Graduation Newsletter - Phoenix Central School District > Home

Phoenix
Graduation 2016
Central School District
www.PhoenixCSD.org
page 2
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
Members of the John C. Birdlebough Class of 2016
Kellen Arnold
Valedictorian
Zachary Van Gorder
Salutatorian
Mackenzie Berube
Top 10 in Class
Emma Discenza
Top 10 in Class
Jordan Jock
Top 10 in Class
Anastasiya Yuryevna Oleynik
Brandi Lee Gates
Alexander Taylor Alberici
Rodney Joseph Pagano
Jesse Michael George
Jessica Arlu Allen*
Jeremy Adam Paine^
Michael George Germaine*%
Shaylee Anne Allen*
Tyler Charles Phillips
Mattingly Marie Gleason**+
Kellen Price Arnold**%
Austin Lee Pierce
Anna Marie Grenga
Alan James Ashby
Jacob John Pietrowicz**
Sara Ann Guzelak
Taylor Richard Ashby
Lauren Beth Porter**%
Alexis Jordan Hagg#^
Brianna Elizabeth Ball*
Makaylee Michelle Pulver
Caitlyn Isabelle Hahn
Catherine Beth Barnhart
Billy Joe Reeves#
Brooke Taylor Halstead
Devon William Barrington
Emily Grace Riddell#
Eathan John Harrington
Andrew Taylor Belair
Meghan Katherine Rowe**%
Matthew Ryan Harrison#^
Austin Joseph Belknap
Michael Paul Sadoski**%
Sean Thomas Herbs
Zachery David Chatraw Benzel
Clarissa Noelle Scharf*
William David Hess III
Mackenzie Anne Berube**#%
Catherine Carole Schickling
Sarah Jane Hoag**%
Aubrey Jacqueline Borasky*#
Zachary Robert Schlachter
Kelly Jane Holbrook
Alexis Marie Bowering**+
Jonathan Norman Schmidt**%
Derek John Thomas Izyk
Amanda Kay Briggs
Zachary Robert Scribner*#^
Jada Anne Jackowski
Alexander James Brutcher**%
Jacob Ryan Simpson
Hannah
Mariah
Jaeck
Bryan James Byrns
Matthew
Martin Stellingwerf
Derek
Anthony
Januszka*
Zackary Shane Carlson^
Zachary
J. Stellingwerf*
Ashly Nicole Jewell
Jessica Jean Carter
Morgan
Ivy
Stobart**%
Jordan John Jock**%
Chase Jeffrey Cavanaugh
Joshua Carson Stopher#^
Ashley Nicole Johnson
Christopher Ryan Chapman
Morgan Ann Stoutenger
Bailey James Johnson*
Peter Leonard Charles II
Allison Brice Strang+
Jessica Elizabeth Jones**%
Matthew James Chase
Autumn Suppes-Haynes^
Shianne Rika Just*
Joshua Mark Clark
Dylan Michael Taylor
Jeremy Thomas Kasten
Russell Patrick Cline
Justin Kyle Thomas*
Matthew Jeffrey King
Stephanie Marie Cogan^
Logan Gregory Thomas
Wesley Robert Landrum
Sydnie Michelle Colbert
Chelsea Paige Thorn^
Kyle Robert LaPine
Ariannah Elizabeth Conley
Connor John Thorn**%
Cory Robert Lawrence
Gabrielle Michelle Crain
Jason Edward Thoryk*
Cody Richard Lawson*
Caitlynn Elizabeth Cromp
Mattison Leigh Thrall*
Meghan Mae Lees**+
Lucca Cynthia Dahlin
Kaitlyn Nicole Trudell*
Richard Jordan Liberty
Taylor Patrick Davis
Donald James VanAuken
William David Lord
Alexis Miner Day
Cheyenne VanBuskirk
Caroline Elizabeth
Kyle Charles Demo
MacMaster*
Zachary Van Gorder**+%
Brandon Alan Denniston*
Sean David Madden
Victoria Ann VanSlyke
Ashley Ann Denny
Anthony David Malambri
Abigail Grace Venskus**+%
Bradley Kenneth Dietz*
Destiny Marie Maybe
Keilah Elizabeth Walburger
Joshua Edward Dievendorf+
Karly Elizabeth McCann*#
Zachary James Wells*
Emma Bea Discenza**%
Anthony Joseph McKeen Jr.
