salute to seniors 2013

Salute to SeniorsSalute to Seniors20132013

The Salamanca Press Presented by

Salamanca Central School.....................................

Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School...............

Ellicottville Central School....................................

Randolph Central School.......................................

West Valley Central School.....................................

Pg. 3

Pg. 11

Pg. 25

Pg. 32

Pg. 39

Senior Salute 2013 The Salamanca Press

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Alexandrea D. Brooks Brianna Rae Brooks Kaylee Rose Canella Cameron Marshall Caputi

Nicholas Edward Beiling Paige Noel Billingsley Elijah Blue Brisley

SalamancaCentral School

Class of

2013


Catherine Lucile DeBoy Caitlin Marie Droney Kaylei Elizabeth DuPont

Salamanca Central School

Samantha G. Case Monica Reneé Link Th omas Dean Colton Jr. Nicholas Ray Cooper

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Richard D. Hinman Seneca Joelle Hofbauer Andrew Dawson Horning Arnold G. Hubbard


Lindsay Elizabeth Forthman Th erese Catherine Friedhaber Dylan James Hackett Evan Griffi th Harrington

Halsey K. Jimerson Dakota Th under John Tanner Scott John Harley D. Kettle

Marisa C. Huff man Christopher Daniel Jackson Courtney Lorraine Jacobs Courtney Lynn James


Dustin Robert Lewis Patrick Michael Lonto Patrick Ryan Lounsbury Jill Rebekah Magara


Deanna Jean Klusek Megan Elizabeth Koniak Jacob T. Lane Andrew Lemon

Michael J. Morris Alex T. Murphy Courtney Anne Owens Gabriele June Papa

Tyler E. Martin Jessica Mighells Pattie L. Mighells Mae Marie Montine

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Derek C. Redeye Allison Debra Revetti Cory Alan Rockwell Morgan Elizabeth Rozler


Molly Kathryn Pennell Eliah J. Phillips Zarryn R. Quigley Dana J. Ray

Jordan Sloan Simpson McKayla Reneé Sluga Shaelyn Mae Smith Megan Lee Spry

Serena Marie Schey Salvatore Nahon Seitz Brandon Wayne Shaul Jr. Kerstin Kay Shinners


Ryan M. Trummer Carly Ann Tucker Nicholas Alexander Walker


Chelcee Lyn Staats Bryce Charles Stahlman Mikaylynn Taylor Tinnerman Kalyssa Nicole Tome

Dustan Steven Whitcomb Kyler Joseph Whitcomb

Ronnie Waite

Congratulations

Class of 2013!The Salamanca Press

Proudly the offi cial newspaper of the

Salamanca City Central School District

from

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Matthew Stephen Booth Ryan Edward Bridges Michelle Marie Brooks Riley Christina Brumagin

Samuel James Agnew Michelle Emmalie Bach Dandy James Beverly Warren S. Bissonnette

Cattaraugus-Little Valley

Central School

Class of 2013

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Samantha Jean Coleman Kelly Conklin Kaitlyn Jean Cooper Th omas Julian Crawford

Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School

Jaylin Aneta Burroughs Tyler Michale Burroughs Jesse David Campanini Michelle Ann Card

Kaley Lynn Geis Dalton Geist Alexandria Elizabeth Givan Jessica Myra Gorton

Nathan Daly Chelsea Paige Dechow Anthony R. Fisher Jared A. Frary


Ryan Kraig Hanft Marcie Ann Hauri Nichole Elaine Heim Drew Tyler Hill

Kayla Jean Grey Rebecca Grey Brandon Carlisle Gross Samantha J. Gross


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Elizabeth Marie Kelley Evan J. King Mackenzie Kuhn Courtney Marie Lauritson

Cassandra Jean Hogan Brittany Jones Joshua Nathaniel Juenemann Gil Keenen



Hailee Amber Luce Luke Michael Macakanja Tristan James Magara Raymond James Mansfi eld

Chantel Leann Learn Anthony Leo Lecceardone Timothy W. Linkous Samantha Marie Lore

