Tag Archives: Webster Central Schools

An update from our One Webster SparX team

10 May

Another SparX season is in the books! The 2026 competition season has officially ended, and our One Webster team made our town proud once again through their skill, teamwork, problem-solving, and sportsmanship.

Here’s a great round-up of the season from Tricia Isham, one of the team’s parent mentors:

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Each January, FIRST® Robotics Competition presents high school teams with a new engineering challenge that requires the design, programming, and construction of industrial-sized robots for alliance-based competitive play. Guided by mentors throughout the season, students develop technical, engineering, and problem-solving skills while strengthening teamwork, leadership, and communication abilities. In addition to competition, teams pursue fundraising efforts, engage in community outreach, and promote broader appreciation for STEM education.

Webster Schroeder and Thomas High Schools Team 1126 SparX Robotics, founded in the 2002-2003 competition year, continues to build on over two decades of innovation and competitive excellence. With 24 competition seasons under our belt, we have participated in 52 events and earned 30 awards, an achievement that reflects the dedication, resilience, and growth of our team year after year.

Our 2026 season began at the Finger Lakes Regional, held March 11–14 at the Gordon Field House at RIT during Week 2 of competition. Competing against 55 teams, SparX Robotics finished with a strong 7-3-0 record in qualification matches, ranking 14th overall. The team advanced into the double elimination bracket and battled through nine matches before being eliminated in Round 4. Notably, the team maintained a clean record with zero disqualifications, demonstrating both strong performance and disciplined play.

Like many teams competing early in the season, we took the opportunity between events to significantly improve our robot. This effort resulted in a rebuilt machine we named “Reboot,” reflecting both the technical upgrades and the renewed momentum of our team.

That work paid off at the New York Tech Valley Regional, held April 14–18 at MVP Arena in Albany during Week 7, an event that hosted around 60 teams. Competing with “Reboot,” SparX Robotics once again delivered a strong performance, finishing qualification matches with an 8-3-0 record and earning the 14th seed. The team advanced deep into the double elimination bracket, competing in eight playoff matches before being eliminated just prior to the final rounds. Throughout the competition, SparX maintained a perfect record of zero disqualifications.

One of our playoff matches can be viewed here: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2026/NYTR/playoffs/12

Across both competitions, SparX Robotics demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and steady growth. The transition to “Reboot” exemplifies our team’s ability to learn quickly, iterate effectively, and return stronger—qualities that will continue to drive our success in future seasons.If you want to get involved as a mentor or sponsor, or donate to our team (robots can cost $20,000 or more to build), or if you know of a Webster Central High School student who would like to join the team, please contact david_schenk@webstercsd.org or keith_karnisky@webstercsd.org. If your student wants to join, we can find a spot for them and their interests!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/10/2026)

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Calling all 1976 R.L. Thomas grads!

7 May
A few photos from the 30th reunion in 2006

Webster’s R.L. Thomas High School Class of 1976 has announced plans for their 50th reunion, and the organizing committee could use some help tracking down some of their classmates.

The reunion has been scheduled for the weekend of September 18 to 20, 2026, featuring three days of events including morning and evening activities, informal gatherings, a school tour, and more.

Here are the highlights:

  • Friday, September 18: 
    • The celebration kicks off with an informal gathering of R.L.  Thomas and H.W. Schroeder Class of 1976 graduates at 7:30 p.m. at Flaherty’s Three  Flags Restaurant, 1200 Bay Rd. (owned by classmate Terry Flaherty). 
  • Saturday, September 19:
    • Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by a walk through the halls of Webster Thomas High School (formerly R.L. Thomas), a chance to revisit old memories and see how the school has changed over the last 50 years. 
    • At 7:30 p.m. that evening, plans are for a potential Fireworks Cruise on the Erie Canal or an informal gathering at the White House at Webster Park. More details to follow. 
  • Sunday, September 20:  
    • From 3 to 9 p.m., the formal R.L. Thomas 50th Reunion will occur at  the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Road, Webster. Catered by Charlie’s Restaurant (owned by classmate Jeff Reidel), the picnic will feature classic favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, salads, and  desserts.  Soft drinks will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Music will be provided by classmate Jeff Engbrecht, who will DJ all our favorites from the  1960s and 1970s. The event will also include a photo booth and a full  group photo.

