Scoring an Education

Families relying more on the talent of their children to fund a four-year degree

by: Racquel Asa (Reporter, Videographer)
Ben Gellman-Chompsky (Videographer)


(NCC NEWS) – The economic downturn and climbing costs of college tuition is placing a greater reliance on students who have the talent to score an athletic scholarship.

With unemployment in Central New York is at its highest since 1992 at 8.3 percent and an average college education at a private university exceeding $100,000, it’s no secret why even middle class families are struggling to fund a four year degree.

“It’s not even a socioeconomic thing even with the costs of education right now even people you would consider are middle class people are struggling to send their children to college, even the good colleges,” said Buddy Weklinsky, the athletic director at Christian Brothers Academy. “They just don’t have the finances to do it. The money just isn’t available.”

A Free Shot at College

Kayla Stroman is one of those lucky enough to land a golden ticket to college. The 18-year-old has played the sport since she was six and for the past four years has played on the CBA girl’s varsity basketball team.

Next fall, Kayla will play for the women’s basketball team at Niagara University on a free ride.

“Probably without a full scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to go,” said Kayla. It’s a big relief for Kayla’s mom, Katherine, who already works two jobs seven days a week. “We would have definitely had to settle probably for a two year community college,” said Katherine Terry, Kayla’s mom.

An Added Pressure

With the free ride, Kayla and her mom don’t have to settle for something less. Now her mom can now cut back on her work hours and go down to one job.

But that adds a certain layer of pressure on Kayla. She knows without such an opportunity, her dream of being the first in her family to get a degree wouldn’t be possible, making keeping it that much more difficult.

“I think it is a big pressure cause I have to keep focused on the court and off the court to maintain the scholarship,” said Kayla.

Buddy Weklinsky says it maybe a free ride, but there is nothing easy about it.

“Now they are forced to perform and forced to go through this rigorous training session to get them to stay through college and get their degree,” said Weklinsky.

Fewer Volunteer Firefighters

Community fire departments struggle with dropping ranks

by: Racquel Asa (Reporter/Photographer)

(NCC News)-- Volunteer fire departments across the country are feeling the pinch as fewer and fewer people are finding time to volunteer. That creates a big problem for communities since three in every four firefighters are volunteers.

Central New York is no exception and neither is the DeWitt Fire Department. DeWitt used to solely rely on volunteers until the 70’s when volunteer levels dropped so low they had to hire several career firefighters to fill the gap.

Over the years, the levels have continued to drop and taxpayers may have to foot the bill for more firefighters if volunteer levels don’t pick up.

“Ultimately it's going to make many of these areas decide that they are going to have to pay for this service because there will be no one there,” said DeWitt Fire Chief Jeffrey Cardinali.

Living Double Lives

The department is relying on people who don’t mind living double lives, who work their normal jobs during the day and volunteer firefighter by night. But the price of volunteering comes with a price and sacrifice.

It's a job that requires more than a 100 hours of training, puts you on call and away from your family all for no pay.

For those who take on the commitment, it’s worth it.

“I guess not to sound corny,” said volunteer Scott Peterson, “but on a spiritual level, it's that satisfaction knowing that I've done something.”

“For me it's just rewarding. I enjoy giving back,” said volunteer Jeoff Ristau. “I enjoy service. It's just what I do."

"In my opinion, I would rather live very dangerously than be afraid or timid about what could exists,” said volunteer Adam Thimmig.

Retention is the problem

But it’s volunteers for more than five years that is proving to be another challenge for fire departments. The average career life for a volunteer firefighter is only five years and the younger generations are not as drawn to the profession.

Now, older generations continue to keep the ranks staffed at minimal levels.

"I'm not the youngest guy in the department, but I'm not too old yet, you know,” said five-year volunteer Bill Morris. “So I can hang on.”

“At some point I'm going to have to decide enough is enough,” said Fire Chief Cardinali. “The problem is when we look behind us to see who is coming there is no one there."