----------------

Watkins Glen High School honorees. Front from left: Isabella Bellavigna, Anna Franzese, Emily Melveney, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons, Natalie VanSkiver and Isaac Hendrickson. Back from left: Elizabeth Fitzwater, Olivia King, Logan DeBolt, Samuel Hohle and Wendy Coleman. Not present: Jude Santos and Lilian Artusa. (Photo by Jon Haeffner)

The Tribute Awards

Twenty-five outstanding student-athletes at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools have earned the attention and admiration of school officials and The Odessa File. Here are the 2026 Tribute Award honorees.

By Charlie Haeffner
Editor/Publisher

SCHUYLER COUNTY, June 1, 2026 -- Back in 2021, after stepping away from a high school student honors team called the Top Drawer 24 -- a program which I had co-founded and in which I'd been involved for 15 years -- I returned to its roots with a new program.

While the Top Drawer program had expanded over the years to include more than a dozen school districts, I wanted to focus -- as we had in the early days of Top Drawer -- strictly on Schuyler County student-athletes.

Thus, this marks the sixth annual Tribute Awards presentation, honoring 25 students in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools -- 13 from WGHS, and 12 from O-M.

Once again, the students honored have grabbed the attention of The Odessa File and that of administrators, coaches and teachers at both schools based on academics, athletics, character, leadership and, if applicable, citizenship.

This year, the honorees range from seniors to -- for the third time since the Top Drawer program began in 2006 -- a freshman: Odessa-Montour's Lexi Strobel. At O-M, there are six seniors, five juniors, and that one freshman. At WGHS, there are eight seniors and five juniors.

There are seven repeat honorees -- three at WGHS (Samuel Hohle, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons and Emily Melveney) and four at O-M (Connor Foggie, Jared Watson, Rilke Arrance and Evvie Zinger).

Each of the honorees -- at recent ceremonies at O-M and WGHS --received a packet containing certificates from The Odessa File, Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno, New York Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, State Senator Tom O'Mara, Congressman Nick Langworthy and Governor Kathy Hochul to commemorate the occasion.

The speakers:

Each of the two presentation ceremonies -- in the Odessa-Montour High School's District Conference Room and in the Watkins Glen High School library -- featured a guest speaker: 2023 O-M graduate and three-time Tribute Award honoree Tori Brewster in the O-M session, and retired WGHS teacher, former Athletic Director and co-founder and longtime chair of the Top Drawer 24 program, Craig Cheplick, in the Glen library.

Speaking to audiences that included not only the honored students, but the students' parents as well, both Brewster and Cheplick offered congratulations for the achievements leading to this award. They also imparted the message that the honorees will need to draw on the characteristics that have brought them this far -- in particular a strong work ethic, not to mention determination-- even more as they face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead of them in life.

Brewster -- who is attending Houghton University.-- relayed how she has drawn strength from her faith as she has met the ups and downs in her college career, most recently a hamstring injury that interrupted a stellar track career.

Cheplick told the honorees how they should have an "attitude of gratitude" for the support and opportunities that have been provided by their parents, and he cautioned that as they go out in the world they should guard against "abusers who manipulate" and advised them to "find a friend; find someone you trust" as they negotiate the shoals of college or the work-a-day world.

After the ceremony, each apeaker was accessible to students and parents at a reception.

This year's Odessa File Tribute Award honorees, by school but in no particular order, are as follows.

Photos in text: Speakers Craig Cheplick and Tori Brewster. (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

*********

Odessa-Montour High School honorees: Front from left: Lexi Strobel, Sidney Pike, Lauren Signor, Olivia Barr, Rilke Arrance, McKenzie Landon and Evvie Zinger. Back from left: Connor Foggie, Kyler Eriksen, Ethan Nolan, Alex Walters and Jared Watson. (Photo by Jon Haeffner)

About each O-M honoree:

Everly Zinger: A junior with a 93.71 GPA, she is a standout in three sports: soccer, basketball (on both offense and defense) and track & field (in several events, including the Pentathlon) -- although a knee injury sidelined her in the fall and winter. Co-President of the Class of 2027, she is a member of Rotary Interact, the Varsity O and Yearbook Clubs, Student Council and the National Honor Society. She is considering a career as either a Forensic Psychologist or Forensic Profiler. Said track coach Skip Strobel: "Evvie works extremely hard. Despite her injury, she has been an active part of all of her teams and a great teammate. She has worked herself back to being competitive after a devastating knee injury." Added track coach Burton Brewster: "She is a young lady who always has a desire and work ethic to be her absolute best in everything she does."

