Honors earned by local students.

• Cameron Laramee, of Belchertown, was recognized for outstanding academic accomplishments by being named to the spring president’s list at LeTourneau University. Laramee achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average to receive this honor.

• John McCutcheon, of Amherst, was awarded a bachelor degree magna cum laude in civil engineering, and Chelsea Buel, of Hampden, received a bachelor degree magna cum laude in interior design during the May 16 commencement ceremonies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va.

• Area students named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Bridgewater State University included: Brooke A. Barre, Justin D. Devine, Ryan C. Judd and Alexander S. Nielsen, all of Easthampton; Brian T. Burke, of Palmer; Olivia T. Griswold, of Southampton; and Jennifer R. Langevin and Abigail N. Lopata, both of Wilbraham.

• Marissa Josub, of Williamsburg, was named to the spring dean’s list at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

• Union College students named to the dean’s list for the 2013-2014 academic year include: Aimee Adamski, of Ludlow, who is majoring in psychology and is a 2010 graduate of Wilbraham & Monson Academy; Christine Murphy, of Wilbraham, who is majoring in English and is a 2011 graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School; Mary Pope, of Belchertown, who is majoring in neuroscience, French and Francophone studies and is a 2012 graduate of Belchertown High School; Maddison Stemple-Piatt, of Hatfield, a psychology major and a 2013 graduate of Williston Northampton School; and Nicholas Weidhaas ,of Easthampton, a geology major and a 2011 graduate of Williston Northampton School.

• Michael T. Schermerhorn, of Brimfield, was among the members of the Class of 2014 who graduated from Worcester Academy. He was the recipient of the Class of 1935 trophy and was named valedictorian of his class.

• Jhamba Sherpa, of Easthampton, Levi Rhodes, of Northampton, and Zachary Bass, of Greenfield, were among area students awarded bachelor degrees by the University of Massachusetts at Boston at the school’s 46th commencement on May 30.

• Bryanne McDonough, daughter of Laura McDonough and Bill McDonough, of Whately, will enter the Honors Program at Rochester Institute of Technology. Bryanne is a first-year student in the physics program in RIT’s College of Science.

• Colin Perkins-McCraw, of Ashfield, a forestry major, was named to the spring dean’s list at Paul Smith’s College.

• Emily J. Lefebvre, a psychology major, from Worthington, was named to the spring honors list at Utica College with a grade point average of 4.0.

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts named Richard LaRocque, of Ludlow, to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

• Heloise Dubois, of Wilbraham, and a member of the class of 2016 at Providence College, recently participated in the seventh annual Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Conference. Dubois was among more than 30 Providence College students who attended the annual conference which marks the culmination of the 10-week SURF program.

• Kyle G. Lewis, son of Marilyn Paul-Lewis, of Ludlow, received his master of arts in international relations (global governance and social theory) through the cooperative master’s program with Universität Bremen and Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. While studying in Germany, Kyle worked as a professional player-coach for the Bremen Dockers baseball club which competes in the second Bundesliga. A graduate of Ludlow High School, Kyle received his bachelor’s degree from American International College.

• Area residents who received degrees from Simmons College include: Jason Fuller, a Hadley resident, master of science in library science degree from the Graduate School of Library & Information Science; Mary Zurawka, a Monson resident, master of science in education degree from the School of Social Work; Debra Benveniste, a Holland resident, doctor of philosophy degree from the School of Social Work; and Heather Richard, a Montague resident, master of fine arts in writing for children degree from the Graduate School of Library Science.

• Area students named to the spring dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island included Wesley John Martins, of Belchertown, Amy M. Rumanowski, of Belchertown, Jennifer L. Janeczek, of Hampden, Nicole Ann Michel, of Hampden, Victoria S. Seligman, of Hampden, Robert S. Kalesnik-Orszulak, of Ludlow, Krista Marie Mitchell, of Ludlow, Alysa Lyn Lamountain, of Monson, Kelsey Elizabeth Meleady, of Wilbraham, Samantha Joy Scherff, of Wilbraham, Stephanie L. Otis, of Williamsburg, Christina Mary Benigno, of Easthampton, Elizabeth L. Hesketh, of Deerfield, Troy Dorothy Langknecht, of Montague, Marte Ella Johannessen, of Northfield, and Kristin M. Von Flatern, of Sunderland.

Send items for this column to Just Folks, Plus Papers, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, or email folks@repub.com.

There is much to be excited about this year as we build on the gains we achieved in 2013.

By DANIEL J. WARWICK

SPRINGFIELD - It’s the early weeks of school, and our students and teachers are fully engaged in teaching and learning. As I visited schools on the first day, it seemed as if classes had already been in session for weeks.

I could have heard a pin drop as I walked the hallways of the High School of Science and Technology where all students were in their classes, notebooks open.

At Washington School, a teacher’s voice wafted out of the open windows of her classroom into the parking lot as she gave the first English language arts lesson of the year.

Across the district, students greeted teachers with smiles and tales of summer sleep overs, family trips and community events.

Aug. 25 may have been my 39th school opening with Springfield Public Schools, but the first day of school still brings me as much joy and excitement today as it did when I was a teacher myself.

There is much to be excited about this year as we build on the gains we achieved in 2013.

We are making great strides on the opportunities for continued improvement that we now have available for our dedicated teachers; we are embracing 21st century technology like never before; we have made new pathways to better address the needs of the whole child; and we have brought some of the nation’s best, results-driven curricula into our schools.

