The Odessa File: History of Schuyler County

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A look back at some WGHS facts

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 14th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As another school year comes to a close and we say farewell and THANK YOU!!! to such wonderful employees as DAYLE SLUSSER MARIANNE MORIN, BARBARA FAZZARY, and BOB HILL, all via retirement (85 combined years of service among them!!!), let's look at some of "The History Within the History":

-- Remember when BOB HULL was District Tax Collector (1981-82)?
-- SHIRLEY THOMPSON was Tax Collector from 1988-1998; BARB SPECCHIO did the job from 1974-1981.
-- Remember when COACH MIKE WATSON and the Glen Matmen (wrestlers) handed Waverly its 1st ever IAC defeat in 1990-1991?
-- Remember District "Messengers" ARLYN BRACE (1954-1973), ANTHONY HICKS (1981-1984) and GLENN DAVIS (1984)?
-- How about some of our District Treasurers: IRENE GILLETTE (1949-1968), NORMA BALDASSARRE (1964-1985) and MARY DE DOMINICK (1968-1969)?
-- How about these ladies on our Clerical Staff:
* JANE KNAPP (1967-69 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1985 as Middle School Secretary)
* BARB BALDWIN (1967-1969 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1994 as High School Secretary)
* MARY COOK (1969-1980 High School Clerk)
* GLADYS DAVIS (1957-1975 Elementary School Secretary)
* MABEL RONDINARO (1968-1994 as Secretary to the Superintendent)
* MARY ANN VAN AMBURG (1970-2002) long-time Elementary School Secretary
* RHODA GIVIN (1967-1988 in Middle School Health Office)
* RUTH GIVIN (1970-1996) Middle School Library Aide
* DOROTHY COGSDILL -- HS Main Office -- part time 1960-1967, then full time 1967-1983
* HELEN SMITH PURVIS (1969-1989) Middle School Guidance Office
* KATE DISCENZA -- Business Office (1971-1998)
* BETTI FERRI -- HS Main Office (1982-1997)

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WG Elementary School highlights...
-- opened in the Fall of 1953 (as a Gr. K-6 facility); Gr. 5/6 moved to the "old" high school (now our Middle School) when the "new" high school opened in 1969; remember MEL ADESSO and CECILIA DE NARDO working in the cafeteria? How about BOB CHURCH & GEORGE HOWARD as cleaners and long-time building custodian CHARLIE KEACH (what a great work ethic he had!)

-- anyone remember the day MAJOR JAMES COLEMAN parked his big green cadillac in front of the bus garage?
-- how about PETER PEVO's apple cider press and all the fun with the VanderGraf generator and helium balloons?
-- remember DOROTHY EMERY (Librarian), MICHELE BENWARE (Reading), FLORENCE CARPENTER, LOLA KNAPP, JEANNETTE HULL, JEAN LAWTON (what a great sense of humor!), Bobbi Olcott, Linda Gould and RITA BANFI???
-- anyone remember when there were seven 4th grades? How about those 4th grade teachers -- MARYLOU THOMPSON, DORIS FAZZARY, NANCY CALLAHAN, PETER PEVO, MAJOR COLEMAN, JEAN HANVILLE and LOIS HAMILTON?
-- remember MILDRED DENSON, ED & CAROL LINDSAY and BARRY & ARLENE KRAVITZ?

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Miscellaneous Highlights through the years...

1. 1990-91: new teachers included KAZ ESTELOW and BRIDGETTE SEARLES.

2. 1991-92: retirements prior to this school year opening were ROBERT DRABKOWSKI and PEG LORENZ (teachers) and JOAN CLARK (custodial); RICK PETTET was hired as a new teacher and TRACIE MC ILROY transferred from the Middle to the High School; the "DR. LLOYD N. PEAK Professional Library" opened and "Chocolate Thursday" tradition began in the high school (Thanks Tracie!)

3. 1992-93: JUDY VAN SKIVER was hired as a Grade 1 teacher and MARIE KEEFER joined the high school staff as teacher aide to a handicapped student; two popular faculty quotes were:
-- CRAIG CHEPLICK: "Work hard, play hard."
-- BARB HUGHEY: "Fit people are ordinary people with conscious determination."

4. 1993-94: the summer prior to the new school year beginning, NANCY LOUGHLIN was elected as the 1st Woman President for the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club; during the year DAVE COOK's team made the FINALS of the Chem Bowl competition and the "DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE" was approved.

5. 1994-95: head groundskeeper JOHN DILTS retired in January after 27 years of service (he was a perfectionist!); DAVE COOK, JOHN VONA, JULIA RAFFERTY, HAZEL VERDEGAAL and BOBBI OLCOTT retired in June.

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1997-1998 --- an in depth look at the year.....

-- retirees from the previous June included JUDY CARUSO, MIDGE FRANZESE, MEG BARTOW, DORIS DE NARDO, CHRIS HUSTON , and MICHAEL YUHASZ;
-- MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KELLY MUIR moved into full-time positions after previously being 1/2 time teachers;
-- FIONA GIBSON, JEANNIE ANDREWS, TRISH ERVAY and PEG RICHARDSON began working at the elementary school and ZACH BROWN moved into a full-time position at the middle school;
-- the HUMANITIES (combo of Global Studies & English) PROGRAM began in the high school under direction of MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KATE LA MOREAUX;
-- CYNDY WOOD received the American Red Cross Health & Safety Line of Service Award and NANCY LOUGHLIN was awarded a "Paul Harris Fellow" by Rotary;
-- the Kindergarten Playground was dedicated in honor of "Irving & Marie Goodrich";
-- Middle School Teacher STEVE LO PRESTI was named by the PTA as "Teacher of the Year";
-- foreign exchange students were: MARIANELLA VEGA (Costa Rica) and ANNE GAELLE TAUGAIN (France);
-- ALISSA NORMAN was Homecoming Queen (with IRA CADY as the King), MICHELLE MC NANEY was named as HOBY Award winner, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS won the "Principal's Leadership Award";
-- HOLLY JOHNSON and CHRIS SCHONEMAN were Queen & King of the Semi-Formal, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS & COLE BUBB were Queen & King of the PROM;
-- Rotary Students of the Month were HOLLY JOHNSON, MELISSA KISSELL, JASON BARRY, JULIE DILL, JESSICA SEDLACK, JESSICA O'BRIEN, JON EVANS and AUDREY BYERS;
-- Varsity Football Team finished 4th in their conference and the Boys' & Girls' Soccer Teams won Divisional Championships; Varsity Girls' Swim Team completed their 3rd consecutive undefeated season while the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team won the Divisional Championship (with JV girls' basketball completing the very 1st undefeated season in their history at 16-0);
-- JV Baseball team finished season tied for 1st place, girls' JV Softball Team finished 2nd place in the league, and Golf Team concluded a stellar 12-2 season;
-- STEVE TERRY established school record with 34 career assists in soccer; TRACI LINCOLN was selected IAC Large School Southwest Division MVP in girls basketball, and MOLLY SCHAMEL threw the discus 89 feet,10 1/2 inches
-- MARY ROSE CHICONE & NICHOLE CHAFFEE sang "The National Anthem" at many athletic events...

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

June 2008 --- Through the Hallways of Watkins Glen Schools...

* this is the time of year for the annual showcase of students' Art work in our schools with a very special thanks & appreciation to our talented and very dedicated Art Teachers:
-- ELAINE WOJTUS in our High School
-- KAREN HANSEN & FRED TROY - Middle School
-- SUSAN COMSTOCK - Elementary School

* recently the Watkins Glen Office of Arnot Medical Services sponsored a student Art Show with outstanding work by K-12 students on display; included in that display were works by:
-- LUKE MORRIS Kindergarten
-- KAI PITTMAN Grade 1
-- ALYSSA ARCANGELI Grade 3
-- RYAN RHODES Grade 4
-- HUNTER KARIUS Grade 6
-- MARA BRISBOIS Grade 7
-- KATRINA SWARTHOUT Grade 7
-- SAMANTHA PHILLIPS Grade 7
-- RYAN YASKULSKI Grade 11
-- CHLOE TAYLOR Grade 11
-- BRIANA ROBERTSON Grade 12
-- ARIEL FORCE Grade 12

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* more Inspirational & unforgettable colleagues:

* MIKE WATSON: 15 exciting and productive years as Health Teacher & Coach; a great "Cheerleader" for our students and faculty/staff; "Simon Says" well done!

* CRAIG CHEPLICK: brought the study of Latin back to the curriculum; added Psychology as well to meet students' needs; outstanding Coach and then Faculty Manager for Athletics the past five years, he brought back the "Hall of Fame," helped institute the "Top Drawer 24" and kept the overall athletic program vibrant and growing!

* DANNIE BROWN & DIANE MELVENEY: great teachers who got involved in so many positive ways; led Academic Challenge Teams for years -- worked hard to prepare and meet needs of the Advanced Placement students; always gave more than 100%!

* ABBOTT MORGAN & MARILYN FILIPPETTI: how many hours did they spend bringing so much joy and entertainment through so many fine arts productions involving so many?

* ERNIE TOLMAN: he helped entertain thousands over the years through Choral presentations; his wife JEAN did the same through Middle School programs

* CAROL KUNZMANN: each and every day she went above & beyond her job as Reading/Resource Room Teacher and SADD Advisor; she loved people and wanted to help everyone become successful & productive; she, along with her very caring & able Teaching Assistant REETHA SHUMWAY, always devoted 100%++ and helped make people feel good about themselves!

