by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur High School held Moving Up Day on Friday, June 9 in the GHS auditorium, under the direction of GHS Principal Cory Wood and GHS assistant Principal Nicole Donaldson. The march procession, “Trumpet Voluntary,” was performed by GHS Music Instructors Renee Powlin, Paul Buell, and Jenelle Yeoman. The Flag Salute was led by GHS Junior Abigail Bowman. The Gouverneur High School Chorus then sang the traditional version of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
GHS Principal Cory Wood then offered a welcoming address, and extended a special word of welcome to the members of the GHS Class of 2023.
“As the school year has come to an end, we have discussed the importance of good decision-making and what the community represents. This year’s graduates were a special group. They entered the ninth grade in 2019 and by March 2020 the idea of high school was dramatically changed for them. They spent the remainder of that year and the following fall in virtual classes, and for some of them, they didn’t attend in-person for the remainder of 2021. But through the ups and downs of the COVID pandemic, this class has continued to set their goals and have constantly evolved to meet those goals. This class has accomplished much. I’d like to share with the class how proud I am of their accomplishments. I look forward to seeing them over the next several weeks as we move forward to this year’s graduation ceremony on June 23 at 7 p.m.
“Today is about history and tradition. Moving Up Day has been celebrated in Gouverneur for over 70 years. It’s the day that all of our graduates of Gouverneur share together. This is the day that we recognize what we are really about. It’s about our academics, and what comes next for you as a class and as an individual. It’s also the day that our school and community come together to recognize and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of our students. Today is possible due to the wonderful community support extended to our students, to the various award funds community members and dedicated organizations to our students. To these folks, I say thank you.”
GHS National Honor Society President Caitlyn Storie then introduced the following NHS inductees: Carly Bartholomew, Llydia Blaine, Ivey Bulger, Kristen Burns, Mae Cummings, Gavin Davis, Zoe Griffith, Graydon Hance, Madison Hopper, Gianna Manning, Tucker Mussaw, Danielle Shattuck, Jacey Sheen, and Kaden Wells. Great applause sounded for the newly inducted NHS members.
“Our focus today is on recognizing and celebrating excellence. In some cases, this recognition will take the form of praise or certificates. For some, recognition may come from monetary gifts or an offer of a college scholarship. In all cases, our awards bring together the great traditions of our past, successes of the present, and to give us great expectations for the future.”
The awards ceremony commenced with the awarding of the following prizes, announced by GHS Principal Cory Wood:
Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce President Tim Reddick presented the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Award to GHS Senior Ethan Fenlong. The $100 award is given to a senior with an interest in business and is enrolled in an institution of higher learning. The student should have such attributes as a genuine interest in the business field, ambition to succeed in business, leadership initiative, and a pleasing personality.
Terry Streeter of Gouverneur presented the Shannon James Streeter Memorial award to GHS Seniors William Dubberly and Ethan Fitzgerald. This $200 award recognizes two students who have demonstrated an active role in the school and community and is given in honor of Shannon James Streeter.
The Lions Club’s Roy D. Gibbs Prize was awarded to GHS Senior Jeremiah Harris. A $500 prize is awarded to the senior who has excelled in the agriculture program. Cooperative spirit and willingness to work hard are qualities considered during their high school years. Gouverneur Lion Donna Lawrence was in attendance to present the honor.
Adrienne Cox presented the Gregory Cox Memorial Scholarship Award to GHS Seniors James Hayden and William Dubberly. The Gregory Cox Scholarship award ($500) is given in loving memory of Greg through contributions of his family and friends. Greg was an Onondaga Central High School graduate who was an aid wrestler. He relocated to Gouverneur with his family where his children proceeded to graduate from Gouverneur Central. He was an outgoing, humorous, and dedicated family man. He loved agriculture and working with his family on their dairy farm. This scholarship is awarded to a Gouverneur High School student who embodies Greg’s view of life and the way Greg lived.