Derick Michael White**+%
Shannon Nicole Dolan*
Alicia Renee Midlar
Allie Mulcahy Williams**
Marisa Marie Dona*%
Tobey David Mills^
Austin Monroe Wilson*%
Ryley Michael Doupe
Christina Marie Murdie
Austin Jon Wirth*
Aquoia Wisteria-Marie Dupree
Patrick Jacob Murphy
Justin James Wolf
Marrisa Lynn Ellis
Austin Richard Naples*
Carolynn Marie Woodside**
Christopher Richard Fisk**%
Hunter Alexander Nerber
Ryan James Wranesh**
Danielle Ann Fitzsimmons
Kaileigh Nicole Newman*
Zachary Scott Wyant
Daniel Porter Frawley*
Brendan Gregory Nichols
Bradley Owen Wylde
Nicholas James Froio^
Christopher Nicolella**%
Jolene Rebeca Zaia**
Tyler John Anthony Gabriele
Jacob Donald Nicolini+
Samantha Virginia Zerbinos+
Timothy Patrick Gandino
* Honor Cord Student (85 GPA or above)
** Honor Cord Student and National Honor
Society Member
# National Technical Honor Society Member
+ National Music Honor Society Member (Tri-M)
^ Career & Technical Education Program
Endorsement
% Mastery of Science and/or Math Designation
www.PhoenixCSD.org
Christopher Nicolella
Top 10 in Class
Lauren Porter
Top 10 in Class
Michael Sadoski
Top 10 in Class
Derick White
Top 10 in Class
Jolene Zaia
Top 10 in Class
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
page 3
Students Receive Financial Boost for Academic Pursuits
Years of academic dedication and hard
work paid dividends for nearly 50 John
C. Birdlebough High School seniors who
received scholarships during a recent
ceremony held in the auditorium.
JCB Principal Greg Molloy welcomed
the audience of parents, family, friends
and community members who were on
hand to congratulate the award-winners.
He offered words of encouragement and
praise to the scholarship recipients and
noted that the honorees deserved all the
accolades they received.
“Where the world takes them, no one
knows for certain,” Molloy said. “One
thing that is for certain is that they’re
terrific students.”
In addition to the students’ academic
successes, funds were also awarded
based on volunteer service, character,
community involvement and desire to
make a difference. Dozens of Dollars for
Scholars Scholarships and 33 privately
funded scholarships were issued during
the ceremony due to contributions of
local residents, business owners and
service organizations.
“Phoenix is truly a special place,” Molloy
said. “The investment our community
makes in our youth in unparalleled.”
