5.11.18 - Senator Fred Akshar continues “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program in Johnson City, Chenango Forks and Susquehanna Valley

Senator Fred Akshar visited three more local schools this week to continue 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 26 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, 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 and Spencer Van-Etten High School.

At Johnson City High School, Akshar recognized senior Adrianna Potenzino for being a student leader and role model to her fellow students. Adrianna serves as Vice President of Student Government, President of National Honor Society and Editor for the Yearbook. A member of Mathletes, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and community charity fundraising organization Athletes2Athletes, Adrianna also works as a dietary aid for James G. Johnson/Hilltop Nursing Home and volunteered for “Kicking it with Kaylee,” a fundraiser to help pay for the medical expenses of a young girl fighting Stage 3 Cancer.

At Chenango Forks High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Sydney Fendick for positively impacting not her school climate and community. An outstanding student who excels academically, Sydney is always willing to help a peer or volunteer to assist with school events - ranging from school dances to athletics. Sydney serves as a member of SADD Club, Sophomore Class Representative, member of Student Council and works at school dances and events at the Vestal Elementary School. She also helped organize the Homecoming Dance, participated in bottle drives for band and lacrosse, worked at the Jazz Cabaret for the past 4 years, helped raise funds for flood victims, volunteers with her church to run Vacation Bible School, organized the “Halloween Trunk-or Treat”, walks dogs for retired elderly couples at her camp, babysits for local familieS and referees Youth Soccer games.

At Susquehanna Valley High School, Akshar recognized senior Sean Kane for always displaying an incredible work ethic, always striving for excellence, always putting the team before himself and always putting the needs of others before his own. Sean's teachers and coaches describe him as humble, quiet leader in their school, who always treats his peers with friendliness and respect. Sean plays JV and Varsity football and achieved distinction as part of the Elite 24 Football Players in the Southern Tier. Sean also participated in Indoor and Outdoor Track, Wrestling And Technology Club.

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.”