Superintendent Recognizes Outstanding Student and Staff Accomplishments

At the January Board of Education Business Meeting Superintendent Sharon Contreras recognized Corcoran High School’s National Honor Society as well as students who took part in a peer leadership program under the guidance of Ms. Squillace. The Superintendent also recognized Mentoring Coordinator Larry Williams for his recent accomplishment with Leadership Greater Syracuse.

Five Corcoran students volunteered their personal time to attend the Heart of New York Teen Institute, a peer leadership program sponsored locally by Prevention Network, Inc. These students are the first Corcoran students to ever take part in TI. Next year they will be eligible to become peer leaders at the Institute. With this training they have taken on the challenge to empower other teens with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead an alcohol, tobacco and other drug free life; develop and strengthen leadership skills; educate and lead peers to reduce the frequency of substance abuse and other unhealthy behaviors; advocate for positive change within their schools and communities; and promote healthy decision making.

The students were led by advisor, Cindy Squillace, who mentored them in this great experience. The students are: Daquan Evans, Zachia Gayle, Aaliyah Randall, Kristian Tull and Khara Wilkerson.

The Corcoran National Honor Society raised over $1,400 for the NHS scholarship fund at their annual recycling event. The event, led by advisor Ms. Heather Masterpole, is a fund raiser and an opportunity for the NHS to raise awareness about the importance of recycling. The participating students were: Imani Brannick, Rahjana Hunter, Brianna Vire, Brandon Breazeale, Taylor Nunez, Lisa Howden, Hailey Boroncyzk, Shaythia Sterling, Michael Downes, Jake Copich, Amber Jones, Courtney Houston, Riley Macknight, Kyra Bullock and James Maxwell.

The monetary scholarship is awarded to students who are non-members of the National Honor Society and who are recommended by their guidance counselor. It is the mission of the student members to vote and choose which graduating seniors receive the scholarship awards. Last year, the National Honor Society gave away three $500 scholarships. Student members chose these winners based on factors including academic achievement, good character, and involvement in the community.

Larry Williams serves as a Transitional Worker and Mentoring Coordinator with the District’s High School Graduation Initiative. Most recently Mr. Williams became a graduate of the Leadership Greater Syracuse Class of 2011. LGS is Central New York’s premier community leadership training and development organization and has trained more than 1,000 community leaders who currently serve on more than 350 nonprofit boards, in government roles, and in leadership positions throughout Central New York.

Congratulations to everyone recognized for their hard work and dedication to the school district and the community.