2016 Award, Scholarship and Senior Key Recipients
Shaylee Allen
Catherine Barnhart
Amanda Briggs
Joshua Dievendorf
Joseph Dziadik Memorial
Scholarship
Senior Key -- Drama
Kellen Arnold
Wegman’s Scholarship
Senior Key – Band; Cody
Volunteer Fire Department
Frederick G. Rumsey
Scholarship; Dale Osborne
Music Scholarship
Betty Lonis Memorial
Scholarship; Mary Jane
Parkinson-McGilvray
Scholarship; Phoenix
Chorus & Drama
Boosters Dedication and
Commitment to Music/
Theatre Scholarship;
Phoenix Band/Guard
Selfless Service
Scholarship; Phoenix
Alumni Band Scholarship;
Mark Storrings Service
Band/CG Scholarship
Senior Key – Valedictorian;
Valedictorian Award;
Regents Scholarship for
Academic Excellence;
American Legion Post
418 Scholarship; Larkin
Memorial Scholarship;
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Clarkson
University Leadership
Award; Section III Scholar
Athlete Award; Doc. Jones
Scholarship; Distinguished
Eagle Scout Award; CNSE
Fellowship Scholarship
Brianna Ball
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Oswego
County Counselors
Association Scholarship;
Wells College 21st Century
Leadership Scholarship
Zachery Benzel
Mackenzie Berube
Senior Key -- Social
Studies; RIT Computing
Medal & Scholarship;
Brockport Honors
Scholarship
Aubrey Borasky
Scholarship in Memory of
Dominick V. Mammolito
Alexis Bowering
Senior Key -- School
Spirit; Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Phoenix
Chorus & Drama Boosters
Music/Theatre Spirit &
Citizenship Scholarship;
Syracuse Fire Dept. Credit
Union Scholarship;
Masons Scholarship
Alexander Brutcher
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship
Chase Cavanaugh
DECA Scholarship
Stephanie Cogan
A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital
Scholarship
Lucca Cynthia Dahlin
Phoenix Chorus & Drama
Boosters Dedication and
Commitment to Music/
Theatre Scholarship
Emma Discenza
Senior Keys – English
and Perfect Attendance;
Regents Scholarship for
Academic Excellence;
James F. McLaughlin
Scholarship; EJD PTO
Scholarship; LeMoyne
College Heights Scholarship
continued on next page
Check out our Phoenix Central School District Facebook
page for more photos of our scholarship winners.
page 4
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
2016 Award, Scholarship and Senior Key Recipients (continued)
Shannon Dolan
Sarah Hoag
Megan Lees
Jacob Pietrowicz
Fulton Savings Bank
Scholarship; Ron Woodruff
Outstanding Senior Athlete
Award
Senior Key -- Student
Council; Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Betty Lonis
Memorial Scholarship; Fred
and Carolyn Caltabiano
Scholarship; Doc Jones
Scholarship; University of
Rochester Xerox Innovations
and Technology Scholarship
Fulton Savings Bank
Scholarship; Masons
Scholarship; Dollars for
Scholars Scholarship;
Fred & Carolyn Caltabiano
Scholarship; Phoenix Chorus
& Drama Boosters Music/
Theatre Major/Minor
Scholarship
Scholarship in Memory of
James E. Remington; Danny
“Puffy” Sponable Memorial
Scholarship; Jack Whorrall
Memorial Technology
Scholarship; Ridge Barden
Memorial Scholarship
Christina Murdie
Ashly Jewell
Wegman’s Scholarship
Senior Key -- Yearbook
Barney Sockman VFW
Scholarship; Elmira College
Key Award
Hunter Nerber
Jordan Jock
Danny “Puffy” Sponable
Memorial Scholarship
Senior Key -- Health
Christopher Nicolella
Megan Rowe
Marisa Dona
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Webster
Engineering Scholarship;
American Red Cross
Scholarship; Michelle Paczos
Memorial Scholarship;
Doug & Judy Graham Sports
Scholarship Award; St.
