After receiving their diplomas, the O-M graduating seniors perform the Turning of the Tassels from one side to the other to signify the occasion.

O-M Class of 2012 graduates

ODESSA, June 23 -- A total of 62 seniors were given diplomas Friday night at the 2012 Odessa-Montour High School commencement ceremony in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium.

The Graduation Address was presented by Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary, who told the students: "Follow your dreams. You can't let someone else dictate the rest of your life." He also urged them to remember their roots, "where you came from and how you got here ... to this day," and to honor those who helped them along the way: teachers and parents.

The Class Welcome was presented by Salutatorian Joseph Thompson, who told his classmates that "high school has woven us together to make us strong," and that "this is a time of transformation. The world is ours for the taking. Let's do something awesome with it."

Valedictorian Matthew Kautz delivered the Class Message, where he recounted the achievements of the Class of 2012. "Each and every one of us has changed the school in some way," he said, adding: "Our influence will spead beyond the walls of O-M."

A band composed of students and alumni performed the Processional and Recessional along with Through the Fire and Flames, while a choral group composed of staff and seniors sang Show Me the Way. Clarice Miles directed both.

Dozens of awards and scholarships were presented (see below) before the graduates were handed their diplomas, one at a time, by O-M School Board President Debra Harrington.

The list of graduates follows:

Kyle Robert Bailey
Brittney A. Bennett
Logan E. Besley
Lucas A. Brown
Kristha Bryan
Victoria L. Bell-Bryington
Victoria A. Burnham
Taylor M. Carey
Matthew A. Chapman
Caitlin Rose Clugstone
Nicole Lynn Colunio
Kelsey Renee Connelly
Justin Scott Critchfield
Robert Earl DePue
Jessica Jean Dunbar
Brandon M. Evans
Kyra J. Fenner
McKenzie Lynn Fenton
Schuyler James Collins
Samantha M. Gavich
Samantha Lee Grantier
Quinn N. Griswold
Michelle L. Habbershaw
Tomeesha M. Haller
Michael W. Hoffman
Bradley Alexander Hornbrook
Cassandra A. House
Nathan Bradley Chapman Johnson
Amber May Joseph
Matthew J. Kautz
Candice Rose Kemmerer
Jon C. Kot
Carlyle Kathryn Lynch-Benjamin
Joseph W. Markley
Amy Lynn McCarty
Mackenzie Nicole Moss
Timothy L. Nelson
Denna Jean Page
Judd F. Parrott
Amanda J. Pyhtila
Lindsey D. Reynolds
Philip Riley Roberts
Jenna Nicole Ross
Brandon E. Shisler
Danielle Shortt
Alexander L. Smith
Joshua R. Smith
Matthew R. Smith
Philip James Smith
Shawn M. Starks
Erin Rose Terry
Taylor J. Terwillegar
Joseph Orion Thompson
Patrick R. Tomassi
Miranda R. Voorheis
Taylor E. Wade
Tyler Reed Walrath
Sarah Elizabeth Wead
Ruben D. S. Weisser
Peyton Maye Westlake
Amanda Elizabeth Williams
James E. Williams

Photos in text:

From top: District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, band and choral director Clarice Miles, Amanda Williams, Joseph Markley and Salutatorian Joseph Thompson.

The band performs Through the Fire and Flames.

Awards presented at O-M's 2012 graduation ceremony

ODESSA, June 23 -- Awards and scholarships were announced and presented as part of Friday night's graduation ceremony in the Fetter-Brown Auditorium at Odessa-Montour High School.

All awards were determined by either the faculty or the organization that makes the award.

