Senator Fred Akshar with Greene High School senior Madison Rice. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – Senator Fred Akshar continued the second year of his district-wide “Akshar’s All-Stars” student recognition program on Friday, recognizing five students in Chenango County who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers.

Akshar visited four Chenango County schools on Friday to recognize Norwich High School seniors Brenna and Hannah Baker, Valley Heights Christian Academy senior Meghan Van Althuis, Oxford High School senior Bradley Beckwith, and Greene High School senior Madison Rice.

A release from Akshar’s office states the Baker sisters were recognized at NHS “...for their active role in supporting the welfare and rights of animals within their community.”

Brenna has raised over $10,000 for the Chenango SPCA with the sale of her “Baker’s Doggone Delicious Treats,” and Hannah is in the process of creating a dog park in Norwich. In addition, the sisters raised $16,000 for cancer research in 2018 alone.

Van Althuis was recognized at Valley Heights Christian Academy for her dedication to both academics and athletics, as well as for her selflessness.

“As a model student and community member, Meghan was described by her peers as a huge source of encouragement to bother her schoolmates and her teachers,” states a release from Akshar’s office.

At Oxford High School, Beckwith was recognized “...for his drive to succeed, his leadership in his classes and engagement in many school activities, clubs and athletics.” He is a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, and is also an active members of student government, SADD, Leadership Club, and New Visions Law and Government.

Rice was recognized for her positive attitude, work ethic, and for being a “natural leader and ray of sunshine at Greene High School,” according to classmates and teachers. She’s a three-sport athlete, and also serves as Student Counsel President. “She stands out in the classroom, the athletic field and in the community,” states the release from Akshar’s office.

Last year Akshar recognized 30 students selected by their school districts across Broome, Tioga, Chenango, and Delaware counties.

He said, “This is an amazing opportunity for us to meet and recognize outstanding young people doing wonderful things in their community and schools throughout the 52nd Senate District. 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. Recognizing these young people is one of the best parts of my job.”

– Grady Thompson, Sun Staff Writer

Caption: Senator Fred Akshar with Greene High School senior Madison Rice. (Submitted photo)