Lawrence University Book
Award
Marrisa Lynn Ellis
Phoenix Band/Colorguard
Boosters Scholarship
Daniel Frawley
Senior Key -- School Spirit;
Ron Worthington Memorial
Scholarship; Phoenix Little
League Scholarship
Tyler Gabriele
Senior Key -- Citizenship;
Doug & Judy Graham Sports
Scholarship Award
Mattingly Gleason
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Linda Storrings
Memorial Scholarship
Anna Marie Grenga
Valerie Kehrwieder
Scholarship
The Provost Scholarship
Eathan Harrington
Senior Key -- Boys Physical
Education
William Hess III
Senior Key -- Industrial Arts/
Technology; Everet Regal
Scholarship
Senior Keys -- Business,
Science and Perfect
Attendance; Dollars for
Scholars Scholarship;
Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power
Plant Achievement Award,
Don & Marcia DenBleyker
Sports Scholarship Award;
RIT Computing Medal &
Scholarship
Ashley Johnson
Phoenix Boosters
Colorguard/Winterguard
Scholarship; Michelle
Huntley-Rudy Band/CG
Scholarship
Jessica Jones
Senior Key – Citizenship;
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; Ron
Worthington Memorial
Scholarship; Section III
Scholar Athlete Award; Royal
Arch Masons Scholarship
Lauren Porter
Emily Riddell
Visual Arts Scholarship; CCC
Presidential Scholarship
Senior Keys -- Mathematics
and Spanish; Dollars for
Scholars Scholarship;
Scholarship in Memory of
Dominick V. Mammolito;
Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power
Plant Achievement Award;
Regents Scholarship for
Academic Excellence;
Phoenix Chorus/Drama
Boosters Excellence Behind
the Scenes Scholarship;
Phoenix Alumni Band
Scholarship; Elmira College
Key Award
Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; American
Legion Post 418 Scholarship;
Brian Dick Memorial
Scholarship; Ralph
Henderson Family Memorial
Scholarship; Ron Woodruff
Outstanding Senior Athlete
Award; Clarkson University
Achievement Award
Austin Pierce
Clarissa Scharf
Phoenix Fire Department &
Auxiliary Scholarship
Michael Sadoski Jr.
Word of Life Scholarship
continued on next page
Shianne Just
Grand Lodge Masonic
Scholarship
JCB graduates were thrilled as they received a number of awards
during the recent scholarship night. Pictured, from left: Mike
Sadoski and Jolene Zaia.
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
page 5
Award, Scholarship and Senior Key Recipients (continued)
Jonathan Schmidt
Zachary Van Gorder
Allie Williams
University of Rochester
Bausch & Lomb Scholarship
Senior Key — Salutatorian;
Salutatorian Award; Regents
Scholarship for Academic
Excellence; NSHSS National
Scholarship Award; Dollars
for Scholars Scholarship;
Rensselaer Medal Award;
Chorus/Drama June Dillon
Memorial Scholarship;
Marie Greenleaf-Coville
Phoenix Alumni Association
Award
Senior Key -- Accounting
Zachary Scribner
Phoenix Fire Department &
Auxiliary Scholarship
Zachary Stellingwerf
Senior Key -- Art ; Cole
Dolbear Memorial
Scholarship
Morgan Stobart
Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire
Department Scholarship;
Scholarship In Memory
of James E. Remington;
Student Sage Scholarship
Allison Strang
Senior Key – Chorus;
Clyde S. Wratten Memorial
Award; Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship; The Medicine
Place Health Science
Scholarship; Phoenix
Chorus/Drama Boosters
Excellence in Music/Theatre
Scholarship Award
Connor Thorn
Richard H. Jarvis
Scholarship
Kaitlyn Trudell
Senior Key -- Girls Physical
Education; Phoenix Class of
1963 Scholarship
Abigail Venskus
Senior Key – Music; Dollars
for Scholars Scholarship;
Phoenix Alumni Band
Scholarship; Chorus/
Drama June Dillon Memorial
Scholarship; Student Sage
Scholarship
Derick White
Senior Key — French; Dollars
for Scholars Scholarship;
Phoenix Chorus/Drama
Boosters Excellence in
Music/Theatre Scholarship
Award; Phoenix Alumni
Band Scholarship; Phoenix
Band/Colorguard Boosters
Scholarship; Band/CG
Michael Hyla Memorial
Scholarship; Band/CG
Smokey Kizer Memorial
Scholarship; University of
Rochester George Eastman
Young Leaders Scholarship
Austin Wilson
Clyde S. Wratten Memorial
Award; Edge Federal Credit
Union Scholarship
Carolynn Woodside
Gladys Morley Scholarship
Award; Masonic Lodge/
Eastern Star Scholarship;
Fredonia College Dean’s
Scholarship
Jolene Zaia
Senior Keys -- Student
Council and Perfect
Attendance; Dollars for
Scholars Scholarship;
Anna Renfrew Service
Award; Charles Moyer
Memorial Scholarship;
Don & Marcia DenBleyker
Sports Scholarship Award;
University of Rochester
Frederick Douglas & Susan
B. Anthony Scholarship
Samantha Zerbinos
Knights of Columbus
Scholarship; Dorothy
Snyder-Hutchinson
Memorial Scholarship
Above, from left, Austin Wilson, Brianna Ball and Hunter Nerber receive scholarships and other
awards from various colleges, organizations, community members and local agencies. Hundreds of
thousands of dollars in funding were issued to JCB students for their future studies.
