Banquet to salute local high-school scholars

May 07--Outstanding scholastic accomplishments by members of area graduating classes are being recognized at an annual dinner today.

The 11th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet will start at 6 p.m. at the Hunt Union Ballroom at State University College at Oneonta. It will recognize the accomplishments of 41 students at public, private and parochial secondary schools in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego and Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES areas.

Each student nominates a teacher that has influenced their education, who is also honored, said Stacie Haynes, DCMO BOCES' coordinator of enrichment services. Students are chosen by their schools on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service to their communities. Teachers can be from any subject or grade level. It's an opportunity for business and school leaders to recognize students for academic achievement and involvement in the community, she said.

From Walton Central School, Heather Ogden was selected.

"Her exceptional caliber is easily noted as one views her success in academic, athletic and extracurricular endeavors," according to the event program. "Her involvement in her school and community is not only impressive but diverse as well."

Ogden said: "It is a great honor (to be chosen), especially since we have so many great students."

She said she plans on attending SUNY Geneseo in the fall, where she will major in business administration and communications. She has been on the student council for three years and is currently its vice president. She was captain of the varsity soccer team and participated in track, and the school musical among her activities.

She chose high school English teacher Simone Tucker because "she's had such a great impact on me." She is not only a quality teacher but "someone I can turn to for advice."

Tucker, who received similar recognition in 2012 and 2013, said being chosen "really touches your heart." Over the years, she has seen Ogden become "a strong confident young women who will make a difference in the world."

At Charlotte Valley Central School, Megan Keil was chosen. She attends the New Visions program at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and is a three-sport athlete. She is first in her class academically, according to the brochure.

"It's an honor to win this very prestigious award," she said.

Keil said she plans to attend Hartwick College to pursue a career in nursing. Keil chose high school English teacher Nicole Hecox because "she has helped me, not only as a student but as a person."

Hecox, who was recognized in 2013, said "it's a great thank you" from the students. She said she's glad to know her efforts are appreciated. Keil is a "really driven" student, she said.

She's also involved in a lot of extracurricular activities; Keil is senior class president, prom committee treasurer and a volunteer for the West Davenport United Methodist Church. In her junior year, she was the recipient of the the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester.

The scholar recognition program's underwriting sponsor is the Mang Insurance Group. Major sponsors include State University College at Oneonta, Hartwick University, State University College at Delhi, The Daily Star and NBT Bank.

Besides the students and teachers, Haynes said she always looks forward to meeting business leaders and school officials involved, and said the event is a rare opportunity to bring them all together.

___

(c)2014 The Daily Star (Oneonta, N.Y.)

Visit The Daily Star (Oneonta, N.Y.) at www.thedailystar.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services