Before receiving their diplomas, several Cato-Meridian seniors were invited to one more ceremony in their honor: the second annual scholarship reception. Held in the junior-senior high school gymnasium on Wednesday, June 18th, students were recognized with awards and scholarships as they enjoyed refreshments with their families.

The top ten students of the Class of 2025 were recognized: Nathan Dennis (valedictorian), Elaina Williams (salutatorian), Bailey Impson, Michael Rudy, Caitlin Salmonsen, Sophia Kelly, Haley McCarthy, Joseph Bonanno, Finley Stonecypher, and Sophia Zogby.

Seniors who attained their Seal of Biliteracy were also honored: Gavyn Brown, Nathan Dennis, Bailey Impson, Michael Rudy, Joseph Bonanno, Elaina Williams, and Hannah Deacy.

More than $100,000 was given to students as scholarships from the Cato-Meridian community. Descriptions of the scholarships can be found below.

Lang Memorial Scholarships: Bailey Impson, Michael Rudy, Gennavive Kerr, Nathan Dennis, Joseph Bonanno, Elaina Williams, Sophia Kelly, and Kaylee McGetrick
The Lang Memorial Scholarships were established in 1995 in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Steward Lang and Mrs. Lang’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Addison Sudro. The scholarships have been established to recognize members of the Class of 2025 for outstanding achievement in various academic fields of study. Awards were also given to those demonstrating outstanding citizenship and leadership:  

Outstanding Achievement in English: Bailey Impson
Outstanding Achievement in Math: Michael Rudy
Outstanding Achievement in Spanish: Gennavive Kerr
Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies: Nathan Dennis
Outstanding Achievement in French: Joseph Bonanno
Outstanding Achievement in Science: Elaina Williams
Outstanding Demonstration of Leadership: Sophia Kelly
Outstanding Demonstration of Citizenship: Kaylee McGetrick

Central New York Feeds, Inc. Scholarships: Jacob Lighthall and Caitlin Salmonsen
Applying ourselves to the best of our abilities in our chosen interests is the basis of all human and individual achievement. Doing things well builds character, creates opportunity, and expands horizons. The way of excellence is the way of integrity, discipline, and hard work. This is the best way to secure our individual and collective futures. It is in this spirit, the Central NY Feeds, is especially proud to present two scholarships. In recognition of her excellence in Science, Central NY Feeds is pleased to present Caitlin Salmonsen with a scholarship of $1,000. In recognition for his excellence in BOCES, and for his integrity and discipline, CNY Feeds is proud to present a scholarship of $1,000 to Jacob Lighthall.

CIMVAC Scholarship: Sophia Kelly and Sophia Zogby
CIMVAC ambulance is awarding two $500 scholarships to Cato-Meridian graduating seniors. These successful candidates have displayed perseverance, commitment, and active involvement in our community through volunteerism. They have been involved in the community in a way that gives back to the people and strengthens their understanding of what it means to work with people.  

Weedsport Rod & Gun Club: Brayden Goyette and Elaina Williams
The Weedsport Rod and Gun Club is awarding two $500 scholarships to a Cato-Meridian graduate who is pursuing a career with a focus on the outdoors, farming, DEC or STEM fields.

Sheedy Family Foundation: Amber Clarke, Nathan Dennis, Jacob Lighthall, Myah Meddley, Elaina Williams, and Sophia Zogby
The Cato-Meridian Alumni Association was contacted by the Sheedy Family Foundation to establish a scholarship in the name of Dan Sheedy. Mr. Dan Sheedy had 2 family members that graduated from Cato-Meridian and he himself attended the district until 10th grade. Though he now lives in Maryland, Dan explained to the Association that his heart has always been in Cato-Meridian. He requested that six scholarships be given out yearly on behalf of the Sheedy Family Foundation in conjunction with the Cato-Meridian Alumni Association. 

Benton Memorial Scholarship: Myah Meddley
The Benton Memorial Scholarship is dedicated in memory of Pauline G. Benton, an elementary teacher at Cato-Meridian for over 20 years, and her son, Francis Allen Benton, a 1979 Graduate of Cato-Meridian. This award is given to a graduating senior who is entering college, majoring in education or political science.

