No Empty Chair Campaign
![Whitesboro student speaks on stage with Oneida County Sherriff's Department]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744653195/wboroorg/vx5zmb9rvztvglkd5u4k/SherriffsOfficePresentation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744653195/wboroorg/vx5zmb9rvztvglkd5u4k/SherriffsOfficePresentation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744653195/wboroorg/vx5zmb9rvztvglkd5u4k/SherriffsOfficePresentation.jpg","width":800}])
On April 11, Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol joined by members of the Sheriff’s office, as well as Whitesboro Superintendent Dr. Brian Bellair and other school officials held a press conference at the Whitesboro High School to inform the public about the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s 2025 “No Empty Chair” campaign, designed to keep young drivers safe.
Dr. Bellair opened up the event by emphasizing the importance of avoiding destructive decisions while driving. He also made sure to remind students of how proud he is of them and what exciting events are in their near future, such as prom, graduation and moving into the next steps in their lives.
Several Whitesboro High School students spoke at the event, reinforcing messages from the Sherriff and Dr. Bellair. Student speakers were introduced by high school Principal, Dave Cognetti, and included Brian Withers (senior class president), Gavyn Burgdoff (student council officer) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) members Noah Down, Skye Buffa and Joey Perras.
Thank you to the Oneida County Sherriff’s Department and all Whitesboro students and faculty that participated!
