CNY Kids Make Headlines in 2016

2016 was a year for youth in Central New York, as kids took over by speaking their minds, speaking out against bullying, singing with stars and even snowbaording!

Boy Bullied in Oneida

Ben Church was bullied while walking home from school in Oneida. Watch him tell his story and speak out against bullying in one of the year's most moving local stories.

Magical Moment with Cole Swindell

Morgan Perry from Whitesboro was featured on a special episode of Swindell Vision. She lost her father who tried to save someone out of a plane clash. On her way home from the hospital after he had passed, the first song she heard was Cole Swindell’s ‘You Should Be Here’. Morgan and her mother were lucky enough to meet Cole and share their story with him

School Lunches

Students at Rome Free Academy are getting 'fed up' with terrible school lunches. These kids finally had enough and took to social media to have their voices heard. One student, Mike D'Amore isn’t places the blame on the politicians. “It’s not the cafeteria people who are the problem. They are doing their job. The problem is in Albany. The schools are given regulation and guidelines that tell them the food they have to serve. Their hands are tied.”

Special Prom Invite

In Rome, this thoughtful girl decided to ask a classmate with special needs to the Prom! 16 year-old Kendra McLeod invited Gage Smith to the prom and his reaction is priceless. Have some tissues ready for this one.

Boy Steals Luke Bryan Syracuse Show

Luke Bryan was overshadowed at his own concert in Syracuse. Ryan Wines of Camden may be Bryan’s biggest fan. The 7 year-old was ‘shakin’ it’ from the first note of the ‘Kill the Lights’ concert, stealing the show.

Girl Sings with Brantley Gilbert

Ariana Levin went from a McConnellsville elementary student to Brantley Gilbert‘s backup singer. The 9 year-old Camden girl was brought on stage during the ‘Blackout’ tour stop at Turning Stone Saturday, Feburary 20th to help sing ‘Bottoms Up.’

Whitesboro Military Graduation Surprise

One Whitesboro grad received more than a diploma at his high school graduation ceremony. Gus Whitling was surprised to walk across the stage and see his brother, home from the Marines.

Field Hockey Player on Team USA

Most kids dream about being an astronaut, a movie star or a pro athlete when they grow up. Not many of those dreams come true. But for Sauquoit native Jess Jecko, her dreams became reality as she represents Team USA in field hockey.

From New Hartford to Hollywood

10 year-old Mark Radel went from New Hartford to Hollywood. The boy with down syndrome starred in not one, but two movies, one starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Snowboarding Phenomenon

The son of Central New York native Matt Guntert can snowboard better than he can talk. Kai has already become a snowboarding phenomenon.

UC Grad Gets NY Giants Invite

Utica native Nick Woodman got an invite to the New York Giants minicamp just before graduating from Utica College.

As you can see, Central New York has no shortage of remarkable children. How amazing is it to see the next generation with such big hearts, minds and spirits?

We're proud to have these kids as a part of our community.

BONUS VIDEO: Amazing Christmas Lights In Remsen