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Through the years we have also been fortunate to have many community people assist with our programs in so many productive ways:

-- LINCOLN WAGER for all your help & talents at various sporting events; RICK HUGHEY for all the time spent "breaking" cross country ski trails in the WG State Park (with your wife Barb!); SUE DUGO for all those Senior Trips you helped chaperone; BOB MORIN for your years of filming/videotaping so many events; MARLENE LUM (High School)/MARYLOU VAN BUREN (Middle School/JACKIE DILL (Elementary School) for your years of service as such reliable and talented substitute teachers; ED AUGUSTINE for your years assisting with our athletic programs with such humor and positiveness; BOB FITZSIMMONS for always being there for us, especially in times of tragedy and need; DAVE RYAN/DOUG COTTON and other Rotarians for beginning our very positive & contributing Interact Club; BOB LEE for all your help with annual "Boys' State" honorees and your years of Coaching; and FRED THORP for all the time & energy you devoted to our basketball program.

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Some additional Class of 1951 history (thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio):
-- ORACLE STAFF: Marion Viglione (Editor-in-Chief), with Barbara Clark/Ted Specchio/Brian Field/Sally Howell as Associate Editors and:
*Nancy Miller (Junior Editor)
*Mary McAnarney (Sophomore Editor)
*Carol Miller (Freshman Editor)
*Beatrice Symes (Music Editor)
*Clifford Morehouse (Sports Editor)
*Charles Cole (Business Manager)
*Charles Potter & Betsy Bolton (Circulation)
*Charles Greene (Photography)
* Milford A. Warner -- Faculty Advisor

Class of 1951 - Class Officers:
President: JOSEPH DEL ROSSO
Vice Pres.: JAMES FREEMAN
Secretary: ANN VITALI
Treasurer: BRIAN FIELD
Business MGR. TED SPECCHIO

Class of 1951 -- "History"
-- September of 1938 found this Class attending Kindergarten; took MRS. BURNETT on a picnic to Lakeside Park in Junior High; Grade 8 saw "Junior Jester" newspaper (thanks to Nancy/Jane & Betsy!); "Popcorn Hop" was the Freshman dance and "Nautical Hop" and Mardi Gras highlighted Sophomore Year; as Juniors, the "Twirp Twirl" was the big event along with the "Moonlight Sonata" theme for the Junior Prom; Senior Year saw involvement in the sales of "Grand Prix" booklets, Election Day Dinner, "Mumbo Jumbo" as the Senior Play, the Senior Trip in April to Washington, D.C., and finally graduation!

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Did you know???

* Former High School Principal Milford A. "Bud" Warner began his career in Watkins Glen teaching Science & Mechanical Drawing and spent his 1st year after retiring as High School Principal as the District's Transportation Supervisor

*Myrtle Miller was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1906 and grew up in Elmira; she came to Watkins Glen as School Nurse Teacher in 1935 after graduating from St. Joseph's School of Nursing (Elmira, NY) and Buffalo State Teachers College

* Jack Telech (January 1973), Nancy Loughlin (July 1973), Claudia LaFace (1976) and Kate LaMoreaux (1979) are currently among the District's longest-serving active teachers

* Sharon Clark, Secretary to the Superintendent, previously was Secretary for CSE/Special Projects Coordinator (Rick Lintal), Secretary to Middle School Principal and Secretary to High School Principal

* Harold Dennison drove school bus for more than 50 years; John Fazzary has driven for more than that and is still active as a driver

* Guidance Counselor Nancy Loughlin taught French for many years and also taught English; she is fully certified in all three areas

Some employee relationships:

1-- Doris Fazzary (former ES teacher) and Margaret Swinnerton (HS Health teacher) are mother & daughter;

2-- Cyndy Wood (Pool Director) and Kelsey Wood (HS Social Studies Teacher) are mother & daughter

3-- Lola Bartholomew (former HS Teacher) and Kate Bartholomew (HS Science Teacher) are mother & daughter

4-- Gloria Brubaker (Board Member) and Sam Brubaker (HS Phys. Ed. Teacher) are mother & son

5-- Kevin Field (Board Member) and Maggie Edgley (HS Library Media Specialist) are brother & sister

6-- Tom Richardson (Board Member) and Peggy Richardson (HS Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife

7-- Joe Fazzary (Board Member) and Barb Fazzary (ES Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife and parents of Bambi Kelly (UPK Teacher)

8-- Ann Woodworth Meehan (former HS Business Teacher) and Nan Woodworth-Shaw (Director of Special Services) are mother & daughter

9-- Mike Watson (former HS Health Teacher & Coach) and Nils Watson (HS Social Studies Teacher) are father & son

10-- Milford A. "Bud" Warner (former HS Principal) and Kate LaMoreaux (HS English Teacher & former Coach) are father & daughter

See you in July with more facts and information from the Watkins Glen Central School District!!!

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WG Central School District news & memories for May.......

1951 Boys' Varsity Basketball Champions

* Boys' Varsity Basketball Team won the Section IV Class B CHAMPIONSHIP on March 16, 1951 by defeating New Berlin by a score of 48-36 at Cornell University's Barton Hall;

* Coach Joe Lemak's team completed a commendable 13-5 record in a very strong & challenging schedule, then dominated in Sectional play, defeating Homer by a score of 66-56 and Cato-Meridian 66-36 to earn the right to play for the Championship against New Berlin.

* In that Championship game against New Berlin, FRANK BUTTON led all scorers with 22 points; T.J. O'ROURKE had 11 points, TED MARCINIAK scored 10 points and TONY TALLARIDO hit for 5 points. Teammates who contributed so positively all season long were: A.J. "TONY" SPECCHIO, JOHN WILLIAM "BUB" SMYDER, ROGER HERRICK and DELEVAN "AUGIE" GATES. Team Manager was JOE DEL ROSSO, and ANTHONY STEPHNO served as Assistant Manager.

* Cheering on the team during their CHAMPIONSHIP season were Varsity Cheerleaders:
LELA POTTER, NANCY INMAN, KATY DISCENZA, WARDA EDSALL, ANNIE RILEY, and KAY VITALI

* Our Section IV Class B Championship Team was led by Captain & member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame T.J. O'Rourke (a Southern Counties ALL STAR 1st Team as a Sophomore, Junior & Senior and the League's Top Scorer that season), Frank Button ("Red" and "Knotty Knot" -- also a Southern Counties All Star) and Ted Marciniak (also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame). Their Coach, Joe Lemak, is also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame.

* Tracie McIlroy interviewed her dad and team member Roger Herrick in 2001 and among his fondest memories were:
-- "It was the first time we ever played on a regulation full-length court."
-- We were a fast-break team, and that court seemed like it was three miles long."
-- "It was also the first time we played with glass backboards -- they don't react like wood backboards and we had to get used to them real quick."

* For many years prior to his death on 10/18/2001, Coach Joe Lemak would visit the school to fondly gaze at that 1951 trophy and share with me memories of the "greatest team he ever coached."

* On June 6, 2001 the living members of that Championship team were honored by the WG Sports Boosters and presented with special certificates to commemorate their outstanding achievement.

* On June 14, 2006 this 1951 Championship team was nominated -- as a team -- to the WG Athletic Hall of Fame by another stellar athlete, Tom Harrison (a Hall of Fame member himself); *** that nomination will be re-submitted again this year for consideration.

* My thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio for contributing much of the information and a team picture for this article.

Photos in text above:

Top: The 1951 varsity basketball Section IV championship team from Watkins Glen. Standing, from left: Coach Joe Lemak, John William "Bub" Smyder, Delevan "Aukie" Gates, A.J. "Tony" Specchio, and Joe DelRosso. Seated, from left: Tony Tallarida, Ted Marciniak, T.J. O'Rourke, Frank Button and Roger Herrick.

Bottom: The 1951 Section IV trophy.

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The Value of Commitment... so many faculty/staff members have made a difference in so many lives.....

-- Former Board Member & President Dr. Thomas J. Love always spoke so fondly of teachers Harriette Allen (English), Orval Perry (History), Gordon DePew (Biology) and A.C. Munson (Math).

-- Among Ernie Tolman's most inspirational colleagues were Anne Meehan & Naomi Roberts

- George Conklin, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds from 1959-1985, counts John Cook & Lloyd Peak among his most unforgettable colleagues "because they both were compassionate and fair in their dealings with people, and the students' interests were always first."

That tradition continues today.....

-- Just a brief look at SOME of the inspirational & unforgettable more recent high school faculty are:
* NICK DUGO -- he will always be remembered for his commitment to students through his teaching and organization and participation in Homecoming activities (parades, bonfires, election of Royalty and crowning of our Queens), annual Senior trips to Washington, D.C., Senior Days at Darien Lake, formal & memorable Commencement exercises each June, Blood Banks, All Night Senior Parties, sundae parties, voter registration & election opportunities, visits to the County office building, and so much more;
* BARB HUGHEY -- her planning & implementation of "Sports Days"/"Spring Into Spring" athletic competitions between faculty/staff and students from 1990-2000 provided a degree of entertainment, excitement and school spirit rarely found in any schools; her involvement in offering such a variety of life-time skills through her teaching was absolutely outstanding;
* NANCY LOUGHLIN -- living through and working with every State Education Department program and federal program from the 1970's to the present (A-B-C Schedule to Regents Action Plan to Excellence & Accountability to No Child Left Behind --- and so many more...); working to foster AP and ACE (college level) opportunities for students, helping create the new Freshman Academy program, implementing summer Orientations for new students to the high school, helping implement the very successful Interact Program, planning and hosting annual Thanksgiving Dinners, and so very much more;
* JERRY LOUGHLIN -- this long time Biology teacher and Coach was always well planned & prepared, challenging his students and athletes to always do their best and be their best; many of his efforts (his generosity to others specifically) may have gone unpublicized but they did not go unnoticed;
* HELEN HUMAN -- helped foster such a welcome and caring environment in the Library, earning the respect of everyone! For years she maintained scrapbooks of student achievements publicized in the media.
* Barb Baldwin -- the personification of the perfect secretary -- personable, knowledgeable, efficent and always kind and positive with all.

(Watch for other inspirational and commited faculty/staff in future columns!)

