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Steinruck (left), and Cole (right)

MARCH 7, 2025— Two Pal-Mac High School students Thursday night received prestigious awards for their leadership.

Phoebe Cole and Layla Steinruck each received the Wayne Finger Lakes Superintendent Award, joining a group of 24 other students from across the region.

The two were formally recognized during a special ceremony at the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Conference Center. They were joined by their families, as well as Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike,  High School Principal Andy Wahl, and Board of Education President Laura Arrington. 

“I’m really excited, and really happy,”Steinruck said. “It’s just a really big shock, oh my gosh, it’s just amazing.”

Students selected for this prestigious award had to meet certain criteria such as having demonstrated outstanding scholarship (earning an 80% GPA or higher at the end of their Junior year), and showing exceptional leadership and citizenship. There is also an application process a student must complete before being accepted.

Steinruck was nominated by the BOCES program for her outstanding efforts in the Culinary Arts program at the Wayne Technical and Career Center. (WTCC) Cole was nominated by Dr.Ike for her hard work and ability to meet a challenge head one.

“She is a fantastic human being,” Dr.Ike said. “She’s always helpful to others, and is a positive person who cares about others.”

When asked about leadership, Cole took pride in her involvement in the Pal-Mac Theater Program, and her outstanding volunteer work with the Special Olympics. She’s currently the lead role in the Spring musical “Mamma Mia.”

“I’m really thankful that [Dr.Ike] saw my leadership qualities and  gave me this award,” Cole said. “It’s an honor.”

Cole says she plans on going to college with a goal of becoming a special education teacher. Steinruck says she will attend Finger Lakes Community College to take culinary classes for two years and then possibly attend another institution.