News Articles

2023 Scholarship Program

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:57:33 +0000

2023 Scholarship Program

Williamsville Education Foundation Announces 2023 Scholarship Program

See application link below, deadline March 8, 2023

The Williamsville Education Foundation is proud to announce it will be offering scholarships to graduating seniors in the summer of 2023.
This is the second year the Williamsville Education Foundation is providing financial aid to students.

Full details and scholarship applications are available on the District’s website above.

Students applying for this scholarship must:

Be a high school senior, graduating in June 2023
Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (2 or 4-year

college/university, trade school, technical school, or specialized

school)
Have worked to the best of their ability academically
Taken part in activities that benefit the school
All else being equal, financial need may be considered

Scholarship applications, along with a copy of an official high school transcript and report card, must be received by the students’ high school guidance office no later than March 8, 2023 to be considered. Candidates will also need to write an essay and provide two letters of recommendation.

Invitation to Wall of Fame breakfast

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:06:59 +0000

 The Williamsville Education Foundation is proud to announce 10 new inductees to the Williamsville Wall of Fame. These indivdiuals will be formally inducted at the Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony Awards Breakfast at the Country Club of Buffalo on November 10, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.

 The Williamsville Wall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni of the Williamsville Central School District who serve as role models for today’s students, demonstrating the importance of school and the power of learning.

First Scholarships Awarded

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:22:38 +0000

Williamsville Education Foundation Awards Three Scholarships

The Williamsville Education Foundation awarded a $500.00 scholarship to a senior from each of the District’s high schools during their annual awards ceremonies. After completing an application, three candidates were selected by each high school’s scholarship committee and submitted to the Williamsville Education Foundation Scholarship Committee. After extensive review and an interview, one senior from each high school was awarded a scholarship.

Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients:

Williamsville East – Ali Mucteba Gokcek

Ali Mucteba Gokcek is known as an intelligent, hard working young man who thinks about ways to help others. At East, Ali is a Varsity athlete (volleyball), a sports editor for the East Side News, member of East’s Shared Decision-Making Team, French Club, National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school, Ali has been published in a number of publications, has taken part in several internships, and volunteers at Buffalo United for Peace. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ali raised money to help feed front-line workers. In 2020, Ali began a Summer Refugee ESL Camp to help immigrant students who needed English language support during the pandemic. Most recently, Ali and his brother started a fundraising campaign to build wells, donate toys, goods, and essentials, to orphans and families in Kenya. Ali and his brother were also able to travel to Kenya to see their work in action. Ali will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall and plans to major in Political Science. He also hopes to attend law school and become involved in politics.

Williamsville North – Inwoo Shin

Inwoo Shin is known for her strong leadership, logical thinking, and ability to work well with others. Along with being a Varsity athlete (swimming), Inwoo is a gifted musician who has auditioned and qualified for ECMEA and NYSSMA Area All-State Bands as an alto saxophonist. She is active in Student Council, Spartan MSDP, math and science tutoring club, Mock Trial, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Fusion School Newspaper, Superintendent’s Inter-High Advisory Council, National Honor Society as co-president, and Science Olympiads, where she qualified for a national competition. Last year, Inwoo founded the Medical Outreach Club, which was developed for students interested in careers in the medical field. Inwoo has organized speakers, in-person demonstrations, and lectures by professionals in the field. Outside of school, she volunteers with Amherst Youth Engaged in Service and the Buffalo Korean Presbyterian Church, where she teaches students beginning to read Korean. She is also the organizer and founder of Zooming Bookworms Book Club for elementary students and has performed research at the Clinical and Translational Research Center. In the fall, Inwoo will attend Princeton University where she plans to major in Biomedical Engineering.

Williamsville South – Andrew Scalfani-Cohen

Andrew Scalfani-Cohen has always challenged himself with a demanding curriculum while being involved in many activities that reflect his enthusiasm and strong work ethic. At South, Andrew is a Varsity athlete (swimming, lacrosse and cross-country), serving as Captain of the Varsity Swim Team. He has been Class Treasurer all four years of high school, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is the founder and president of the Debate Club. Outside of school, Andrew is a member of Velocity Aquatics, a club swim team. He also believes strongly in helping others through volunteerism and has volunteered with Friends of the Night People, Amherst Youth Engaged in Service, and the United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps. Andrew has shared that he is obsessed with world events, public policy, law, and will be heading to Cornell University in the fall to study Political Science and Government. After completing his four-year degree, he hopes to attend law school.