1. THE WATKINS MONTOUR ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP
This $1000 scholarship is given to a senior who has displayed high standards of character and academic achievement. The winner in 2012, chosen by a committee of the Rotary Club, is JOSEPH MARKLEY

2. THE NORTHRUP FOUNDATION AWARD
This award, in the amount of $1000, is given annually to the senior who has achieved the highest score on the college entrance examination. The winner is: MATTHEW CHAPMAN (pictured at right)

3. THE FRANCIS C. WARD MEMORIAL AWARD
This $200 award, made possible by Peter Ward and many friends of Dr. Ward, goes to a student who will pursue a career in the medical field. The winner is: MATTHEW CHAPMAN (pictured at right)

4. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR CLERICAL STAFF AWARD
The clerical staff at Odessa-Montour offers an award to a student who plans to further his/her education in business or a related field. This year’s winner is: JUSTIN CRITCHFIELD

5. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION EDUCATORS AWARD
The teachers’ association annually presents two $350 awards to seniors who plan to study education. The winners are: NICOLE COLUNIO and QUINN GRISWOLD

6. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ACADEMIC AWARDS
The OMTA also presents $350 awards to the two seniors who have maintained a high average while attaining a large number of high school credits. The winners are: SAMANTHA GAVICH and JOSEPH MARKLEY

7. THE J. EDWARD AND THELMA DOLAN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was developed as a legacy to two highly regarded teachers. It is a perpetual memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Dolan. Mr. Dolan taught math for 41 years and Mrs. Dolan taught third grade for 46 years. In 2012 the award is given to a graduate entering higher education to study elementary education or a related field: NICOLE COLUNIO

8. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS AWARD
The Lake Country Players is a performing arts group from Schuyler County. They are pleased to present an award to an outstanding student in the performing arts. The winner is: TYLER WALRATH

9. BUICK ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP
The Buick Achievers Scholarship is awarded to over 1,000 students throughout the nation each year. The scholarship rewards students who succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. This year this $2000 scholarship goes to: MATTHEW KAUTZ (pictured at right)

10. THE GERARD CROSLEY SENIOR AWARD
This award is considered by many to be the outstanding prize of the year because the winner is chosen by the members of the Senior Class. The senior who has been selected to best represent the class of 2012 is: NICOLE COLUNIO

11. THE WALTER BAIRD ENGINEERING AWARD
The scholarship was instituted by Mrs. Elizabeth Baird to honor the memory of her late husband. It is presented to a student entering the field of engineering or who has excelled in math and science courses in high school. The winner this year is: BRANDON EVANS

12. THE VFW POST #2674 SCHOLARSHIP
The VFW established this $100 award several years ago to honor outstanding seniors. The awards, for 2012 are given to: TAYLOR CAREY, MATTHEW KAUTZ, JOSEPH MARKLEY and JOSEPH THOMPSON

13. GREATER SOUTHERN TIER COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Greater Southern Tier Counselors Association annually presents a college day at the Arnot Mall. The proceeds from this are presented to outstanding seniors throughout the Twin Tiers. The awards for 2012 are given to: MICHELLE HABBERSHAW, TOMEESHA HALLER and CANDICE KEMMERER

14. NYS EDUCATION DEPARMENT ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
The State Of New York awards academic excellence scholarships to seniors who have achieved the highest average on selected Regents examinations. This year’s winners are: MATTHEW CHAPMAN, MATTHEW KAUTZ and JOSEPH THOMPSON

15. THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF SCHUYLER COUNTY AWARD
The Financial Institutions of Schuyler County annually present a $200 bond to an outstanding senior in mathematics. The winner is: JOSEPH THOMPSON

16. THE SENKA AGENCY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AWARD
This award is given annually to a senior who plans to attend college, has strong academic ability and who will study business in college. The winner is: DENNA PAGE

17. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR FINE ARTS BOOSTERS SCHOLARSHIP
The Fine Arts Boosters recognize students who will enter college to study in the fine arts field. The winner for 2012 is: TYLER WALRATH

18. SCHUYLER COUNTY ITALIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL FRANK CHIACCHIERINI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
A $1,000 award is provided from the proceeds from The Italian-American Festival in Watkins Glen. The scholarship is given in honor of Frank Chiacchierini, who was instrumental in the founding of the Italian American Festival. The selection is based on high standards of character, self-determination, and school and community service. The winner chosen by a committee of the scholarship presenters is: NICOLE COLUNIO (pictured at right)

