2.15.19 - Senator Fred Akshar continues “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program at Windsor, Hancock , Deposit, Norwich, Valley Heights Christian Academy, Oxford and Greene

Senator Fred Akshar continued the second year of his district-wide “Akshar's All-Stars” student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at two Broome County schools, one Delaware County school and four Chenango County schools.

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 across school districts in Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware counties. This year, Akshar's recognized students at Susquehanna Valley, Chenango Valley, Chenango Forks, Whitney Point, Tioga Central, Waverly, Spencer Van-Etten, Candor, Harpursville, Afton, Bainbridge-Guilford and DCMO BOCES.

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

At Windsor High School, Akshar recognized senior Julia Sitek for her pursuit of academic excellence, participation in a variety extracurricular activities and service to others. In school, Julia has enrolled in 16 AP and/or college level courses and is set to graduate with distinction. Outside of school, Julia volunteers for of a number of clubs and organizations, including the West Colesville Fire Station.

At Hancock High School, Akshar recognized senior Owen Wormuth for his academic excellence while maintaining a busy schedule as a 3 sport athlete and community volunteer. Among his various volunteer opportunities and commitments, Owen serves as a board member with the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, an organization dedicated to the protection, preservation and enhancement of the cold-water ecosystem and the economy at the Upper Delaware River Watershed and to address all environmental threats to our area for the benefit of local communities, residents and visitors.

At Deposit High School, Akshar recognized senior Ashly Davis for her positive attitude, dedicated work ethic and outstanding role as a community leader both inside and outside of school. In addition to serving on Student Council and as secretary of her class, Ashly volunteers for the Ladies of Charity, the Salvation Army and a local farm.

At Norwich High School, Akshar recognized sisters Brenna and Hannah Baker for their active role in supporting the welfare and rights of animals within their community. Brenna has her own business in which she personally produces and then sells dog treats to raise money for her local SPCA. To date, “Baker’s Doggone Delicious Treats” has raised over $3,000 for the Chenango SPCA. Hannah is in the process of creating a dog park in Norwich. This journey has led her to city council and many fundraising events as she learns the legalities of creating the park while simultaneously raising the money to make her dream come true. Hannah has created a scale model of her proposed park and is in the final stages of seeking its approval for creation in Norwich. Both Brenna and Hannah have also raised $16,000 for cancer research in 2018 alone. Their efforts have been recognized by the American Legion Post 189 Auxiliary as well as our mayor, Christine Carnrike.

At Valley Heights Christian Academy in Norwich, Akshar recognized senior Meghan Van Althuis for her dedication to both academics and athletics and always putting others before herself. As a model student and community member, Meghan was described by her peers a a huge source of encouragement to both her schoolmates and her teachers.

At Oxford High School, Akshar recognized senior Bradley Beckwith for his drive to succeed, his leadership in his classes and engagement in many school activities, clubs and athletics. In addition to playing football, basketball and baseball, Bradley is an active member of Student Government, SADD, Leadership Club and New Visions Law and Government.

At Greene High School, Akshar recognized senior Madison Rice for her positive attitude, work ethic and what her classmates and teachers describe as being a “natural leader and ray of sunshine at Greene High School.” A three-sport athlete, Madison also serves as Student Council President and works hard to unite our school toward positive change to benefit her fellow students. She stands out in the classroom, the athletic field and in the community.
 

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.”