More than 100 Glens Falls High School students have been nominated for a VIP Award for putting at least one of the school’s core values into action.
Values include:
- Positivity (optimism, the student views challenges as opportunities for growth)
- Kindness (the student is friendly and generous, the student builds others up)
- Perseverance (persistence, the student doesn’t give up easily or may be making hard-fought improvements)
- Love of Learning (the student is curious and has a thirst for deeper understanding)
- GF Nation Spirit (the student demonstrates leadership and respect, donates time and energy to the community)
Each student who received a nomination was given a certificate and given the opportunity to participate in a make your own ice cream sundae event. Here are this fall’s winners:
| Abbey O’Hara | Love of Learning | Abbey demonstrates a clear interest in learning. Through classroom discussions and her work, Abbey displays critical thought, academic curiosity, and a desire to improve. Thank you! | Mr. Shaver |
| Adrian Millett | Positivity | Adrian, you are such a strong positive influence in our math classroom. You work hard to solve problems and are always willing to share your thoughts and strategies. Keep up the great attitude! | Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier |
| Adrianna Riley | Perseverance | Adrianna works so hard and doesn’t give up, even when times are tough! Keep up the great work! | Ms. Caffarel |
| Aidan Groesbeck | Perseverance | Aidan, you are working so hard in math class. Even though it is tough sometimes, you should know that you are making great progress. Please keep it up! | Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod |
| Aiden Ellis | Love of Learning | Aiden is always participating in class. | Mr. Allen |
| Perseverance | Aiden always works hard and makes sure he doesn’t fall behind. He comes in after school to get help and won’t stop until all his work is complete and understands the topic. | Mr. Miller | |
| Alec Aleva | Positivity | Alec always brings positive energy to any classroom. This year, it comes with an extra maturity and focus! | Ms. Leyden |
| Alexandra Dick | Perseverance | Allie strives to do her best at all times in U.S. History | Mr. Hoyne |
| Allie Mija | Positivity | Allie expresses a wonderful sense of positivity and good cheer every day! Her smile and humor are very much welcome and appreciated in a class that is often filled with negativity and vex. Thank you!!!
“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”- Ann Frank |
Mr. Shaver |
| Amanda Maurer | GF Nation Spirit | Amanda advocated for positive changes in the scheduling of music classes next year, despite graduating in 2023. Thank you! | Mr. Bouteiller |
| Kindness | Many times this year, Amanda has helped struggling students in our class. She is kind, patient, and is a true role model to those around her! | Mr. Heames & Mrs. Bombard | |
| Americus Frederick | Perseverance | Americus always works hard to stand for justice for everyone. | Ms. Gormley |
| Andrew Crandall | Positivity | Andrew is always smiling and positive in and out of the classroom! | Mrs. Dunleavy |
| Anya Shafer | Kindness | Anya always has a smile on her face. She includes others and is always willing to help others. | Mrs. Miller |
| Aurora Livingston | Kindness | Aurora is always kind and generous with her time helping others, as well as myself! | Mr. Butto |
| Avi Berg | Perseverance | Avi is recognized for developing an outstanding Government Supreme Court project! | Ms. Gormley |
| Bella Feliciano | Love of Learning | Bella always works very hard and has a positive, upbeat energy! | Mr. Amberger |
| Ben Heyman | Love of Learning | Thank you, Ben, for your curiosity in class! | Ms. Gormley |
| Brandon Dick | Perseverance | Brandon has worked super hard this year! He puts in his best effort on a daily basis. | Mr. Dock |
| Brooke McFarren | Perseverance | Brooke works incredibly hard, is extremely helpful, and always kind. | Mrs. Anderson |
| Caleb Burbo | Love of Learning | Caleb finished all of his work for the quarter and enthusiastically continued on with much more difficult lessons. | Mr. Leininger and Mr. Meunier |
| Kindness | I would like to recognize Caleb for his positive and friendly approach to class work, art, and people. Although I’m not sure if art is his favorite subject, he works with a positive attitude. He is helpful to the people around him in class and is willing to put in extra effort to help in the classroom. | Ms. Botch | |
| Cameron Birkheimer | Perseverance | Cameron has shown a true ability to persevere when challenging situations arise. He has made some improvements this year and I’m hopeful that he will continue on this path. | Mr. Akins |
| Cameron Hamell | Perseverance | “There is no place for fear and music in the same room.” – Dr. Cynthia Johnston-Turner Cam is working HARD and doing great! |
Mrs. Reed |
