POTSDAM — Three graduating high school seniors will be among the skaters performing at the Potsdam Figure Skating Club’s annual ice show at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Cheel Arena. 

Raegan Barrett, Teagan Saiff and Jazmyn Villnave have each participated in figure skating for over a decade. Congratulations, seniors!

Raegan Barrett

Raegan Barrett is the 17-year-old daughter of William and Susan Barrett of Potsdam and a graduating senior at PCS.

Currently Raegan is attending CUSP (College Unlimited at SUNY Potsdam) full time and plans to continue her education majoring in Business Administration.

In the fall, she will pursue her college career at SUNY Potsdam as a Sophomore.

Engaging in various school activities, she most enjoyed playing varsity softball, participating in National Art Honor Society and French Honor Society, as well as taking photographs for Yearbook Club and nurturing animals during Natural Resource Management class.

Aside from figure skating and her studies, Raegan also appreciates her time skiing with her dad, reading a good book, and relaxing at the lake with her (skating) family.

During third grade PE class, Raegan developed her love of the sport; she has skated with the Potsdam Figure Skating Club under the guidance of Danielle Bartow-Grant ever since.

Over the years, she’s participated, excelled and medaled in various competitions including the Empire State Winter Games, State Games of America, Excel National Festival, and more recently the 2023 Showcase Nationals. Future hopes are to compete at State Games of America in CA this summer.

Over the past 10 years Raegan has been fortunate enough to contribute and travel with four synchronized skating teams: Shooting Stars, Ice Angels, Saint Sensations & Rainbow Connection, all of which were coached by Lisa Cardinal and Michael Bartow.

She is grateful for the friends she’s created life-long memories with on and off the ice.

At skating this past year, Raegan has been working on reaching new goals and mastering past skills including her Novice MIF, Intermediate Freestyle, and more recently attaining her USFS Gold Medalist jacket for Gold Dances.

She's set a new mark to conquer and obtain yet another Gold Medal in Free Dance this spring.

All of her triumphs have been achieved with the love and encouragement of her coach; Mrs. Grant. Raegan has been fortunate in fulfilling these dreams with the support of additional coaches: Michael Bartow, Dustin Grant, Russell Green, and Jeff Petri. Currently Raegan is working with United States Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wiley.

Teagan Saiff

Teagan Saiff, a graduating senior from Potsdam High School, is set to embark on a new chapter in her life.

The daughter of Darin and Carrie Saiff, Teagan has been an integral part of the Potsdam Figure Skating Club for the past 15 years, under the guidance of her coach, Mrs. Lisa Cardinal.

During her journey as a young skater, Teagan had the opportunity to be a member of two synchronized skating teams – the Shooting Stars and Ice Angels, also coached by Lisa Cardinal. 

Teagan achieved her silver dances certification two years ago, and though she decided to step away from testing and competitions to explore other athletic interests alongside skating, she cherishes the memories created on the ice.

One of Teagan's fondest recollections involves traveling with her family to various skating competitions, including the prestigious Empire State Winter Games, where she earned multiple medals.

Through her involvement with the Potsdam Figure Skating Club, Teagan not only honed her skills but also forged enduring friendships within the broader skating community. The camaraderie fostered during competitions, ice shows, and practices has left an indelible mark on Teagan, enriching her life with cherished memories.

Throughout her high school years, Teagan demonstrated versatility and dedication beyond the ice rink. She spent eight years playing the flute in the school band, played on the Varsity Volleyball Team for four years, and three years on the Varsity Lacrosse Team.

Teagan's passion for volleyball extends beyond the school setting, as she actively engages in travel volleyball with the Seaway Smash Patriots.

Looking ahead, Teagan has chosen to pursue her academic interests at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she will major in psychology. With aspirations to delve deeper into the field of school psychology,

Teagan envisions a future dedicated to supporting students' well-being and academic success. Outside of her academic and athletic pursuits, Teagan finds joy in spending time with friends, reading a good book, and a variety of recreational activities.

Jazmyn Villnave

Jazmyn Villnave is an 18 year old graduating senior at Potsdam Central High School. She is the daughter of Christy Scheening (Andy Deon) and Jason Villnave (Tanya Green).

Her memorable figure skating journey began at the young age of 7 within the Massena Figure Skating Club, under the guidance and skill of coach Tiffany Savage. Transitioning to the Potsdam Figure Skating Club in fifth grade, she has been motivated and supported by coaches Lisa Cardinal, Michael Bartow, as well as Russell Green, who have all contributed to sharpening her skills since that time.

Over the past 11 years, Jazmyn's dedication to figure skating has seen her contributing to all four synchronized skating teams including the Shooting Stars, Ice Angels, Saint Sensations, and Rainbow Connection. Beyond gliding on the ice, she has created lasting memories and friendships with peers across our north country.

Jazmyn has most enjoyed the bonds that have been created from group competitions and the thrill of traveling to different cities and states including the Reflections Synchronized Skating Competition in PA, and Colonial Classic Synchronized Skating Competition in MA.

Jazmyn's competitive spirit also extends to various local events, including the Empire State Games in Lake Placid, Snowflake Invitational, Jr Snowflake, and the Massena Figure Skating Invitational.

 Accomplishments in moves in the field and freeskate highlight her skill on the ice, with a particular passion for dance testing. She has triumphed in preliminary, pre-bronze, bronze, pre-silver, and silver dances, currently engaged in mastering pre-gold dances, having already conquered one from this tier.

Jazmyn's interests expanded in high school sports to soccer, softball, lacrosse, and a dedicated commitment to fitness through gym workouts and weight lifting. After graduation, she envisions a different kind of discipline, aspiring to join the US Army.

Following boot camp, she plans to explore more into the study of Dental Hygiene, exhibiting her strength and determination to excel in both physical pursuits and academic endeavors.