The Port Jervis School District Athletic Department is proud to announce the launch of the new Raiders Web site – pjraiders.org. The Web pages are designed and maintained by students in the Port Jervis High School advanced digital photography class and the Varsity Club.
The site can be accessed through the district Web site, www.pjschools.org. An icon for the new site is located on the right side of the district home page, the athletic page, and the high school page.
According to Athletic Director Jared Kahmar, Port Jervis High School students have been working on the site for the last four months. “The most exciting aspect of the site is that it was designed, run, operated, and created all, or partially, by students at Port Jervis High School,” said Kahmar.
Photographs and footage are taken by students in Kyle Hyziak’s and Tracy West-Barnes’ digital photography and advanced digital photography classes, and members of the Video Club, the Varsity Club student-athletes and by teacher Joe Accardi.
The footage and other material is then uploaded by the digital photography students. “This venture has been very exciting to watch unfold as the students’ creativity and passion for utilizing technology and their graphics skills grows daily,” noted Kahmar.
Kahmar also explained that the web site is a work in progress. Raider fans will want to check the site often for schedule updates, team statistics and photographs, game footage, and historical data.
Listed below are the students who were instrumental to the development of pjraiders.org:
Ken Conklin, Kris Bloom, Andrew Lotti, Mona Mostofi, Sarah Beirne, Jenna Danko, Stephanie Nicolette, Brendan Rearer, Jeremy Morris, Dennis Zolotar, Caitlyn Sullivan, Nick Schields, Devin Sauschuck, Katie Horton, Conner Bubigkeit, Casey Baran, Connor Spangenberg, and Cassie Rutt.
December 23, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Charter members of Port Jervis High School’s Hall of Fame are (L-R) Ed Banach, Marion Rohner, Brigid Gray (accepting for her dad E. Arthur Gray), Dr. Sam Levinson (accepting for his brother Dr. Harry Levinson), William Norris, Philip Chase, Lou Banach. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS, NY – A powerful tribute was paid on Sunday evening to an amazing and outstanding group of graduates of the Port Jervis High School. Seven distinguished alumni were chosen by a Hall of Fame Committee of 27 local individuals who met over the past year to establish Port Jervis School District’s newly launched Alumni Hall of Fame.
“How do you condense all that they have done into five or six minutes?” asked Master of Ceremonies and PJSD’s Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, John Bell. “The rest of the county has no idea how great Port Jervis is, but that’s about to change.”
Superintendent John Xanthis credited Bell for his longtime vision and intent to honor exemplary graduates from PJHS who have gone on to accomplish major achievements in their lives.
“It recognizes excellence in the past as we continue to strive for excellence in the future,” said Xanthis, who thanked guests for allowing his district to “chase a dream”.
A dinner held at the Erie Trackside Manor captivated a packed house of well over 200 attendees for several hours as each inductee was introduced and then personally addressed invited guests. Appearing in person for induction were Marion E. Rohner (Class of 1935), Retired General William Norris (Class of 1945), Philip D. Chase (Class of 1950), Ed Banach & Lou Banach (Class of 1978). Dr. Harry Levinson (Class of 1939) was represented by his brother, Dr. Sam Levinson (Class of 1947). E. Arthur Gray was represented by his daughter Brigid Gray (Class of 1978).
Marion E. Rohner – PJHS Class of 1935
Celebrating 51 years of service to scouting, Marion E. Rohner was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2001 as the World’s Longest Serving Den Mother. She has boosted this record by eight more years as of this month. While scouting may be the most visible service to her community, it is far from the only service she provides. Rohner, who established a record early-on by writing the lyrics for the High School Alma Mater in the 1930s, was captain of the cheerleading squad, wrote for the school newspaper, and appeared in drama productions while still in high school. She organized initial volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program and has held the highest offices in many community and church service organizations. These include scouting, Catholic Daughters, Court Madonna #114, St. Mary’s Church, and countless other activities and organizations. Rohner became a widow at a young age, still raising her children and working as a businesswoman throughout her many years of service. Introduced by Stanley Siegel (Class of 1965), Rohner was praised for her strength and dedication to her family, her church and her community.
“Where do you begin with Mrs. Rohner? And yes, I still call her Mrs. Rohner,” said Siegel. “For me, it began with the ‘goodie box’.”