2022 Inductees into the Wall of Fame

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:48:07 +0000

The Willamsvile Education Foundation is proud to announce 10 new inductees to the
Williamsville Wall of Fame.
These indivdiuals will be formally inducted at the Wall of
Fame Induction Ceremony Awards Breaktast at the Country Club of Buttalo on November
10, 2022. at 8:00 a.m.
The Williamsville Wall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni of the Williamsville
Centra. School.

The Class of 2022 Wall of Fame Inductees are:
Williamsville South
Eric Bodamer, Senior Designer for Adidas Hockey - Class of 1988
Rachel DiNunzio, Author/Illustrator and founder of Radish Lane - Class of 2007
Julie Gentner-Murphy, Financial Planner, L&M Financial - Class of 1999
Bradley Hahn, Executive Director, Explore Buffalo - Class of 2009
Brad Sprague, Chief, Main-Transit Fire Department - Class of 2004
Cindy Wyatt, Athlete/International Referee - Class of 1961

Williamsville North
Dave Henning. Colonel, United States Army - Class of 1996
Daniel Summers, Professional Chemical Engineer - Class of 1973

Williamsville East
David Flynn, Parter, Phillips Lyle LLP - Class of 1979
Rachelle Paul, Athletic Director, Saint Peter's University - Class of 1999

The Awards Breakfast introduces the 2022 honcrees to the public and showcases the
caliber of araduates produced by Williamsville schools. Following the breaktast ceremony
the new inductees return to their alma maters as guests of honor at spocial student
assemblies. These school-based programs link the past with the present, as the new Wall of
Fame members soak to current students about achieving their dreams
The Wall of Fame is hosted biennially by the Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc.
it was established in 2000. The Wall of Fame has recognized more than 100
alumni tor their contributions and accomplishments
The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. sponsors the Wall of Fame in conjunction with
the District's three high schools.

New Scholarship Program

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:52:21 +0000

Williamsville Education Foundation to Provide Scholarships to Seniors

The Foundation is awarding $3,000 in scholarship financial aid

The Williamsville Education Foundation (WEF) is proud to announce it will be offering six, $500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the summer of 2023. Each high school will have two awardees.

This is the second year the Williamsville Education Foundation is providing financial aid to students.

Full details and scholarship applications are available on the District websites.

Students applying for this scholarship must:

Be a high school senior, graduating in June 2023
Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (2 or 4-year

college/university, trade school, technical school, or specialized

school)
Have worked to the best of their ability academically
Taken part in activities that benefit the school
All else being equal, financial need may be considered

Scholarship applications, along with a copy of an official high school transcript and report card, must be received by the students’ high school guidance office no later than March 8, 2023 to be considered. Candidates will also need to write an essay and provide two letters of recommendation.

Foundation announces 2022 Wall of Fame

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 12:36:34 +0000

Williamsville Education Foundation Seeks Nominations for Williamsville Wall of Fame
Inductions will take place in November of 2022

The Williamsville Central School District is seeking nominations for its Wall of Fame honoring graduates for extraordinary achievements in career and public service. The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2022.

The nomination form can be accessed at the following link: Wall of Fame Nomination Form

To be eligible, candidates must have graduated at least ten years ago from Williamsville East, North, or South High Schools, or be a graduate of the original Williamsville High School. Their contributions to humanity, community service, and philanthropic endeavors are important considerations along with their professional achievements and leadership.

Established in 2000, the Wall of Fame has recognized more than 100 Williamsville alumni for their contributions and accomplishments. The next induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. sponsors the Wall of Fame in conjunction with the District’s three high schools. The selection committee includes members of the Foundation Board of Directors and representatives from each Williamsville high school.

Nomination forms are available on the District website, the Foundation website, www.wedf.org, or by calling (716) 626-8005.

Foundation membership

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 20:32:10 +0000

Foundation looking for Board members

The Williamsville Education Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) organization that administers private resources to enhance educational activities and programs that were not funded in school budgets, is seeking new board members and volunteers.

“We have about 15 [board members] now,” President Ron Shubert said. “And in order to carry out our activities ... we just need more people to help us in our endeavors.”