The Moving Up Day Awards were then announced by GHS Assistant Principal Nicole Donaldson, presented by GHS Guidance Counselors Marcy Tyler and Rachel Huntley, and congratulated by GHS Principal Cory Wood and GCS Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly. The general awards were then presented as follows:
The American Citizenship Awards were presented to Caitlyn Storie, Maxwel Lucas, and Abigail Bowman. Pins were presented in recognition of the students for making a positive contribution to the school or community. Criteria includes positive attitude, appreciation of civic responsibility, strength of character and citizenship.
GHS Senior Robert Gardner was presented with the Community-Based Work Program Award. This certificate is presented to the “Most Improved” student who is participating in Gouverneur Central’s Community-Based Work Program.
The NYS Comptroller Achievement Award was presented to GHS Senior Mariah Manning. This award recognizes a senior who has excelled academically and shown potential for leadership through involvement in activities that have improved the school or community.
The Pi Digit Memorization Award was presented GHS Freshman Kelvin Bice III. 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 207 digits.
The SUPA Scholar Award was presented to Ava Bartholomew, Niciara House-Bowman, Shane Muyano, and Elizabeth Riutta. The award is given to seniors who have shown both high academic achievement and perseverance by earning 24 or more credits and maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA through Syracuse University’s Project Advance Program.
The President’s Award for Educational Excellence was presented to Ava Bartholomew, Addison Blair, Allison Carvel, Noel LaPierre, Maxwel Lucas, Mariah Manning, and Kobe Steorts. The 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.
The Gouverneur High School Chapter 4601 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society honored graduating senior members with the Tri-M alumni pin and membership card for supporting the ideals and aspirations of Tri-M through continued service and interest in music. This included Ava Bartholomew, Allison Carvel, Hazen Given, Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Elizabeth Riutta, Jack Schroeder, Riley Seaman, and Jahonna Sloan.
The Triple “C” Awards were presented to Alexandra McDougall and Maxwel Lucas. The New York State Office of the Attorney General presents a certificate in recognition of two seniors who have demonstrated outstanding character, courage and commitment to their school and community.
The Heisman High School Scholarship was presented to Elizabeth Riutta. The Heisman High School Scholarship program honors the nation’s most accomplished, community-minded high school senior athletes. The program rewards outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories happen not only on the field, but also in their schools and communities.
The College Board Rural And Small Town Scholar Award was presented to Ava Bartholomew and Mariah Manning. These students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.
The Pepsi-Cola Fine Arts Award was presented to Niciara House-Bowman. It is given by the 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 Isaiah Sochia and Lia Canell. The Robert R. Canell Memorial Award is presented to the male and the female senior athlete who best portray the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication and effort in his/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 Gouverneur Arts Club Award was presented to Lia Canell. 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 Jerricka Walton. 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 Riley Seaman. The award is given in memory of Jasmine Pankey. This award is sponsored by the 2018 Senior Parent Group.
The Brennan Stevens 2017 Senior Parent Group Award was presented to Jenika Richards and Daniel Thomas. 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, is given to a graduating male and female student/athlete who demonstrate the pride that Brennan displayed as a Wildcat.
The Gouverneur Shakespeare Club English Prize was presented to Ava Bartholomew. The prize is given for general competence in English, as evidenced by standardized tests and classroom performance.
The Gouverneur Senior Citizens Award was presented to James Hayden and Shia Bright. The Gouverneur Senior Citizens’ award is given to a Senior who plans to attend college.
The Patricia Coates McIntyre Memorial Award was presented to Allison Carvel. 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 forty 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 Jacob Donaldson. The 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.
The St. James School Alumni Service Award was presented to Ava Bartholomew. The St. James School Alumni Service Award is given to a graduating senior who displays service to community, school and family. The student exhibits traits that align with the mission of St. James and are committed to spiritual, academic, social and physical growth, utilizing the gifts bestowed on them.
The Liberty Utilities Award was presented to James Hayden, a senior who has demonstrated success in the classroom and pursuing a degree in engineering, sustainability, business, or HVAC.