His remarks brought laughter, which in turn drew applause as he recalled a recent unannounced stop at Rohner’s house.
“She was holding her weekly scout meeting and, while using two canes to steady herself, was demonstrating how Indians danced and chanted. She’s an amazing person, and there is no end to this story,” said Siegel. “Stay tuned for additional adventures of Marion Rohner — Guinness Record Holder for Longest Serving Den Mother in the World.”
Rohner praised her family, friends, leaders, and others, in turn, whom she says make her wonder daily what more anyone could want in life? “I had the best husband in the world and the best children and grandchildren. My son Jimmy does everything for me. I don’t know what I would do without them,” said Rohner. “And next month, I’ll be 92 and I’m still having fun in Cub Scouts. As a matter of fact, we went to Point Peter this month and made maps and collected sticks that we used to make ‘good goey’ projects. One boy filled my pockets with moss and sticks. I’m still having the time of my life with these boys.”
Harry Levinson, Ph.D – PJHS Class of 1939
How appropriate that Dr. Harry Levinson’s words shared by his brother began with mention of Point Peter and followed remarks made by Marion Rohner about the same mountain ranges that help to form the Valley of Port Jervis.
“The most prominent mountain that overlooks Port Jervis is Point Peter. As kids we used to climb the face of the mountain and view the whole valley called Delaware Valley. I often think of my career as doing much of the same. The higher one goes, the broader the vista before him. But also, when you look down and find your own house, you see how small your origins were. Being honored in Port Jervis is much like that – you remember your beginnings and appreciate where you have come,” said Levinson, in a statement read by his brother Dr. Sam Levinson (Class of 1947), who spoke in his brother’s absence.
The 88-year old inductee was unable to travel from his home in Del Ray, Florida due to health issues and being legally blind. His legacy is an amazing one. Founder of the Levinson Institute, author of 18 books, and perhaps the most well-known psychology professor and expert in the world, Levinson’s roots were humble and appreciated. He remembered and praised Isabelle DeWolfe, his seventh grade homeroom teacher who left him $1,000 in her will. “Apparently she saw something in me that I was too young at the time to recognize in myself,” he said. The money was later passed along by the inductee as a donation of furniture for the Port Jervis Free Library’s children’s room. As the son of an immigrant known as Little Davy the Tailor who came to America in 1911 and operated a business on Front Street in Port Jervis, education was always promoted and stressed in the Levinson Family life.
“We would wear our school clothes to school and then immediately come home and change,” said Sam Levinson. “School was school and play was play. But it’s as if somebody up there is watching us. We’ve done very well from those beginning days, and this is a proud payback to Little Davy the Immigrant Taylor.”
E. Arthur Gray – PJHS Class of 1943
“My father would have loved this,” said Brigid Gray (Class of 1978) of Port Jervis’ longest serving mayor, E. Arthur Gray, who was hailed as a true and dedicated public servant. “He loved this community greatly and took great joy in other people’s successes. He was a hometown boy and never missed an opportunity to promote this region. He was also a name dropper, and I’m sure he dropped all of your names at one time or another.”
She drew applause as she spoke of her father, and also brought laughter as she took time to address inductee Rohner directly. “And Marion, I wanted to be a Cub Scout, too, but I was the wrong gender at the wrong time.”
Her father’s accomplishments were many, and his love for the community lifelong. The former State Senator, business owner, funeral director, and the city’s longest serving mayor with four terms, was also a World War II veteran, member of St. Mary’s Church, and tireless worker for multiple service organizations. He died on April 10, 2007 at the age of 82, leaving behind his beloved wife Helen, children, and grandchildren.
The city’s post office was re-named in Gray’s honor on October 14th of last year, at which time Congressman John Hall and other dignitaries, friends, and family members praised his legacy of friendship, involvement, and service.
Gray was remembered as a mayor who carried the city through floods and other devastating events as well as leading it in countless celebrations and visionary improvements. “He was looking at solar energy decades ago, which is something that is so important today,” said his daughter. “He always said I can, I will…and he stressed confidence in self. He was proud of Port Jervis and never thought to leave it. You are his people, and for anyone reading this in the paper – I’m sure he was proud of you, too.”