Richele Musall Kaitlyn Faith Nye Ashley Nicole Oakes Casey Denise Oakes

Logan A. Martin Erin McGlew Emily Morton Daniel Joseph Murphy


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Zach Phillips Lori Elizabeth Pritchard Joshua Rockwell Autumn R. Rogers

Summer Rose Oakes Allyssa Leigh Opferbeck Ryan Taylor Peters James D. Pfeiff er

Ashley Rose Sager Brandon D. Sawyer Nathan Van Shantler Jacob Th omas Shawley

Tiff any Nicole Rolfe Tyler Luis Ruiz James K. Ruper Mathew Vincent Rupp


The Salamanca Press Senior Salute 2013

Evan S. Tinney Daniel John Joseph Anthony Vasconcellos

Haley Lyn Vaughn Richard Vezina

Jeremia R. Solecki Haley Stevens Samantha A. Story Lisa Taapken

Lucas Warnes Samantha Marie Wasiela Tyler James Wilder

Devin Michael Waite Jamie Lynn Warecki Zackary Shawn Wares Arron W. Warner


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013


Head of the ClassSluga, Whitcomb head Salamanca's Class of 2013

McKayla Sluga has been named valedictorian of Salamanca’s graduat-ing Class of 2013. McKayla graduates with a 97.45 average and a 100.24 index and will receive a NYS Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors while taking a demand-ing course load, which includes JCC English and Calculus. McKayla is the daughter of Sherry Glenn and Bill Sluga.

McKayla will attend Elmira College in the fall where she will be receiving full tuition with the Elmira College Key Award – Valedictorian Scholarship.

McKayla has been very active in extra curriculars and sports. Her extra curriculars include secretary of her senior class, treasurer of the Business/Marketing Honor Society, Student Council, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society and secretary of the French Honor Society. She has been participating in journal-ism for the past two years and is one of the co-editors of this year’s yearbook. McKayla has been a member of the band for eight years, being chosen for All-County and was an All-State alternate.

McKayla is active in sports, participating in basketball, softball and tennis dur-ing her high school years. Other awards and honors bestowed on McKayla are NYPHSSA Scholar Athlete, Rotary Club Student of the Month, Cattaraugus County Youth of the Week, Business/Marketing Student of the Month and Big 30 Academic Team this year.

Kyler Whitcomb was named saluta-torian of the Class of 2013. He is the son of Todd and Johnette Whitcomb. Kyler will attend Rochester Institute of Technology and receive the Presidential Scholarship.

Kyler, with a 96.73 average and a 100.18 index, has successfully com-pleted a challenging program of study including a JCC English class and will receive a NYS Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors.

Kyler has had an active four years in high school with both academics and sports. Kyler has been the president of the Spanish Honor Society for two years, a member of the National Honor Society and Business/Marketing Honor Society. Kyler is the current co-presi-dent of the Math Honor Society and vice president of the Science Honor Society. He has also been honored with the National Honor Society Scholastic Excellence Award this year.

Sports also played an important role in Kyler’s past four years, as he was the co-captain of the Varsity Soccer team, on which he played for three years. Kyler has been an avid baseball player throughout all four years of high school.

McKayla Sluga Kyler Whitcomb

Daniel Vasconcellos has been named valedictorian for Cattaraugus-Little Valley’s Class of 2013. He is the son of Donald and Sylvia Vasconcellos of Cattaraugus and Blasdell. Daniel has a weighted cumulative average of 99.69 percent, has maintained High Honor Roll throughout high school and is the current

president of the National Honor Society. Daniel was a member of the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Band and varsity soccer team all four of his high school years and was named team captain of the soccer team his junior and senior years. Daniel was also a member of the CLV Drama Club, voted class president his sopho-more, junior and senior year and a mem-ber of Boys’ State and second Degree Knights of Columbus.