19. ELIZABETH AMISANO OVARIAN CANCER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was created in loving memory of Elizabeth Amisano who, after a courageous battle against ovarian cancer, passed away at the age of 20. Liz put others before herself and wanted to help them any way she could. She had an infectious sense of humor. It is in this spirit that the Live Like Liz organization and scholarship were developed. The winner of this $1500 award is: SARAH WEAD

20. SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to three outstanding students from Schuyler County. The scholarships are awarded to students entering a four-year college, a two-year college or a business, vocational, or technical school. The winner from Odessa-Montour, chosen by the presenters, is: NICOLE COLUNIO

21. McGARRY SCHOLARSHIP
This award is given by the McGarry Family in memory of their son Danny, who graduated from Odessa-Montour in 1994. The award is presented to a senior who has been an inspiration to others. The winner for 2012 is: SCHUYLER “KYLE” COLLINS

22. WATKINS GLEN-MONTOUR FALLS LIONS CLUB COOK/WARNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is presented annually to at least two Schuyler County residents who plan to further their education. Selection is based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, honors, common sense, decision making, community work experience and application presentation, which includes an essay and interview. The winners, chosen by the presenters, are:
MATTHEW KAUTZ and JOSEPH MARKLEY

23. LEONARD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
The intention of this $500 scholarship is to recognize the student, who, over time, has persevered, improved, grown personally, academically, and socially, handled responsibility, and whose hard work, desire and dedication may have quietly provided an inspiration to others in the class to strive for excellence. The scholarship winner is: QUINN GRISWOLD

24. SAM WARREN SCHOLARSHIP FOR SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES
On hand to present the Sam Warren Scholarship for Sustainability was Bruce Wich, a 1970 graduate of OMCS and classmate of Warren, who said his friend lived "off the grid," growing his own food and creating his own power. The winner is: JOSEPH MARKLEY

25. SCDL EXCELLENCE IN MATH AWARD
This $200 award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown excellence in math. The winner this year is: BRADLEY HORNBROOK

26. BELLE CORNELL ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter college working toward a degree in the medical field. The winner is: CARLY LYNCH-BENJAMIN

27. FRANCES VanBILLIARD ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter college and major in business or a related field. This year’s winner is: CANDICE KEMMERER (pictured at right)

28. FINGER LAKES FINNS SCHOLARSHIP
The Central New York area is home to many generations of people of Finnish Heritage. The Mission of the Finger Lakes Finns calls for cultivation and support of education and Finnish Culture in our area. This $700 scholarship is present to: AMANDA PYHTILA

29. NELSON BEEBE SCHOLARSHIP
This $200 award is given in memory of Nelson Beebe. He was an outstanding community member and educator and supported athletics programs at Odessa-Montour throughout his life. It is given to a graduating senior going into the field of education who has supported athletics while in high school. The award was made possible through donations made in Mr. Beebe’s name to the OM Sports Boosters. The winner, chosen by the presenters, is: NICOLE COLUNIO

30. BURTON R. CUMMINGS MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is given by Lisa Frost and her siblings in memory of their father. The award is presented to: JUSTIN CRITCHFIELD

31. VERA DAVIS FARNSWORTH SCHOLARSHIP
Vera Davis Farnsworth was the valedictorian of the class of 1933 and graduated from Elmira College in 1938. She returned to Odessa to teach history. Mrs. Farnsworth left Odessa when her husband, a co-teacher at Odessa, was drafted into the Army. Mrs. Farnsworth taught history and English in several Western New York schools and retired from Wellsville Central School. After retiring she went to work for Congressman Lundine in Washington, D.C. Her daughters, Nancy Downs and Kathy Farnsworth, give this scholarship in her living memory. The winner for 2012 is: ERIN TERRY

32. AMERICAN RED CROSS AWARD
This $250 Award is presented by The American Red Cross to an Odessa-Montour senior who volunteered countless hours for the betterment of the community. The winner is: NICOLE COLUNIO