General William Norris – PJHS Class of 1945
“He was born on Orange Street and later lived on Sullivan Avenue and Elizabeth Street, and he became part of a class known as the ‘K-12 Cluster’ which stayed together all the way through school,” said Tom Patterson (Class of 1945) in introductory remarks about his classmate, retired United States Air Force General William Norris. “It was the days of Spero’s, but World War II was also in full force and Bill left at a young age to join the aviation unit of the Army Air Corps. They gave him until January to finish all of his requirements, and he graduated early at age 17.”
From there, Norris says he was hardly able to get back home again. He and his wife Marcie recently celebrated 57 years of marriage, with much of their military-style life being spent apart. Norris served actively during multiple war conflicts, including Korea and Vietnam, in which he flew hundreds of combat missions. He then served in U.S. military leadership positions in Europe and Washington, DC, including on escort duty for Presidents Ford and Carter and alongside Ambassador Shirley Temple Black. Military medals were awarded for valor and service, and are of the highest achievement and distinction.
Norris, who noted that he had not been home to Port Jervis in 21 years, recalled his carefree childhood days, even during the country’s most trying economic times.
“It was the 1930’s Depression, and I was having the time of my life exploring the lakes, valleys and rivers around Port Jervis. But the best was when I entered kindergarten, it was unbelievable how we stuck together all the through school,” said Norris. “Mr. Horseman was a major person in my life. He was my teacher and he disciplined me and helped me to graduate early.”
Norris, who has traveled extensively throughout his life, brought laughter when he recalled his phone call from John Bell informing him that he had been chosen for the first Hall of Fame induction.
“I’m 83-years old, and I now hate to travel, but the phone rang and I found myself driving 2600 miles to a banquet. It shows you how much this means to me. I grew up in the 30s and have hardly been back, but no matter where I went I would always find myself thinking back to those days.”
Philip D. Chase – PJHS Class of 1950
As a beloved teacher of science for more than three decades at Port Jervis High School and a popular coach of several sports, none having ever lost a season, Phil Chase is perhaps best known across America as a highly informed visionary and outspoken environmentalist. He is an avid fisherman whose fishing partners have included President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, among others. Just this year, he was recognized by Field and Stream Magazine as one of the country’s leading conservationists. His awards have been numerous and diverse throughout his life, and have been received for teaching, sports, environmental, and conservation contributions.
“He grew up along the Delaware River, played football under his father Coach Al Chase as well as played varsity basketball and graduated from Cornell University. Most importantly for me and my brothers, he met my mom Merle in his last year of college,” said Robert Chase (Class of 1976) in introductory remarks about his father. “He has always had a love for Port Jervis, for coaching winning teams, and for keeping free a free-flowing Mongaup and Delaware River.”
Among countless other important leadership roles, Chase has served as Chairman of the Upper Delaware Council, Deputy Commissioner for the DEC, and organizer of efforts that stopped the Tocks Island Project of the 1970s from taking local water supplies to nuclear power plants in Philadelphia.
“I have a humble feeling that I represent in myself and my family,” inductee Chase told his audience. “When I married Merle it was a great partnership, and we had five wonderful children; Carol is a science teacher and world explorer whose adventures sometimes scare me, Bobby is a vice president with J.P. Morgan, Al “Buzzy” is a licensed surveyor and NYS golf champion, Barry is a CPA in Pittsburg, and Barry’s twin brother Bruce died at age 25 and was a PJ Section 9 Champion in two sports (golf and wrestling) and maintained a 4.0 GPA in college. I’ve been blessed in many ways to be in a school district with many natural resources that should live on for many years.”
Ed Banach- PJHS Class of 1978
“Marion Rohner will attest to the fact that when you work with young people, each one is special,” said Mike McCarthy (Class of 1952) in introductory remarks about Olympic Gold Champion Ed Banach. “But every once in a while someone extra special comes along, someone that you know right from the start is extraordinary. That was Ed Banach for me. Ed, Lou, and Steve Banach all had a thirst that nothing could quench to be the best they could. They would take on extra work as if it was ice cream. I knew they were headed to greatness.”
Ed went on after accumulating many achievements and records in PJHS and excelling in local sports to become a prized recruit for Iowa State University. He maintained a high grade point average along with voluntarily choosing to work out four times a day, which led to his becoming the first three-time champion at his university. He had one goal left after college, according to McCarthy, to win an Olympic gold, a goal he had established early on in life.
