Connect with us

Rec Sports

2025 BFUHS Alumni Queen candidates

Hadley Gleim. Photo provided Hadley Gleim   My name is Hadley Gleim. I am the daughter of Heather and Harry Gleim, and I live in Bellows Falls. During my time at Bellows Falls Union High School (BFUHS), I coached youth field hockey for four years, which I really enjoyed. Teaching the kids a sport I […]

Published

on


Hadley Gleim. Photo provided

Hadley Gleim

 

My name is Hadley Gleim. I am the daughter of Heather and Harry Gleim, and I live in Bellows Falls.

During my time at Bellows Falls Union High School (BFUHS), I coached youth field hockey for four years, which I really enjoyed. Teaching the kids a sport I love is a great thing. I also volunteer to help with events at the middle school track meets. I am a 12-season BFUHS athlete, and participate in field hockey, winter track, and spring track. I have earned three state titles for track, which I’m very proud of. I was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. This will be my fourth year working as a server at Dari Joy. It’s nice to interact with so many people from our community!

In the fall I will be attending the University of Vermont, and will be earning my bachelor’s degree as a radiation therapist, which is a very specific field. UVM only allows nine students per year into this program, and I was excited to learn that I was accepted early decision. My primary job will be to administer radiation to cancer patients. I will be the only member of their oncology team that will have one-on-one personal time with the patient each time they get their treatment, which is very important to me.

 

 

Gracie McGinnis. Photo provided

Gracie McGinnis

 

My name is Gracie McGinnis. I am the daughter of Lori McGinnis and Shaun McGinnis, and I live in Bellows Falls.

During my time at Bellows Falls Union High School, I have served as class vice president for all four years, and was elected vice president of the Student Council during my senior year. I was inducted into the Jessie A. Judd/Marilee B. Huntoon chapter of the National Honor Society in my junior year, recognizing my academic achievement and leadership.

I’ve been dedicated to athletics as a member of the field hockey team, and I’ve extended that passion by coaching younger athletes through the Terrier Pups Youth Program each season. Outside of school, I’ve worked at the Meeting Waters YMCA Day Camp during the summer, and year-round, I’m employed at the Bellows Falls Opera House.

Additionally, I’ve been involved in numerous theatrical productions with the Wild Goose Players, including roles in “Matilda,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Urinetown.” At BFUHS, I’ve also performed in “Annie” as Grace Farrell, “SpongeBob the Musical,” and “Mamma Mia.”

In the community, I volunteer regularly with the Bellows Falls Fire Department alongside my father, participating in various service initiatives throughout the year.

In the fall, I will be attending Pace University in New York City, majoring in business economics, with a minor in arts and entertainment management. Through the fire department, I was able to spend time on the set of a local film, “The Obelisk,” where I completely fell in love with filmmaking. While at school, I plan to spend time learning about the industry and finding performance opportunities.

I have spent my entire life around the Bellows Falls High School Alumni Association, and am honored to have been chosen by my classmates to be a part of the Alumni Queen’s court this year. I’m incredibly grateful to live in such an amazing community, and I am looking forward to future alumni celebrations.

 

 

Maya Rentas. Photo provided

Maya Rentas

My name is Maya Rentas. I am the daughter of Shelley Rentas and Mickey Rentas, and I live in Westminster.

I am truly dedicated to both my school and community, not only through academics, but also through active participation in a wide range of cocurricular activities. I have been a member of the concert band throughout all four years of high school, in addition to performing in jazz, modern, pep, and pit bands. This past fall, I earned second chair in the Connecticut Valley District 6 Concert Band. I was also selected to perform with the All-State Concert Band, which took place this May, in Essex. Beyond music, I’ve participated in several school theater productions, including “SpongeBob the Musical.” I have been involved in Student Council for three years, serving as historian during my junior year and currently as president. I am also the founder of Students of Color United, a club that provides a safe space for students who identify as people of color. In athletics, I am a member of the varsity softball team, and am currently serving as team captain. I have also been a writer for our student newspaper, The Howler, for the past four years. I am a proud member of both the National Honor Society and the National Music Honor Society, where I serve as secretary and treasurer. Additionally, I have served as class treasurer for the past three years. Outside of academics, I work as a technology intern for the school district, and spend my summers working at The Scoop, a small ice cream shop in Grafton, Vt.

After high school, I will be attending the University of Vermont, majoring in biochemistry, with a minor in molecular genetics, following a premedical track. My long-term goal is to attend medical school, and eventually open and operate my own fertility clinic, specializing in IVF treatments, as I want to help families who are unable to conceive on their own.