Daniel is the recipient of the 2012 New York State Academic Excellence Award Scholarship, RIT Academic Scholarship, RIT Innovation and Creativity Award, St. Bonaventure Merit Scholarship and the 2012 JCC College Connections Student of the Year Award.

Outside of school, Daniel has com-pleted volunteer work at the SPCA, the Otto Fire Hall, and been a donor to the American Red Cross. Daniel has also held a job as a sous-chef at a local restau-rant.

Daniel will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology in pursuit of a career in Engineering.

Vasconcellos named valedictorian, Grey is salutatorian at Catt-LVDaniel Vasconcellos

Adam Ditcher, son of Tami Phillips and John Ditcher, has been named the valedictorian of the Class of 2013. Adam’s extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society, golf, Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, chorus (All-State and All-County), and High School Academic Bowl. Adam is a mem-ber of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Youth Group. He is co-president of the FBLA and was selected for the Cattaraugus County Youth of the Week award and The Post-Journal’s Standing Out in the Crowd award. Adam plans to attend St. Bonaventure University in the fall with and major in Business.

Kyle Brown, son of Dawn and Gregory Brown, has earned the honor of salutatorian of the Class of 2013. Kyle’s extra-curricular activities include Spanish Club, National Honor Society, varsity football, varsity base-ball and Student Council. Kyle has received the Cattaraugus County Youth Citizenship award, was President of the Student Council and Spanish Club, and received the Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo Scholar Athlete of the Week award. He is a member of the East Randolph United Methodist Church Youth Group. Kyle is planning to attend Alfred State College in the fall and major in Nursing.

Randolph's Ditcher, Brown are Top 2 for Class of '13Adam Ditcher Kyle Brown

Kayla Grey has been named salutatori-an for Cattaraugus-Little Valley’s Class of 2013. She is the daughter of Richard and Sandra Grey of Cattaraugus. Kayla has a weighted cumulative average of 98.81 per-cent, has maintained High Honor Roll throughout high school and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Kayla has remained active on the CLV Bowling team her freshman through senior year and was awarded Scholar Athlete all four years, winning a state championship

her senior year. Kayla is an active member in the CLV music department. She has been a member of the CLV Band her freshman through senior year, attending All County and Area-All State every year. She has also been a member of the CLV Drama Club. Kayla took on the additional role of being a CLV Student Aide her senior year, shadow-ing a CLV music teacher.

Outside of school, Kayla has volun-teered to help with past graduation ceremo-nies and keeping stats for Boys Varsity Soccer. She has also been an active member of the FFA competing in the Substate Competition, as well as an active member of FCCLA.

Kayla was the recipient of the 2012 New York State Academic Excellence Award Scholarship, the CCMTA Scholarship, Honors Experience Scholarship, Bowling Green Success Scholarship, the Award of Scholars, and has been accepted into Bowling Green State University’s Honors Program.

Kayla will be attending Bowling Green State University in pursuit of a Music Education degree.

Kayla Grey

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Rachel McMahon-Eagan, daughter of Dr. Kevin Eagan and Mrs. Kelly McMahon, has earned the position of valedictorian for the Class of 2013 at Ellicottville Central School. She carries a weighted average of 110.93, has earned 31 college credits while in high school, and will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in both Mathematics and Science.

Rachel’s academic achievements include being ranked in the “Top Five” of her class and making the High Honor Roll throughout high school, and, most recent-ly, being named an outstanding student in Niagara University French. In addition, Rachel was recognized as a High Honor Roll student during her senior year in the highly challenging New Visions Health Professions program where she earned 14 of her college credits, received CPR/First Aid and AED Certification.

Rachel’s hard work and achievements have also been noticed beyond ECS, as she has earned several honors, awards and scholarships to date. The most prestigious of her scholarships is the Lemmon Family Scholarship for full tuition at Westminster College. In addition, Rachel’s academic honors, awards and scholarships include: a NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the US Department of Energy and NYS Energy Research and Development Authority Awards of Excellence in Biology and Chemistry, being named to the Business First 2013 All-Western New York Academic Second Team, the Cattaraugus County National Honor Society Scholastic Excellence Award (based on SAT scores which include perfect scores of 800 in both reading and writing), the Cattaraugus County National Honor Society Mary Elizabeth Eaton Scholarship and selection to the 2013 Empire Girl’s State Conference.

