Each spring, the District holds the Bald for Bucks fundraiser to raise money for cancer research, while in the fall, it is the volleyball program’s turn to fundraise. This year, they did that even better than usual.

With the 13th annual Spike Out Cancer game on Oct. 9 against Sherman, the Forestville volleyball program raised more than $4,700. Athletic Director Scott Hazelton told the Board of Education that this year was the third highest total in the event’s history. In 13 years, the event has raised a total of $39,100.

Forestville boasted 89 student athletes in the fall season, including 26 football players and 16 cheerleaders. Across all three levels of volleyball, Forestville had 33 athletes.

This winter season, 72 athletes are participating in a sport, including five combined teams, such as Indoor Track and Unified Bowling. The Silver Creek-Forestville Unified program raised more than $13,000 at the annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics.

OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms Forestville’s Megan Gruber is pictured during the Hornets’ Spike Out Cancer game last season. This year, the annual event raised over $4,700.

Of the 72 total winter athletes, 29 are boys basketball players. Ralph Jackson, a Forestville teacher and parent, returned to the District as a coach this year after leading the Silver Creek program in recent years. Immediately upon his return, the varsity team has found success with a 5-0 start through the first two weeks of the season.

Hazelton credited coaches like Jackson and varsity volleyball coach Sarah LoManto, among many others who are Forestville staff or alumni for the impact they have. Hazelton believes it makes a difference to have a hometown Hornet leading the District’s teams.

“Some of the reasons why things are going well are the people we have in the building. … Having them work with our kids and see them every day, they hold them to a higher standard. They get them on the field and make sure they are doing the right things in the classroom, holding them to higher character values. I think that’s a huge thing,” Hazelton said. “When our kids can make that connection to their teacher or to know that their coach was a former athlete here at Forestville, it gives that type of awareness that they are here for a reason. I think that is a huge reason for some of the successes we’ve seen so far.”

Following Hazelton’s comments, Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande highlighted recent recipients of the Hornet Awards, given to students who show high character. Grande was particularly impressed with the senior class, of which five received awards. He highlighted instances of students helping others with after-school tutoring, volunteering with school events, talking with younger students on tough days, and sitting next to students who were sitting alone as examples of how the senior class is proving itself to be a group of high character students.

“I just love these little gestures that these kids are making in helping younger kids,” Grande said. “… It is a special group of seniors.”

Even at the younger levels, leadership is a focal point of the District. Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon noted that several students have embraced the Principal for a Day reward. “The kids take it very seriously. It gives them a good opportunity to be a leader,” McMahon said.

Also at the recent meeting, the resignation of Kristin Irwin, Secretary to the Superintendent, was accepted. Her resignation takes effect Jan. 31. Melody Voigt, School Secretary, is relinquishing her role to take over for Irwin as Secretary to the Superintendent beginning on Feb. 1. Voigt will have a one-year probationary period, concluding Jan. 31, 2026, on her appointment set to run through June 30, 2028.

The District also approved the hiring of Raquelle Moores, Sophia Drozdziel, Alexis Serio, and Angela Bittinger as substitutes. Laura Lisa was permanently appointed as Food Service Helper following a successful probationary period.

A memorandum of agreement with the Forestville Teachers’ Association regarding the school’s musical was also approved, as was an agreement to continue an agreement with Silver Creek to host the combined football program next school year.

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 9, following a budget workshop at 5:15 p.m. in the Middle/High School library.