2020 Student Star Character Awards Dinner
Each year we team up with our local schools and businesses to celebrate local students who actively demonstrate some of the following qualities:
Citizenship | Communication Courage | Fairness | Generosity | Honesty | Leadership | Respect | Responsibility | Patriotism | Volunteerism
Student Star 2020 will be held at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant on Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Sign up to become a sponsor for the 2020 Student Star Dinner
Your sponsorship allows the honored students to attend the dinner at no cost and bring additional friends/family for support!
Thank you in advance for your support and commitment to our next generation of professionals!
Congratulations to Our 2019 Student Star Dinner Winners
Amadou Ba
Lackawanna High School
Amadou was a library assistant first quarter and did a great job. He still steps in and helps without being asked when things get chaotic. Amadou is a very respectful man and has a course load of Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Pre-calculus simultaneously.
Margaret Beiter
Hamburg High School
Margaret Beiter reflects an
individual who is genuinely a caring, compassionate and kind individual. Margaret is always asking to volunteer to help those in need. She believes in doing what is right and strives to always assist those who may be less fortunate or those who simply need her help. She has made a positive impact on her school and community!
Brendan Cuddihy
Saint Francis High School
Brendan Cuddihy is a Student Star at St. Francis High School. He is a high achieving, hardworking individual who is dedicated to his academics and to the school community. He is definitely a well-rounded St. Francis gentleman. Brendan is a member of our Paduan Scholar Honors Program, Men’s Choir, Jazz Messengers, Concert Band, along with various other clubs. He has also been a part of the Swim team and the Franciscan Youth Ministry group. He is always kind and respectful and Brendan more than deserves to be named a Student Star.
Ellie DeLucia
Hamburg High School
Ellie is an inspiration not only to her peers, but to her teachers and coaches as well. She regularly demonstrates high character, integrity, bravery, as well as outstanding leadership and citizenship. Ellie is positive, driven and well rounded. She is involved in sports (Swimming and Track and Field) and clubs (Character Club, Spanish Club, and Donate Life). In addition, Ellie volunteers for various camps for disabled and blind children. Her involvement in these activities demonstrates Ellie’s ability to work in a team environment and her acceptance of all. Ellie’s dedication to giving back to others make her a true humanitarian.
Beth Eberhardt
Hamburg High School
Beth is a much accomplished young woman. She is a long standing ambassador for DASA, or Dignity For All Students Act. Her participation extends into many of Hamburg schools in combating bullying behavior. Beth is often cheery, helpful and thoughtful, so much so that she is viewed by many as an ideal role model for all.
John England
Frontier High School
John is one of the true student leaders in Frontier High School. He quietly leads other students by example. John is also one of the kindest and nicest students to walk the halls at Frontier. He is a member of the many music programs and sports teams at Frontier. John’s recent Eagle Scout project accurately depicts his concern for others, as he was able to make improvements to a picnic area at a local nursing home to allow better accessibility.
Brandon Frayne
Frontier High School
Brandon Frayne represents what’s best about a young student, as he is consistently involved in the community outside of school. He has planned events helping out the less fortunate, organized an event to clean up local beaches and collected school supplies for families in need. He is a student government leader and is active with multiple clubs in the school. Brandon is a student who shows great concern for others. He is a true teammate and leader.
Robert Greaves
Lackawanna High School
Robert possesses all of the characteristics of accountability, citizenship, communication, fairness, respect, generosity, honesty, leadership, patriotism, responsibility, and teamwork. He is also very bright and has common sense. He is actually beyond his years in these two categories. Robert is an amazing young man and is such a pleasure to teach. He also plays basketball while balancing his studies and practices. Robert is respectful, honest, and responsible and he also possesses recognizable leadership qualities that will continue to grow . This will serve him well later in life. In the future, Robert will excel because he knows that hard work will earn him a valuable education and career.
Nicholas Hafner
Hamburg High School
Nick is the epitome of a Student Star. He is known for his unselfish nature and in volunteering his time to help those less fortunate. His interactions are always characterized by respect, consideration and kindness. He was essential in making Hamburg High School’s Thanksgiving Drive successful once again. His spirit is one of goodness.
Madelyn Horucy
Frontier High School
Madelyn is a student with great character, leadership skills and perseverance. She creates goals and sets out to accomplish them regardless of the difficulty. She excels in orchestra, is on the honor roll consistently and volunteers in church and Girl Scouts in her community. Her accomplishments in these areas show just how driven and dedicated she is as a student and person.