Throughout high school, Rachel has been an active member of the student body. Her academic achievements have been noticed and earned her positions as a member of Ellicottville Central School National Honor Society for two years and the National Technical Honor Society for

one year. Extracurricular activities include participation in the Foreign Language Club and Odyssey of the Mind. During her freshmen year, Rachel served at the Class of 2013 President. Athletically, Rachel played on the soccer team and was a mem-ber of varsity club.

Not only is Rachel highly successful in her own studies, she has also been an aca-demic leader and is committed to helping others realize their full potential as learn-ers. Since seventh grade, Rachel has been a peer tutor in the “Eagles Nest” peer tutor-ing program. This program is certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and becoming a tutor is a rigorous process which requires one year of training, completion of assign-ments, a minimum of 25 hours of tutoring, and detailed record keeping / data tracking. As a testament to Rachel’s desire to help others succeed and her dedication to the program, she has over 123 hours of tutor-ing students from elementary through high school. And, beyond the walls of ECS, Rachel has demonstrated a commitment to serving her community through a variety of activities which include donating blood for the American Red Cross for the past three years and working as a volunteer at the Salamanca Soup Kitchen.

After graduation Rachel will attend Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. where she will major in Biochemistry to pursue a career in medicine.

Caitlin Toth, the daughter of Archie and Barb Toth, has been named as the 2013 Ellicottville Central School salutato-rian, with a weighted average of 110.45. Caitlin will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in both Mathematics and Science.

Throughout high school, Caitlin has worked hard to maintain her status as a High Honor Roll and a “Top 5” student in her class. Most recently, Caitlin was named the outstanding student in Advanced Spanish. These awards and grades were earned while taking 30 college credits through the JCC College Connections pro-gram at ECS, Genesee Community College Physics and the New Visions Health Professions program, where she earned 14 of these college credits.

Beyond ECS, Caitlin’s high level of success has been noticed by organizations such as the Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau and Cattaraugus-Allegany Secondary Principals’ Association. These organizations have honored her with the following: the Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau Youth Citizenship Award and tak-ing first place for juniors in the 2012 Angelo Melaro Writing Contest. Caitlin is also a recipient of a NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence and is being recog-nized by the Emedco Academic Excellence Awards Program as one of WNY’s top

high school seniors for outstanding achievement in academics, athletics lead-ership and service.

Caitlin has made the most of her high school experience by being an active scholar-athlete over the past four years. During that time she was a member of the varsity soccer team for three years and the varsity alpine ski team for one year. As a senior, Caitlin was a captain on both the soccer and ski teams and she earned a number of awards and recognitions which include being named: a Chautauqua Cattaraugus Athletic Association (CCAA) First Team Soccer All-Star (2012), a CCAA Honorable Mention Soccer All-Star (2011), the 2012 CCAA Sportsmanship Award for Soccer, the 2013 Sportsmanship Award for Alpine Skiing, and a member of 4 NYS Scholar Athlete Soccer Teams.

In addition to being a scholar-athlete, Caitlin has been involved in a wide range of other extra-curricular activities at ECS which include: Student Council (2012-vice president), Quiz Bowl, Yearbook (2011-13 editor), ESPRA Literacy Club and the Class of 2013 Treasurer for the past three years. As a junior, Caitlin was inducted into the Ellicottville Central School Chapter of the National Honor Society, while she earned the prestige of being named to the National Technical Honor Society as a senior.

As an ECS student, Caitlin assisted the Varsity Club with town clean-ups after festivals, volunteered for Family Fun Night 2012, and participated in Project Christmas initiatives. In the larger com-munity, Caitlin has assisted with rehabili-tation activities at the Absolut Nursing home in Salamanca, volunteered at the Ellicottville Memorial Library, was a sum-mer soccer coach for a 10 and under youth league team, ran in the Lion’s Club 5K Benefit, and served meals at the annual Ellicottville Rotary for Youth fundraiser.

