While the District has participated in the event for multiple years now, the familiarity of the event did not diminish the moment. A group of experienced runners from the District did their part in spreading the excitement for one of the state’s biggest annual competitions.

Gowanda Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson called the Torch Run a “unique opportunity” for students to participate in a community event that benefits Gowanda as a whole.

“I think this shows that we are a community partner that wants to be part of the greater good to showcase the school district, the village of Gowanda and the state of New York,” Anderson said.

A symbolic torch from the Empire State Winter Games was carried through the halls of the District’s campuses Monday morning. The torch first arrived at Gowanda High School, where runners carried the torch through the halls of the High School and Middle School, before heading out to the streets with a police escort leading the way.

Photos courtesy of Erica Carlson/Gowanda Central School District Gowanda senior Calie Hudson holds the torch at its final destination in the village, Community Bank, surrounded by Coach Dave Bolen, far left, and fellow Gowanda runners.

The runners then took the torch on a stroll to the Elementary School, where students took their turn with the torch and shared in the moment with photos taken with an Empire State banner. Students who were not part of the group running with the torch cheered on as they witnessed its journey through the halls.

The District’s most experienced runners then took to the streets again before the torch reached its destination, Community Bank, on Main Street in the Village of Gowanda. The event is hosted by Community Bank each year, in conjunction with the Gowanda Central School District, to provide a unique experience for students to share with the community. Community Bank is a sponsor for the Empire State Winter Games.

Two torches — one on each side of the state — travel across New York each year, making stops in communities like Gowanda before they meet up in Lake Placid when the games commence on Thursday. The Empire State Winter Games are held from Thursday through Sunday. The event is the largest Olympic style winter sporting event in the northeast United States.

The Torch Run first came to Gowanda several years ago. Since its arrival at the District, Gowanda Physical Education Teacher and Modified Cross Country Coach Dave Bolen has “taken the reins” in setting up the event each year. Bolen coordinates between the district, the Empire State Winter Games, Community Bank, and others in the community to make the annual event a success.

“For me personally, it’s fun just to be able to provide something for the athletes to experience. Being part of this bigger event, where we have two torches traveling across the state, it’s really fun to be able to provide that for our student athletes,” Bolen said a year ago.

From left to right: Gowanda Elementary School students Jackson Hirschman, Bryson Olszewski, Kierra Gier and Addison Gleason took time Monday morning to pose in front of the Empire State Winter Games banner with the symbolic torch.

A total of 13 runners were selected to participate in the event this year, including elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Among the participants were cross country standouts Calie Hudson and Autumn Pupo. Hudson was a state finalist runner a year ago, while Pupo, a multi-sport athlete, also represents the student body on the Board of Education.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase our best and our brightest,” Anderson said of the event. “Autumn is a student leader who is going to go on and do great things. So is Calie; she is a great athlete and a student leader. It’s great to see those young ladies – and our students in general – being showcased to represent our district. It holds them up as role models and people to aspire to be.”

The full list of students who participated in the event is as follows: Calie Hudson, Autumn Pupo, Willow Mentley-Peters, Riley Olson, Nikolas Ondus, Jayson Twoguns, Alhanna Gabel, Layla Gamble, Colton Davis, Addison Gleason, Bryson Olszewski, Kierra Gier and Jackson Hirschman.

Bolen noted last year he appreciates how many of the runners to participate have grown up through the cross country program. Throughout his years as a coach, Bolen’s impact has been felt through this event, as well as many others he helps lead at the benefit of the District’s students.

“He’s a phenomenal cross country coach and he’s always looking for opportunities for our students to participate in and be showcased in,” Anderson said. “It’s a real natural fit as a member of the community.”

After another successful year hosting the event, Gowanda hopes to continue hosting similar events to showcase Panthers pride to any and all who can witness the best the school has to offer.

“I’m glad as a school district that we can participate in this event. It’s pretty awesome,” Anderson said. “It showcases our community and our school.”