Category: Jr./Sr. High News
Bikeway is cleared of plastic, trash thanks to HS students
A motivated group of 8th through 11th grade students celebrated Earth Day 2023 by cleaning up garbage along the Fort Plain section of the Erie Canal Bikeway.
The most common items found were bottles, cans, and plastic food wrappers. Plastic doesn’t biodegrade and breaks down into microplastics, which persist in the environment for a very long time. Thank you to our students and Mr. Elliott, Ms. Veitch and Ms. MaGinnis.
Topper Pride!
Baseball unit covers many academic bases
Fort Plain’s 7th grade class kicked off spring with an interdisciplinary unit revolving around the topic of baseball. Throughout the week before their break, the students learned about various aspects of America’s Pastime.
Interactive stadium tours, walk-up songs, coding baserunning robots, stadium foods, calculating batting averages, escape rooms, cultural diversity, stadium geography and mascots were all part of the learning – and the fun – in their classrooms.
The unit ended with a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, where the students learned about many historical aspects of baseball in America, as well as the tools of the trade.
“They were even treated to a fantastic lunch at Sal’s Pizzeria in Cooperstown,” said teacher Dale Smith. “A huge thank you to Adria Palmeri for her generosity!”
Proud to be a Hilltopper: Dakota Dodson
Hilltopper pride is strong in Fort Plain. Our Topper Pride video series explores the many reasons why members of the Fort Plain school community, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators, are proud of the experiences, knowledge and friendships they gained here.
Proud to be a Topper: Dakota Dodson, 10th grade student
Dakota Dodson is a 10th grade student at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School who enjoys learning how to weld in Kreig Heroth’s Materials Processing class. Here’s why Dakota is proud to be a Hilltopper:
OK2XL NYC trip features Broadway museum, “Harry Potter,” lunch
Forty-two members of Fort Plain High School’s OK2XL gifted and talented program traveled to New York City for a fun-filled day on April 5, 2023. Highlights include a trip to the Museum of Broadway, lunch at John’s Pizzeria, located in an abandoned church on West 44th St., and the Broadway show “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which is based upon the novels by J.K. Rowling.
The trip was a hit with the students. Here are some of their reactions:
Vandwane Hisert: “I like the quality time spent with my peers.”
Aidan Guile: “It was the best show I have ever seen.”
Monika Kulczynksi: “I loved the effects in the play and the acting was amazing. The museum had great photo opportunities.”
Sadie Mollel, referring to both the museum and the show: “The most phenomenal artwork I’ve ever seen! I will go back over and over again.”
Brady Keane: “The special effects during the show were unbelievable. ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ is a visual spectacle.”
“The students were very thankful and appreciative of the opportunity they had to go to the city and to experience all of these events,” said English teacher Lisa Trembley.
The trip was supported by the Arts in Education program.
Drama Club presents “Mamma Mia!” March 24-26 – Photos posted
[Posted March 3, reposted March 22 & March 27]
March 27 update: Visit our Facebook photo album
March 3:
The Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club will present their spring musical, “Mamma Mia!” on March 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m. at Canajoharie High School’s Arkell Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door and are $8 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students.
“Mamma Mia!” tells the story of Sophie, in the week before her wedding, who seeks to find her long-lost dad and form a relationship with him in time for the wedding. Fort Plain High School’s Caleigh Bartholomew plays Sophie, and Canajoharie senior Chiarra Morris plays her mother Donna.
Prospective dads are portrayed by Dawson Sweet, Richard Catarino and Adam Leduc. Mom’s friends, “The Dynamos,” are played by Alexandria Gyurik, Aliza Hopkins and Avery Merchant. The fiancé, Sky, is performed by John Hopkins. Rounding out the principal characters are Sophie’s friends, played by Jasmine Fonda, Faith Clark, and Ava Fatta, as well as employees/”dudes” played by Anthony Paradiso, Isaac Clark, and Lawrence Daley.
They are joined by Ethan Hubbard, Lavy Hodge, Autumn Scalia, Chloee St. Louis, Jayden Bentz, Willow Burke, Joey Barr, Thomas Kee, Brooke Jones, Aileen Germond, Lila Clarke and Kiera St. Louis.
Will Ryan and Lauri Broady direct the show. Lauri Broady is the choreographer and Norma Bowley is the musical director. Vicente Nunez assists with rehearsals and Michael Hoffman serves as backstage coordinator. Mike Broady is the technical director and is assisted by students Noah Ehle and Josephine Carcasole.
Questions may be directed to lauri.broady@fortplain.org.
March 22:
In the media
Our Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club rocks: See why one member says, “it’s a nice place,” and why her sister encourages others to try performing in a musical in this WNYT-TV News feature.
