Ady O’Donnell, Karizma Wescott and Mallory Boyce with district administrators, coaches and family members. Not pictured: Sophia Lawrence
Press release/provided photos
The Batavia City School District is recognizing its state championship–winning outdoor track relay teams and an award-winning student-performer following historic achievements in recent weeks.
On June 13 at Webster Schroeder High School, the girls 4×100-meter relay team of Ella Shamp ’26, rising junior Nevaeh Thomas and rising seniors Ady O’Donnell and Karizma Wescott repeated as NYSPHSAA Class B State Champions with a record time of 47.16 seconds. This marks the third state title for this particular group of student-athletes, following their capture of the NYSPHSAA Division II State Championship in the 4×200-meter relay this March.
That same weekend, O’Donnell, Wescott, rising sophomore Sophia Lawrence and rising senior Mallory Boyce earned the title of 4×400-meter relay NYSPHSAA Class B State Champions by setting both a school and Class B state meet record, finishing in first with a time of 3:53.88. Altogether, the Batavia boys and girls outdoor track and field teams earned 15 Class B medals and 11 Federation medals at the June 2026 NYSPHSAA State Championships.
And just as notably, Batavia High School rising senior Gus Crawford recently became the district’s first-ever student to compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in New York City.
Superintendent of Schools Jason Smith with Gus Crawford and his parents.
Crawford earned his spot after winning the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound competition in May. Recognized for his leading role as Dmitry in Batavia High School’s spring production of the musical Anastasia, Crawford was selected from 40 regional nominees to serve as one of two performers representing the Greater Rochester area. As a regional winner, Crawford traveled to New York City to participate in 10 days of intensive musical theater rehearsals, masterclasses and private coaching with Broadway industry professionals. His journey culminated on June 22, when he performed alongside 116 student nominees from across the country during the 17th Annual Jimmy Awards showcase at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.
At its July 20 meeting, the Batavia City School District Board of Education formally recognized these students, presenting them with certificates of achievement. For Superintendent of Schools Jason Smith, the recognition goes beyond a single race or performance.
“We are so proud of our students for their hard work and commitment,” Smith said. “Our Batavia athletics and performing arts programs are second to none, and these students have done a wonderful job of representing the district at the state and national levels. It’s been amazing to see our Batavia schools and community rally behind them.”
The Batavia City School District congratulates Ella, Nevaeh, Ady, Karizma, Sophia, Mallory and Gus on their remarkable achievements and commends them for serving as positive role models