Class of 2017 Graduates From Windsor Central High School

The 131-member Class of 2017 graduated from Windsor Central High School Friday, June 23rd. They took with them messages of pride, understanding and obligation to their next step, be it the workforce, college or the Armed Forces. Images from the ceremony can be found here.

Class President Hunter Gorick took the graduates on a musical walk down memory lane, quoting songs from Kelly Clarkson, Usher and Katy Perry to illustrate their journey from childhood to graduation.

Salutatorian Michael Beaudoin solicited suggestions from classmates and alumni to prepare his speech. His ultimate message? Pride. He told his classmates to always be proud to say you went to Windsor, a small school with big dreams.

Valedictorian Julie Nemcek urged her fellow students to listen to understand, not just reply. She called the latter the biggest obstacle to communication today.

The Class of 2017 presented its gift – a bench for the courtyard and a Snapchat geofilter.

Windsor High School principal Jeff Salasny spoke to his newly-minted graduates about their gifts. He said the world they are now a part of requires humanity to share their gifts.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Drake Lamen, WCHS Class of 1969, also known as “Windsor’s Doctor”. He has served the communities of Greater Broome and Chenango Counties for 40 years as a family practitioner and is currently the President / CEO / CMO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY.

He told the students that they are just starting to write the middle of their story. The beginning has been written by parents and teachers but now is the time for the middle, where their character will come to life. He asked the students to have the courage and confidence to make their own decisions and tell their story the way they want to.

The following students won graduation awards:

Catherine Bennett Memorial Award - Presented to a graduating senior selected on the basis of high scholarship achievement and contribution to school life, who has an interest in the general area of humanities and the arts, and who plans to enter a four year college.
Sponsor of the Award: Mr. J. Douglas Bennett
Awarded to Joshua Schellinger.

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 Hunter Gorick and Julie Nemcek

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 Aliceon Calta

Future Business Leaders of America Scholarship - Awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship, graphic design, and marketing communications.
Sponsor of the Award: Windsor Future Business Leaders of America
Awarded to Braxton Acquisto-Ray, Hailie Balachick, Catherine Bowie, Jordan Collett, Yourry Curry, Amber Cina, Gunnar Ford, Hunter Gorick, Cory Hagerman, Jacob Hall, Jordan Haven, Ashley Hull, Christian Ludwig, William Major-Colpitts, Natasha McCarthy, Jacey Nagle, Michael Orcutt, Trevor Pietrowski, Emily Platner, Jack Renner, Caleb Richards, Tyler Steele, Emma Studer

James W.M. Hall Memorial Scholarship - Given in memory of James Hall to a graduating senior who plans to attend college and is pursuing a career in Music.
Sponsor of the Award: The Hall Family
Awarded to Dawson Hinds and Jacey Nagle
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 Ashley Hull

Old Onaquaga Historical Society Award - Awarded to the student with the highest mark on the American History Regents.
Sponsor of the Award: Old Onaquaga Historical Society
Awarded to Tyesn Gates

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 Julie Nemcek

Student Council Scholarships - Scholarships are based on student’s leadership skills in and out of school and financial need.
Sponsor of Award: Windsor Student Council
Awarded to: Michael Beaudoin, Daniel Crowley, Hunter Gorick, Ashley Hull, Adam James, Sajid Kabir, Julie Nemcek, Karaleigh Saar, Joshua Schellinger

Principal’s Leadership Award - Awarded to a graduate who demonstrates the ability to combine Academic Excellence and Exemplary Leadership roles in School and Community Activities.
Sponsor of Award: Windsor High School Principals
Awarded to Jack Renner and Emma Studer


During the ceremonies the following four alumni were honored as Knights of Distinction:
Dr. Drake Lamen, Class of 1969
A graduate of Windsor Central High School class of 1969, Dr. Drake Lamen received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in 1977. He has served the communities of Greater Broome and Chenango Counties for 40 years as a family practitioner. During that time, Dr. Lamen’s work and commitment in Windsor earned him the distinction of being known as “Windsor’s Doctor.” Currently, Dr. Lamen is serving as the President / CEO / CMO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY.

Brigadier General Brett J. McMullen, Class of 1980
A graduate of Windsor Central High School class of 1980, Brig. Gen. Brett J. McMullen is the Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C. He is responsible for all aspects of contracting relating to the acquisition of weapon systems, logistics, operational and contingency support for the Air Force. Gen. McMullen served in the enlisted ranks from 1981-1985 prior to receiving his commission from the Air Force Office Trainer School. He has held a variety of assignments and staff positions. During his long tenure at U.S. Special Operations Command, Gen. McMullen oversaw USSOCOM’s expansion of world-wide contingency operations.

Christina Sickles Merchant, Class of 1967
A graduate of Windsor Central High School class of 1967, Christina Sickles Merchant became a national leader in conflict resolution and labor relations. She received a B.S. from Cornell’s School of Industrial Labor Relations in 1971. Throughout her career she worked with the U.S. Department of Labor, was Commissioner of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Director of Labor-Management Cooperation within the Federal Labor-Relations Authority, Project Director for Labor-Management Cooperation under the Department of Defense, Director of the Labor Management Project, and a fellow within the Maxwell School of Syracuse University where she also served as a Professor of Practice and Faculty Associate. As an author, the book she co-authored was selected as the winner of the Best Book Award in 1997 by the International Association of Conflict Management.

Deputy Kevin J. Tarsia, Class of 1983
A 1983 graduate of Windsor Central High School and Broome Community College, Kevin Tarsia served 13 years as a Deputy Sheriff for Broome County. Deputy Tarsia loved his family, friends and community. On July 4, 2002 Deputy Tarsia was killed in the line of duty while approaching burglary suspects in Grange Hall Park, Kirkwood, NY.