The first round of official invitations will be sent out in the next few weeks to everyone the committee has been able to locate to date. But there’s a handful of classmates they don’t know about. If you can provide any contact information for any of the following please email Cathy Miles Slocum at cslocum50@gmail.com: 

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(posted 5/7/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Pittman and Piwko are this year’s Oak Tree Award winners

6 May

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s blog about Webster Schroeder’s NYC Bound contestants, here’s more great news from our school district.

Congratulations to Greg Pittman and Meghann Piwko, this year’s recipients of the prestigious Oak Tree Award, recognizing outstanding excellence and dedication in teaching.

Piwko, the secondary level honoree, is a sixth-grade literacy teacher at Spry Middle School. She was nominated by both a former student and a building colleague. She’s recognized for radiating genuine positivity and defining the heart of her school through her exemplary dedication to her students, their families, and the district.

Highlighting her profound influence, nominators wrote that “Mrs. Piwko gracefully wears many hats, but I have always found her to be an invested, approachable, and knowledgeable educator.” They observed that “she creates an environment where students feel seen, safe, and truly ready to learn,” emphasizing that “she is an educator who understands that while test scores measure progress, it is her devotion to the human being behind the desk that truly changes lives.” Her impact extends into the community as well; as one nominator pointed out, “she organized the 9/11 ceremony by choosing students to read speeches in order to increase awareness of what happened that day and to honor local first responders for their contributions to our community.”

Pittman, the elementary level honoree, is a fourth-grade teacher at Schlegel Elementary School. Known for his collaborative spirit and proven leadership, he is celebrated for his commitment to equity and student growth. Colleagues and nominators (including two of his students’ parents) praised his work, writing that “the lasting impact of his teaching is evident in the excitement and enthusiasm former students show when they see him.” They described him as “an extraordinary educator who makes learning fun and engaging for his students,” adding that “he truly goes above and beyond in creating a positive rapport with his students and families.” (He’s pictured here with his wife Debbie.)

On April 24, representatives from the Webster Teachers Association (WTA) and the Webster Central PTSA, joined by school and district administrators, surprised Pittman and Piwko in their classrooms to share the exciting news. During the surprise visits, the winners were presented with their awards, flowers, and a cookie cake to celebrate their achievements. Both educators will be officially recognized and presented with their plaques at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on May 5.

The Oak Tree Award is presented annually by the WTA and the Webster Central PTSA as a way to acknowledge excellence in teaching in the district at the elementary and secondary levels. This year’s Oak Tree Committee received 60 nominations submitted by students, parents of current and former students, and education colleagues. All of the nominees demonstrated outstanding excellence in teaching and showed unwavering dedication to supporting students in achieving their full potential. In addition, they consistently contributed to their local communities and the Webster CSD. Congratulations to Pittman, Piwko and all of the nominees.

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(posted 5/6/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Webster community mailbag

3 May

There’s so much mailbag stuff coming through my email these days, I really should consider doing these more often …

Our first mailbag nugget this week is an interesting look at Webster history, sponsored by the Webster Museum this Wednesday, May 6. It’s the first in their three-part History and a Cup series, taking place all this month as part of National Historical Preservation Month.

  • On Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., Webster native (and former Village Mayor) Jake Swingly will talk about growing up in the village. He’ll also very likely tell you more about his beautiful home on East Main St., where his family has lived for three generations and which will be honored later this month with a historic plaque. (You can read more about that in tomorrow’s blog.)
  • On Tuesday, May 12, also at noon, Webster attorney Dave Corretore and his mother, Carolyn Corretore (retired Lucas Pharmacy pharmacist), will speak.
  • The final installment of the History and a Cup series will be Wednesday, May 20, and the speaker then is a surprise.