We have also invested heavily in the future leadership of our school district. This summer, Springfield Public Schools launched what we entitled “The Springfield Institute.”

The four-week course provided 21 Springfield Public School emerging leaders with intensive coaching and internships. The program is an investment in our next generation of leaders and proved to be very successful. As I spent time with the class during their graduation ceremony, I was impressed by the caliber, diversity and dedication of the institute’s first students.

Across the school district, we are poised and ready for success.

From student growth (last year our students’ academic growth rate outpaced their peers throughout the commonwealth) to the school buildings themselves (we have invested more than $300 million in school building improvements in recent years), Springfield Public Schools is focused on creating a district where proficiency and equity is a commonality shared by all students, in all classrooms, every day.
Though fall is ascending, educators often greet each other with “Happy New Year” around this time of year. I hope that throughout the year you will stay alerted to Springfield Public Schools.

We know there will be successes, and we know there will be challenges. As I said to the more than 4,000 Springfield Public Schools employees during our back-to-school convocation recently, we are all in this together.

“We” extends beyond the school district and into the community. As always, we welcome your support, your views and ideas. We’re already off and running and hope that you will be a champion of public education alongside us this year.

Daniel J. Warwick is superintendent of the Springfield Public Schools; you can learn more about the Springfield Public Schools online at sps.springfield.ma.us.

The award is bestowed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is considered the most sought after and most respected award given in the accounting profession. In 2013, only 55 out of 94,000 individuals or .05% that sat for the examination won the award.

Westfield State University alumna Olivia Bischoff of Westfield received the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for earning a top score on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. "Olivia Bischoff, Payroll Manager at Westfield State University" Dave Fried 

WESTFIELD - Westfield State University alumna Olivia Bischoff, of Westfield, received the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for earning a top score on the uniform certified public accountant examination.

The award is bestowed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is considered the most sought after and most respected award given in the accounting profession. In 2013, only 55 out of 94,000 individuals or .05% that sat for the examination won the award.

Bischoff also had the distinction of achieving the highest score in Massachusetts. For her efforts, she was recognized with first honors by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

The Elijah Watt Sells Award honors accountants who obtain a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all sections of the exam. To be eligible for the award, exam takers must complete all four sections of the exam within a calendar year and must pass each section on their first attempt.

Bischoff received her bachelor degree in business management, concentration in accounting, in 2009 and her Master degree in accountancy in 2010. Both degrees were completed at Westfield State University.

Erin Moore, associate professor and master of science in accountancy program administrator, taught Bischoff at the graduate level and was impressed by her aptitude for accounting.

“Olivia was an outstanding student,” said Moore. “She possesses excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills, and has a genuine enthusiasm for accounting. Winning the Elijah Watt Sells Award and earning the highest score on the CPA exam in the state of Massachusetts are extraordinary accomplishments. We are very proud of Olivia.”

Bischoff said when deciding which college to attend, Westfield State was the obvious choice.

“I came to Westfield State because I wanted a quality education that I could afford,” said Bischoff.

Originally a social work major, Bischoff came to the realization that accounting was her calling after taking an introductory course.

“After my first accounting class with Professor Irujo, I knew it was the field I belonged in,” Bischoff said.

In addition to being an alumna of the university, Bischoff began working at Westfield State in 2013 and was recently promoted to payroll manager.

Michelle Maggio, associate professor of economics and management, said she noticed a passion in Bischoff’s schoolwork that has continued into her career.
“Olivia was dedicated to her studies throughout her tenure as a student at Westfield State University,” Maggio said. “She is showing that same dedication and commitment to the accounting profession in her career.”

Christine Irujo, associate professor of economics and management, said she was pleased to hear that Bischoff won the award, but it did not surprise her.

“Olivia had the maturity to know how important a good education would be in helping her succeed in her chosen career,” Irujo said. “She took advantage of everything we had to offer her at WSU so that she would be well prepared when it was time for her to take the CPA exam. I was not surprised to find out she achieved the top score in the state of Massachusetts. I always knew she had it in her.”

As for Bischoff, she says she owes her high scores and overall success in the accounting field to her professors, particularly Christine Irujo, Michelle Maggio, and Erin Moore.

“I owe this accomplishment to my professors,” Bischoff said. “Their classes gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to be successful on the CPA exam and in my career. They have also provided me with guidance over the years when I needed direction. I am fortunate to call these women my teachers, mentors, and friends.”
While Bischoff enjoys her current position, she said that her professors at Westfield State have motivated her to consider transitioning to education later in her career.
“Their dedication and teaching styles have inspired me to pursue teaching in the future,” Bischoff said.

Students were assigned to work at Reed Village, Robinson Gardens, Gentile, Morris Apartments, and at Dorman School. Jobs ranged from clerk and custodial work to youth counseling.

SPRINGFIELD - Stacey Sands didn’t waste her time this summer.

The 19-year-old resident of Springfield Housing Authority’s Robinson Gardens Apartments spent her days gainfully employed as a youth counselor in the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative’s program at Dorman Elementary School.

And Sands not only learned patience and responsibility, she managed to save some cash.

The recent graduate of the High School of Science and Technology is enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College and will use the money to help pay for her books.

“My job was to make sure the kids were focused, to show them how to behave in school and help them read,” Sands explained. “I liked it a lot. It taught me a lot of things about working, and helping young people.”

