In its inaugural year at FFCS, 17 high school students will be receiving their Seal of Civic Readiness award in June. What is the Civic Readiness Award? 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. The commendation highlights the student’s commitment to civic engagement through participatory government, civic responsibility, and civic values. Students earned the Seal through a combination of Social Studies Regents scores, extracurricular activities, electives, and outside-of-school experiences.
As part of our outreach, we are highlighting the first group of students receiving the Seal, with an additional announcement following for the second group of recipients. Students will share why this achievement is important to them and share the individuals(s) who made an impact on them during their time at FFCS. We are proud of our F-F students for becoming engaged and involved in making their community stronger. A formal ceremony celebrating their achievement will take place during Awards Night on Tuesday, June 25.
Laine Buanno
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
Being a part of Key Club has been a great way for me to stay involved in the community and help others. I have had many experiences where participating in community service has taught me valuable life lessons. It teaches you communication and time management skills as well. It also helps build a strong work ethic and it shows the importance of being involved. It is meaningful to me because people that I have helped have been very appreciative and grateful, which is very touching to see.
Who has inspired you?
One of the faculty members who has made an impact on my high school career and helped me become the person I am today is Mr. Lenig. I have been a part of the band since fifth grade, and he has been teaching me since seventh grade. He is very supportive of all his students and is a great person to go to if you ever need anything. Mr. Lenig cares about every single individual in his band and he helps motivate everyone to reach their goals. He has one-on-one conversations with all his students and is always checking on all of us. He dedicates his life to being the best teacher he can be and he tries exceptionally hard to make everyone know they are great kids. He has impacted my school experience tremendously and he always motivates me to try harder every day.
Zane Chase
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
Since I moved to Tribes Hill and my father joined the volunteer fire department, I got the opportunity to help with their events and get to meet others who will risk their own life to help others. My experiences with these people have inspired me to want to help others, especially when they may need it the most and even if it could be dangerous to myself. This is the meaningful thing I’d like to do in my life. Sometimes you have to realize it’s not about me, it’s about everyone helping everyone else.
Who has inspired you?
I learned a lot from Mr. Thompson both in the classroom and on the football field. I always look forward to participating in his classes as he makes them interesting and fun. I learned a lot from him on the football field as the first two years I was in Fonda he was the head football coach. He sets a lot of time aside to make sure his students and athletes go far beyond the minimum and give it their all. Thank You Mr. Thompson for all you do!
Gianna DiNatale
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
I have always striven to “Be the Change” in every moment of my life. During my sophomore year of high school, I joined the Character Council Club hoping to be able to provide more community service to my resume. However, once I joined the club, I realized community service is so much more important than just resume building. Helping with cleaning up the community, staying after school late to help bake cookies for all the teachers, and making cards for people whom I’ve never met before, allowed me to feel as if I was making a difference in my community and brightening someone else’s day. This club was meaningful to me because it helped me realize that you can “Be the Change” while changing small things in your community to improve it. Moving forward, I want to continue to “Be the Change” by still picking up small pieces of trash, giving thoughtful gifts, and “thinking of you” notes every once in a while. I’ve found that by reminding teachers, friends, and family of how much their hard work is appreciated, and by helping in the community one day at a time, I can “Be the Change,” and my efforts don’t go unnoticed.
Who has inspired you?
My mother, and teacher Kelly DiNatale, has made a significant impact on my life and is without a doubt one of the most influential people in my life. Since I was young, she has always pushed me, inspired me, and helped me to do my best in both academics and athletics. Her words of wisdom have shaped me into the accomplished individual I am today. My mom has always told me; “do your best,” and “Do what you can.” While also encouraging me she has also given me the following advice: “surround yourself with people who love and support you,” “go the extra mile,” “stand out,” and ” you are your true self when no one else is watching.” I follow these pieces of advice to this day and found they have worked quite well. Not only has my mom been a great support system, but also a great teacher to me and her other students. She knows what you’re capable of and appreciates when you work hard and push yourself out of your comfort zone. In that same aspect, I have realized that I can’t do everything perfectly and sometimes simply all you can do is your best, and that’s okay. Thank you, Mom.
Illyria Escher
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
I do a lot of volunteer work with Proctors Theater through their Collaborative Arts Program. This experience has been extremely impactful for me and allows me to connect with the theatre community and help patrons. Proctors have been extremely kind to me over the past few years and I’m eternally grateful for that.
Who has inspired you?
The Fonda-Fultonville family has provided me opportunities to learn beside my peers when I learned differently than others. They have provided me with a chance and a future. I never thought it was possible with a learning disability to move forward in getting a higher education, but it is possible and I’m excited about what my future holds.
Ryleigh Fonda
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
I enjoyed teaching young girls the skills of basketball during biddy and having them look up to me. I also had the opportunity to be in Yellow Roses, working with the younger girls and encouraging them to be themselves and empower one another. I volunteered for the Night to Shine Prom where I was a buddy to people with special needs. They were excited and happy to have me there and I was even happier to see the joy on their faces. It was an experience that brought me a ton of gratitude. I will continue to be the change as I look for ways to give back to my community in my next stage in life.
Who has inspired you?
Mrs. DiNatale has been a positive influence on my high school career. Her positive attitude and willingness to always help and be there, not only in the classroom but in my day-to-day life.
Emily Griffin
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
Throughout my entire high school career, being able to help others has constantly been a major priority of mine. Being an active member of numerous clubs has allowed me to have this outreach to various aspects of the community. Being able to interact with young students has been a highlight of this journey. I hope to continue this path throughout my college career.
Who has inspired you?
I had Mrs. DiNatale for two classes, Anatomy and Physiology my sophomore year and AP Biology my senior year. She has consistently set me up for success within her classroom and beyond. Her positive attitude and unwavering dedication have enabled me to reach my full potential. Overall, her classroom is not only a place of academic enrichment but also a place where I have gained the tools and inspiration to successfully navigate my future.
Heather Gulick
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
At the Fonda Fair, I was able to help out in the rabbit/poultry barn for 4-H. I was able to take care of the animals housed there for the week and make sure the judging day went smoothly. This experience was meaningful because I got advice from elders and got to help younger children. I was also able to learn a lot from my experience. I want to continue to be the change because it feels good knowing I can make a positive and powerful impact on those around me and influence them to do the same.
Who has inspired you?
Mrs. (Brooke) Morgan has made a positive impact on my life by encouraging and pushing me to try new things. She believes I can overcome any challenge I am faced with and gives multiple directions of advice. Mrs. Morgan also listens to my ideas and encourages me to do challenging tasks.
Brady Melious
What inspires you to “Be the Change?”
Participating in various volunteering and service activities not only has brought benefits to others I have assisted, but has filled me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Especially working with the younger students of the area, whether it be summer reading or athletic clinics, helping lead the students – that I once was – in the right direction gives me extra value to get up every day and have something to look forward to or be proud of.
Who has inspired you?
Throughout my years of being a student at Fonda-Fultonville, all of my coaches and teachers have each played a part in shaping who I am today. As I continue to work towards my goal of becoming a history teacher, I would like to recognize how Mr. Thompson has lit a spark in my mind, and driven me to learn more about history and make a positive impact in other’s lives through coaching and teaching.