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More interesting and sometimes astonishing facts to note:

-- in 1982/83 our District had less than 25 computers (12 Franklins at the Elementary School, 5 VIC 20's at the Middle School and a 'few' TRS 80's at the High School); at last count, for this 2007-08 school year there are currently 777 computers on our network; from Jerry Gregory to Andy Patros, with Dave Ackland and others in between, we thank you for your vision, your efforts and your expertise;

-- Gail Franzese (at our High School) is completing 30 years of service in our Food Service/Cafeteria operation; Pat Stansfield is close behind with 23 years of service and Teresa Louden and Marilyn Hoxie have 16 years of service; Lori Gezzi is finishing 10 1/2 years of service --- thank you ladies (and your colleagues) for keeping up the fine tradition of good folks like Mel Adesso, Pat Edmister, Josie Tomassi and so many others.

-- 1983 Senecan (Yearbook) mentions Adam Marciniak & Kenny Thurston and their sailing hobby (16 foot Hobie Cat) with outstanding finishes in Glenora Cup Races

-- 1982/83 yearbook also mentions that Senior Barry McKinney became a certified pilot in a Cessna 172 (before he ever drove a car alone)

-- for the 1990/91 school year, local celebrity "Sheik" Spaulding was hired as a high school Hall Monitor (to keep law & order). What a great guy! On August 31, 1992 -- on his 79th birthday!!! -- Sheik retired.

The fire at the old Watkins Glen High School, and its aftermath, in 1929. The ruins were removed, and the school rebuilt on the same site. It is now the Watkins Glen Middle School.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, April 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of Theresa Bianco (right) and Gabrielle Rosier, WGHS Class of 2003, preparing and packing material for the High School and Field House cornerstones. (The cornerstones say 2002, but were sealed and installed on May 30, 2003.)

Watkins Glen High School Class of 1933. The only notations on the back of the photo are the year and "The Payne Studio, Photographs, Watkins Glen, N.Y."

The photographs above and below are of Watkins Glen Middle School classes about 30 years apart. No date appears on the back of either photo. One has a stamp for "The Symes Studio, Watkins Glen."

A Watkins Glen "Town Meeting" on April 27, 2000. Left to right in foreground are High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, Superintendent Don Dryden, then-U.S. Senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Student Council President Andy Clark.

There are no notations on this photo, taken after a house fire had run its course. A fire hose is visible in the foreground.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* A look as some retirements over the past 15 years or so...
1989 -- John VanDuren (HS Driver Education)
1990 -- Marilyn Filippetti (HS English)
1991 -- Robert Drabkowski (HS Science), Andy Holmes (HS English), Betti Ferri (HS Clerk), Peg Lorenz (ES Teacher), Ernie Tolman (HS Music), Jean Tolman (MS Music), Kitty Depew (HS Library Clerk), Joan Clark (Custodian)
1992 -- Bob Morin (HS Social Studies), " Sheik" Spaulding (HS Monitor)
1993 -- Don Maas (HS Art), Carol Kunzmann (HS Reading/Writing), John Vona (MS Technology), Doris Fazzary (ES Grade 4)
1994 -- Barb Baldwin (HS Secretary), Mabel Rondinaro (Secretary to the Superintendent), Nancy Callahan (ES Grade 4), Betty Lou Pearsall (School Nurse Teacher), Abbott Morgan (HS English), Arlene Kravitz (ES Teacher)
1995 -- Dave Cook (HS Science), Bobbi Olcott (ES Teacher), Hazel Verdegaal (MS Reading),
Julia Rafferty (MS Teaching Assistant)
1996 -- Helen Human (HS Library Clerk), Gerald Loughlin (HS Science), Emma Smith (HS Social Studies), Michael Yuhasz, (ES Principal), Charles Medalie (HS Guidance), Rita Banfi (ES Teacher), Rhoda Givin (MS Nurse's Clerk), Ruth Givin (MS Library Clerk), Gene & Harriet Reasor (Transportation)
1997 -- Chris Huston (HS Home Economics)
1998 -- Pat Tammaro (HS Social Studies), "Midge" Franzese (ES Teacher), Judy Caruso (ES
Teacher), Peter Pevo (ES Grade 4), June Irmischer (HS Science), Marylou Thompson (ES Grade 4), Bill Davis (ES Phys. Educ. and Faculty Manager for Athletics)
1999 -- John Updyke (MS Science), Ross Lyon (MS Resource), Bonnie Dilts (Teacher Aide), Mary Doland (Teacher Aide), Josie Tomassi (Food Service), Kathy Fragola (ES Sp. Ed.), Carol & Ed Lindsay (ES Music)
2000 -- Don Dryden (Superintendent), Mike Watson (HS Health -- died in service 8/2000)
2001 -- Robert King (HS Librarian), JoAnn Axtell (MS English), Bill Henderson (MS Science),
Nancy Cleveland (MS Guidance Secretary -- died in service -- January 2001), Dave Warren
(resigned as HS Math Teacher to accept position as Middle School Principal -- July 2001), Connie Gooley (MS Librarian)
2002 -- Barb Hughey (HS Phys. Educ.), Karen Schamel (ES Teacher), Marilyn Denson (MS
CORE), Linda Gould (ES Grade 2), Ed Westbrook (ES Grade 3), Donna Reimels (ES Teacher), Reetha Shumway (HS Teaching Assistant)
2003 -- Brian O'Donnell (HS Principal), Diane Melveney (HS Math), Dannie Brown (HS English), Richard McIntyre (HS English)
2004 -- Ralph VanBuren (MS Technology), Andrea Heichel (MS Health)
2005 -- Barb Franzese (ES Kindergarten), Chris Omiatek (HS English), Tom Omiatek (School
Psychologist), Steve LoPresti (MS CORE), Lynn Norman (HS Math), Dave VanDyke (MS
Custodian), Ray Thomas (HS Math), Sue Caslin (HS Cleaner)
2006 -- Dan Teed (HS Technology), Nick Dugo (HS Social Studies), Nancy Bahns (HS Social
Studies), Chris Updyke (MS Spanish), Marty Evans (District IST), Connie Lazoration (MS
Home/Career), Dr. Mary Ellen Correa (Superintendent)
2007 -- Richard Schied (MS Math), Tom Planty (HS Social Studies), Kathy Sluty (ES Teacher), Cole Lee (HS Spec. Educ.), Jennifer Butler (MS Spec. Educ.)

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* 1920's: our own "Black Thursday" fell on January 14, 1929 with the fire that destroyed the high school building; Seniors were able to complete their studies in the Cole-Royce Hall and the
Masonic Temple. This decade came to a close with a major construction project to erect a new
school.
* 1930's: all classes met in off-campus sites until the new building was complete; Class of 1930
put on their Senior Play in the dining hall of the Presbyterian Church, with Commencement taking
place in the Glen Theatre; this decade saw great advances in academics with a strengthening of
the curriculum and the addition of many new academic departments.
* 1940's: perhaps the major change was the retirement of long-time District Principal John A.
Beers in 1941 (came to Watkins as a teacher & Vice Principal in 1901); became District Principal in 1909; arrival of District Principal Warren Hertenstein in 1941 took us through the War-years, gasoline rationing, six-man football and much more; many young men left school during their Junior or Senior year to enter the armed forces for World War II.
* 1950's: decade of Centralization, tenure of District Principal John R. Cook (1953-1964), the
opening of a new Elementary School building and the founding of several new High School clubs; Principal Mae Klube brought stability to the Elementary School, and a fairly substantial
construction project at the high school (today's Middle School) resulted in addition of a girls'
gymnasium, a band room and two industrial arts classrooms.
* 1960's: decade of major change -- retirement of John R. Cook, tenure of Jack Terry, our
enrollment in the SCT-BOCES, the arrival of Dr. Lloyd N. Peak as Chief School Officer (later
Superintendent), the designation of our District as a Superintendency and the construction of a
completely new high school resulting in our current configuration (K-4, Gr. 5-8, and Gr. 9-12
facilities.
* 1970's: at the Elementary School, Principal Mae Klube retired (completing 40 years in education) and Mike Yuhasz began his 25-year term as Elementary School Principal; Charlena Curry retired as Middle School Principal and was replaced by Frederic Lorenz, and Milford "Bud" Warner began his 2nd term as HS Principal in 1974; major renovation took place at the Middle School (via a $1 million grant) & student enrollment reached its highest numbers ever.
* 1980's: the busy decades just continued; "Bud" Warner retired as HS Principal and was replaced by Fred Lorenz; Brian O'Donnell was appointed as Middle School Principal; in 1986
Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak resigned (after a 20-year tenure) and accepted position as
Superintendent at Amagansset Long Island District; in 1982 the 100th Class graduated from the
Watkins Glen HS; new Superintendent Will Ross joined the District in 1987; HS Principal Fred
Lorenz retired in 1988 and Brian O'Donnell was appointed new HS Principal; former Curriculum Director Sandra Woolley became MS Principal.

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* CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Jim Scott and all of his volunteer assistants through the years
--- this is the 20th year for Saturday Morning Watkins Glen Youth Basketball. During that stretch
of time, literally hundreds of area youth have benefitted from Coach Scott's energy & enthusiasm,
talent & personality, kindness and caring ...AND... terrific emphasis on basic skills &
SPORTSMANSHIP. Many of these young athletes have had a major impact on WG Athletic
teams as they have grown and come up through the grades. Just some of his volunteer
"Coaches" who have helped make this program possible are:
* SAM BRUBAKER * NEIL DE RAICHE * TED PEARCE * NICK BARTONE * ED AUGUSTINE * A.J. ELLISON * HOLLY MOSHER * JEFF FAZZARY * DAVID SEITHER * TRACEY WILLIAMS * TRAVIS LINCOLN * JASON SABATINI
* BRIAN COOLICAN * MIKE ARNOLD * NATE WEBER * JON EVANS * MATT CLARK * JEREMY DAVIS

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* Clerical Staff -- one of the major SUPPORT groups for the operation of our schools.....

