On Thursday, June 12, seven Shaker High School seniors signed the line to indicate their college decisions. All seven students in attendance will be going to college and majoring in a program focused on or related to their musical talents. Congratulations to our Shaker musicians - you have a musical future ahead of you! Kathleen Buffaline - Ithaca College for Music Education (voice) Katherine Condon - Syracuse University for Music Education (voice) Stephen Guba - Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam for Music Education (voice) Tahlia Stefanik - Ithaca College for Music Education (voice) Rowan Wissenbach - SUNY Fredonia for Music Therapy Vandy Benson - University of Rhode Island for Music Therapy Blake Nazarian - Belmont University for Commercial Music
11 months ago, Katie Jensen
Seven music students holding certificates pose with two of their teachers in front of a backdrop.
A music student poses after signing a certificate.
A music student poses with their family while holding a certificate.
A music student poses with their family while holding a certificate.
A music student smiles after signing a certificate.
A music student signs a certificate to study music in college.
A music student poses with their family while holding a certificate.
A music student poses with their family while holding a certificate.
“How can we make the world a better place?” Fourteen students faced that question head-on Tuesday night at the third annual Civic Engagement and Leadership Symposium, presenting bold, forward-thinking projects designed to spark real change from Shaker High School to their communities and beyond. The evening opened with an inspiring keynote from Hon. Mae D'Agostino of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of New York and continued with compelling presentations by freshmen Nancy Chandra and Lasya Nandikam. The formal portion of the night was followed by individual discussions by students where families and community members could ask questions to learn how these students plan to enact change. Each student brought passion, purpose, and fresh ideas to the stage - proof that the future is not only bright, but it's in excellent hands.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Two students stand by their posterboard, "Promoting accessible Health and Wellness Opportunities."
The Honorable Mae D'Agostino addresses a room full of people at the Civic Engagement and Leadership Symposium.
A student engages with people about her project regarding work with veterans.
A student explains her project to Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey.
Two students pose next to their posterboard projects.
A student explains her project on textile waste to Director of Facilities Brian Craft.
A student presents her project "Ditch the Disposables: One Plastic-Free Step at a Time," from a podium.
A student presents her project on textile waste from the podium.
Three students pose together in the library.
A student presents her project to Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Ms. Turner-Hassell.
T-minus 16 days until graduation, and these student-athletes are gearing up for their next chapter! On Tuesday night, the Athletics Department and Shaker All Sports Booster Club celebrated 21 of the 40+ seniors continuing their athletic careers at D1, D2, and D3 colleges. Congratulations seniors, we can’t wait to cheer you on at the next level!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Four student-athletes pose together.
Three student-athletes pose together.
A student athlete receives a certificate from the Shaker Athletic Director.
Three student athletes pose with their certificates while seated in the gymnasium.
A group of 21 student-athletes pose altogether with their certificates.
A family poses with their senior student-athlete being recognized.
A family poses with their senior student-athletes being recognized.
A family poses with their senior student-athlete being recognized.
Three student-athletes pose with their track and field coaches.
Four student-athletes pose with one of their football coaches.
Congratulations to SHS senior Nazir King! Nazir, a student in the Capital Region BOCES Automotive Services program, was recently awarded the Joe Fuchs Award. The award is given to a student who exemplifies growth in achievement, the development of skills specific to an occupation, growth in citizenship, work ethic, leadership, and pride in their chosen occupation. Great job, Nazir!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Nazir Accepting his award
The Shaker High School pool was filled with echoes of "cannonball!" earlier this week, as third grade students from Latham Ridge participated in the pilot swim lesson program. Students were bussed over to the high school, where they attended a water safety class before jumping into the water. The group then spent the remainder of the class reviewing swim techniques, water exercises, and, of course, getting in a few cannonballs.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Students swimming in pool
Students swimming in pool
Students in classroom learning
Students swimming in pool
Students swimming in pool
Students swimming in pool
Students swimming in pool
Students swimming in pool
This past March, 27 11th and 12th grade French students participated in the National French Contest. Please join us in congratulating senior Nicolas Bélizaire, who earned a bronze medal; junior Anabel Corniel, who earned a silver medall and junior Nat Antifaiff, who earned a bronze medal. Additionally, the following students earned an Honorable Mention: Marissa Banson, Surya Bommasani, Sofia Conti, Ryan Keegan, Deepak Kilaparty, Jaahnavi Kollapudi, Chaarvi Krishnamurthy, Angela Li, Everitt Li, Jonathan Lindhurst, Layla Mohamed, Suhaas Poka, Aydan Shahbazli, and Jenna Shaw. Félicitations à tous!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
French Class Winners
Bees and politics are not topics that tend to mix, but for Christine Butry's U.S. History & Government class it was the perfect blend. Students were given the opportunity to meet with Albany County Legislators and learn about their work, what they do for the community, the process for getting policies passed, what a typical day looks like, and more. In attendance at the event was Democratic Majority Deputy Leader Lynne Lekakis, who was joined by Legislators Bill Ricard, David Mayo, Tim Lane, Susan Lauilliard, and Ellen Rosano. In addition to offering their experiences, the talk also focused on the importance of sustainable, pollinator-friendly planting across the county as part of the Earth Day Pollinator Project. The event concluded with the district being granted 50 pollinator kits, which included seed balls and educational materials for students.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Students from AP history class
Legislature Talks
Legislature Talks
Legislature Talks
Members of the Unified Bowling Team were honored Tuesday night by the North Colonie Board of Education at Central Office. Coaches Jason Jones and Christina Kelley called athletes up individually to receive certificates in front of family and friends. The Blue Bison won a championship over the winter season and many of the athletes followed it up with a Unified Basketball Championship last week!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The Shaker Unified Bowling team poses together with their certificates of achievement after the Board of Education meeting.