Sands was one of 11 teens who found work through a jointly-sponsored effort that included funding from New England Farm Workers Council, and recruitment and oversight by the Springfield Housing Authority. All youth workers came from the youth group at Robinson Gardens Apartments.

The authority’s youth engagement coordinator, Jimmie Mitchell, helped in the effort, and said the jobs program included financial education literacy in addition to the $9.50 per hour earned. Each youth worker set up a TD Bank account and was encouraged to make regular deposits.

“What’s great about this is that the housing authority helped to provide these young people with jobs, opportunities to make money,” Mitchell said. “They also learned about the importance of saving what they earn.”

Students were assigned to work at Reed Village, Robinson Gardens, Gentile, Morris Apartments, and at Dorman School. Jobs ranged from clerk and custodial work to youth counseling.

“They made better than minimum wage,” Mitchell said. “And they learned they can really save money. It’s so important for these young kids to learn about money management – many of them don’t get that in school.”

Leilani Santiago said she managed to save every penny she earned, with encouragement from her father.

“He brought me to the bank every week,” said the 16-year-old, laughing.

Santiago is studying early childhood at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, and plans to head to college when she graduates. Her job was in the office at Reed Village Apartments, and she fell into the assignment nicely.

“I loved it,” she said. “I like to be busy. It was serious work. They treated me like a family. I liked everything about it. They didn’t treat me like a teenager.”

Like Sands, Santiago also took some lessons with her that she will bring to future jobs.

“It taught me to be strong. People come in to the office and you can see their struggling. It’s the kind of job where you’re helping people, but you have to be strong,” Santiago said.

Santiago said she’s saving for college, just as her father advised.

Mitchell said he hopes the summer jobs program can be revived next year.

“It was a positive experience all around,” he said. “There’s nothing like employment to keep kids busy and help them get the funds they need to do something with their lives.”

The internship is a six week program with a total of 12 hours, or two hours a week.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The West Springfield Public Library will be looking for high school applicants in October to participate in the Ruth M. Peck internship program.

The internships are offered to West Springfield youth in grades 10 through 12 (or the home-schooled equivalent) and looks to impart advocacy, achievement and advancement through the science of information.

The goals of the internship are to impart the understanding of how institutions, such as libraries, have unique needs and require lobbying for support, to build life and work skills through required attendance and the completion of an independent project, and to teach students to use library resources in developing a plan to pursue and fund education past high school.

One recent internship participant, Kelsey Tatro, found the internship to be both interesting and enlightening about how libraries actually provide the best services to their communities:

“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect going into the library internship. I wasn’t sure what kind of work they would have me doing, what skills I would be learning, or who I would be learning them with,” Tatro said.

“The internship is a six week program with a total of 12 hours, or two hours a week. This made it easy to attend every week and set up a schedule to fit around schooling and homework,” she said.

The goal of the internship is to advocate for libraries, by educating students about the many facets of a working library, how it fits into the larger community, and about the larger library science field, but the West Side library also embraces the personal interests of interns, according to Tatro.

“Each week I spent time in the different departments of the library, learning about the different employees’ jobs and goals,” Tatro said. “I learned so much from this program about the inner-workings of a library and even got to try a few things myself! We also talked a lot while I was there about how my future interest in being an art therapist could be aided by using the library as a resource.”

Tatro said the internship helped her discover how the library can provide patrons with information on any topic.

“As an art student, I know that I can come here to learn about great art movements and artists, sign up to host an art exhibit in the building, and even hunt for the best potential college at West Springfield Public Library,” Tatro said. “I greatly suggest any student apply for the internship, whether or not they may be interested in working in a library some day.”

This internship was launched in West Springfield in 2005 under the state-sponsored MassBLAST internship program.

It honors the memory of Peck’s death, who died in 2007 and was a member of the library’s board of trustees.

The board agreed to devote all donations made in Peck’s memory to continuing the internship program, which then lacked state funding. A devoted library advocate, Peck contributed significantly to the library science field, including working for more than 50 years as a librarian.

She is also credited with helping establish a University of Rhode Island satellite program at the University of Massachusetts for students seeking education and credentials in library and information science.

Internship sessions are held twice a school year, depending on staffing levels and demands, generally in the fall and then in the spring.

The coming session will run from mid-October to the beginning of December. Interested applicants in grades 10 through 12 may fill out one of the applications available at the library’s adult services information desk.

All promising applicants will be interviewed by library staff; straight As are not required. Chosen applicants must agree to have a Criminal Offender Records Inquiry (CORI) check performed.

“It was not appropriate for anyone to walk through or by the ‘smoker’s corner.’ Even the gym class had to walk through it,” said Czarnick. Added Dyer, “The Tiny Tots pre-school program, located within the high school, had to walk through cigarette butts discard on the ground.”

EASTHAMPTON - Easthampton High School students Paige Czarnick, Emily Dyer, Bryan Delany and Jacob LaPrade were determined to eliminate the “smoker’s corner” at their school where as many as 30 students would gather before and after school to smoke.

Fellow students, visitors and even the “Tiny Tots” toddlers walked by the “smoker’s corner” on a daily basis.

Czarnick and Dyer, both 2014 graduates of the high school, and incoming seniors Delany and LaPrade were highly instrumental in initiating the process of changing the school’s smoking policy.

Delany and LaPrade have been involved since their freshman year. All of the students have been part of “The 84,” a statewide movement of youth fighting tobacco. The 84 represents the 84 percent of Bay State youth who do not smoke.

