Little Valley/Nonprofits
The gymnasium in the former Little Valley school building has reopened to the public for fitness activities through a collaboration between the Little Valley Alumni Association, the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District, and a local community group. Alumni association members Brad Lockwood, Ray Johnson and Kevin Andrew helped lead the effort to bring the space back into community use. Organizers say they hope to expand programming and hours at the site over time, giving village residents another local option for exercise and recreation in a building with deep ties to the community's history.
Friendship/Schools
Friendship Central School held commencement on June 27, awarding diplomas to 27 graduating seniors. Valedictorian Madison Rondeau and Salutatorian Charles Taylor addressed classmates, families and faculty during the ceremony, and guest speaker Jacqueline Dent offered remarks to the graduates. Scholarship awards were also presented as part of the event, recognizing students' academic and community achievements over their high school careers. The small rural district, which serves roughly 288 students total, marked the milestone as its graduates prepare for college, careers and military service.