The Odessa-Montour Class of 2019 poses in front of the school before Commencement.

65 earn diplomas at O-M

ODESSA, June 29, 2019 -- A graduating class of 65 seniors was celebrated Friday night as diplomas were distributed at the 2019 Odessa-Montour High School commencement ceremony, held before a capacity crowd in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium.

The class Salutatorian was Noah Burton Brewster. The Valedictorian was Kennedey Heichel, who in a speech focused on the merits of dedication, where "you put your goals and dreams above all else. It requires hard work" that "will lead to a more successful version of yourself."

Dedication, she added, can "open a door to success" and "close a door to distraction,"and will serve as "the foundation of success ... Seek out what you want from life; it won't be presented on a silver platter. Go get it."

High School Principal Almon "Skip" McCarty was the emcee, and thanked the parents and guardians in the audience for their role in helping their children reach this milestone.

After monetary awards and scholarships were presented, diplomas were presented to the graduates.

Photos in text:
Top: Kennedey Heichel delivers the Valedictory Address.
Bottom: Emma Lodge receives her diploma from School Board President Rob Halpin.

The Class of 2019:

Trent Austin
Mckenzie Jade Barrett
Brandon Bordonaro
Joshua Bravo
N. Burton Brewster
Hannah Shea Bruno
Destinie Lynn Burnham
Tyler I. Carson
Dylan Churchill
Samuel Brooks Clugstone
Hunter N. Daugherty
Chandler DeGraw
Brandon James Durfey
Kameron Arley Edminster
Zachary David Elliott
Matthew Evans
Hailey A. Ferguson
Isabel Elena Foote
Kayla Ann Gokey
Olivia Jean Grover
Collin James Haag
Andrew Hartford
Kennedey Taylor Heichel
Lauren A. Hess
Rowan Hunter Hollenbeck
Emily Marie Holton
Dylan Scott Houseknecht
Jacqulyn Rose Kinner
Pixie Nichol Kinner
Jacy Lee Knapp
Jadyn Shae Lauper
Cassondra R. Lisk
Madison Mariah Llewellyn
Briana Carie Lockwood
Emma Lee Lodge
McKennah Rae Lott
Kirt V. Menzi
Katarina Ann Minichello
Dezirae Minnier
Jasmine N. Monroe
Madison Marie Morrissey
John Matthew Niedermaier
Leah M. Overhiser
Claudia Adele Marie Parez
Troy T. Peoples
Madison R. Randall
Tori Anna Reese
Lonnie J. Riddle Jr.
Donald C. Roberts III
Hannah L. Rosier
Nicholas Charles Rumsmoke
Lynsay G. Ruocco
Alexis Anne Saunders
Maria Lynn Scata
Nadia Brielle Simpson
Nickolas J. Starks
Valerie Taylor
Logan J. Teemley
Jonah Nolan Thompson
Manuela Maria Tripoloni Buffo
Casey C. Underdown
Kacie Marie Wood
William Joseph Yeater
Clayton Zinger

Photos in text:
Top: Hunter Daugherty receives her diploma from School Board President Rob Halpin.
Bottom: Olivia Grover poses after the ceremony with her diploma.

Awards presented at O-M's 2019 graduation ceremony

ODESSA, June 29, 2019 -- 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.

They included:

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 2019, chosen by a committee of the Rotary Club, is: Kennedey Heichel

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: Noah Burton Brewster

3. THE FRANCIS C. WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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: Tyler Carson

4. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR CLERICAL STAFF AWARD
The dedicated and efficient clerical staff at Odessa-Montour offers a $100 award to a student who plans to further his/her education in business or a related field. This year's winner is: Mckenzie Barrett

5. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION EDUCATORS AWARD
The teachers’ association annually presents two $400 awards to seniors who plan to study education. The winners are: Hannah Rosier and Hailey Ferguson

6. THE ODESSA-MONTOUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ACADEMIC AWARDS
The OMTA also presents $400 awards to the two seniors who have maintained a high average while attaining a large number of high school credits. The winners are: Noah Burton Brewster and Mckenzie Barrett

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 2019 the award is given to a graduate entering higher education to study math or a related field.  The award goes to: Jacqulyn Kinner

8. THE COLIN D. O'NEIL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presenting the award, named in honor of her late son -- an Odessa-Montour graduate -- was Colin O'Neil's mother, Jane O'Neil. The award winner: Tori Reese

9. ALICE LOPRESTI NURSING AWARD
This special nursing award in the amount of $1,000 is presented by the LoPresti family in memory of Alice LoPresti, who worked at Schuyler Hospital for many years. It is awarded to a senior who will continue education in the nursing field. The winner for 2019 is: Madison Morrissey