The 84 Easthampton chapter is under the direction of teacher Nancy Dunn, who is called a “passionate leader” by the students.

Czarnick and Dyer together wrote a grant proposal to address eliminating the “smoker’s corner” and were successful in receiving a $2,500 grant from the 84 Movement to impact public policy. With the funds, they created a photo voice project which they presented to the city’s Board of Health.

Before the new high school was built, students had to walk through the “smoker’s corner.” Although there was a no-smoking policy on school grounds, the Nonotuck Park property line abutted the high school and students would smoke there.

“It was not appropriate for anyone to walk through or by the ‘smoker’s corner.’ Even the gym class had to walk through it,” said Czarnick. Added Dyer, “The Tiny Tots pre-school program, located within the high school, had to walk through cigarette butts discard on the ground.”

A bench and trash can also encouraged use of the area for smoking, Dyer said. “It was not acceptable because that became the new norm.”

The photo voice project involved taking pictures, which affected the students and expressing what it meant.

The school’s first step was removing the bench and trash can.

The students then took their case to the Board of Health, which in March, passed comprehensive tobacco regulations that included no smoking in public parks.

Enforcement, as well as providing support and incentive for smokers to quit, have been among the concerns which emerged from the project.

The health board received a $14,000 grant from Cooley Dickinson Hospital to plant a garden at the site. It was started this summer, and the names of the students involved will be added to the fence outside the park.

Smokers in Dunn’s summer school health and physical education class volunteered to plant the garden, and their names will also be added to the tribute. Several have already indicated their desire to stop smoking, and one of the goals of the garden is to encourage more young people to also quit smoking.

Students, parents and community members may leave a message on the safety hotline by calling (413) 685-1050.

HUNTINGTON - A school safety hotline is in place for the Gateway Regional School District.

The hotline, monitored by Joshua Fanion, Gateway’s security monitor, is a voice mailbox that can be used to report harassment, bullying, drug or alcohol concerns, vandalism and school safety issues. The purpose of the hotline is to help keep Gateway schools safe for all students.

Students, parents and community members may leave a message on the safety hotline by calling (413) 685-1050.

The system works like an answering machine, and callers can leave their name and details about their concern, including the names of others involved, dates, times and location.

Callers’ names will be kept confidential.

Fanion will check messages left on the hotline and report concerns to the appropriate Gateway principal or community agency.

The hotline has been in place for many years and is part of an ongoing commitment to safety in all district schools.

In the final report compiled by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education, “Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States,” researchers found that in 81 percent of instances of school violence studied, at least one person had information that the attacker was planning the school attack. In nearly two thirds of the incidents, more than one person had information.

Anyone wishing to voice concerns regarding school safety at Gateway should call the hotline, (413) 685-1050.

Michael Marsian Sweeney has been named as a commended student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

submitted photo 

EAST LONGMEADOW -Holyoke Catholic High School principal Roberta Lojko recently announced that senior Michael Marsian Sweeney has been named as a commended student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corp., which conducts the program, was presented by Lojko.

“These young men and women named commended students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for the scholarship program. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic excellence.”

Sweeney is the son of Kevin M. Sweeney and Dr. Karen E. Marsian. The family lives in East Longmeadow.

“This program is different because the kids can grab a breakfast and bring it back to their class to eat it,” she added. “They do not miss any class time.”

By MARY ANN BAIL
Special to The Republican

GRANBY - According to the research, approximately 5 to 7 percent of students in America are going to school hungry. The number may even be higher, say some.

Further, the experts say, this causes serious short- and long-term health issues and the inability of students to concentrate in class. Hungry kids are more prone to behavioral and emotional problems.

In Granby, this issue came up last year, when the school nurse, Sarah Smith, reported an increasing number of students being sent to the clinic because they were hungry or had no snack.

She reported her concerns to her supervisor, Karen Szlosek, and East Meadow School principal Jennifer Champagne, who in turn shared the problems with the superintendent of schools, Isabelina Rodriguez.

Along with discussing ways to get proper nutrition to the children, they were also concerned about lost classroom time.

“The idea of ‘Grab n’ Go’ came about when I was discussing the breakfast program idea with Andrew Stratton, the food service director from Chartwells,” said Champagne.
The solution was simple: students choose from a selection of nutritious food items, drop it in a paper bag and head off to class.

On Sept. 12, Champagne invited parents and students to attend a breakfast with the principal. She feels this event was a great way to introduce families to the nutritious and delicious offerings which are available before school.

“It is hard to tell how many students are coming to school hungry,” commented Champagne.

Over the years the number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunch has increased. Champagne also noted that many students come from families with single or two working parents and the morning routine can get very chaotic. Breakfast is bypassed to make more time to leave the house, she said.

“In some households, the student is responsible for getting their own breakfast and they just don’t bother,” she added. “We are able to receive government funds for this breakfast program.”

If a student normally gets free or reduced lunch, they are able to get a free or reduced price breakfast.

“This program is different because the kids can grab a breakfast and bring it back to their class to eat it,” she added. “They do not miss any class time.”

The breakfast is served Monday through Friday.

According to Champagne, teachers have been very accommodating and would rather a student eat breakfast in class than be hungry and unable to do their best work.

The program has become increasingly popular. “The first day it opened,we had 10 students,” she said. “Now, we regularly have between 27 to 36 students.”