Upon graduation, Caitlin is planning to major in Biology and minor in Communications and Journalism at SUNY Geneseo in the fall.

Head of the ClassMcMahon-Eagan, Toth are Top 2 at Ellicottville Central

Rachel McMahon-Eagan Caitlin Toth

Marcus Enser, son of Christopher and Michelle Enser, has been named the vale-dictorian of the Class of 2013 at West Valley Central with a weighted average of 102.3. He has completed sequences in sci-ence, math, Spanish and English. He has taken several college level courses offered at West Valley including AP Biology and AP Calculus as well as Micro-Computer Applications, Personal Finance, Accounting and Fundamentals, Economics and Web Publishing offered through Jamestown Community College.

Marcus was a member of National Junior Honor Society and has been a mem-ber of National Honor Society since his sophomore year. He served as president this year and won the Outstanding Member Award as well as the James Doyle Scholarship at this year’s awards banquet. Marcus has been a member of Student Council for six years and served as presi-dent for the last two years. He is also a member of the International Connections Club and has been a student mentor for three years.

Marcus is the vice president of the Class of 2013. Throughout high school, Marcus has participated in basketball for six years, baseball for six years and played varsity

soccer as a senior. He was recognized as the sportsmanship representative for the varsity basketball team this year. He was the winner of the Roger Crandall Heart and Hustle Award as a junior. Marcus is also the West Valley representative for the Big 30 Scholar Athlete Team for the 2012-13 school year.

Marcus will attend Niagara University in the fall as a Presidential Scholarship winner. He will be pursuing a degree in the Social Sciences.

Jessica Baker, daughter of Jim and Jane Baker, is the salutatorian for West Valley’s Class of 2013 with a weighted average of 102.22. She has completed a sequence of courses in science, math, Spanish and English. She has also taken several college-level cours-es offered by JCC at West Valley: AP Calculus and AP Biology as well as Web Publishing, Micro-Computer Applications, Personal Finance, Contemporary Economics and Accounting Fundamentals offered through Jamestown Community College. In addition to JCC courses, she also completed Public Health & Nutrition at John Hopkins University.

Throughout high school, Jessica has partici-pated in a variety of extracurricular activities: International Connections Club for three years, serving as president for two years; SADD for one year; Academic Challenge for four years; and Shared Decision Making for one year. She has pursued her passion for music through Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, les-sons with David Sullivan and participation at the Fredonia Summer Music Festival. She has also performed in both All-County and Area All-State throughout her high school career.

Sports have been an integral part of Jessica’s time at West Valley. They include soccer for six years, basketball for six years and track for one year. She was named to the Western New York Scholar Athlete Team. She has enjoyed con-tributing to the community by volunteering for City Mission of Buffalo, Service Learning and Mentoring, Habitat for Humanity and the Baltimore Community Pantry. Jessica has been a member of National Honor Society for two years, Student Council for five years and has served as president of her class for four years. Jessica was also named honorable mention to the WNY Top 100 Students this year, received the Scholastic Excellence Award and was a recipient of the Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau’s Citizenship Award.

Jessica has been awarded a Navy ROTC scholarship and will attend University of Rochester pursuing a degree in the sciences.

West Valley Central's graduating class led by Enser, BakerMarcus Enser Jessica Baker

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Nicholas Ryan DeChane Tessa May Emke Th omas Ray Good Jonah Alan Goode

Mary Delores Abbinanti Courtney Lee Bradley Breanna Elizabeth Coolidge Alyssa Jade Costello

Ellicottville Central School

Class of 2013



Cheyanne Rose Hurley Alticiae Rose Kelley Marissa Ann Kent Trevor James Kilby

Taylor Charles Grinols Grace Mae Hall Janae Cristine Hamilton Carl Emery Herman

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Alexander John Michael Murphy William Arthur Murphy Cam Hien Musall Eric Michael Oliverio

