New York Mills Central School Becomes Involved In The Crandall System"
May 4, 1999

The New York Mills Central School became actively involved in the Crandall System with the teaching seminar on Tuesday, May 4, 1999. With over 30 senior girls involved, the seminar began at 12:00 noon. Physical education instructor Andria Dziekan introduced Grand Master Crandall and the action started.


It started with an understanding that what was being covered were not in fact fighting skills, but rather techniques that fulfilled the name of this program which was called "Just Get Away." There were no punches or kicks covered in the seminar. Escape was the goal and the acceptance that each young lady there could do something if they believed in themselves and chose to.


The new main gym was used for the demonstrations and for the hands-on participation of the students. The students showed their concern regarding the topic and interest in the knowledge that could set them free from being a target. Each student had the opportunity to practice and demonstrate the techniques shown with individual supervision as to how the technique worked and why. Time was taken for some students to demonstrate the technique with one of the American Martial Arts students male assistants which brought wide eyes of belief and confirmation that the techniques would truly make a difference.


WKTV-2 sent a camera crew to cover the program for airing in the evening news. There presence and excellent coverage later that day on their 5:00 and 6:00 o'clock news brought support and recognition to the need for such a program as well as confirmation that some schools are taking action now regarding the safety of our school population. Also attending was Chief of Police Stephen Verminski whose availablity in times of need was confirmed to all the students present. His interest as a leader in the community and a protector of our young was demonstrated through his involvement in the techniques and student response to the knowledge presented. Also there supporting student safety was Officer Robert Maciol of the D.A.R.E. program for both the New York Mills and Whitesboro communities.


Again the interest and diligence of the physical education teacher and school administration made this program possible. This was a true learning experience with fun and excitment for everyone involved.



Grand Master Crandall explains while Christine and Matthew demonstrate the techniques for Andria Dziekan physical education instructor for New York Mills Central School and Chief Stephen Verminski of New York Mills look on.


font size=3>Christine finishes the technique with Matthew for all to see.


Now Elaine shows how to respond to Brian's choke hold.

A special thanks goes out to Mr. Nathan Morris and Mrs. Marylin Stalloch , both instructors for the American Martial Arts Institute who assisted, and the students from the American Martial Arts Institute who demonstrated the techniques and skills not only physically but also mentally: Christine Carpenter, Nicole Stanulevich, Elain Stalloch, Brian Lindstrom, Susanne Turner and Matthew Kelly.