East Meadow has a total of 204 students.

“I don’t think any of us could perform at our best when we have not had enough to eat,” said Champagne. “By providing students with an opportunity to eat breakfast at school, we are increasing the likelihood of successful learning as well as helping to form healthy habits that we hope will last a lifetime.”

Your parents aren’t going to be there to drag you out of bed anymore.

By ASHLEY BIEG

Westfield State University

All through high school I couldn’t wait for it to end, especially during senior year, where my friends and I literally counted down the days until graduation. But now that it’s over, I can’t help but want to go back. As my first month of college comes to an end, I find myself often thinking about the teachers and counselors that helped me get this far. They not only helped me graduate, but also helped me prepare to take on a much more serious journey: college.

Ashley BiegREPUBLICAN FILE 

As you enter college, there are, however, some things that high school doesn’t exactly prepare you for. While teachers and counselors constantly warn you of the large workload, they don’t always give you a lot of insight about the structure and social aspect of college.

As a freshman, I’m not claiming to be an expert in the ways of college life, but over the past few weeks I have learned a few valuable things that potential college students should keep in mind as they begin school.

First off, you have to get used to waking yourself up in the morning. Your parents aren’t going to be there to drag you out of bed anymore. Setting an alarm clock is crucial. And if you’re a commuter, like me, arriving at school an hour early is often times the only way to snag a parking space.

In addition to that, college classes are, in fact, a lot different than high school classes. First of all, your professor isn’t going to care if you’re on time or whether or not you attend their class. Their only job is to teach, not to take care of their students who are now “adults”. As one of my professors bluntly put it, “You’re not in high school anymore, welcome to college”. Attending classes, remembering to complete assignments and making up work are now your sole responsibilities. Self-motivation is key.

Another thing to keep in mind are the social changes that comes along with entering college. Entering college means you get a whole new set of classmates. The level of comfort you gained from attending classes, with the same set of students for four years, or maybe even longer, is gone. Most of your high school friends and acquaintances will not be attending the same college as you; they will be attending various colleges and universities all over the state and country.

It’s also possible that some of your friends will be entering into basic training for various military branches. Personally, realizing that people my own age are now training to defend our country, came as a very big and very scary reality check for me.

Keeping in contact with high school friends through text, phone calls, and letters, instead of seeing their face at school every day, definitely takes some getting used to. But, it is important to remember, that you will no doubt make new friends in college, and, that the friends from back home who really care about you, will make sure to keep in touch. Real relationships and friendships will survive an infinite amount of distance.

High school may be the end of one chapter in our lives, but college is just the beginning of another.

Ashley Bieg is a graduate of Holyoke High School, and UNlisted writer.

The donation will support the league’s Be the STEM: Academic and STEM Career Mentoring Program.

SPRINGFIELD - The Urban League of Springfield was recently joined by representatives of Comcast for a special ceremony to announce the award of a $60,000 grant, payable over three years, from the Comcast Foundation.

The donation will support the league’s Be the STEM: Academic and STEM Career Mentoring Program.

The program, now in its sixth year, works with ninth-grade students and aims to ease the transition to high school and also expose participants to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines and career opportunities in order to help ensure future success.

Be the STEM encompasses a variety of components, including academic performance, leadership, social and communication skills which work together to increase participants’ personal, community, cultural and global awareness. Individual academic and college development plans help students set goals and provide benchmarks, as well as celebrate achievements and successes.

In addition to regular sessions, the program includes field trips to area colleges and cultural events in support of college preparedness and STEM development.

“The Comcast Foundation has three areas of focus – promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders, which is why the Be the STEM program here at the Urban League of Springfield was a natural choice for this grant,” said Mary McLaughlin, senior vice president for Comcast’s western New England region, which includes Western Massachusetts. “We are very proud to support this program which provides an educational, fun, and indispensable service in our community.”

Additionally, since so many school and work-related tasks must now be completed online, the Urban League of Springfield continues to be an advocate of Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption initiative for low-income families.

“The Urban League is excited about its ongoing partnership with Comcast as they continue to invest in youth development programming and in expanding access to broadband and Internet technology for under-served groups,” said Henry M. Thomas, III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Awarded at the beginning of the academic year, youth literacy grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation help provide teachers, schools and organizations with the funding and resources they need to properly begin the school year.

 

CHICOPEE - The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Edward Bellamy Middle School a youth literacy grant in the amount of $1,400 to support their Reading, Comprehension and Technology Program.

Awarded at the beginning of the academic year, youth literacy grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation help provide teachers, schools and organizations with the funding and resources they need to properly begin the school year.

“Youth literacy grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation make a distinct impact on the communities we serve by supporting programs that improve education and enhance literacy,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “At Dollar General, we are passionate about our mission of Serving Others and it’s exciting to see the real difference literacy and learning make in people’s lives.”
Dollar General operates a store at 1956 Memorial Drive.

This September, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded approximately $4 million in youth literacy grants to approximately 825 schools, non-profit organizations, libraries and community groups dedicated to the advancement of literacy.

Faculty and staff dropped by his office throughout the day to sign a T-shirt and share refreshments and good wishes. The day ended with the powerful tribute from students

HUNTINGTON - “The great thing about working in a small school district is having the ability to get to know every single kid,” longtime guidance counselor Richard White said, reflecting on his 30 plus years at Gateway Regional High School. “Every – single – kid.”