During these history chats, museum volunteers set up small tables, each with a plate of cookies, water and coffee. Attendees are welcome to bring a sandwich and eat lunch during the talks. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

Craft Sale!

Our Village of Webster Fire Department will be holding a Craft and Vendor Sale this Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Fireman’s Building on Sanford St., across from the south side of Fireman’s Field. All proceeds will benefit the WVFD.

From the library

Here are a few events especially for seniors at the Webster Public Library:

  • A Matter of Balance workshop series begins on Tuesday, May 5. The seven-part series is a combination of group discussion and movement designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling, increase confidence levels and increase physical activity. Classes will be held May 5, 19 and 26, and June 2, 9, 16 and 23. Please register here for each class you plan to attend.
  • Rochester Oratorio Society’s Harlem Renaissance Revisited, Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Resonanz Ensemble of the Rochester Oratorio Society looks back a century and more to the Rochester region’s Golden Era, the 1920s and 30s, through a narrative program of solo vocal and choral music. Registration is required.
  • Lifespan’s “Together Today” Memory Cafe will be at the library on Wednesday, May 27 from noon to 2 p.m. Caregivers and their partners living with dementia are invited to attend for lunch, socializing and entertainment from local musician Chip Milligan. This is a FREE event is but registration is required.

Find out more about these events and other events and resources for seniors by subscribing to the library’s new Senior Newsletter. You’ll find the sign-up link here.

Here’s a quick look at what else is going on at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • This month’s community exchange is mugs! Check those cabinets for ones you never use and swap them for something new to you.
  • The community Donation Station in May will be collecting new toothbrushes and toothpaste. The Webster Food Insecurity Coalition will distribute donations to Webster families in need.
  • The Friends of the Public Library have scheduled a Vintage Book Sale for Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will feature more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th century and the early 21st century. Some titles include first editions, early printings, and books that appear to have been signed by the author. Many include dust jackets and nearly all books are in good or better condition. Prices start at $8 and prices are firm. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.
  • Saturday May 9 is Love Your Library Day. Celebrate your love for the WPL with crafts, a scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, face painting, snacks, and a storytime at 10:30 a.m., featuring some special Webster High School guests.
  • Mike O’Brian, the “Getaway Guy,” will present a talk on Spring and Summer Getaways on Monday, May 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • This month’s Make it Monday for teens and tweens is Glass Magnet Buggles, on Monday May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 through 12 and adults are welcome. Register here.
  • Outdoor storytimes have ramped up for the summer! They take place at Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd., every Wednesday from May 20 through Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. All ages are welcome.

Get some flowers for Mom!

The Webster Arboretum Association’s Spring Plant Sale is back, scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.

This sale is just blooming with beautiful, healthy live plants which are grown by local garden clubs and local commercial growers in local soil, so they’re going to grow in your garden, too. Garden Club members will also share their favorite plants from their own gardens. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a Mother’s Day gift. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Also, next week, on Tuesday May 12, the Arboretum will present a program on Companion Planting, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Companion planting is a gardening practice where plants are grown together for mutual benefit, such as deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health, and maximizing space. There’s no charge, but please click here to register for this event.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Meet the Supervisor

Supervisor Scialdone is continuing to host regular Community Office Hours, opportunities to let your Town representatives know what’s important to you.

The next office hours are:

  • Monday, May 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Town Board Room (1002 Ridge Road)
  • Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Road)

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the Supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Get your tickets now for the Wine Walk

The next Village of Webster Wine Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. I will very likely be writing up another blog about this fun event in the next several days, but in the meantime, if you’d like more details, click here. If you already know that you definitely want to attend get your tickets soon because the Wine Walks always sell out.

Dinner and a vote

If you’re planning to come out to Webster Schroeder on Tuesday, May 19 for the WCSD budget vote (and you definitely should), don’t worry about grabbing dinner, because the Webster Marching Band has got you covered.

The band will be hosting their annual BBQ dinner fundraiser on Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School, where the vote will be taking place. Dinners will include chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, a roll and water, and will be provided by Chiavetta’s.

