ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
April 2010
The Chestertown Rotary Student of the Month for April 2010 is Craig Smith. Craig is the son of Nancy and Steve Smith of Brant Lake, and is known as an individual who has exceptional character and a constant desire to pursue all that is right. This extremely well mannered and accomplished young adult is active in many excellent pursuits.
As a North Warren student, Craig has been involved in varsity baseball and golf, and has served as the vice president of his class for three years running. He has also served on Student Council, the Class of 2010 Prom Committee and the AV club. In addition, Craig is an integral part of the North Warren Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter, and is serving as vice president this year.
Rooted in Craig’s desire to be able to help people, Craig especially values serving as a Volunteer Fire- man. He has also participated in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, and has volunteered for the Thanksgiving Community Dinner for the past four years. Craig has also participated with the Warren County Youth Court, and was a North Warren after school care volunteer for young children.
His interest in pursuing truth and righteousness in his actions will serve him well in his interest and pursuit of a career in law enforcement. This year, he has excelled in an internship with the Glens Falls City Police department, which has only strengthened his desire to pursue this career opportunity.
In his free time, Craig takes every opportunity to golf very seriously. He recognizes the importance of taking advantage of an activity that he truly loves. Making the golf sectionals twice during two years was an outstanding achievement. Craig has expressed the desire to participate in every community golf tournament, for in doing so, he is able to enjoy his favorite sport while combining it with helping others from NWTA to Helpers Fund.
Without question, anyone that knows Craig sees a young man who is extremely respectful, kind, and a constant encouragement to those around him. The Good Character Award that was presented to Craig at last year’s Academic Awards Ceremony is a reflection of his outstanding qualities. These qualities will be an exceptional help to Craig as he studies Criminal Justice at SUNY Adirondack this Fall.
We look forward to seeing the contribution that Craig will undoubtedly make in this area of serving the needs of others, while making a significant impact.
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ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
March 2010
Leslie Bruce
We of the Chestertown Rotary are most happy to recognize as our March Student of the Month none other than Leslie Bruce. Leslie is the daughter of Bill and Kathy Bruce of Brant Lake, and is an individual who is gifted with many talents.
This National Honor Society student has a personality and capability that will take her far in life! Her counselor writes that Leslie is extremely hardworking, kind to others, and enjoys the company of her peers. She works well in teams with her classmates and treats everyone with respect. Leslie is renowned for having an excellent sense of humor that is appreciated by most everyone that knows her.
This talented student has an impressive resume of drama and theater accomplishments during her time in high school. Leslie has been an active member of the school drama club and has participated in virtually all school productions by holding key roles. In addition to her drama talents, she also is gifted in band, and plays alto for orchestra band, and tenor sax for Jazz band. She has a love of music and movies, and especially appreciates musicals. In addition to her drama and musical talents, Leslie has also played a key role on the Girls Softball team for four years running. Though Leslie is an avid reader and has a passion for the literary arts, she is also gifted in mathematics and has earned Most Outstanding recognition in Math in both 9th and 10th grade. She is also an integral part of the college level program -Model Organization of American States (MOAS) program at North Warren.
Well-rounded is an apt description of one, who in addition to having the aforementioned qualities, is also active in her community, participating in Habitat for Humanity, serving in the Community Thanksgiving Dinners, and providing a Grim Reaper Day event support for the North Warren Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter. Leslie’s exceptional character and regard by others have also resulted in her recognition as a Most Outstanding Female Nominee by grade, being named a recipient of the Russell Sage Women of Distinction Award, and a nominee for the St. Lawrence Augsbury / North Country scholarship.
Leslie has significant interest in the performing arts. Among several outstanding opportunities, she has chosen the Hartwick College Honors program in the field of theater, where she will begin study this fall. Without a doubt, she will make a noteworthy impact there. This talented and exceptional individual provides an excellent representation of North Warren and of her community. We are proud of Leslie and her many accomplishments.