Some of the foundation’s more notable events and fundraisers include the biennial Wall of Fame event.

“The Wall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni from the Williamsville Central School District who have served as role models for today’s students. We have an induction ceremony, which is usually a breakfast. And then after that, the inductees go back to their respective high schools and they speak in the auditorium to the students in their respective schools,” Shubert said. “It’s a big event, it’s been well attended over the years and it’s probably our primary fundraiser because that’s what we’re all about. We have to raise money so that we can then give it back.”

The Williamsville Education Foundation also coordinates a mini grant program, which was first introduced in 2001.

“We give awards about $500 to a worthwhile classroom to fund projects, programs or activities that might otherwise not have been possible again because of limited school budgets,” Shubert said. “A thing in the future that we’re thinking about but that hasn’t really gotten off the ground is doing scholarships, and I’m not yet sure how that’s going to happen. But that’s something that, as we grow our board, I think we’ll have more people to work on that project and I think that you’ll see scholarships, too.”

Not only is the foundation looking to grow its board and network of volunteers so that they can continue to host their fundraising events and help give back to schools, but they are also hoping to diversify the board to better represent the Williamsville community.

“We’re looking to diversify, too,” Shubert said. “And have a more diverse group that represents Williamsville.”

While the foundation is hoping to welcome at least four or five more board members, Shubert said there is no magic number, and that all who are interested in volunteering their time and energy to help local schools are welcome.

“Anyone that has an interest in helping, anyone that’s interested, we have former teachers, we have community members, I’m a graduate of Williamsville South, anyone and everyone who is interested in the Williamsville Central Schools and in helping them succeed,” Shubert said. “Qualification-wise or interest-wise, if you want to volunteer, we’re happy to have you.”

With schools facing difficult budget seasons due to COVID-19, the mission of the Williamsville Education Foundation is important now more than ever. Those who are interested in learning more or getting involved should email us through our CONTACT link here on our home page.

Wall of Fame postponed

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:29:37 +0000

The 2021 Wall of Fame has been postponed due to the Coronavirus until November 2022. Please watch for nomination forms in November 2021 here on our web site,

2019-2020 Mini-Grants Awarded

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:00:01 +0000

Williamsville Education Foundation Provides Mini-Grants to Williamsville Central School District
The Foundation’s mission is to enhance educational opportunities for Williamsville students

The Williamsville Education Foundation has announced the funding of 21 mini-grants for the Williamsville Central School District.

This year, $8,068.46 will be distributed to teachers and educators throughout the district.

The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education officially accepted the Williamsville Education Foundation’s donation on Dec. 10.

“The grants awarded this year continue our annual efforts to support the teachers in innovative classroom projects,” said Foundation President Jeffrey Katz. “The Foundation is proud to support the Williamsville Central School District with these mini-grants.”

The mini-grants include:

HIGH SCHOOLS

East High: Lili Rutecki, LOTE Teacher – Spanish Scholastic magazines
East High: Dana Bedore, Lili Rutecki & Talia Bean, LOTE Team – Subscription for an online platform called Conjuguemos
East High: Stacy Bernard, Science Teacher – Sony headphones
North High: Kimberly Preshoff, Science Department – Light pollution demonstration display
North High: Mark Percy, Science Teacher & Planetarium Director – Phillips Road Focus fully shielded light fixture
South High: Lori Chilcot & Jenn Nostrant, LOTE Teachers – Magazine Subscription

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Casey/Heim/Mill/Transit Middle: ESOL Teachers – Field Trip with Buffalo River History Tours
Casey Middle: Jeffrey Addison, Engineering & Tech Department – Materials to manufacture bean bags toss boards for an interdisciplinary educational project
Casey Middle: LOTE Team – Privacy Shields
Heim Middle: Science Department – Celestron Digital Microscope Imager
Heim Middle: Chuck Miller, Grade 5 Science – Orbital Planetarium
Mill Middle: Kim Yoerg, Art Teacher – Gyotaku fish replica rubber stamps for printmaking
Mill Middle: Mill Middle Music Department – A special guest artist at the Spectrum Concert
Mill Middle: Mill Middle FACs Department – Materials to make cushions for Oishei Children’s Hospital
Transit Middle: Lisa Schiavoni, Science Teacher – Watershed game as part of the Dept. of Environmental Conservation