Elementary School: Remember the great jobs done by Gladys Davis, then MaryAnn Van Amburg?
Middle School: Remember what a fine job Jane Knapp did? Anyone remember the year of three secretaries -- Diane LaRue, Gloria Brubaker & Betty Calhoun?
High School: Remember Barb Baldwin and Betti Ferri staffing the Main Office?

* Teaching Assistants: among some of our 1st Teaching Assistants were Jeanette Stephno,
Sandy Berry, Joan Gascon and Julia Rafferty, all in the Middle School. Reetha Shumway had a
20+ year career in the High School. How about those long-serving Teaching Assistants at our
Elementary School -- Barb Fazzary, Lorraine Augustine, Rosemarie Franzese, Marcie Ergott,
Jolene Miller and Angie Morelli? Teacher Aide Jeannie Andrews (ES) also has helped so many
students through the years!

* What a debt of gratitude we owe to the following:
* Sheik Spaulding, Walter Wood and Charlie Butler, Sr. (All Hallway Monitors at the High School over the years);
* Lincoln Wager -- his strong singing voice & assistance with our Basketball program;
* Fred Thorp -- for all of his time and talent assisting our Varsity Basketball program;
* Rick Hughey -- He and his wife Barb cut numerous cross-country ski trails in the State Park so our students could incorporate cross-country skiing into Physical Education classes.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* 1950 Coach Joe Lamak Varsity Football Team (Games were played at the County Fairgrounds):
-- Les Murray, Ken Smith, Jim Henderson, Jim Paradiso, Frank Bartholomew, Edgar Stratton, Lou DelRosso, Sammy Greis, Harry Van Horn, Bob Wager, Gordon Bauman, Clifford Morehouse, Dick Clark, Kenny Field, Bill Tinker, Keith Smith, Red Matthews, Jerry O'Grady, John Landry, Ted Marciniak, Tony Specchio, Bill Ames, T.J. O'Rourke, Brian Field, George Harnas, Captain Rich Franzese, Co-Captain Fry Herrick, Fran DeSarno, Bill Ryan, Delivan Gates, Tony Tallarido, & Roger Herrick.
Assistant Coach: Bud Warner
Team Manager: "Bub" Smyder

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* WG's 1st Football Team (cicra 1922) following the Great War! Watkins had played football for a number of years prior to the 1920s, then dropped it due to the Great War (World War I). John Donohue, from Boston, a graduate from Holy Cross and a former college football player, convinced Watkins High School administration to bring back football. Halfway through the season Watkins did field a team -- this team defeated Penn Yan 6-0, DeSales (Geneva) 13-0 and St. Peter & Pauls (Elmira) 24-0. As the City of Elmira's High School team was State Championship caliber, Donohue convinced an Elmira Junior Varsity All-Star team to meet Watkins at Elmira's Dunn Field on Thanksgiving Day in 1922. Watkins' John Frank recalled a good game (until most of the Elmira Varsity managed to get into action, too) and Donohue's team lost by a score of 18-0.
* Team Members - Watkins Varsity Football Team 1922:
-- Frank Harrington, Bill Walsh, George Shannon, Daniel Sullivan, Royce Smith, Tommy (Dutch) Moran, ? Johnson, Frank Moran, Herman Klube, Bill Tuttle, Walt (Dope) Powers, David Smith, Levi Brimmer, John Coughlin, Tom Viglione, Delivan Gates, Tom O'Rourke, Irving (Grub) West, Lawrence Skuse, Lynford Wood, John Frank, and Charles Barnard.
Coach: John Donohue
Assistant Business Manager: George Patterson
Manager: Stillwell Brown
Mascot: Leo Frank
Principal: John A. Beers

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* Baccalaureate Service -- Sunday, June 24, 1923, 7:30 p.m. Prayer by: Rev. William Guillan
Sermon by Rev. Dewitt Thompson of Auburn, NY

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* Schuyler Players present: "You Can't Take it With You" -- March 16, 17, & 18, 1961 in the Elementary School Auditorium.
Cast included: Francis Beattie, Beth Verrill, Carol Symes, William Elkins, George Emery, John Wait, Louise Benton Argetsinger, Thomas Kanaley, Michael Argetsinger, and others. Some people "behind the scenes" included: John Callanan (tickets), Charlotte Curry (set design), and the Girl Scouts of Watkins Glen Troop #1 -- supervised by Mary Sciore -- as ushers.

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* Senior Class Play 1940 "The Whole Town's Talking"
Cast included: William Kelly, Polly Stillman, Charles Tong, John Wait, Justine Eisenhart, Katherine Kotsones & Esther Green.
Some of the ads in the booklet included: "Elmo M. Royce," "The Thompson Pharmacy," "The Glen Springs," "The Olympian," "Grand Union," "Glen Chevrolet Company," "D. Burr Stone Texaco," "Freudenheim's," "Pellet & James," "The Jefferson Hotel," "Whiting's Alleys," "Woodward & Stouffer Hardware," "Nick's Fruit Store" & others...
Class Officers for this Class of 1940 were:
President: Essie Osterhoudt
Vice Pres.: Ruth Woodward
Secretary: Marguerite King
Treasurer: Robert James
Business Manager: George Scaptura
Class Advisor: Mr. Timms

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* Senior Class Play 1970: "Teahouse of the August Moon" directed by Marilyn Filippetti and Donald H. Maas, March 20 and 21, 1970
-- Behind the scenes: Mr. Nick Giambo (Scenery), Mrs. Anne Woodworth (Advisor), Mr. Daniel Teed (Printing), Mr. Harold Mathews (Advisor)
-- Cast included: David Chicone, David Havens, Jenny Dean, Carmen Garrett, George Weed, Fred Kelly, Elizabeth Franzese, Carol Colunio, David Dunbar, Liz Smith, David Symes, Marilyn Wilson, Mary Rose Spena, Allison Maas, Larry Specchio, Barry O'Malley, Sam Argetsinger,
Richard Garland, Ernie Thurston, Bill Palmer, Sam Baldwin, Steve Tinker, Sue Bauman, Roann Baldassarre, Dianne Dunlap, Peggy Doolittle & Christine Hickey.

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* Commencement --- June 24, 1930: At 2:30 p.m., held at the Glen Theatre (due to the fire previously at the High School).
Salutatory Address, Carl Walsh; Class History, Irving Russell; Class Prophesy, Elizabeth Mourey; Senior Oration, Roger Chapman; Class Will, Doris Ely; Charge to Juniors, Doug Giles; Violin Solo, Elizabeth Walsh; Valedictory, Grace Birge

-- Presenting High School Diplomas: W.W. Clute, President, Board of Education
-- Presenting Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers
-- Prizes Awarded: Scholarship Medal, Scholarship Cup, PTA English Prize, "Norman W. Abbey" Oratorical Prize, and the NYS Chemistry Prize

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* 1968-1969 athletic information:
Cross Country Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains Paul Albertson & Jack Hoose (Team was Lakes Region League Champion)
Varsity Basketball: Coach Pete Galatis; Co-Captains Mike Learn, Jim Nitche & John Margreno (Team record 13-6; 3rd place in League)
Wrestling Team: Coach Jeff Smythe; Co-Captains Steve Franzese & Jack Hoose (overall record 5-6-1)
Tennis Team: Coach Major Coleman; Captain Sam DeDominicis, four-year record was 34-6
Golf Team: Coach Pete Galatis; Captain Dale Havens (team finished 4th in Lakes Region League)
Track Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains -- All the Seniors (Team record 10-2, Champion of Lakes Region League)
Varsity Baseball: Coach Bill Davis (Team Record was 11-5, Champions of the Lakes Region League)
Varsity Cheerleading: Coach Malloy (Members: Karen Callanan, Carol Colunio, Barb Flahive, Liz Franzese, Carmen Garrett, Diann Semski & Connie Woodward
Varsity Majorettes: Coach Snyder; Team Members were Jennie Dean, Peggy Doolittle, Nancy Johnson, Mary Rose Spena & Marilyn Wilson
*** The All Sports Banquet --- the 2nd in our history --- was held at St. Mary's Center

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* Commencement -- June 23, 1931: At 2:30 p.m., Watkins Glen High School Auditorium (1st one held there after new construction!)
Salutatory, Anna Morris; Class History, Charles Decker; Class Prophesy, Selma Howard; Violin Solo, John T. Beers; Class Will, Ellen Kelly; Charge to Juniors, June Cunningham; Reply, Richard Walsh; Valedictory, Nello Arcangeli
Essay (Training Class Honor) -- Grace Birge, "Character Building"
Presentation of Diplomas: W.W. Clute; Awarding of Palmer Method Teacher Certificates: H.O. Ganung
Presentation of Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers

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* Alumni Banquet: June 22, 1985: Presented by the Class of 1960 (the 25-Year Class)
Call to Order: Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
Alumni Association Business: Jim Chedzoy
Dinner: Catered by Carol Bower
1960 Officers, Alumni Association: President, James Chedzoy; Vice President, Nancy King Cole; Secretary, Marge Smith Arcangeli; Treasurer, Gerri Yanch
1961 Officers, Alumni Association: President, Jo Pat Wright; Vice President, John Updyke;
Secretary, Rosemary Schimizzi; Treasurer, William Green

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* Baccalaureate Service: June 21, 1925: Held at local church.
Prayer, Rev. F.N. Bouck; Sermon, Rev. Robert J. Drysdale of Rochester, NY

* Baccalaureate Service: June 20, 1926: Held at First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Prayer, Rev. A.B. Herr; Sermon, Rev. Adna Wright Leonard, Bishop of Buffalo Area

Faculty and students of the old Watkins High pose in front of the school in this undated photo.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 20 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of the fire that destroyed the old Watkins High School in 1929. The ruins were leveled, and the school rebuilt on the same site -- what is now the Watkins Glen Middle School.

