The pride of the Lockport Lions will be honored Thursday at the Women Who ROAR luncheon celebrating female achievement as alumni of Lockport High School, parents of current students or dedicated volunteers and advocates within Lockport schools.
Organized to coincide with Women’s History Month, the school district has named six alumni and eight students who reflect a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. A committee of nine district staff and board members — spanning unions, titles, and departments — reviewed 14 nominations for the award. Honorees include:
• Mary Brennan-Taylor, a 1976 graduate, has led a nationwide movement to amplify the patient voice within medical education, presenting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services. Her passion for patient and victim advocacy developed after the preventable death of her mother, Alice Brennan. Brennan-Taylor co-founded Lockport Blue, an initiative to recognize the work of law enforcement. She has also organized exhibits like “The Art of Suffrage” and “The Secret Weapons of WWII” at the Kenan Center.
• Jackie Davis is an accomplished musician and educator at DeSales Catholic School, where she teaches preschool to eighth-grade music. As the director of the Cantors for Christ Chorus and vocal music director for school musicals at the Historic Palace Theater, Jackie inspires students to find their voices and shine on stage. Davis’ music ministry has taken her across the United States, Canada, and Ghana. She has released original music, served as a longtime soloist on TCT television, and co-hosted the inspirational show, “A Different View” with Jill Kelly. Davis has written an inspirational column for the Lockport Union-Sun and Journal for more than 14 years. She is also a dedicated leader in the Lockport community with Rotary, LCTV, and the YWCA.
• Tammy Dodge is the CEO of Lockport Schools & Community Federal Credit Union, having started as a teller more than 25 years ago. Dodge is known for leading the credit union with commitment and integrity. She serves as treasurer for the Lockport High School Foundation and actively contributes to the LHS Career Advisory Board. Dodge is the past region director of the Niagara Region PTA and has served as president of the Newfane Business Association.
• Lea Sobieraski is a 2010 graduate and assistant director of the Kenan Center. Sobieraski’s role at the Kenan Center has grown from coaching young athletes at Kenan Acres to helping develop plans for a new Kenan Civic Arena. Sobieraski also uses her voice to advocate for organ donation awareness with ConnectLife, inspiring others to give the gift of life. Her community involvement extends to serving on the LCTV board, the Lockport Rotary Club, the Mental Health Committee, and the Lockport High School Academy Advisory Board.
• Shara Venesky, a 2003 graduate, is an educator and mentor who creates supportive environments where students feel confident, encouraged, and empowered. In 2008, Venesky became the owner of OnStage Dance Studio. Through dance, she not only instills a love for the arts but also promotes the benefits of movement while fostering values of kindness, discipline, and teamwork. Venesky takes immense pride in her students’ technical abilities, confidence and the lasting connections they build.
• Ruth Verratti is the director and founder of the Living Well Program since 2018, where she has empowered individuals with essential life skills, offering classes on nutrition, finances, and addiction recovery. Verratti serves on the board of directors for Lockport CARES Homeless Shelter, where she volunteers weekly and spearheads fundraising efforts to support those in crisis. Her passion for service is evident in her career as a registered nurse, providing compassionate care in hospitals, home care, and currently at Niagara Hospice.
Student honorees include:
• Cassidy Johnson of Anna Merritt Elementary School is a very positive student who goes out of her way to make others feel valued and included.
• Lily Korn of Charles Upson Elementary School exemplifies kindness, responsibility, and willingness to help others.
• A’riayla Sykes of Roy B. Kelley Elementary School is a kind and caring student who is an example of resilience and positivity.
• Ella Arlington of George Southard Elementary School is a kind student who shows determination and a strong work ethic when faced with challenges.
• Naomi Culverwell of Emmet Belknap Intermediate School is a hardworking and curious student who gives her best effort and seeks to grow through learning.
• Chloe Rebon of Aaron Mossell Junior High School is involved in the morning announcements, the school musical, and chorus, and demonstrates academic strength and helpfulness.
• Madison Palumbo of Lockport High School West exemplifies dedication and perseverance with her tireless work to earn her credits and pass all of her Regents exams.
• Isabella Pearl of Lockport High School maintained her honor roll status and participated in concert choir, vocal jazz, and musical productions while undergoing treatments for a brain tumor.