Hoosick Falls Awards and Scholarships (all HFCS Graduation photos by Bea Peterson)
Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award – Presented by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Franchitti and given to Seniors who have demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics – Kevin Woods, Nicole LaCroix and Kayla Brownell
2009 Mike And Lois Benoit Drama Award – Presented by Rev. Mike Benoit – Somewhere deep within you is a song that plays softly – a song of life, and dreams, and wisdom – a call to an adventure that’s uniquely yours… Take time to listen to the song of your soul and see where it leads you – Margaret Stickney, Nicholas Hunt, Mary Donohue and Laura Stevenson
Sandra Eddy Carelli Memorial Award – Presented by Linda Hutchins in memory of Sandra Eddy Carelli, dedicated eighth grade English teacher and mentor, given by her parents to the graduating senior who has demonstrated both a commitment to academic achievement and the strength of moral character that Mrs. Carelli valued, personified, and worked to instill in her students – Lindsay Rayner
Christian Action Award – Presented by Rebecca Jacque and sponsored by the Hoosick Area
Church Association – Presented annually to the student who demonstrates outstanding Christian qualities in all aspects of life, church, school and home – Simeon Youngmann
Victoria M. Cicero Memorial Award – Presented by Isabel McGuire and given in memory of devoted mathematics teacher, Victoria M. Cicero, presented to a student who will pursue a career in teaching or another field of human services, or to a student who demonstrates a caring attitude toward other students and works hard in his/her math studies – Chelsea Hathaway
Elks Most Valuable Scholarship – Presented by Terri Burdick on behalf of the Hoosick and Bennington, VT combined Elks to Kyle Nolan, Thomas Bass and Rachel Bass
James Harrington Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Janice Gavit and given in memory of James Harrington by friends, family, and the Dan Koziol and James Harrington Memorial Fund to the graduating senior who lives life to the fullest while improving the lives of those around them and/or enjoys outdoor sports and gaming. – Connor McEvoy
Hoosick Area Partnership For Parents And Youth Award (HAPPY) – Presented by Rev. Benoit and given to two students who have worked diligently for at least two years on the Youth Summit/SADD Team promoting safety, in general, and specifically, spreading the word about the risks involved in the use of alcohol and other drugs – Kyle Miller and Connor McEvoy
Howard H. Haynes Kiwanis Scholarship – Presented by James Miner. Through the generosity of Howard and Mary Haynes a trust fund was established to create a scholarship to assist a graduating senior at HFCS with the expense of their secondary education. The recipient is chosen by academic achievement, extra curricular and/or community involvement and individual citizenship. – Mary Donohue
Kiwanis Academic Award – Presented by James Miner to the student that has shown excellence in academics through four years of high school – Kate Smith
Kiwanis Good Citizen Award – Presented by James Miner to the student that has been a good citizen at school and in the community – Zachary Bugbee
Alternative Education Awards – Presented by Karen Tommasino and Nora Senecal to Kyle Yetto, Kiauna Wait, Taya Morris, Ryan Gates, Robert Lucarelli, Jr. and Joshua Hunter
Hoosick Falls Teachers’ Association Awards – Presented by Karen Tommasino, Lia Nielsen and Nora Senecal to eight seniors who have demonstrated a positive work ethic and/or courage in overcoming various hardships – Justin Carter, Scott Demary, Hannah Jenkins, Patricia Noble, John Parker, Meaghan Wood, Joseph Wirmusky and Kaela Yager
Four awards given to seniors for their academic performance and/or artistic achievement – Mary Donohue, Samantha Merwin, Ethan Myers and Simeon Youngmann
Four awards given to seniors who demonstrate exemplary courtesy and respect to both their teachers and their fellow students – Alicia Bartosik, Steven Sawyer, Emily Tudor and Joshua Zalepeski
Four awards given to seniors who have displayed meaningful scholarship and service to school and community – Emily Ciuk, Nicholas Hunt, Nicole LaCroix and Connor McEvoy
Hoosick Federal Credit Union Award – Presented by James Martinez to the individual who approaches his/her every endeavor with a positive energy and infectious enthusiasm that makes the HFCS community proud. This student’s willingness to help others brings honor to himself, his family and HFCS. This person exhibits a passion for hard work and a willingness to go above and beyond to help improve himself and those around him – Justin Carter
Jenkins PTA Award – Presented by Sherry Stevenson, Amy Sutton and Sharon Sigot and given by the PTA to assist an outstanding student in preparing for the teaching profession – Carly Pine
Stanley Marcus Humanitarian PTA Award – Presented by Sherry Stevenson, Amy Sutton and Sharon Sigot and given to honor students that have displayed consistent leadership, volunteerism and character – Laura Stevenson and Kayla Bird