www.PhoenixCSD.org
Ethan Remington was one
of the award recipients
honored at a ceremony.
Eighth-Graders
Earn Recognition
Dozens of awards,
certificates, trophies and
medals were recently
presented to Phoenix
eighth-graders for their
accomplishments at EJD.
The
cafeteria
was
bustling with excitement
during the annual awards
ceremony
June
23.
Teachers in each subject
area honored students
for their study habits,
effort and academic
achievement.
Principal Sue Anderson
presented the President’s
Education
Awards,
Outstanding
Academic
Achievement
Awards
and Perfect Attendance
Awards.
After
seeing
the
abundance of awards
that were given out,
class President Caitlin
George congratulated her
classmates and thanked
them for their friendship.
She encouraged her peers
to cherish the memories
while also looking forward
to the future.
“As a team we can
accomplish great things,
whether it’s (at EJD) or at
JCB,” George said.
page 6
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
MAM Students
Celebrate History
with Canal Days
Phoenix fourth-graders took a step
back in time during the 30th annual
Canal Days celebration.
Students walked from Michael A.
Maroun Elementary School to the canal
system in downtown Phoenix and then
huddled alongside the Oswego River
where they learned about life skills,
recreation and craftsmanship in the
1800s and early 1900s. Historians wore
period costumes as they taught the
students about early life through various
demonstrations. Hands-on experiences
included candle making, stitching,
kneading bread, churning butter and
participating in old-time games with
assistance from members of John C.
Birdlebough High School’s Leadership
Team.
The fourth-graders and their guests
toured Tug Seneca, a medium-sized
tug boat of the New York State Canal
System. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” one
student said as he walked on deck.
Teacher Rebecca Coffin said students
were able to connect to the activities
and information because they had been
learning about the canal and its impact
on trade, travel, communities and
businesses throughout the state.
EJD Students Inducted Into
National Junior Honor Society
Emerson J. Dillon Middle School’s National Junior Honor
Society chapter recently welcomed 22 new members.
New members include: Isabella Allen, Shay Altman, Amaya
Baker, Katelyn Carbonaro, Emma Clark, Tabitha Clark, Brielle
DeRoberts, Elizabeth Dona, Alicia Durst, Francesca Goodell,
Noah Gordon, Cierra Harvey, Alivia Lamphere, Miranda
LaRobadiere, Jock Li, Andrew Quinn, Lily Roberts, Aiden
Southworth, Tamika Stobart, Liam Sweeney, Aidan Trumble
and Thomas Uhl.
For
consideration
into
the prestigious group, each
inductee must embody the
following qualities: scholarship,
service, leadership, character
and
citizenship.
Candles
representing those pillars were
lit by EJD Principal Sue Anderson
and NJHS newly inducted
EJD Principal Sue Anderson
officers: President Sarah Thorn,
welcomes Shay Altman into
Vice President Keva Newby,
the National Junior Honor
Secretary Violet Ameele and
Society as she pins the new
Treasurer Brigid Lawless.
inductee at a recent ceremony.
Co-adviser Helen Abbott said
the students have served as role models to classmates and
within the community. All students have exhibited strong
academic skills and a sense of community.
