Norwood-Norfolk School Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank showed Assemblywoman Jenne the improvements that were made to Norwood-Norfolk’s softball field using $25,000 in supplemental state aid she secured for the district last year.
Mr. Cruikshank said fencing was extended from the backstop down the foul lines past both dugouts, which will be covered with roofing when the project is completed by this summer.
"The baseball field with dugouts was done a couple of capital projects ago, and I have heard some concerns about the inequity of the two fields since I first came here," Mr. Cruickshank said.
"I just saw this additional funding secured by Assemblywoman Jenne as a great opportunity to bring our softball field up to snuff so it is also one of the best in the North Country," he noted.
"It's difficult to run a project like this through the regular budget process. This supplemental funding from Assemblywoman Jenne was crucial to bringing this project to fruition," the Norwood-Norfolk school superintendent stressed.
Mr. Cruikshank said the fencing makes the field safer for players and spectators alike.
"Now there is separation between the student-athletes and the bats and balls that are flying around during games and practices. It creates a much safer situation," he said.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she was delighted to see the improvements that had been made to the softball field.
"I think that being active in extracurricular activities is very important for the next generation as they prepare to move into the workforce. Student-athletes learn about the importance of teamwork, gain leadership skills and see ffirsthand the benefits of hard work, commitment and dedication. They also have to learn hard life lessons about winning and losing," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"These are all skills that are important and transfer into the work world and life," she added.
"It's always been important to me to be able to support athletic programs in the River District. It was nice to see the upgrades that have been made to the girls' softball field," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.
She pointed out she also had an opportunity to interact with the team’s five seniors at their senior night game and learn about their plans for the future.
The funding for Norwood-Norfolk was part of $625,000 in supplemental state aid awarded to school districts in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, thanks to following an advocacy effort by Assemblywoman Jenne’s advocacy.
She has consistently fought for additional funding for high-needs schools. She obtained supplemental state aid for 10 school districts in the two-county region.
"I advocated tfor supplemental aid to target North Country districts that face particular challenges due to the dynamics of their student populations. It's important to bring state tax dollars back to the North Country, and this is part of that effort," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently visited Norwood-Norfolk Central School to check out improvements to the girls' varsity softball field. The improvements were made with additional state aid secured for the district by Assemblywoman Jenne. Pictured are, front row (l-r): manager Olivia Planka, Taylor Allen, Maisie Voss, Assemblywoman Jenne, Alyssia Simons, Chloe Harvey and Ashley Powell. Middle row: Miranda Smith, Kaelee Shrewsberry, Vanessa Prashaw and Sici Kahrs. Back row: Athletic Director Nate Plantz, Assistant Coach Jess Harvey, Grace Furnace, Kaeonna Deshane, Reanna Taylor, Lexi Allen, Hailey LePage and Coach Becky Byrns.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman A.E. Jenne and Norwood-Norfolk School Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank discuss the improvements made to the girls' varsity softball field with funding secured by the assemblywoman.
Norwood-Norfolk Central School Athletic Director Nate Plantz greets Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne prior to the start of a girls' varsity softball game. Assemblywoman Jenne was accompanied by Norwood-Norfolk School Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne throws out the first pitch prior to the start of a girls' softball game between Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington. Assemblywoman Jenne secured additional state aid for the district that funded improvements to the softball field.
Norwood-Norfolk catcher Maisie Voss jokes with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne after the assemblywoman's first pitch prior to the start of a girls' softball game between Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne was on hand for senior night for the Norwood-Norfolk girls' softball team. The members of the Class of 2018 - Hailey LePage, Ashley Powell, Lexi Allen, Vanessa Prashaw and Sici Kahrs - are shown with Coach Becky Byrns.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne works veteran umpires Joe Macaulay and Rick Ahlfeld prior to the start of a girls' softball game between Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington.