Rilke Arrance: A senior with a 96.34 GPA, she competes on the school's varsity volleyball and track & field teams, is a member of National Honor Society, Diversity Club and the school Yearbook. and volunteers at the Montour Library. She plans to attend the Northeast College of Health Sciences, looking toward a career as an ultrasound technician. Said track coach Skip Strobel: "Rilke is a great person and student, always willing to try something new if it helps out the team." Added track Coach Burton Brewster: "Rilke has developed into a very good Pole Vaulter through her hard work and dedication to the event." And said teacher Holly Campbell: "A career in healthcare is a natural fit for Rilke, as she is compassionate, thoughtful, and caring."

Jared Watson: A junior with a 94.44 GPA, he has competed on the varsity football, wrestling and track & field teams, qualifying this year for the New York State Wrestling Championships. He says he is planning on a career in welding. Says his wrestling coach, Dan Batchelder, "If the dictionary put a picture next to the definition of 'leader,' so that everyone knows what one looks like, Jared Watson's picture would be next to that definition. No matter the situation, obstacle, or environment, Jared serves as a leader that his fellow students and teammates can count on, look to for support, and expect to execute his responsibilities without hesitation." Added track coach Skip Strobel: "Jared is one of the hardest working athletes that I have coached, always willing to put in the extra time to make himself better. Incredible leadership."

Lauren Signor:A junior with a 95.53 GPA, she competes on the school volleyball and softball teams, and is a captain of the latter. A member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook and the Varsity O Club, she is undecided on which college to attend, but is looking toward a career as a Sports Psychologist. Said her volleyball coach, Stacy Pike: "Lauren has many wonderful qualities. Not only is she involved in many clubs and committees, she is always volunteering her time wherever it is needed like working concession stands and helping backstage for the school musical. She is very kind-hearted and always willing to help others. She prides herself on her academic achievements as well as her athletic abilities. She has always been an amazing softball player without a doubt and worked hard for every bit of success. She joined volleyball for the first time when she was a sophomore and picked it right up. She is someone I would say is a natural athlete. Lauren has many talents and is going to go far and do great things in the future."

Olivia Barr: A senior with a 95.52 Grade Point Average, she competes in soccer, basketball and track & field, and was captain of both the soccer and basketball squads. A member of the school's Student Advisory Committee and the Odessa United Methodist Youth Group, she was elected Homecoming Queen this year. She is planning on a career as a Dental Hygienist. Said track coach Skip Strobel: "Olivia is a great team leader. She leads by example and shows the younger kids the way to train, act, and compete. She is an asset for any team she is a part of." Added track coach Burton Brewster: " Olivia is a hard-working teammate. She is responsible in every way and is always willing to do whatever the team needs of her." And when she was introduced in March to the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Student of the Month, Guidance Counselor Dan Batchelder said she "is one of the school's best students, really funny ... who's gonna do great things."

Ethan Nolan: A junior with a 91.12 GPA, he is a member of Yearbook and the Varsity O and Devotional Clubs, and competes in soccer and golf. While undecided on which college to attend, he has his eye on a career as a Golf Course Superintendent. Said guidance counselor Dan Batchelder: "While the pressure of being the child of your school's Superintendent (James Nolan) may be heavy for some, it does not seem to be a burden for Ethan Nolan. Ethan regularly does his job, excels in his extracurriculars, and performs highly in his academics. Ethan has a clear identity for himself, which is what drives him and can clearly be seen with his strong enthusiasm for playing golf as well as his contributions to the Varsity Soccer team."

Alex Walters: A senior with a 91.78 Grade Point Average, he said he plans to attend SUNY Delhi with an eye toward a career "somewhere in the field of electrical construction." A member of Student Council, he has competed on the varsity soccer and swim teams. He was an Odessa File First Team All-Star for his outstanding performance on the Schuyler Storm swim team as it won its third straight Section IV, Class C championshiip. Said his swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Alex Walters is a kind, compassionate young man who has had huge impacts on his teammates and peers."

Kyler Eriksen: A senior with a 94.96 GPA, he is president of National Honor Society and the Varsity O Club, Class Vice President and a member of Yearbook and Student Council. He was a member of the varsity swim team, and serves as a Glen Gators lifeguard, Clute Park lifeguard and swim instructor. He plans to attend SUNY Geneseo with the goal of becoming a High School principal. Said his swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Kyler is a very personable young man and one of the hardest working athletes I have ever had the privilege to coach." Added teacher Holly Campbell: "Kyler is always ready to lend a helping hand. He has an excellent work ethic that is balanced by a delightful sense of humor. Kyler is involved in a number of activities at school as well as being a dedicated member of the swim team and a lifeguard. He has been a part of the theatre department's stage crew, helping ensure our productions run smoothly."

