Congratulations to all our

Sunny

Sensational Kids:

Shynise Stiff, 17 years old, lives at the ABC House in Manlius and is a junior at F-M High School. An active student in Youth Court, the Science Honor Society, Community Wide Dialogue, Model United Nations, Black History Month, and consistently on the Honor Roll.

Patrick Carmen, 14 year old Liverpool student is an entertainer with a wonderful voice. Patrick gets around in a wheel chair, but that hasn't stopped him from wowwing audiences appearing on stage in many shows. He has a benefit CD, Broadway Dreams: My Gift Of Songs that is for sale around the area, with all the proceeds going to the Golisano Children's Hospital.

Casey Clark, 14 years old, lives in Memphis, is an honor student at Cato-Meridian, plays in the band and is a member of the Marcellus Boy Scout troop. Working on his Eagle Scout award, he has been super active in the community, cleaning up Carpenter's Brook, volunteering at the Marcellus food pantry, the Samaritan Center, and Adopt-A-Highway. He was most helpful caring for his late grandfather when he was sticken with cancer.

Justine Marshall, 9 years old 4th grader at Edward Smith Elementary School in Syracuse. Justine is an all around sensational kid (choir, orchestra grades), but has distinquished herself coming in first place n the NAPPID Citywide Oratorical Contest with original speeches about Maya Angelou and Coretta Scott King.

McKenzie Bolan, 11 years old, from LaFayette who attends school in Fabius-Pompey. She recently donated her long, beautiful hair for children with cancer ("Wigs for Kids"). She's going to let it grow out and do it again.

Jordan Donnelly, 13 years old, Bridgeport, who is on the honor roll and chorus at Chittenango. Jordan has been very active with her family helping out with the American Cancer Society. She's been the youngest team captain in the Madison County Relay for Life. Nominated by her Aunt Colleen, who writes, "for someone so young, Jordan shows a real compassion for the grieving. Jordan is my light and the person I strive to become."

Luke Baker, 16 years old, 10 grader at Weedsport HS. He is on high honor roll, class president, runs and swims, senior patrol leader in his Boy Scout Troop (he's almost an Eagle Scout) and works on the Baker family's dairy farm.

Amanda Ward, was nominated by her 7th grade Solvay Middle School teacher Cecelia Kulak, who wrote: "Amanda is a wonderful girl with a huge heart. She works hard to maintain her A average and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, participates in the science fair, and volunteers as a tutor for fourth grade students. Amanda runs cross-country and writes poetry in her spare time. She also enjoys volunteering at St. Camillus. Life hasn't always been easy for Amanda. She fought to overcome an eating disorder in 4th grade. Now she shares her story in order to educate others about the dangers of aneorexia. Amanda is certainly a Sunny Sensational Kid!"

The Class of 2006 at West Genessee HS who are planning to party without alcohol/drugs on prom night ... and as a way to encourage this, Sunny 102 and Backus Ford have awarded one $500 US Savings Bond to be used as a grand prize at their "After Ball All Night Party" ... the winner: Rachel DiFato!

Joshua McClusky, 11th grader at East Syracuse-Minoa HS, an exceptional bowler (he bowled his first 300 game last summer and has been a Jr. Master), volunteers his time at a nursing home, and can often be seen picking up litter in the village of East Syracuse. Nominated by his former employer Andy DeFlorio, who writes, "Josh is certainly a fine young man."

Maureen Shockey, a senior at West Genesee HS, nominated by her teacher Karen Mercado, who was impressed when Mo confronted other students who were teasing her (she has Tourette syndrome) in class and spoke so eloquently about her dreams ... "she started talking about her illness ... and what it was like growing up different. It was the bravest thing I had ever seen a person do and it brought tears to my eyes (and still does)." Mo is also an artist and involved in community projects. A sensational kid!

Joy Lyn Durfey, 12 years old, 6th grader at Danforth, is on the honor roll, in chorus and theater, helps OCRA clean the neighborhoods, active at Buckley Road Baptist Church, and above all is a great niece to her Aunt Carolyn, who is disabled. Joy's father died a couple of years ago and it has been tough at times, but Joy always keeps a positive attitude and is an asset to all in her family.