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Country Parkway Elementary: Beth Roy, Library Media Specialist – Books and materials for a Literature Markerspace
Dodge Elementary: Thomas Knab, Visual Arts Teacher – K’Nex Creation Zone Building Set
Dodge Elementary: Deborah De’Angelo, 4^thGrade Teacher – Dave Ruch’s Colonial America Presentation
Dodge Elementary: Laura Szatkowski, 3^rdGrade Teacher - Dave Ruch’s Colonial America Presentation
Maple West Elementary: Megan Doherty, Art Educator – Adaptive art supplies and tools for students with special needs
Maple West Elementary: Rebecca Spagnolo, Physical Therapist/Eileen Hodson, Occupational Therapist/Pamela Clabo, Speech Language Pathologist – Sensory poster, decals, materials and supplies

Since the Foundation introduced the mini-grant program in 2001, more than $100,000 has been awarded to educators throughout the Williamsville Central School District.

Information on the mini-grants and how to contribute is available on the Foundation’s website, wedf.org.

Student Scholarships

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:13:45 +0000

Williamsville Education Foundation to Provide Scholarships to Seniors

The Foundation is awarding six $500 scholarships in 2024

The Williamsville Education Foundation (WEF) is proud to announce it will be offering six, $500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the summer of 2024. Each high school will have two awardees.

This is the third year the Williamsville Education Foundation is providing financial aid to students.

Full details and scholarship applications are available on the District website.

Students applying for this scholarship must:

Be a high school senior, graduating in June 2023
Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (2 or 4-yearcollege/university, trade school, technical school, or specialized school)
Have worked to the best of their ability academically
Taken part in activities that benefit the school

All else being equal, financial need may be considered

Scholarship applications, along with a copy of an official high school transcript and report card, must be received by the students’ high school guidance office no later than March 2024 (date TBD) to be considered. Candidates will also need to write an essay and provide two letters of recommendation.

2019 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 02:19:36 +0000

2019 Wall of Fame induction ceremony held November 8 at the Park County Club

Ten graduates from Williamsville’s three high schools were inducted into the Williamsville 2019 Wall of Fame on November 8, 2019 during a celebration breakfast held at the Park Country Club. Alumni from Williamsville East, North, and South high schools have distinguished themselves in their careers and have made significant contributions to their communities through service and volunteerism.

2019 Wall of Fame Inductees Announced

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 19:08:33 +0000

As published in The Amherst Bee

A retired U.S. Army colonel and NATO Afghanistan inspector general; vice president of The PGA Tour; and the op-ed editor of The New York Times are among 10 distinguished alumni named to the Williamsville Wall of Fame. They will be inducted Friday, Nov. 8, during an awards breakfast at the Park Country Club in Williamsville.

The induction celebration is sponsored by the Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. Following the induction ceremony, the newest Wall of Fame members will be guests of honor at their respective alma maters and address students during special assembly programs.

According to Williamsville Central Schools Superintendent Scott Martzloff, the Wall of Fame honors outstanding Williamsville graduates for their professional achievements, contributions to society and community service.

“These distinguished alumni are an inspiration to our current students and a great source of pride for the entire Williamsville community,” he said.

From Williamsville South High School, the inductees include:

James Dao, Class of 1975, op-ed editor, The New York Times.
Elaina Giolando, Class of 2007, life transformation coach and freelance writer.
Christopher H. Toone, Class of 2009, founder and CEO of The Senase Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on public education in rural Africa.
Michael Walline, Class of 1991, Western New York theater actor, choreographer and director.

From Williamsville East High School, the inductees include:

Maureen Cattieu, Class of 2002, founder and director of Cartagena Paws, an animal rescue in Cartagena, Columbia.
Mark F. Fassl, Class of 1980, retired U.S. Army colonel; former NATO Afghanistan training mission inspector general; current inspector general, Alabama Department of Corrections.
John Flaschner, Class of 1980, vice president of community impact, The PGA Tour.

From Williamsville North High School, the inductees include:

David M. Brown, Class of 1978, senior project manager, ManTech International Corp.; retired Central Intelligence Agency officer.
Penny Myers, Class of 1992, cantor, Temple Beth Zion.
Henry J. Stopinski, Class of 1980, superintendent of Royalton-Hartland Central School District.