| Caroline Lieberth | Perseverance | Caroline doesn’t give up and keeps pushing herself, even when times are tough. Also, she is so kind, positive, and hard working. Keep up the great work, Caroline! | Ms. Caffarel |
| Charleigh Morrison | Positivity | Charleigh has demonstrated a wonderful sense of positivity and grace in class. Her friendly demeanor and curious approach to learning benefits her and others around her. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou | Mr. Shaver |
| Charlotte Hosler | Perseverance | Charlotte works very hard in class and is making improvements! | Mrs. Rayno |
| Perseverance | Charlotte works very hard and always tries her best! She makes great contributions to class discussions! | Mrs. Wever | |
| Charlotte MacPherson | GF Nation Spirit | Charlotte, when I think of someone who exemplifies all the qualities of a leader and the GF Nation spirit itself, I immediately think of you. Your constant stream of empathy and respect towards others, strong vigor and personal expectations within your art portfolio, and time dedicated to the community does not go unnoticed. You are an inspiration and positive example to those around you and I couldn’t be more proud! | Mx. Kent |
| Charlotte Van Aken | Kindness | Despite only being in this district for a few months, you’ve already made a huge impression in terms of giving respect, kindness, and love towards others. No matter what you’re going through personally, you keep your head held high and spread positivity and empathy whenever you can – which is an incredible life skill! | Mx. Kent |
| Chloe Wright | Positivity | Chloe demonstrates a general positivity and a love of learning that is of great benefit to her and her classmates. It’s a pleasure to have her in class!
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop |
Mr. Shaver |
| Cira Sherman | Kindness | Your kindness, good humor, and friendliness positively impact those around you! | Mrs. Tobias |
| Claire Fisher | Kindness | We appreciate Claire’s kindness in our classroom. She lifts others up by her kindness and positivity. She is always willing to help her classmates and teachers, and is a natural leader in our classroom. | Ms. Matino and Ms. Lopez |
| Cohen Hanley | Positivity | Cohen has a very positive attitude towards learning and towards others in class! | Mrs. Wever |
| Cole Bennett | GF Nation Spirit | Cole is a leader in school and in athletics. As a captain of the varsity football team, he consistently shows his dedication to the school, his teammates, and to his coaches. He sets a positive example for all. | Coach Conduzio |
| Colin Woodell |
Kindness | Collin is a positive asset to any group he is a part of! | Mrs. Anderson |
| Connor Chance | Positivity | The transition from middle to high school was a challenge Connor enthusiastically viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth. He deserves recognition for bravely seeking new experiences and personal connections with a contagious smile! | Ms. Bell |
| Corey Smith | Love of Learning | Corey has done a fantastic job in Global so far this year! Corey is a very hard worker and has a great depth of knowledge! | Mr. Dock |
| Daniel Caminero | Perseverance | Despite English being Daniel’s second language, he strives to always excel. | Mr. Hoyne |
| Dom Sherman | Kindness | Dom is recognized for his friendly attitude in homeroom everyday! | Ms. Gormley |
| Positivity | Dom, you are such a strong participant in our math class. You are usually smiling, eager to share your thoughts, and enjoy helping others. You contribute so much to our classroom environment. Thank you! | Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier | |
| Emma Harten | Love of Learning | Emma regularly exceeds expectations and puts an incredible amount of effort into everything she does. | Mrs. Anderson |
| Frances McTiernan | Love of Learning | Frances always works hard and does an overall great job! | Mr. Amberger |
| Gabe Manney | Perseverance | Gabe puts in extra time on his own to keep up with owed work. He has improved a lot. | Mr. Sesselman |
| Gianna Endieveri | Love of Learning | Gianna is always focused. She produces great work and always wants to better herself. | Mr. Amberger |
| Positivity | Gianna always has a kind word and a positive contribution to make in class! Her bright spirit lights up the classroom! | Mrs. Wever | |
| Holly Walton | Perseverance | I would like to recognize Holly for her continued effort to finish work outside of class. Holly creates art that she loves and not what is easy or most comfortable. This dedication is apparent to myself and her classmates as she continues to spend time outside of class to master her skills. | Susan Botch |
| Imani Chandler | Kindness | Imani makes those around her better through her kindness and empathy. She’s hard-working, intelligent, and knows how to support herself and others. | Mr. Akins |
