Jamestown High School Senior Manalis Espinosa at Mount Vernon

Jamestown High School Senior Manalis Espinoza was recognized at the Jamestown School Board meeting for a recent honor she received as a member of the Puerto Rican / Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute.

The Institute’s purpose is to foster the leadership skills of Hispanic students and to introduce them to New York State’s legislative process.

High School ELA teacher and PR/HYLI Advisor Norma DeJoy said Manalis was one of her Zoom students during COVID, “After eleventh grade, she went onto excel, just as Mr. (Dana) Williams says, in every area – in academics, in music, and in community service. So, I have my Zoom picture up there and Manalis was Student of the Year. Manalis is in the orchestra and she plays percussion in the band. She’s in Honor Society and she does a whole lot of community service and was recognized for that as well.”

DeJoy said Manalis is also part of the PRHYLI program at JHS, which competes against other schools, debating bills at the state capitol. She said the program has been still remote this year, “The kids research legislative bills. So we start with four bills, we gotta do research on those bills, they need to debate both sides of an issue for every single one of those bills. So we meet and do that research work.”

DeJoy said Manalis had the highest position in the state at the state debate as Speaker of the House, responsible for calling on students to debate, “Or call when they were out of order, and boy did she love to do that (audience laughter). She had her gavel right by her side. So this is what’s happening over here. She is seeing a screen, three screens actually, of students, little tiny students, and we’re talking about 500 to 700 students that she was managing as Speaker of the House. It’s very impressive. A whole lot of pressure and she did not break once. She was tough as can be.”

DeJoy added Manalis was one of nine students with the PRHYLI program who won a trip to Washington D.C. She said Manalis plans to become a teacher after graduation.

Alexis “Lexi” Hughan

The community is mourning the loss of Alexis “Lexi” Hughan, who was killed in an accident on Friday.

Jamestown School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker released a statement saying, “Jamestown Public Schools is in mourning over the tragic loss of a young lady who led such a beautiful life. Though this will be a challenging time for many, we urge everyone to remember the positive impact Lexi had on the world through her creative and musical endeavors. The school district remains ready to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Jamestown High School Principal Dana Williams said counselors, psychologist, and other community professionals will be on hand today at the school to help everyone. She said the school will, “hold a moment of silence to allow for the entire JHS family to reflect on Lexi’s life.”

A GoFundMe has been started for Alexis’ family. You can find the link here.

David Hinson

JAMESTOWN [MEDIA RELEASE] – Jamestown High School is proud to announce its 2020 Commencement Speaker, David Hinson, a 1995 JHS alumnus. Mr. Hinson is currently an area scout for the Kansas City Chiefs, who won the 2020 Super Bowl. Due to COVID-19, Mr. Hinson will deliver a taped Commencement Address, which will be featured on the JPS website at www.jpsny.org/graduation beginning on Wednesday, June 24th.

“As an alumnus of Jamestown High School, it is truly an honor and privilege to be this year’s
commencement speaker,” said Mr. Hinson. “I cherish many great moments from JHS…walking down the halls with friends, the laughter shared on bus rides to track meets, celebrating with teammates after scoring a touchdown on the football field and many more. High school, with its highs and lows, leaves you with memories and friends you could not have made anywhere else.”

Mr. Hinson is in his fourth year as the Southeast Area Scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Before joining the Chiefs, Hinson was the Midwest Area Scout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to joining the
Eagles, Mr. Hinson served as a college area scout with the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints. Hinson joined the Saints after three years with the Buffalo Bills, where he had been the team’s scout for the BLESTO scouting services. He was previously in the team’s player personnel department before being promoted.

A native of Jamestown, NY, Mr. Hinson played tailback for the University at Buffalo while earning a degree in business management. He was a standout prep running back at Jamestown High School, where he was an all-state athlete and was selected as the New York Player of the Year. While at JHS, Hinson rushed for over 2,200 yards, winning the Connelly Cup and the Buffalo News Player of the Year. Mr. Hinson helped lead JHS to their first state title.

“David Hinson has made JHS proud as a student, student athlete, and for pursuing achievement and success beyond high school,” said JHS Principal Dana Williams. “He is proof that a JHS diploma can get you wherever you want to go, even to a Super Bowl Championship.”

Abigail Beach (left) and Ayah Qadri

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown High School is proud to announce its 2020 Valedictorian Abigail Beach and Salutatorian Ayah Qadri.

“Abigail and Ayah have always been examples of excellent students and young people,” said JHS Principal Dana Williams. “They have challenged themselves with rigorous classes and taken advantage of everything Jamestown High School has to offer. They will now move on with their education and careers, where we know they will be successful, contributing members of society. They are proof that JHS can prepare everyone for a bright future.”

Beach is the daughter of Jonathan and Paula Beach. She will be attending LeTourneau University to study Professional Flight to become a professional corporate pilot.

