GHS celebrates student achievements during Moving Up Day

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central High School held its 2025 Moving Up Day Program on Friday, June 13 in the GHS Auditorium.

GHS Music Instructors Olivia Montagno, Janeen Streeter, and Brett Worden performed the march processional, “Trumpet Voluntary,” as the GHS Class of 2025 found their seats in the auditorium. They were joined by the students in the Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028. The crowd in attendance then stood for the salute to the American Flag, led by 2025-26 Student Senate President Ashlyn Besaw, followed by GHS Chorus performing the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” All music during the ceremony was under the direction of the GHS Music Instructors.

GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson gave the welcoming address: “Today we come together to celebrate not just academic progress but growth in character, resilience, and determination across every grade level. To our students, especially our graduating seniors, this ceremony marks more than just the end of a school year. It is a recognition of your hard work, your dedication, and the many steps you’ve taken on your journey towards becoming leaders both within these walls and beyond. As we pause to honor your achievements, I am reminded of the deep roots that define our school. From the early days as a collection of small town schools to the unified district we are today, Gouverneur’s legacy is one of perseverance, unity and shared purpose. We are a school community that supports one another, whether in celebration or in challenge. And that legacy lives on through each of you. One of the most powerful aspects of our school community is how student voice and leadership can help shape our culture. Whether it is speaking up in class, serving in student government, leading initiatives or advocating for change… your involvement is essential. You are not only the future, but also the present, actively guiding what our school stands for and how it will continue to grow. At the same time, we take pride in balancing our rich traditions with the willingness to embrace new ideas. From ceremonies like this to one of our spirited events and the Blue and Gold that we wear with pride, these moments are more than just custom. They are reminders of who we are. What makes our school truly special is the balance we strike between honoring that legacy and embracing new ideas. We grow stronger by listening to one another, working together, and celebrating our successes as one united community.

“So, to our Juniors stepping into their final year, our underclassmen rising through the ranks, and our soon-to-be graduates preparing for the next chapter… Take pride in where you have been. Stay focused on where you are going. And never forget the people who helped you get here. Your ideas, your efforts, and your relationships will shape the future of our school and beyond. Let this ceremony be a moment of reflection, celebration and inspiration.”

Gouverneur Central High School Class of 2025 President Mae Cummings introduced the National Honor Society Inductees (Tony Fiacco, Sarina Johnson, Laina Kurdziel, John-Michael Leader, Charley Newvine, Audrey Ormasen, Caleb Premo, Raine Rumble, Wyatt Slate), and the Tri-M Music Honor Society (Abriana Casey, Cassidy Chambers, Mya Connor, Jaylynn Dalton, Liam Gallagher, Alex Hall, Tiamane Hull, Paige Kirby, Laina Kurdziel, Audrey Ormasen, Jackson Ritchie, Hannah Roderick, Brianna Scott, Lillianna Shippee, Akaysha Shippee-Ray, Wyat Slate, and Serenity Whitmarsh).

The awarding of prizes was conducted by GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson.

Terry Streeter of Gouverneur presented the Shannon James Streeter Memorial Award to Gavin Davis and Graydon Hance. 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.

Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce President Brooke Plowman presented the Chamber of Commerce Award to Ayden Latta. The $250 award 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 a pleasing personality.

Gouverneur Lions Club’s Donna Lawrence presented the Roy D. Gibbs Prize to Hannah Trimm. A $500 prize is awarded to the senior who has excelled in his/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 ($500) was presented to Hannah Trimm and Drake Desormeaux in loving memory of Greg through the contributions of his family. Greg was an Onondaga Central High School graduate who was an avid athlete. He relocated to Gouverneur with his family where his children, nieces and nephews are students 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 left as a friend. This scholarship is awarded to two Gouverneur High School students who embody Greg’s view on life, compassion for others and the hardworking way Greg lived.

Julia Serviss presented the Isaiah L. “Ike” Serviss Memorial Scholarship to Antonio Calbo. Ike was a graduate of Gouverneur High School Class of 1962. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a Seabee. He served overseas in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart recipient. After his time in the Navy, Ike returned to Gouverneur and spent many years working for CIVES Steel in the maintenance department, became Plant Manager at Viking CIVES in Harrisville and ultimately became Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Gouverneur Central school, retiring in 2010. Throughout his time, he was involved in various organizations in the community. Ike was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was a hard worker who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Ike was a dedicated family man and friend. This $600 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates Ike’s characteristics.

Gouverneur VFW Post 6338 Commander Roland Roderick of Gouverneur presented the Gouverneur VFW Post 6338 Scholarship to Zoe Griffith and Hannah Roderick. This $1,500 award is given to seniors who have been accepted to a 2- or 4-year college, including a technical school, and whose parent or guardian served in the military.

Gouverneur CSD Agriculture Advisory Board Vice Chairman Allyn Tubbs presented the Agriculture Youth Leadership Recognition Award ($2,000) to Madison Lewis. The Gouverneur Agriculture Advisory Board annually awards Youth Leadership Recognition awards. Proceeds are drawn from a small fund donated in the name of Roy D. Gibbs, an agriculture teacher at Gouverneur High School from 1923-1954, who is well remembered for his dedication to teaching and advising young adults.