March 30 Family Circle Game Night to offer free, fun activities
Games, activities and goodies: Families with school-age children are invited to a free Family Circle event at the Fort Plain Free Library on Thursday, March 30, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Fort Plain High School teachers Sue Summerfield and Heather Hubbard are hosting the Family Circle event, which will feature math games, discussion starters, family activities, refreshments and goodies to take home.
The event is sponsored through a grant from the Pi State Educational Foundation that supports educational programs and events that reinforce reading, math, and social-emotional literacy. It is open to the community.
The event is geared toward children through grade 12. Save the date and join us for a fun-filled evening!
Celebrating our retirees
If you add up their years on the job, a half-dozen Fort Plain faculty and staff have served the children and community of the district for more than two centuries. With a combined 216 years of service, FPCSD’s latest retirees and retirees-to-be will surely be missed. Yet as they embark on new life journeys, they are wished only the best.
Celebrated and honored at a March 17 retirement breakfast at the high school were Andrea Bouck, Patti Jarabek, Jay Jarabek, Charlie Karker, Sue Summerfield and Paul Van Avery. Here are a few highlights and remembrances from their time at Fort Plain.
Andrea Bouck, guidance secretary, retired on February 28. She joined the Fort Plain staff as a clerk typist on Sept. 1, 1986, and also served as a cheerleader coach from 1992-1997 and 2005-2021.
“Andrea Bouck graduated from Fort Plain High School . . . and she never left,” said FPHS Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee. “She stayed here for 37 years working in the guidance office. Her skills and knowledge are renowned. Whether working on the schedule, talking with teachers or working with the cheer team, Andrea gives 110 percent. Hard work, loyalty and diligence are the cornerstones of her character. Andrea Bouck is truly one of a kind. We thank her for all she has contributed to Fort Plain over the years.”
“A huge part of Andrea’s career at Fort Plain was spent building a phenomenal cheerleading program,” said a former cheerleader who is now a district employee. “For 17 years, she committed to coaching hundreds of girls in the sport that she loved. She established a program full of respect, talent and Topper Pride.
“Because of her, FP cheer is still known for its talent, dedication and precision. Andrea was not only a coach, but a mentor to countless young women as they navigated their high school years. Her legacy will always live on through FP cheer!”
Andrea’s lifelong friend, Kim, said, “Andrea Bouck has been a constant, familiar face at FPHS for the past 37 years. Her passion has always been the kids. She has touched so many lives as a cheer coach, schedule manager, database guru, problem solver, colleague, confidante, mentor and friend. Whether she was creating and choreographing dance routines that delighted and amazed basketball game attendees, helping with prom or listening as students worked through figuring out who they are and what their next steps will be, she has always given her all.
“Andrea has left an indelible mark on FPHS and all of those who have walked its halls. We are grateful for her time, experience, energy and her propensity to leave things better than she found them.”
Emily Marsh, a former cheerleader of Andrea’s who is now on the cheer team at Syracuse University, sent the following well wishes. “Andrea, congratulations on your retirement! I don’t know anyone more deserving of this new stage of your life than you. You have tirelessly worked for years to ensure students succeed and they have those resources to succeed.
“On a more personal note, you have changed my life far more than you know. Starting cheerleading in 9th grade, I wasn’t sure if this was the right sport for me or if I was even any good at it. I remember coming to your office the following year in tears, telling you I wanted to quit. You did talk me out of it, and I could not be more grateful. I wouldn’t have this beautiful life and some of my very best friends if it weren’t for you.
“I felt so lost my first year at Syracuse, and then you told me about cheerleading tryouts. I thought, “Yeah, right.” I would never make the team and it would be embarrassing. But with your encouragement I tried out, and I made the team. Having you present at almost every basketball and football game and Nationals at Disney gave me that confidence and support that I needed to succeed. I got to experience so many new places and things and made friends that turned into family because you were the one who believed in me.
“You have always believed in me, and that made me believe in me, too. Becoming a cheerleader was one of the best decisions of my life, and I want to thank you so sincerely for giving me that gift. I don’t know a lot of people who are so willing to go above and beyond for their students, current and former. Thank you so much for your support and love over the years, I will never be able to repay you. I’m so excited for you and I hope you enjoy your retirement! Love, Emily.”
Spanish teacher Patti Jarabek will retire in June of this year. She’s taught Spanish at the high school since being hired by Fort Plain during the 1991-1992 school year. In addition to teaching, Patti has led various extracurricular activities, serving as class advisor from 1994-1998, 2004-2006 and 2012-2013, cheerleading coach from 1992-1994, and Spanish department coordinator from 2005-2023.