This concept was evident when, at the end of his final school day, staff and students lined the hallways, applauded and waited their turns for handshakes, hugs, and ‘selfies’ with the popular counselor. Faculty and staff joined in the applause from the balcony above the exit doors.

Sept. 12 marked White’s final day in the district. The now former resident of Belchertown is enjoying the next stage in his life, together with his wife, as the owner-operators of Soft as a Grape clothing stores on Martha’s Vineyard.

White, who will be honored at a retirement party on , Oct. 17 took to playing a baby grand piano in the school entryway on the morning of his final day. It was his own tribute to the students.

Faculty and staff dropped by his office throughout the day to sign a T-shirt and share refreshments and good wishes. The day ended with the powerful tribute from students.

Friends and colleagues are hosting the retirement party for White at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road in Westfield.

Tickets for the dinner and gift are $30, and tickets are available through Steve Estelle, Matt Bonenfant, Peter Curro, Jodi Fairman, Laura and Darryl Fisk, Cheryl Wright and Wendy Long. (Checks should be made payable to Steve Estelle.) The event will run from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Foucher’s scholarship is particularly notable due to the competitiveness of the award.

Nicolle Foucher, of Monson, a Westfield State student who won a Women in Computing scholarship. submitted photo 

WESTFIELD - Westfield State University senior Nicolle Foucher, of Monson, was awarded a scholarship to attend the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing this week in Phoenix.

Drs. Anita Borg and Telle Whitney founded the Grace Hopper Celebration in 1994. The convention is designed to highlight the research and career interests of women in computer technology with leadership workshops, guest lectures, and activities.

Last year, the convention was in Minneapolis, and more than 4,750 women attended from 53 countries.

Foucher’s scholarship is particularly notable due to the competitiveness of the award.

The event experienced a 78 percent increase in this year’s applicants and the scholarship was awarded to only 26 percent of those who applied.. Applicants had to be enrolled full-time at a college or university while studying computer science, engineering or a related technical subject.

“This is a big deal for Nicolle and our school,” said Karen Works, assistant professor of computer and information science. “She is the first Westfield State University student to win a scholarship to attend the conference.”

The conference celebrates women with talent in technology.

“Nicolle is a very dedicated student and hard worker who strives to solve any problem presented to her, regardless of the level of difficulty,” Works said.

Foucher was originally an art major at Westfield State.

“After I took one computer information science class, I knew that’s what I really wanted to get into,” she said.

Foucher said she is looking forward to attending the Hopper event for the first time, and as she prepared for the conference, she said she will also be preparing for her future.

“With it being my senior year, I am really excited for the job opportunities that may come from attending,” she said. “I am excited to meet hundreds of other women who share the same passion as I do

The fair is considered one of the premier career events in New England for students and alumni interested in the fields of federal employment, law enforcement, criminal justice, psychology, and social services.

WESTFIELD - Westfield State University will host its 19th annual College Career Centers of Western Massachusetts Government, Criminal Justice, and Non-Profit Career Fair, on Oct. 9 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Woodward Center.

The fair is considered one of the premier career events in New England for students and alumni interested in the fields of federal employment, law enforcement, criminal justice, psychology, and social services.

An estimated 600 to 800 students attend the fair each year. Westfield State University enrolls more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice, psychology, and related fields.

More than 90 federal, state, and local law enforcement and non-profit agencies will be on hand to share career and employment information. Students will learn about many career options including family support clinician, mental health specialist, bank examiner, and several correctional positions.

The fair is free and open to the public. Area high school and college students considering a career in the federal government, criminal justice, or non- profit fields are encouraged to attend.

For a list of attending employers, go online to: westfield.ma.edu/careercenter.

For more information, contact the Career Center, Westfield State University, (413) 572-5206.

A memoir, “Sidonia’s Thread,” by former Springfield resident Hanna Perlstein Marcus, has been named Best Kindle Book of 2014 for Non-Fiction. The book tells the story of Marcus’ life in Springfield with her mother, Sidonia, a seamstress who becomes known for her remarkable ability with a sewing needle. All the while, the daughter knows nothing of her mother’s hidden...

A memoir, “Sidonia’s Thread,” by former Springfield resident Hanna Perlstein Marcus, has been named Best Kindle Book of 2014 for Non-Fiction.

Sidonia Perlstein, the author's mothers, in 1997.REPUBLICAN FILE 

The book tells the story of Marcus’ life in Springfield with her mother, Sidonia, a seamstress who becomes known for her remarkable ability with a sewing needle. All the while, the daughter knows nothing of her mother’s hidden past. The two had relocated to Springfield from a displaced persons camp in Germany after World War II, where they had survived the Holocaust. When the author discovers her mother’s secret, she works to find clues about her paternity, her mother’s reclusive behavior and her heritage. All the while, the author experiences conflicted and changing feelings about her mother, based on all she’s uncovered.

Marcus, a Connecticut resident who had a long career as a social worker and human services director before becoming a writer, started putting pen to paper following her mother’s death in 2006.

“I wrote it on and off for several years, when I could find time,” Marcus said. “It was not easy to write in the sense that there were some painful topics I brought up in the book, but it kind of flowed in the way that I wanted it to.”

Marcus said she had no idea how to get a book published initially.

“When I was in the process of writing it, I did use a couple of editors who helped me develop the story,” she said. “They and I knew I had a very special book here.”