33. OMCS SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD
Presented by Mr. Frame. The winner is: LOGAN BESLEY

34. DR. TJ LOVE/BILL MEEHAN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is presented by the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge to a deserving student majoring in agriculture, veterinary medicine or related studies. The winner, chosen by a committee of the presenters, is: BRITTNEY BENNETT

35. SCHUYLER HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HEALTH CARE SCHOLARSHIP
The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary presents a $1000 scholarship to a deserving Schuyler County high school graduate who will be entering the health care field. The winner chosen by a committee from the hospital auxiliary is: MATTHEW CHAPMAN

36. MAURICE COSTA SCHOLARSHIP
In her will, Theresa Costa directed that a scholarship be set up in honor of her husband, Maurice Costa. This scholarship in the amount of $7,377 is awarded to a student who will continue his studies of the “manual trades.” The winner is: BRADLEY HORNBROOK (pictured at right)

37. TOMMY K. MARTIN LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Anthony Specchio of the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge presented this scholarship, in honor of his late son-in-law. The winner: KYLE BAILEY

38. VANBUSKIRK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The VanBuskirk Memorial Scholarship is offered to a senior who is industrious, participated in high school activities, and will continue his or her education. The award was originally made possible through the generosity of the family and friends of George VanBuskirk and most recently through many donations made in memory of Roger and Dolores VanBuskirk. The winner of this year’s $500 award is: BRITTNEY BENNETT

39. THE DONALD K. FORREST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is given to honor the memory of Donald K. Forrest. It is presented to a senior who will continue his or her education in the arts or engineering. This year’s winner will study Mechanical Drafting at Alfred State College: PHILIP SMITH

40. ALICE LOPRESTI NURSING AWARD
This special nursing award is presented by the LoPresti family in memory of Alice LoPresti. It is awarded to a senior who will continue education in the nursing field. The winner for 2012 is:
CASSANDRA HOUSE (pictured at right)

41. SCHUYLER COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION NICHOLAS P. PRESTON SCHOLARSHIP
The Deputy Sheriff’s Association gives this $2,000 scholarship to a Schuyler County resident who is attending college to major in criminal justice or a related field. This year’s winner, selected by a committee of the association, is: KYLE BAILEY

42. THE LADIES’ WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CLUB AWARD
The Burdett Ladies Wednesday Afternoon Club was established in September 1895. It was formed as a literary society fostering culture in the area. A fund was set up to present an award to the high school senior who has made excellent progress in the literary field. This $100 award goes to: MICHELLE HABBERSHAW

43. NATIONAL CARGILL COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This scholarship is presented by Cargill as part of the Cargill Community Scholarship Program and is administered by National FFA. Winners were selected for academic achievement and excellence in school and community activities. Scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to outstanding high-school seniors living in U.S. communities where Cargill operates. A total of 1,539 winners were selected from over 8,000 applicants. Winning from Odessa-Montour is: MATTHEW KAUTZ

44. CHEMUNG VALLEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Chemung Valley Soccer Association (CVSA) is a non-profit organization designed to promote youth soccer in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties. Founded over twenty years ago, the league has provided recreational soccer to thousands of our area's youth and has one of the largest player rosters of any recreational league in the country and is one of the few that provides two playing seasons per year. CVSA provides an opportunity for area middle and high school students to referee games and gain valuable work experience. For these referees, CVSA has established a scholarship program for graduating seniors who have been involved in refereeing for three or more years. CVSA is proud to award this $250 scholarship to: MATTHEW KAUTZ

45. CFCU STRINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP
CFCU Community Credit Union offers the Richard V.V. Stringham Scholarship to fifteen members who are graduating high school seniors. Selection for this $1,000 scholarship is based on community involvement, letters of recommendation, an essay, academic achievement and financial need. The winner chosen by a committee of the presenters is: QUINN GRISWOLD

Photos in text:

From the top: Matthew Chapman, Valedictorian Matthew Kautz, Nicole Colunio, Candice Kemmerer, Bradley Hornbrook and Cassandra House.