Tickets are $15, and you’ll want to order your ahead to guarantee your meal, since only a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone who did not reserve ahead of time. Click here to get your tickets.

More good food for a great cause

The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a full meal including: salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink (bottled water, tea, and coffee). Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. While you’re there, check out the bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Comfort Care Home.

The Webster Masons hold a spaghetti dinner on the first Friday of every month from October through June and each benefits a Webster charity or not-for-profit organization.

ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd.

Happy news from the Chamber

Finally, this bit of happy news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

At the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s April Monthly Meeting, Community Bank, N.A. generously donated $3,500 to help fund the Webster Community Chest’s Meal Center. The Meal Center provides recipe-based meals to our neighbors suffering from food insecurity. This is much needed as demand has increased to more than two times the 2025 levels. Pictured (L-R) are Michael Grenier, Ginny Nguyen, Bob Fenton and Ryan Johnson.

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(posted 5/3/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Webster Thomas art students collaborate with local photographers for month-long exhibition

28 Apr

The greater Rochester community is invited to view the results of a unique collaborative effort between some very talented Webster Thomas High School art students and two local photographers, Quajay Donnell and Richard Colón.

The project began when Webster Thomas art teacher Todd Stahl assigned his Studio in Art students — mostly freshmen — a project based on photographs taken around Rochester by Donnell and Colón. The students carefully cropped their selected images to compose their pieces and then transformed the photographs into striking paintings. The resulting works of art are extraordinary, capturing a wealth of personality and intricate detail.

When Donnell and Colón visited the classroom and saw the impressive works in progress, they were so moved by the students’ talents that they pitched an exciting idea: hosting a professional gallery show to display the students’ work at a gallery they curate.

The resulting exhibition is called Their Eyes, Our Hands, and will be on display for the entire month of May at Behind the Glass Gallery in downtown Rochester.

Their Eyes, Our Hands will feature the paintings of the 20 students, proudly displayed alongside prints of the original reference photographs taken by Donnell and Colón. This unique layout will allow attendees to see the direct inspiration behind each student’s creative interpretation of Rochester’s sights. Student artists include Zoe Abiade, Hana Arap, Lina Barco-Dimaggio, Emma Conley, Noah Drojak, Sophia Eren, Gracie Frank, Mia Imperato, Molly Lowenguth, Penny Ricci, Amina Robinson, Karleigh Sackett, Jaylee Santana, Lucas Scerra, Allie Spitzer, Vivian Stoch, Leah Stronach, Adam Supinski, Andrew Torres, and Lianna Williams.

The Their Eyes, Our Hands art exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Friday May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will take place at the Behind The Glass gallery, located on the second floor of Farmhouse Table at 90 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester. For those unable to attend the opening reception, the display will remain up and open to the public throughout the entire month of May during normal business hours: Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(The art on the poster was created by Grace Frank)

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(posted 4/28/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Schroeder Theater Company brings The Outsiders to the stage, with a special performance for seniors

17 Apr

Schroeder Theater Company will bring S.E. Hinton’s classic 1967 novel The Outsiders to the stage for four shows next Thursday through Saturday, April 23 to 25.

Not familiar with The Outsiders? Here’s a synopsis:

Whether it’s Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s or Webster, NY in 2026, there have always been “outsiders” — outcasts, underdogs, and those who are simply misunderstood. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis (Evan Burdick) and the rest of his Greaser gang (Rowan Murphy, Brody Walrath, Brock Brinkman and Lukas Vega) as they try to survive the hardships of growing up, all while attempting to de-escalate rising tensions with their affluent rival gang, “The Socs.” It’s a poignant coming-of-age tale which tackles violence, heartbreak, and tragedy head-on.

Show times are Thursday through Saturday, April 23 to 25 at 7 p.m. each night, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. All shows will be held at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but note that all at-the-door ticket sales are cash only.

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The talented Schroeder Theater cast will also be presenting a special performance of The Outsiders just for our Webster senior citizens on Wednesday, April 29.

