Thursday News Brief

Genesee Valley BOCES Reaches Big Milestone

A big milestone for Genesee Valley BOCES Early College High School this spring — as they celebrated the induction of their first-ever students into the National Technical Honor Society.
Thirteen tenth and eleventh graders were honored for their excellence in academics, leadership, and career dedication across a range of Career and Technical Education programs — from healthcare and CAD, to agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The ceremony featured a symbolic candle-lighting, representing the core values of the society: Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Leadership.
Principal Catherine Bennett and Counselor Karson Richenberg led the event, praising students not only for academic achievement, but for their community involvement and passion for their future careers.
The newly formed chapter is now part of a national network that has recognized over 1.2 million students since 1984.
Genesee Valley BOCES says these students are true role models — and they’re just getting started.

Concerened Citizens Make Their Voices Heard in Batavia

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, free speech, education cuts, and immigration were front and center at a Concerned Citizens NY-24 town hall this week — drawing nearly 300 people to discuss issues ranging from healthcare to veterans’ services.
Stafford resident Beth Carr voiced concern about what she sees as a national erosion of free speech, pointing to restrictions on the press and student protests on campuses like Columbia and Harvard.
Former GV BOCES Superintendent Michael Glover responded, warning that education and speech are under political pressure, saying, “We’ve moved from free speech to the Thought Police.”
Farmer Chris Noble emphasized how essential immigrant labor is to Western New York agriculture, while Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz addressed looming food program cuts, calling them “decisions in Washington that hurt local communities.”
Healthcare panelist Dr. Laurel Dallmeyer didn’t hold back, saying proposed federal cuts “do nothing but harm” and that she’s stepped out of the exam room to fight for patients.
The empty chair? Congresswoman Claudia Tenney declined to attend — but her cardboard cutout made an appearance.

The Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia presents “Target Tokyo”

Today, Thursday, April 17th at 7 p.m., The Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia presents “Target Tokyo” — a special talk by retired teacher Greg Kinal on the 1942 Doolittle Raid, featuring Batavia’s own Edward York.

Admission is $5, or $3 for members. Space is limited, so RSVP at 585-343-4727.

The City of Batavia is proud to host its annual Memorial Day Parade

The City of Batavia is proud to host its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26th, 2025, and invites all local organizations to participate.
Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. at East Town Plaza, with the parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m. and concluding around 10:30 at Alva Place. Parade Marshals will be on site to guide participants and assign unit placement.
To register, please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing Bob at bbwski@yahoo.com or calling 585-343-4471. Be sure to include a certificate of insurance with your RSVP.

A few important notes:
All units must remain silent when turning onto Bank Street, out of respect for the memorial service taking place at the Veterans Monument.
Also, no candy may be thrown from vehicles, and political campaigning, including signs, is strictly prohibited.

Let’s honor our veterans with the dignity and unity they deserve.