10. THE GERARD CROSLEY SENIOR AWARD
This $400 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 2019 is: Nadia Simpson

11. ROBERT COLLINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presenting the scholarship was Bridgett Barrett. The winner: Tori Reese

12. 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: McKennah Lott

13. OMCS SUPERINTENDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP
Odessa-Montour Superintendent Chris Wood developed this scholarship for a college or career-bound senior to enhance technological creativity and innovation. The 2019 winner of a laptop computer is: Cassondra Lisk

14. GARY T. BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presenting the scholarship were Paxtyn and Tyler Brown. The winner: Cassondra Lisk

15. NYS EDUCATION DEPT. 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: Kennedey Heichel, Noah Burton Brewster and William Yeater

16. FRANK MUDRAK SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was created in loving memory of Frank Mudrak, who was a science teacher at O-M for 29 years. The award is given to a senior who has demonstrated interest in, understanding of and capability in using the methods and concepts of scientific inquiry toward solving real world problems. The award was presented by Mudrak's son Lars.The winner is: Hailey Ferguson

17. THE KIMBLE SCHOLARSHIP
This $1000 scholarship is given in memory of Candy Kimble Cooper. Candy and her siblings were graduates of Odessa-Montour. The winner is: Kennedey Heichel

18. 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: Tori Reese

19. SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding students from Schuyler County. It is awarded to students entering college or a technical school. The winner from Odessa-Montour, chosen by the presenters, is: Cassondra Lisk

20. SCHUYLER COUNTY HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
This $250 scholarship is given by the Association in memory of Phil Biever, who was an active, hard-workng and dedicated member of the Association. It is presented to a senior who plans on attending college in the environmental conservation field or a trade school in the equipment operation field. This year's winner: Jonah Thompson

21. SCHUYLER COUNTY ITALIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL FRANK CHIACCHIERINI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
A $700 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: Jacqulyn Kinner

22. 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 2019 is: Lauren Hess

23. LAKE COUNTRY PLAYERS AWARD
This award is presented to a graduating senior with an appreciation of the arts. This year's winner is: Cassondra Lisk

24. SAMMY M. WARREN AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES
This award is given in memory of Sammy Warren, who was a member of the Class of 1970. Selection of the recipient is based on scholastic and personal achievements and community involvement. The participant must demonstrate a personal interest in sustainability or the environment. Presenting the award: Pat Frasier, a 1970 graduate of OMCS and one of Sammy's classmates. The winner of this $300 award is: Tori Reese

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: Mckenzie Barrett

26. THE GABRIEL SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated scholastic ability, community involvement and leadership ability. The winners this year are: Dylan Houseknecht and Olivia Grover

27. BELLE CORNELL ZONTA AWARD
The Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Zonta Club presents a $250 award to a graduating senior who will enter school working toward a degree in a medical-related field. This year's winner is: Maria Scata

28. 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: Mckenzie Barrett

29. BETTY O'CONNOR YOUTH BOWLING SCHOLARSHIP
This award goes to a sanctioned Youth Bowler who demonstrates maturity, leadership and citizenship. It was founded in memory of Betty O'Connor, an avid area bowler who was an inspiration and mentor to many area bowlers. This year's winner is: Jacqulyn Kinner

30. CUMMINGS FAMILY MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is given by Lisa Frost and her siblings in memory of their parents. This year it is presented to three students: Brandon Bordonaro, Brandon Durfey & Dezirae Minnier

31. VERA DAVIS FARNSWORTH SCHOLARSHIP
Vera Davis Farnsworth was the valedictorian of the Odessa 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. Her daughters, Nancy Downs and Kathy Farnsworth, give this $1000 scholarship in her loving memory. The winner for 2019 is: Kennedey Heichel

32. OMCS CLASS OF 1979 SCHOLARSHIP
The Class of 1979 is givig a scholarship to a member of the Class of 2019 who is continuing his or her education, has shown compassion and tolerance to OMCS students and has acted as a "friend to all." The winner, chosen by a committee of faculty, is: Nadia Simpson

33. 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 $7,000 is awarded to a student who will continue studies in the "manual trades." In 2019, it goes to: Emma Lodge

34. 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: Kennedey Heichel

35. 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 is: Hannah Rosier

36. 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 a high school senior who has worked very hard and has shown marked improvement throughout high school, and who is planning to attend college. In 2019 this $150 award goes to: Hannah Rosier

37. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS AWARD
The Odessa-Montour chapter of the National Honor Society offers this $200 scholarship to a senior member who is enrolled full-time in a college, university or technical institute in the fall semester immediately following graduation. The recipient must be a member in good standing who demonstrates the characteristics of scholarship, service, leaderhip and character. The winner for 2019, chosen by the faculty, is: Olivia Grover

