Lew-Port Students of Excellence honored

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 23, 2007

A total of 41 students from 14 different local high schools were recognized for scholarship, leadership and community service at the 23rd annual Niagara Police Athletic League Brian Swayze Memorial Students of Excellence Awards dinner.

From Lewiston-Porter, Deanna Favero, Mary-Alice Wasneechak and Ashley Harbison were honored.

Through the Students of Excellence program, Niagara PAL has presented more than $175,000 in scholarships to local students. Students honored for leadership and community service receive $100 stipends. Scholarship award winners receive varying amounts from $100 to $1,000.

Niagara PAL Scholarship: Deanna Favero

Favero is the daughter of Joe and Denise Favero and a member of the National Honor Society, and high honor roll. She is an Empire State Games overall, beam and bars champion gymnast and 2004 national team member. She served as gymnastics captain and co-captain of the track team and is a member of the Key Club and Varsity Club. Favero plans to attend Daemen College and major in physical therapy.

Niagara Falls Police Club Leadership Award: Mary-Alice Wasneechak

Wasneechak is the daughter of Michelle and Christopher Talley. She is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Key Club, secretary of the Drama Club, secretary of the senior choir, editor of the school newspaper, class historian and participated in the jazz ensemble, National Honor Society, Student Council, Model UN, and Masterminds. She was recognized with the Kodak Young Leaders Award, the New York Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Tom Miklejn Scholarship. Wasneechak plans to major in nursing at D’Youville College.

Brian Swayze Service Award: Ashley Harbison

Harbison is the daughter of Daniel and Sue Harbison. A member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, Varsity Club and Photo Club, she served as captain of the soccer team, and was first team all-league, and captain of the basketball and softball teams. Harbison plans to attend Buffalo State College and major in elementary education.

Niagara University men’s basketball coach Joe Mihalich will be the featured speaker.

From Wilson, Mary Gorman won the Niagara PAL Scholarship. The daughter of Dennis and Marion Gorman, she is the Wilson Central School class valedictorian. and received the Coaches Award and All-Western New York Scholars Athlete Team recognition in cross country; the Sportsmanship Award for basketball and was captain of the track team.

Katherine Wolcott won the Niagara Falls Police Club Leadership Award of Wilson. The daughter of Markus and Susan Wolcott, she served as president of the National Honor Society, senior class vice president, volleyball and softball captain, and was recognized with NYSPHSAA scholar athlete state champion awards in volleyball and basketball.

Emmalee Pearce won the Brian Swayze Award for Wilson. The daughter of Katherine and Jerald Pearce, she served as the school yearbook editor and participated in travel soccer. She was named Wilson Lions Club Youth of the Year and Lions District 20-N Youth of the Year.