JLS Foundation – Presented by John Liporace . The JLS Foundation, which honors the memory of the late John Liporace, Sr., was created to empower high school students at HFCS to realize their fullest potential. Students were judged on a written essay, academic achievements, personal work history, community involvement and extra-curricular activities. The scholarship winner will receive a monetary gift and a matching donation will be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Laura Stevenson
Daniel T. Koziol Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Drew McEvoy and given in memory of Dan Koziol by friends, family and the Dan Koziol and James Harrington Memorial Fund to the graduating senior who lives life to the fullest while improving the lives of those around them and/or enjoys outdoor sports and gaming – Robert Shiland
Award In Memory Of James And Kathleen O’Neil – Presented by Donna O’Neil-Hopkins and given in memory of James and Kathleen O’Neil by their family to a Senior pursuing a career in the sciences – Robert Shiland
Award In Memory Of Randy Roberson – Presented by Susan Bushway and presented in memory of Randy Roberson, a 1991 graduate of HFCS, to a senior pursuing an interest in artistic expression. It was established to recognize and encourage other young artists. Randy left behind many examples of his work from furniture to paintings and tattoos. He was a fine young man and was undoubtedly one of the best artists to come from Hoosick Falls. It is our hope that through this award Randy’s artistic legacy and memory will live on – Simeon Youngmann
Social Studies Key Award – Presented by Ellie Danforth and given by the Social Studies Department to the senior boy or girl who most clearly demonstrates integrity, good citizenship and intellectual curiosity – Zachary Hall
Superintendent’s Award – Presented by Ken Facin and given to the male and female students with the highest score on the Earth Science Regents exam – Samantha Merwin and Ethan Myers
Town Of Hoosick Democratic Committee Prize – Presented by Marilyn Douglas and given by the Town of Hoosick Democratic Committee to a student residing in the Town who has shown scholarship and interest in government – Alicia Bartosik
Hoosick Grange Prizes – Presented by Michael McGraw to the outstanding student in business – Kaela Yager
Hazel M. Hill Award – Presented by Michael McGraw for the Ondawa-Cambridge Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution in memory of Hazel M. Hill, lifelong resident of West Hoosick active in finance and banking, to a deserving Senior pursuing an education in business – Rebecca Kimber
Mason And Betty Harrison Business Award – Presented by Michael McGraw and given in memory of Mason and Betty Harrison to a business student who is endeavoring to pursue business as a career – Lindsay Rayner
Character Counts Award – Presented by Mike Fritz and awarded to a Senior boy and Senior girl, who, in everyday interaction with our school and community, demonstrate the six pillars of character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness and Citizenship – Sara Smith and Simeon Youngmann
Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented by Susan Herrington to an outstanding student in home economics – Monica Coon
Award In Memory Of Elizabeth (Betsy) Kimball – Presented by Susan Herrington and given by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pirie and family in memory of Elizabeth Kimball to a Senior pursuing an interest in childcare or early childhood development – Shawnee Webster
Volunteer Service Award – Presented by Norma Cipperly to Seniors who have volunteered for any Rescue Squad or Fire Department – Justin Carter, Nicholas Hunt, Charles Gerst, Brett Sargent, Bryan Amidon, Kristie Bennett, Steven Sawyer, Paul Carter, Kyle Miller, Scott Demary and John Parker
Town Of Hoosick Republican Committee Prize – Presented by Larry Bugbee and given by the Town of Hoosick Republican Committee to a student residing in the town who has shown scholarship, interest in government and his community – Samantha Merwin
Yearbook Photography Award – Presented by Phyllis Currao and given to the student who has shown excellence in photography – Keisha Young
Van Rensselaer Masonic Temple Award – Presented by Bruce Hansen and given to a Senior boy and Senior girl showing the greatest academic improvement over four years – Justin Carter and Kayla Bird
Tony Altobell Memorial Scholarship – Given to a student who exhibits the highest degree of academic achievement in both breadth and depth of scientific study and research. Its recipient will reflect in his/her performance the most significant attainment of those knowledges and skills, which Mr. Altobell instilled in his students during his lengthy tenure at Hoosick Falls. This recipient must be one who intends to pursue at the college level a major in at least one of the sciences – Emily Ciuk
Air Force Award – Given to a senior for outstanding academic achievement – Samantha Merwin
Jon Beck Memorial Award – Given in memory of Jon Beck, Class of 1974, to the Senior who has shown outstanding interest in the field of agriculture and who is pursuing a career in agriculture – Emily Tudor
Joseph E. Buckley III Memorial Award – Given to a Senior who demonstrates all around good citizenship in the performance of school related activities – Karen Marcoux