The event will begin at 9:15 a.m. at Schroeder High School with light refreshments and an opportunity check out some of the artwork recently on display at Community Arts Day, created by students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Following the morning reception, attendees will head into the auditorium for the two-hour performance beginning at 10 a.m.

Advance registration is required. Attendees must register online here. The performance is free but a $5 donation is suggested and can be paid upon arrival to help support the production costs of the show.

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(posted 4/17/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Another great Community Arts Day in the books

12 Apr

The WCSD’s annual Community Arts Day, which took place Saturday at Webster Schroeder High School, is one of those events where I have to spend at least the first half hour just wandering around, figuring out the lay of the land. That’s because there’s so much going on, often at the same time. While dance groups frolic across the main stage, the talent show might be happening in the cafeteria. While SparX is demonstrating one of their robots in the gymnasium, small ensembles might be performing in the recital room. The organizers did their best to try to keep the conflicts to a minimum, but with so many talented groups wanting to strut their stuff in front of the Webster community, that was not always possible.

But, as you can see from all of the photos I took, I did the best I could to catch as many performances as possible, and lots of smiling faces at the information tables set up by dozens of community groups and businesses.

The organizers changed things up quite a bit this year. The first thing I noticed was that the usual table locations for all of the community groups had been moved around, which I realized when I stumbled upon the Webster Museum display pretty much right inside the front door. There were several places where kids could make crafts, including the new (to me), dedicated “kid’s zone” in the small auxiliary gymnasium. And there were some other new elements, like the “Spoken Word Poetry” opportunity where budding poets could share their work on stage.

But the main difference I saw was the explosion of crafters. One full half of the gymnasium was filled with craft vendors, and others lined nearby hallways. That took me a little by surprise, since to me it represented a shift in focus away from our students’ art and dance and musical accomplishments. But clearly the organizers knew what they were doing, because the halls were packed with people this year — and they probably raised a lot of money from all those craft vendors.

As always, though, our students’ artistic achievements were the real stars of the show. From the simple elementary school watercolors to the Schroeder and Thomas high school AP students’ pencil drawings, the talent flowed from the displays placed in the cafeteria, the hallways and the library. Some of them were so extraordinary, they stopped me in my tracks. And it was fun to see the pride and delight on the younger kids’ faces when they saw their own artwork on display.

If you weren’t able to make it out there this year, check out my Facebook photo gallery (and if you don’t have Facebook you can see the gallery here). The photos do a pretty good job capturing the Community Arts Day magic.

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(posted 4/12/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Community Arts Day returns this weekend

8 Apr

One of my favorite community events of the entire Webster year is returns this weekend.

Of course, it’s Community Arts Day (CAD), scheduled for Saturday April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School. CAD is the Webster Central PTSA’s annual celebration of the arts, a showcase of the musical and artistic talents of our K-12 students. It’s basically a great big show-off day, a family-friendly festival with displays of art, musical performances, dance, a talent show, demonstrations and more. PLUS there are carnival games, community group exhibits, a bake sale, craft booths and lots of food. Plus, the admission is FREE.

I was checking the CAD Facebook Page for the latest news, and saw that a lot of our favorite CAD features will be returning. (Well, at least a lot of MY favorites.) For example, I love watching our Webster SparX Robotics team demonstrate their robots. They’ll be back in the gymnasium from 10 to 11 a.m. The Webster’s Got Talent talent show is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria, when very brave young entertainers get up in front of the audience to strut their vocal or dancing or musical stuff. And of course, thousands of clay sculptures and paintings, drawings and wire art, baskets and floral art will be on display in panels stretching all through the Webster Schroeder hallways.

And I especially like stopping by all of the information booths set up by community business, organizations and agencies. It’s my annual check-in with my buddies at the Friends of Webster Trails, Webster Library and Webster Museum, among many others. (And if you have never seen a child trying to figure out how to use a rotary phone, you really should stop by the museum table.)