The Williamsville Wall of Fame has 118 members representing the district’s three high schools as well as the original high school, which dates back to the early 20th century.

Tickets for the Nov. 8 breakfast celebration cost $25. To reserve tickets for the awards breakfast at the Park Country Club, go to www.wedf.org.

Wall of Fame sponsorship opportunities are available for companies, individuals and groups who want to support Williamsville’s tradition of providing quality education for all students, the school district noted.

Proceeds from the Wall of Fame celebration support the Williamsville Education Foundation’s teacher mini-grant program, which funds student-focused projects across the district, as well as its new scholarship program for graduating seniors.

For more information about how to sponsor the Wall of Fame celebration, contact Trey Measer at 204-4900.

Foundation supports learning

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:49:04 +0000

Author brings joy of reading into the classroom

Education Foundation supports student event

by Anna Derosa

Amherst Bee Associate Editor

Through the program #KidsNeedMentors, Christine Dauksha’s fourth-grade class at Maple West Elementary was able to pair with author Lela Nargi for the 2018-19 school year.

Nargi is an author, editor and journalist, who started writing books in 1996 and published her first children’s book, “The Honeybee Man,” in 2011.

With the goal of getting children excited about reading and writing, #KidsNeedMentors hopes to break down the barriers that exist between educators and children’s book creators, and between children’s book creators and their audience.

The program was launched in May by authors Ann Braden and Jarrett Lerner, and fifth-grade teachers Kristin Crouch and Kristen Picone.

“The idea of this was establishing a connection between an author and group of students that would last the entire year,” said Bobbi Hopkins, Williamsville Central School District technology integrator.

After discovering the hashtag on Twitter, Hopkins was one of 300 educators who was selected for the program. A former classroom teacher of 28 years, she then presented the opportunity to Dauksha’s fourth-grade class.

“To me it was such a great idea and it was so wonderful that there were so many authors that were really eager to jump in on this and have that opportunity to connect with students and help them understand writing and the process of writing,” Hopkins said.

The author wanted to participate in #KidsNeedMentors because she had released new books and loves trying them out with kids.

“It’s always great to read the books to kids to get their reaction and to make it sort of a real live thing, because even though it’s a physical object out in the world, it’s still living in your head,” Nargi said.

“And getting to engage with kids about the work you’ve done gives it a new life and the life that you only imagine when you don’t get to talk to kids about what their experience reading is.”

Dauksha’s students have read numerous books written by Nargi, including “Absolute Expert: Volcanoes” and “Absolute Expert: Dinosaurs,” which were published by

National Geographic Kids, and “A Heart Just Like My Mother’s,” published by Kar-Ben/Lerner and illustrated by Valeria Cis.

Students also received a proof copy of Nargi’s newest picture book, “Karl’s New Beak.” The book will be released in March from Capstone.

While a one-time author visit can be a fleeting experience, the #KidsNeedMentors program develops a series of interactions. Nargi believes that authors and children crave that interaction.

“Having somebody come into your life for such a short period of time sort of mythologies it, which is sort of the opposite of what you want,” Nargi said. “As a writer, you want kids to think of writers as ordinary people who do this thing.

“It’s not like being a movie star — it’s work and work that we love. And I think part of an author’s job is communicating sort of the normalcy of that and who we are.”

Nargi’s visit was also connected to the school’s annual event called Prime Time Reading. At the event, Nargi read “The Honeybee Man” to a group of around 70 fourth-graders.

“The Honeybee Man,” published by Schwartz & Wade and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker, is about an urban beekeeper and includes facts about beekeeping, bees and pollinators, and how honey is extracted.

According to Dauksha, the author visit gained support from former Maple West principal Charlie Galluzzo and the Parent Teacher Association. Dauksha also received a $500 grant from the Williamsville Education Foundation Inc.

Dauksha has already witnessed many benefits of the mentorship with the 25 students in her class.

Her class has participated in Google Hangouts and will be able to connect with Nargi throughout the school year. The students have written several pieces of their own and were able to talk with Nargi about adding dialogue to text and the editing process.

“The idea of being able to ask the author questions about her book and get that immediate feedback has been amazing for my students,” Dauksha said.

When her students approach writing a new story, they can receive tips from their mentor author.