Initially, Marcus did write some queries to literary agents, but they were unsuccessful.

“Like most authors’ experiences these days, it was a series of rejections – some rejections within 24 hours,” she said. “I really thought it was a story that was important enough to get out.”

After deciding not to continue sending queries to agents and publishers, Marcus chose to self-publish through Amazon. The first edition, in print, came out in late 2011, and the Kindle edition came out in early 2013.

“I had a year of experience with the book to see how it was received with audiences,” Marcus said. “It was so popular. It’s been an amazing, incredible success. It is almost unheard of for a book like this to sell at such a high rate.”

After initial feedback was so positive and word got out about the book, Marcus said she started getting invited to speak all over the country.

Along the way, “Sidonia’s Thread” picked up numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Sarton Memoir Prize and a nominee for the Sophie Brody Medal in 2013. Marcus was also a featured author on the Jewish Book Council’s Network Tour.

When she heard about the Kindle Book of the Year Award contest, Marcus entered “Sidonia’s Thread.”

“I knew I had a chance of winning, and so it was worthwhile to enter this contest sponsored by Kindle Book Review,” she said. “Hundreds, if not thousands, entered.”

Marcus said there was a review committee to review the books.

“The review committee reads at least the semifinalists,” she said. “I think there were about 150 semifinalists. They narrow it down to about 35 finalists, and then they give the final award in seven genres.”

Marcus was notified in early October that “Sidonia’s Thread” was named the Best Kindle Book for 2014 for Non-fiction.

“There is a pretty nice cash prize and promotional prizes,” Marcus said. “There are various websites where they’ll promote my book – websites like ‘Digital Book Today,’ which usually charge a fee for advertisement.”

Marcus said she knew she had a good book, but was still very surprised that she won.

“I was proud, and I thought it was just a great way to recognize the content of the book,” she said. “Really, what they’re recognizing is the writing and the content of the story. They don’t look at sales. Those awards, I think, mean the most.”

Marcus said as a winner, she is getting assistance with some promotions, and has already received speaking invitations from those who heard about the book award.

Meanwhile, Marcus has been busy writing a follow-up to “Sidonia’s Thread,” called “The Greenhorns.” The “greenhorns” were the group of refugees Marcus grew up with in the north end of Springfield in the 1950s and 60s.

“It depicts the first dozen years of growing up with this group of Holocaust survivors,” she said. “It really describes that period of time when we were living in close quarters. I learned a lot about humanity, bravery and humor. A lot of readers have asked for more about that group.”

Marcus said she’s been getting a lot of attention, and it continues to grow with the Kindle award.

“Since ‘Sidonia’s Thread’ was published and was such an incredible success, I have more of an author’s platform,” she said. “People have even read ‘Sidonia’s Thread’ in other countries – Canada, Great Britain, and Germany.”

She is equally surprised by the online reviews.

“These are total strangers who read the book and wanted to tell me how much they loved it,” she said. “Whether it’s the immigrant story, or the single parent or the sewing story, whether it’s someone who was a Holocaust survivor or people whose parents have kept secrets from them – they can identify with various parts of the story.”

“The Greenhorns” is currently about two-thirds finished, and Marcus hopes to have it completed by early 2015.

For more information on “Sidonia’s Thread” or on Marcus, visit www.sidoniasthread.com.

Academic honors for local students.

• Kiley Baran, of Granby, is among the new students enrolled at Castleton State College in Vermont.

• Yvonne J. Rondeau, daughter of Michelle and John Rondeau, of Chicopee, recently matriculated as a first-year student at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. She is a graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon School. She is among a class of 470 students selected from a pool of 5,071 applicants to the college.

• Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic recently released its list of newly enrolled students for the fall semester. They include: Scott Bicknell, of South Hadley, who is majoring in accounting; and Kelly Reardon, of Holyoke, a communication major.

• The University of Hartford honored exceptional members of its community during the annual faculty-staff kickoff celebration on Aug. 27.

Katrina Hawley, of Holyoke, an adjunct professor in the university’s Hartt School Dance Department, received a Gordon Clark Ramsey Award for Creative Excellence

Send items for this column to Just Folks, Plus Papers, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, or email folks@repub.com

Academic honors earned by local students.

• Kurt Heise, of Deerfield, is a member of the Carleton College men’s soccer team for the 2014 season. Heise graduated from Deerfield Academy and is currently a junior at Carleton in Northfield, Minnesota.

The Knights are coached by Bob Carlson, who is in his 18th season as head coach. Carleton is a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III.

• Victoria Morris, of Ludlow, was among 524 dean’s list recipients for the past academic year at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The Mercyhurst dean’s list is computed annually after summer term, which marks the end of the academic year. It is based on the completion of a minimum of 24 credits with a cumulative index of at least 3.6 out of a possible 4.0 each term.

• Area students admitted to the Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, as members of the Class of 2018 include Jonah Hudson-Erdman, of Northampton, son of Harley Erdman and Sarita Hudson, and Emma Halper, also of Northampton, daughter of Tor Krogius and Sarah Halper.

• Luke Madronal, of Deerfield, and Paul Polk, of Gill, recently began studies as members of the Class of 2018 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvannia. Madronal is graduate of Deerfield Academy, while Polk is a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School.

• Ian Dansereau, of Ludlow, has joined Rochester Institute of Technology’s men’s tennis team. Dansereau is studying software engineering.

