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RCS honors outstanding student achievement
RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK—The RCS school district is wrapping up the school year and honoring its students’ achievements.
The accomplishments of this year’s juniors were recognized during the annual Junior Awards Breakfast held May 31. Students were honored for their work in specific subject areas.
Certificates were also awarded to students in recognition of college scholarships earned through “exemplary academic or extracurricular achievements.”
Here is a list of awards and honors earned by RCS students:
RCS DEPARTMENT AWARDS
English
- Certificate of Achievement in UHS English 11 – Cooper Penzabene
- Certificate of Achievement English 11 – Grace O’Brien
- Certificate of Honor – Madison Hunter
Social Studies
- The Social Studies Citizenship Award – Alyssa Grogan
- Most Improved in Social Studies – Mallory Raymond
Physical Education
- Healthy & Active – Dominic Hoffman
- The Sportsmanship Award – Kendall Bullock
World Language
- For Exceptional Achievement in French – Ryan Morrow
- For Exceptional Achievement in Spanish – Ana Ball
Math
- Outstanding Achievement in the study of UHS Pre-Calculus – Cooper Penzabene
- Excellence in Algebra II – Sabrina Racine
FACS
- Outstanding Achievement in the Family and Consumer Science – Sabrina Racine
Business
- Outstanding Work and Participation in Business – Keegan McClellan
Technology
- Outstanding Achievement in Technology – Julio Vargas
The Arts
- For Dedication and Celebration of the Visual Arts – Kadance Pickup
- Excellence In Music – Kofi Opoku-Aning
Science
- Most improvement in Science – Isabella Dulay
- Rocket Science Award – Cooper Penzabene
Triple C Award
The Attorney General’s 2024 Triple “C” Awards Program recognizes the “Commitment, Character, and Courage” of New York’s most exceptional young people.
Lennon Babicz
Bella Misuraca
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Each year, certain colleges and universities ask school counselors to identify students based on specific criteria. Most of these students will receive a college application fee waiver. If the student applies, is accepted, and attends this college, he or she will receive a significant scholarship, typically over the course of four years.
- RPI Medalist
This award recognizes a student who has shown strength and success in the fields of mathematics and science – Cooper Penzabene. - Rochester Institute of Technology
Four outstanding students were nominated for the RIT High School Awards.
For Humanities and Social Sciences – Aurora Wagner
For Art and Design – Kadance Pickup
For Women in STEM – Kendall Bullock
For Science and Math – Sabrina Racine
Business & Leadership – Keegan McClellan
- Sage Colleges
Student Sage Award: For a junior who has excelled in the classroom and who has been a role model and community leader – Isabella Dulay. - The Saint Michael’s Book Award
For a student who is academically successful, and shows a sustained and sincere commitment to community service, issues of peace and justice, and concern for others – Molly Engelhardt. - The Bonnie Scholarship
St. Bonaventure University’s Junior Scholarship recognizes students’ academic achievement and service to their school and community:
Mary McHugh
Madison Wilcox
Justin Sulik
Justin Castillo
Alex Halwick
Sam Langlais
- Elmira Key Award
For Elmira College, this award acknowledges outstanding school and community leadership – Sam Rosen - Clarkson University Leadership Award
Demonstrates outstanding leadership and a student who has been a positive contributor to school and community – Ana Ball - Clarkson University Achievement Award
Demonstrates outstanding leadership and has been a positive contributor to school and community – Allison Kennedy - Alfred University Scholars Award
In recognition of academic and community achievement, along with an outside of ordinary character – Abby McDermott - University of Rochester – The following four recipients will receive an annual scholarship:
Bausch and Lomb Science Award – High Achievement and rigor in math and science – Katie McFerran
Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award – Commitment to addressing social issues, leadership, and dedication to community action. Strong grades and rigorous program in social sciences – Alyssa Grogan
George Eastman Young Leaders Award –
Strong leadership in school and community, academic excellence, and involvement in school activities – McKenna Slingerland
GOOD NEWS!: Local pastors honored for community service, pastoral leadership
By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
The Rev. Dr. Roxanne Jones Booth and the Rev. Antonio Booth, former leaders at Riverview Missionary Baptist Church in Coeymans, have been recognized with a prestigious award that celebrates their outstanding service and commitment to the community.
The Rev. Joyce Steinkraus Giles Pastoral Service Award, named in honor of the Rev. Giles, the first female executive director of the Capital Area Council of Churches (CACC), acknowledges clergy members who exemplify leadership in pastoral ministry, racial and gender inclusiveness, and active participation in the council’s programs.
The Booths have spent their careers dedicated to pastoral care, racial inclusiveness, and community outreach, embodying the values that the award represents.
The Rev. Roxanne Jones Booth, who also serves as an addiction counselor at the Addictions Care Center of Albany, noted that her calling to mission work began during her years of service in Africa. She spent a decade in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and South Africa as part of her denomination, the National Baptist Convention USA. This global experience, she explained, shaped her ministry and her passion for serving marginalized communities, both locally and abroad.
Locally, Pastor Roxanne Booth plays an active role in the Capital Area Council of Churches, particularly through their overflow shelter program. This shelter, which provides housing during the coldest months of the year, is designed to help those who are often turned away by other shelters, including individuals recently released from incarceration and those facing mental health challenges. Pastor Roxanne’s leadership was instrumental in relocating the shelter from the First Lutheran Church to the First Reformed Church in Albany after the original building was sold.
The Rev. Antonio Booth has made significant contributions through his leadership of the Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Scholarship Committee. Under his direction, the program has grown significantly, raising up to $14,000 annually for scholarships. The scholarships, awarded to local high school students, help further the legacy of Dr. King by supporting education and fostering interfaith and interracial understanding.
The Booths’ work extends beyond Riverview Missionary Baptist Church and the CACC. They have been key figures in fostering interdenominational collaboration through the RCS Association of Churches, participating in ecumenical services, community outreach programs, and events like the annual Good Friday service. Their work is deeply rooted in their belief in the power of community and their dedication to bringing people together across religious and cultural divides.
Receiving the Giles Award is a testament to the Booths’ decades of dedication and service. Both pastors expressed gratitude and humility upon receiving the recognition.
“When you’re pastoring, you’re just doing what God has called you to do,” the Rev. Antonio Booth said. “You’re not thinking about any accolades, you’re just doing what God told you to do.”
Looking forward, the Booths continue to work closely with the Capital Area Council of Churches and the local community. They emphasize the importance of inclusivity, compassion, and unity in all aspects of their work, helping to create a stronger, more cohesive community.
Their recognition serves as a reminder of the transformative power of service and faith, as well as the lasting impact of those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others.