“Having her texts as mentor texts that we can look back at and also just having her as a resource to talk to and answer their questions is just so gratifying to the students,” Dauksha said, adding that it has motivated her students to implement what they’ve learned.

Nargi wants children to feel a joy for reading and writing. A student who was new to Dauksha’s class hadn’t read one of Nargi’s books that the other students had.

The student approached Nargi and told her that they were excited to read it.

“It is so gratifying when a kid is happy to get a book and thinks that’s a really great thing,” Nargi said.

Just announced... the 2019 Wall of Fame event will be Friday, November 8, 2019

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:22:02 +0000

Save the date, Friday, November 8, 2019 for the next induction of distiguished alumni to the Wall of Fame. Here is our nomination form, please nominate your alumni today, it is not too early!

2019 Wall of Fame/Wall of Fame 2019 Form.pdf

Foundation Supports Mini-Grant Students at South

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:07:19 +0000

Portrait of Kindness: South Students Create Meaningful Art for Children in Need

Students in teacher Mary Ellen Ryan’s art class at Williamsville South High School recently took on a very special assignment, creating personal portraits for children in Puerto Rico who were affected by Hurricane Maria, a category 4 storm that devastated the island last year.

The Memory Project is a nonprofit organization that began in 2004, and partners with teachers and their students “to create portraits for youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as violence, disasters, extreme poverty, neglect, and loss of parents,” according to the organization’s website. The Memory Project receives photos of children and teens from global charities operating in countries around the world. Each participating art student gets a photograph of a child, his or her name, age, and favorite color.

Participants contribute $15 per portrait to cover the cost of coordinating the program and delivering the finished portraits. Ms. Ryan received a grant from the Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. for $240 to cover the cost for her Drawing and Paint students to participate. “We will send the children their finished portraits in hopes they will have something of their very own, a keepsake to hold on to, since so many lost much of their personal belongings,” said Ms. Ryan. “We hope it lifts their spirits and brings a smile to their faces.”

For more information about the Memory Project, visit the organization’s web site at https://memoryproject.org/.

Pictured, Cassandra Kegler, Gr. 10 shows off her completed portrait as Tanya Robinson, Gr. 10, puts the final touches on her artwork.

2019 Wall of Fame Nominations Forms available now

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:25:22 +0000

Not to soon to nominate your alumni for the 2019 Wall of Fame event. Nomination deadline is May 1, 2019.

2019 Wall of Fame/Wall of Fame 2019 Form.pdf

2017 Wall of Fame video

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 13:37:57 +0000

Check out our 2017 Wall of Fame Induction video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61QNlltnfD8&feature=youtu.be

Twelve Alumni Go to the Wall of Fame

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 20:42:52 +0000

The Williamsville Schools Wall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni of the Williamsville Central School District who serve as role models for today's students, demonstrating the importance of school and the power of learning. The Wall of Fame is sponsored biennially by the Williamsville Education Foundation. The Foundation hosts the Induction Ceremony and presents commemorative display plaques to the honorees, their high school alma maters, and the school district.

Twelve graduates from Williamsville’s three high schools were inducted into the Williamsville 2017 Wall of Fame on October 27, 2017 during a celebration breakfast held at the Park Country Club. These alumni from Williamsville East, North, and South high schools have distinguished themselves in their careers and have made significant contributions to their communities through service and volunteerism.

Pictured from left are:

Kyle Macbeth, Ph.D., Research and Development Scientist/Director; Myeloid Cancer Transitional Development at Celgene Biopharmaceutical Corporation; Marc Fineberg, M.D., Chief of Sports Medicine and Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at SUNY Buffalo, and Team Physician for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and University at Buffalo Athletics; Richard Scherer, Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic; Hiroshi Mashimo, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Faculty Member, Harvard Medical School, Boston VA Healthcare System, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Detective Mark P. Pitirri, Amherst Police Department; Lindsay Anne Shookus, two-time Emmy award-winning producer for Saturday Night Live; Ronald S. Shubert, Partner at Phillips Lytle LLP; Steven J. Weiss, Partner at Cannon Heyman & Weiss LLP; Capt. Thomas F. Hurley, II, retired U.S. Naval Officer and Library Media Specialist at Williamsville East HS; Peter J. Olsen, Senior Vice President at M&T Bank; Bridget E. Niland, Athletics Director and Associate Professor of Business at Daemen College; and Sean P. Galliher, Associate General Counsel for Skechers USA, Inc.