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ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
February 2010
Sarah Erickson
Our February Student of the Month to be none other than Sarah Erickson. Sarah is the daughter of Cheryl and Mike Erickson of Brant Lake, and is an extremely articulate and intelligent young woman, whose leadership and natural abilities exceed the norm. Hard-working, responsible and trustworthy are all adjectives that provide an accurate description of the natural leader that she is. Sarah’s determination and work ethic are reflected in her ability to set goals and to achieve them. Trustworthiness is noteworthy in her approach toward commitments made and is she is known as someone who will always follow through with her promises.
This National Honor Society student is well-rounded and accomplished in many areas. Sarah is no stranger to hard work and a full schedule. She has been an integral component of the Girls Varsity Field Hockey, Softball and Basketball teams. Sarah has a natural desire to play sports, as she loves being active and having the opportunity to work with her team. Her artistic abilities include talent with the flute, piccolo and bass guitar. Those talents have enhanced the Jazz Band, while her drama talents have been appreciated in school productions of “No, No, Nanette”, “Oklahoma” and “Anything Goes”. Sarah’s desire to assist others is evident in her involvement with her church family – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church as she and her church traveled twice a year to New Orleans to work on homes and help those unable to help themselves.
Sarah provides an integral role as part of the Model Organization of American States program at North Warren. Her interest in international relations and foreign policy has been strengthened by her role in the program. She has traveled to both Washington and Plattsburgh and greatly enjoyed the concept of debating between nations and working as a team to solve problems. Sarah is the recipient of a Tier 3 Naval ROTC Scholarship and is also a Rensselaer Medalist recipient from RPI. In Sarah’s own words, part of her drive determination and commitment to these goals has been fueled by the example of her own parents, both of whom are retired Naval Flight Officers, now in their second careers. Inspired by her student and involved with MOAS and her parents’ service in the military, Sarah plans to attend college with study in International Relations and possibly becoming a Navy Pilot.
This exceptional young woman has certainly learned that she has the ability to accomplish anything she sets her mind to and is willing to give all that it takes to achieve her goals. She is a true asset to her school, community and nation as a whole. We are extremely proud of Sarah and the outstanding role model she provides as a representative of North Warren.
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ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
January 2010
Curtis Breuer
Our January student of the month is Curtis Breuer Curtis is the son of Paul and Teresa Breuer of Chestertown, and is renowned as one who is both hardworking and determined. This goal oriented and driven individual has been known to identify objectives and complete them ahead of schedule.
Leadership has come naturally to Curtis, and he has provided a significant contribution to the boy’s Basketball, Baseball and Soccer teams during all years of high school. He has served as his class president for two years, and this year is the president of the North Warren SADD Chapter. Through his dedication, hard work, and willingness to pursue a worthwhile goal, Curtis was instrumental in bringing about the first After Prom party that has taken place at North Warren in over a decade. This took place despite seemingly endless work and follow-ups, too numerous to mention. His driving motivation was to ensure that his classmates were safe following their prom and able to enjoy a memorable experience. Academic pursuits that Curtis has chosen for growth and achievement include the Rube Goldberg competition at Union College, Environthon competition for all years in high school, and two years of Model Organization of American States participation.
In terms of personal character, Curtis has been recognized as an Adirondack Journal Student of the Month, was nominated as being Most Outstanding Male in his class, and was named as such in 10th grade. He has also been recognized with Baseball and Soccer awards, and has always personified hard work and leadership example, both on the field and off.
Curtis has a passion for science and a love of mineral collecting. His pursuits and interests include any outdoor activity, including hiking and exploring. He also serves as secretary for the Capital District Mineral Club, where he serves on committees and weekend collecting trips.
These interests will serve Curtis well, as he plans to study geology at Union College this fall. It is with pride that North Warren and our Chestertown Rotary Club recognizes the character and achievements of Curtis Breuer.
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Renee Maddon
Rotary Student of the Month
December 2009
Our Chestertown Rotary Student of the Month for December is Renee Madden. Renee is the daughter of Dianne and Gary Madden of Brant Lake, and is known as an incredibly selfless and compassionate young woman who has the drive and ability to help others. This articulate and accomplished student is noted as having exceptional character, a great sense of humor and a natural ability to put others at ease.
