Issue of March 21, 2024
Locals: People and Businesses in the News
HUESTIS HONORED: Matthew Michael Huestis of Fly Creek has been named to Clarkson University’s fall 2023 Dean’s List, which is reserved for students who are enrolled in at least 14 credits and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25. Huestis is a senior majoring in electrical engineering.
HOFSTRA DANCES TOWARD WIN: Joseph James Moussa of Oneonta and the Hofstra University Dance Team raked in the gold as they won first-place honors at the 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association College Nationals in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held from January 12-14 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. “What an amazing week we had, showcasing the hard work, drive, sacrifice, and heart it takes to be a Division I dance team competitive athlete,” said Kelly Olsen-Leon, head coach of the dance team. “Our program represented Hofstra in such a positive way and provided the national competition with power, strength, and a love for what we do. I am extremely proud of each athlete, coach and choreographer for every ounce poured into this program—allowing us to reach our goals year after year.”
CANTON QUALITY: SUNY Canton has announced its list for fall 2023 Part-Time Honors, which recognizes students who are enrolled in 6-11 credits and maintain a GPA of at least 3.25. Kelly C. Cleaveland of Oneonta, majoring in health care management, and Cheyenne Pierce of Otego, majoring in early childhood care and management are among those honored. SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said of students listed, “Your commitment to balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing your education is truly admirable. By earning Part-Time Honors, you have demonstrated exceptional determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Keep up the remarkable work, and may your academic journey continue to inspire others.”
THOMPSON TRIUMPHS: Natalie Thompson of Oneonta has been named to SUNY Potsdam’s fall 2023 Dean’s List, which is for students who successfully complete 12 credit hours while maintaining a GPA of between 3.25 and 3.49. Thompson is majoring in music education.
RING IN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT: As noted in a press release from Price Chopper/Market 32, the Salvation Army bellringers raised close to $580,000.00 over the duration of its six week “Red Kettle” holiday campaign this year. The campaign took place at Price Chopper/Market 32 stores across six states in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and raised $81,000.00 more than last year. This money will go directly to people in need in the communities where the funds were collected. Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Empire State Division, Major Kevin Stoops noted, “The Salvation Army is incredibly thankful for its continual partnership with Price Chopper/Market 32 stores. Each Christmas season, Salvation Army Red Kettles located in front of these stores raise money, which helps The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, and many other services to local families and individuals in need throughout the year. Thank you to our generous partners and donors for helping to make real change happen in the lives of others.” Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32 director of community relations, added, “The annual Red Kettle campaign has become an integral part of the holiday season—both in our stores and our communities. Being able to extend ourselves and welcome our community partners in support of friends and neighbors in need is a blessing.” This marks the 35th year that Price Chopper/Market 32 and the Salvation Army have worked together to serve the community during the holiday season.
STUDENT SUCCESS: The fall 2023 Dean’s List for the University at Buffalo has been announced, recognizing students who have a GPA of at least 3.6, while being enrolled in at least 15 credits. Madeline Hansen and Leia Medina of Oneonta and Garrett Backus of Unadilla are among those on the list. Dean of Undergraduate Education Ann Bisantz said, “Announcing our Dean’s List is always an exciting moment. These students have worked hard and dedicated themselves to their studies and have demonstrated academic excellence in their pursuit of an undergraduate degree at UB.”
HARTWICK EXCELLENCE: Hartwick College has released its fall 2023 Dean’s List for students who earn a GPA of at least 3.5 and are enrolled in at least 12 credits. The following local students made the list: Kyra Cornelia, Cherry Valley; Morgan Nichols, Cooperstown; Ella Tomlins, Edmeston; Noelle Mulik, Hartwick; Kendra Dunham and Lincoln Waffle, Laurens; Lawson Williams, Maryland; Madilynne Smith, Morris; Madeline Schiller, New Lisbon; Isabella Babbitt, Naomi Cook, Adrianna Dugan, Ethan Dugan, Isabella Gracias, Alison Halstead, Megan Harris, Shelby Hollister, Angeline McGraw, Abigail Murray, Marcus Oestman, Liv Robinson, Marin Shepard, and Sara VanValkenburg, Oneonta; Zackary Corbett and McKenna Gilbertson, Otego; Emily Diotte, Richfield Springs; Samantha Osborne and Alexia Piercy, Schenevus; Owen Reed, Unadilla; and Victoria Spina and Makenna Ventuleth, Worcester.
HEAVNER APTITUDE: Nathan Heavner of Cooperstown earned a place on the Fort Lewis College fall 2023 Dean’s List, a distinction reserved for students taking no fewer than 15 credits and maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or better. Heavner is majoring in engineering.
MALANOSKI ACCOMPLISHMENT: Aiven Malanoski of Oneonta has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester at Vermont State University. The list recognizes students who maintain full-time status and a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
PURCHASE PRIDE: SUNY Purchase has released its fall 2023 Dean’s List, with more than 1,300 students making the cut. The list is reserved for students who are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits and maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 for BA and BS programs, and at least 3.75 for BFA and MusB programs. The following local students were among those on the list: Jade Anderson and Tyler Lau of Oneonta and Abigail Cadwalader and Addison Yastrzemski of Cooperstown.
HARTWICK PROFESSOR SPEAKS OUT: Laurel Elder, a political science professor and department chair at Hartwick College, led a research team conducting a study based on the recent public attitudes toward abortion laws, in the post-Roe world. The study revealed that an increased knowledge on pregnancy led to an increased likelihood in opposing legislation aimed at restricting a women’s access to abortion. In addition, the study indicated that the difference in support between laws limiting abortion at 12 weeks versus six weeks was not much. Elder, who co-wrote the paper “Public Opinion on Abortion in Post-Roe America” with North Carolina State University professor Steven Greene and Augusta University professor Mary-Kate Lizotte, noted in a release, “This research study is part of a larger book project we are working on, examining the shift in public opinion on abortion in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs decision. Our research shows the complete bans on abortion enacted over the past year and a half, as well as arguably more moderate six-, 12- or 15-week bans, are very unpopular with the American public.” A survey of 1,356 U.S. adults conducted in September 2023 produced the findings. Forty-three percent of participants were either Democrats or leaned Democrat, while 38 percent were either Republican or leaned Republican, and 19 percent were Independent.
FLAVELL GRADUATES: Mikaila Flavell of Otego has graduated from Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Science with great distinction in software engineering, and minors in mathematics, and robotics. The graduation ceremony took place on December 16.
CRAFTY KIDS: Last week’s front page featured Anya Gonopolskiy as she sewed together the pages of a book she created at the Worcester-Schenevus Library’s February 23rd session of “Craft Fridays.” Craft Fridays are run by Sonja Eklund, who has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute and has taught at the Brooklyn-based Mono No Aware, a 501c3 cinema-arts nonprofit organization. The Worcester-Schenevus Library hosts a number of classes, most recently sewing basics with Yuliya Labovskaya, as well as regular art exhibits. Artists and artisans interested in showing their work at the library are asked to call (607) 397-7309. On Mondays and Thursdays, the library offers exercise sessions with instructor Carol Thompson. Wednesdays feature story time for kids, including snack and a related craft, and a crochet circle. This Friday, March 22, Craft Friday participants will make their own paper kites. For more information on other upcoming events at the Worcester-Schenevus library, visit https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterSchenevus/.