| Isabella McMahon | Love of Learning | Thank you Bella for your maturity and complete cooperation! | Yvonne Anderson |
| Isaiah Scully | Perseverance | Your attitude towards school and math class has improved hugely since last year. Thank you for working hard each day and for rebounding so quickly when you have setbacks. Keep it up, Isaiah! | Mr. Meunier and Mr. Leininger |
| Jack Sweet | GF Nation Spirit | Thank you Jack for your class participation, Pennies for Pink, and your leadership with the mock trial team! | Ms. Gormley |
| Jacob Dufault | Positivity | In just the span of three months, you’ve proven to be a positive beam of light in whatever space you’re in. Whether it’s in class or during our after-school club, you radiate maturity, optimism, and kindness in how you treat others and yourself. I’m already so proud of the person you’re blossoming into! | Mx. Kent |
| Jakob Pregent | Kindness | He always is helping out students when they need something. If he doesn’t know how, he will help them try to figure it out. He boosts people up and always very positive. | Mrs Harrington |
| Positivity | Your positive energy is infectious, and I also appreciate the relentless optimism you’ve demonstrated as a fellow member of the Bills Mafia. Go Bills! | Mrs. Tobias | |
| Love of Learning | Thank you, Jakob, for your insightful comments in class! | Ms. Gormley | |
| Jared Hance | GF Nation Spirit | Jared is the ultimate team player. He is always the first one to help out others and expects nothing in return. Jared is extremely coachable, loves to play football, and helps lead his teammates with his competitive and focused play. | Coach Conduzio |
| Kindness | Jared goes out of his way to include others. He is friendly, generous with his time, and helpful to peers and underclassmen alike. | Mrs. Gray | |
| Jayden Scully | GF Nation Spirit | Hands down, the best dressed student on every sprit day so far this year! | Mr. Dock |
| Jill Brown | Perseverance | Jill has made steady progress during each year of high school. Through hard work and dedication, Jill has distinguished herself as a truly special student. | Mr. Akins |
| Jilliann Malek | Love of Learning | Thank you, Jilliann, for your maturity and complete cooperation! | Yvonne Anderson |
| Joanie Polhemus | Love of Learning | Whatever Joanie chooses to work on, she will succeed. She shows this all the time in our Chorus rehearsals. | Mrs. Reed |
| Joe Frankenfeld | GF Nation Spirit | Joe’s “Fun Fact of the Day” may have started off as a joke for his own peers, but it has become something that all of my middle schoolers look forward to reading on my board! I appreciate him taking the initiative to do this. (I also appreciate learning that pigs can’t look upwards while standing.) |
Ms. Leyden |
| Jonah Wright | Perseverance | You seem to be managing your classes better this year, and those improvements typically don’t come easy. Good job, keep it up! | Mrs. Tobias |
| Julian Stedman | Positivity | I would like to recognize Julian for his positive acceptance of this course. It was not his first choice, but he has been open to learning a completely new way of making art. Julian has shown that the artist within can be applied to any medium. | Susan Botch |
| Kahli Sirmans | Perseverance | Kahli is a new student. He has been working hard to adjust to a new school and make friends. He has improved his attendance and has a great attitude! | Mrs. Cerny |
| Kellen Burns | Perseverance | Kellen doesn’t give up or quit. He works until he has everything that needs to be completed and finished. | Mr. Miller |
| Kendall Gross | Love of Learning | Kendall is recognized for her outstanding essay submissions! | Ms. Gormley |
| Lauren Weil | Love of Learning | Lauren always puts in amazing effort! | Mr. Amberger |
| Love of Learning | I would like to recognize Lauren for her continuous effort in the art room. She often dedicates timeless hours out side of class to perfect her craft and keep going. She is always finding new inspiration and always pursuing creative endeavors. Congratulations on the planner cover design as well. | Susan Botch | |
| Layla Press | Love of Learning | Layla, I am absolutely beaming with pride over the mature, motivated person and artist you’ve grown into. You not only throw yourself completely and passionately into your artwork in and outside of class, but you also continue to share your love of art and learning with others on a daily basis. You are an inspiration and leader to those around you, even if you don’t always get recognized for your immense efforts! | Mx. Kent |
| Leo Parker | Perseverance | Leo always works hard to stand for justice for everyone. | Ms. Gormley |
| Lila Carter | Perseverance | Lila always does her best to meet the expectations put on her both in and outside of the classroom. | Mrs. Cerny |
