Senator Fred Akshar continues ‘Akshar’s All-Stars’ student recognition program at schools in Tioga, Vestal and Oxford

Senator Fred Akshar visited classrooms in three local schools last Monday to continue a new district-wide student recognition program. 

Each month, Senator Akshar recognizes three or four local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers.

For each student recognized as an “Akshar All-Star”, Senator Akshar will present them with a t-shirt, framed certificate and a challenge coin. 

Last month, Akshar recognized students at Maine-Endwell Middle School, Windsor Central School District and Harpursville Central High School. Last Monday, Akshar recognized students at Tioga Central High School, Vestal Middle School and Oxford High School. 

At Tioga Central High School, Akshar recognized 17-year-old senior Madalyn Dydynski for her ability to balance a strong academic schedule while also finding time to lend a helping hand in her school and in her community through organizations like the Tioga National Honor Society, Tioga Agriculture Club, the TC Softball Team and Field Hockey Team, YES! LEADS, Varsity Club, Spanish Club and Community Service Club. She also volunteers as a Student Aide at Tioga SHS and was selected for the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State Leadership Program.

At Vestal Middle School, Akshar recognized 13-year-old Drew Hudock and 14-year-old Connor Hillis for their act of generosity and selflessness while collecting cans to raise funds for their soccer team. The two visited the house of a former teacher’s aide, Betty Gensler. She explained to the boys that she does not give out cans because she collects them herself to raise funds to fight ALS, the disease that took her son’s life. Without telling anyone, Drew and Connor then went home and came back with their own money along with all of their cans to donate to Betty’s cause. 

At Oxford Academy High School, Akshar recognized 16-year-old Gillian Mulder for her work with the Students Against Drunk Driving Student Leadership group, the local soup kitchen in Oxford and for initiating a sox drive to donate socks, gloves and clothing to families in need.

Senator Fred Akshar stated, “This is a great opportunity for us to work with school district throughout the 52nd Senate District to recognize outstanding young people who are doing wonderful things in our community. Whether they’re in 2nd grade or a senior in high school, we want to bring attention to those students who are making a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. They inspire us all by showing us the good that exists in our communities.”