The American Red Cross High School Scholarship was presented to Ava Bartholomew. The American Red Cross awards a $250 scholarship to a Gouverneur Senior National Honor Society graduate. Our National Honor Society Chapter hosted two blood drives this school year and collected 34 units of blood, helping to potentially save 102 lives. The American Red Cross offers this award in recognition of our school and community's accomplishment.
The Capital District Off Track Betting Corporation through the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators presented a $250 award to Noel LaPierre, a senior attending college in the fall.
The John Watkins/Sandra Golden Watkins Memorial Scholarship was presented to Ava Bartholomew and Kobe Steorts. The scholarships are given in loving memory of John and Sandra Watkins, teachers at Gouverneur Central 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 School-Related Personnel Scholarship was presented to Cale Stowell. The Association is awarding a $300 scholarship to a deserving, college-bound senior whose parent is a current member of the Gouverneur School-related Personnel Union.
The Canton Goldenaires Award was presented to Mariah Manning, a senior who demonstrated a high level of participation in vocal and/or instrumental music; must display good citizenship and leadership qualities; and show a genuine concern for the school community, as well as the community at large.
The Gouverneur Teachers’ Association Scholarship was presented to Allison Carvel. The Gouverneur Teachers' Association sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors who are children of GTA members, demonstrate positive citizenship and character and who show a commitment to public service and strong leadership through a variety of extracurricular activities. This year's award is $500.
The West Side Organization Of Parents And Teachers awarded scholarships to two deserving seniors, Jacob Edney and Kobe Steorts, who attended West Side Elementary School and who will further their education after graduation.
The Helen S. Randles/Society Of The United Helpers Scholarship was presented to Elizabeth Riutta. The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who will be pursuing their education in the health care field.
The Scozzafava-Dier Endowed Scholarship was presented to Jerricka Walton. It is awarded to a graduating senior with the highest GPA from Gouverneur Central School who will be attending SUNY Canton in the fall.
The Burt O. Kinney & Harold D. Kinney Awards were presented to Addison Conklin and Elizabeth Riutta. These two $1,000 awards are given by Kinney Drugs, Inc., in memory of their founder, Burt O. Kinney, and his son, Harold D. Kinney, to seniors continuing his/her education in a healthcare field. These awards are based on academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
The John L. Halford Memorial Scholarship was presented to Isaiah Sochia and Hazen Given. This scholarship is awarded annually to two graduating seniors of Gouverneur Central School who will pursue a 4-year college degree at SUNY Canton. Recipients of this award are selected based on financial need, academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities.
The Alfred Engineering Ceramic Association Of New York presented Riley Shepherd with an award recognizing the GHS junior for outstanding academic achievement in high school mathematics, science and English, as well as an outstanding citizen in school community.
The St. Lawrence University Book Award was presented to Abigail Bowman. The Book Award Scholarship honors juniors who have distinguished themselves in their commitment to community service.
The St. Lawrence Health Scholarship Program recognized Jaelyn Goodale and Sierra Harmer. St. Lawrence Health Scholars receive fully paid tuition costs for the 10-month accelerated LPN program through the Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing.
The University Of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award was presented to Llydia Blaine. This award is given to a junior with high achievement and rigor in science and math classes as well as positive contributions to their school and within the larger community. All nominees will have their application fee waived and will be eligible to be considered for merit scholarships worth at least $5,000 per year.
The University Of Rochester Frederick Douglass And Susan B. Anthony Award was presented to Caitlyn Storie. This award is given annually to a junior who has demonstrated strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences. All nominees will have their application fee waived and will be eligible to be considered for merit scholarships worth at least $5,000 per year.
The University Of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award was presented to Abigail Bowman. This award is given to a junior who has demonstrated strong leadership at school and in the community, has taken challenging courses and earned high grades as well as extensive involvement in extracurricular activities. All nominees will have their application fee waived and will be eligible to be considered for merit scholarships worth at least $5,000 per year.
The Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award was presented to Emalyn Kulp and Jacey Sheen. Juniors who qualify for this award must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate leadership ability and/or potential through school and community activities.
The Le Moyne College Heights Award was presented to Chloe Smith. Juniors are recognized for "Reaching for the Heights" in the classroom and in service to their school and community.