Here are a few other notes of interest you’ll find at this year’s Community Arts Day:

  • There are three collection tables this year:
    • Soles4Souls, a Tennessee-based nonprofit which turns unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunities for people in need. 
    • Project Prom, which provides gently-used formal attire to middle and high school students who might not be able to afford nice clothes for their prom, ball or other school dance.
    • Band/Orchestra Instrument Donation, where community members are encouraged to donate your gently-used band or orchestra instruments for students in need who can’t afford to buy their own.
  • The Kids Zone, where kids can make Earth Day cards, color some coloring pages, make some orgami, play with LEGOS and puzzles, and get a temporary tattoo.
  • Spoken Word Poetry, from 11 a.m. to noon. Bring your favorite poem (whether slam, dub, narrative, performance, beat, hip hop, rap or other) and share it with the CAD audience.
  • School musical performances: all four secondary schools and three elementary schools will perform a sample of the dramas and/or musicals they performed this year. So if you missed seeing On the Town at Webster Schroeder or Disney Descendants at Willink Middle School, or any of this year’s performances, catch a little bit of each at Community Arts Day.

Plus, there’s so much more going on all day. You can check out the entire schedule below, and all the latest news is posted on the CAD Facebook page.

Community Arts Day 2026 will be held at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. on Saturday April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s no charge for admission and there’s plenty of parking.

I was out of town last year for Community Arts Day, so I didn’t get to take any photos. But here’s a Facebook gallery from 2024. (And if you don’t have Facebook, you can access those photos here.)

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(posted 4/8/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Local TV stations recognize Garritano, Groff for community service

29 Mar

Two of Webster’s own recently received some well-deserved recognition on our local TV stations.

Images courtesy Plank North Elementary

Last Wednesday, Plank Rd. North Elementary School teacher Peggy Garritano was surprised in her classroom by Katrina Irwin from WROC Channel 8, who presented the long-time kindergarten teacher with a Golden Apple Award.

Garritano’s teaching colleague Theresa Dupont and her son Tyler nominated her for the award to honor her 46 years of teaching. They thought it would be a fitting tribute as Garritano plans to retire at the end of this school year.

The Channel 8 Golden Apple Award is a WROC-TV program that recognizes outstanding teachers and administrators in the Rochester area. It honors educators who make a significant impact on their students, fostering positive learning environments and demonstrating dedication to their school communities. 

Click here to see the piece that aired that evening on Channel 8.

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Webster Comfort Care Home Director Julianne Groff was honored a few weeks ago as the Channel 13 WHAM Bright Spot.

On Friday, Feb. 27, at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s regular monthly breakfast meeting, Julianne was named the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. It was that recognition which Channel 13 picked up on for their Bright Spot Segment, which aired on March 17.

Click here to see the whole segment, and click here if you’d like to see the blog I wrote about Julianne’s honor.

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(posted 3/29/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Spry Middle School seizes the day with “Newsies Jr.”

17 Mar

Stop the presses! The talented students of Spry Middle School are taking to the streets, and the stage, for their upcoming production of the hit musical Disney Newsies JR. 

Inspired by the newsies’ strike of 1899, Disney Newsies JR. is a 60-minute adaptation of the 2012 Broadway favorite, based on the 1992 Newsies film. The musical follows a ragtag group of New York City newboys who rally to fight the price hikes of paper moguls William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. Led by the determined Jack Kelly, and championed by the pen of budding newspaper reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite across the city to stand their ground.

Spry’s production boasts a 50-member cast and 30+ member stage crew. Mentored by artistic director Bill Ambler, vocal/music director Stephen Costanza, and choreographer Jackie Collins, the local newsies have been “carrying the banner” through rehearsals, perfecting their two-steps and their Brooklyn accents.

Producer Tricia Mungo says, “Students really connect to the Newsies storyline because it speaks to the fact that you can make a difference and have an impact on your community no matter how young you are. This is so empowering.”

“Everyone loves a story that allows the underdog to come out on top,” she added.

Mungo said that Newsies’ music and high energy dancing has allowed the cast to have a great time, and they look forward to the audience having a great time as well!

Newsies will be presented at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 each and are available online here. They’ll also be available at the door. All tickets are reserve seating.

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(posted 3/17/2026)

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