Tim Wavercak, 13 years old, 7th grader at Ray Middle School in Baldwinsville, on his own raised money by shoveling snow for a girl who had to have a costly brain operation. Tim was nominated by the girl's mother Theresa Jacobs, who says her daughter is now doing well. She is very grateful for Tim's generosity and selfless gift and can't thank Tim enough.

Kimberly Laxton, 16 years old, sophmore at West Genesee HS, does so much: as an outstanding student, she recently took part in the National Youth Congressional Leadership Conference in Washington, DC; she plays the violin in orchestra and is a member of a "fiddle club" that plays at senior homes; she is an artist and has had her work displayed; she has written a book; she is on tennis, basketball and softball teams; an active member of the Camillus First Methodist Youth Group; and helps her mother (who has Multiple Sclerosis) and her father (who has diabetes) ... she is an all around sensational kid!

Michael Lane, 15 year old student at Lincoln Middle School, has overcome the challenge of fetal alcohol syndrome (he was adopted and apparently his birth mother used alcohol and drugs, which caused a learning disability). Michael works hard in school, helps his elderly neighbors with shoveling and raking, and is a regular volunteer at the food pantry where recently he helped make 10,000 sandwiches for the needy.

Nicole Champion of Kirkville, an 11 year old student at Woodland Elementary. Nominated by her teacher Janelle Marciano who says after the sad loss of her father, Nicole nevertheless blossomed as a wonderful student and a caring friend to others. She is a member of "Peaceful People" and always helps at home and volunteers to help others at school.

Becky Garofano, a senior at Westhill HS, maintains excellent grades and is a volunteer with an inner-city outreach program that tutors elementary school children. Becky was nominated by Anna Shipe, the program coordinator, who says she is "like a ray of sunshine" and is an encouragement and example to adults who know her as well!

Sarah Green, 13 years old, originally an "AIDs orphan" in Ethiopia, now lives in Jamesville. She came here with her 2 younger brothers and sister, and all were adopted by the Green family. Her new dad says she works hard in school and has made great progress learning English, writing, reading, math, playing the piano and skiing! In spite of all that she has been through, her dad says she is a sensational girl!

Paris Archung is 8 years old, a good student at Onondaga Central and a tackle on the Pop Warner Toolon Mitey Mites Football Team (she's the only girl among 42 boys)! For her recent birthday, she had her friends bring blankets and make treats for the animals at the SPCA (instead of presents for her) and she is also helping raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation. Her mom Christine says she expects even more sensational things from Paris!

Morgan Festa, an 18 years old senior at Auburn HS, recently had major back surgery, but still maintains her honor roll grades, part time job, volunteering as a mentor at the Y and has even gone back to cheerleading. She endures the pain with a great, sunny attitude according to her mom and dad. They say she definitely is sensational!

Anthony Santmeyer, a 5th grader at East Syracuse Elementary, nominated by principal Patricia Charboneau. Besides striving to be a good student, Anthony is a great big brother to his 6 years old sister (who has a few challenges), helping her every day get on and off the bus, at breakfast, holding her hand and being there for her. Mrs. Charboneau says Anthony is always Sunny and Sensational!

Katie Bailey, 15 years old, a sophmore at West Genesee HS, is an honor student, active in theater, chorus, jv soccer, church, explorers and is supportive and involved with her older sister Bridget (who was born with Down Syndrome) ... especially helping at the Special Olympics.

Emily Falardeau, 6 years old, goes to St. Mary's in Baldwinsville, who raised $250 at her birthday party for Children's Hospital instead of receiving gifts herself. A sensational gesture!

Aaron Twiss, 15 years old, put markers on over 200 fire hydrants in Chittenango to help the fire department as a project to become an Eagle Scout. He also plays cello in the all-county orchestra, is in the math club, runs track, works at church and is an honor student.

Amanda de la Cruz, 10 years old, an honor student at Dr. Weeks Elementary School, one of 8 children being raised by a single mom ... Amanda was nominated by her older brother Michael who says she is the best student, a great help at home and the entire family is proud of her!

Christopher DeLucia a 15 years old student at Solvay HS who plays drums in the school's concert band, sings at nursing homes and is active in his church. As a person diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, learning can be tough at times, but his mom says he is a giving and loving boy who has overcome several obstacles and is becoming a great young man!

