Awards ceremony Archives - The Inside Press

Byram Hills High School juniors and seniors were honored for their individual achievements at the annual awards ceremony on May 25 in the high school theater.

“We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the achievements of all of the students who are behind me on stage,” Principal Christopher Walsh said. “It’s been such an incredible year, for so many reasons, for our high school community.”

This year, Byram Hills students were recognized by organizations including the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the New York State School Music Association, Regeneron, the College Board, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, Con Edison, Section 1 Athletics, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

“Countless other local, state, national and international organizations recognized Byram Hills students for their achievements,” Mr. Walsh said. “Our students were celebrated for their work in and out of the classrooms, both at school and on the road, and even remotely.”

He thanked the students’ families for their endless support.

“None of the students would be able to be up here without all that you do for them,” Mr. Walsh said of the students seated on the stage. “Thank you for the hours and hours of support that enabled them to achieve so much.”

The top honor for a graduating senior, the Hy Blatte-Jack Wollenberg Memorial Award, is given to a student with a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend himself for others, and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges.

Mr. Walsh presented the award to Ross Eagle, hailing him for his leadership, involvement and willingness to help.

“This student always looks on the bright side and sees challenges as an opportunity for growth and learning,” Mr. Walsh said. “He is kind, compassionate and cares deeply for his community. This student reflects the values of Byram Hills High School.”

Along with the award, Ross received a $1,000 scholarship from the PTSA, $100 to donate to a charity of his choice, and by tradition, gave a speech during the ceremony.

“When looking back on our time at the high school, it was nothing short of unusual, and a true test of our resilience,” Ross said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had shifted the mindset of students. “But it taught us an important lesson: that is, to make the most of the time we have and not to worry about the things that are out of our control.”

The PTSA Caruolo Leadership Award, which is decided by a student vote and comes with a $1,000 scholarship, was presented by Assistant Principal Kristen Sautner to senior Irene Byrnes.

The award goes to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and exhibits character, dedication, loyalty and humanity. Ms. Sautner noted that Irene is described as dynamic, intelligent, fun loving, kind to all and always willing to lend a helping hand.

“She has strength in her convictions and has shown that she can support and lift up others while also making her voice and point of view heard,” Ms. Sautner said. “This student works hard to ensure the success of those around her. She is also known for being astute and recognizing when a fellow classmate may be in need of help and demonstrates genuine care and willingness to assist others.”

The awards ceremony was filled with applause and pride as dozens of students were recognized, a wonderful way to kick off the end of the academic year.

News and photo courtesy of the Byram Hills School District

June 14, 2021, Armonk, NY— Following a traditional Flag Day Service, members of the Mid-Westchester Elks, Lodge #535, honored three first responders commending their courage, perseverance and dedicated service over this most challenging last year.

Honored by the Mid-Westchester Elks were Laureen Smith-Arena, an occupational therapist at Northern Westchester Hospital; Julie Gallagher, an Armonk Fire Department volunteer firefighter, EMT and Byram Hills High School Nurse; and Robbie Boddies, a firefighter with the West Point Fire Department and a paramedic. Certificates of appreciation were also first presented to each of the recipients on behalf of Westchester Board of Legislators Margaret Cuzio and state Senator Shelley Mayer. Attending too was Barbara W. DiGiacinto, town council member of North Castle. Following a variety of laudatory remarks on their behalf, each of the honorees shared their gratitude and/or described their respective experiences.

The ceremony, which also brought together many long time friends and neighbors after a ‘skipped year’ during COVID, took on special meaning this year as attendees gathered for an evening to recall milestones in the fascinating history of the U.S. flag, enjoy cherished traditions, and to share gratitude again to community leaders honored inside Armonk American Legion Hall on Bedford Avenue.

Following a rousing march into the hall and a variety of traditional songs played by the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band, a moment of silence honored departed Elks members and first responders killed in the line of duty due to COVID. Amazing Grace was presented by the Westchester County Emerald Society. A delicious dinner, prepared by long time Elks member and volunteer chef Tony Ciccia, who also cooks for the local senior center, was enjoyed by all.

The Mid-Westchester Elks, a 153-year old charitable organization, is actively seeking new members to join its ranks; Lodge #535 has over 100 members actively supporting charitable activities, including Scouting generally, and especially at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (CPW), where members sponsor and support a Pack of boys and girls. The members are also active in supporting U.S. military veterans, the elderly, the poor, people with disabilities, schools, scholarship programs, and a variety of not for profit community organizations.

In 2018, the Elks launched a First Responders Appreciation Awards Dinner and honored police officers. Five area police chiefs each proposed an officer in their command particularly worthy of recognition at that time. In 2019, four firefighters from Armonk, Port Chester, and White Plains were honored. Each year, a short ceremony is performed in observance of Flag Day. In 2020, the event was canceled due to the pandemic. The mid-Westchester Elks Lodge # 535 has resumed meeting at the American Legion Post 1097 at 35 Bedford Rd. in Armonk on the second and fourth Wednesday evening of each month. For more information about the Elks, including joining, please visit elks.org, or contact Lodge Secretary Raymond Sculky at raysculky@optonline.net.