GHS conducts 2021 Moving Up Day ceremony

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School hosted its 2021 Moving Up Day on Friday, June 11 at the grandstand at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, all guests in attendance were required to follow COVID protocols, and wear masks during the entirety of the ceremony.

The ceremony commenced at about 1 p.m. with the freshman, sophomore, and junior and senior classes finding their way to their spot in the grandstand as the march processional, “Trumpet Voluntary” was performed by Renee Powlin. The Flag Salute was led by GHS 2021-22 Student Senate President Hailey Morrissiey. The GHS Chorus then performed the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” under the direction of Victor Correa III and Renee Powlin.

A word of welcome was said by GHS Principal Cory Wood: “Take a look around you. It is incredible how far we have come in just a few weeks. It’s absolutely beautiful that we are able to celebrate today with each other. Who would have thought that this would have been possible this year, and what a year we have had. Think of all we have experienced together. Today, we break the isolation. We celebrate the fact that our families, our staff, and our student body is back together again. I hope this is just the beginning of what next year will look like. When we look back at the last 15 months, it is easy to think of everything we have missed out on, what could have been. … Today, I’m thankful for this moment when the Gouverneur school community takes the time to honor our students in the tradition known as Moving Up Day. The history of today stretches over 70 years and is a day that ties our students present here with those who came before us. It is a day where we take the time to celebrate the successes, the accomplishments of these young adults. Today is possible due to the wonderful community support extended to our students in the various award funds that community members and dedicated organizations. To these folks, I say thank you.”

All present also took up Principal Wood’s invitation to applaud for the GHS Class of 2021 and their great achievements. Also present were GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French, GHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Chris Marshall, among various other staff members.

The Gouverneur National Honor Society President Peyton Mussaw then introduced the following inductees to the national honor society: Carter Baer, Ava Bartholomew, Maya Bartleson, Allison Carvel, Addison Conklin, Hailey Cook, Cassidy Hardy, Niciara House-Bowman, Ella Impaglia, Noel LaPierre, Hope Leader, Mariah Manning, Elizabeth Riutta, and Kobe Steorts. The Induction Ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 1 at the Gouverneur Community Center.

The awarding of prizes and general awards were presented by GHS Principal Cory Wood and GHS Assistant Principal Chris Marshall with assistance from GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French and other staff members. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, guest presenters were not allowed to attend. “Our focus today is on recognizing and celebrating excellence,” Principal Wood said. “In some cases, this recognition takes the form of certificates. For some, recognition may come with a monetary gift or offer of a college scholarship. In all cases, our awards bring together the great traditions of the past, successes of the present, and to give us great expectations for the future… Due to the current regulations for awards ceremonies and graduation, we are unable to have guest presenters. But I want to thank them for their understanding and continued support of our students.”

The Chamber of Commerce Award was presented to Brock Daniels. This award of $100 is given to a senior with an interest in business and is enrolled in an institution of higher learning. This student should have such attributes as genuine interest in the business field, ambition to succeed in business, leadership, initiative and possess a pleasing personality.

The Shannon James Streeter Memorial Award was presented to Dylan Farr and Joseph Cummings. Two $200 awards are given to recognize two students who have demonstrated an active role in the school and community.

The Agriculture Youth Leadership Recognition Award was presented to Gordon Martin and Hope Simmons. The Gouverneur Agriculture Advisory Board annually awards Youth Leadership Recognition awards. Proceeds are drawn from a small fund donated in the name of R. D. Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs was an agriculture teacher at Gouverneur High School from 1923-1954, who is well remembered for his dedication to teaching and advising young students.

The Lions Club Roy D. Gibbs Prize was presented to Daniel Hall. A prize of $400 is awarded to the senior who has excelled in his or her agriculture program. Cooperative spirit and a willingness to work hard are qualities considered during their high school years.

The Gregory Cox Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Matthew Turner. It is given in loving memory of Greg through the contributions of his brother’s family, Geremy and Adrienne Cox. Greg was an Onondaga Central High School graduate who was an avid wrestler. He relocated to Gouverneur with his family where his children are enrolled at Gouverneur Central. He was an outgoing, humorous, and dedicated family man. He loved agriculture and working with his family on their dairy farm. Greg was described by a family member as the man you meet as a stranger, but with a hug, left as his friend. The scholarship is awarded to a Gouverneur High School student who embodies Greg’s view of life and the way Greg lived. This award is in the amount of $500.