Lexi Strobel: A freshman with a 99.61 GPA, she is a member of Junior National Honor Society, Student Council, the School Band and the Student Advisory Committee, and competes in cross country, basketball and track. Undecided on a college or career, she was the driving force in the resurgence of cross country as a school sport, lobbying the School Board as a 7th grader and recruiting other students to compete in it. Said guidance counselor Dan Batchelder: "Lexi Strobel is a trailblazer who is setting precedents that other students can hopefully follow. As a ninth grader, Lexi is currently enrolled in Algebra II/Trigonometry, which is usually reserved for Juniors or Academically Accelerated Sophomores." That, he said, along her role in resurrecting cross country, makes Lexi "a force to be reckoned with at Odessa-Montour." Added her cross country and track coach, Skip Strobel: "You would be hard pressed to find someone who puts more time into her craft. She is an incredible sportswoman who is always cheering for teammates and competitors alike."

Connor Foggie: A senior with a 97.84 GPA, he is a three-sport athlete: soccer, basketball and baseball. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Rotary Interact and Varsity O Club, and participates in a Youth Group at the Odessa Methodist Church. He plans to attend Eckerd College and then medical school, with an eye on a fellowship in anesthesiology. Says his baseball coach, Jason Westervelt:: "Connor Foggie is a high energy student athlete who brings enthusiasm, positive energy, and a 'can do' attitude to everything he does. He is a kind hearted leader who is well respected by his peers and the youth within our community." Adds teacher Holly Campbell:"Connor is never content to put forth anything but his very best effort ... and always makes an effort to extend compassion to others."

McKenzie Landon: A senior with an 88.77 GPA, she competes in soccer, basketball and track. She plans to attend Corning Community College and pursue a career as a Dental Hygienist. Said track coach Skip Strobel: "It has been a pleasure to watch McKenzie develop as an athlete over the past four years. She is an excellent example of what hard work and dedication can do to make you great. An extremely hard worker." Added track coach Burton Brewster: "McKenzie is a tremendous teammate and someone who has always added positivity to the chemistry of any team she has been on. She is hard working and has made herself one of the best hurdlers in the IAC." And said guidance councelor Dan Batchelder when introducing her to the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club a a Student of the Month in February: "McKenzie is an exceptional student" who often "flies under the radar" with her low-keyed style, but nonetheless is known for her leadership.

Sidney Pike: A junior with an 89.31 GPA, she is Class Co-President, a member of Student Council, Yearbook, Interact Club, Drama Club and the Varsity O Club, served this year on the NYSCLSA (New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities) board, participated on-stage in the school musical "Honk!" and has been the student representative on the O-M School Board. A member of the varsity volleyball team, she plans to attend SUNY Jamestown and pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist. Says her volleyball coach, Stacy Pike: "Sidney is the true definition of a leader. She is involved in many clubs and committees ... and also volunteers her time wherever it is needed. She is a kind hearted spirit and is always willing to help anyone at any time." Added teacher and play director Holly Campbell: "She is responsible, helpful, kind, and dedicated. As a member of the theatre program at OMCS, she has been one of the most devoted 'stage kids' her directors have known. ... She's also extremely dedicated on the court in volleyball, demonstrating a growth mindset that is an inspiration to others."

Photos in text above: From the top, honorees Evvie Zinger, Lauren Signor, Ethan Nolan, Lexi Strobel and McKenzie Landon with Tribute program sponsor Charlie Haeffner. (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

*********

About each WGHS honoree:

Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons: A senior with a 3.91 GPA, she plans to attend SUNY Brockport with a goal of becoming a high school Science teacher. She is a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball and track & field) who is secretary of the Senior Class and of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Varsity Club, and a member of Student Council, the Prom Commitee, the Senior Play (with a key role in this year's musical), and the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a member of the Lake Country Players, a student member of the School Board, part of the Section IV Student Leadership Conference, and in the New Visions Honor Academy. Said her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Zade has an incredibly positive attitude and outlook that every coach and teacher loves to see. She has always been a terrific soccer player. When an injury cost her a significant amount of time, Zade stayed positive, worked very hard to make the comeback, and was a vital part of winning the IAC and getting to the sectional finals." Added her track coach, Kelly Sterner: "She is a lovely young woman who is goal-oriented. She is caring, works hard, and is always a person you can count on."