Gregory William Knier Nicholas Jay LaCroix Rachel Elizabeth McMahon-Eagan Patrick Alan Morton



Kristopher Isaac Sanders Danna Louise Scharf Th omas Christopher Schena Benjamin James Scott

Ciara Jane Peters Jake Ryan Rinko Lindsey Marie Roblee Konner Jacob Sanders


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Alex Patrick Steinbroner Jacob Michael Stoll Madison Ann Szpaicher Caitlin Marie Toth

Charles Th omas Scott Kate Elaine Seifl ein Patrick William Snyder Amelia Marie Squires

Storm Davis Wilson Rachel Jane Woodin Luke Anthony Zlockie

Rachel Marie Welch Liza Jane Wienk Ashley Marissa Wilson Shannon Brooke Wilson


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013


Nathan Beaver Nicholas Blood Sara Braun Kyle Brown

Curtis Ashdown Cody Austin Danielle Barber Allison Beach

Randolph Central School

Class of 2013

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Christine Collins Laura Costa Brandon Covey Dylan Cowen


Michele Burke Chris Buvoltz James Carr Kayleane Chase

Courtney Eberle Tabatha Ecker Mitchell Eddy Justin Ernewein

Taylor Dechow Adam Ditcher Austin Dowiasz Jordon Dowiasz


Megan Fisher Hector Garcia Ashley Gonzalez Dwain Graham

Dylan Faust Th eresa Felvus Morgan Fiebelkorn Mandy Finch


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Isabelle Howell Kyrria Huntington Abby Kight Alyssa Kramer

Garek Haas Emily Harrower Nation Hilliman Jamie Hohmann

Liam McDonald Alexander Miinte Hannah Milbrandt David Miller

Hunter Lienhart Kaylee Luce Kylie Martin Briana Matteson



Devin Parker Brittany Parkhurst Jacob Pearson Mikalia Persson

Jacob Mitchell Zackary Myers Brittany Nomes Byron Ormsby

John Ribaudo Terrence Ribblett Brayley Rodunardt Elizabeth Roosa

John Peterson Morgan Pitts Aaron Purdy Sarah Rader


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Michelle Smith Cole Spengler Miranda Stacey Ryan Styles

Rachel Schank Austin Schapp Brenna Schleigh Katie Smith

Jessie Walters Matthew Walters Tyler WrightCordell Wheeler

Marisa Swan Tracey Swan Kelly Vincent Peter Vincent


The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Alesha Clark Abby Dallas Alex Domon Steven Durandetto

Megan Bailey Jessica Baker Joshua Bialecki Victoria Calkins

West Valley

Central School

Class of 2013

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

Michael Grigsby Aamina Haykal Megan Hebdon Kaytlynn Keller

West Valley Central School

Marcus Enser Alexander Fuller Peter Gabel Morgan Green

Daniel Loveless Colton Myers Nicholas Nelson Matthew Olejniczak

Keegan Kittle Joseph Koebel Kristen Kowalski Brittany Kulczyk


Cole Stanbro Cody Stephan Allison Tagliarino Deeanna Welling

Lisa Reed Rachel Schenck Anna Schroeder Samantha Smith

Dylan Westfall Taylor Williams Rachael Zimmer

Congratulations

Class of 2013!

West Valley Central School

The Salamanca Press

Senior Salute 2013

How to help kids prepare for college life

Special through Metro Creative Connection

Many of this year’s high school graduates will be leaving home for a college campus in the fall. Such a departure is often bitter-sweet for kids and parents alike. Young men and women typically look forward to the freedom and independence that college life can provide, but those same men and women know they will miss the familiarity of home as well. Parents, too, have mixed emotions when kids head to college, as their sadness over a child leaving home is met with the pride they feel that the child they raised is setting out to make their own way in the world.

Few moments in life involve such significant change as the moment when a young man or woman first arrives on a college campus. First-year college stu-dents often don’t know what to expect once they arrive on cam-pus, but there are steps parents can take to help their kids prepare for college life.