A student receives their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
A student walks up to receive their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
A student receives their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
A student receives their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
A student receives their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
A student receives their certificate of achievement at the Board of Education meeting.
Coach Christina Kelley addresses her student-athletes at the Board of Education meeting.
The Unified Bowling team poses together with their certificates of achievement after the Board of Education meeting.
On Thursday, May 15, the Shaker Student Government visited the Beverwyck senior living community to put colorful painted rocks in their garden and talk with guests about their mission during May Month of Kindness. During May Month of Kindness, StuGov has a mission of showing everyone kindness and inclusion and demonstrating the importance of being kind to your peers. Some of their other activities have included putting kind post-it notes messages on every locker in school, holding a teacher appreciation breakfast, making a large, decorated breakfast table for teachers, and more. The Beverwyck residents were grateful and welcoming to the students, and they enjoyed the gorgeous rocks the students painted the day before. The Student Government students had so much fun speaking with residents and look forward to visiting them again in the future for the May Month of Kindness or other volunteer activities.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Three students place painted rocks along a sidewalk.
An image of two painted rocks in mulch along a sidewalk.
A group of students speaks with residents of a senior living community outside on the sidewalk.
An image of students and senior living community residents posing together outside.
Shaker sophomore Kameron Kowaleski is the Colonie Police Department's Cadet of the Year! Kowaleski was honored at Colonie PD's Annual Awards Ceremony in May. He was given a commemorative plaque by Colonie Police Chief James J. Gerace for the recognition. Kameron has been in the Explorer Program for two years and was promoted to Cadet Sergeant after only one year. Participants in the program volunteer in the community, build a strong sense of responsibility, social awareness, community engagement and many other real life skills while learning the basic aspects of what a police officer does in his or her career.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Cadet Sergeant Kameron Kowaleski holds a plaque for his recognition as Colonie PD Cadet of the Year. He is joined in the picture by Colonie Police Chief James Gerace and Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey.
An image of the plaque awarded to Kameron Kowaleski for his recognition as Colonie Police Department Cadet of the Year.
Cadet of the Year Kameron Kowaleski receives a commemorative plaque from Colonie Police Chief James Gerace.
A group of 15 Shaker High School students are being recognized as the May North Colonie Kids Care recipients for their efforts to raise money through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. Over seven weeks this winter, these 15 students raised $111,114! Juniors Joelle Hannoush and Yirou Kao served as captains of Team “Fight2Cure” and were joined by senior Catherine Cheng and juniors Hannah Nune, Michael Green and Renat Gosmanov. This team finished as runner-up in the competition, raising $88,399 in that seven week period. They ran a lacrosse clinic at Afrim’s where they not only taught the sport to young students, but also stressed the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community. The second team, “Hope Raisers,” was captained by juniors Cristiano Logrippo, Fynn Sarfoh and Kwame Boakye and joined by fellow juniors Anthony Tleiji, Aydan Shahbazli, Madison Turcotte, Patrick Guana, Rosa Tropiano and Shradha Thapa. They hosted pickleball and cornhole tournaments, ran a pancake breakfast and even presented as a team to Meliora Law in Delmar. For more on this story, click the link in our bio.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of 13 of the 15 students honored as North Colonie Kids Care recipients for May.
An image of two students posing with a representative from LLS while holding certificates.
An image of two students posing with certificates.
Two students pose with certificates received at the Board of Education meeting.
The SHS Multicultural Festival was a resounding success on Friday night! Families from across the district turned out to celebrate the many cultures represented here in North Colonie. There was food from dozens of different countries for people to sample, along with dance, music and crafts from various cultures. The festival was put on by the SHS Cooking and Culture Club with the support of many other school clubs. We can't wait to do it again next year!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Two students do Henna designs on the arms of two other students.
A posterboard with information on Lebanon set up by a table with food.
Four dancers posing together.
A family standing at a table with food and a posterboard on it.
A table with a cloth and various cultural items on it.
A table with photos, flags and other items representing the Afghan culture.
A group of eight students posing for the camera.
A student looks on in the foreground and three other students dance on the open floor.
Two students do crafts with colorful yarn at a table.
A student waves from behind a table with food and other items representing Mexico.