“He touched my heart and my life,” said his former PJ Coach McCarthy.
Banach, who attended the Hall of Fame induction with his 11-year old son Ross, recalled that he was 12 years old when he was watching the Olympics and told his parents, “I can do that.” He said, “They didn’t laugh. Louie (his twin brother and fellow Olmpic Gold champion) and Steve (his older brother by one year) did,” he kidded, “but I also told Coach Chase, Coach McCarthy, Coach Fowler and others and they didn’t laugh either. They encouraged and helped me to achieve my dream of becoming an Olympic champion.”
Banach is now an assistant director of compliance/eligibility for the Iowa State University Athletic Department and resides in Iowa with his family.
“I want to thank Port Jervis for all of the support I have always received. You sent a son to wrestling championships and other events. I didn’t wonder then who paid for that, but as you get older you reflect, and I now know that you paid for it through fundraisers and other support,” said Ed Banach. “You helped me to live my dream.”
Lou Banach – PJHS Class of 1978
“Lou Banach has the best attitude,” said his former coach Raymond Holyk, as he introduced Lou Banach (Class of 1978). “He was 177-lb. champion in 1977, National Champion in 1981 & 1983 and won Olympic Gold in 1984 in the 220 lb. weight class. In 1994 he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.”
Lou Banach responded with a good-humored remark to his twin brother and fellow Olympian, “Did Ed say he took his gold medal and got it bronzed?” His remarks drew laughter and then tears as he spoke of what he called a “marathon family” of brothers and sisters. He praised his adoptive parents, the Tooleys, as people who cared deeply about their children and only asked that they “don’t break the furniture, keep your nose clean, earn your respect every day, and have no regrets” daily.
“Those rules guided me,” he said. “And it is nice to have a twin brother who was ahead of me to get the points, and an older brother Steve, by one year, whose life has been in serving others as a Captain and as a Colonel for 27 years. Steve is a champion in his own right.”
He said as an athlete he was taught by his coaches to be “men first, winners second” and to see the best in others. It was especially encouraging for him to see a “sea of red” at his high school meets, which he said always made him want to give 110 percent.
“I hope I did,” he said. “It is truly an honor to be inducted into this inaugural class.”
Lou Banach is the managing editor of Schenck M & A Solutions and lives in Wisconsin with his family.
PJHS Hall of Fame Committee
Christine Addy, Frank Bell, John Bell, Kevin Birmingham, Tom Bongiovi, Deb Cassara, Phil Chase, Mike Cordisco, Kelly Decker, Nancy Dunn, John Faggione, Chris Farlekas, Lynn Hendershot, Jim Hendry, Tom Hoppey, Jared Kahmar, Lori Lawrence, Tom Leek, Luann McCarthy, Deb Meerdink, Peter Osborne, Richard Roberts, George Rollman, Dan Ronson, Ron Semerano, Bill Smith, Hugh Spangenberg
General William Norris traveled from Florida with his wife Marcie and is pictured with his son Matt. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Brigid Gray, daughter of PJHS Hall of Fame inductee E. Arthur Gray, is pictured with Assistant Superintendent for Instruction John Bell whose longtime dream it was to establish the special recognition means for distinguished alumni. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Robert Chase, pictured left, introduced his father Phil Chase who attended the event with other proud family members present. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Marion Rohner receives a corsage in advance of introductory remarks and Hall of Fame speeches. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Dr. Sam Levinson (second from left) spoke on behalf of his brother, Dr. Harry Levinson. He is pictured with his wife Joan Levinson at left, Councilman-at-Large Richard Roberts and Catherine Westfall. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Lou Banach praised his adoptive parents and the support of his siblings and community for the successes he has been able to achieve. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Ed Banach (fourth from left) is pictured with his classmate Brigid Gray (PJHS Class of 78) and her children. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Olympic Gold wrestler Ed Banach invited anyone who wished to wear his medal, telling guests at the Hall of Fame induction that his community helped him to earn the gold medal. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
PJHS Hall of Fame inductee Ed Banach’s son Ross had lots of fun attending this past weekend’s ceremonies as is evident in his kidding approach for a piece of celebratory cake. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
October 29, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Port Jervis High School SADD students are taking the role of hosting the October 23 Orange County Red Ribbon Week Campaign kick-off assembly very seriously. They want to make sure the underlying message of this year’s drug abuse awareness campaign – Drug
Free is the Key to Success – gets across to teens throughout the county.