Another view of the school, pre-fire, can be seen in the photo above the headline.

Rear of the Watkins High School before the 1929 fire. It's now the site of the Middle School

These are members of the Watkins Glen High School at Mount Vernon, Virginia, in 1930.

This appears to be a group identified with Watkins High School during 1915-16 (the date on the ball). Eona Burnett is holding the ball. Kneeling are Florence Wood Eisenhart (left) and Maude Simpson. Seated, from left: Kathryn Wood Ball, Lola Harwood Chidester, Elizabeth Stevens Burrell and Marie Orzechowski.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Another segment of our stroll down the halls of Watkins Glen Central Schools brings the following:

In the Spring of 1982 -- just in time for the 100th commencement ceremony in our history -- I was part of an effort to coordinate the first 100 years of our District's history. That effort resulted in "The 100 Year's Book" -- a pretty comprehensive compilation of the history (people & events) of the Watkins Glen Central School District from 1883 through 1982.

It's time again to update that history, and I'm pleased to announce that a "new" book is in the works. This volume will speak to the entire history of the District from prior to 1883 up to and including the current Class of 2008. Watch for more details in the next month or so and learn how you can secure a copy of the new (and improved) "100 Years Book + 26"

To continue "dusting off" some of the events and achievements from years gone by, I offer the following this month:

* 1982-1983 school year:

Class Officers were.....

..................Seniors and Juniors
President: Allison Isley, Ed Alling
Vice Pres.: Eric Rocholl, Chris Wickham
Secretary: Sharron Scaptura, Margaret Franzese
Treasurer: Adrienne Kramer, Don Mason

..................Sophomores and Freshmen
President: Laurie Caldwell, Dina Ciprich
Vice Pres.: Kim Kelly, Michele Pierce
Secretary: Elaine Ware, Joe Gibbons
Treasurer: Betsy Bianco, Lisa Osborne

* 1983-1984 school year:
-- Yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Frank Steber, English Teacher for the past 34 years (29 of those in Watkins Glen!);
-- Lori Bruce (Italy) & Gwen James (Denmark) spent a year of study abroad;
-- Dawn Maricle (1965-1981) and Michael Osborne (1965-1981) were featured as members of the Class of 1984.

* 1984-1985 school year:
-- Major changes included end of the old A-B-C schedule in favor of more traditional scheduling at the high school; "Free" periods for Juniors & Seniors were eliminated in favor of "Honor Passes";
-- Computer Education was added to the curriculum and the Regents Action Plan became a reality.

* 1985-1986 school year:
-- Some "inside" information shared by the staff of the Senecan included:
1. "Emily Kramer, Mike Klemann and Kelly Bonzo from the Junior Class (are) examples & an inspiration to other students";
2. "Lisa Bartone, Jeff Forney & Steve Beaver ... all experienced driving woes in the 'Speed Zone'";
3. "Those stylish standout students -- Mindy Franzese in her mermaid skirt, Keli Hall wearing her oversized jacket, Marcia Josey in her fingerless black lace gloves, Neil Fazzary in his break dancing clothes, Brian Naylor wearing his cream white suit, Ben Kramer in his paisley shirt and Carol Morin/Rhonda Van Alstine/Sonja Voorheis for 'awesone and different hair styles.'"

..... moving on into the 21st Century:

* 2000-2001 school year:
-- Craig Cheplick was named by West Virginia University as "Person Who Made A Difference in My Life" as nominated by student Brandon Margreno;
-- Judy Pearce, school bus driver, walked 10 miles in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk and raised $1,540.50 for research;
-- "Operation Recognition" (granting High School diplomas to veterans who were in World War II and who had to leave High School to enter the Armed Services):
1. Herbert Allen Templar 12/08/00
2. Elmer T. Buckley 12/20/00
3. John C. Coolican 1/19/01
4. Clyde J. Weed 2/08/01
5. Albert Colunio 4/30/01
* This program was later extended to include veterans from the Korean War as wel l...

* 2001-2002 school year:
-- High School "X-Day" schedule was eliminated in favor of a more traditional one;
-- Peggy & Ken Field donated a number of plants to adorn the HS library;
-- Bob Foote continued to be a fabulous resource and trouble shooter behind the scenes in the Broadcast Studio;
-- Congressman Amory Houghton donated a U.S. Flag -- which had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building on January 22, 2002 -- to be placed on permanent display in our Field House
-- RYAN COON was presented with a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program & LYNN MARIE BENNETT became a published poet by having a poem published in "The International Library of Poetry -- A River of Emotion."

* 2002-2003 school year:
-- "Open Campus" (at lunch time) ended for Grade 9 students as plans were put in place to phase out this long-standing privilege with one additional Class per year
-- Laurie Macri & Gail Butler, Main Office clerical, won the annual Halloween Costume "Funniest" category by virtue of their "Bathing Beauty" shirts.
-- Teachers Sam Brubaker, Nancy Ruda, Margaret Swinnerton and Kate Barthomomew were presented with 5-year service pins for their years of teaching
-- Theresa Bianco and Gabrielle Rosier were instrumental in getting information packed into the two new corner stones (one at the entrance to the High School Main Office and one at the entrance to the Field House)...

Some Athletic achievements over the years:
Next time you're in our Field House, think about the following:
-- 1st JV and Varsity Boys' Basketball games played there -- December 3, 2002 against Odessa-Montour; some of the "1st's" in those games :
* 1st JV basket made by: Brian Rentschler
* 1st Varsity basket made by: Drew Bubb
* 1st Varsity assist, steal & 3-pointer: Todd Lincoln
Team Scores: JV's -- WG 28, OM 27
* Conor Flahive scored winning points via foul shots with 4 seconds left.
Varsity -- WG 70, OM 32
-- Todd Lincoln had game-high 16 points
-- Craig Bianco had three 3-pointers

Scholar-Athlete teams (2001-02) -- probably our best year ever for these awards:
-- Boys' Soccer -- Girls' Soccer -- Girls' Swimming
-- Varsity Softball -- Girls' Cross Country -- Golf Team
-- Girls' Track -- Boys' Cross Country -- Tennis Team
-- Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

More "1st's" 2001-2002 year... Varsity Baseball Team on newly constructed field
--1st pitch: ceremonial 1st pitch thrown out by former Varsity Baseball Coach and then Middle School Principal Dave Warren -- catcher was NICK BUTLER
-- 1st WG Baserunner was JON PRESTON -- drew a walk, then stole a base;
-- 1st WG hit and RBI -- NICK BUTLER with a single scoring JON PRESTON with 1st WG run

Varsity Girls' Softball Team on newly constructed field: 2001-2002 year...
-- Keri McIlroy, Class of 1996 (Member of WG Athletic Hall of Fame as a pitcher, 20-3 during the 1995-95 season) threw out 1st ball/ceremonial pitch
-- 1st WG Hit: Shannon Lewis (a single)
-- 1st run scored: Ashley Bauman
-- 1st RBI: Jessica Brown (a 2-run double, the 1st double)
-- 1st triple: April Byers
-- Jessica Brown was 3 for 5 with a double and 4 RBIs
-- Shannon Lewis was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 2 RBIs
-- Katie Oats & Sylvia Brown had 2 hits each

1860's: April 3, 1863, the Chapter 69 Laws of 1863 were enacted to create a Union Free School District in the Village of Watkins and to create a Board of Education "therein with powers of taxation and other powers for school purposes." The formal name was established as the Watkins Academy. A Charter of Operation was received from New York State, and the Watkins Union School District began.

1870's: This decade saw the District go from early uncertainty and changing educational direction to the consistency & stabliization provided by the arrival of Professor S.S. Johnson, who re-wrote the curriculum and condensed the time frame of each grade level from two years to one year, thereby allowing more students to stay in school and attend high school.

1880's: Mary Freer became the 1st graduate (1883) and Lula Martin received the 1st Regents diploma (1884). Classes during this decade averaged just four students per senior year with the 1st male students -- Herbert Morgan & Edward Thompson -- being in the Class of 1887.

1890's: During this decade, only nine young men graduated from high school as compared to forty-six young women; there were two major fires (6/19/1897 and 2/04/1898) which virtually destroyed all school facilities; while rebuilding took place, classes were held in such places as Gurnett's Hall (corner of Third & Franklin Sts.), the Baldwin Block (located on the site of the current Glen Theater) and the Beach Building of the Sheldon Block (just east of the old
Jefferson Hotel).

1900's: Several major events characterized the arrival of the new Century -- among them the arrival of Professor John Beers as teacher & Vice Principal in 1901, plus increasing enrollment (senior classes now averaged 11 students) and the formation of extracurricular activities and athletic teams.

1910's: This decade was noted for many things:
-- Class of 1910 was 1st graduating class under Professor Beer's leadership (S.S. Johnson having retired in 1909);
-- Class of 1911 was last class NOT to have an annual Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1912 was 1st Senior Class to have a Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1914: each member of the Class shook the hand of United States President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, D.C.;
-- Class of 1917 was forced to cancel their Senior Trip (due to World War I);
-- Class of 1918 went to Niagara Falls for their Senior Trip (again due to World War I).

A 1964 retirement get-together. From left: John R. Cook, Doris Owens, Grace Abbott, unknown, and Mae Klube.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 16 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them are the one at right, showing a Burdett PTA meeting that featured David Ruggles (Burdett Elementary School principal from 1957-60), Mrs. Edward Bond and Mrs. Dallas Landrum.

In the photos presented here, there are often unidentified persons. If anyone has information as to the identification of such photo subjects, let us know.

Watkins Training Class of 1916.

Watkins Glen High School senior class graduation, 1949.

Watkins High School boys basketball team from 1904-05. Back row, from left: unknown, Albert Forbes, unknown, and Coach (and vice principal) John Beers. Front row, from left: H.W. Burch, unknown, unknown, and Alvin T. Spencer, team captain. A year later, the team went 16-0. Members of that squad included Spencer, Forbes, Burch, Tom Lembeck, F.C. Nichols and Frank Macreey.

