With only a couple of weeks until final exams and three weeks until graduation for most area school districts, students and teachers alike are ready for summer break.

But in the final month of the 2024–25, there are still plenty of lessons to learn and educational experiences to be had — and recognition for work well done.

The scene of a mock DUI crash at Allegany-Limestone Middle/High School

Mock DUI crash at Allegany-Limestone

At Allegany-Limestone Middle/High School, some of the older Gators learned a powerful lesson courtesy of local first responders on May 30.

Students in grades 10–12 witnessed a simulated DUI crash involving their fellow classmates, complete with emergency responders and a totaled vehicle outside of the school and a mock arrest and funeral in the theater.

School officials said it was an intense, emotional and unforgettable day that wasn’t just a performance — it was hopefully a wake-up call.

The district expressed thanks to SRO Deputy Luke Papke and local deputies, Allegany and Limestone fire departments and local funeral directors who helped make this event impactful.

Cattaraugus-Little Valley musicians play Darien Lake

During the May 31–June 1 weekend, Cattaraugus-Little Valley Middle School’s bands took the stage at Six Flags Darien Lake to perform for a rating — and they did not disappoint.

The sixth-grade band earned an impressive “Excellent” rating, while the seventh/eighth-grade band received a strong “Good” rating. This marked the first time CLV bands participated in a competition in over 15 years.

District officials said they are proud of the student musicians for their hard work, dedication and outstanding performances. Their achievements have set a “high note” for the future, and the school looks forward to making this an annual tradition.

Ellicottville Elementary School teachers Bill Delity (left) and Katie Moore were recognized by Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski as part of the Teacher Appreciation Recognition Program.

Teachers recognized by Assemblyman Sempolinski

Educators at two local districts were recently honored by state Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski as part of the Teacher Appreciation Recognition Program.

At Cuba-Rushford Elementary School, math interventionist Amanda McCumiskey was recognized for the hard work she does to meet the needs of her students on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, at Ellicottville Central School, longtime educators Katie Moore, a fifth-grade teacher, and Bill Delity, a fourth-grade teacher, were recognized. Ellicottville officials thanked Moore and Delity for their years of dedication to the students and families as they prepare for their retirement at the end of this school year.

A group of Olean High School students in Andrea Niece’s class recently received the Medical Office Service Award for their help in the nurse’s office.

Olean students recognized for service

A group of extraordinary students from Andrea Niece’s class has been recognized for showing exceptional service, kindness and community spirit.

Under the guidance of high school nurse Kathleen Neeson, these students went above and beyond assisting in the school’s medical office with professionalism and care as well as organizing fundraisers to support a fellow student bravely battling cancer.

As a tribute to their incredible efforts, Neeson presented them with the Medical Office Service Award for their selfless contributions. School officials called the students’ empathy, dedication and teamwork genuinely inspiring.

Salamanca High School students Merle Watt and Zoe Alvarez-Fluent have been chosen to attend the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy this summer in North Carolina.

Salamanca students heading to entrepreneurship camp

Salamanca High School students Merle Watt and Zoe Alvarez-Fluent have been chosen to attend the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy this summer in North Carolina. This experience is provided at no cost to students or families, and a very competitive process — only 26 students were chosen.

The students spend two weeks at a college campus participating in hands-on learning to develop entrepreneurial skills. At the camp, students will develop and implement their own business idea, and after refining, they will pitch their idea to a panel of entrepreneurs.

Students also get a variety of recreational activities, including on- and off-campus experiences and the opportunity to celebrate local culture

West Valley Central students recently participated in the UB Metagenetics Research Symposium, presenting their research findings to peers, educators and medical researchers.

West Valley represents at UB symposium

West Valley Central students recently participated in the UB Metagenetics Research Symposium, joining representatives from 20 other schools at Jacobs Medical Center to present their research findings to peers, educators and medical researchers.

As part of the project, students analyzed environmental DNA samples and made a noteworthy discovery — a clinically significant strain of Chromobacterium vaccinii carrying an antibiotic resistance gene. This strain was identified from a water sample collected at Scoby Dam near Springville.

School officials said students and their science teacher, Joseph Guagliardo, represented West Valley well throughout the entire research project.