Christine Reilly, a 1991 graduate of the Westmoreland Central School District, spoke with the media productions class about her journey to becoming a Captain at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

Reilly, who began her law enforcement career 32 years ago, shared that this path wasn’t always part of her plan. “I was actually thinking about physical therapy, but quite honestly, I wasn’t really thinking of the future,” she told Westmoreland senior Mackenzie Hayes. Despite the unplanned start, Reilly has achieved a level of success she never imagined.

As Captain, she now supervises the entire patrol division, monitors calls, handles personnel complaints, and oversees accreditations and policy development. “I’m doing kind of a lot of different stuff here and wearing a lot of different hats,” she explained.

Reflecting on her time at Westmoreland, Reilly described it as a community that has grown significantly over the years. As a student, she was deeply involved in athletics, playing basketball, running cross country, and serving as captain of the track team.

To students uncertain about their future, Reilly offered this advice: “Try and do a ride-along or get up to the sheriff’s office and kind of see what it’s really all about. Talk to some people—they can guide you.”

A big thank you to Captain Reilly for sharing her time, experience, and insight with the media productions class!

Darryl Yaddaw, a 1991 graduate of Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School, recently reflected on his high school experience and how it helped launch his career in aviation. In an interview with Media Productions student Mackenzie Hayes, Yaddaw shared his journey from the halls of Westmoreland to the skies above the U.S.

After high school, Yaddaw attended Mohawk Valley Community College before transferring to SUNY Oswego, where he earned a degree in marketing. But his true passion had always been flying. "I knew ever since my pre-teen years that I wanted to be a pilot," he said. After college, he entered the workforce and began taking flying lessons.

Today, Yaddaw is a flight captain for JetBlue Airways. His schedule varies depending on his assigned flights. “We could be getting up at 3 a.m. to head to work or at 5:00 in the afternoon,” he explained. Regardless of the time, he arrives at least an hour before departure to meet his flight crew and review important flight information. Together, the team performs safety inspections and prepares the aircraft for takeoff.

Over the years, Yaddaw has flown to numerous cities across the United States, but one destination remains a favorite. “Washington, D.C. has so many things to do, and so much of it is free—from the Air and Space Museum to the Smithsonian,” he shared.

During his time at Westmoreland, Yaddaw was actively involved in sports, participating in football, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. He encourages students to start pursuing their interests early. “Talk to as many people as you can in the field, go down to the airport and just get involved with it—saturate yourself with it,” he advised.

Thank you, Darryl Yaddaw, for sharing your story and providing insight into the exciting world of aviation!

For Herb Hand, football is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong calling rooted in passion, purpose, and people. A proud 1988 graduate of the Westmoreland Central School District, Hand has built a successful career in collegiate football and currently serves as a coach at Florida State University.

Hand's coaching philosophy goes beyond Xs and Os. “My favorite part about my job is having the opportunity to work with these young men on a daily basis—to mentor them, to guide them, and to teach them not only about football, but about life in general,” he said.

He emphasizes the dual responsibility of a coach: to build skilled athletes and shape strong individuals. “Our goal as coaches is to obviously develop the best football players that we can, but also, when a guy gets done playing for you, you want them to be the best husbands, fathers, and members of their community—you want them to be the best in every aspect of their life.”

Hand's love for sports began right here in Westmoreland through youth athletics. He went on to play football at Hamilton College, but his desire to coach never wavered. “It’s a great profession,” he said. “But it takes a lot of time and it can’t be a hobby.”

As a recruiter, he looks for more than just talent. “I want guys who love the game of football,” he said—echoing the same passion that launched his own journey decades ago.

Despite his national career, Hand remains deeply connected to his roots. “My favorite part about being a Westmoreland community member is my friends and the relationships I still have to this day,” he said, adding that much of his family still lives in the area.

His message to current Westmoreland students? “It’s a small community, but it’s a tight-knit community, and I always say, ‘Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.’” He credits the unwavering support of the community as a key factor in his success.

From the fields of Westmoreland to the stadiums of Florida State, Coach Herb Hand continues to inspire the next generation—on and off the field.

Samantha Wessing, a 2008 graduate of Westmoreland Central School District, has always had a passion for forecasting—whether it’s the weather or the future of workforce development.

Today, Samantha plays a vital role at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), where she runs apprenticeship programs for manufacturers in the Mohawk Valley. Her work helps prepare the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring local industry has the talent it needs to thrive.

But that’s just one of the many hats she wears. Samantha is also a part-time meteorologist at WKTV in Utica, where she brings her love for weather to the screen. Additionally, she reads college applications for an institution in Massachusetts, helping guide students through another important milestone in their lives.

Her journey into meteorology began right here at Westmoreland. “Westmoreland offered classes in meteorology, and I took advantage of those opportunities,” Samantha said. She attended SUNY Oswego to study meteorology, building on the foundation she formed in high school. “I ran track and field and really enjoyed predicting the weather for our meets.”

Samantha credits her wide-ranging experiences at Westmoreland as key to shaping who she is today. “It’s the experiences at Westmoreland that make it such a special place,” she said. A proud Bulldog, she was involved in marching band, drama club, soccer, track, volleyball, and indoor track.

“It’s just amazing that we have these opportunities at Westmoreland that a lot of other kids don’t,” she added. “My experiences and everything I did there helped make me who I am today.”

From science to service, Samantha Wessing is proof that a strong start in a supportive school community can lead to a future full of possibility—and a forecast that’s always looking bright.