Well accomplished in the areas of academics, athletics, artistic pursuits and character, Renee is an integral part of the North Warren Girls Varsity Field Hockey team, as well as a significant contributor to the North Warren Senior Band and Chorus. Her talents there have earned her recognition for CASMA in All-County Chorus for three years running, and her choreography and video production skills have been integrated into the Senior Band presentations to provide a new depth and significance for their programs. In addition, Renee’s acting, dance and production talents have graced the stage in school musical productions of “No-No-Nanette”, “Oklahoma”, and “Anything Goes”. Renee has also provided backstage support in productions of school variety shows. Her love of dance is evident in her contributions to our school productions, as well as the joy she receives from teaching young children dance steps.
Character is a significant benchmark of success and achievement, and Renee is truly one who excels in this critical area. This caring individual truly exhibits a heart of kindness and compassion and is regarded by all faculty and staff as well as by her peers as one who can always provide humor and a light-hearted outlook towards life and circumstances. Due to her caring nature, coupled with a significant desire to benefit others, she was selected as her class representative to integrate the Rachel’s Challenge initiatives for kindness and compassion as part of the character education program at North Warren high school. Renee enjoys helping others, and found great reward in volunteering in New Orleans to assist those in need for two years running. She is also an accomplished student of broadcast journalism, and provided a professional quality documentary of her project providing post Katrina relief with her church family.
Renee has a desire to produce video coverage of events that will give the viewer an opportunity to consider issues of meaning and significance. With this approach, we believe Renee is one of those individuals that will restore honor and dignity to the media as she pursues this field of study in college.
We of the Chestertown Rotary Club are happy to join with the staff of North Warren High School to recognize the achievements, character and talents of Renee Madden.
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Rachael Kenney
CHESTERTOWN ROTARY RECOGNIZES ANOTHER OUTSTANDING STUDENT
Our Rotary Student of the Month for November is Rachael Kenney. Rachael is the daughter of Cheri Kenney of Chestertown, and Anthony Kenney of Pottersville, and is an exceptionally motivated young woman with a deep sense of commitment and purpose. Our club is honored to recognize students like Rachael who are not only very good academically but display mature character as youth and are involved in serving their community in various ways. The character, care and regard expressed by Rachael for her actions and for those around her are noteworthy.
Rachael is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also gifted athletically and artistically. Rachael has been an integral component of the Field Hockey and Softball teams during her years in high school. Her commitment and dedication to her team is realized even more when considering the fact that she has continued to play, despite the loss of vision in her left eye. Rachael is also gifted on the guitar, writes much of her own music, and plays for school concerts and her church’s youth group praise and worship band. Rachael has also starred in school productions of “No, No, Nanette”, “Oklahoma” and “Anything Goes”.
Involved in both her community and school, while making a positive and lasting impact, is an understatement of Rachael’s activities. She has been a member of Foreign Language club, Prom Committee, and one of the founders for the North Warren Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. She is also a member of the College Level class participating in the Model OAS in this area. Her involvement with her church youth group has placed her in supporting roles for nursing home visitation, and her Girl Scout involvement has resulted in a present level of Silver Award, and she is currently working to achieve her Gold Award. Rachael also contributes her time and talents to a local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity.
Of her many activities that she is occupied with, Rachael really enjoys helping in the music department. She has taken all music classes available at North Warren, and she practiced since August on the electric guitar for music selections for the December concert. She enjoys helping with setup, and assisting Mrs. Swartz.
Rachael is a true asset to the North Warren Class of 2010 and her positive outlook and willingness to persevere in the face of adversity are truly exceptional. In her own words, Rachael shared that, “I believe that though God, all things are possible. I know that with Him I can accomplish anything!” These words truly personify the life that Rachael lives, for she truly does work to achieve her best in all that she does and the results are always noteworthy.
We are extremely proud of Rachel and of the outstanding role model that she provides for her peers at North Warren Central School. She has received college acceptance from St. Lawrence University and is waiting to hear from other colleges. At this time she plans to pursue a career in the medical field perhaps in the medical lab for medications.