Following the Induction breakfast and ceremony, the honorees return to their schools linking the past with today, as the new Wall of Fame members speak to current students about achieving their dreams.

Since the program began in 2000, 118 alumni have been inducted into the Williamsville Wall of Fame. The honorees have included entrepreneurs, musicians, authors, physicians, scientists, professors, entertainers, government officials, journalists, law enforcement and military officers, all of whom have attained great success in their careers and serve as role models in their communities.

Nominations for the 2019 Williamsville Wall of Fame Induction will be open as of January 1, 2018. Nomination forms will be available online from the Foundation website and at the district website, www.williamsvillek12.org. Applications will also be available from the district's Communications Office by calling (716) 626-8008.

2016-2017 Mini-Grant Awards

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:21:12 +0000

Foundation’s mini-grant program supports a wide spectrum of teaching initiatives

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. awarded mini-grants totaling nearly $8,000 last year to enhance learning opportunities for students. Twenty projects addressing seven different curriculum areas were selected from a competitive pool of grant applications submitted by teachers across the district.

“The grant proposals demonstrate the creative and innovative work our teachers are doing to engage their students in learning,” said Foundation President, Jeffrey Katz. “We support worthwhile items or projects above and beyond what the school district can do within the constraints of its budget.”

Last year, the grant awards averaged just under $400 each. At the high school level, Foundation grants supported the foreign language program with the purchase of a class subscription for the French Scholastic Magazine at Williamsville North, and classroom headphones purchased for LOTE classes at Williamsville South. The Williamsville East Science Olympiad Team received funds that enabled students to compete at the state level. Casey Middle, Heim Middle, Maple West Elementary and Country Parkway Elementary received grants for art supplies including clay modeling tool sets and Gelli printing plates. A Rubiks Cube Math Program and a farm-to-table herb garden were supported at Mill Middle School while innovative STEM projects received funding at Transit Middle including an Earthquake Simulator and Toothpick Disaster Lab kit.

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent, volunteer led, 501c3 non-profit organization that exists to help ensure Williamsville students continue to receive the highest level of education. Since 2001, the Foundation has donated over $80,000 through its annual mini-grant program to support student-focused projects that otherwise would go unfunded. To make a donation to our Mini-Grant program, see our web site here.

Transit Middle students learn about earthquakes using a ‘shake table’ purchased last year through a mini-grant from the Williamsville Education Foundation.

Read all about it! 2017 Wall of Fame inductees

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 20:01:01 +0000

2017 Wall of Fame The Amherst Bee story, October 4, 2017.pdf

Reserve your seats now at our 2017 Wall of Fame Breakfast Induction

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:04:59 +0000

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. sponsors the Wall of Fame in conjunction with the three Williamsville high schools. The induction celebration will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Park Country Club, Sheridan Drive, Amherst. Breakfast will be served at 8am. Afterwards, the new inductees will visit their alma maters where they will participate in a special assembly program and speak directly with current students.

For reservations to the breakfast ceremony, please call the Amherst Chamber of Commerce 716-632-6905.

Become a sponor of the Wall of Fame

In addition, sponsorship opportunities are available for the induction celebration. Proceeds from the event benefit the Foundation’s mini-grant program, which supports teacher initiatives and innovative school projects that are not funded by the district budget. For more information about sponsorships, call Trey Measer at 716-204-4900.

Class Reunions help students today

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 19:22:04 +0000

One of Williamsville's Class Reunions donate their "left over" party money to our Foundation. They were so excited to help and knew if would be a while before they could use the money. We put their reunion money to good work in our Mini-Grant program. Please consider a donation...

Our Mini-Grant at Real Work with the Students

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 18:51:57 +0000

Kudos to Williamsville Planetarium Director Mark Percy and North High Science Teacher Kim Preshoff on their article published in the March issue of the International Planetarium Society journal, The Planetarian, about an innovative lesson they developed to help students better understand solar insolation.

The project was made possible, in part, thanks to the Foundation’s mini-grant program which funded two portable lens used in the giant protractor lab they created.

The Foundation has supported the District Planetarium over the years and in 2012-13, helped secure nearly $300,000 in funding to update technology and renovate the spacelab facility.