Instead of just presenting a typical keynote address, the students worked with School Resource Officer Kelly Decker and their other club advisors to develop an assembly that will engage students in lively entertainment and thought-provoking videos. The two powerful videos produced by Officer Kelly, who is known for his professional quality DARE productions – depict the heart-retching impact that drug use and other bad choices can have on peoples’ lives.
One of the two powerful videos will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to the families of four teenagers after each of them is involved in a life-changing event. “Our goal is to help students not give into the pressure of doing drugs. They need to realize that all drugs – to include alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana – will have an impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones, “ said Port Jervis School Resource Officer Kelly Decker, a veteran police officer who has been instructing the DARE program since 2002.
In addition to performing in the videos, Port Jervis students are also looking to increase enthusiasm for the countywide October 23-31 Red Ribbon Week by presenting uplifting vocal and dance performances. Scheduled to perform are the Port Jervis High School Stage Band, the High School Select Chorus, the Full Choir, and the varsity cheerleaders.
Red Ribbon Week is a national drug abuse awareness campaign held each year to memorialize the life of Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent abducted and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City. Red Ribbon Week has made a difference in the lives of millions of children and families in Orange County and throughout the nation by focusing awareness on the cost of drug abuse, including illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription drugs, and the importance of prevention.
Regionally, the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County joins forces with a local school district each fall to host the annual Red Ribbon Week kick-off assembly and breakfast. This year’s celebration will start with a breakfast in the Port Jervis High School cafeteria at
9 a.m. The assembly will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium. Students, school administrators, teachers, legislators, law enforcement agents and dignitaries from across Orange County are expected to attend the event.
Involvement in the drug abuse awareness assembly is part of the high school’s diligent efforts to keep students safe by eradicating smoking on school grounds, educating students about the hazards of drug use, and promoting safe teen driving. The Mid-Hudson Schools Study Council recently recognized Assistant High School Principal Andrew Marotta for working with the American Lung Association of New York, the POW’R Against Tobacco Community Partnership, and Not One More program to bring these initiatives to Port Jervis.
October 21, 2009 | Posted in
Pike County |
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PORT JERVIS – Port Pride is the theme for the Port Jervis School District 2009-10 academic year. And, it’s the driving force behind the creation of the new Port Jervis High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
The Alumni Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor individuals who were educated and inspired by the school system. This fall, seven distinguished alumni who have achieved personal success and made a significant contribution to society will be inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Every year, a new group of alumni will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. A plaque with their names and biographies will be permanently displayed at the high school.
“The many highly successful people who graduated from Port Jervis High School are a tribute both to their individual efforts to succeed and to the teachers who inspired them,” said Superintendent John Xanthis. “The Alumni Hall of Fame provides us with a unique opportunity to honor outstanding graduates who went on to achieve success by surpassing expectations, overcoming life’s obstacles, and fulfilling their dreams.”
Xanthis noted, “All of the inductees are outstanding graduates who bring credit to the district and this community and serve as role models for students to continue the tradition of excellence which defines the community.”
All Port Jervis alumni and friends are invited to attend the induction ceremony at the Erie Trackside Manor. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the district administration office at 858-3177.
The following 2009 inductees will be honored at the first annual Alumni Hall of Fame banquet set for Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Erie Trackside Manor:
Marion Rohner, '35. The scouting icon is listed in the 2001 edition of the Guinness World Records for being the longest-serving den mother in the world. The Port Jervis native also left a legacy for generations of alumni by writing the lyrics for our High School Alma Mater in the 1930s.
Dr. Harry Levinson, '39. A pioneer in the study of the psychological aspects of management and the workplace, the professor emeritus of psychology at Harvard Medical School founded the Levinson Institute and authored 18 books.
Senator E. Arthur Gray, '43. A dedicated public servant, the late Arthur Gray spent his life serving the people of Port Jervis - as a local businessman and owner of Gray-Parker Funeral Home, as the longest-serving mayor in Port Jervis history and as a New York State senator.
General William Norris, '45. A decorated flight pilot, the retired U. S. Air Force major general completed over 100 flights in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and held numerous commands during his illustrious career including leading all 50,000 Air Force troops stationed in Europe.
