The Mayfield Jr/Sr High School held its second quarter Character Assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to recognize students who have demonstrated a strong sense of character focusing on the traits of creativity, determination, citizenship, industriousness, work ethic, perseverance, accountability and dedication. Each department selected students they feel have embodied these traits in the second quarter of the school year.
The assembly featured special guest speakers, Mayfield alumni Dylan Lanza and DiAnne Mott. The two guests discussed their own paths in life, the role Mayfield played in their success and how perseverance through adversity can get you where you want to be.
Dylan Lanza is a 2015 graduate who despite his rough start in life, now owns and operates his own successful business, Upstate Property Management, a landscaping company that specializes in hardscaping, retaining wall systems, paver patios, concrete and more. Lanza discussed with students the importance of getting up, showing up and sticking with something even when it’s hard. He also credited the Mayfield teachers and staff with providing him the support he needed in his high school years.
“They really treated me like family and they’ll do the same for you,” said Lanza. “School became my safe space.”
DiAnne Mott is a 1980 graduate who as an educator has close ties to the Mayfield community. She is a retired band director from OESJ Central School District and is a Mayfield Wall of Dedication recipient. She is currently the director of The Loft, a youth drop-in center located in Gloversville that provides a safe environment where students are encouraged to make positive life choices and enhance their personal strengths.
Mott talked with students about their own path, what they want it to look like, and where they want it to end up. She stressed that many will veer off from their path and things will look different than they imagined and that’s okay. Mott encouraged students to focus on their strengths, to watch for opportunities that present themselves, and to not put off tomorrow what can be done today.
“Procrastination is the enemy of perseverance. Get the hard stuff done first, you’ll be glad you did,” said Mott.
The Character Assembly also recognized the hard work and dedication of the student athletes in modified, JV and varsity sports.
Second Quarter Character Awards:
Kyndall Bonfey, Harper Koenig, Jace Lander, Levi Olmstead, Koldyn Carver, Ace MacHattie
ELA – For Determination and Perseverance
Ryland Lair, Evan Lennon, Abby Belknap, Joey Ruggiero, Mila Valachovic, Maya Rohling
Math – For Perseverance
Wyatt Perry, Joey Cameron, Jacob Lewis, Jaydo Washington, Rylee VanHorn, Sophia LaVada
Social Studies – For Determination
Ryland Lair, Madden Farman, Josephine Shambo, Natalya Battisti
Science – For Work Ethic
Wyatt Dutcher, Savanah DeGroat, Jordan Busch, Jean Bowers, Kloe Fetrow, Kian Ely
Physical Education – For Citizenship
Baylee Playford, Savanah DeGroat, Anna Pica, Jayden Schur, Logan Farman
Art – For Excellence in Creativity
Maddex Beck , Skyler Surnear
Band – For Dependability
Sophie Abrams
Chorus – For Dedication
Anna Leo, Lucille Kline
Spanish – For Accountability
Gavin Swart, Collin Edwards
Technology – For Industriousness
Joseph Insonia Jr., Kelsey Clear
Business – For Accountability
Tatyanna Yudin, Brody Christman, Lillian Perham, Haley Munson
Agriculture – For Determination