GREENE – Senator Fred Akshar visited three more local schools on Thursday to continue a his “Akshar's All-Stars” district-wide student recognition program.

Each month, Senator Akshar recognizes three or four local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers.

For each student recognized as an “Akshar All-Star” Senator Akshar presents them with a t-shirt, framed certificate and a challenge coin.

In the first three months months since beginning the program, Akshar recognized students at Maine-Endwell Middle School, Windsor Central School District, Harpursville Central High School, Tioga Central High School, Vestal Middle School, Oxford High School, Norwich High Schoool, Delaware Chenango Madison Otsego (DCMO) BOCES, Deposit High School and Newark Valley High School. On Thursday, Akshar recognized students at Union Endicott High School, Greene High School and Owego Free Academy.

At Union-Endicott High School, Akshar recognized senior Jonathan Dallard for his outstanding commitment to academic excellence and service to his community. Jonathan receives top marks across a full schedule of AP classes while also serving as a Broome County Promise Zone youth mentor and committing much of his free time to beautifying Endicott as a member of the OASIS after-school program, where he helped to improve the aesthetics of public places like the Endicott Visitor Center, the George F. Johnson Library, Washington Avenue, and the Endicott Wastewater Treatment Plant. Jonathan also participates in Science Olympiad and National Honor Society. When he's not taking care of and tutoring his younger siblings and cousins, he also volunteers his time to tutor other middle school students as well.

At Greene High School, Akshar recognized junior Sara Tanzini for her positive attitude, unflappable work ethic and for being always willing to lend a hand to her fellow students. Sara is a also student member of the Greene Community Scholarship Fund, Student Council, Interact Club, the Greene drama club “Footlights” and Odyssey of the Mind. She also served as Vice President to her class as a sophomore and freshman. During the summers, Sara has worked for our local youth program as a counselor and lifeguard

At Owego Free Academy, Akshar recognized senior Kennedy Keefer for being a true fighter and not letting adversity or medical issues stand in her way, achieving success and fulfillment both in and out of school. Thanks to her hard academic work, Kennedy will graduate with several college credits to give her a head start in her continued education. Kennedy is a long standing member of Key Club (serving as president this year), an active member of the YES LEADs program, SADD and the yearbook staff. In addition, she is a member of Girl Scouts since the age of 6 and has achieved all of the top awards-Bronze, Silver and Gold. She works part time since 2016, most recently as a student aide at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital for an average of 20 hours a week.

Senator Fred Akshar said, "This is a great opportunity for us to work with school district throughout the 52nd Senate District to recognize outstanding young people who are doing wonderful things in our community. Whether they're in 2nd grade or a senior in high school, we want to bring attention to those students who are making a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. They inspire us all by showing us the good that exists in our communities.”