Joseph E. Buckley III Scholarship Fund Award – Given to a deserving student as an aid in the pursuit of a chosen vocation or profession – Nicholas Hunt
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship – This scholarship is given for academic excellence. The student must have a GPA of at least 95 and a minimum SAT score of 1875 – Samantha Merwin
Cambridge Area Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association – This award is given to a student that will be entering college and majoring in either horticulture, agriculture, marine biology or ecology – Emily Tudor
Chester James Carknard/ VFW Post 1938 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship – Given to a Senior girl who has made an extraordinary contribution to her community and/or school – Alicia Bartosik
H. Bradford Cole Music Prize – Given to the outstanding instrumental student – Nicholas Hunt
– Given to the outstanding all-around musician – Laura
Stevenson
George “Gid” Cuddihy Memorial Bowling Award – Given in memory of George “Gid” Cuddihy, who was an avid bowler in Hoosick Falls for approximately “70” years, to a Senior member of the bowling team whose performance, spirit, leadership, integrity, and good sportsmanship contributed the most to the success of the team during the past season – Corey Callahan
Timothy Cuddihy Memorial Award – Given to a Senior boy and Senior girl in memory of Timothy Cuddihy, Class of 2002 – Benjamin Taylor and Emily Ciuk
Curtis Lumber Award – Given to an outstanding Senior pursuing a career in building construction or architectural technology with emphasis on project development or architectural design – Zachary Hall
DAR Good Citizen Award – Presented to a Senior who demonstrates all-around good citizenship in the performance of school-related activities – Danielle Pelletier
Derby Club Community Prize – Awarded to the student who has made a most significant contribution in school-student activities – Emily Ciuk
Douglas J. Eighmey Memorial Award – Given to the Senior male and female athlete selected by the coaching staff and principal based on the criteria of extent of participation in varsity competition and demonstration of the qualities of leadership and sportsmanship – Kevin Woods and Carly Pine
Charles And Margaret Frazier Scholarship Award – Given in honor and memory of former Board member, Charles Frazier, to a deserving male and female who have exhibited a high degree of cooperation with faculty and administration – Nicholas Hunt and Emily Ciuk
Margaret Frazier Scholar Athlete Award – Presented to the Senior boy and girl who represent high qualities of both scholarship and athletic ability – Ethan Myers and Sarah McMahon
Friendship Award – Given by the Class of 1980 to that person chosen by the Senior Class who best exhibits the qualities of friendship, loyalty, honesty, and sincerity – Kyle Nolan
Award in Memory of James Harrington – Given to a Senior boy who shows a passion for the game of football – Daniel Okerman
Jack Hayden Memorial Award – Presented to the Senior football player who, in the opinion of the Athletic Selection Committee, has demonstrated on and off the field those qualities of leadership, spirit, ability, and citizenship that Jack Hayden so aptly displayed while he represented Hoosick Falls – Kevin Woods
Senior Honor Prize William D. Thomas Memorial Prize – Highest four-year average – Valedictorian Samantha Merwin
Second highest four-year average – Salutatorian Ethan Myers
Hoosick Grange Prize – Given to the outstanding student in auto mechanics – Anthony Deitrich
W.L. Hutt Memorial Prize – Highest Regents exam average – Samantha Merwin
President John F. Kennedy Achievement Award – From the Joseph E. Buckley III Trust Fund presented to the member of the Senior Class who has demonstrated outstanding intellectual or physical courage – Joseph Wirmusky
Knights of Pythias Achievement Award – Given to a deserving Senior who has made the greatest progress in extra-curricular activities and/or community endeavors – Marissa Wong
Wayne Magisano Memorial Bowling Award – Given in memory of Wayne Magisano, who was a beloved coach and friend of the Bowling Team, to a Senior member who showed great improvement in his game while a member of the team, a good work ethic, a great attitude, and a fine example of the bowling team – Danielle Pelletier
New York State Attorney General Triple “C” Award – Given to two students who show the most “Character, Courage and Commitment” – Kayla Furu and Margaret Stickney
New York State Academic Excellence Scholarships – Given to top four ranked Seniors – Samantha Merwin, Ethan Myers, Sarah McMahon and Benjamin Taylor
New York State Comptroller Achievement Award – Given to a Senior who has demonstrated academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve the school and/or community – Benjamin Taylor and Kayla Bird
The New York Lottery Leaders Of Tomorrow (LOT) Scholarship – This scholarship is given to a Senior who is well rounded socially, athletically, and academically, works hard, and shows determination – Kevin Woods
Should Kevin elect to go to school out of NY State, the runner-up is Kyle Nolan
Joyce Peckham Memorial Award – Highest average in social studies and lives in the Town of Pittstown – Monica Coon
