April 9, 2009

Three Alumni receive NYS Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence

Three Hilton High School graduates and SUNY students have received Chancellor's Awards April 7, 2009 in Albany.  The Chancellor's Award recognizes students for their academic excellence [GPA of 3.77 or better], leadership, athletics, community service or creative arts. Only 238 students were honored in 2009 from 63 SUNY campuses.  Students wear a medallion when graduating this spring from their respective colleges. 

The Hilton High School honorees are: Janel Kierecki '05 [SUNY Cortland - Inclusive Special Education]; Laura Iafrati '05 [SUNY Geneseo - Biology and Psychology]; and Brian Wallenhorst '04 [SUNY Delhi - Hotel and Resort Management].

Janel Kierecki '05 will graduate from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Inclusive Special Education.  She is a Phi Kappa Phi Scholar of the Year and member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Psi Chi honor societies.  She has been awarded multiple scholarships for her academic accomplishments.  Janel volunteers with the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Association and with disabled individuals in therapeutic horseback riding.

Laura Iafrati '05 will graduate from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Biology and Psychology.  She is a four-time recipient of the Chancellor's Scholar Athlete Award and member of the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team in 2008.  She has been on the SUNY Geneseo Dean's List for each semester; is a member of two honor societies and has been inducted into the State University of New York Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.  She was a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Regional Championship Team in 2007 and 2008. 

Brian Wallenhorst '04 will graduate from SUNY Delhi with a degree in Hotel and Resort Management.  He is Student Senate President and member of the College Council, a resident assistant and student ambassador.  He is recipient of the Student Life Leadership Award and a College Association scholarship.  He has volunteered with many organizations including the American Red Cross, the Great American Smoke-Out, Relay for Life, and CROP Walk.