Merged swim and dive team sends Sulik to states, breaks school records

By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

In an unprecedented collaboration, the Peace Boat, the Greenville Rotary Club, and a bright young scholar, Liana Lekocevic, are set to embark on an extraordinary journey to promote global peace and sustainability.

This venture marks the first time these organizations have united for a shared cause, aiming to inspire future generations.

Diane Weisbeck is a luxury fashion writer and member of the Greenville Rotary Club who facilitated the scholarship, and Emilie McGlone is the director of Peace Boat US.

Lekocevic is the first-ever recipient of the scholarship that will enable her to join the Peace Boat’s 117th global voyage. A recent college graduate, her passion for peace, oceanography and sustainability aligns with the Peace Boat’s mission.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the ocean,” she said. “This opportunity allows me to engage with environmental science on a deeper level.”

Weisbeck shared her journey from writing about luxury fashion to becoming a Rotarian and discovering the Peace Boat.

“When I learned about the Peace Boat through Kerry Bannigan of the Fashion Impact Fund, I knew it was something I wanted to support,” Weisbeck said. “The alignment with Rotary’s goals of peace and sustainability was perfect.”

McGlone, the director of Peace Boat US, provided insight into the organization’s mission and the upcoming voyage.

“This voyage will travel to more than 20 countries, focusing on peace and sustainability through educational programs. We’re excited to have Liana on board as part of our Youth for the SDGs  program,” she said.

SDGs are the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals, which encompass missions ranging from environmental conservation to peace to food security.

The Peace Boat, currently celebrating its 41st anniversary, is renowned for its commitment to peace, human rights and sustainability. It was founded by Yoshioka Tatsuya of Japan, who is also the Peace Boat’s director. The vessel, Pacific World, will take its passengers on a three-month journey around the globe. Lekocevic will join the voyage when the ship sets sail from Manzanillo, Mexico, and journeys northward to Vancouver, Canada, and through the fjords of Alaska.

During the voyage, she will participate in various hands-on environmental programs, including coral reef and sea turtle conservation, mangrove reforestation, and water quality testing, which will be shared with the United Nations.

“I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to engage in citizen science and contribute to ocean research,” Lekocevic said.

Rotary’s involvement is a significant milestone. Weisbeck highlighted the historic connection between Rotary and the United Nations.

“In 1945, Rotary members played a key role in forming the United Nations. This collaboration with Peace Boat and Liana’s scholarship is a continuation of that legacy,” she noted.

The scholarship, which will send Lekocevic aboard the Peace Boat for nearly a month and travel to three countries, was paid for through local donations.

As Lekocevic embarks on this transformative journey, she feels a sense of gratitude and responsibility.

“This feels like an opportunity to make up for the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and pursue my passion for environmental science and peace,” she said.

The Peace Boat voyage is not just an adventure for Lekocevic but a pioneering effort that could pave the way for future collaborations between Peace Boat, Rotary and young scholars worldwide. Weisbeck expressed hope that other Rotary chapters will follow suit and sponsor their own scholars in the future.

In that vein, as Lekocevic travels with the Peace Boat, she will document what she has experienced and learned and create a video that will be shared with Rotaries around the globe. She will also share videos from her journey with the local community on TheUpstater.com.

McGlone, who has circumnavigated the globe six times with Peace Boat, anticipates that the young scholar’s experiences will be life changing.

“We look forward to Liana’s return and sharing her journey with the world,” she said.

The collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships and the shared commitment to a sustainable future. As the Peace Boat sets sail, it carries not just passengers but the hopes and dreams of those dedicated to making a difference in the world.

GET TO KNOW: Liana Lekocevic

Liana Lekocevic is the recipient of the prestigious Peace Boat Scholarship, awarded by the Greenville Rotary for the first time this year. Liana, an inspiring young woman with a deep commitment to peace and environmental preservation, embodies the values and mission of the Peace Boat initiative.

Liana was born in New York City but moved to Coxsackie at three months old. Raised in a close-knit community, she attended the Doane Stuart School and her passion for international issues flourished early on.

During high school, Liana’s interests in the environment began to take shape through her involvement in her school’s Environmental Club, which focused on raising money for environmental causes and promoting recycling initiatives.

Liana’s passion for peace and cultural understanding was significantly influenced by a unique high school program that took her to Northern Ireland. This program, led by a middle school science teacher who had firsthand experience of “The Troubles” in Ireland, aimed to foster a desire amongst his students to experience peace and reconciliation. Liana vividly recalls his mantra, “Build doors, not walls,” and his efforts to bring students from different backgrounds together.

Her trip to Northern Ireland was eye-opening. Staying in Belfast, interacting with local students of both the Catholic and Protestant faiths, and learning about the historical conflict firsthand left a profound impact on Liana. This experience, coupled with a subsequent trip to Israel, deepened her understanding of global conflicts and the importance of peace building.

Liana’s academic journey led her to Barnard College, where she had access to a wealth of opportunities, including studying ancient Egyptian through a partnership with NYU and engaging in language exchanges.

Her love for travel and learning took her to South Korea for a study abroad program, where she immersed herself in the culture and language. Her time in South Korea included visits to various cities, exploring historical sites, and experiencing a moment of intense fear during a North Korean missile launch. This incident, along with a visit to the DMZ—the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea—underscored the ongoing global tensions and the need for peace and diplomacy.

The Peace Boat Scholarship is a highlight of Liana’s journey of learning, advocacy and global engagement. It aligns perfectly with her interests in environmental science and peace building. As she embarks on this new adventure, Liana is poised to make significant contributions to the Peace Boat’s mission of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Liana expressed gratitude to the Greenville Rotary Club and Rotarian Diane Weisbeck, who made her next adventure possible.

By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

ALBANY — After a snowstorm that caught many off guard Wednesday afternoon and evening, it looks like more snow is headed our way.

The Capital Region could get as much as six or more inches Friday night into Saturday.

The National Weather Service at Albany expanded a winter storm watch Thursday afternoon to include the Capital District and other areas in the region.

Heavy snow that could lead to dangerous travel conditions is expected to begin Friday night and continue through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service at Albany. The heaviest snowfall is forecast for mid-morning Saturday and into the afternoon.

“Snowfall rates may exceed an inch per hour Saturday mid-morning into the afternoon, leading to difficult travel conditions,” according to the National Weather Service. “Blowing and drifting snow Saturday afternoon into Saturday night may prolong difficult travel conditions.”

Saturday afternoon could also bring gusty winds and blowing snow, reducing visibility on the roads and making travel more difficult as conditions worsen.

Portions of Albany County, including Ravena and Coeymans, are forecast to see about 6-8 inches of accumulation, while Greene County’s snowfall could be a bit lower, at around 4-6 inches, with western areas of the county on the higher end.

Gusting winds Saturday afternoon and night could reach 39 mph, before temperatures dip into the teens Saturday night, according to the agency.

Snowfall totals are still uncertain and could be lower than predicted, forecasters said.