For six years, Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer of Fredonia consistently exhibited excellence as a member of her area high school swim teams. In her final contest before graduating, she became a state champion.

Pucci-Schaefer dominated in finishing with a score of 503.5 to win the State and Federation 1-meter girls diving title in Webster. “I’m very relieved,” she said about winning the state championship. “It took me five tries, but I finally did it. We’re going to have pizza and wings with my family so I just can’t wait. … I just feel awesome.”

Her next journey, however, is just beginning. After completing her senior year, she his headed to Penn State in the Big 10 to continue her athletic career.

But Friday night was a special moment – and certainly well deserved.