• Area students who are among 662 first-year students at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, include: Caleb Martin, of Westhampton, who will study psychology; Jackson Seifert, of Williamsburg, who will study marketing; and Kai Godfrey, of Hadley, who will study game design.

• Taryn Poe, of Palmer, performed in a principal role in the production of “The Crucible” at the Dean College Theatre Department in Franklin.

• Madeleine Oldenburg, of Greenfield, was named to the University of Findlay’s 2014 homecoming court for the September festivities in Ohio. Oldenburg is studying sport and event management and is the daughter of Robert and Lee Oldenburg.

• Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic recently released its list of newly enrolled students for the fall semester. They include: Chad Adams, of Ware, who is majoring in business administration; McKayla Poissant, of Ashfield, a sport and leisure management major; and Ben Ruddock, of Deerfield, a business administration major.

Send items for this column to Just Folks, Plus Papers, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, or email folks@repub.com

Academic honors earned by local students.

• Mabel Baez, of Springfield, was the recipient of the dean’s award for academic excellence for the spring semester at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y.

• Rachel Moore, of Longmeadow, was admitted to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, as a member of the Class of 2018. Moore is the daughter of Russell Moore and Erica Weida.

• Kayla Schreibstein, of Longmeadow, recently began studies as a member of the Class of 2018 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Kayla is a graduate of Loomis Chaffee School.

• Camille M. Burger, of Longmeadow, was welcomed as a member of the Class of 2018 to St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. Burger attended Longmeadow High School.

• Clarkson University junior Christopher Tarbell, of East Longmeadow, majoring in aeronautical engineering, participated in Cessna/Raytheon Missile Systems Design/Build/Fly competition.

The Clarkson team, part of the university’s SPEED (Student Projects in Engineering and Design) program, recently returned from competition in Wichita, Kansas, where they placed 19th out of 80 teams.

Bob Davis is the director of the SPEED Program, which has 15 extracurricular teams in which students work on projects that hone their engineering and design skills. The teams choose their leaders, work up a budget and figure the logistics of their projects.

“This provides hands-on education in addition to all the theory they study,” Davis says. “About 300 students participate on these teams. That’s comparable to our number of athletes, so these students get team-based experience as well.”

Every year, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics invites students from across the world to participate in the Cessna/Raytheon Missile Systems Design/Build/Fly competition, which is held at sponsor sites in Kansas and Arizona.

This year, all teams were required to design a bush plane that could take off in less than 40 feet, carry a variety of payload weights, and reach certain speeds. There also was a simulated medical evacuation flight with unusually shaped cargo, and a rough taxi test.

• Eric Tallman, of Longmeadow, was named to the dean’s list at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

He is the son of C. Bruce Tallman and Karen Tallman and attended Williston Northampton School.

The dean’s list is compiled each summer and is drawn from the top 10 percent of the previous year’s first-year, sophomore, and junior classes. It is announced at the beginning of the academic year as part of the Opening Convocation festivities.

• Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic recently released its list of newly enrolled students for the fall semester. They include: Connor McCarthy, of Longmeadow, a communication major; and Ian Nugent, of East Longmeadow, a political science major.

Send items for this column to Just Folks, Plus Papers, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, or email folks@repub.com

Each year, one student will be selected by the Black Professionals Group Scholarship Committee and awarded a $500 scholarship to help alleviate the costs associated with college.

Myra D. Smith, vice president of student and multicultural affairs at Springfield Technical Community College, is honored with a scholarship fund in her name; a food and wine tasting event will raise funds for the scholarship on Oct. 23. Republican file photo 

SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Technical Community College Black Professionals Group will host the first annual ScholarSIP food and wine tasting event to benefit the Myra D. Smith Scholarship Fund on Oct. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Scibelli Hall on the college campus.

The ScholarSIP event will feature: wine, beer, and mead samplings from area wineries and breweries; a Wine Tasting 101 session; food pairing suggestions; and the smooth sounds from jazz musician Rohn Lawrence.

Vendors will include Angry Orchard, Amherst Winery, Frosted Swirl Cupcakes, Balderdash Cellars, Berkshire Grain, Black Birch Vineyards, Lefty’s Brewing Company, McKenzie’s Hard Cider, Moonlight Meadery, Provisions of Northampton, Samuel Adams Brewing Co., White Lion Brewing Co., and the Wine Institute of New England.

Proceeds from the ScholarSIP event will benefit the recently established Myra D. Smith Scholarship Fund, named for the college’s vice president of student and multicultural affairs, which will provide assistance to a currently enrolled student facing financial difficulties who identifies as black or African-American.

Each year, one student will be selected by the Black Professionals Group Scholarship Committee and awarded a $500 scholarship to help alleviate the costs associated with college.

Smith, a longtime city resident and employee at the college, is an inspiring leader whose commitment to academic excellence, community service, diversity and inclusion, and student success, have impacted the lives of students for over 35 years.

The Myra D. Smith Scholarship Fund was created to honor her commitment to both the college and the Springfield community. Smith currently serves on several boards, including the United Way of Pioneer Valley, PeoplesBank, and the National Conference for Community Justice of Western Massachusetts.

She was also instrumental in creating the college’s Diversity Council in 2004, a group which leads in organizing events and creating specialized programming that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door. They can be purchased online at stcc.edu/diversity/events and clicking on “Get Your Tickets Now;” or by contacting Vonetta Lightfoot by calling (413) 755-4569 or email to stccbpg@gmail.com.