| Lily Mulholland | GF Nation Spirit | I appreciate Lily’s motivation and organization! She’s the one to add our attendance question tally to the board before class starts while I’m at the door. She is not asked to do this, but takes it upon her self. She is also a devoted member of yearbook and the treasurer of the senior class. GFNation is lucky to have Lily! | Mrs. Arney |
| Logan Wadsworth | Perseverance | Logan is an incredibly dedicated student. Keep up the great work! | Mrs. Anderson |
| Perseverance | Thank you, Logan, for your maturity and complete cooperation! | Yvonne Anderson | |
| Lola Baglio | Perseverance | Lola, you work hard, stay focused, and are such a positive role model. Thank you for all of your efforts. We really enjoy having you in our classroom! | Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier |
| Lucas Blakely | Perseverance | You work hard in math class each day. You don’t let distractions or setbacks derail you. You’re a great role model for all of us and we’re lucky to have you in our class. | Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod |
| Luis Caminero | Positivity | Luis is perpetually seeking the good in any situation. He is helpful, collaborates well with others, and has become a very important part of our school community. | Mr. Akins |
| Perseverance | Luis works incredibly hard, is always positive, and extremely enjoyable to be around. | Mrs. Anderson | |
| Mae Tallon | Love of Learning | Mae stays positive and does outstanding work! | Mr. Amberger |
| Makayla Kulka | Perseverance | Makayla, between your valuable help over the summer being my amazing camp TA to your consistent drive to better yourself and your artwork, you embody the definition of perseverance. Although you’ve faced many struggles the last few years, you always keep your head held high and don’t give up. I’m so proud of the mature, kind, and motivated person you’re growing into in and out of school! | Mx. Kent |
| Mark Hammond | Love of Learning | Mark is always first to raise his hand to answer questions or to provide insightful commentary to our class discussions. We all benefit in class from Mark’s insights! | Ms. Matino and Ms. Lopez |
| Marquise Berry | Positivity | Marquise, you are such a hard worker and demonstrate such positivity. You always participate with a smile. We are very lucky to have you in our class! | Ms. McLeod and Mr. Meunier |
| Mia Connelly | Love of Learning | Thank you, Mia, for your insightful comments in class! | Ms. Gormley |
| Michael Fante | Love of Learning | Michael asks great questions and always has something positive to share in Music Class. | Mrs. Reed |
| Michael York | Positivity | Michael is always upbeat about his work and always helps others when asked. | Mr. Miller |
| Michaela Rafferty | Kindness | Michaela is very helpful in keeping the art room organized for all of us! | Mr. Butto |
| Morgan Phillips | Kindness | Morgan always tries her best, and she and Sydney always help each other in science. | Mrs Harrington |
| Mylee McEachron | Positivity | Mylee is doing her best to transition to a new school. She has joined a club and has remained positive despite the challenges of being “the new kid”. | Mrs. Cerny |
| Nakeishia Dobson | Perseverance | Nakeishia is a new student here. She is always positive, kind, and respectful. She works so hard, even when times are tough! | Ms. Caffarel |
| Natalia Steves | Love of Learning | Nat is an absolute rock star in U.S. History! | Mr. Hoyne |
| Natavia Patterson | Love of Learning | She loves to learn. She takes out books and uses note cards to learn about it the material. She always work on something. | Mrs Harrington |
| Nathaniel Donlon | Perseverance | Nathaniel has grown into an incredibly important member of the school. He has worked hard to reach his goals and brings a positive attitude. | Mr. Akins |
| Nicholas Rivers | Love of Learning | Nicholas is always asking questions to better his writing and understanding of the subject! | Mrs. Dunleavy |
| Noah Bayard | Perseverance | Noah is hard working, takes initiative, and never complains about any work he is asked to do! Keep up the great work, Noah! | Mr. Lis |
| Olivia Bonitiatibus | GF Nation Spirit | Olivia is incredibly helpful during class time and is such a positive asset! | Mrs. Anderson |
| Parker Welch | Love of Learning | Parker engages in learning, asks questions, and actively participates. | Mrs. Miller |
| Pearl White | Love of Learning | Thank you, Pearl, for your maturity and complete cooperation! | Yvonne Anderson |
| Ralphael Maldonado | Positivity | Ralph, thanks for the positive attitude you bring to math class. You work hard to make progress even when learning the math can be a struggle. Please keep up the great work! | Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod |
| Perseverance | Ralph has made tremendous improvements in his attendance and his grades this year. Keep up the good work! | Mrs. Cerny | |
| Rebecca McPhee | Love of Learning | Rebecca has demonstrated a clear love of learning and interest in her studies that benefits her and others.