Olivia King: A senior with a 4.02 GPA, she plans to attend SUNY Brockport with an eye toward becoming a licensed lab technologist, with the possibility "to continue my education to become a toxicologist researcher." She also hopes to play basketball in college. A three-sport athlete, she was captain of the soccer and softball teams and a standout member of the basketball team, earning First Team All-Star status in soccer and basketball. She is also a member of National Honor Society and Varsity Club, and was the school's Female Athlete of the Year in her junior year. Said her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Olivia is one of those athletes that just helps her team win. Looking at her athletic career in soccer, basketball and softball, you see a young lady who has amassed several IAC championships and two Section Four titles  She's a proven winner with a great attitude. She's the kind of player every coach loves to have on their team."

Jude Santos: A junior with a 3.76 GPA, he is not sure where he might attend college, but is looking toward a career in Exercise Science or Sports Management. A three-sport athlete -- soccer, basketball (where he was captain) and golf -- he also helps the Watkins Glen Youth Basketball program held Saturdays in the WGHS Field House. He was the Odessa File's Schuyler Winter Sports MVP for leading the basketball team to the Sectional final. Said his basketball coach, Scott Morse: "Jude has proven to be not only a great athlete, but a terrific leader as well. Watching him play basketball, soccer and golf, it is evident how much work he puts into being exceptional, but it is his character and kindness that truly makes Jude a remarkable student-athlete."

Emily Melveney: A senior with a 4.06 GPA, she was a standout member of the girls Section IV champion swim team, and an exceptional golfer -- An Odessa File All-Star in both sports. A National Honor Society honoree, she is a member of the Burdett Presbyterian Church, works summers at the Watkins Glen State Park, and participates in the New Visions Honors Academy. She plans to attend Ithaca College with a goal of becoming a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), "then practice with inpatient rehab in a hospital or elementary school." Says her swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Emily Melveney is easily the most talented swimmer I have coached at Watkins Glen. Her work ethic, strength, and intelligence will make her one of the most successful people to graduate from Watkins Glen." This is her third year on the Tribute Award team.

Anna Franzese: A senior with a 4.12 GPA, she is the Class Valedictorian. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh, with the goal of "obtaining my BS in neuroscience and continue on to get my MD" so she can become a reproductive endocrinologist with a specialty in Oncofertility (preservation of fertility in cancer patients). Captain of the volleyball team and co-captain of the golf team, she is the class president and a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Varsity Club, the Prom Committee, the Senior Play, the Yearbook Club, the National Technical Honor Society and the WG Market. She is also in the Lake Country Players and the New Visions Honor Academy, and a member of St. Mary's. Said her volleyball coach, Krysti Westervelt: "Anna has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exemplary athletic performance, and dedication to leadership, discipline, and character. Through hard work both in the classroom and in competition, she exemplifies the true meaning of a scholar athlete and leader. She serves as an inspiration to peers, teammates, and the school community."

Wendy Coleman: A senior with a 4.09 GPA, she plans to attend SUNY Geneseo with the goal of becoming a psychologist. A member of National Honor Society and the Prom Committee, she competes in swimming and track. A member of the New Visions Honor Academy, she serves outside school as an intern in the Potters Hand Foundation and as a waitress at Thai Elephants; established a business, Called and Clothed (a Christian clothing brand for which she shared first place in an FCCLA entrepreneurship state competition); is a youth representative on St. Mary's of the Lake Parish Council; is a Sunday School teacher at St. Mary's, and helps in the soup kitchen at Catholic Charities. She is also an award-winning artist. Said her swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Wendy Coleman is an amazing young woman. She is creative, kind, and extraordinarily talented in the classroom and athletic arena."

Sam Hohle: A senior with a 4.1 GPA and the Class Salutatorian, he has been accepted to attend the United States Naval Academy, with the goal of becoming a naval officer. A member of the soccer, indoor track and lacrosse teams -- and captain of each -- he is also a member of National Honor Society and Student Council, helps with local food banks, and is a member of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. Says his indoor track coach, Kelly Sterner: "Sam is an honorable young man. He is smart, kind, with lots of volunteer hours, which includes the Watkins Glen market. He is a true leader, respected by everyone." Added his lacrosse coach, Geoff Crossley: I have had the privilege of coaching Sam for the last two years. He is not only a phenomenal player but an even better human being, Sam is a player I could always count on to show up and make a difference. He came to practice to get better and make all of those around him better players also. He is a true leader in that he wanted others to succeed ahead of himself."

