Rush-Henrietta CSD

Who Would You Choose to Honor?

This is a perfect time of year to nominate an employee for a Comet Kudos. We are always eager to hear about district employees who go above and beyond. If you would like to nominate someone for this special recognition, visit rhnet.org/cometkudos today!

Burger Principal Greg Lane and his twin brother, Paul, often wondered what would happen if they both showed up to school one day. Having recently announced his retirement, Greg Lane decided the twilight of his career was the perfect time to answer that question.

“This year, we have an astonishing number of twins at Burger Junior High School,” the longtime principal (on the left in the first photo) says. “My twin brother and I have often joked about how fun it would be for him to come to school dressed like me and pretend to be principal for a day.”

Two weeks ago, that fanciful idea became a long-awaited reality. Mr. Lane – um, Paul Lane – visited and met students in the cafeteria at lunch. While the brothers’ faces have changed over the years, they still sound alike, move alike, and share mannerisms. “We had a lot of fun confusing students and staff,” Greg Lane explains.

It was a wonderful visit for the pretend principal, too. ”Knowing how much the school and its students have meant to my brother made the experience even more meaningful,” Paul Lane says. “It was special to see him in his element and witness the relationships he has built with them. As someone who does not work in education, it was refreshing to see their enthusiasm, energy, and positive spirit. The visit reminded me that there are a lot of great young people out there.”

Fortunately, most students eventually figured out who the real Mr. Lane was and they enjoyed the experience as much as the adults. To commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime occasion, the Lanes made sure to gather as many Burger twins as they could for a group photo. Not every twin was available, but it was a wonderful opportunity to recognize this unique group of students.

“Being a twin has always been a blessing in my life,” Greg Lane says, noting that the siblings both live in the same small village. “I really don't know any different, but I've always enjoyed having someone with whom I share such a unique connection. It was a lot of fun to celebrate that same bond with so many of our students.”

It wasn’t a desperate look on Kiersten Kurzrock’s face. It was a look of sheer determination.

As last week's Senior Grad Walk at Crane Elementary School concluded, she quickly approached Principal Brian Hill near the playground with an earnest question.

“Can I see Mrs. Marino?

Hill paused for a second, realizing students already were boarding the bus to return to the high school. Seniors had walked through the school but Kiersten had not encountered one of the adults she wanted to see the most.

Within moments, Hill gave the green light to the last-minute request. “You hustle to the main office and I’ll tell them you want to see Mrs. Marino. Be quick and I’ll hold the bus.”

As Hill grabbed his radio, Kiersten took off, racing around the bus loop to the front door of the school. A few minutes later, she exited the building with a look of contentment after reconnecting with a favorite teacher.

As the bus carefully pulled up to the front door, Kiersten and Mr. Hill shared a few kind words and a hug.

Once a Royal Comet, always a Royal Comet.

Special moments unfolded in our K-3 buildings last week as students in the R-H Class of 2026 returned to their elementary schools for Senior Grad Walk. This wonderful event provides an emotional experience for the seniors, of course, but also for their long-ago teachers and the staff members and school administrators who supported them along the way. Just take a look at these terrific interactions between two seniors and Chelsey Porreca, a teacher at Crane Elementary School. After some quick glances and careful thinking, both students recognized her – and she was able to envision her once-small students now as young men. Both were in her first class at Crane!

CLASS OF 2026 CELEBRATION!

Rush-Henrietta seniors are in the midst of a special day! It started with breakfast at the high school this morning. That was followed by an awards ceremony, a conversation about distracted driving, and a visit to elementary schools to walk the halls of their youth one more time. They finish off the memorable day with the Senior Ball this evening at La Luna! Thanks to Scott Nash for sharing these photos with us.

Honoring Our Royal Comets

On Tuesday, June 9, upperclassmen were honored for their commitment and contributions to athletics at the R-H Athletics and Sports Boosters Sports Awards. Student athletes were recognized with awards for leadership, service, and the principal's award. In addition, all-around athletes were honored in individual and team sports, and the Werner Kleemann Award was presented as well as various athletic scholarships.

Senior athletes received an embroidered stadium blanket and those who were also three-sport, year-round athletes received patches.

Sports Boosters collects Community Choice Award nominations and awards several honors to R-H coaches and supporters:
🏆️Female Sports Coach of the Year: Raelyn Falci; Cheerleading
🏆️Male Sports Coach of the Year: Kevin Coe; Football, Basketball, and Golf
🏆️Teacher of the Year: Steve Shepanski
🏆️Unsung Hero Award: Steve DeSantis

Congratulations to all the honorees!

R-H Music Program Soars Again!

Student musicians from throughout Rush-Henrietta starred during the New York State School Music Association Major Organization Festival. It was held at R-H and students and their teachers made the most of it! Here are the music groups that participated, along with their ratings earned from the judges.

SHS Symphonic Band, Level 5: Gold with Distinction
SHS Symphonic Orchestra, Level 5: Gold with Distinction
SHS Chamber Orchestra, Level 6: Gold with Distinction
RH Singers, Level 6: Gold with Distinction
Jazz Ensemble, Level 6: Gold
Sherman 6th Grade Band: Gold
Roth 8/9 Concert Band: Gold
Roth 9th Grade Concert Choir: Silver
Burger 9th Grade Concert Choir: Bronze
Roth 7th Grade Chorus: Clinical evaluation
Burger 9th Grade Orchestra: Clinical evaluation

Gold is awarded to organizations demonstrating an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in the evaluative categories identified on the evaluation form for all three selections that are performed. Any weakness in musical performance will have been minimal. Gold With Distinction is awarded to those organizations that qualify for a Gold as stated above, while having achieved a standard of performance deemed exceptional in all three selections.

Congratulations to our students and teachers, and many thanks to our community for its continued support.

You Belong Here: Pride Month

June is designated as Pride Month, a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity. Together, we will continue to foster understanding, acceptance, and safety for all. Let’s use this month to learn more, support one another, and celebrate our progress—ensuring that for every student, staff, and community member, You Belong Here!

Congratulations to our Varsity Softball team! Section V champs! Way to go, Royal Comets! 💚💛🖤

ROYAL COMETS-RAIDERS GAMES!

Today's Royal Comets-Raiders Games were a shining example of the power of inclusion in our schools—where every student is given the opportunity to participate, excel, and be celebrated.

Rush-Henrietta hosted the inspiring event at Elmer Gordon Stadium on the Senior High School campus. It allowed students with special needs from both R-H and Fairport to take center stage in a Special Olympics-style celebration.

In the past, school districts from throughout Monroe County held a joint event for this purpose. Last year, the tradition returned to our community on a smaller but just as meaningful scale. The joy on the track and field during today's two-hour event was palpable!

Event organizers express their sincere thanks to the R-H Facilities and Security teams; Senior High School Custodial Staff; Link Crew; Transportation Department; JoJo’s Cool Bus; and the teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff members who helped make this event such a success. Your commitment, teamwork, and flexibility created an incredible experience for everyone involved.

We truly appreciate all you do to support our students and school community each and every day!