3.9.18 - Senator Fred Akshar continues “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program at Seton, Binghamton Middle Schools, Chenango Valley and Bainbridge-Guilford

Senator Fred Akshar visited three more local schools this week to continue a his “Akshar's All-Stars” district-wide student recognition program.

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.

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

Over the past few months, Akshar has recognized 18 students at Maine-Endwell Middle School, Windsor Central School District, Harpursville Central High School, Tioga Central High School, Vestal Middle School, Oxford High School, 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 and Whitney Point High School. On Thursday, Akshar recognized students at Seton Catholic Central High School, Binghamton Middle Schools West and East, Chenango Valley High School and Bainbridge-Guilford High School, bringing the total to 23.

At Seton Catholic Central High School, Akshar recognized junior Marina Maerkl for her strong leadership and commitment to academic excellence, athletics, service-oriented clubs and student government at her school. In addition to helping her basketball team become Section 4 champions, Marina finds time to participate in YES Leads, the Key Club, the Sustainability Club, the Spanish Club and more.

Binghamton West Middle School, Akshar recognized 7th grader Cormari Wachuku for the positive, respectful and mature attitude she displays in and out of the classroom and her outstanding dedication to Drama Club, Newspaper Club and Girls Learn International (GLI) Club, where she and her peers focus on human rights, feminism and girls education in youth while promoting positive change for women around the world. 

At Binghamton East Middle School, Akshar recognized 8th grader Alana Hadden, a seven-semester High Honor Roll student who embodies the “Three R's” of East Middle School by being Respectful, Responsible and Ready. In addition to her activities as a member of the Smash music group, the Chorus and the Drama Club, Alana serves as a member of Student Council and the Junior Honor Society.

AtChenango Valley High School, Akshar recognized senior RJ Santa Croce for the contagious positive energy he brings to his teachers and peers every day. In addition to his volunteer work and active participation in Drama Club, Choir, Brass Ensemble and a variety of sports both as a player and announcer, RJ's been a tireless advocate for his sister Megan during her battle with cancer. 

At Bainbridge-Guilford Junior-Senior High School, Akshar recognized senior Molly O'Hara for her outstanding leadership, kindness, compassion and commitment to the various roles she serves within her community. Molly's excelled academically, athletically and as part of YES Leads, Orchestra, Chorus, Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, The O'Dewey Jazz Duo and Pep Band.

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.”