The American Legion Scholarship: Nathan Dennis and Myah Meddley
Since 1991, The LaBuff-Cole American Legion Post #911 Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, and the Women’s Auxiliary have awarded scholarships to area high school graduating students.  This year each recipient will receive an award of $2,000.00.The student’s academic standing, community service and literary skills are a few of the areas evaluated during the selection process.

The Business Education Scholarship: Kaylee McGetrick
The Business Education Scholarship, established by Rose and Richard Hills, is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the area of Business Education.

Cato-Meridian Sports Booster Scholarship: Nathan Dennis and Mallory Sherman
This year, the Cato-Meridian Sports Boosters are giving two scholarships in the amount of $500 each. The scholarships are awarded to two seniors for their outstanding performance as a player, dedication to their team and their perseverance as a person. They had to play on a varsity sport for a minimum of two years. 

William N. Walter Masonic Scholarship: Sophia Zogby
The Erie Canal Masonic Lodge are the sponsors of this scholarship. As an organization, Masons around the world diligently work together in creating a better experience for all humankind. The crux of a Mason’s mission comes in the form of self-development; moving from the darkness into the light. As the graduate is now advanced by his or her education in the light of new knowledge, the purpose of this scholarship is to further illuminate the scholar’s path. The specific components tied to this scholarship reflect the Masonic virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. 

Cato-Meridian Class of 1970 Scholarship: Haley McCarthy
The Class of 1970 got together and decided that they would like to honor a member of the graduating class of 2025 in recognition of their hard work and dedication throughout their years at Cato-Meridian.

Cato-Meridian 3rd Grade Spell-a-thon Scholarship: Myah Meddley
The Third Grade Spell-a-thon Scholarship goes to someone going into the field of education or a closely related helping field. Congratulations from Mrs. Cady’s 3rd grade class goes to this year’s recipient, Myah Meddley.

Debby Landers Pathway to Success Scholarship: Breanna Pultz
Debby Landers worked for the Cato-Meridian Central School District for over 30 years. She was known by her peers for her warm smile, positive attitude and generous spirit. She loved her job especially because it allowed her to connect with students. For many of these students, Debby provided the smile, understanding, compassion and encouragement that they needed to get them through their day. She is remembered as the one they could confide in and who pushed them to stay the course, despite the struggles they faced or the day they were having. She set them on a path to success. One of Debby’s last wishes was to set up a scholarship fund for one student per year who worked harder than most. A student who, if she were still here, would have certainly connected with her and developed a relationship based on trust, openness, and zero judgment. The recipient may use this money to reach their next goal after high school, whatever that may be.

Russell VanNorstrand Scholarship: Alyssa Prell
The Russell VanNorstrand Rotary Scholarship is a scholarship that holds dear in the families’ hearts. This scholarship is for a graduating senior who represents the qualities of Russell who was an entrepreneur, but also a caring and loving person to not only his family but to his community as well.  The family feels that by having this scholarship, he can still be making the lasting impact that he used to make when he was here. The family is honored and proud to give this scholarship to a deserving senior with the amount of $1,000. 

Albert R. Van Heesch Memorial Scholarship: Brayden Goyette
The Albert VanHeesch Memorial Scholarship was created in 1986 in honor of Mr. Albert VanHeesch, who served the Cato-Meridian Central School District as High School Principal for nine years. The scholarship winner must have shown academic achievement, worked to their potential, and displayed a sense of humor during his high school years.  

Ronald Lunkenheimer Memorial Scholarship: Kaylee McGetrick
The Ronald Lunkenheimer Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. & Mrs. James Lunkenheimer and their friends and family in memory of their son Ron. This scholarship is given to a graduating senior, who has been raised on a farm or is interested in pursuing additional education at an Agricultural or Technical College.  

Parent/Teacher Organization Awards: Jacob Lighthall and Mallory Sherman
This year, the Parent/Teacher Organization is honoring two students with a scholarship award.

Cato-Meridian Alumni Scholarship: Sophia Kelly and Gennavive Kerr
The Cato-Meridian Alumni Association is proud to present two $2,500 scholarships to seniors going on to higher education.

Cato Rotary Club Vocational Scholarship: Isaiah McIntyre
The Cato Rotary Club is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior enrolled at the Cato-Meridian High School who plans to pursue study through a post-secondary institution or trade school.  The student must have maintained an average of 80 or higher. 