Each seventh- and eighth-grade student also wrote a letter
to a teacher or person who has been an inspiration to them,
several of whom pinned the inductees.
www.PhoenixCSD.org
Although the 2015-2016 school year is over,
members of the Phoenix Central School District’s
Food Service Department are gearing up for
the summer feeding program. The effort gives
children and adults in the community an
opportunity to enjoy a well-balanced daily lunch
while school is not is session.
The lunch program is hosted at Michael A. Maroun
Elementary School in the Intermediate Cafeteria.
Please enter through the student pick-up door.
All are invited! The program is free for all children
(up to and including those 18 years of age), no
income requirements or restrictions apply. Adults
can also take advantage of this nutrition program too.
The cost for an adult lunch is $3.75 (includes tax).
No application is required.
Wednesday, July 6 - Friday, August 12
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Call 695-1547
or visit www.phoenixcsd.org/Food-Service
Phoenix Central School District | 2016 Graduation Edition
PCSD StudentAthletes Earn
Accolades
EJD and JCB studentathletes
were
recently
recognized for earning the
highest grade point averages
on their respective teams.
The EJD students honored
were Miranda LaRobardiere,
Liam Sweeney, Thomas Uhl,
Jock Li, Caitlin George and
Francesca Goodell. The JCB
students recognized were
Gianna DeRoberts, Garrett
Watkins, Emilie Hilliard, Kellen
Arnold, Natalie Hart, Kristine
Rowe, Alexis Smith, Mike
Sadoski, Morgan Gravlin, Josh
Margrey and Spencer Evans.
Phoenix Athletic Director
Stephen Musso expressed
pride in each of the students,
citing their determination and
hard work. He challenged
those who participated in one
or two sports to continue to
improve and perhaps even
tackle another sport.
page 7
Students Complete New Vision Programs
More than 60 seniors throughout Oswego
County’s nine school districts recently graduated
from New Vision programs at the Center for
Instruction, Technology & Innovation, including
several students from John C. Birdlebough High
School. Pictured, from left, students Aubrey
Borasky and Mackenzie Berube, New Vision teachers Kimberly Wright and Dianna Nesbitt and
students Christopher Fisk and Karly McCann stand together following the graduation ceremony.
PE Students of the Year Rewarded for Hard Work
Eight EJD students were celebrated
for their effort in physical education
throughout the school year. At right, the
students joined Superintendent Judy
Belfield, Principal Sue Anderson and
teacher Raina Hinman for a group photo
after the year-end awards program. Each
winner was presented with a trophy as well
as a T-shirt that said “EJD PE Rocks!”
Thank You and Best Wishes to Our 2015-16 Retirees!
Colleen Allen
Custodial Worker
Judy Belfield
Superintendent
Lisa Gaudreau
Guidance Counselor
Joan Armstrong
Bus Driver
Mary Beth Calogero
Speech Teacher
Robin Hillpot
Teacher Aide
Sandra Azzoto
Bus Driver
Deborah Cianciolo
Speech Teacher
Patricia Karl
Teacher
Joyce Barker
Teaching Assistant
Diane Galster
Assistant Principal
Jeffery Martin
Teacher
Denise Munger
Sr. Food Service Helper
Dawn Nuss
Bus Monitor
Heidi Waldron
Teacher Aide
Joanne Wallace
Bus Driver
Sharon Wilkinson
Secretary
Scholarships, Awards Presented to Members of Junior Class
Although college financial awards are often reserved for
members of a graduating class, 16 John C. Birdlebough High
School juniors recently earned scholarships of their own.
Elite universities throughout New York state provided
funding opportunities for Phoenix juniors who demonstrated
exceptional leadership, scholarship and citizenship. The
awards, exceeding $500,000 in total, were presented to
Sixteen JCB juniors were all smiles after receiving more than
$500,000 in partial tuition scholarships. The awards were
presented during a recent ceremony in the auditorium.
the winners during a morning assembly in the high school
auditorium.
