118 graduates received their diplomas during Windsor Central High School’s 2018 graduation ceremony at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, June 22. The students represent Windsor’s 134th graduating class. You can view a photo album of images from the ceremony here. 

Class President Jillian Cooper was the first of three student speakers. She recognized those classmates of hers that she saw as the kindest, funniest and most athletic. She said her time together with the Class of 2018 allowed her to grow closer, “to each and every one of you.”

“Because of all of these memories each of us will always be a Windsor Black Knight,” said Cooper.

 

To prepare for her speech, Salutatorian Kendyl Gorick asked present and past Black Knights for their impressions of Windsor. She shared those with the Class of 2018.

 

“They talked about being there for each other in good times and bad. They talked about opportunities and the support of teachers. They talked about feeling like they were part of something,” said Gorick.

 

Valedictorian Patrick Root stressed to the graduates that they are just starting to write the book about their lives.

 

“No matter where our next chapter takes us we must think of our impact on the world. We are the next generation,” said Root. 

 

The commencement speaker was Rochester-area State Assemblyman Harry Bronson, Class of 1978. He was one of three distinguished alumni honored at the start of the ceremony as a Knight of Distinction. Among the messages he shared with the students was the importance of social and economic justice.

 

“We’re a diverse community that requires the recognition of the dignity of all of us,” said Bronson. 

 

Bronson has served eight years in the State Assembly and was a co-sponsor of New York’s Marriage Equality Act.

 

“You should unite, not divide, be inclusive, not exclusive, and celebrate diversity instead of seeing it as a threat,” he told the students.

The following are award winners from the Class of 2018:

 

Merritt Klumpp Memorial Award - Awarded to the senior who possesses a unique blend of scholastic accomplishment, participation in extracurricular activities, and school spirit.  Dominant feature of the recipient is a positive outlook on life.
Sponsor of the Award: The people of Windsor Central School District and friends.  
Awarded to McKenzi Donahue

Donald J. Brunswick Black Knight Award - Given in honor of Mr. Brunswick to a graduating boy and girl who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exemplifies the spirit of Windsor High School.
Sponsor of the Award:  Windsor Central High School Faculty &  Administration  
Awarded to Kendyl Gorick and Jackson White

Paul G. and Ruth B. White Scholarship - Presented to a graduating senior who is planning to attend a 2-year school and major in a trade such as electrician, plumber/HVAC; or a 4-year school majoring in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering.  This student must also have had a cumulative average of “B” or above. 
Sponsor of the Award: The Community Foundation of South Central New York
Awarded to Harrison Peterson

Sally Adams Jeffers Award - Awarded to a graduating girl who has done the most for Windsor Central Schools.
Sponsor of Award:  WCHS Student Council  
Awarded to Kendyl Gorick 

John W. Benson Memorial Scholarship - Given to a college-bound, Senior graduating athlete(s)) that have exhibited hard work, perseverance, and leadership  and shows financial need.
Sponsor of the Award:  Mrs. Lori Benson
Awarded to Jillian Cooper and Dylan Beckstead 

Bush Memorial Award - Presented to an outstanding senior wrestler with a good attitude who is going to college.   
Sponsor of the Award:  The Bush Family
Awarded to Corey Swartz

Gary Buckland Memorial Award - This award is given to a senior boy or girl who participated in track as a middle distance runner and/or participated in cross-country at least once a year for three years and is anticipating going to college.
Sponsor of the Award:  Mr. & Mrs. Gary Buckland Sr.
Awarded to Katey Garcia

Jonathon Slodki Memorial Award - Given to a graduating senior boy or girl who has played varsity tennis for at least one season, is enrolled in a post-secondary education and demonstrates financial need.
Sponsor of the Award:  Mr. & Mrs. Leon Oakley
Awarded to  Madelynn Williams

Edward F. Hrehor, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Given in memory of Mr. Hrehor to a graduating senior who exhibits hard work, perseverance and has set clear goals for the future.
Sponsor of the Award:  Mrs. Kelly Hrehor
Awarded to Jada Argro 

Linda Jennings Memorial Scholarship - Awarded to a graduating senior who is attending a 2 or 4 year college specializing in special education or physical therapy.
Sponsor of Award:  Association of Office Personnel & School Aides    
Awarded to Olivia Sibley. 

The following were introduced as the latest Knights of Distinction:

Mr. Harry B. Bronson, Class of 1978
Mr. Harry Bronson is a Windsor Central High School graduate from the class of 1978. After earning an undergraduate degree in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego, Harry attended the University of Buffalo, earning a Juris Doctor. Formerly a partner at the law firm of Blitman and King, he focused on anti-discrimination employment law, labor issues, employee benefits and litigation.  He was elected to the Monroe County Legislature in 2005 and then was elected to represent the Greater Rochester area in the New York State Assembly in 2010. Currently, Mr. Bronson is co-owner of Equal=Grounds coffee house, previously served as an adjunct professor at Cornell University Industrial and Labor Relations school instructing employment law and continues to be an Assembly member in the NYS assembly,138th district.    
Harry’s passion for social justice, equality and fairness has defined his public service, legal and business careers. In his fight for equality for all people, Harry was co-sponsor and instrumental in the passage of the historical New York State Marriage Equality Act.  


Miss Erin G. VanVleck, Class of 2008
A 2008 graduate of Windsor Central High School, Miss Van Vleck obtained her undergraduate education at Binghamton University.  She then attended SUNY Buffalo Law School and earned her Juris Doctor from the law school at Cornell University. Upon earning her degree from Cornell, Erin took a position as a judicial law clerk for the Alaska Court of Appeals.  In 2016, Erin opened her own legal practice, Law Offices of Erin G. Van Vleck, in Fairbanks, AK. Currently, Erin has moved back to New York and is a staff attorney for Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc., as well as performs research and writes for attorneys around New York State.  Erin has committed herself to working and advocating for those in need. Her role at the Legal Aid Society is as the Pro Bono Innovation Staff Attorney working towards those facing eviction and improving landlord practices within Broome County.


Ms. Terry A. Wansart, Class of 1977
A 1977 graduate of Windsor Central High School, Ms. Wansart obtained her Bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in Health and Physical Education.  She continued her studies at Hunter College , earning a Master’s degree in Physical Education/Athletic Administration. Terry was hired in 1982 as an assistant athletic director at Hunter College.  She has been the Hunter College Director of Athletics since 1988, currently in her 37th year of service at the institution. During her tenure she has successfully been the head coach of women’s basketball, volleyball and softball.  Also under her direction the Hawks have captured more CUNY Athletic Conference Commissioner's Cups than any other member school with ten and have secured 123 conference championships over the past 17 years.  A few of her recognitions and awards include the 2015 HEO Award, 2017 MBWA Distinguished Service Award, and the 2018 Met Basketball Writers Association Distinguished Service Award.