Elizabeth Fitzwater: A junior with a 4.08 GPA, she is undecided on which college to attend, but is looking at Binghamton University and Stonybrook. A three-sport athlete, she competes in varsity swimming, basketball, and track & field, specializing in the latter in the Discus and Shot Put. She is a member of National Honor Society, Music Club, and Jazz Band, and performs instrumental solos in NYSSMA competitions. She was also onstage in the recent senior musical Six: Teen Edition. Said her swim coach, Jason Westervelt: "Lizzi Fitzwater is strong and supportive. She has the respect of her peers and can always be relied on to volunteer or step up in high-pressure moments."

Isaac Hendrickson: A junior with a 4.1 GPA, he is unsure of which college he will attend, but says it will "hopefully" be Binghamton University -- and is looking toward a career as a Civil or Electrical Engineer. A captain of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams, he is well known for his success in distance races. A member of National Honor Society, Varsity Club, Student Council and the Student Athlete Advisory Council, he also sits on the School Board as a student representative. Said his track coach, Kelly Sterner: "He is a young man who strives to be the best at everything he does. He is involved not only in sports, but also in the school plays, government, and School Board, and volunteers at the annual Lions Club highway clean-up. He keeps improving on the track every year and getting personal bests in the events he enters. He is a great friend to others. He is sincere and well-liked by his peers and those of us who teach and coach him. He has a great reputation."

Logan DeBolt:A senior with a 3.65 GPA, he plans to attend Syracuse University and its Newhouse School of Public Communications, with a career goal of working on the creative media side of professional sports. The Ski Club president and Student Council treasurer, he is also a member of Varsity Club, the National Technical Honor Society, the Yearbook Club, and what he called the "soon-to-be Creative Media Club." A member of Love Ithaca and the Beartown Road Alliance Church, he competed on the varsity soccer and golf teams. He is an exceptional photographer and video specialist who has covered school events extensively and been employed by ESPN Ithaca. Superintendent Kai D'Alleva called Logan "unique" and marveled that he has thousands of on-line followers. Added Odessa File Editor Charlie Haeffner about Logan: "Amazing. The guy is a pro and seemingly an industry unto himself. He has a great future."

Natalie VanSkiver: A junior with a 3.83 GPA, she is undecided on which college to attend, but has a goal of a career in film production/marketing. A competitor on the varsity soccer and track teams, she is also a member of National Honor Society and had a key role in the senior musical Six: Teen Edition. She also takes to the stage with the Lake Country Players. Said her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Natalie VanSkiver is a tough and tenacious athlete. She appears small on the field but plays with such tremendous heart. Most impressive about her, however, is her outstanding character. She exhibits integrity, kindness, and sportsmanship in every practice and every game we have, while being an amazing teammate." Added her track coach, Kelly Sterner: "Natalie has an infectious laugh and a beautiful voice, and is great in school plays. She is an all-around good student and person. She is a long-distance runner, tackling the 3000 Meters most meets. She has perseverance and strives to meet her goal of getting a PR (personal record) in every race. She is a girl you can count on, willing to help anyone who needs it."

Isabella Bellavigna: A junior with a 3.72 GPA, she plans to attend St. John Fisher University with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Doctor. A three-sport athlete (varsity soccer, basketball and softball), she is a member of National Honor Society, Varsity Club, and Student Council, and is Class President. Said her soccer coach, Scott Morse: "Izzy is a very good athlete and an incredibly nice person. She comes to practice every day with a smile and works hard to help the team improve. I appreciate what a great teammate she is. She is always the first person to celebrate her teammates' accomplishments, and I think that just shows the character she possesses."

Lilian (Quin) Artusa: A senior with a 4.0 GPA, she plans to attend Binghamton University to study Biology and Biomedical Engineering with an eye toward becoming a heart surgeon, serving in the Navy after medical school. A member of Ski Club and its treasurer, she also competed for the first time this year on the varsity tennis team. Musically gifted, she is a member of St. Mary's Church Choir, and had a lead role in the senior play Six: Teen Edition. Said her tennis coach, Ben Connelly, who praised the positivity she brought to his team: "Quin is very talented in everything she does. Musically, she can play bass, guitar, piano, maybe other instruments ... and has a great voice. She puts her heart and soul into it."

Photos in text above: From the top: Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons; Emily Melveney with speaker Craig Cheplick; Samuel Hohle with Cheplick; and Logan DeBolt with Cheplick. (Photos by Jon Haeffner)

*******

That's all of them -- twenty-five notable people who share at least one thing in common: by excelling in unique and impressive ways, they have earned the admiration of coaches, administrators, and teachers, and a seat on this team. They have successfully embraced many athletic, academic and social opportunities in high school, and thus prepared themselves for life's many challenges.