This podcast features principal, David Howe and two Kaegebein teachers Stephanie Kwiatkowski and Allie Pellittieri. We explored how Kaegebein students are learning to make a difference — not just in their classrooms, but in their community.

From creating colorful placemats for residents at Elderwood Assisted Living to cleaning up debris around the school grounds, students are learning firsthand that small acts of service have a big impact.

Stephanie and Allie also share how their classrooms use project-based learning to make learning authentic and meaningful — including their Community Helpers Project, where students design interview questions, record conversations with real community members, and learn how teamwork, empathy, and curiosity can shape civic-minded citizens.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

Today, we’re setting sail with the cast and crew of Moana Jr., the latest musical production from Veronica E. Connor Middle School.

Joining us are, Dr. Felicia Pallaci, VCMS Principal, Musical Director Sarah Russo, and three of our incredibly talented student performers — Anna Leffler, Cole Hardman, and Haley Tracy. Together, they’ve brought to life the story of courage, friendship, and adventure that’s captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

On this podcast episode we feature our Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, Brett Banker and PE Teacher and Coach, Dean Santorio. Brett is in his third year in the district taking over for the King of the North…Jon Roth…who taught, coached and served as our athletic director for 50 years! In this episode we honor the induction of our 2nd Class of the Grand Island High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

These honorees represent excellence, sportsmanship, and true commitment that defines Viking athletics across generations. Their contributions on the playing fields, in classrooms, and within the community continue to inspire today's athletes and future Vikings.

2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:

Coach Dick Bessel

Mike Blocho 04

Joe Dunlop '92

Brett Kern '04

H. David Myers (Athletic Director)

Michael Podlucky '66

Jessica Remmes-Davis '06

Mike Rodriguez '74

Julie Roth-Neville '96

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Maxwell Pikula the principal of Huth Rd Elementary School. Mr. Pikula shared information about Huth and how we will be creating some podcast episodes designed to chronicle the learning life of 2 second grade students and 2 third graders throughout the school year. This is part 3 of the year long journey.

The children/parents who joined us for this recording were: The second grade students are: Josie Dalbo and Lincoln Ihle and the third grade students are Ellesandra Mascellino and Nolan MacConkey. Each student demonstrated Math skills and reading skills.

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School. Felicia, invited 3 students (one from each grade) to discuss what they are most excited about for school and extracurricular activities. This is part 3 in the series.

Joining us today were...

• 6th Grader: Joshua Agnello, 7th Grader: Kane Tower and 8th Grader: Quinn Sugg

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Michael Antonelli, the principal of Charlotte Sidway Elementary School in Grand Island NY. Mr. Antonelli shared information about Sidway and how we created some podcast episodes designed to chronicle the learning life of 2 kindergarten students and 2 first graders throughout the school year. This is the third in that series.

The children/parents who joined us for this recording were: Aurora Bennett (K), Shep Hassler (K) , Rita Golba (1) and Jace Antonelli (1) and his dad Mr. Antonelli

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. David Howe the principal of Kaegebein Elementary School. Mr. Howe shared information about Kaegebein and joined us for the final episode where we have been following the learning life of 2 second grade students and 2 third graders throughout the school year.

The children/parents who joined us for this recording were: Raelynn Stevens and Arlo Burgio (2nd graders) and Liberty Maerz and William Schultz (3rd graders). Their parents also joined us and I would like to recognize Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Burgio, Mrs. Maerz and Mrs. Schultz. Additionally, our amazing teachers also joined the conversation. Thank you to Mrs Aldridge (2nd grade) and Mrs Kwiatkowski -(3rd grade).

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School. Felicia, invited 3 students (one from each grade) to discuss what they are most excited about for school and extracurricular activities. This is part 2 in the series.

Joining us today were...

• 6th Grader: Joshua Agnello, 7th Grader: Kane Tower and 8th Grader: Quinn Sugg

One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater. It is featured at the end of the podcast.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT