10.23.18 - Senator Fred Akshar continues “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program at four schools in Broome County

October 23, 2018

For immediate release:

Senator Fred Akshar continues “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program at four schools in Broome County

Senator Fred Akshar kicked off the second year of his district-wide “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at four Broome County schools - Susquehanna Valley High School, Chenango Valley High School, Chenango Forks Middle School and Whitney Point High School.

Each month, Senator Akshar recognizes local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers.

Last school year, Akshar recognized 30 students at Maine-Endwell Middle School, Windsor Central School District, Harpursville Central High School, Tioga Central High School, Vestal Middle School, Oxford Academy, Norwich High School, DCMO BOCES, Deposit High School, Newark Valley High School, Union-Endicott High School, Greene High School, Owego Free Academy, Candor High School, Broome-Tioga BOCES, Afton High School, Whitney Point High School, Seton Catholic Central, Binghamton West and East Middle Schools, Chenango Valley High School, Bainbridge-Guilford High School, Hancock High School, Waverly Intermediate School, Spencer Van-Etten High School, Johnson City High School, Susquehanna Valley High School, Chenango Forks High School and Valley Heights Christian Academy.

For each student recognized as an “Akshar All-Star” Senator Akshar presents them with a t-shirt, framed certificate and a challenge coin.

At Susquehanna Valley High School, Akshar recognized senior Alyssa Lezotte for her dedication to volunteer work at Susquehanna Valley Middle School. Through her work in physical education classes, Alyssa serves an passionate, supportive role model, as well friend and mentor to the middle school students. She also participates in Volley Ball, Drama Club, Softball, Indoor Track and Tennis. Whether it's on the court, track, field or in the classroom, Alyssa is first to volunteer, leads by example and always gives 100% according to her teachers and fellow students.

At Chenango Valley High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Olivia Bochenek for her incredible work ethic and enthusiastic participation in a phenomenal amount of school activities after transferring to CV last year. Olivia splits time between academic excellence in the classroom, competing in her first sport on the Cross-country team, playing saxophone in the school Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band, singing in two choirs, participating in school musicals, playing guitar and ukulele, serving as Treasurer for the School Store and serving as a student representative for the Broome County Student Advisory Board.

At Chenango Forks Middle School, Akshar recognized 8th grader Thomas Kapinus for his academic achievements in advanced science and math classes, his three year record of perfect attendance and punctuality and his positive attitude and dedication to his studies. That dedication has earned Thomas the Health Explorer and Target Award along with an Honorable Mention Award at the Scholastic Science Fair Regional Competition at SUNY Broome. Thomas also participates in the Swim Team, Track and Field, Health Club, the Boy Scouts and he raises the American Flag each morning for his school.

At Whitney Point High School, Akshar recognized senior Amy Stevens for her outstanding leadership role in Whitney Point's student body and her willingness to always help others in need. Amy currently ranks in the top 5% of her class academically and is a First Team All-Star in three different varsity sports. An active volunteer in her school, church and community, Amy also serves as Vice President of her school's National Honor Society, Vice President of Student Council and Vice President of the Senior Class.

Senator Fred Akshar said, "This is an amazing opportunity for us to meet and recognize outstanding young people doing wonderful things in their community and schools throughout the 52nd Senate District. Whether they're in 2nd grade or a senior in high school, we want to bring attention to those students who are making a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. They inspire us all by showing us the good that exists in our communities.”