Watkins High School girls basketball team from 1921-22.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Another segment of our stroll down the halls of Watkins Glen Central Schools brings the following:

* Class of 1983 - the 25th Anniversary Class for this year's Alumni Banquet:

-- Class Officers:

President -- ALLISON ISLEY
Vice. Pres -- ERIC ROCHOLL
Secretary -- SHARI SCAPTURA
Treasurer -- ADRIENNE KRAMER

-- Student Council President: MATT SERLO
-- "Northrup Foundation Award," "Freer Mucklow Award" and "Harriett Allen English Award" winner: LENA HORWITZ
-- "Louis Rondinaro Award": KRISTI PEAK
-- "Southern Tier Guidance Counselor Award": HEIDI HOLLAND
-- "Elizabeth Johnson Clute" & "Winifred Chase Love" Music Awards: ROBIN TOLMAN

-- Yearbook "Senecan" was dedicated to Business Education Teacher: MRS. ANNE MORGAN MEEHAN with special mention and honor to retiring Guidance Office Secretary: MRS. DOROTHY COGSDILL, completing 22 years of service, and MISS EMMA SMITH (having no regular assigned classroom but assigned to the "dental office" as her office space); and MRS. RUTH WARNER for "having a well used and worn planbook."

-- Cited for successful and winning ways were:
1) BUD NEMETH -- for BMX Moto Cross racing
2) LAURIE CALDWELL -- for Cheerleading (1st place at Lake George Invitationals and 8th place in the Nationals in Michigan)

-- Mentioned for sailing success (16 foot Hobie Cat) for three outstanding finishes in the Glenora Cup:
*ADAM MARCINIAK
*KENNY THURSTON

-- ISANO ASADA: exchange student from Japan
-- JULIE METAL: an unusual hobby as a "fish farmer"

-- MISSY HORNER: blind since birth but rose above her handicap to do many things (bowl, archery and travel to France).

-- DICK KENDALL: worked for Schuyler County Sheriff's Department & Hector/Valois/Logan Fire Department as a rescue diver searching for drowning victims.

Additional achievements/honors for Members of the Class of 1983 include:

-- JANICE AMEIGH: BOCES VICA Vice President;
-- DONALD (BRUD) HOLLAND: Football & Swim Team co-Captain; 2nd Team ALL STATE as a Kicker;
-- ALLISON ISLEY: Class President as a Freshman & Senior;
-- WENDY PEARSALL: Math Club Secretary & National Honor Society Vice President;
-- SHARRON SCAPTURA: Ski Club Treasurer, Homecoming Queen and Class Secretary Grades 11 and 12;
-- MONICA STANSFIELD: Class Secretary in Grade 10;
-- BARRY MC KINNEY: became a certified pilot in a Cessna 172 before he ever drove a car;
-- DARRIN STOCUM was 1st Team ALL-STATE in Football;
-- KATHY HATSELL: Captain, Girls' Swim Team

In Athletics the 1983 year was memorable:
-- Varsity Football Team (8-2) was Division 1 Champion
-- Girls Tennis Team was 8-3
-- Boys' Swim team completed a three-year record of 34-1 under Coach Steve Woodworth

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Official dedication for the Watkins Glen Elementary School:
October 18, 1953

Invocation..... Rev. James V. Davidson, Pastor
First Baptist Church

Welcome..... Don J. Wickham, Vice President
Watkins Glen Board of Education

Acceptance of building.... Frank A. Cole, President
Watkins Glen Board of Education

Remarks..... Mrs. Laura Merrill, President,
Watkins Glen Parent-Teacher Association

Band.......... Mr. Raymond A. Bailey, Director

Benediction.... Rev. Benedict Ehmann, Pastor
St. Mary's of the Lake Church

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50 Year Class to be honored at Alumni Banquet in June:
* CLASS of 1958...

1958 "Senecan" (Yearbook)
JUDY HAUGHEY: editor-in-chief
....BARBARA BUCK, BECKY COOK, MARY LOU CALDWELL, STEVE HOARE & ELISSA MC ANARNEY: contributing editors...

Class Officers were:
President..............ALICE GAREY
Vice President.......DAVID FRABONI
Secretary..............SUZANNE WHITE
Treasurer...............BARBARA RICHARDSON
Publicity Mgr.........JUDY HAUGHEY
Business Mgr........ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY

Other Club Leaders:
"Student Standard" Editor: BARBARA BUCK
FHA President: MARJORIE SHAFFER
Future Nurses President: ANN ROWLES
Lettermen's Club President: PATRICK PANGALLO
Projection Club President: STEVE HOARE
Future Farmers President: RALPH VEDDER
Dramatics Club President: BRUCE WARD

Senior Play was"Onions in the Straw." Featured roles went to:
REBECCA COOK ..... TYLER SCHOUTEN
...MARY JO O'GRADY ..... JUDY HAUGHEY
...DAVID FRABONI ... JERRY SMYDER
...NORM WISNER ...... ISABEL WOLCOTT
...LINDA FITCH ..... JEANETTE STRONG
...ELISSA MC ANARNEY ..... BARBARA BUCK
...CAROLE NITTOLY ..... ALICE GAREY

On June 23, 1958 at Commencement the top 10 Seniors were:

ELISSA MC ANARNEY
MARY LOU CALDWELL
BARBARA BUCK
ALICE GAREY
JUDY HAUGHEY
DON BRUBAKER
NANCY HORNER
REBECCA COOK
BRUCE WARD
TOM JAYNES

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In the spring of 1996 I visited former County Superintendent of Schools (and retired SCT-BOCES Superintendent) IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr. in Elmira's Arnot Ogden Hospital. I asked him if he was frustrated by the fact that his doctors had told him he was to be discharged from the hospital five days earlier and he was still there. His reply was, "For nine years I drove Route 14 between Watkins Glen and BOCES and I soon learned never to be frustrated about anything."

Watkins Glen School Board from an unspecified year. Standing, from left: Harold Ely, clerk; Irving Goodrich, superintendent; Harry Sebring; John Hoare, and Warren Mertenstein, principal. Seated, from left: Leona Everts, Frank Cole, Dr. Jackson, Estelle Kerr, and John Bolton.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them are the one at right, showing a 1939 Riding Club affiliated with Watkins High School.

From left were Emily Bell, Barbara Sebring, Anne Odell, Aileen J. Thompson, Margaret Quirk, Dorothy Van Fleet, Virginia Timms and Esther Freudheim.

The 1903 Watkins High School basketball team.

Sophomore class officers from 1962. Seated, from left: Mr. Vona, advisor; Carol Wade, vice president; and Gary Granston, president. Standing, from left: Karen Doolittle, secretary; Arthur Roberts, business manager; and Patrick Fennell, treasurer.

Watkins Glen Senior Class officers, 1962. Seated from left: Gail Palmer, secretary; Francis Schaefer, advisor; Steven Williams, president; and Martha Johnson, treasurer. Standing from left: William Pierce, vice president; and Dan Dolk, business manager.

A 1929-30 Watkins High School team. From the kneepads, it would appear that these were volleyball players.

From 1927, this Watkins High group represented track competitors.

To view photos from the Kelly Collection, click here.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

* Wouldn't it be something to formally name the Watkins Glen Fieldhouse to honor three former long-time teachers & coaches of note:

Coach Francis W. Blake
WG Career: 1933-1967
Coached: All Sports plus Boxing and Tumbling
Hall of Fame: 1991

Coach Joseph J. Lemak
WG Career: 1948-83
Coached: All Sports
Hall of Fame: 1990

Coach Peter Galatis
WG Career: 1955-87
Coached: Golf, Basketball, Football
Hall of Fame: 1991

Additional facts:

Coach Blake: Physical Education teacher, and Vice Principal for 13 years; coached 6-man football teams during World War II years and beyond (11-man football teams returned in 1948); yearbook dedications from the students in 1945 & 1952 (Oracles) and 1960 Senecan.

Coach Lemak: Health & General Science Teacher, coach & Athletic Director; taught Driver Education; coordinated Saturday morning winter recreational program (Gr. 4-12); avid golfer, winning WG club championship in 1953, 1955, 1956, & 1957; coached varsity boys' basketball team to Section IV, Class B Championship in 1951; elected to the Section IV "Hall of Fame" in 1993.

Coach Galatis: Taught Physical Education in our elementary school from 1955-1969 and in our middle school from 1969-1987; in 1962 formed district's 1st golf team; served 14 years as boys' varsity basketball coach; coached a remarkable number of WG Hall of Fame athletes; outstanding athlete in his own right (Southern Tier All-Star quarterback for football and All Star in basketball at Johnson City, and played varsity basketball, wrestled and was on golf team at Ithaca College.)

These three gentlemen chartered the course of athletic history at Watkins Glen for more than 50 years! They truly connect our "Proud Past" to our "Promising Future."

*******

With the Christmas season upon us, let's look back at one high school tradition begun by Librarian BOB KING back in 1988 --- the "Door Decorating Contest." Winning classrooms and the year of victory follow:
1988/89: DAN TEED
1989-90: DIANE MELVENEY
1990-91: KATE LAMOREAUX
1991-92: RAY THOMAS
1992-93: DAN TEED (a double winner!)
1993-94: KATE LAMOREAUX (ditto!)
1994-95: EILEEN MALANEY
1995-96: ELAINE WOJTUS
1996-97: PAT TAMMARO
1997-98: KELLY MUIR
1998-99: TOM PLANTY
1999-00: KATE BARTHOLOMEW
2000-01: ELAINE WOJTUS (another double!)
2001-02: NANCY RUDA, DANIELLE MAZZOLA, DENNIS BRADY, REETHA SHUMWAY & PEGGY RICHARDSON ("Santa" was busy that year!)
2002-03: NANCY BAHNS & NICK DUGO

* The "Winning" classroom always earned a pizza party from the Library Council!!!

