Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and state Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) joined members of the Corning-Painted Post High School staff, coaches, families and friends in honoring state champion athletes and coaches on Wednesday, June 8. Champions were each given a New York State Resolution and Proclamation commemorating their athletic achievements during the Fall and Winter sports seasons.

Honorees included:

• Jack Gregorski- Cross Country 2021 Class A Boys Champion, 2022 NYSPHSAA Indoor Track Champion for the 3200-meter run and also member of the 2021 Boys Cross Country Class A State Championship team;
• Angelina “Angie” McKane- 100-yard butterfly NYSPHSAA Girls Swimming Champion;
• Ryan McNutt- 100-yard freestyle NYSPHSAA Boys Swimming Champion;
• Elyssa “Ellie” DeRosa- NYSPHSAA/NYS Federation Indoor Track – Weight Throw Champion;
• Ray Lawson- Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year for NYS by US Track and Field & Cross Country Association; and
• 2021 Boys Cross Country Class A State Champions- Ashton Bange, Josh Beres, Gabe Cornfield, Matt Gensel, Jack Gregorski, Marcus Homa, Tevin McLaren, and (Coaches) Ray Lawson and Andrew Cartwright.

In a joint statement Palmesano and O’Mara said:“Each of these athletes completed something very special in winning state championships for their school and their community. They are not just stars on the field and in the pool, but also in the classroom. There is no doubt in ourminds that they will continue their success both on and off the field after graduating from Corning-Painted Post. They continue to make all of us proud.”

Corning-Painted Post Superintendent of Schools Michelle Caulfield said: “I am grateful to Assemblyman Palmesano and Sen. O'Mara for recognizing the achievements of our Hawk student-athletes and coaches. Our athletes are dedicated to their teammates and their sport, and their determination to better themselves on the field and in the pool is inspiring. Thank you again for honoring them.”

Corning-Painted Post Director of Athletics Rebecca Gentile said: “Today was nothing short of amazing!What an experience to witness Assemblyman Palmesano and Sen. O'Mara present our NYSPHSAA Champions and coaches with proclamations.We could not be more proud of our student-athletes’ and coaches’ success this Fall and Winter season. They all put in hard work to be the best that they can be at their respective sports and are so deserving of the recognition they are receiving.Many thanks for this event, where we could all come together and celebrate the accomplishments ofCorning Hawks!”

In the fall, Jack Gregorski will be attending Princeton University, where he will run Cross Country, indoor and outdoor track. Ryan McNutt will continue his swimming career at Penn State University. Elyssa “Ellie” DeRosa will be attending George Mason University to play Division I softball. Angelina “Angie” McKane will return to Corning-Painted Post for her junior year.