Thursday morning, the Shaker Varsity Boys' Basketball team and Ski Champion, Ava Bachta were honored at the New York State Senate, receiving official Resolutions from 43rd District Senator Jake Ashby. This means their incredible athletic achievements are now recognized in the official state record! Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and families on this amazing honor!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Senator Ashby presenting Ava's resolution
Ava Bachta being awarded at the Senate
Senator Ashby presenting Ava Bachta with a resolution
Senator Ashby presenting the boys' basketball resolution
Boys basketball team being awarded at the Senate
Senator Ashby presenting the boys' basketball team with a resolution
They have signed on the dotted line! Alex Buff and Melina Carroll recently signed letters of intent at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education National Signing Day Ceremony. Alex (pictured), a student in the Automotive Collision Technology program, signed a letter of intent with Dawson's Auto Body Shop, Inc. Cosmetology student Melina Carroll has signed a letter of intent with Pixie Salon. Congratulations, Alex and Melina!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
Nothing lifts spirits like a surprise show of love and support! Representatives from the Class of 2025 and the athletic department covered Mr. Couture's yard with encouragement as he continues his recovery. Your school family is cheering you on every step of the way!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of students carrying lawn signs in the road.
Students placing lawn signs on the front yard of a teacher.
Students plant lawn signs all over Mr. Couture's front yard.
An image of dozens of signs planted on the front lawn by students and staff members.
A sidewalk lined with lawn signs promoting Shaker pride.
Seven students and three teachers pose behind the signs they planted on the lawn.
Mr. Couture comes out of the garage to a surprise of signs all over his lawn.
Mr. Couture speaks at the end of his driveway.
Mr. Couture addresses the students who helped surprise him with lawn signs.
Mr. Couture poses behind the signs all over his front lawn.
We are thrilled to congratulate the outstanding Spanish students from Shaker High School who have once again demonstrated excellence on the 2025 National Spanish Exam (NSE), earning well-deserved national recognition. In this year's competition, 83 students from SHS secured a remarkable 1 gold, 4 silver, and 10 bronze medals, in addition to 35 honorable mentions. The achievement of earning a medal or honorable mention on the National Spanish Exam (NSE) is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students as well as the guidance and expertise of our dedicated Spanish teachers. Click the link in our bio for a list of winners.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of seven of our medalists from the 2025 National Spanish Exam.
Big smiles and even bigger school spirit filled the H Gym today as our Unified Basketball and Cheerleading teams hit the court for their first ever Blue vs. White game! The energy was electric as both teams gave it their all on the court and the sidelines. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support. What an unforgettable day!
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Blue team cheering on from the sidelines!
Blue team player, Brenna, makes a basket!
Blue team player, David, makes a basket!
Everyone cheers on Gavin!
White team's Coach is preparing to sub Devon in!
White player, Dom, is open!
Group picture of Unified Basketball and Cheer
Unified Cheerleading team performs at halftime!
There are 20 new members of the National Art Honor Society after a formal induction ceremony at Shaker High School on Wednesday. Art Supervisor Anne Manzella and several NAHS Officers honored the new inductees with a certificate, a carnation and a special cord which students will wear at graduation. In addition, all of the SHS art teachers honored individual students in each of their classes for high achievement and performance. Teachers spoke glowingly about the 34 students they selected in grades 9-12 who were called up to receive certificates and sketch pads for the recognition.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Art Supervisor Anne Manzella speaks into a microphone at a podium.
An image of a large group of students standing on risers in an auditorium. They were inducted into the National Art Honor Society.
A student officer hands a certificate to another student as she walks off the risers.
A teacher addresses a group of five students being honored as they stand to the side of her.
An art teacher speaks about the five students he is honoring as they stand to the side of him.
A teacher hands a student honoree a sketch book and pen for her recognition in art.
An art teacher speaks about the five students she is honoring as they stand to the side of her.
An art teacher speaks about the five students she is honoring as they stand to the side of her.
A teacher hands out awards to several students she is honoring in art.
An art teacher speaks about the five students he is honoring as they stand to the side of him.
Shaker High School is home to one of this year's Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award recipients! Senior Sakthi Jagannath was honored at the Pruyn House on Tuesday, May 13, along with a recipient from Colonie High School. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934, to encourage and recognize high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. For more on Sakthi's achievements, check out the full news story in our bio.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
A student shakes hand with Board of Education President Linda Harrison.
A student stands at a podium while speaking into a microphone.
Two students pose with Town of Colonie Deputy Supervisor Rick Field, while holding framed certificates.
A student receives a certificate as a recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award.
A student's family member secures a pin to her dress as part of the Good Citizen Award recognition.
Four people pose and smile for the camera.
Thank you to the North Colonie community for supporting the 2025-26 budget! North Colonie residents voted to approve the budget, 937 yes votes to 267 no votes. Linda Harrison and Samuel Johnson were both reelected to their seats on the Board of Education. Learn more on our website at northcolonie.org/news.
11 months ago, North Colonie Communications
North Colonie CSD Budget Vote Passes