“Learning never exhausts the mind.” – Leonardo da Vinci |
Mr. Shaver |
| Rohan MacNaughton | Kindness | Rohan is kind and engaging | Mr. Allen |
| Positivity | Rohan works so hard and really challenges herself to learn and grow. She seems to always remain positive, even when times are tough. Keep up the great work! | Ms. Caffarel | |
| Rosalie Carlsen | Love of Learning | Rosalie loves learning and sharing what she has learned with others. She has a real enthusiasm for knowledge! | Mrs. Reed |
| Rowan Stimpson | GF Spirit Nation | Rowan is passionate and excited in all aspects of her life | Mrs. Miller |
| Love of Learning | It’s very apparent that you not only value your own learning, but also the learning experiences of others. Taking the initiative to educate your fellow students as well as faculty and staff about Diabetes is very impressive and demonstrates your desire to make a positive impact in a meaningful way. Great job! | Mrs. Tobias | |
| Positivity | Rowan is recognized for her positive, cheery attitude and her leadership in organizing our blue ribbon Diabetes Awareness campaign. | Ms. Gormley | |
| Sadie Palmer | Love of Learning | Sadie expresses a clear love of learning, along with an academic curiosity. Her critical thought and interest in the subject matter help not only her, but also her classmates.
“Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it” – Confucius |
Mr. Shaver |
| Sarah Conduzio | Kindness | Sarah is always kind and caring towards others in class. She is always working hard with a smile! | Mrs. Dunleavy |
| Sarah Wolfstich | Love of Learning | Sarah always works very hard. Great job! | Mr. Amberger |
| Shane LaBounty | Positivity | Shane just makes every day better. He is always saying ‘hello’ and genuinely wants to know how you are doing. He is a natural leader and very well liked. | Ms. Matino |
| Shawn Fredricks | Perseverance | We appreciate Shawn’s improvements over the marking period. He is trying very hard to be successful and graduate high school. | Ms. Matino and Ms. Lopez |
| Sherry Awan | Positivity | Sherry has positive interactions with others and holds education as a positive value in life. | Mrs. Miller |
| Sophia Plante | Positivity | Sophia has a bright smile and a kind thought for everyone in chorus. She makes rehearsing more fun with her positive outlook! | Mrs. Reed |
| Stanley/Harmony Capone-McKinney | Love of Learning | Stanley has spoken to me about some of her interests. While shy, it is clear that Stanley has a passion for learning | Mr. Allen |
| Sydney Wheeler | Perseverance | Sydney, you continue to impress both of us with your steadfast work effort and positive attitude. You are a great role model for all of us and we’re lucky to have you in our class. | Mr. Meunier and Ms. McLeod |
| Kindness | She is always helping out Morgan in science and math to always learn more. Her and Morgan help each other. | Mrs Harrington | |
| Victorious Robinson | Positivity | Victor always has a smile on his face! He has done his best to transition into a new school. | Mrs. Rayno |
| Violence Sturdevant | Love of Learning | Violence loves learning and truly shows a passion for it. He is a joy to have as a student. | Ms. Matino |