Beach has received numerous awards and honors including: First Place, 9th Annual Poetry Out Loud Competition, First Place, Optimist Oratorical Speech Contest, Grace E. Dorman Award for Exceptional English Achievement, RIT Innovation & Creativity Award and Theodore Peterson AP Chemistry Award.

Beach has also been actively involved while at JHS: IMPACT Campus Fellowship leader, Secretary of National Honor Society, Secretary of A Cappella Choir, Student leader and head worship leader, singing and playing guitar at local church and part-time employee of Fifties Grill and Dairy.

“JHS is unique – it’s beautifully authentic,” said Beach. “We saw the worst of the worst, and the best of the best. Our time there was not sugar coated nor made to be anything other than exactly what it was. We were given countless opportunities to succeed – academically, physically, and socially – yet hardships were still present, as in any other school; the difference was that at JHS, they were also openly discussed. As JHS seniors, we can walk out of high school equipped to handle the throws of life and ready to make differences in the world. The most important lesson I ever learned from JHS was that someone would always be on my side. When I was feeling low and helpless and defeated, no matter what – someone was in my corner, cheering for me and helping me succeed. Now, headed onto greater things, I will carry that comfort and assurance with me through every trial, knowing that I am not alone in this life.”

Qadri is the daughter of Sam Qadri and Diala Qadri. She will be attending Jamestown Community College to major in Math and Science in order to take the required classes for the pharmacy program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Qadri plans to become a hospital or clinical pharmacist and do anything that is related to helping and caring for the elderly. When she is older, she would like to teach chemistry or a pharmacy-related subject and have a business on the side.

Qadri has received numerous awards and honors including: Student of Year, 2019 David Hedberg Award for Creativity and Originality, AP Scholar with Honor Award 2019, Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award (scholarship from U of Rochester), JHS Soccer Coach’s Inspirational Award, JHS Soccer Red Raider Award, JHS Student of Month, Honor Society Induction, Senior All-Star Soccer Game, Frewsburg Travel Soccer Player of Game, art displayed in District Art Show (8th-10th), Most Improved Award from Project Wild America Youth Ambassador Program at Roger Tory Peterson Institute, and JCC Unified Student Assistance Scholarship.

Qadri has been actively involved while at JHS: JHS Soccer (Varsity captain), Frewsburg Travel Soccer, Ski Club, Broadcast Communication’s Club/morning announcements (secretary), Mock Trial, Astronomy Club (president), Yearbook Club, Key Club, Honor Society, Student Council (sergeant-at-arms), volunteer at UPMC Chautauqua, and Project Wild America Youth Ambassador Program at Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

“JHS is special because there is not a single teacher that I have had that has not been kind, understanding, and outstanding in terms of respecting me, answering my questions, and giving me advice for life that I know will be useful later on,” said Qadri. “The genuine compassion and smiles that I received from every single staff member at that school is something that I will truly never forget, especially after knowing that there are so many schools that struggle with bad or disrespectful staff members. The fact that they provide us with every resource we can possibly need just to understand a subject is something we all take for granted. The people there are what make JHS special. Any concerns that I brought up to any staff member has been taken seriously and I have received the utmost respect and support from them. Without the teachers there to guide us nor the amazing other staff members who showed me love every single day for the past four years, JHS would not be as special as I truly believe it is. The one piece of advice that I learned that I am so beyond grateful for being taught is to always ask questions even if I think they are not worth asking. There is not a teacher I know of that has refused to answer the millions of questions that I ask, and that is something really special to me. This school has taught me that teachers are there to teach, so I have to take advantage of that to the best of my ability and use the little time I have with them wisely so I can benefit the most from them. I have learned to not take teachers for granted, as they provide an understanding that you won’t find in books. I’ve been prepared for life because I understand the importance of building relationships with teachers and that they are there to give us a good laugh in times when we are stressed. After four chaotic years, I have, more than anything, learned to have patience, even when I’m struggling the most.”

Dr. Rosemary Bradley

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown School Board has accepted the resignation of Jamestown High School Principal Rosemary Bradley.

The board voted to accept the resignation during a special meeting Thursday morning, following a brief executive session.

“We thank Dr. Bradley for her service at Jamestown High School and wish her well in her professional journey,” Superintendent Bret Apthorpe said. “Mr. Williams’ leadership experience in our district and at JHS will help guide the school forward during this transition time until a new principal can be appointed.”

The resignation comes just five-and-half-months after Bradley began serving as principal of the high school. Her tenure there was highlighted by a vote of no confidence by the Jamestown Teachers Association in November, which came after an incident on Nov. 6 that involved students fighting and the school going into lockdown. At the most recent school board meeting on Dec. 3, over 100 people were in attendance with over two dozen voicing their concerns about student behavior at the school and also criticizing Bradley.

According to a media release sent out by the district later in the morning, the resignation is effective January 31, 2020. Current JHS Assistant Principal, Dana Williams, was appointed interim principal through June 30, 2020. Former JHS intern and Persell Middle School Special Education teacher, Allyson Smith, was also appointed as JHS Dean of Students.