Macy Kaye Mahony 13 years old, attends Wellwood Middle School in Fayetteville, is all around sensational: an award winning Irish Step Dancer, theater and chorus kid, honor roll, great big sister and even finds time to babysit!

Maria Winkworth Maria is 11 years old, a student at Most Holy Family in Syracuse, hold a 90 plus average, dances, plays sports and doesn't let her type 1 diabetes hold her back!

Brittany Hampden Brittany, an 8th grader at Lincoln Middle School, has demonstrated extreme strength and motivation over the last year. Brittany's mom was diagnosed with cancer last year and during her therapy their house burned down leaving them with nothing. Soon afterwards Brittany's lost one of her best friends. Through all these tragedies, Brittany has kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Congratulations Brittany! You're a Sunny Sensational Kid!

Cassidy DeStefano Cassidy, an 8th grader at Grant Middle School has shown her family and friends great strength, spirit and attitude. Cassidy is active in sports, has done volunteer work at her church under the direction of her grandmother. Her mom is away during the week to work in Albany which has forced Cassidy to become very responsible in getting her school work completed, following through on her sports activities, and noting appointments and other dates of concern. Congratulations Cassidy! You're a Sunny Sensational Kid!

Christopher Wight Christopher, heading off to SUNY Delhi this fall to study architecture, has had many challenges growing up, has faced them, and is moving ahead. He has improved his grades significantly, played drums in his high school band called Envy the Endless, and loves art and music! He's a quiet kind of kid that doesn't like to talk very much but he does his words are like poetry. He's even taken to writing his mom a couple of poems! Congratulations Christopher! You're a Sunny Sensational Kid!

Emily Hughes 17 years old of Fayetteville tutors, works as a lifeguard at the YMCA, knits, and babysits plus she plays varsity basketball, volunteers, and works some Sundays at her church. Her strong, independent hardworking attitude has been a great role model for all her friends. Congratulations Emily! You're a Sunny Sensational Kid!

Molly Woodsworth 11 years old of Chittenango endured dramatic surgery earlier this year. As she recuperates she has been smiles and continues to be sweet, friendly and polite. In lieu of receiving gifts during her recuperation she collects money so she can buy a goat for The Heifer Project (an organization that helps very needy people in third world countries and sometimes the U.S.). Molly has endured more than many people do in a lifetime and yet she continues to think of herself before others. Congratulations Molly! You're a Sunny Sensational Kid!

The kids at The Brewerton Child Care Center (at the United Methodist Church), part of the Central Square School District.

Jessica Wheeler of Erieville, who attends Cazenovia High School, nominated by her friend and the assistant principal of ESM HS Susan Vickers. Jessica lost her mother after a long battle with cancer and naturally was having a tough time. But her hard work and attitude resulted in good grades, joined the cheeleaders and even has a couple of jobs. We're all proud of Jessica!

The Greco Boys of Cicero (Chad, Daniel, Tyler and Kyle) who have overcome a few different challenges to do very well with academics and athletics. Mom Pam says Chad, Daniel and Tyler are especially great to their young brother Kyle (who has autism, he doesn't speak ... so the brothers learned to communicate with him by sign language and spend a lot of time with him).

Justin Medler, ESM senior, an outstanding athlete, on the honor roll, overall sensational kid, first in his family to attend college who plans to become a child psychologist, nominated by channel 3 news anchor Jackie Robinson.

Samantha Campbell of Liverpool, a freshman at OCC ... Back in September, her small car was struck by a speeding truck and she suffered numerous life threatening injuries, was in a coma for a month. She fought to live, clinging to life by a thread. When she awoke from her coma state, she exhibited a positive and cheery will to get therapy and go home. Well, her attitude is sensational and she is now back at school (limited schedule), but still plans to be a teacher, helping kids with special needs.

Joe Woloszyn, Liverpool HS senior, who has taken the time to help Phoenix HS as piano accompaniment for their musical. Joe is an honor student and his desire to share his love of music will take him to the Crane School of Music in the fall as he studies to become a music teacher.