The Pioneer Fish And Game Club – Presented to a Senior boy or girl that shows concern for the wise use of our natural resources and accepted to a two or four year environmental study college – Marissa Tobin
RPI Medal – Presented last year to the young man/woman in the Junior Class who has displayed the most outstanding achievement in mathematics and science through three years of study – Samantha Merwin
Edith Craig Reynolds Scholarships – Given in memory of Edith Craig Reynolds – Nicole LaCroix
Wayne Roberts Memorial Music Award – Given in memory of Wayne Roberts, Class of 1946, by his family to the outstanding graduating instrumental music student who has also demonstrated interest in and ability with the piano – Patricia Noble
RIT Computing Medal – Presented last year to one male and one female member of the Junior Class that rank in the top 10% of their class, are involved as leaders, and demonstrate an interest and ability in computing – Sarah McMahon and Kevin Woods
Delmer Runkel English Prize – Given to the student most proficient in writing – Alicia Randall
School Systems Federal Credit Union – Awarded to a Senior that has shown involvement above and beyond his or her peers in their community. They have shown a willingness to help others, and show an effort to better improve his or her community – Carly Pine
Ethyl Cipperly Sherin Memorial Award – Presented to the member of the Senior class for excellence in social studies and/or foreign language study who plans to pursue a career in education – Carly Pine
The Society Of Mayflower Descendants In The State Of New York Educational Award – Presented to two Seniors with a proficiency in the study of the history of the United States and understanding of the Constitution – Benjamin Taylor and Sara Smith
Jeffrey M. Stratton Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship in memory of Jeffrey M. Stratton awarded to a Senior boy who has been accepted and will be attending a four-year college, who has demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining an honor roll average (grades 9 through 12), and participated in both varsity athletics and performing arts – Benjamin Taylor
Given On Behalf Of Thorpe’s Pharmacy – to a student showing excellence in character and citizenship – Margaret Stickney
Town Of Hoosick Lions Club Harold Shapiro Memorial Award – Given to the outstanding female athlete of the graduating class – Jacklynn Kimball
University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class with the highest science average – Samantha Merwin
University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class that has demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing social issues, leadership, and a dedication to community action – Laura Stevenson
University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class that has shown strong academic achievement, leadership skills, and shows dedication to varied activities – Emily Ciuk
University of Rochester Xerox Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class who has demonstrated a strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and is proven to be a high achiever in this area – Benjamin Taylor
Michael Hackett & Robert Scanlon Scholarship Award – This award is given by the families and friends of Michael and Bob to two graduating Seniors who are very special people – Connor McEvoy and Jacklynn Kimball
The Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund – presented by Ann Baker for commitment to
excellence and high personal standards – Carly Pine
Student Council Award – Given to two Seniors for their hard work and dedication – Rachel Bass and Nicole LaCroix
Class of 2009 Scholarship Award – Samantha Merwin
Class of 2009 Outstanding Student Award – Emily Ciuk
Class of 2009 Most Improved Student Award – Emily Wilwol
Class of 2009 Service Award – Benjamin Taylor
Class of 2009 Citizenship Award – Kristi Bennett
Most Outstanding Craftsmanship in the Area of Woodworking – Travis McMahon
Most Improved Woodworker – Jordan Brogue
Honors Awards
Given to students that have maintained a 90 or above average for the first three marking periods – Rachel Bass, Kristi Bennett, Kayla Bird, Kirsta Bowman, Emily Ciuk, Mary Donohue, Nicholas Hunt, Nicole LaCroix, Sarah McMahon, Samantha Merwin, Ethan Myers, Kyle Nolan, Danielle Pelletier, Carly Pine, Alicia Randall, Lindsay Rayner, Kate Smith, Sara Smith, Laura Stevenson, Benjamin Taylor, Brooke Wilson, Joseph Wirmusky, Marissa Wong, Kevin Woods and Simeon Youngmann
Top Ten Awards
Samantha Merwin, Ethan Myers, Sarah McMahon, Benjamin Taylor, Kevin Woods, Emily Ciuk,
Marissa Wong, Laura Stevenson, Danielle Pelletier and Sara Smith
Department Awards
Presented by Denise Hoag
Outstanding Senior Math Student – Ethan Myers
Most Improved Senior Math Student – Kayla Furu
Presented by Ambigay Yudkoff Most Outstanding Music Student – Patricia Noble
Presented by Susan Harrington Highest Average in Food and Nutrition – Monica Coon
Most Improved in Food and Nutrition – Kayla Furu
Highest Average in Child Development – Brooke Wilson and Kayla Furu
Most Improved in Child Development – Douglas Fosmer, Nora Senecal
Hoosick Falls Class of 2009 Where Are They Going?