Williams has worked for Jamestown Public Schools for 11 years as an assistant principal at Jamestown High School and Jefferson Middle School. He received his bachelor’s degree at SUNY Brockport and his master’s degree at St. Bonaventure University. He has a NYS School Administration/Supervision (SAS) Certification.

Miss Smith has been with the district since 2013 as a special education teacher at Persell Middle School. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nazareth College. Miss Smith completed an internship this fall at Jamestown High School and is currently working on her administrative certificate at St. Bonaventure University.

The School Board and Apthorpe will announce plans for a new principal search in the very near future.

NY DEC Wildlife Biologist Sue Booth-Binczik gives a presentation on deer population and management during the May 7, 2018 meeting of the Jamestown City Council.

“No matter what decisions are made, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in the community will agree with them, but everyone should be able to agree that there was a valid process in reaching those decisions.”
– Sue Booth-Binczik, NYS DEC Wildlife Biologist

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown City Council learned more about the causes of the area’s growing deer population and what can be done to try and reduce it during a presentation Monday night during a council work session.

Approximately 15 residents, along with city council members and other city officials, listened to the hour-long presentation by Sue Booth-Binczik, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany.

Booth-Binczik said there is no simple solution to reducing the number of deer in an urban area, adding that it’s important to first recognize and identify the specifics of the problem – such as property damage or car-vehicle accidents. She said from there, a community must identify an objective, and then identify and select options.

“Selecting which action a community is going to take is usually the most difficult, most time-consuming, and potentially controversial aspect of the process because people have widely differing opinions about deer and priorities about how deer should be treated. So this decision process can cause a lot of conflict and many communities just get bogged down with it,” Booth-Binczik said. “No matter what decisions are made, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in the community will agree with them, but everyone should be able to agree that there was a valid process in reaching those decisions and that those decisions are supported by the majority of the community.”

Among the management options to consider is to remove food sources for deer, as well as putting up fencing, using scare devices, and reducing speed limits to improve safety for motorists. There’s also the option of hunting, which can be done a number of ways including allowing bow hunting in the city during regular hunting season.

NY DEC Wildlife biologist Sue Booth-Binczik

“The basic way to encourage hunting and to facilitate population reduction through hunting is to give hunters property access in areas where the deer are. So from a city perspective, one way to increase access is to remove the ordinance [that bans hunting within city limits]. Another way might be, as a landowner, the city could open up city parks to hunting,” Booth-Binczik said, adding that individual property owners would also want to work together to permit hunting in some privately owned land within the city. “Hunting is always under the prevue of the landowners, who have control over their properties, so the city could also encourage residents, as property owners, to give hunters access to their lands.”

Other options include instituting a culling program, which involves various steps such as baiting, night time hunting, and even capture and killing the animals.

Booth-Binczik said once options are selected, the community can work to implement the actions, and then evaluate the effectiveness.  In order for the process to be effective, she said outreach and community engagement is important. She also encouraged the city to partner with its neighboring municipalities in coordinating a deer management plan in order to increase its effectiveness.

Booth-Binczik also explained the causes of deer population growth, saying it’s primarily due to a reduction in predators over the years, combined with reduced hunting and encroachment into urban areas, which provide additional safety and resources for the deer. As a result, Booth-Binczik said deer populations can double as quickly as every 2 years. She also said the vehicle-deer accidents is the number one cause of death of deer in New York State, with 70,000 accidents reported on an annual basis.

Booth-Binczik also said that due to the large number of deer in the state, it’s had an ecological impact on other animals and plant life because deer will destroy forest habitat that is needed for other wildlife to thrive. She said deer can also result in the loss of forests over an extended period of time because they don’t allow them to regenerate.

The residents on hand who spoke during the meeting said the deer have grown to become a larger problem during the past five years and urged to city to implement a management strategy.

Dana Williams, one of an estimated 15 residents who attended the May 7 DEC presentation on Deer Management, hosted by the Jamestown City Council.

“You see dozens of deer at certain times just walking between houses. The area up by English Street, it’s generally that area and around the Allen Park area, it’s overrun, and also up by Bush School,” said city resident Dana Williams, who recently wrote a letter to the editor in the Post-Journal that prompted the discussion. “It’s not healthy either. I just don’t want to wait until there’s somebody getting ill. Something’s going to happen like that and once that happens, then you’re going to have a lot of people saying we should’ve done something.”

City council president Marie Carrubba said the city will work on collecting additional information and looking into the matter and will update the community on how it will proceed in the coming weeks.

According to the DEC, currently in Western New York, there are five communities – including N. Tonawanda, Lackawana, and Amherst – that have a deer management hunting program in place.

For additional information on deer management, Booth-Binczik recommended the following websites:

• Cornell University Community Deer Management Resource
• DEC pages on deer overabundance and community deer management
  • DEC.NY.Gov/animals/104911.html
  • DEC.NY.Gov/animals/104961.html
• Impacts of deer on forests and wildlife