38. 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 this year is: Kennedey Heichel

39. CHEMUNG VALLEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
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. This year's scholasrship of $250 is awarded to: Olivia Grover

40. MIKE EVANS TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
This $1500 scholarship is given by the Evans Family in loving memory of Mike, who was a member of the Watkins Glen and Odessa community for all his life. Mike worked for the Painters and Allied Trades Union for most of his adult life until he started a company of his own, E&M Paint Contracting. Mike was very proud of the business he built. He was regularly known for finding young people to start in the apprenticeship program and develop into full journeymen status. This scholarship is given to a graduating senior who is entering a trade school or apprenticeship program. This year's winner is: Andrew Hartford

41. ODESSA-MONTOUR ADMINISTRATORS' SCHOLARSHIP
This $50 award honors the top seven students of the Class of 2019. The awards for 2019 are given to: Kennedey Heichel, Noah Burton Brewster, Kacie Wood, Maria Scata, Jacqulyn Kinner, Mckenzie Barrett and Madison Randall

42. NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION AWARD
Given by the Catharine Valley Longspurs chapter of the Federation to a graduating senior pursuing a degree in higher education who must support the preservation of the hunting tradition, actively participate in hunting, be involved in school activities, and demonstrate leadership as well as community involvement. This year's winner of this $500 award is: Tori Reese

43. EDWARD A. WOOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is given by the Wood family in loving memory of their grandather, who was a member of the Odessa-Montour community for his entire life. He was a dedicated, hard-working and caring family man with an amazing sense of humor. He had a passion for his work, often workng from sun-up to sundown. He ran a successful dairy farm for over 70 years. The year's winners are: Madison Randall, Hunter Daugherty and Jacqulyn Kinner

44. MILITARY ENLISTMENT APPRECIATION AWARD
This award, in the amount of $100, is presented by Patrick and Nancy Carlisle to seniors who have enlsted in the military. The money is to help offset expenses as the students prepare to leave for basic training. The Carlisles thank you for serving our country and wish you luck on your courageous journey. This year's winners will be serving in the Air Force: Clayton Zinger, Hannah Bruno and Lynsay Ruocco

45. THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP OF EXCELLENCE
This award is given to a student who stood out in the pool of scholarship applicants as one with exceptional qualities: Jacqulyn Kinner

46. PHILIP A. "FRENCHIE" BIEVER MEMORIAL AWARD
This award was presented by Heather Lodge. The winner: Nickolas Starks

47. NEW YORK FARM BUREAU AGRICULTURAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
Eleven New York high school seniors have received the distinct honor of being named District Winners of this 2019 scholarship. Each will be continuing their education in the diverse agricultural industry. The winner this year for District 4, which includes Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins counties, is: Tori Reese

48. SCHUYLER COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior who will attend college for education or an education-related field. This year's winner is: Hannah Rosier

49. AMERICAN RED CROSS AWARD
This $250 award is presented by The American Red Cross to an Odessa-Montour senior who volunteered for the betterment of the community. This year's winner is: Rowan Hollenbeck

Photos in text:

From top:William Yeater receives his diploma from School Board President Rob Halpin; Lauren Hess receives a McGarry Scholarship award; Salutatorian Noah Burton Brewster with Valedictorian Kennedey Heichel; Zach Elliott receives his diploma; Brazil exchange students Manuela Buffo (left, a 2019 O-M graduate) and Danielle Fuschilo, a 2016 graduate currently visiting; McKennah Lott receives a Walter Baird Engineering Scholarship; sisters Dezirae (left, just graduated) and Jolynn Minnier (a senior in the fall) pose after commencement; Hannah Bruno strides across the stage to get her diploma; Mckenzie Barrett on the way across the stage for her diploma; Johnny Niedermaier and Lexi Saunders before the ceremony.

Left: Lexi Saunders receives her diploma from School Board President Rob Halpin. Right: Johnny Niedermaier nears the stage during the Processional that started the ceremony.

Left: Jackie Vincent marches into the auditorium during the Processional. Right: Noah Burton Brewster is congratulated by Superintendent Chris Wood after receiving his diploma.

Left: Tori Reese prepares to cross the stage for her diploma. Center: Casey Underdown marches in during the Processional. Right: Dylan Houseknecht presents some introductory remarks.

Left: Nadia Simpson marches across the stage to receive her diploma. Right: Hunter Daugherty, left, and Isabel Foote pose after the class photo was snapped in front of the school before the Commencement ceremony.