The award-winners were: Noah Neverette (St. Lawrence
University Book Award); Ryan Virkler (Clarkson University
Leadership Award); Ryan Luke (LeMoyne College Heights
Award); Evan Logee (Clarkson University Achievement
Award); Larissa Semanchuk-Enser (Rensselaer Medal
Award); Alexa Uttamsingh (University of Rochester Frederick
Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Award); Larissa SemanchukEnser (University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Award);
Joshua Margrey (University of Rochester Xerox Innovation &
Information Technology Award); Brian Breen and Carolanne
Switzer (RIT Computing Medal & Scholarship Awards);
Breanna Backus and Eric Leach (RIT Innovation & Creativity
Scholarship Awards); Jessica Haresign (Wells College – 21st
Century Leadership Award; Morgan Bajish (Student Sage
Award); Kea Corey (University of Rochester George Eastman
Young Leaders Award and Scholarship); and Dylan Blumer
and Nicole Hetko (Elmira College Key Awards).
www.PhoenixCSD.org
Non-Profit
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PAID
Phoenix, NY
Permit No. 6
Postal Customer
Phoenix Central Schools
District Office
116 Volney Street
Phoenix, NY 13135
(315) 695-1555
Mission Statement:
The Phoenix Central School District is committed to a challenging educational program that promotes academic and personal growth
for all students. Each student will become a confident, productive, responsible individual with a strong academic foundation, and the
ability to make positive ethical choices. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of pride, character, and accountability in our students and
community. The Board of Education, staff, parents, students, and community share responsibility for this mission.
Class of 2016 Valedictorian
and Salutatorian
From the
Superintendent’s Desk
Valedictorian Kellen Arnold
Phoenix Central School District senior
Kellen Arnold was named valedictorian after
achieving a weighted average of 105.436
during his high school career.
He was a member of the varsity cross
country, basketball and track teams and
was an active member in JCB Leadership,
National Honor Society, Yearbook and
Student Council. Outside of school, Arnold
enjoys the outdoors with activities such as
hiking, camping, rock climbing and skiing.
Arnold thanks his father, Douglas, mother,
Katherine and sister, Grace (Emerson J.
Dillon Middle School) for their support.
Reflecting back on his high school career,
Arnold said effort was a key contributor to his
success.
In the fall, he will pursue a degree
in nanoscale engineering from SUNY
Polytechnic Institute’s College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering.
Salutatorian Zachary Van Gorder
Fueled by a desire to succeed in the
classroom, JCB senior Zachary Van Gorder
recently wrapped up his high school studies
as class salutatorian, with a weighted average
of 105.184.
Pictured are JCB High School valedictorian Kellen
Arnold (left) and salutatorian Zachary Van Gorder.
Aside from dedicating much of his time to
his studies, Van Gorder was also a member
of the Drama Club, varsity tennis team, JCB
Leadership, Student Council, National Honor
Society and Tri-M. Outside of school, he
enjoys playing tennis and going camping.
Van Gorder said some of his fondest
high school memories revolve around his
involvement in extracurricular activities.
Drama Club, he said, helped shape him as a
person and provided lasting friendships.
He said his parents, Angela and Rick, and
brother, Josh, a JCB freshman, have been
most supportive.
Van Gorder’s post-secondary educational
plans include a bachelor’s and master’s
degree program at Gannon University, where
he will learn to become a physician assistant.
www.PhoenixCSD.org
Here we are at the close of
another school year! I look
back on this past school year
with a sense of satisfaction
at the great accomplishments
of our students and staff.
Phoenix Central School District
is a community venture where
we all join together to raise
the next generation of young
people into productive and
ethical community members.
As I head off into retirement,
I look forward to hearing and
seeing the many more great
successes for our school
district.
My husband and I will
continue to live in Phoenix for
many years to come. We look
forward to seeing you at the
many events offered at PCSD.
Take care! Thank you for
these last six years. I have
thoroughly enjoyed being the
Superintendent of Phoenix
Central School District!
Sincerely,