• Teach kids how to schedule their time. One of the things many college kids find once they arrive on campus is that their life is sud-denly much less structured and their amount of downtime has increased considerably. Unlike high school, which keeps many

kids in class or involved in extra-curricular activities from the early morning through the late after-noon, college affords students much more free time, which is theirs to use as they see fit. Some kids dive right into on-campus activities, while others struggle to use their free time to their advan-tage.

Parents can teach time man-agement skills such as how to establish a schedule so all of that free time does not go to waste. This schedule can be adjusted on a weekly basis depending on coursework or extracurricular activities. Once kids learn to man-age their time effectively, includ-ing using breaks between classes to review notes from a recent lec-ture or upcoming class, they’re likely to get the most out of them-selves academically and find they have more time to pursue extra-curricular activities as well.

• Discuss finances and estab-lish a financial arrangement. Many college freshmen struggle to manage their money. Some might never have had a job during high school while others who did work only did so to earn spending money. But many college students need more than spending money once they reach campus. Rising tuition costs have made it diffi-cult, if not impossible, for parents to bankroll their kids’ everyday

expenses. As a result, many col-lege students find themselves forced to manage their own money for the first time in their lives. Parents can teach simple financial lessons, such as the benefits of buying groceries as opposed to dining out or ordering in each night.

College is also where many young men and women first sign up for a credit card. Parents can teach their kids the basics of man-aging credit, such as the benefit of paying off a balance before inter-est rates kick in and the negative ramifications of missing pay-ments.

Parents who can afford to pro-vide financial support for their children enrolled in college should reach a financial agreement with their children before they are off to college. Make sure kids know your financial support does not mean they have unlimited access to your funds, and make it known that such support will not continue if kids aren’t performing well in the classroom.

• Encourage kids to contact any roommates before the school year begins. Part of the trepidation many kids have when leaving for college concerns how they may or may not develop a relationship with their new roommate. Many schools assign roommates months in advance of the school year, giv-ing kids ample time to make con-tact and make arrangements about whom is going to bring certain items, such as a television or cof-fee pot or even furniture if the room can fit any. Parents should encourage such contact so kids can get a feel of who they will be living with and lay the ground-work for a friendship before they even step foot on campus. The feeling of knowing someone on campus can greatly reduce the anxiety many kids feel when they arrive at school for their freshmen orientation.

The day a student leaves for college is a significant day for parents and students alike. Parents can take a number of steps to make the transition to college eas-ier for their college-bound son or daughter.

Photo courtesy Metro Creative ConnectionParents of college-bound youngsters can help their kids prepare for such a significant life adjustment so kids are better equipped the handle both their academic and social lives.

Good career paths for recent grads

Special through Metro Creative Connection

It has been a stressful couple of years for college students. An unstable economy has led many students to second-guess their investments in higher education, and fear regarding employment prospects after graduation are com-mon among today’s students.

Graduates who majored in fields of study that are more recession-proof than others could have decid-

ed advantages over students who went with other majors. Knowing which careers are still going strong and which have stalled can help college students with goals of find-ing a career with growth potential.

• Financial analysts and manag-ers: Many forecasts indicate jobs in finance will continue to remain strong with high growth. Despite financial ups and downs, people still need to be educated on how and where to spend their money. Students with degrees in finance

and marketing may have advan-tages over others.

• Engineers: Engineers apply the principles of science and math-ematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between sci-entific discoveries and the com-mercial applications that meet soci-etal and consumer needs. Many different fields require engineers, from mechanical and civil indus-tries to electrical and chemical industries. Engineering remains a strong course of study with many different subsets for specialization.

• Networking/systems adminis-tration: With the world revolving around computers, jobs in the sys-tems administration field remain viable. Keep in mind that there is also a wide array of competition in these careers, but the ability to make high salaries is what drives many to pursue careers in network-ing and computer systems adminis-tration.