Memory Lane...

* MAE KLUBE (pictured at right) -- born in New York City as Mae Elizabeth Christensen (married Harry Klube in December of 1946);
-- graduated from Dundee High School, Penn Yan Teacher Training Class, Oswego Normal School, Buffalo State Teachers' College & Cortland Normal School;
-- taught Gr. 1-8 in rural schools in Rock Stream, Crystal Valley, Crystal Springs, Bennettsburg & Townsend prior to becoming a substitute teacher in Watkins Glen in 1944;
- - retired as principal at Watkins Glen Elementary School on July 1, 1971 (with 27 years of service at Watkins Glen -- 14 as teacher, 13 as principal -- along with 14 years of teaching service elsewhere for a career total of 41 years);
-- noted for "being always one step ahead in implementing new ideas of value while ignoring those ideas which were not so valuable; her sense of humor and devotion to young people served to make her loved or respected or both by all who knew her." (School Newsletter for December, 1971)
-- from her letter of retirement: "I have been privileged to work and associate with many diligent, talented and cooperative people who gave generously of their time and efforts to provide for the education and well being of the children."
-- Mae Klube died in 1981.

...from the 'Student Standard' (school newspaper) October 1948:

Editor-in-Chief: ANNE CARTMELL
Associate Editor: BOB PARADISO
Contributing: SETH SMITH, MARGARET PETRIE, CLIFFORD MOREHOUSE, BILL
WHITING, RODERIC MATHEWS, FLORENCE BELLOWS & RUTH HUBER.....and many more

One story: Titled "Chit Chat":

The students of WGHS have many different ideas on many different subjects. Here are a few of the many male sentiments on that much discussed topic, the "New Look":
G. Gotrly: "Only a woman could think up something that stupid."
B. Shires: "I don't have to wear it so it doesn't bother me."
Fry Herrick: "If girls want to wear evening gowns, why don't they wear the whole thing instead of cutting off six inches?"
B. Chapman: "It used to be 'nice legs', now it's 'nice ankles.'"

.....speaking of the "New Look" (in summation): "Reminds one of prohibition days. The joints are still there but they're harder to find."

*******

Basketball Season is here: let's review some interesting information from the first boys' basketball games vs. Odessa-Montour in the new Field House (12/3/2002):

1st JV Basket: BRIAN RENTSCHLER
1st Varsity Basket: DREW BUBB
1st Varsity 3-pointer & steal: TODD LINCOLN
The games: JV's: WG 28, OM 27
(Conor Flahive scored winning points via foul shots with less than 4 seconds to go!)
Varsity: WG 70, OM 32
(Todd Lincoln scored game-high 16 points; Craig Bianco had three 3-pointers).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

The Watkins Glen Elementary School 4th grade class of Brian O'Donnell (top right) included: Top row, from left, Vicki Bovaird, A.K. Thurston, Margaret Cornish, Rick Dunbar, Gina Marcellino and Lindsay Wickham; second row, from left, James Minichiello, Nancy Franzese, Patti Sopp and Kevin Wager; third row, from left, Brooke Webster, Robert Ector, Nora Rogers, Charles Blim, Michelle Holmes, Jerry Ely and Jennifer Fitch; and bottom row, from left, Sharon Kuttner, Karla Raplee, Pattie Van Horn, Hildegarde Hoke, Anne Paradiso, Lynn Cunningham and Sharon Edsall.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

One contains O'Donnell himself with his Watkins Glen Elementary School 4th grade class in 1972-73. Another features a 1924 Watkins Glen class, and -- according to information from Mary McGrath Owen -- two show members of the 1980 school production of "Oklahoma." Also included: a non-photo in the form of an 1891 Certificate of Promotion from the Watkins Union School.

Photo in text: "Cowboys" in the 1980 production of "Oklahoma." From left are Bill Ruger, Ryan Tolman, Henry Rocholl, and Mike Myers.

Maggie Field, left, and Mary McGrath work backstage on the 1980 "Oklahoma" production.

This is the class of 1924 at Watkins Glen. There are no names with it.

Self-explanatory: A certificate of promotion for a first-grader in 1891.

There is no date on this one. It shows Lloyd Peak -- who was superintendent in the Watkins Glen school district -- on the left, and Jim Whiting on the right.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

Rotary Students of the Month:

.............1994-95........1995-96
Oct. -- Brett Mahon...Peter Dugo
Nov. -- Andy Henderson...Mike Paugh
Dec. -- Mary Martha Brubaker...Stacey Morgan
Jan. -- Seth DePuy...Sarah Winstead
Feb. -- Angela Foster...Heather Kendall
Mar. -- Katie Bills...Rebecca Watson
Apr. -- Blanche Franzese...Keri McIlroy
May -- Jessica Colon...Janna Solomon

History of the Watkins Glen Central School District:

(1) Oracle of 1906 -- written by Jane M. Haring from the Class of 1898 -- updated from the beginning through 1906.
(2) Oracle of 1941 -- written by staff -- updated from early times through 1941
(3) In 1960, Librarian/Historian Mrs. Louise Stillman updated from early times through 1960
(4) In 1982, Middle School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell updated from early times through 1982 to honor the 100th Graduating Class from our District.

Under Warren Hertenstein - District Supervisory Principal from 1941-1953:
-- during World War II (1941-1945), students sold national defense stamps and many students and faculty joined Civil Defense;
-- because of World War II, the Senior Trips were to New York City and not Washington, D.C. (Classes of 1942-43-44-45);
-- due to gasoline rationing and smaller enrollments (as many Juniors and Seniors enlisted in the Armed Forces) we had short football seasons (six games AND 6-man football rather than the usual 11-man football);
-- Oracle (Yearbook) Dedications:
1942 -- Mrs. Harriette Allen
1943 -- Mrs. Naomi Roberts
1944 -- Mr. Donald Harkness
1945 -- Mr. Francis Blake
1946 -- Miss Lucy Viglione
1947 -- to men & women who lost their lives in
World War II
1948 -- Mr. John Goetchius
1949 -- Mr. Raymond Bailey
1950 -- Coach Joe Lemak
1951 -- Mr. Milford (Bud) Warner

Under John R. Cook, District Supervising Principal from 1953-1964:
-- "Senecan" replaced "Oracle" as school Yearbook
-- National Honor Society was organized, Student Council was instituted, Library Club was organized and Lettermen's Club began; Photography Club and Future Nurse's Club were organized;
-- Senecan Dedications:
1954 -- Mr. John Elliott
1955 -- Mr. Richard Fetterman
1956 -- Mr. John Rowles
1957 -- Mrs. Myrtle Miller
1958 -- Mr. Donald Harkness
1959 -- Mrs. Irene Gillette
1960 -- Coach Blake

Under Mr. Jack Terry, Supervising Principal from 1964-1967:
-- Senecan dedications:
1965 -- Mrs. Naomi Roberts
1966 -- Mr. Gerald Loughlin
1967 -- Mr. Frank Steber

-- in 1965 we joined the SCT-BOCES system

Watkins Training Class (future teachers) 1923-24:
-- Ernest Brimmer, Instructor
Mildred LaRue, Edith Spader, Marion Koch, Beatrice Jennings, Eleanor Boyce, Alta Hall,
Leona Butler, Bernice States, Geneive Oiven, Frances Wickham

.....Photographed at their 50th Reunion were:
Bernice States Dunham, Beatrice Jennings Marsh, Marion Koch Cashady, Edith Spader Updyke, Leona Butler Smyder, Alta Hall Decker, Frances Wickham Wiggin, Eleanor Boyce Schimpff, Mildred LaRue Burnett

Athletic Team Most Valuable Players 1972-73 season:
Softball....................................LEE HERRICK
Basketball (Girls)......................LEE HERRICK
Swimming (Girls) .....................PEG MC GONIGAL
Swimming (Boys).....................DAN HOLMAN
Football...................................HAROLD CHAFFEE
Wrestling.................................BYRON THOMPSON
Basketball................................JOHN CALLANAN
Cross Country..........................KEVIN MURPHY
Track...................................... HAROLD CHAFFEE
Baseball...................................JEFF GARDNER
Tennis......................................DOUG COLEMAN
Golf.........................................MIKE MOORE

Historical first:

AMANDA AHO -- Grade 9 (1997-98) -- pins her Wrestling opponent in the 1st NYS Wrestling match between two females (January).

Senior Trip information as compiled by Senior Class Advisor Nick Dugo in 1982:
-- Class of 1912 was our 1st Class to have a Senior Trip
-- Class of 1917 (because many public buildings were closed during World War I) decided to forgo its trip to Washington, D.C. and donate its hard-earned funds to the school to purchase playground equipment
-- Class of 1918 took its Senior Trip to Niagara Falls (probably because of World War I)
-- Class of 1914 --- EVERY member of the Class shook hands with President Woodrow Wilson

Members of the Watkins Glen school district administrative team in the early 1990s. From left: Mike Yuhasz (Elementary School principal); Brian O'Donnell (High School principal); Peter Pevo (Middle School principal), and Don Dryden (Superintendent).

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 8 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more group photos from days long gone by.

One is of O'Donnell himself with other Watkins Glen school district officials back in the early 1990s; while the others deal with a food prep setting, a play rehearsal, and a class photo from 1961.

Rehearsing for a school play in the 1980s were, from left, Lorraine Hall, Kristi Peak, Angela Nyre, Colette Kramer, Sharron Scaptura and Alison Isley.

Rehearsing for the same play as in the photo above were Jennifer Fitch and Chris Calhoun.

According to the caption material provided with this photo: "Rick Smith, Joe VanAmburg and Bill Wagner whipping up some fun."