Bryan Amidon – Military
Elizabeth Amodéo – Hudson Valley Community College
Lucas Baker – Hudson Valley Community College
Alicia Bartosik – New England College
Rachel Bass – Utica College
Thomas Bass – St. John Fisher College
Alexandra Becker – SUNY Plattsburgh
Kristi Bennett – Army National Guard
Kayla Bird – SUNY Plattsburgh
Kirsta Bowman – Schenectady Community College
Jordan Brogue – Hudson Valley Community College
Kayla Brownell – Hartwick College
Katherine Bugbee – Hudson Valley Community College
Zachary Bugbee – Hudson Valley Community College
Jeremy Burns – Springfield College
Corey Callahan – Hudson Valley Community College
Justin Carter – St. Bonaventure College
Emily Ciuk – SUNY Binghamton
Monica Coon – Hudson Valley Community College
Ryan Corbin – Navy
Justin Cottrell – Hudson Valley Community College
Anthony Deitrich – Trade School
Mary Donohue – St. Lawrence University
James M. Esmel – Hudson Valley Community College
Tanner Finney – ITT Technical Institute
Kayla Furu – Hudson Valley Community College
Charles Gerst – Hudson Valley Community College
Anthony Goldstein – Hudson Valley Community College
Kevin Gorman – York College of Pennsylvania
Katie Grogan – Hudson Valley Community College
Zachary Hall – Hudson Valley Community College
Chelsea Hathaway – SUNY Albany
Nicholas Hunt – SUNY Potsdam
Hannah Jenkins – CUPH Medical Center
Jacklynn Kimball – St. John Fisher College
Rebecca Kimber – Hudson Valley Community College
Nicole LaCroix – pringfield College
Karen Marcoux – Hudson Valley Community College
Connor McEvoy – College of St. Rose
Sarah McMahon – Cornell University
Travis McMahon – SUNY Cobleskill
Samantha Merwin – Boston College
Kyle Miller – Hudson Valley Community College
Ethan Myers – Northwestern University
Derek Nilsen – SUNY Cobleskill
Daniel Okerman – Hudson Valley Community College
Kimberlyn Pelkey – SUNY Plattsburgh
Danielle Pelletier – SUNY Plattsburgh
Carly Pine – Hartwick College
Alicia Randall – College of St. Rose
Danielle Randall – Sage College of Albany
Lindsay Rayner – SUNY Oneonta
Rebecca Rigney – Hudson Valley Community College
Taylor Robichaud – Albany College of Pharmacy
Brett Sargent – Employment
Stephen Sawyer – Employment
Robert Shiland – Southern Vermont College
Sara Smith – Roberts Wesleyan College
Samantha Squiers – Hudson Valley Community College
Laura Stevenon – Roger Williams University
Margaret Stickney – St. Lawrence College
Benjamin Taylor – St. Olaf College
Marissa Tobin – Elmira College
Emily Tudor – SUNY Cobleskill
Trevor Wade – Schenectady Community College
Shawnee Webster – Southern Vermont College
Brooke Wilson – Hudson Valley Community College
Emily Wilwol – SUNY Oneonta
Joseph Wirmusky – The Golf Academy of America
Marissa Wong – Syracue University
Meaghan Wood – Ithaca College
Kevin Woods – Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Kaela Yager – College of St. Rose
Keisha Young – Hudson Valley Community College
Simeon Youngmann – SUNY New Paltz
Joshua Zalepeski – SUNY Delh