C-C Leo Club committed to community service

The Churchville-Chili Junior High Leo Club held its annual charity basketball game against the Churchville Lions Club on March 18. This year's event was held to benefit Alternatives For Battered Women and a total $557 in sponsor pledges were collected. The students turning in the highest amounts were Melissa Burress who raised $126; Katie VanDuzer $93; Sara Williams $70 and Stephanie Nitsche $60. The Leo team was also aided by members of the newly-formed Senior High Leo Club. In the end, the Lions prevailed 29-25 and squared the series at two wins each. Junior High School teacher John DeBaun was the referee for the game.

Started in 1998 by the Churchville Lions Club, the Junior High Leo Club is comprised of 7th, 8th and 9th graders to introduce students to community service. The students now have a number of ongoing projects including helping at the Batavia School For The Blind as well as various recycling efforts (pop can tabs, soup and cereal labels, and used greeting cards). The club is currently building its third float for the April 28 Mardi Gras Parade and Festival in Brockport. The club has also worked at a soup kitchen and recently completed a successful Read-A-Thon for a deceased classmate. New members are welcome. The club advisors are Joanne Votsis and Damon Kahwati.

The Senior High Leo Club was formed this year to allow the Leos to continue community service projects through 12th grade. Their club advisor is Emily Zicari.