“Twenty years ago, when I came to Fort Plain, I was fortunate to have Patti Jarabek as my mentor,” said fellow Spanish teacher Dr. Melanie Pombrio. “Patti provided me with a safe space to ask questions, try new projects, develop curriculum which allowed for creativity and personal expression, and so much more.
“Furthermore, Patti afforded me the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. I have been very blessed and grateful to call Patti my colleague, but more importantly my friend. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Patti. Wishing you nothing but the best in the next chapter of your adventure!”
Science teacher Jay Jarabek will retire in June 2023 after 31 years leading his FPHS classrooms and labs. In addition to his years of teaching courses including living environment, chemistry and AP biology, Jay has held various coaching positions since 1993, including volleyball from 1993-2009 and track & field from 1993-2007, and he served as science department coordinator from 2017-2022.
Colleague Lance Elliott said, “When I started teaching here in Fort Plain, Jay’s biology classroom was in room 102 (where Carol Connelly is now). That might give the younger teachers a clue as to how long we’ve been working together! In the early days, I was assigned to teach a section of biology and Jay was the go-to guy. Whether it was a lab, lab supplies, notes, or quizzes, he was always there to help.
“If it’s not already obvious, Jay is probably the most organized teacher in Fort Plain history,” Lance added. “Seriously, his student handouts and labs for the next nine months are photocopied before the school year even starts! Additionally, his entire room is systematically labeled, and his collection of three-ring binders is legendary! Some say that once Jay learned Microsoft Excel, data ran the other way!”
Lance noted Jay’s dedication to all of the high school’s students. “For many years Jay has volunteered his time to create, print and hand out achievement awards each quarter during lunch. He understands that it is often these small acknowledgements that fuel students’ desire towards continued improvement.
“It’s not surprising that when Jay’s AP bio kids graduate, he still tracks their progress! A number of his former students work in either medical research or healthcare, and it is my belief that it was his influence that made the difference in their career choice. Way to go Jay!”
Charlie Karker served Fort Plain as a physical education and health teacher, coach, sports coordinator and athletic director for five decades. Hired during the 1972-73 school year, Charlie taught PE and health until retiring from the instructional team in 2004. He continued to support FPHS students and faculty as a coach and athletic director from 1977-2022, when he retired.
FPHS Principal Deborah Larrabee said, “Charlie Karker started his career in Fort Plain in 1972. While many things have changed in those 50 years, one thing has not. Mr. Karker was a steadfast force and friendly face at Fort Plain. He shows the same enthusiasm, dedication and compassion to all our Toppers athletes. Charlie Karker will forever be remembered as an outstanding athletic director, coach, mentor and friend who will always be cheering for Fort Plain.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the retirement of people who have been with Fort Plain for many, many years,” added Dr. Larrabee. “It has been a true honor to work with them. I wish them all the best with good things yet to come.”
Sue Summerfield has taught math at Fort Plain High School since joining the district’s staff for the 2003-04 school year. She’s also served students and faculty as treasurer of extra-classroom funds in 2006 and through various extracurricular positions since 2008.
Sue, who will retire this June, was praised by fellow math teacher Debbie Waner. “Sue taught the 8th grade since she started here in Fort Plain (God bless her). In addition to teaching, she has been an extracurricular advisor for many different classes. She has organized many activities, proms and senior trips.
“Sue has been in charge of all extracurricular funds. That is a job in itself. She was recently in charge of the mentor program for the district and mentored several of her colleagues, including the student teacher who took her place in the 8th grade classroom this year,” Debbie added.
“Sue belongs to several organizations outside of school and has presented at numerous math conferences. She also enjoys a good meal, which was evident when we co-advised a senior trip.”
Paul Van Avery is retiring on April 28 after serving Fort Plain for more than 46 years. He has been part of the school community from kindergarten throughout his entire career, beginning as a cleaner and advancing to director of facilities III.
Humble, hardworking and dedicated, Paul will be dearly missed, and often thought of, as he embarks upon his life’s next chapter. Read more about Paul and his retirement.
View a photo album from the retirement breakfast on our Facebook page.
Anthony Paradiso inducted into National Football Foundation Hall of Fame
Anthony Paradiso, an FPHS senior and member of the Canajoharie-Fort Plain football team, has been inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Capital District Chapter, a first for Fort Plain.
Anthony received his Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award at the Hall of Fame’s 34th Annual Awards Dinner at the Polish Community Center in Albany on Sunday, March 12.
The following is inscribed on Anthony’s award plaque: “The Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation grants Anthony Paradiso of Canajoharie-Fort Plain High Schools this certificate in recognition of being voted as outstanding in Academic Achievement, School & Community Leadership, and football performance, in the territory of this chapter.”
