United Helpers Awards 3 Students With Helen S. Randles Scholarships

CANTON –Two students from Harrisville Central School and a student from Lisbon Central School were honored with this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

This year’s winners were selected from a field of nearly two dozen applicants, who are all seeking to work in the healthcare field.

“To work in the healthcare, you have to be in it for the right reasons,” said United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “These are jobs where you will be relied on to make others feel better and that is whether you are having a great day or a terrible day.”

Mr. Parsons said that he could tell by reading each of the winners’ applications that they are up for the task.

“You will be asked to be caring, even when it is hard. It can feel thankless at times, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers you can embark on,” he said. “We are glad that you are taking on this challenge. The future of healthcare is in good hands.”

One of this year’s winners already works for United Helpers, as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Lisbon IRA. Esther McKeever, of Lisbon has worked at the IRA since April of 2025. She will be attending SUNY Canton and has been accepted into the school’s nursing program. Esther is the daughter of Jillian Langley and Ben McKeever. She is planning to become a Registered Nurse and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Joining her at SUNY Canton will be Avery Chartrand, of Pitcairn. Ms. Chartrand will be graduating from Harrisville Central School and will also be enrolled in the nursing program in Canton. She is the daughter of Anthony and Sonja Chartrand and is planning to become a Registered Nurse and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Violet Atkinson, of Fowler will also be graduating from Harrisville Central School. She will be attending Houghton University and is majoring in exercise science. She is hoping to become a physical therapist and advocate for females in athletics. Ms. Atkinson is the daughter of Parish and Jade Atkinson.

Each year United Helpers awards three $1,000 scholarships, which are funded through an endowment created by the late Helen S. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 40 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students from St. Lawrence County who are looking to enter the health care field.

Mrs. Randles was a long-time United Helpers volunteer and former President of the Management Company Board of Directors. She placed great value on education and particularly helping prepare youth to enter the health care field.

This year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship recipients included two future nurses and a future physical therapist, with two winners coming from Harrisville Central School and one winner coming from Lisbon Central School. From left, United Helpers Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke, Violet Atkinson, of Fowler, Avery Chartrand, of Pitcairn, Esther McKeever, of Lisbon and Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Third Annual Fans' Choice NFL Ticket Drawing Underway

OGDENSBURG – Supporters of United Helpers will have a chance to “Win Big & Witness History,” as the organization hosts its third annual Fans’ Choice NFL Ticket Drawing.

Tickets for this year’s drawing are on sale now.

The winner will receive two tickets to the regular season game of their choice. Given that the drawing takes place on NFL opening day, week one games are not eligible.

“With the Bills opening their new stadium this year, demand for tickets is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years. Ticket prices on the secondary market have doubled, but we’re keeping our tickets for this drawing the same price they were when we started three years ago,” said United Helpers Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild.

Tickets are only $10 each. Bundles are also available with three tickets for $25 or seven tickets for $50.

Tickets for the drawing may be purchased online through the “Giving tab” at unitedhelpers.org. Tickets can be purchased in person (cash only) at the United Helpers RiverLedge complex, 8101 State Hwy. 68 in Ogdensburg.

Only 500 tickets are available, with sales continuing until all tickets are sold or 11:59 pm on Monday, Sept. 7. The drawing will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9, the opening day of this year’s NFL season and be broadcast on the United Helpers Facebook page.

United Helpers will purchase tickets to the game, pending availability, of the winner’s choice. Tickets will be forwarded electronically to the winner. Transportation, meals and lodging are not included.

Potsdam Student Uses School Project to Help Area Senior Citizens

CANTON – Each year students in their sophomore and junior years at Potsdam High School are asked to complete a project that takes them outside of the district’s standard curriculum and helps them think about their role in the community.

This year for 20 Time Project, Potsdam Junior Breanna Buffham organized a donation drive for senior citizens at nursing homes across the county. Ms. Buffham collected candy, soaps, puzzles, word search books, small home décor items, blankets, slippers and other items to distribute amongst the seniors.

While Ms. Buffham could have ended her project there, she chose to take the project one step further, putting together a team of friends to visit and spend time with the residents at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

“We have some very close family friends who have been in nursing homes, including one who was really close who lived right here,” she said. “Unfortunately, though, she passed away a few years ago.”

Many of the items Ms. Buffham collected were used for prizes during a morning session of bingo. Other items were left behind to be distributed to residents, as needed. One of the people who contributed to her efforts donated a large collection of jewelry, enough so that each woman who played bingo was able to select a necklace or bracelet to keep for themselves.

“I did something like this last year to help children with cancer,” Ms. Buffham said. “I wanted to do something similar, so this year I just switched the age group. It feels really good. It felt good to help kids last year and this year we’re seeing the other side of things.”

Nicole Euto is an 11^th grade English Teacher at Potsdam and she is one of three teachers who help oversee the students’ 20 Time projects. She accompanied Ms. Buffham and her friends on their trip to United Helpers.

“The kids come up with a lot of great ideas for projects,” she said. “A lot of the projects are within the school, so it’s nice to see a project with this level of community service involved.”

Upon arriving Ms. Buffham and her friends split into two groups. One group went to play bingo with residents in the memory care unit, while the second group played with residents in the skilled nursing wing.

Each group played several games of bingo with the residents while swapping stories and exchanging laughter. Students then helped the residents they sat with pick out prizes.

“Today was a great morning for our residents,” said Activities Leader Lauren Martinchek. “They love playing bingo and they love having visitors. Having the chance to win prizes was an added bonus. Many thanks to Breanna for putting this together.”

Breanna Buffham, a junior at Potsdam High School used this year’s 20 Time Project to help senior citizens in nursing homes across St. Lawrence County. Helping Ms. Buffham with the project was a team of friends. The group recently visited United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton, spending some time with the residents, leading to laughter and smiles that spanned across the generations. Front row, from left, Sophia Manor, T’aja Burks, Ms. Buffham, Sofie Gagner, Bennette Estes; second row, Oscar Shaw, Emily Quinell, Erika Robinson, Brittney Gibson, Anna Rossner and Jeremiah Welsh.