The Senior Class at West Genesee High School ... who are planning to party without alcohol/drugs on prom night ... and as a way to encourage this, Sunny 102 has awarded a computer to be used as a prize at their "After Ball All Night Party"

Abigail Eschen of Cazenovia who is a 6th grader at St. Matthews in East Syracusem nominated by her teacher Tammy Wiliams. Abigail is an all around sensational kid, with talent in music theater and volunteers at church too.

Jordan Ashley Twoomey of Fulton, 11 years old who was adopted by Debbie Twomey six years ago (Debbie says they adopted each other). Jordan is very helpfull, especially when her mom had major surgery, and is very generous to others, giving most of her Christmas gifts to the needy.

Jessica Moore, a senior at Fayetteville-Manlius HS, a student a BOCES, and employed by the YMCA, loved by the pre-school kids she takes care of and especially her family. She uses a wheel cahir but doesn't let it stop her from socializing, working and going to school. She's senational!

Jimmy Hartpence, a junior on an academic scholarship at MPH, who is on honor roll, many math and science clubs, soccer, track, volunteers in the community and helps his grandmother everyday!

Kayla McKeon, a junior at Cicero-North Syracuse HS, an excellent student who has been on the honor roll, volunteers at church, does theater at SU, and is an inspiration to others with Down syndrome.

Merry Kizzy Clark, a senior at APW High School, track star, honor roll and determination Nominated by APW teacher Melissa Havener.

Behzad Dabu, a senior at Liverpool HS, honor roll and very involved in theater and music.

Eric Schwab, a student at Marcellus HS, who's great attitude and determination has helped him succeed on the honor roll, in the community and with his family despite the challenges of muscular dystrophy.

Wayne Ennis of Corcoran HS, an outstanding role model in his family.

Christina Miller of Jamesville Dewitt High School who is very active in the community.

Trisha Mosher of Baldwinsville, who has maintained high honor grades while undergoing chemo therapy.

Steven Anderson, a Liverpool HS Senior, nominated by his proud mom Liz, who says he has turned his life around has accomplished many great things this year: honor roll, Eagle Scout, and sports.

Sarah Garrick, a sensational senior at Central Square, nominated by her science teacher Tim Harrison.

Savannah Santana, a 2nd grader at Delaware Academy in Syracuse, outstanding student who teaches others how to read.

Craig Kopp, a senior at Jordan-Elbridge HS, National Honor Society, Varsity Club and footbal team (coming back from a serious leg injury).

Alexandra Kraus, a senior at Marcellus HS, nominated by her parents. Alex is an outstanding student, high honors, student government, tennis team mvp, musician, and theater, in spite of some health concerns including lupus. She's sensational!

Connor Childress, 6 years old, of Baldwinsville, nominated by his parents Pat and Kevin. Connor is sweeet, affectionate, happy and autistic ... doesn't have verbal skills, but can communicate using a computer. Now he has his own!

Tina Dupre of Baldwinsville, a senior at Baker HS, nominated by her parents Bob and Lorna. Tina is an outstanding student (National Merit Scholar, honor societies, etc), active musician (all-state, all-county, marching band, etc) and has volunteered with various community projects (for Vera House, University Hospital's Pediatric ICU).

Kyle Coggi of Camillus, an 8th grade high honor student at West Genesee Middle School, nominated by his Uncle Sean. Kyle has overcome multiple medical problems, has been active in fundraising and helping others with disabilities, and he is going to be a teacher.

Natalie Grome of Camillus, nominated by her parents Rita & Kevin. Natalie is a junior at West Genesee where she has earned very high grades and is quite active: Marching Band Color Guard, lacrosse team, stats for the wrestling team, babysitter, and volunteers at St. Joseph's Chruch.

Rebecca and Rachel McNally of Manlius, nominated by teacher Ginny Morey and their mom Shelly. When Shelly was pregnant with her 8th child, her husband died of cancer and she's been raising all those kids herself. Despite some tough times, theses girls have great attitudes, cheerful, friendly and hard-working in school and at home. Here's a photo of Mrs. Morey, Rachel and Rebecca:

Mrs. Morey, Rachel, Rebecca and Big Mike

Megan Ball of East Syracuse, a junior at Bishop Grimes, hard working baby-sitter, active in music, theater and more.

Kristin DeFazio of Syracuse, 13 years old, has a 90+ average, is involved in many community theater productions and has been helping with a lot more work around the house after her mom had a stroke this year.