Celebrating the Class of 2023 |
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On June 22, families, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate this year’s 11 graduates of Summit Academy. Principal Mary Bennett led the ceremony with a welcome message followed by a keynote address by Summit CEO Dr. Stephen Anderson. They reflected on the the students' journeys at Summit and their accomplishments. Several students performed during the ceremony. Dan Crosby recited the “Pledge of Allegiance,” Tyler DeMari sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and Aaron Morris played “Kumbaya” on the keyboard.
Congratulations to the graduates! We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. |
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Former Summit student to start
at district high school in fall |
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| “I think Captain America is my favorite,” Rocco said, as he showed off his new Marvel shirt. It’s a gift he received along with his favorite snacks and a movie gift card to celebrate his last day at Summit Academy. This coming fall, Rocco will be heading to public high school.
“I’m really excited,” Rocco said. “I’m going to Emerson [School of Hospitality]. It’s a really big school.” Rocco’s teacher, Meagen Oquendo, said he has been a wonderful student, a great leader in class, and a good friend to his peers. “Rocco is such a great kid with a huge personality,” Meagen said. “He’s playful, funny, thoughtful, caring, and knowledgeable.”
As he enters high school, Rocco is looking forward to meeting new people and learning new skills. The class he’s most excited for: cooking. |
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“I’m excited to learn how to cook things and make a meal,” Rocco said.
In addition to his interest in cooking, Rocco also enjoys playing games like checkers and Jenga, watching movies with his family, and Taekwondo.
To celebrate his last day at Summit, the class held a small party for Rocco and enjoyed breakfast pizza, snacks, and games. His classmates and staff wished him the best of luck at his new school.
“We are so excited for what’s to come for Rocco and want to wish him the best on this journey as he enters high school,” Meagen said. |
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Summit wins $10,000 gift in GEICO's FastPitch program |
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Last month, The Summit Center was awarded a $10,000 gift from GEICO as part of their FastPitch program. FastPitch is a funding process in which GEICO associates "pitch" local organizations to receive a range of funding dollars.
Melissa Vining, GEICO associate and Summit parent, shared her heartwarming story about her daughter, Melea, who just finished first grade at Summit Academy. Melea has learned how to use her device to communicate her wants and needs, developed independence skills, and excelled rapidly through her course curriculum. We are so honored to be chosen for this funding and want to thank GEICO and Melissa for supporting Summit. A special thanks to Charles Stodolka, Summit Foundation Board Member and GEICO Customer Services Manager, who helped guide us through this process. |
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Give 716 donors raise more than $8,000 |
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Donors helped raise more than $8,000 during this year’s Give 716 campaign to support construction of a courtyard at Summit Academy’s Creekside location in Amherst. Some of those funds have been matched by local companies and the Buffalo Bills and Sabres Foundations.
The courtyard will provide students with an outdoor space where they can practice important skills, nurture their physical and mental well-being, and have fun and be creative. Funds raised will go toward items like an amphitheater for outdoor performances, a gardening area, a fitness station, and more. Additional items will include shade sails, seating, and outdoor artwork.
We are thankful to our donors for their generosity and for supporting the gift of play. |
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Third Warders Social Club makes donation in memory of former member |
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Recently, The Summit Center received a generous donation of $2,000 from the Third Warders Social Club.
Scott Kiedrowski, president of the Third Warders Social Club, presented the check to Summit CEO Dr. Stephen Anderson in memory of club member James Urbaniak. James was a bus aide for the City of Tonawanda and spoke fondly of Summit often.
Thank you to the Third Warders Social Club for this generous donation. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Jayne Evert!
What is your role at Summit? My role at Summit is a life skills trainer. My job is to help the people I work for achieve their chosen goals while spending time out in the community with friends. Describe what your day might look like.
A typical day includes helping people choose what activities they would like to do, then going out into the community on their chosen outings. I help them with completing their personal goals while having fun and socializing. I try to make the day enjoyable and easygoing, help everyone focus on their goals, and enjoy their time at the program. What are you most proud of, personally and professionally? I am very proud to have three wonderful offspring who amaze me every day. Their names are Grem, Ossi, and Matt. I love to spend time with them and hear what they think about this amazing world. Professionally, I am proud to be able to say that I help provide support and guidance to the people that I work for, which helps them learn skills and enjoy life. I get to see this happen every day. |
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Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York? I like to eat anywhere that I don't have to cook or do the dishes. The Texas Roadhouse is really good, as is Pie-O-Mine /Greens.
Name someplace on your bucket list. I would love to go to Africa, visit the rainforests, and experience the many cultures and regions of the continent. I would like to see some waterfalls and jump out of a perfectly good airplane. |
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Make a difference with your gift |
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November 3 - An Enchanted Evening with Summit: An Enchanted Evening with Summit will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 3, at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY. The event will honor Summit CEO Dr. Steve Anderson who is retiring at the end of the year after 28 years of service. Party goers will enjoy a sit down dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more. Visit www.PartyforSummit.com for sponsorship and ticket information.
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July is known as Disability Pride Month to recognize the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. (Source: ADA.gov) |
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