Justin Sipher (GHS ’92) and Amy Leonard Sipher (GHS ’94) presented a scholarship to Andie Nichols. 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 Army ROTC Scholarship was presented to Graydon Hance. The recipient of this award will receive a 3-year advanced designee Army ROTC scholarship beginning their sophomore year of college. The scholarship covers all tuition and fees, and provides a monthly stipend each semester. Upon graduation, students are commissioned an officer in the U.S. Army and will serve in the active forces, National Guard or Army Reserves.

The general awards were announced by GHS Assistant Principal Nicole Donaldson. Students received their honors from GHS Guidance Counselors Marcy Tyler and Jamie DeRusso. They crossed the GHS Auditorium stage and were congratulated by GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson and Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly.

The American Citizenship Awards were presented to Mae Cummings, Danielle Shattuck and Kaden Wells. Pins were 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.

The Community-Based Work Program Award was presented to Makayla Rathbun (Most Improved) and Virginia Straughan (Outstanding Work Performance). These certificates were presented to students participating in Gouverneur Central’s Community-based Work Program.

NYS Comptroller Achievement Award was presented to Graydon Hance. 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 NYS Civic Ambassador Award was presented to Tony Fiacco. This certificate award is given to one student from each school who has demonstrated a passion and knowledge for civics and government.

The Pi Digit Memorization Award was presented to GHS Student Jacob Hughes. The winner of the Pi Digit Memorization contest is the student who memorizes and recites the most digits of Pi on GHS’s Pi Day. This year’s winner memorized 134 digits.

The President’s Award For Educational Achievement was presented to Jaylynn Dalton. This award is a pin and a certificate signed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Education in recognition of outstanding educational growth, improvement and commitment to or intellectual development in their academic program.

The President’s Award for Educational Excellence was presented to Carly Bartholomew, Zachery Bush, Samuel Cox, Taylor Farr, Maycee Matice, Alexis Jade Melocotones, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Arianna Sibley and Myah Siebels. 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.

Triple “C” Awards were presented to Tyler Kite and David New, Jr. 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 Pepsi-Cola Fine Arts Award was presented to Hannah Dafoe. This award 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 ($50) was presented to Audrey Gaines and Graydon Hance by the family of Robert R. Canell in memory of his love for and dedication to high school sports. The 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.

Sara Jean Sigourney Memorial Award was presented to Madison Breckenridge and Graydon Hance. 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 Tiamane Hull. This award is given in memory of Jasmine Pankey, and sponsored by the 2018 Senior Parent Group.

The Brennan Stevens 2017 Senior Parent Group Award (two $100 awards) was presented to Audrey Gaines and Kaden Wells. This 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 is given to a graduating male and female student-athlete who demonstrate the pride that Brennan displayed as a Wildcat.

Gouverneur Shakespeare Club English Prize was presented to Carly Bartholomew. 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 Abigail Lucas, Tucker Mussaw, and Renisa Richards. The $100 award is given to seniors who plan to attend college.

The Patricia Coates McIntyre Memorial Award was presented to Saloma Miller. The $200 award is given in memory of Mrs. Patsy McIntyre and is sponsored by the Gouverneur Education 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. The 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 ($200) was presented to Madison Breckenridge. It 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 ($200) was presented to Carly Bartholomew. It 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 upon them.

The American Red Cross High School Scholarship was presented to Mae Cummings ($250), Kaden Wells ($250), and Zoe Griffith ($500). The National Honor Society Chapter hosted two blood drives this school year and collected 51 units of blood. Each unit can save up to three lives. The American Red Cross offers this award in recognition of our school and community's accomplishment.

The West Side Organization of Parents and Teachers presented two $250 scholarships to Tucker Mussaw and Hannah Roderick. It is given to two deserving seniors who attended West Side Elementary School and who will further their education after graduation.

The Wilson Bickford Memorial Award was presented to Zoe Griffith. This award of $250 honors the memory of Wilson Bickford, a proud 1977 graduate of Gouverneur Central School. Wilson was a gifted artist and musician who shared his love of music by singing and playing guitar in numerous bands throughout his life. In his honor, this award is presented to a GHS graduating senior who is pursuing a future in the arts and demonstrates the same passion, dedication and determination that Wilson exemplified.

The Jreck Sub Winning Attitude Award Program Recipients are Samuel Cox and Hannah Dafoe. This $250 award recognizes graduating seniors who may not meet the criteria for academic or athletic scholarships but exemplify a positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to overcome challenges.

The John Watkins/Sandra Golden Watkins Memorial Scholarship ($300) was presented to Samuel Cox (Technology) and Carly Bartholomew (Math). 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.

Northern And Countryside Credit Union Employees Memorial Scholarship Award Recipient was Paige Kirby. This $500 scholarship was created in memory of past credit union employees. The funds are intended to assist with a variety of education costs – whether it be tuition, travel expenses, technology or educational materials needed to help each student thrive as they take the next step in their academic journey.

