Pictured, from left, are Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies Phillip Lombardo, Josh Schauman and Chad Bargar; Allyssa Seeley, daughter of Mike Seeley and recipient of the Miracle Marcia Rambacher Scholarship; and Kim Rambacher, husband of Marcia Rambacher. P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

Much like other students in attendance for Bemus Point Central District’s 17th annual Academics Award Night, Allyssa Seeley received an award. However, upon receiving her award she was surpised and embraced by three Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies.

Allyssa is the daughter of former Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputy Mike Seeley, who passed away on Feb. 9 earlier this year after battling acute myeloid leukemia.

The three deputies, Chad Bargar, Phillip Lombardo and Josh Schauman walked down through the auditorium as Allyssa received her award.

“We’re here representing Mike Seeley to congratulate his daughter on the award she’s receiving tonight,” Lombardo said prior to the surprise. “Because he could not be here.”

The surprise was met with tears and joy.

The Miracle Marcia Rambacher Scholarship, the award Allyssa received, was created in memory of Marcia Rambacher, who battled breast cancer for 17 years and later passed away. She was a graduate of Bemus Point and a former faculty member.

Kim Rambacher, husband of Marcia for 42 years, presented the award to Allyssa.

He explained that the recipient of the award has to showcase strength and compassion. Characteristics he said Allyssa showed throughout the school year by having to endure the loss of her father while keeping up with school work. She was also instrumental in raising money for her father while he was battling leukemia.

“To this day, Marcia’s wisdom and advice continues to give me strength as I walk on,” he said. “This recipient of the Miracle Marcia Rambacher Scholarship has shown the same inspiration and strength that Marcia showed to others.”

Along with the scholarship, Allyssa received a book Kim Rambacher wrote detailing his wife’s journey dealing with cancer.

Principal Julie Verdonik, who organized the surprise along with Sashene Bargar — wife of Chad Bargar — and Allyssa’s family, knew Marcia Rambacher and was more than willing to help Allyssa and the deputies.

“(The deputies) wanted to support Allyssa and let her know that this is a tough time but they’re here as well and we thought it might be nice if they went up when she got the award just to support her,” Verdonik said.

And they did, and Allyssa was not alone.