Philip Chase, '50. The beloved educator served for 34 years at Port Jervis High School, teaching science and coaching several sports - none of which had a losing season. A trailblazing conservationist, avid fisherman and former sports columnist, Phil Chase is also a strong advocate for the Delaware River. In February 2009, Field and Stream magazine recognized his long-standing efforts by naming him one of the country's leading conservationists.
Ed Banach and Lou Banach, '78. After winning their respective New York State high school wrestling championship titles, the twin brothers went on to the University of Iowa where they collectively won five NCAA and six Big Ten titles. In 1984, the former Raider heavy-weight wrestlers represented the United States in the Olympics, winning gold medals in their weight classes. Considered to be two of the greatest New York State wrestlers of all time, the Banachs are members of the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
August 24, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Port Jervis School District’s four graduating seniors Andrew Dembeck, Michael Procak, James Spears, and Chris VanWagenen prepare to process to their high school stage for summer graduation ceremonies held this past Friday night. All four have been accepted and plan to begin their college careers this month.
Story and photos by Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS -The Port Jervis School District hosted a Friday night graduation ceremony for four high school seniors who successfully completed their studies this summer.
Andrew Dembeck, Michael Procak, James Spears, and Chris VanWagenen donned their caps and gowns and proceeded past family, friends, and faculty through the high school auditorium to a reserved spot of honor on their high school’s stage.
There may not have been thousands, or even hundreds in attendance for the August 14 ceremony, but a spirit of pomp and circumstance filled the air as proud audience members and district officials helped to celebrate the graduates’ milestone event.
Regis Foster, a special education teacher who has taught Global History to 10th graders for the past seven years, and who served as secondary summer school principal for the past three, proudly hosted his third summer school graduation.
“You have shown great dedication, perseverance, integrity, dependability, hard work and, most of all, that you are each a winner,” Foster told the students during opening remarks.
This pride was evident as well in the school officials present, and in remarks given by Port Jervis School Board President, William Onofry.
“In these economic times, it will require extra effort to find that area suited for you, whether it be further education, vocational school or the military,” Onofry advised the grads. “You can make this happen. You, and only you, need to focus on the future and what will bring you the success and happiness you want and deserve.”
Onofry praised the students, telling them that their graduation has brought the district a reward as well: the knowledge that their educational system has done its job in helping each student achieve his goal.
Each of the four graduating seniors was given the option of addressing the audience, but only VanWagenen took advantage of the opportunity. He later explained that he felt there was a need to hear a student’s voice as part of the event.
“You must find the burning ambition in yourself before you can really believe that you have achieved anything,” VanWagenen told his audience. “Without motivation, anyone can and will become an immovable object.”
“I used to be such an object. I used to be incapable of agreeing or doing anything for anyone,” VanWagenen recalled.
He said he realized halfway through high school that he had to do something. “I had to get moving.”
In his junior year, VanWagenen’s English teacher inspired him to find his passion, and he realized that his love of art was what would motivate him. He then took action and made plans to become an art teacher.
“She was the kindest teacher I’ve ever met,” said VanWagenen of his English teacher. “She was able to bring my passion to me, and I was able to grow up and become who I am today. Once a person finds his motivation, there’s only so much you cannot do.”
Port Jervis School District’s four graduating seniors Andrew Dembeck, Michael Procak, James Spears, and Chris VanWagenen process during a summer graduation ceremony held in their high school auditorium last Friday night.
PJHS Summer School Secondary Principal Regis Foster leads summer graduation’s opening Pledge of Allegiance. Pictured behind Foster are Vice President Cathy Sadaghiani, Mike Bello, Tom Sexton, Roger Kalin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction John Bell, Board President Bill Onofry and four graduating seniors Andrew Dembeck, Michael Procak, James Spears, and Chris VanWagenen.
Pictured during graduation ceremonies held at the Port Jervis High School on Friday night are PJHS Summer School Secondary Principal Regis Foster, Port Jervis School District School Board members Vice President Cathy Sadaghiani, Mike Bello, Tom Sexton, Roger Kalin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction John Bell, Board President Bill Onofry and four graduating seniors Andrew Dembeck, Michael Procak, James Spears, and Chris VanWagenen.
August 20, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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