Jennifer Jones
Randolph Academy
Jennifer has been a model student and leader at Randolph Academy since her enrollment in 2015. She is a Pathfinder, Randolph’s highest behavioral achievement , which is indicative of her embodiment of the school norms of respect, responsibility, safety, being goal directed, and keeping the classroom sacred. While at school, Jennifer maintains an average in the 90s; volunteers at Food Lab, Randolph’s food truck, participates in the school fashion show; and serves as a role model for younger students. Jennifer maintains a part time job and sings in a band while preparing to pursue a career in Education.
Brennen Kilcoyne
Frontier High School
Brennen is a natural leader having served in student government for four years where he was instrumental in planning and leading four successful Homecoming celebrations. Brennen is also an accomplished musician, football and baseball student-athlete, a member of National Honor Society and will graduate in the top 10% of his class. His goal is to study and work in Elementary Education.
Thomas Kowalski
Frontier High School
Thomas has helped many students and teachers in both the middle and high school libraries by volunteering to be a student assistant. Tom has been chosen Student of the Month twice and is treasurer of the Frontier Family Fund. He was selected for Boy’s State 2018 and is a Member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. He has traveled to Newport, Rhode Island for basic EMT Training and Petty Officer Leadership Training.
Alyssa Lorka
Frontier High School
Alyssa is always seen with a smile on her face and always takes the time to greet everyone. Alyssa’s leadership is evident as her teammates nominated her captain of the soccer team as well as being the Treasurer of her class for four years. Alyssa also volunteers her free time to help athletes as a member of Frontier’s Unified Basketball team. She is one of the most
well-rounded and personable students I have had the pleasure of working with.
Shayla Malone
Lackawanna High School
Shayla exemplifies what it means to be a “Student-Star” each day. She consistently achieved high honor roll status every quarter since starting high school and is consistently motivated to achieve success in each of her classes. Shayla advocates for herself and is always upbeat in class. Shayla is responsible, kind to others, and is a positive role model for her peers. Shayla is a model Steeler!
Joel Mercardo
Frontier High School
Joel is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2019 at Frontier Central High School. Joel is especially proficient in Math and Science, having performed Genomic Research through UB, and will major in Chemical Engineering in college. Joel volunteers as a Spanish translator in the Puerto-Rican community, is a member of National Honor Society, and is a respectful, responsible, kind-hearted young man.
Lauren Nikiel
Hamburg High School
Lauren is an outstanding young woman who leads by quiet example. Her generosity of spirit is evident in the classroom in how she treats others, approaches learning, and conducts herself with grace and dignity. Lauren is ambitious and is not afraid of confronting norms.
Benjamin Pinkowski
Saint Francis High School
Through his many virtues of character and his determination to excel, Benjamin proves that he is a Student Star at St. Francis High School each day. He is a determined individual who is devoted to his academics and invested in the school community. Ben has been a member of the Soccer and Track teams and is also a member of our Paduan Scholar Honors Program and National Honor Society. He has also worked hard in the Yearbook and Writers clubs at SFHS. Ben is helpful and willing to help each day and this definitely sums up why we believe that he well deserves to be named Student Star.
Ethan Pohlman
Hamburg High School
Ethan is a true leader at Hamburg High School and in the community. Ethan is the Student Government President and Vice President of the Academy of Finance. He hones his leadership and communication skills daily as the liaison between his fellow classmates and administration. He practices fairness, respect, honesty, and the courage to be the voice of the students. Ethan is poised and confident, yet unassuming and respectful and has organized countless events and fundraisers. Outside of HHS, Ethan volunteers as a musician at his church, works as a camp counselor for adults with disabilities and even participated in a mission to Boston, MA. He has a bright future ahead!
Madison Ross
Hamburg High School
Madi Ross is an exceptional young lady of solid character and integrity. Her optimistic, enthusiastic, and upbeat personality are contagious to all she encounters. She is a stellar student and athlete and she exhibits leadership in all she does. Madi spearheaded events such as the Bulldog Dash and a camping trip to Allegany. Madi is also President of the Health Science Academy. Her future plans include teaching, coaching, ROTC and playing softball at Canisius College!
Shareef Sawalhi
Lackawanna High School
Shareef is a self-motivated, mature accountable, pleasant young man. He is a high honor student who exemplifies what it takes to be such. Shareef always greets and leaves with telling me to have a great day accompanied with a pleasant smile. He has been a member of the football team for 2 years and exhibits the same traits on the practice field. Shareef is not the most talented player but works hard and improves through his dedication to better himself. This is more impressive, seeing that he comes from a family culture that is unfamiliar with the sport.