The Mariano Pistolesi Memorial Team Award: This $500 award is given in memory of Mariano Pistolesi by his family. Mr. Pistolesi was a member of the first wrestling team of Gouverneur High School in 1934. He was an avid outdoorsman, and of course, a huge wrestling fan. This year, the award is given to the wrestling program. Team captains, Joseph Cummings and Carter Baer, accepted the award on behalf of the GHS Wrestling Program.

The Burt O. Kinney and Harold D. Kinney Awards were presented to Corryn Canell and Reese Morenz. These two awards are given by Kinney Drugs Inc., in memory of their founder, Burt O. Kinney, and his son Harold D. Kinney, to senior continuing his or her education in a healthcare field. These awards are based on academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.

The American Citizenship Awards were presented to Kolby Wells, Corryn Canell, and Ellen Baer. Pins are presented in recognition of students for making a positive contribution to the school or community. Criteria includes positive attitude, appreciation of civic responsibility, strength of character and citizenship.

College Board National Rural and Small Town Scholar Award was presented to William Schroeder. Students are selected as part of the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program based upon their scholars on the PSAT/NMSQT.

The NYS Comptroller Achievement Award was presented to Shantall Sweet. This award recognizes a senior that has excelled academically and shown potential for leadership through involvement in activities that have improved the school or community.

Pi Digit Memorization Award was presented to Emalyn Kulp. The winner of the Pi Digit Memorization contest is the student who memorizes and recites the most digits of Pi on GHS Pi Day. This year’s winner memorized 51 digits.

The President’s Award for Educational Excellence was presented to Dylan Farr, William Schroeder, and Leeah Morrissiey. This award is a pin and a certificate signed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Education in recognition of students’ academic excellence. Students must have an overall GPA of 90 percent or higher and must have received a 600 on at least one subsection of the PSAT.

Tri-M Music Honor Society Awards were presented to Noble Baker, Madison Brooks, Corryn Canell, Kolby Wells, Katherine Fullam, and Brynn Farley. New student member of Chapter 4601 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Gouverneur High School are awarded Certificates of Membership for supporting the ideals and aspirations of the Tri-M Music Honor Society through continued service and interest in solo and ensemble performance at our school and in our community.

Triple “C” Awards were presented to Renee Crook and Jade Palmer. The New York State Office of the Attorney General presents a certificate in recognition of outstanding character, courage, and commitment to their academic success and perseverance throughout the pandemic.

The Pepsi-Cola Fine Arts Award was presented to Noble Baker. This $50 award is given by Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers, Inc., to a graduating senior who has excelled in drama, public speaking, vocal music, instrumental music, or art appreciation.

The Robert R. Canell Memorial Award was presented to Corryn Canell and Joseph Cummings. The Robert R. Canell Memorial Award is presented to the male and female senior athlete who best portray the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication and effort in his or her participation and support of Wildcat athletic competition. The award is a $50 check provided by the family of Robert R. Canell in memory of his love for and dedication to high school sports.

The Les Beaux Art Award was presented to Karissa Stowell. This award is given to the senior who has contributed the most to art activities during their high school career and named Senior Artist of the Year.

The Sara Jean Sigourney Memorial Award was presented to Shantell Sweet. The Trinity Episcopal Church presents a monetary award to a deserving senior in memory of Sara Jean Sigourney.

The Jasmine Pankey Memorial Award was presented to Gavin Nichols. The award is given in memory of Jasmine Pankey, and is sponsored by the 2018 Senior Parent Group.

The Gouverneur Shakespeare Club English Prize was presented to Corryn Canell. This prize is given for general competence in English as evidenced by standardized tests and classroom performance.

The Gouverneur Senior Citizens Award was presented to Hope Leader. The Gouverneur Senior Citizens’ award is given to a senior pursuing a career in healthcare.

