS junior who is a High Honor student (with a 92.8 average) and a gifted soccer player. He was an IAC First Team All-Star for the third straight year and co-MVP of the Small Schools South Division for the second straight year as he led the Watkins Glen varsity soccer team he captained to the IAC Large Schools championship. He has amassed 34 goals and a school record 51 assists in his varsity soccer career. Outside of school, he was a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-State team, among other honors. He is a member of the Rotary-affiliated Interact Club and of the National Honor Society, and has been a New York State Scholar Athlete for four straight years. This is his second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Haley Tuttle is a WGHS junior who was an IAC All-Star in swimming, a member of the IAC Large School Champion girls basketball team, and an Odessa File All-Schuyler pick in the fall for her swimming achievements. She was a two-time Odessa File Athlete of the Week in the fall, once when she attained status as a Section IV swim champion by capturing the 200 Meter race at the sectional meet. She is a High Honor student (with a 96.84 average), a member of Friends of Rachel, and a member of the National Honor Society. This is her first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Casey Holland is a WGHS senior who was a captain of the varsity cross country team, and a member of the Section IV champion swim team and the spring track team. A High Honor student (with a 91.36 average), he is a member of the Interact Club, and notable for playing guitar at Interact and other school functions. He is also a member of the Library Council and the Video Club, and serves as President of the National Honor Society. He was honored by Rotary as its Student of the Month in October, an event at which he was described as "a deserving and appropriate choice" -- a young man "not just involved, but invested in his school and his community." He plans to attend Nazareth College in the fall. This is his first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Shannon Hazlitt (right) is a WGHS senior who excels at cross country, indoor track and track, and is a High Honor student (averaging 96.11). She was an IAC All-Star in cross-country, where she co-captained the varsity squad to the IAC Championship and was winner of the coveted IAC Girls Sportsmanship Award. She is a member of the Rotary Interact Club, the National Honor Society, the Varsity Club, the Model UN Class and Student Council, and had a lead role in the school's spring musical, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She was a Rotary Student of the Month this year, an event at which she was described as "a talented and creative writer," and plans to attend Syracuse University in the fall. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Thomas Wickham is a WGHS senior who played an important role as a defender on the IAC Large Schools champion varsity soccer team, where he earned divisional All Star status. He was also on the Section IV champion swim team, and is a standout golfer, qualifying for the Section IV Individual Medalist tournament. A High Honor student (with a 92.71 average), he is a member of the Rotary-affiliated Interact Club, the National Honor Society and the Business Honor Society, attended Boys State, and had a key role in the school's spring musical, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He plans to attend SUNY Oswego in the fall. This is his first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Alyssa Bleiler is an Odessa-Montour senior who was the school's best swimmer during the fall, winning two Odessa File Athlete of the Week awards and designation as an Odessa File All-Schuyler athlete, an honor reserved for few. She has also had a successful track season, winning in the 100 Meter Hurdles and setting a personal best in the 400 Meter Hurdles. She is a High Honor student, and is a talented singer and actor, playing the title role this year in the school musical, Annie Get Your Gun. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Chorus, and her Church Choir, helps with Glen Gators, serves as a lifeguard and as a Summer Recreation counselor, and teaches Red Cross swimming. She plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan College and study Graphic Design. This is her second year on the Top Drawer team.

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Malissa Richards is an Odessa-Montour senior who is outstanding at soccer and at track, where she has set two school records. She a member of band (where she served as vice-president and then president), the Rotary Interact Club, the National Honor Society and the Snowmobile Club, and is a Reading Buddy. She was honored this year as a Rotary Student of the Month, an event at which she was described as a person who "has always demonstrated excellence, confidence and humility." A consistent High Honor student, she plans to study Pharmacy at the University of Buffalo. This is her first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Matt Kautz is an Odessa-Montour junior who excels at soccer, basketball and golf, and is a High Honor Student with a 95.6 average. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Tech Club, and is a coach for youth basketball. He is also a member of the school's Envirothon Team. Says one member of the O-M staff: "Matt is an extremely nice young man. He works very hard and gives 110% to everything he chooses to participate in." This is his first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Joe Markley (right) is an Odessa-Montour junior who is an outstanding football player and a track standout who recently set the school record in the 800 Meter run and has been a part of school Relay Team track records. He is a High Honor student (with a 93.8 average) and a member of the Rotary Interact Club, Student Council, and the National Honor Society, and is an independent 4-H Club member. He also had a key role, as Buffalo Bill, in the school's spring musical, "Annie Get Your Gun." This is his first year on the Top Drawer team.

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Taylor Carey is an Odessa-Montour junior who is an All-Star athlete in volleyball, basketball and track, and was designated All-Schuyler by The Odessa File after a stellar basketball season. She is a High Honor student (with a 94 average) who is a member of the Rotary-affiliated Interact Club, Student Council, the National Honor Society and SADD. She is vice-president of the Junior Class and a youth basketball coach, and performed on-stage in the school's spring musical, Annie Get Your Gun. This is her first year on the Top Drawer team.

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O-M junior Taylor Carey receives congratulations from Brian O'Donnell upon presentation of her Top Drawer 24 award.

Pittsburgh Steelers scout Mark Gorscak's two Super Bowl rings.

Magen Kingsley, left, an integral part of the Top Drawer operation since its inception, receives an award making her an honorary Top Drawer 24 recipient. The honor was bestowed by Cyndy Wood, right.

The three honorees from Trumansburg. From left: Tucker Randle, Alex Gatch and Charlie Woodward.

Watkins Glen High School senior honorees Thomas Wickham, left, and Haleigh Wixson.

YNN Meteorologist Vanessa Richards was one of the speakers.

Left: WGHS honoree Casey Holland. Right: Speaker Tom Major.

Speakers Mark Gorscak, left, and Vanessa Richards, right, flank the winners of the Susan B. Haeffner Schuyler County Sportsmanship Award: Ashley Tieppo and Sam Richardson, both from Watkins Glen High School.

Jesse Houck of Bradford High School receives a Top Drawer 24 medallion and certificate from WGHS Principal Dave Warren.

Junior Taylor Chaffee receives her Odessa File WGHS Athlete of the Year award from Mike Stamp, left, of the sponsoring E.C. Cooper Insurance, and Mark Gorscak of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Shannon Hazlitt, center left, and Amber Swartz receive their awards as the WGHS Senior Athletes of the Year. At left is Mike Stamp of the sponsoring E.C. Cooper Insurance. At right is Mark Gorscak of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the evening's speakers.

Michelle Melanson receives her award as Odessa-Montour High School's Odessa File Athlete of the Year. At left is Mike Stamp of the sponsoring E.C. Cooper Insurance. At right is Mark Gorscak of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the evening's speakers.

Left: Honoree Matt Kautz arrives at the party. Right: Speaker Jeff Meehan.

Medallions, certificates and trophies were placed on a table before the ceremony.

From left: Honorees Katie Ray (O-M), Malissa Richards (O-M) and Haley Tuttle (WGHS).

Honoree Adam Rice (WGHS) receives congratulations from Brian O'Donnell.

Closing remarks were issued by John James, sports fan and annual Top Drawer speaker.

Left: O-M honoree Alyssa Bleiler. Right: WGHS honoree Amber Swartz.

Emcee Dave Warren, the principal at WGHS.

Watkins Glen honorees Jessica Stansfield, left, and Angela Keough.

Brian O'Donnell issues some introductory remarks before calling each honoree forward, one by one, to receive a medallion and certificate.

Honorees (from left) Haleigh Wixson, Taylor Chaffee and Haley Tuttle.