Thomas Scully
Saint Francis High School
Thomas Scully is an ideal candidate to be named a Student Star and is also a true St. Francis Gentleman. He had demonstrated many character virtues during his time at St. Francis High School, as well as in his community and his own personal life. Not only is Tom a hard worker academically, but he is dedicated and committed to the school community. Tom is a member of National Honor Society, our Paduan Scholar Honors Program, and is involved in many areas of the Fine Arts at SFHS, including the select Jazz Messengers group. He is a soccer player, part of the Track team, and a Student Ambassador. Thomas is always kind and with a smile. He is truly a model Student Star at SFHS everyday.
Brianna Sikorski
Frontier High School
Brianna came up with the idea of a color run to benefit Wing’s Flights for Hope this past May. Brianna formed all the committees to help in organizing and gave each of them their specific charge for the tasks that needed to be done. To say that she is a great leader is an understatement. Brianna works really hard because she wants to do great things to help others and not because she wants to be recognized.
Michael Skora
Hamburg High School
To choose a few attributes to describe Michael would be an injustice to this young man. Over the last several years, Michael exhibits honesty and leadership through his roles as class officer and Student Government treasurer. Michael is a genuinely interested learner whose interests are broad and his abilities outstanding. Michael is generous with his time in school and his community and courageous in speaking out and educating others about injustices that he feels passionately about. Michael embodies all the great qualities of impressive citizenship.
Francis Slazyk
Frontier High School
Francis is one of the most respectful and dedicated students in the Frontier. Francis plays in the Wind Ensemble as well as the Symphonic Band and Orchestra. He is very involved in the Fall play and Spring musical. Francis also is a true leader to our department in his capacity of Stage Manager. Francis is respectful, kind and excited to assist us when needed. It is very rare to find such an outstanding work ethic, which often requires a great deal of extra time and effort
Ryan Sutton
Saint Francis High School
Ryan Sutton is a Student Star at St. Francis High School. He leads by example on a daily basis through his virtuous character. He is a hardworking individual who is dedicated to his academics and to our school community. Ryan is a member of National Honor Society, our Paduan Scholar Honors Program, Student Council, the SFHS TV studio, and he is extremely thorough in everything he does. Ryan can be noticed at many school functions, as well as in clubs and activities throughout the school. He has been on the Soccer team, as well as leader of Student Ambassadors. Ryan is kind and respectful to all his classmates and is very invested in the brotherhood that he has become a part of our SFHS. He is a true Renaissance Man!
Grace Zdrojewski
Hamburg High School
Grace is a kind, honest, compassionate and hardworking young lady. She puts her all into everything she does. Grace is always willing to help others in class and she will work with any student. Grace impresses her teachers as she partners with students that can use her assistance and works with them to help them understand. This often takes Grace longer to complete a task but she finds it worthwhile taking time out of her day to help others.
Benderson/Hydro Air Components Philanthropic Foundation
Bliss Bridal
Bob Ganey, Century 21 Ganey
Dan & Dee Meyer
Elderwood
Erie County Agricultural Society
Evans Bank
Frontier Central Administrators and Supervisors Association
Frontier Central Superintendent Dr. Richard Hughes
Frontier Central Teachers Association
Frontier High School
Frontier High School Black and Blue Booster Club
Frontier High School Music and Band Clubs
Frontier High School National Honor Society
Frontier High School Student Government
Frontier High School Student Store
Frontier High School Varsity Club
GCW Capital
Hamburg Accounting & Tax Service, Inc.
Hamburg Central Superintendent Michael Cornell
Hamburg Councilwoman, Elizabeth Farrell
Hamburg High School
Harold Johnson
Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant & Banquet Facility
Jeff Leyonmark, Wolf Agency
Jennifer Nahrebeski, LMHC, MSEd
Joe Gunning, Davis Financial
Lockwood’s Garden Center
Lugia’s On Wheels
Lutz Mobile
Mathnasium of the Southtowns
McAllister Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling
M & T Bank
Mike Kaney, Century 21 Ganey
NYS Senator Chris Jacobs
PACE Management
Peg’s Place
Penn Dixie
Rotary Club of Hamburg
Once Upon A Child
RW Publications
Shawn & Amy Connolly
SimplexGrinnell, A Johnson Controls International Company
Spot Coffee – Hamburg
St. Francis High School
The Hamburg SUN
The Quilted Squirrel
Tim Hortons (342 Buffalo St. & 5635 Camp Rd. in Hamburg)
Town of Hamburg Youth, Recreation, and Senior Services
Webster Szanyi Law Firm
Wesolowski Law Group
Thank you to The Hamburg Sun for taking the event photos.
St. Francis High School