The Brennan Stevens 2017 Senior Parent Group Award was presented to Jordan Hayden and Karissa Stowell. The award is given in memory of Brennan Stevens, a member of the class of 2017. Brennan was tragically taken away in the fall of 2016, but he will be remembered as a team player who wanted the world to laugh with him. The award, in the amount of two $100 checks, will be given to a graduating male and female student-athlete who demonstrates the pride that Brennan displayed as a Wildcat.

The MOMS Club Award was presented to Joseph Cummings. MOMS Club of Gouverneur is a local support group for at-home moms. The group consists of mothers who stay at home, work from home, or work outside the home, but have arranged their schedule to be at home during the day caring for their children. Its members are proud of the accomplishments of our MOMS Club children and wish to congratulate their success. The award is given to a current or former MOMS Club child who exhibits academic success.

The Patricia Coates McIntyre Memorial Award was presented to Ellen Baer. The award is given in memory of Mrs. Patsy McIntyre and is sponsored by the Gouverneur Teachers Association and the Non-Instructional Employees Union. Mrs. McIntyre was a graduate of Gouverneur Central School and was employed by the school district for 40 years. This $200 award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies Mrs. McIntyre’s dedication, commitment to excellence, perseverance in the face of adversity and school spirit.

The Todd Breckenridge Memorial Scholarship was presented to Joseph Cummings. The Todd Breckenridge Memorial Award is given in memory of Todd “T.J.” Breckenridge, a 1993 graduate of Gouverneur High School. After graduating from high school, Todd served our country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, earning numerous commendations from many campaigns abroad. After serving his country, Todd continued to serve his communities in which he lived. Todd enjoyed fishing, hunting, football, and community service. This award is given to a senior who values those things that were special to Todd, his family, our country, and the outdoors. This award is in the amount of $200.

The Evans Mills Race Track Award was presented to Andrew Cassell-Beck. This $200 award is given to a graduating senior who expresses an interest in the Automotive Technology field.

The West Side Organization of Parents and Teachers (OPT) Awards were presented to Jade Palmer and Kolby Wells. The West Side OPT awards two $250 scholarships to two deserving seniors that attended West Side Elementary School and who will further their education after graduation.

The John Watkins/Sandra Golden Watkins Memorial Scholarship was presented to Dylan Farr and Jared Wilson. These scholarships are given in loving memory of John and Sandra Watkins, teachers at Gouverneur Jr.-Sr. High School, who were tragically taken from us in the fall of 1987. The scholarship recipients have been selected by the Technology and Mathematics department members, based on achievement in each of the academic areas.

The Gouverneur Teachers Association Scholarship was presented to Corryn Canell. The Gouverneur Teachers Association sponsors a $300 scholarship to a graduating senior who demonstrates positive citizenship, character and shows a commitment to public service and strong leadership through a variety of extracurricular activities.

The Gouverneur School-Related Personnel Scholarship was presented to Emily Mullin and Jade Palmer. This year, the Association is awarding a $300 scholarship to two deserving, college-bound seniors whose parent is a current member of the Gouverneur School-related Personnel Union.

The Gouverneur Teachers Association Scholarship was presented to Ellen Baer, Holly Barton and Joseph Cummings. The Gouverneur Teachers Association sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors who are a child of a GTA member and who demonstrate positive citizenship, character, and show a commitment to public service and strong leadership through a variety of extracurricular activities.

The Scozzafava-Dier Endowed Scholarship was presented to Reese Morenz. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior with the highest GPA from Gouverneur High School who will be attending SUNY Canton.

The John L. Halford Memorial Scholarship was presented to Haylee Campbell and Reese Morenz. This scholarship is awarded annually to two graduating seniors of Gouverneur Central who will pursue a college degree. Recipients of this award are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in extra curricular activities.

The Justin Sipher ’92 and Amy Leonard ’94 Scholarship was presented to Emily Mullin. This scholarship celebrates a graduating senior from Gouverneur High School who is attending SUNY Potsdam in the fall. This is a four-year scholarship provided the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.

The St. Lawrence University Book Award was presented to Ariana Zeller. This award is for a junior student who has displayed significant commitment to community service. The recipient receives a book as a gift and a $4,000 merit scholarship to St. Lawrence University and may also qualify for an additional scholarship of $32,000 per year.