I want to thank my classmates for nominating me for this incredible opportunity. I also want to extend thanks to my family for their constant support and encouragement to dream big. I am deeply honored to be part of such an amazing community, and to be a nominee for the 2025 Alumni Queen.

 

Nola Sciacca. Photo provided

Nola Sciacca

 

My name is Nola Sciacca. I am the daughter of Amy Sciacca and John Sciacca, and I live in Westminster.

One of my favorite activities in high school was playing sports. I have been a three-sport varsity athlete for my entire high school career, and sports play a big role in my life. I play field hockey, basketball, and track throughout the school year. Additionally, while doing all of those, I ride my horses on the side, showing them competitively during the summer. Aside from homework, school-related activities, and studying, sports come in at a close second for how I like to spend my time. Further, throughout my high school career, I’ve been involved in many community activities.

As far as community service goes, the largest chunk of my hours, and my personal favorite, is youth field hockey. This is a program where members of the high school field hockey team get to coach young girls from our community. We teach them the many rules and tricks of the game, while also sharing our love for the sport. Young girls ages K-6th grade are welcome to join the program, and will participate in two practices a week with games on the weekends. This program is a great way to build up athletics in our community, because we’re so small, and it’s an enjoyable experience for anyone involved. I was a youth girl once, also known as a Terrier Pup, and the way that I idolized my coaches was unmatched. It instilled in me a passion for field hockey that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. I’m so thankful to have been a part of such an impactful program in our community, and I feel so fulfilled knowing that I have helped play a role in the continuation of Bellows Falls field hockey.

Apart from youth field hockey, another large chunk of my community service hours is running middle school track meets. The high school track team often helps the middle school run home track meets for their young team. It is fun and rewarding to watch and teach these upcoming athletes, all while helping run an efficient and smooth meet.

My post-high school plans are to attend college. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of Vermont, where I plan to begin my college career in the fall. In addition to my enrollment there, I am waitlisted at Boston College and Cornell. Should either of those accept me and give me a good financial aid package, I will consider going there, however, my current plan is to attend UVM. For all of my schools, I applied undecided because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my career, so I left my options open. Today, I have decided that I would like to focus on psychology, specifically criminology. This would include examining behavioral psychology, potentially obtaining my juris doctorate, a law degree, and working in the criminal justice field. That being said, I’m extremely excited to take my first year or two of college exploring different pathways and options, making sure that the field I choose to pursue is right for me. I value practical applications and want to get a degree in a field that I know I can find a job in, and further, one that I will be satisfied with for the rest of my life.

Thank you to my parents, friends, class, and community for all the love and support you have given me. Also, a huge thank-you to the Bellows Falls Alumni Association for their great efforts to ensure the continuation of a wonderful community.

 

 

Isabella Stoodley. Photo provided

Isabella Stoodley

 

My name is Isabella Stoodley. I am the daughter of Karen and Ryan Stoodley, and I live in North Westminster.

During my time at BFUHS, I have been involved in many sports and activities. I have participated in softball and field hockey, earning many awards in both sports and succeeding in the playoffs. In softball, we made it to states for the first time in 50 years last season. I am a part of Student Council serving as historian, class president, yearbook committee, student athlete advisory committee, and have completed 634 hours of community service, including coaching youth sports, volunteer teaching, Terrier Hall of Fame, dog adoption events, and so much more. I am a part of the Jesse A. Judd/Marilee Huntoon National Honor Society Chapter at BFUHS, and received Elks Student of the Month my sophomore year, and Daughters of the American Revolution Award my senior year, to name a few awards I have received. I am currently employed at the Rockingham Recreation Center as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

I am very excited that I will be attending Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Mass., and will be majoring in elementary education. I will also continue my athletic career by playing Division III softball.

I am extremely honored to be chosen as a nominee by my class for the 2025 Alumni Court. I want to thank everyone for this incredible privilege and opportunity to stand in my town. I am very grateful to have this memory to look on for the rest of my life. As this will not be my first time in the parade, I have walked numerous times with both of my parents, I am honored for it to finally be my turn and show some Terrier pride in the Alumni Parade! Thank you, Mom, Dad, Delaney, McKenna, Memere and Pepere, Brooke, and so many more people for everything you have done for me.





Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rec Sports

Jury finds former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children. Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September. Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and […]

Published

on


SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children.

Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September.

Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and three other suspected victims. Investigators say the abuse started as early as 1995 and in some cases lasted for years. In a police report filed in 2004, a 13-year-old girl claimed that Looney was her basketball coach and he touched her inappropriately in her bedroom.

Investigators say another victim recounted several incidents where Looney raped or sexually abused her, all when she was around nine-years-old.

