The Seal of Civic Readiness program is heading into its second year in the district, and it continues to recognize graduating seniors and their commitment to civic duty. Today, we focus on our third group of seniors receiving this recognition. As we shared earlier this month, the Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal honor from the NYS Education Department. Students earn the Seal when they attain a high level of proficiency in civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindsets, and civic experiences.
Congratulations to our fourth grouping of graduating students achieving their Seal of Civic Readiness.
Ashley Glode
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think about different ways that you have helped others in your life. This could include helping a neighbor, a club, a church, a community event, etc. Write a few sentences about your experience and why it was meaningful. Explain why you want to continue to “Be the Change.”
Glode: A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of volunteering with the local Lions Club to pick up litter off the side of 5S. As a group, we covered a 2-mile stretch of highway and filled several large bags of trash. In those few hours, I got to know some integral members of our community, protect local people and wildlife, and make the area more visually appealing. I want to continue to be the change because I am passionate about conservation and environmentalism. As I approach my studies of Environmental Health at SUNY ESF this fall, I am ecstatic to pursue public health and environmentalism as a career. I believe that people have a right to a safe environment, such as clean, toxin-free air and water.
As you approach graduation, it is a great time to reflect on the people who have helped you become the person you are today. Give a shoutout to a member of the Fonda-Fultonville family who has made a positive impact on your life and explain why.
Glode: Mrs. DiNatale. We had a lot of laughs and interesting conversations during our Living Environment and Marine Biology classes. She truly cares about her students and brings a genuine love and excitement for science into the classroom. She encourages each student to use their strengths and follow their passions. In her living environment class, I brought in a salamander I had rescued from my basement, and we created an excellent terrarium. Mrs. DiNatale’s lessons are easily applicable to the “real world” because they are hands-on and realistic.
Nico Calkins
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think about different ways that you have helped others in your life. This could include helping a neighbor, a club, a church, a community event, etc. Write a few sentences about your experience and why it was meaningful. Explain why you want to continue to “Be the Change.”
Calkins: One of the greatest experiences in my life was mentoring with elementary art teacher, Mrs. Bermas. I was lucky to have the opportunity to observe her classroom and help with her students, even teaching a lesson myself. This internship has solidified my decision to work diligently and pursue a career as an art teacher. With this career, I can inspire the younger generations and encourage their creativity. Teachers make the biggest difference in this world, and I want to continue this tradition of educating young minds.
As you approach graduation, it is a great time to reflect on the people who have helped you become the person you are today. Give a shoutout to a member of the Fonda-Fultonville family who has made a positive impact on your life and explain why.
Calkins: Mrs. Smith is the librarian at Fonda-Fultonville, and she is one of the most remarkable people I have met. I have been in her library club since sophomore year, and it is a joy every time I attend one of the meetings. She is always encouraging her students to be the most creative and be the best person they can be. She has encouraged my art and has taken a genuine interest in my life. She has helped me through hardships and given me so much support. I am grateful for meeting Mrs. Smith, and I hope she continues to be the supportive, kind, and genuine person she is. I hope to become the kind of person she is as I continue to grow and learn.
Kylie Rose Frascatore
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think about different ways that you have helped others in your life. This could include helping a neighbor, a club, a church, a community event, etc. Write a few sentences about your experience and why it was meaningful. Explain why you want to continue to “Be the Change.”
Frascatore: To be the change means a lot to me as I want to help others and make sure they have what they need to be happy. I am in FFA, and we often go to the Wells Nursing Home to do activities with the residents. Every time I go there, they ask when FFA is coming back to do another activity. In addition, I also work at Lexington and get to see the smiles on their faces and that makes me feel like I truly make a change in their life. To be the change means making others feel good about themselves and making them smile even on a bad day.
As you approach graduation, it is a great time to reflect on the people who have helped you become the person you are today. Give a shoutout to a member of the Fonda-Fultonville family who has made a positive impact on your life and explain why.
Frascatore: Mrs. Morgan. No matter what, she never gives up on me even if I’m having a bad day. She’s always there to help me. Mrs. Morgan encourages me every day to keep going. Thank you, Mrs. Morgan.
Jordan Hammond
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think about different ways that you have helped others in your life. This could include helping a neighbor, a club, a church, a community event, etc. Write a few sentences about your experience and why it was meaningful. Explain why you want to continue to “Be the Change.”
Hammond: When I was part of the character council, we would visit the Sentinel (assisted living), and we would bring holiday cheer to those who live there. We would come with fun, holiday-appropriate bingo, and crafts. This was very meaningful because it gave these people something to look forward to. Especially, the people that do not have families to spend time with on the holidays.
As you approach graduation, it is a great time to reflect on the people who have helped you become the person you are today. Give a shoutout to a member of the Fonda-Fultonville family who has made a positive impact on your life and explain why.
Hammond: I would like to thank Mr. Kowalczyk for being the reason I found joy in playing instruments. Band has become a huge part of the person I am today. Even though Mr. K is not my band director anymore, I still love having the chance to play alongside him and learn from him. This past year he took time to help me learn how to play the Tenor Saxophone so I could perform in the Fonda-Fultonville Jazz 1 Ensemble, and I cannot thank him enough. He has always given me the chance to expand and grow by introducing many different instruments to me throughout the years. Because of him, I would love to continue my band career when I enter college. Thank you, Mr. K, for all that you have done!
Trenton Lawyer
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think about different ways that you have helped others in your life. This could include helping a neighbor, a club, a church, a community event, etc. Write a few sentences about your experience and why it was meaningful. Explain why you want to continue to “Be the Change.”
Lawyer: All my life, no matter what it has come to, I’ve always been willing to take the sleeves off my shirt to make sure it gets completed, no matter the case. Whether that’s helping on a job or even helping to work on cars with friends or family, I’m always willing to lend a hand.
As you approach graduation, it is a great time to reflect on the people who have helped you become the person you are today. Give a shoutout to a member of the Fonda-Fultonville family who has made a positive impact on your life and explain why.
Lawyer: Mrs. Page and Mrs. Cass are easily my two biggest helpers throughout high school. I have not always had the smoothest road here, but they have helped me to change my ways and keep me focused.