The RIT Computing Medal and Scholarship Program was presented to Cierra Besaw and Alex Clancy. The Rochester Institute of Technology Computer Medal recognizes students who rank in the top 10 percent of the junior class, who have demonstrated leadership in school and community activities and demonstrated an interest and ability in computing. This award is a scholarship of $32,000 for four years of study at RIT.

The RIT Creativity and Innovation Award was presented to Madison Kurdziel and Christopher Weaver. This award recognizes students who rank in the top 10 percent of the junior class, is an active member of their school and community, and demonstrates outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity or entrepreneurship. This award is for $32,000 for four years of study.

The Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award was presented to Kaitlyn Gibson and Alexis Devlin. This award is for two juniors who have demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong commitment to academics. This award is for $40,000 for four years of study at Wells College.

Clarkson Achievement and Leadership Awards were presented to Raelin Burns (Achievement Award) and Hailey Morrissiey (Leadership Award). The Clarkson University Achievement and Leadership Awards recognize two juniors who demonstrate strong leadership, positively impact their school and community, and rank in the top 15 percent of their class. The Leadership Award is a scholarship of $60,000 and the Achievement Award of $48,000 for four years of study at Clarkson University.

The Le Moyne College Heights Award was presented to Connor Wood. This award recognizes a junior that has shown outstanding success in the classroom and in service to their school and community. The nominee must have a grade point average above 90 and rank in the top 25 percent of their class. This award provides a $59,000 scholarship to Le Moyne College.

The Clarkson School Scholars Award was presented to Brynn Farley. This award is for a junior that will start college early at the Clarkson School in the fall. The award is for $60,000 for four years of study at Clarkson University.

The Elmira College Key Award was presented to Ashlee Flood and Ella Impaglia. This award is for juniors demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and leadership in the school and community. The Key Award is $80,000 for four years of study at Elmira College.

The Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology was presented to Torie Salisbury. This award is given to a junior with an interest in technology that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in leadership and academics. This award is for up to $80,000 for four years of study at the University of Rochester.

The Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award was presented to Christopher Weaver. This award is given annually to a junior for outstanding achievement in science and math classes. This award is for up to $80,000 for four years of study at the University of Rochester.

The George Eastman Young Leaders Award was presented to Peyton Mussaw. This award is given to a junior with outstanding achievement in leadership and academics. This award is for up to $80,000 for four years of study at the University of Rochester.

The Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award was presented to Cole Siebels. This award is given annually to a junior who has demonstrated commitment to understanding difficult social issues. This award is for up to $80,000 for four years of study at the University of Rochester.

The Student Sage Award was presented to Kate Forsythe and Addison Sonntag. The Student Sage Award recognizes outstanding members of the junior class for their academic achievements and community service. Nominees must have at least an 85 GPA. This award is for up to $86,000 at Russell Sage College.

The Rensselaer Medal Award was presented to Hailey Morrissiey. It recognizes a student who ranks in the top 10 percent of the junior class and has excelled in Math and Science. The Rensselaer Medal is a scholarship of $120,000 for four years of study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The Augsbury/North Country Scholar Awards were presented to Cole Siebels and Peyton Mussaw. The St. Lawrence University Augsbury/North Country Scholar Program recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership, community service, and have a grade point average above 90. Each nominee received a $28,000 scholarship for four years of study. Nominees who are then selected as Augsbury/North Country Scholars receive a $140,000 scholarship for four years of study at St. Lawrence University.

The crowd at the 2021 GHS Moving Up then heard remarks by the President of the GHS Class of 2021, Ellen Baer, as well as the President of the GHS Class of 2022, Cole Siebels. President Baer then present the GHS key to President Siebels. Hailey Morrissiey, Class of 2021-22 Student Senate President, then conducted the moving up day ceremony. At the conclusion, the GHS Class of 2021 celebrated by exploding confetti cannons.

The GHS Chorus, under the direction of Victor Correa III and Renee Powlin, performed the Alma Mater song. The recessional, “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, was performed by Renee Powlin, Jenelle Yeoman and Victor Correa III. The junior and senior class, along with their parents and guardians, were then ushered to the GHS Auditorium to watch the Senior Slideshow.

The GHS Class of 2021 will graduate on Friday, June 25, 7 p.m. For more information on GCSD, visit gcsk12.org.