AHS Students Present Service Learning Projects
During State Farm Challenge Week

Pictured (l-r): Albion High School students Aaron Miller, Amanda Deegan and Alaina Albertson receive a recognition award from Michelle Mehler (State Farm Vice President of Operations) and first lady Silda Wall Spitzer.

On September 20th, Albion High School students presented two service learning projects during Service Learning Challenge Week in Ballston Spa, NY. The event was sponsored by State Farm and the NYS Learn and Serve America program. Seven school districts were asked to present service learning projects to the audience that included State Farm staff members, Silda Wall Spitzer, Duffy Palmer and State Education Department staff. Albion students presented their driver safety program and community diabetes fair service learning projects. After the presentations, students participated in a share fair and discussed their projects with others. It was exciting to share Albion projects and hear about other service learning projects in New York State.

Community As School Program
Receives State/National Awards and Recognition

Pictured (l-r) : CAS teacher, Brennan Meakin, talks with residents at the Orleans County Nursing Home during an awards ceremony. Administrator Jeffrey Glatz and NYHASA Executive Director, Carl Young, also spoke at the ceremony.

The Albion High School's C.A.S. (Community as Schools) Program and the Orleans County Nursing Home have been awarded the Innovative Program of the Year Award by NYAHSA (New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging). The award was presented to Albion High School CAS teacher Brennan Meakin and Orleans County Nursing Home Administrator Jeffrey Glatz at a special reception held at the nursing home on July 10, 2007 by NYAHSA Executive Director, Carl Young.

Executive Director Young said "this program really raises the bar for intergenerational activities for seniors, and is really a cut above."

The CAS program also received recognition on October 23, 2007, from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). This national organization honored CAS with the 2007 Leading-Edge Care and Services Award. The award is given in recognition of programs and services that are models of innovation and excellence and contribute significantly to the quality of life of the individuals served. CAS was one of only five programs in the country to receive this national honor.

Purple Eagles Marching Band
Performs at Strawberry Festival Parade

The Albion Purple Eagles Marching Band led the 20th annual Strawberry Festival parade on June 9th. The band performed in front of the grand stand for the crowd which gave them a rousing ovation. After the parade the group performed a concert on Bank Street and played several selections from their 2007 marching band season. Drum majors were James Madejski and Joshua Kirby. Michael Thaine is the band director.