Click on PDF for the news story.... Protractor planetarian.pdf

Deadline soon to nominate for the 2017 Wall of Fame

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:05:37 +0000

Nominations sought for Williamsville Wall of Fame

Now is the time to nominate your classmate, deadline May 1st, 2017

The Williamsville Central School District is seeking nominations for its Wall of Fame that honors graduates for their extraordinary achievements in academics, community service and public service, fine arts, media, business and athletics.

Since it was established in 2000, the Wall of Fame has recognized more than 100 Williamsville alumni for their contributions and accomplishments. The next induction will take place in October 2017.

To be eligible, candidates must have graduated at least ten years ago from Williamsville South, North, or East high school, or be a graduate of the original Williamsville High School. Their contributions to humanity, community service, and philanthropic endeavors are important considerations along with their professional achievements and leadership.

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. sponsors the Wall of Fame in conjunction with the district’s three high schools. The selection committee includes members of the Foundation Board of Directors and representatives from each Williamsville high school.

Nomination form is available here with link below or by calling (716) 626-8008. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2017.

2017 Wall of Fame -- Wall of Fame NOMINATION Form 2017.pdf

Now is the time to nominate

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 20:49:58 +0000

Nominations sought for Williamsville Wall of Fame

Now is the time to nominate your classmate, deadline May 1st, 2017

Since it was established in 2000, the Wall of Fame has recognized more than 100 Williamsville alumni for their contributions and accomplishments. The next induction will take place in October 2017.

Nomination form is available here with link below or by calling (716) 626-8008. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2017.

2017 Wall of Fame NOMINATION Form.pdf

News Articles

2023 Scholarship Program

2023 Scholarship Program

Williamsville Education Foundation Announces 2023 Scholarship Program

See application link below, deadline March 8, 2023

Students applying for this scholarship must:

Be a high school senior, graduating in June 2023

Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (2 or 4-year

college/university, trade school, technical school, or specialized

school)

Have worked to the best of their ability academically

Taken part in activities that benefit the school

All else being equal, financial need may be considered

Scholarship applications, along with a copy of an official high school transcript and report card, must be received by the students’ high school guidance office no later than March 8, 2023 to be considered. Candidates will also need to write an essay and provide two letters of recommendation.

Invitation to Wall of Fame breakfast

First Scholarships Awarded

2022 Inductees into the Wall of Fame

New Scholarship Program

The Foundation is awarding $3,000 in scholarship financial aid

The Williamsville Education Foundation (WEF) is proud to announce it will be offering six, $500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the summer of 2023. Each high school will have two awardees.

This is the second year the Williamsville Education Foundation is providing financial aid to students.

Full details and scholarship applications are available on the District websites.

Students applying for this scholarship must:

Be a high school senior, graduating in June 2023

Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (2 or 4-year

college/university, trade school, technical school, or specialized

school)

Have worked to the best of their ability academically

Taken part in activities that benefit the school

All else being equal, financial need may be considered

Scholarship applications, along with a copy of an official high school transcript and report card, must be received by the students’ high school guidance office no later than March 8, 2023 to be considered. Candidates will also need to write an essay and provide two letters of recommendation.

Foundation announces 2022 Wall of Fame

Foundation membership

Foundation looking for Board members

Wall of Fame postponed

2019-2020 Mini-Grants Awarded

Student Scholarships

2019 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony

2019 Wall of Fame Inductees Announced

Foundation supports learning

Author brings joy of reading into the classroom

Education Foundation supports student event

Just announced... the 2019 Wall of Fame event will be Friday, November 8, 2019

Foundation Supports Mini-Grant Students at South

2019 Wall of Fame Nominations Forms available now

Not to soon to nominate your alumni for the 2019 Wall of Fame event. Nomination deadline is May 1, 2019.

2019 Wall of Fame/Wall of Fame 2019 Form.pdf

2017 Wall of Fame video

Twelve Alumni Go to the Wall of Fame

2016-2017 Mini-Grant Awards

Read all about it! 2017 Wall of Fame inductees

Reserve your seats now at our 2017 Wall of Fame Breakfast Induction

Class Reunions help students today

Our Mini-Grant at Real Work with the Students

Deadline soon to nominate for the 2017 Wall of Fame

Now is the time to nominate