When he was questioned by detectives, Looney denied all of the allegations against him.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Kendall Young Library has youth events in July | News, Sports, Jobs

Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025 Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up […]

Published

on


Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025

Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a reading challenge, activity bingo and great programs each week. The deadline is July 31 for the reading challenge entries for the summer drawings.

Children’s Special Events — Tuesday, July 8, 5-7 p.m., Family Pool Party at the Webster City Outdoor Pool, free event for the whole family

Thursday, July 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fonziba Drums (ages 8+) at Kendall Young Library

Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. — Family Foam Party at Webster City Market Night — sponsored by Kendall Young Library

Children’s Weekly Programs –Wild Things 1 (PreK-K) will meet on Monday, July 7 and 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wild Things 2 (first to second grade) will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 8 and 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fuzzy Ducklings (Under 3 years) will meet on Wednesday, July 2, 9 and 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tween’s Time (third to fifth grade) will meet on Thursday, July 3, 10 and 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hungry Caterpillars (preschool) will meet on Friday, July 11 and 18 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Teen Summer Reading Program–Patrons who will be in grades six to 12 this fall can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a 10-day reading challenge along with both scheduled and “on your own time” programs each week. Detailed information is available at the Adult Checkout Desk or in the Teen Area. Please make sure to get all entries in by July 31.

Game of the Week — Each week throughout the summer there will be a new game featured as the “Game of the Week”. Mondays from 10-11a.m. the game will be presented with the rule and an opportunity to play with friends. The game will also be available all week if you want to stop-in, try it out and vote how you liked the game.

Teen Lounge — Patrons in grades 6-12 are invited on Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Join us weekly for video games, snacks, crafts, board games, and more.

Special crafts in the theme of “Level Up At Your Library” will be provided each week.

Teen Games — “Fun before the Sun…Thursdays” is time for games and adventures. Each Thursday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Teens activities will include games, movies, a scavenger hunt and mini golf which will be held inside the library.

Teen Crafternoons — Kendall Young Teen area will have a Crafternoon Station throughout the summer. Each week, beginning on Wednesdays, a new craft will be presented. This activity is available whenever the library is open.

The Teen Area STEM Cart is available for the adventurous builder. There are a variety of plans and materials will be provided. Stop at the reference desk to get more information any time this summer.Community Lego Build — Students are invited to participate in building the Lego Disney Villain Icons. This project is available during all open hours of the library and it is located in the Young Adult Area.

The Teen area located in the Kendall Young Library offers a variety of board games, community Lego build, Chromebooks, video games, books and activities that are always available.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Orcutt sails into championship round; Lompoc eliminated | Youth Sports

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday. The host team roared into the championship bracket of the Central California Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old Tournament, beating Madera 16-0 on Morrison Field at Morrison Park, Orcutt’s home site. Orcutt will face the Madera-Hanford winner […]

Published

on


The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday.

Sign up to receive headlines in your inbox!

Breaking News | Local Sports | Daily Headlines | Local Obituaries | Weather | Local Offers



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Sports calendar: July 4–13, 2025

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 Joe Martin Field The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division. […]

Published

on


Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells

6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Joe Martin Field

The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division.

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays

10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8
Lee Memorial Park

Keep the kids busy this summer with a series of classes that provide them a positive introduction to team sports. Coaches will lead activities, drills and mini-games to build basic skills along with sportsmanship and community. The featured sports include baseball, football, track and soccer.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
District Brewing

Gather friends or compete by yourself in some backyard, easygoing corn hole at District Brewing in Ferndale. The cost is $10 to enter, and the event will last until approximately 8 p.m.


Friday, July 4

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 4:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Recreation

Bioluminescense Kayak Tour at Larrabee State Park, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 6:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.

Recreation

Chuckanut Foot Race at 100 Harris Ave., 9 a.m.

Lummi Island Full Day Kayak Tour, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 6

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 1:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at New York Liberty, 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, July 7

Recreation

All-Comers Track and Field at Civic Stadium, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Recreation

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays at Lee Memorial Park, 10 a.m.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament at District Brewing in Ferndale, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at Connecticut Sun, 8 a.m.

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Recreation

Summer Play Days on the Barkley Village Plaza, 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 10

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Friday, July 11

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 4:10 p.m.

Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm, 7 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Saturday, July 12

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.

Sporting KC at Seattle Sounders, 5:30 p.m.

Recreation

Lake Whatcom Triathlon at Bloedel Donovan Park, 7 a.m.

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Sunday, July 13

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 2:05 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:40 a.m.

Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm, 3 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

CDN’s sports calendar is published online Thursdays and in print Fridays. To submit an event for consideration, email nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com. News Producer Eric Trent compiled the featured listings.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Plenty of youth activities in Northeast Michigan | News, Sports, Jobs

Jackie Krawczak Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of. What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and […]

Published

on



Jackie Krawczak


Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of.

What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and children to do in the area.

Not only have I been living and working in this area for almost 20 years, I also grew up in this area, living here until the age of 20 before heading off for college.

The experience I had growing up and the perspective I have about the community do not align with the common perspective that there are limited options for young people.

Sure, there might not be access to the same number and diversity of options as you might find in a bigger city, but there is plenty for children to do. So why is there a disconnect?

I am not certain, but I suspect the solution lies with parents or caregivers and not the community itself.

I do not have children, but I was a child who grew up in Northeast Michigan, and I have spent lots of time with children of all ages, and I really do not understand the complaint that there is very little for young people to do. There is so much to do and experience. Perhaps the parents or grandparents who don’t think there is much available need to do some research or explore a bit.

There are plenty of things to do at home or outside in the community. Some are free and others have related expenses.

The following is not an exhaustive list. Beaches. Rock hunting. Hiking. Exploring one of many different natural areas. Playgrounds. Splash pad. Fishing. Biking. Museums. Children’s plays. Children’s movies. Mini golf. Dinosaurs. Sidewalk chalk. Library. Art classes. Art projects (search online for ideas – there are thousands). Grab a book that helps identify leaves, trees, flowers, birds or something else in nature and explore. Build forts. Join a sport.

Children are creative if we foster that and allow them to be. If we plop them in front of a screen instead of finding something fun and creative for them to do, then yes, we may feel there is very little for them in the community. But that just simply is not true.

When my siblings and I were growing up, I remember my sister and I had what we called, “junk jars.” We would collect bits and pieces of things we found around the yard or inside, like buttons, feathers, or cool rocks, and put them in a jar. Then, when we felt like it, we would get our jars out and, “make stuff.” That meant we simply created whatever masterpiece we wanted with the items in our jars, some paper, glue, string, and whatever else we had.

I also recall hours of fun in buckets of water with empty dish soap bottles we used as squirt bottles.

We often explored the woods and created forts and games with each other and friends. We rolled down hills, sometimes in large cardboard barrels that I am not sure where they came from. We climbed plenty of trees. The older kids sometimes created games for the younger kids. We learned to bake and cook. We read. We looked for frogs and turtles and toads. We found chrysalises and kept an eye on the progress until they turned into beautiful butterflies.

There was so much to do. All the time. It was because our parents allowed us to create and explore freely. They had boundaries but they weren’t so strict that we couldn’t learn on our own. They took us on adventures as well. Camping, an event at a fair, a movie occasionally.

We didn’t need someone else to constantly entertain us.

Before you complain that there is nothing, or very little, for young people to do in your community, take a step back and spend some time thinking about all the things that do exist. Think about ways to encourage creativity and free play. Think about ways to let children interact with each other and learn to solve problems on their own. Think about places in the area you’ve never been and head out for the day. Explore.

It might change your perspective not only on what exists for young people but also your view on what a great place this region is for adults as well.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on X @jkrawczak.



Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox








Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Booster Days, with parade, carnival and fireworks, releases 2025 schedule | Local News

Booster Days, which starts Thursday and runs until Sunday’s finale with fireworks, announced its 2025 schedule. If you have trouble seeing this image on your device, please click this link. As a nonprofit organization, Hudson Boosters uses the event’s proceeds to support youth sports in the area. It sells beer and food at Lakefront Park […]

Published

on


Booster Days, which starts Thursday and runs until Sunday’s finale with fireworks, announced its 2025 schedule.







img

If you have trouble seeing this image on your device, please click this link.


As a nonprofit organization, Hudson Boosters uses the event’s proceeds to support youth sports in the area. It sells beer and food at Lakefront Park while entertaining through a carnival, hot dog eating contest, music, bingo and parade. 

On Saturday, the parade runs through downtown, which in past years has featured local organizations, politicians and other fixtures in the community. 

The Hudson Boosters announced more information on the parade below:

Parade route: 2nd Street, downtown Hudson

Parade start time: 11 a.m.; Entries begin lining up at 10 a.m.

Hudson Boosters said on its website that the lineup number assignment during the parade and the generic lineup location will be posted in the build-up to the event (final spots posted the day of the parade by 9:00 a.m.).

The boosters said on Facebook that the group is still looking for volunteers to check I.D.s and hand out wristbands during the event. Community Volunteers can use this link and the organization will reach out regarding your available times. Hudson Boosters and DIBS Volunteers can go here to sign up.



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending