Forget what it says on your calendar, summer began in Port Byron Friday, June 27 -Graduation Day. Let the time of summer jobs, getting ready for college, eating ice cream, days at the lake and barbecues kick into full gear. Hopefully, it is a time for everyone to catch their breath, relax a little bit and enjoy the warm weather.
Summer is also a great time to reflect on the year that was in our school. What follows is a brief snapshot of some of the major happenings and events from the just-completed school year. So here it goes - 2007-08: the year in review:
€ August '07 - The incoming Freshman Class participated in the first annual summer orientation program. Close to 75 percent of the incoming ninth graders took part in the voluntary full-day session sponsored by the APEX Student Leadership Group. Students participated in a wide range of workshops on topics that included goal setting, study skills, organization, etc. They also toured the building, ate lunch together and participated in fun team-building activities.
€ Homecoming #- 2007 marked another outstanding Homecoming celebration as several longtime members of the Port Byron family were recognized at half-time at the football game. Longtime teacher and coach, Bill Cassidy; longtime teacher and Elementary School Principal, Dave Parker; and longtime Elementary School Principal, Bill vanderMeulen, were greeted by family, friends and former students at the pre-game reception. This marked the third year that Port Byron Schools and the Port Byron Alumni Association collaborated on the expanded “Homecoming Weekend Celebration.” The three honorees joined 2005 inaugural honoree Gino Alberici and 2006 honoree Mary Beth Fiore as distinguished guests.
€ December 2007 #- The Dana L. West Student Leadership Group hosted the second annual Regional Leadership Conference. Students planned and helped facilitate a variety of presentations that included interactive activities, guest speakers and social activities for students not only from Port Byron, but from several neighboring schools as well. The day was highlighted by keynote speaker, Ian Tyson and his “Hero Within You” program. It was a great opportunity for our student leaders to continue to fine-tune their skills.
€ Fall 07/Spring 08 - Once again, large numbers of students participated in the Cayuga Advantage Program through Cayuga Community College. More than 250 college credit hours were earned in subjects like English, chemistry and math with the college. Due to our association with the college and through the contributions of the Sean Gummerson Scholarship Fund, students earned these credits at absolutely no cost to them or their families. A special thanks goes to Cayuga Community College and Craig and Linda Gummerson for their continued support.
€ May 2008 - Fourth annual Spring Leadership Assembly #- The signature event of the Student Leadership Organization, the event recognized exceptional leaders within our school community in categories such as courage, community service, distinguished alumni, and distinguished educators. The awards assembly is special because it is planned and organized by the students themselves, with the encouragement and support from Advisor, Angie Hargreaves. This year's award recipients included Robert Ware, Beth DeWolf, Carol Pelc, Debbie and Chris Kudla, Chris Ford, Anna Danyluk, Barb VanDerpool and myself.
€ June 27 - Graduation #- The crowning moment of every school year. This year marked our very first Friday evening commencement ceremony, and what a terrific night it was. From the moment Student Government President, Tyler Quanbeck opened the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance until the final diploma presentation. The thoughtful speeches from valedictorian Ashley Leja and alutatorian Elizabeth Lakota exemplified the very best in what the high school experience should represent. It was a tremendous celebration of the achievement of a great group of kids. Best of luck class of 2008.
These are a small number of highlights for the year, but each certainly merited one last mention. Bring on 08-09!
Shawn Bissetta is principal of Dana L. West High School in Port Byron
€ August '07 - The incoming Freshman Class participated in the first annual summer orientation program. Close to 75 percent of the incoming ninth graders took part in the voluntary full-day session sponsored by the APEX Student Leadership Group. Students participated in a wide range of workshops on topics that included goal setting, study skills, organization, etc. They also toured the building, ate lunch together and participated in fun team-building activities.
€ Homecoming #- 2007 marked another outstanding Homecoming celebration as several longtime members of the Port Byron family were recognized at half-time at the football game. Longtime teacher and coach, Bill Cassidy; longtime teacher and Elementary School Principal, Dave Parker; and longtime Elementary School Principal, Bill vanderMeulen, were greeted by family, friends and former students at the pre-game reception. This marked the third year that Port Byron Schools and the Port Byron Alumni Association collaborated on the expanded “Homecoming Weekend Celebration.” The three honorees joined 2005 inaugural honoree Gino Alberici and 2006 honoree Mary Beth Fiore as distinguished guests.
€ December 2007 #- The Dana L. West Student Leadership Group hosted the second annual Regional Leadership Conference. Students planned and helped facilitate a variety of presentations that included interactive activities, guest speakers and social activities for students not only from Port Byron, but from several neighboring schools as well. The day was highlighted by keynote speaker, Ian Tyson and his “Hero Within You” program. It was a great opportunity for our student leaders to continue to fine-tune their skills.
€ Fall 07/Spring 08 - Once again, large numbers of students participated in the Cayuga Advantage Program through Cayuga Community College. More than 250 college credit hours were earned in subjects like English, chemistry and math with the college. Due to our association with the college and through the contributions of the Sean Gummerson Scholarship Fund, students earned these credits at absolutely no cost to them or their families. A special thanks goes to Cayuga Community College and Craig and Linda Gummerson for their continued support.
€ May 2008 - Fourth annual Spring Leadership Assembly #- The signature event of the Student Leadership Organization, the event recognized exceptional leaders within our school community in categories such as courage, community service, distinguished alumni, and distinguished educators. The awards assembly is special because it is planned and organized by the students themselves, with the encouragement and support from Advisor, Angie Hargreaves. This year's award recipients included Robert Ware, Beth DeWolf, Carol Pelc, Debbie and Chris Kudla, Chris Ford, Anna Danyluk, Barb VanDerpool and myself.
€ June 27 - Graduation #- The crowning moment of every school year. This year marked our very first Friday evening commencement ceremony, and what a terrific night it was. From the moment Student Government President, Tyler Quanbeck opened the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance until the final diploma presentation. The thoughtful speeches from valedictorian Ashley Leja and alutatorian Elizabeth Lakota exemplified the very best in what the high school experience should represent. It was a tremendous celebration of the achievement of a great group of kids. Best of luck class of 2008.
These are a small number of highlights for the year, but each certainly merited one last mention. Bring on 08-09!
Shawn Bissetta is principal of Dana L. West High School in Port Byron
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