• Accounting: Similar to other financial careers, accounting jobs

remain stable despite the uncertain economy. Where there is money to be spent, individuals and business-es will require the services of accountants to keep all of their accounts in check. Entry-level accountants can receive in-house promotions and become finance executives.

• Nursing/medical careers: Jobs in healthcare continue to be strong as well. An aging population keeps nurses, doctors, aides and medical-supply companies in business. There are many different nursing specializations, making nursing an attractive career choice.

• Software design and develop-ment: Keeping today’s digital world running requires a staff of people constantly updating and creating new software. From games to business applications to all of those entertaining apps download-ed each day, software designers pave the way for computer innova-tion.

• Salespeople: Sales is one of the oldest and longest-running

types of occupations available. Every industry needs quality sales professionals to meet with the pub-lic and drive interest in products and services. There are sales posi-tions in just about every industry.

• Educators: The Millenial gen-eration is just as large as the Baby Boom generation, and children will continue to fill up classrooms across the world. It is estimated three million more teachers are needed by 2015 to fill openings in the United States alone. Also, ini-tiatives to require Pre-K classes could increase the number of edu-cation jobs even further.

• Computer information securi-ty: The need to protect personal information from those who want to exploit it continues to grow. Computer information security will continue to increase with the expansion of technological appli-cations.

Photo courtesy Metro Creative Connection

Benefits to joining a campus organization Special through Metro Creative Connection

The first week of life on a col-lege campus can be somewhat overwhelming for first-year col-lege students. For many students, college is their first taste of inde-pendence. Some embrace that newfound freedom, while others grow homesick and long for the company of their immediate fam-ily. But as the school year pro-gresses, the majority of first-year college students adapt to life on campus and grow to love their new surroundings.

Once students have comfort-ably adapted to their new lives, many seek opportunities to become more actively involved in life on campus. College clubs and organizations are a great way to do just that, providing a host of benefits that further enhances col-lege life.

Meet peopleJoining a student club or orga-

nization is a great way for college students to meet fellow students, professors and other people of note on campus. This is especially beneficial for first-year college students, whose social circle may otherwise be limited to room-mates or fellow residents of their dormitories. Joining a club or stu-dent organization can quickly expand that social circle to include people who share your interests and not just your dorm assign-ment.

Find a majorMany first-year college stu-

dents are unsure about a course of study, enrolling as an undeclared. Such students can benefit from joining clubs or student organiza-tions that pique their interests. For example, joining an on-campus debate club might help you dis-cover a passion for debate, which can lead down a path to becoming a lawyer. Students who enroll in college without declaring a major may have the most to gain by joining a club or organization.

Boost your GPAJoining a club or student orga-

nization also may make you a better student. That’s especially likely for students who join a club or organization that’s aligned with their field of study. A club or organization can help you apply lessons from the classroom in real-world situations, improving your grasp of certain concepts. In addition, your fellow club mem-bers may make great teachers, especially those who are ahead of you and have taken many of the same classes you’re now taking or can expect to take down the road. Such students can be invaluable resources, helping explain con-cepts and offering advice as to which courses to take and which professors they prefer.

Network with professionalsClubs and campus organiza-

tions also are a great way to begin networking with professionals in your future line of work. Many clubs or organizations bring in professionals within the field to speak to members. Such speeches and discussions are typically members-only, which means you will have an advantage over fel-low students in your field of study who have not gone the extra mile and joined a club or organization. Professionals may also give you advice on finding an internship in your field or a job once you have graduated.

Improve your overall experi-ence

Even if a student club or orga-nization has nothing to do with your studies or your future career, signing up is a great way to improve your overall college experience. You’re liable to create more memories, make more friends and get the most out of your time on campus, which many college seniors will tell you is going to be gone before you know it. Take advantage of all of the opportunities your college or university offers, and you will likely one day look back and be glad you made the most of your time on campus.

salute to seniors 2013

Documents

salamanca press senior

salamanca presspage

salamanca pressproudly

bysalamanca central

ellicottville central

randolph central school

west valley central

jimerson dakota th