Solvay Holds 1st OCC Advantage Celebration

On Wednesday, November 9, Solvay High School held the 1^st Annual Onondaga Community College (OCC) Advantage Celebration. The celebration signified the launch of the OCC Advantage program, which was created in partnership with OCC in Syracuse, N.Y. and offers a full-tuition scholarship to OCC for students of the Solvay Union Free School District (UFSD) who meet program requirements. The Solvay Class of 2020, consisting of 143 ninth grade students, was invited along their families to attend the kick-off celebration.

In order to be eligible for the program, students must meet a set of requirements while in high school and once accepted to OCC. In high school, students are required to meet attendance and grade point average requirements. They will also be required to complete community service and summer program requirements.

Once enrolled at OCC, students will have two years to complete their coursework towards an associate degree or certificate. While attending OCC, students are required to meet minimum grade point average requirements and participate in community service efforts.

At the celebration event on November 9, these specifications were outlined for Solvay students. During the event, representatives from Solvay, OCC, the Solvay Community, and many other special guests were in attendance.

“We’re educating our students and our families about the opportunity this program represents because it’s amazing,” said Solvay Superintendent Lawrence Wright. “This program will allow our students the opportunity to attend college with a full-tuition scholarship, further positioning them for success in their futures.”
Solvay High School Principal Jay Tinklepaugh started off the evening with a welcome to the Solvay community, thanking them for attending the event. From there, Solvay Superintendent Lawrence Wright took the stage for opening remarks, focusing on the excellent opportunity available to students through OCC Advantage. Following Mr. Wright, Solvay Board of Education President Lena Rose Orlando offered some remarks, thanking everyone who helped to make OCC Advantage a reality for Solvay UFSD.

Following Mrs. Orlando, Onondaga Community College President Dr. Casey Crabill took the stage to share three secrets to success: show up, work hard, and get involved. Dr. Crabill stated that showing up means attending class. She then went on to explain that working hard means not only doing the work, but also not being afraid to ask for help where it is needed. Lastly, Dr. Crabill stated that getting involved is an essential part of success, as it means attending events outside of class. From sport to clubs or any other activities, this involvement helps build a relationship with the community, and is essential for success.

After Dr. Crabill shared her secrets to success, the celebration continued with the recognition of special guests attending the ceremony. Students and special guests then took part in a ceremonial signing of the OCC Advantage banner. From there, the Solvay Class of 2020 gathered together for a class picture, and the ceremony closed with the Solvay UFSD alma mater.

With OCC Advantage, 143 students in the Solvay UFSD are on the path to a full-tuition scholarship to OCC. Due to the hard work of many community members, this partnership is possible. The Solvay UFSD would like to thank everyone who worked to bring OCC Advantage to the Solvay UFSD, as well as everyone attended the celebration on November 9. You are what makes Solvay so special!