Mrs. Withiam's class in 1961. Front row, from left: Sammy Argetsinger, Wanda Houseworth, Sandra Usher, Dennis Morris, Nona Graves, Kenneth Porter and Clifford Gardner. Back row, from left: Kathleen Ackley, Constance Haupt, Gloria Simpson, David LeGro, Lana Rea, Mrs. Withiam, Larry Woodworth and Joel Dean.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

* Alumni Banquet History:
- 1964 : MISS BERTHA THOMPSON was given an award for attending her 60th banquet;
- 1926/1966: JACK THOMPSON served as Alumni Association Treasurer;
- 1958: ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY was given the 1st Citizenship Award;
- 1961: Head Table was adorned by flowers sent in by a Classmate from Hawaii;
- 1968: Alumni Association voted to donate $400.00 to the Schuyler Hospital Building Fund;
- 1973: Class of 1948 (25th Year Class) presented a painting to the school in memory of JAMES FRANZESE;
- 1993/94: District Calendar dedicated to SUSAN ROLOSON DRAKE, Class of 1912 -- our oldest living alumnus at that time (turned 100 years old in February of 1993)

* June, 1989: Retirements: LOLA ANNE LUTOMSKE, JOHN VAN DUREN,
AMELIA ADESSO, HELEN SORTORE & HELEN PURVIS
Resignations: ROXANNE KNAPP & JEAN VANDER VLIET
Earlier retirements that same year: MARILYN FILIPPETTI, EMILIA MORELLI & SANDRA WOOLLEY

* Those we remember: Month of October deaths:
-- October 6, 1999: Dominick "Art" Fazzary -- school bus driver for 45 years;
-- October 11, 2000: Jean Hanville, former Gr. 4 teacher
-- October 12, 2005: Elizabeth Amisano, Class of 2003
-- October 13, 1994: Frances Martz, Elementary School Teacher
-- October 18, 2001: Coach Joe Lemak, HS Teacher/Coach/Athletic Director
-- October 18, 2004: Glenn Davis, Custodian/Cleaner
- October 23, 2001: Dorothy Foote, Elementary School Teacher
-- October 25, 2004: Dr. Thomas (Jack) Love, Long-time Board of Education Member & President
-- October 26, 1997: Doris Ely Owen, Teacher
-- October 26, 2006: Camille Meek, CSE Chairperson
-- October 30, 2006: John W. Lutomske (Big John!) -- School Bus Driver 43 years

* 1988/89 High School Class Officers:

-- Senior Class: President COLLEEN LOTT; Vice. Pres SUNNY WINSTEAD; Secretary BECKY PEARCE; Treasurer DANIELLE GOOD

-- Junior Class: President MARGARET FAZZARY; Vice Pres. CHANDRA FLAHIVE; Secretary BECKY DRAKE; Treasurer LAURI FOLNSBEE

-- Sophomore Class: President KIRRA MC DERMOTT
Vice Pres. PETER LA MOREAUX
Secretary ALLISON MOFFETT
Treasurer MARNIE DAVIS

-- Freshman Class: President: BRIAN COLEMAN
Vice. Pres: MARY FRANZESE
Secretary: JOHN BONZO
Treasurer: BRIAN COLEMAN

* Some INDIVIDUAL Athletic Achievements:
-- Fall, 1999: MARK MATTHEWS: voted IAC Defensive MVP (Soccer) by Division Coaches
-- Winter, 2000: JAMIE LAPRIORI bowls three-game score of 545, leading team to IAC victory over seven other schools
-- 1989/90: Boys' Swimming -- Section IV Diving Champion -- NEIL PLANTY
-- HEATHER THORP -- Class of 1990 -- #1 in Nation in Free Throw percentage at Alfred University (94.7%)
-- Spring 1993: JESSICA CRAVER goes 4-for-6 with 5 RBIs in WG Girls' Softball win over Newfield, 33-16
-- JOSH BUTLER leads 2000 Varsity Baseball Team with 8-3 record as a pitcher and a .381 batting average, gaining 1st Team IAC All Star status

DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE:
-- approved May 10, 1994 by the Watkins Glen Board of Education as follow-up to presentation at PTA meeting by the following:
1. CYNDY WOOD (Drug Free Zone representative)
2. KAZ ESTELOW (Chemical Awareness Team Member)
3. NANCY BAHNS (SADD Club Advisor)
4. DANNIE BROWN (Journalism Club)
5. KIM HERRICK (Counseling Services)
6. MIKE WOOD & HOWARD DAVIS (Law Enforcement)
..... additionally: NANCY CLEVELAND, LIZ PARADISO, TRACIE MC ILROY, EILEEN MALANEY, LINDA FAZZARY & ROBIN WAITE

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 1949 on its senior trip to Washington, D.C.

Three more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 13 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with three more group photos from days long gone by.

One is of the WGHS Class of 1949's senior trip to Washington, D.C. (above), one is of the 1963-64 Watkins Glen Elementary School faculty and staff, and the third is of the Watkins Glen Class of 1924.

The Watkins Glen Elementary School faculty and staff in the 1963-64 school year. First row, from left: L. Stamp, C. LeShure, B. Stevens, M. Klube, M. Gable, D. Emery, J. Stamp, B. Field, B. Gaiss. Second row, from left: Brewer, C. Fitch, D. Foote, G. Jacobson, L. Kuhn, A. Ginsburg, B. Piersall, L. Williams. Third row, from left: P. Galatis, G. Davis, M. Denson, M. O'Grady, I. Ogelman, J. Coleman, N. Callahan, D. Fazzary, J. Hull, L.A. Lutomske, L. Knapp, G. Wager, W. Throop, C. Fenton, L. Snyder, J. Smith, R. Taylor, G. O'Dea, C. Randolph, B. Love, C. Kopp, K. Ackerman, R. Banfi, Wetmore, J. Parsons.

The Watkins Glen Class of 1924. Front row: Includes Lucille Peck, Alice Quirk, Anna Kuhn, Lenore Manning, and Mary Updyke, with others unidentified. Back row, from left: Miss Kathleen Miller, William Rooney, George Shannon, Herman Klube, Clayton Dietrick, Charles Bernard, Thomas Moran, Henry Hess, Principal John A. Beers.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As we continue walking through the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District's "past," we note the following -- which I hope evoke fond memories in all...

Some outstanding FIRSTS... & 'other' items of interest...

-- 1975: 1st Girls' Track Team formed with NANCY LOUGHLIN as Coach; team became IAC Champions in first three years of existence (1975-1976-1977);

-- 1st female Pole Vaulter in WG history: LIZ HENRY in 1999;

-- under new Title IX guidelines: 1st female on Varsity Boys' Baseball Team: LEE HERRICK (in 1973); 1st female on JV Baseball Team was Gr. 9 student MARIE FITZSIMMONS (also in 1973)

-- 1st "live" broadcast over Channel 5 Television to our local community was Varsity Girls Swim Meet at home vs. Frewsburg; swimming pool spectator area was filled to capacity with "overflow" seating on the deck; additional seating was made available in the gymnasium with spectators watching on televisions;

-- Athletic "Hall of Fame" members ALLISON ISLEY & KATHY HATSELL were the very 1st Varsity Girls' Swimmers to dominate the record boards in the early 1980s;

-- 1985 marked the 1st year of KATE LAMOREAUX'S coaching career with the Girls' Varsity Swimming Team (the team had its 1st undefeated season at 17-0);

-- throughout the early 1990s KRISTEN BROWN dominated the record boards in Varsity Girls' swimming;

-- in 1996 Grade 8 student/athlete KIM WARREN made her 1st trip to the New York State Swimming Championships as a Varsity Swimmer;

-- swimming "sisters" who helped make the Varsity Girls' Swimming Teams dominant from the mid-1980s through 2006:
- the Bahns - the Browns - the Bills
- the Chaffees - the Drakes - the Nobles
- the Elliotts - the Hanleys - the Woods
- the Hubbards - the Lincolns - the Pierces
- the VanEmriks - the Yuhaszs - the Keefers
- the Warrens - the Schamels - the Porters
- the Winsteads - the Kanklefritzs

-- one of Teacher and Coach MIKE WATSON'S greatest memories (told to me with pride and humility): "Coaching and teaching my three sons -- NILS, SANDERS & WILLIE -- the coaching aspect was an emotional rollercoaster without comparison."

-- remember when: WG Sports Boosters Club led by President TRACIE MC ILROY --- worked so hard to "save" the 1994-95 athletic season by raising --- through the wonderful efforts and generosity of so many --- a total of $42,554.50

-- remember when JEAN LAWTON was Coach for WG's very 1st Girls' Varsity Basketball Team in 1972-73????

-- how about ESTHER PELLER CHURCH becoming the New York State High Jump Champion in the Special Olympics of 1971???

-- remember when JEAN LAWTON & JULIE WILCOX teamed up to win the WG Central School District Womens' Doubles Tennis Championship in 1977???

-- how about these memories???

1. LEON (HAM) ANDREWS: Class of 1942; five career holes-in-one and Watkins Glen Golf Club Member-Guest Champion in 1976-1977-1979 & 1982 (elected to our Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000)

2. MIKE BARTONE: Class of 1934; was the 1947 Singles Champion for the Elmira Bowling Association;

3. DON SMITH: Class of 1960; scored 60 points in WG 108-52 victory over Newark Valley during the 1948-49 season

4. TED MARCINIAK: Class of 1951; scored 5 touchdowns (4 rushing and 1 on a 65 yard fumble recovery) in 52-6 victory over Horseheads in 1948;

5. STEVE OLIVER: Class of 2001; rushed for 280 yards and 5 touchdowns on "last" game on the old Alumni Field (prior to the new football field opening in 2003) -- falling just 14 yards short of GEORGE PALMER'S single-game rushing record set in 1971;

More memories: "Most unforgettable colleagues"...

..... from Liz Paradiso:

-- RUTH WARNER: "A wonderful teacher, a very compassionate & caring person; the doors to her home and her heart were always o