Anthony is an accomplished student-athlete who’s involved in many activities at school. His football days go back to his younger years. “I started playing football in 4th grade with Canajoharie Youth Football with Coach Kevin Suits and Brian Congdon,” Anthony said.
“In school I also play baseball. On my own, I do a lot of bowling in Junior Leagues/Tournaments, and I have played travel baseball in the past. I have also joined my sister in volleyball leagues/events during the summer.” [Anthony’s sister, Sarah, is a Class of 2021 alumna and who signed with Keuka College.]
As for academics, Anthony’s favorite subjects are math and science. At FPHS, he serves as Class Vice President and is involved in SADD, Student Council, Drama Club, National Honor Society and Yearbook Committee.
After graduation, Anthony plans to attend Lasell University in Newton, MA, to study Athletic Training/Exercise Science.
While the college gridiron is not in his future plans, Anthony will always enjoy football and other sports. “Unfortunately, due to the course load and sports offered by the school, furthering my athletic career in football is not possible, however, I do plan to stay around the sport of football with the help of my career and love for the game.
“As for other sports, right now, I am not committed to furthering my athletic career, however, I will still continue to stay active in the sports I love as best possible and even try other sports through intramurals and clubs, like volleyball.”
Anthony’s mom, Stephanie Paradiso, co-teaches second grade at Harry Hoag School. “Each school in Section II is given the opportunity to nominate one student for the National Football Hall of Fame honor, based not only on their work on the football field over the years, but also their achievements in and out of the classroom,” she said.
“Not only did Anthony receive this honor, but it is extra special because he is the first student from Fort Plain to ever receive it! Anthony received a beautiful plaque and a shirt. His name will also be put on the wall in the College Hall of Fame in Georgia for the next year!”
In addition to being honored for football, Anthony was recently named a Bowling First Team All-Star by the Western Athletic Conference.
Congratulations Anthony!
FPHS alumna author Allyson Dahlin shares experiences
By Tariyka Chaulk, Jr./Sr. High School librarian
Early Tuesday morning, March 7, Lisa Trembley’s 12th grade English classes gathered at the back of the Jr./Sr. High School Library to meet an author who once sat in those same seats. Published author and Fort Plain Class of 2008 alum, Allyson Dahlin, visited Mrs. Trembley’s college English and 12th grade classes, as well as Emma DiDonna’s 10th grade Honors English class.
Dahlin’s young adult book “Cake Eater” is a futuristic retelling of the story of Marie Antoinette. Students viewed a short presentation about Dahlin and her first published work, then spent the rest of the time asking questions about Dahlin’s process, how the publishing world works, and what stories Dahlin has in store for us in the future.
“Allyson did an excellent job interacting with our students today. It was truly a pleasure to hear her present part of her novel and to see the way she interacted with our students as she handled their many questions. She truly is a role model, and I am very proud of her. I cannot wait to read her next novel!” Mrs. Trembley commented on the visit.
Dahlin currently works in digital marketing but uses her spare time to write. The novel “Cake Eater” was written as part of the National Novel Writing Month challenge. During November, writers around the world set a goal and devote the month of November to writing a novel. Dahlin was able to do just that, with a literary agent and a publishing contract to follow. Her debut novel is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard book. During its debut month, it was listed as an Amazon Best Book and was recently added to the Hal Clement Notable Young Adult Book List, which lists the best science fiction books for young adults published throughout the year.
The visit was organized by Jr./Sr. High School Librarian, Tariyka Chaulk, for what she hopes will become a regular thing.
“I think these visits have such an impact because it makes a writer more real. Instead of a name on a cover, students see a real person in front of them. While the author is presenting, they might find commonalities between the author and themselves. Students might think, ‘That person’s just like me. They read books and wrote a novel. Maybe that’s something I can do.’”
Research suggests that students who participate in regular author visits are more likely to have high reading scores, and more likely to read and write for pleasure.
Congratulations All-Stars!
The Western Athletic Conference has honored several FPHS student-athletes as All-Stars.
Congratulations to:
- Amelia Gallagher for being named to the Western Athletic Conference Cheerleading All-Star Team
- Marissa Wilder for being named a Western Athletic Conference Basketball Second Team All-Star
- Stephen Gray for being named a Western Athletic Conference Basketball First Team All-Star
- Anthony Paradiso for being named a Western Athletic Conference Bowling First Team All-Star
- Alex Smith for being named a Western Athletic Conference Wrestling All-Star
- Austin Van Gorder for being awarded a Western Athletic Conference Basketball All-Star Honorable Mention
- Kaedence David for being named a Western Athletic Conference First Team All-Star
- Brianna Krutz for being named a Western Athletic Conference Second Team All-Star