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Laura Fahey
ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
October 2009
The Rotary Student of the Month for October is Laura Fahey. Laura is the daughter of Steve Fahey of Brant Lake, NY. Those that know Laura know one who is an extremely articulate and intelligent young woman, whose loyalty to friendships and pursuit of excellence is most noteworthy.
This National Honor Society student personifies well-rounded in all areas. She is no stranger to hard work and a full schedule. Laura has been an integral component of the Girls Field Hockey and Basketball teams for four years running. Her efforts helped to bring her team to sectionals last year. She is also active in Interact, Prom Committee, Student Council and the School Newspaper. Laura’s ethics and leadership qualities have earned her recognition as the Interact Vice-President and President for the past three years. She was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Female Nominee for the Class of 2010, last year, and being named as Most Outstanding Female in both 9th and 10th grade. Other recognition that she has earned includes Most Outstanding in PE, Global Studies, and Public Speaking. She has also earned the Good Character Award, and the Most Outstanding Sportsmanship Award in 2008 and 2009. Her participation as Field Hockey Team Captain for JV and later as Team Captain for Varsity has helped to develop the girl’s team into who they are today.
When asked which of her many activities means the most to her, Laura replied, “Basketball, as it has taught me the importance of working as a team, and MOAS, as it has allowed me to develop an interest in how government works and how I can help.”
Laura’s natural abilities in working with others are extremely complementary to her goals of working in International Relations and Economics and Government. Her participation in Model Organization of American States (MOAS) has been significant and beneficial in her gaining greater insight into her own abilities and how they incorporate into her career goals. Laura is one of the representatives from this region of MOAS chapters chosen to participate in the National MOAS session in Washington, DC. this December.
Next fall, Laura plans to pursue the field of International Relations. At present, she has acceptances by Drexel and the Universities of Maine and New Hampshire. She is still awaiting other acceptances before making a final decision. On factor is clear, however, that whatever program Laura chooses, it will benefit greatly from her presence there.
We are extremely proud of Laura, in the light of her exceptional outlook, achievements and leadership example as an outstanding role model. We believe that she provides an excellent representative for the North Warren Class of 2010.
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ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
September 2009
Jeff Bennett
Our September Student of the month is Jeff Bennett, son of John and Nancy Bennett of Chestertown, NY. Jeff is a Senior at North Warren. Jeff is described by his teachers as a person of very specific goals, aspirations and the drive and ability to achieve them. He has the seemingly natural ability to achieve academic, personal and social excellence in all activities that he chooses to pursue. Well rounded is a term that certainly applies to Jeff in terms of his academic, musical talents, athletics and community based activities.
Jeff has been an integral component of the Cross Country, Basketball and Baseball JV and Varsity teams for 4 years. He has been a member of the Varsity Club for 2 years. In terms of musical talent, his Saxophone skills have graced Jazz Band, senior band and marching band for the past four years. He has earned Jazz NYSSMA levels 3 and 5 and participated in CASMA (all-county) Jazz Band during 10th and 1i1th grades. He also played a lead role in last year’s production of “Anything Goes.”
A leader among his peers, Jeff has also served a Class President and Treasurer for each year during high school. He has served as Student Council Treasurer, SADD Members, and the founder of the Adirondack Skywatchers, an astronomy club. Jeff has also served as an invaluable team member of the Envirothon , Quizbowl and Rube Goldberg Competition.
Jeff has also played a very important role in the college level MOAS Class. He was chosen as one of the Lead delegates from the Plattsburgh Regional Chapter of the National MOAS program which will hold it yearly session in Washington, DC this fall. Last year Jeff participated in RYLA program which trains youth for leadership through Rotary International.
Jeff’s hobbies are a reflection of his natural talents. Including astronomy which has been most important to him both for instilling a passion and future plans. He is an avid hiker, and has completed 7 of the Adirondack High Peaks in the past 3 years. Despite an extremely busy schedule, Jeff has still found time, both to assist other students with science tutoring, and working part-time on a local golf course.
We are exceptionally proud of Jeff, especially in light of his leadership and behavior as an outstanding role model. He plans to pursue his interests in the future either in Astronomy or some related field of science.
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