The Gouverneur Education Association Scholarship ($500) was presented to Mae Cummings, Gavin Davis and Turner Sochia. The Gouverneur Education Association sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors who are children of GEA members, demonstrate positive citizenship and character and who show a commitment to public service and strong leadership through a variety of extracurricular activities.

The Scozzafava-Dier Endowed Scholarship was presented to Cayden Middleton. The Scozzafava-Dier Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior with the highest GPA who will be attending SUNY Canton in the fall.

The Burt O. Kinney & Harold D. Kinney Awards were presented to Carly Bartholomew and Danielle Shattuck. 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 Mya Connor and Hannah Trimm. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior 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 State College Pioneer Leaders Award was presented to Jaylynn Dalton (two years) and Zachery Schiszler (four years). This award is given to two juniors who are top academic performers who have the passion and integrity to become successful leaders. Characteristics should include: passion, determination, capability and readiness to hit the ground running. This award allows for $1,000 per year for a 2-year Associates Degree and $3,500 per year for a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree.

The University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award was presented to Myah Siebels. 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 George Eastman Young Leaders Award was presented to Taylor Farr. 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 Le Moyne College Heights Award (four-year scholarship of up to $64,000) was presented to Gabrielle Free and Raegan Devlin. The award recognizes high school juniors who are "Reaching for the Heights" in the classroom and in service to their school and community.

The Alfred University Scholar Award was presented to Arianna Sibley. 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. This award is for up to $120,000 for four years of study at Alfred University.

The Student Sage Award was presented to Natalie Carrese and Cassidy Chambers. The award recognizes outstanding juniors who embody Russell Sage College's motto: Be. Know. Do. At Sage, our mission empowers students to be their authentic self, grow as individuals, and improve the world around them. This award provides a scholarship of up to $72,000 for four years of study at Sage College of Albany or Russell Sage College.

The RIT Humanities And Social Sciences Award was presented to Myah Siebels. 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 Caleb Premo. The award recognizes high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate interest and ability in science and math. Evidence may include superior grades in science and/or math-related classes. This award is for up to $76,000 for four years of study at Rochester Institute of Technology.

The RIT Women In STEM Award (up to $76,000 for four years of study at Rochester Institute of Technology) was presented to Maycee Matice. The Women in STEM Award recognizes outstanding high school juniors who are female, female-identifying, or non-binary and have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate high achievement, ability and interest in science, computing, robotics and/or math. Evidence may include superior grades in science, computing and math-related classes and an interest in pursuing college-level course work in science, math, computing, engineering, technology or health sciences.

University Of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award was presented to Caleb Premo. 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 Elmira College Key Award (up to $88,000 for four years of study at Elmira College) was presented to Sarina Johnson And Kacey Collette. 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 Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award (up to $88,000 for four years of study at Keuka College) was presented to Kylen Bowman and Gabrielle Nagy. Keuka College awards up to five exceptional juniors who are making waves both academically and in their community.

The Clarkson Leadership and Achievement Awards: The Leadership Award (a scholarship of $100,000 over four years at Clarkson University) was presented to Taylor Farr. The Achievement Award (a scholarship of $80,000 for four years of study at Clarkson University) was presented to Ashlyn Besaw. The Clarkson University Leadership and Achievement Awards recognize two juniors who demonstrate strong leadership, positively impact their school and community, and rank in the top 15% of their class.

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Award (up to $120,000 for four years of study) was presented to Taylor Farr. 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. Recipients must be a high school junior, ranked in the top 10% of their class, excel in advanced math and science courses, demonstrate a strong overall academic performance, completed chemistry, biology, lab-based physics, and at least 4 years of math including precalculus and demonstrate potential for success in a challenging academic setting.

The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship was presented to Karsen Goodale and Carter Premo. 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 nominated by your high school and are selected as an ANCS Scholar, students will receive a scholarship of $35,000 for each of the four years at St. Lawrence University ($140,000 total). In order to maintain this merit award, students must maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA.

GHS Class of 2025 President Mae Cummings offered her remarks. The 16-minute Senior Slideshow featured pictures of the GHS Class of 2025 throughout their years in the Gouverneur Central School District. GHS Class of 2025 President Caitlyn Storie then presented the key to GHS Class of 2026 President Gabrielle Free. Also introduced was Ashlyn Besaw, the 2025-26 Student Senate President by Tony Fiacco, the 2024-2025 Student Senate President.

Student Senate President Ashlyn Besaw conducted the Moving Up Day Ceremony. At the conclusion, the GHS Class of 2025 made its way to the GHS auditorium stage, and celebrated their graduation by deploying confetti cannons, an annual tradition. The GHS Chamber Singers then performed the Alma Mater.

The recessional, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, was performed by GHS Music Instructors Olivia Montagno, Janeen Streeter, and Brett Worden. Gratitude was extended to all those who made the Annual Moving Up Day Ceremony a success.

The GHS Class of 2025’s graduation will be held on Friday, June 27, 7 p.m., at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair grandstands (weather permitting). For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.