Joanne Mangin Memorial Cato Rotary Club Award: Hannah Deacy
The Joanne Mangin Memorial Award was created to remember Joanne and what she deemed important. She was a successful businesswoman and she also enjoyed music. Many can probably attest to her honesty and fair business dealings. Joanne gave us a lot of joy through her organ playing at St. Patrick’s Church.  

Bruce Crandall Memorial Scholarship: Noah White
In memory of Bruce S. Crandall, his family and friends have established a scholarship fund in his name to help fund C-M students. The man this scholarship is named after was a loving father and friend. The hope of this scholarship is to allow his legacy to live on by giving other C-M students the opportunity to succeed in their schooling, or other developmental choice they make as they start their journey into adulthood. Born and raised in Cato-Meridian, Bruce was part of an amazing community and bled blue and gold.  He went to States for the C-M wrestling program. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Desert Storm. He was a very military proud individual. Bruce had a knack for finding an adventure in everything he did. He loved hunting, fishing, and watching football, but most of all he loved watching his two boys play sports at Cato-Meridian.  Anyone that knew Bruce would describe him as the most loyal man who would give the shirt off his back without hesitation.  He played hard and loved his family and friends even harder.

Jim and Harriet Keysor LeChander Education Fund: Sophia Zogby and Gennavive Kerr
Jim LeChander was a former teacher at Cato-Meridian, while his wife, Harriet Keysor LeChander was both a graduate and later a non-instructional employee of the district. They established the Jim and Harriet Keysor LeChander Education Fund in order to award financial assistance based on demonstrated ability to a graduating senior of Cato-Meridian. The $32,000 award will be given on a yearly basis, at $8,000 per year, to enable a student to pursue advanced training in academics, technology, trades or other areas which would provide an opportunity to pursue a career. 

Robert & Clara Hardy Scholarships: Eleanor Bell, Amber Clarke, Nathan Dennis, Finley Stonecypher, and Elaina Williams
The Robert Hardy Scholarship Fund was created in 1955 in honor of the late Robert Hardy, husband of Mrs. Clara Hardy. The Scholarship was renamed “The Robert & Clara Hardy Scholarship” in 1980 after the death of Clara Hardy, who formerly served the Cato-Meridian School District both as Principal at Meridian School, and as English Teacher and Guidance Counselor at Cato-Meridian High School. More importantly she was an inspiration to many Cato-Meridian students throughout the years. Sponsored by the Cato-Meridian Teachers’ Association, the fund each year assists worthy Cato-Meridian graduates to continue their education in two or four-year college programs.

The American Legion Leadership & Citizenship Award: Nathan Dennis and Sophia Kelly
Under the National Americanism Commission, the American Legion presents the Leadership & Citizenship Award to foster knowledge and respect among young people about our nation and its institutions. The award goes to students recognized for their commitment to honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, and service.

Faculty Key Awards: Nathan Dennis and Elaina Williams
Each year, the Cato-Meridian Teachers’ Association presents the Faculty Key Awards to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Senior Class. This year’s recipients have brought a great deal of honor and recognition to Cato-Meridian High School and to the community. 

Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans of America Scholarship Award: Sophia Zogby
The Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 704 Scholarship Award is given annually to the graduating senior who has repeatedly demonstrated excellent citizenship and leadership and has been active in community service. 

Tarandi Foundation Scholarships: Hannah Deacy, Eli Fisher, and Haley McCarthy
Established in 1988 by the late Drs. Ravindra and Manula Shah of Oswego, the Tarandi Foundation seeks to support and promote education and community service through the provision of scholarships, educational grants and community service grants. Scholarships were made available to seniors who met three different criteria:

• a 3.0 GPA and plans to attend a four year college. 

• a 2.5 GPA and planning on attending a vocational school. 

• a 3.0 GPA and excellence in either music or the arts.

Patrick Henry White Memorial Scholarship: Noah White
Patrick H. White was a member of the Cato-Meridian graduating Class of 1989. After high school he went on to attend SUNY Morrisville, graduating in 1991 with a degree in residential construction. Upon graduating, Pat returned home to Cato where he started his own business in construction, married, and began raising a family. Patrick was a fun, loving, and hardworking individual who valued his family and friends. Pat was well liked and respected by all who knew him.  A scholarship in the amount of $500 was established by the family of Patrick White after his passing in 2010 to honor his memory and recognize a Cato-Meridian graduating senior who possesses similar values and attributes.