The Student Sage Award was presented to Hayley Burt, Meredith Bush, Kaden Schiszler and Chloe Smith. These students exemplifies the philosophy embodied in the Sage motto: "To Be, To Know, To Do." Each year, Russell Sage College is proud to recognize young students who excel in the classroom while being engaged in the community.
The RIT Art and Design Award was presented to Abigail Bowman. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. The Art and Design award honors students with superior grades in art and design-related classes.
The RIT Business And Leadership Award was presented to Carly Barr. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. The Business and Leadership award recognizes students who have been involved in school or community projects, performed community service and/or has had extensive involvement in leadership activities.
The RIT Computing Award was presented to Riley Shepherd. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. The RIT Computing Award recognizes a student with demonstrated interest and ability in computing.
The RIT Humanities And Social Sciences Award was presented to Ivey Bulger. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. Humanities and Social Sciences award recognizes students with superior grades in these areas and those who demonstrate an understanding of our political, cultural, economic and social world.
The RIT Science and Math Award was presented to Llydia Blaine. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. This junior must demonstrate superior grades in science and math related classes and an interest in pursuing college-level course work in science and/or math.
The RIT Women In STEM was presented to Caitlyn Storie. This award is given to a junior pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a grade point average of 93 or higher and rank in the top 10% of the junior class. The student should also be active and involved members of their school and/or community. This junior must be an outstanding female, female-identifying or non-binary student who has demonstrated high achievement, ability and interest in science, computing robotics and/or math.
The Clarkson Achievement and Leadership Awards were presented to Caitlyn Storie and Austin Lacey, members of the junior class who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have an academic interest in Engineering, Business, Science, Healthcare or Liberal Arts, and be a positive contributor to school and community, and have an academic class rank in the top 15% of the Class of 2024.
The Elmira College Key Award was presented to Courtney Forsythe and Madelynne Hay-Spano. This award is given to juniors with a minimum academic grade point average of 3.0, who demonstrate outstanding school and community leadership and have an interest in an academic program offered by Elmira College.
The University Of Rochester Xerox Award was presented to Austin Lacey. This award is given to a junior with a strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and a high level of achievement in this area. All nominees will have their application fee waived and will be eligible to be considered for merit scholarships worth at least $5,000 per year.
The Alfred University Scholar Award was presented to Tatum Mulder. This award recognizes a junior who is taking college preparatory classes and achieved an overall 3.0 GPA or higher and is recognized as a student “Outside of Ordinary” among their peers.
The Rensselaer Medal Award was presented to Caitlyn Storie. For more than 100 years, Rensselaer, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.
The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship was presented to Llydia Blaine and Meredith Bush. The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship (ANCS) was established in 1974 and serves to recognize academic and extracurricular leadership among designated North Country and Canadian high school students. If you were nominated by your high school and are selected as an ANCS Scholar, you will receive a scholarship of $35,000 for each of your four years at St. Lawrence University ($140,000 total). In order to maintain this merit award, students must maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Much applause sounded as the crowd congratulated each award recipient.
A 15-minute slideshow featuring the many memories of the GHS Class of 2023, created by Senior Class President Mariah Manning, was then shared for all those in attendance to enjoy. Miss Manning then presented her remarks to the Senior Class. GHS Class of 2023 Preside Mariah Manning then presented the key to GHS Class of 2024 President Caitlyn Storie. Maxwel Lucas, 2022-23 Student Senate President, then introduced Abigail Bowman, 2023-24 Student Senate President. Miss Bowman then conducted the Moving Up Day Ceremony. GHS Principal Cory Wood then officially introduced the GHS Class of 2023, which celebrated their upcoming graduation by deploying confetti cannons on the GHS auditorium stage. Many cheers and applause rang out as all those in attendance celebrated the graduating seniors’ great academic achievements and accomplishments. The recessional was “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver, performed by GHS Music Instructors Renee Powlin, Jenelle Yeoman, and Paul Buell.
The 2023 Gouverneur High School Commencement Exercises will be held on Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., at the grandstand (weather permitting). For more information on the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.