Esports Hosts Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College Esports made history off the competitive stage Tuesday, welcoming two board members of the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) to the Canandaigua campus for a wide-ranging visit that could shape the future of scholastic esports across New York State.

Jeffrey Cheramie, ESSEF Treasurer and Science Teacher at Palmyra-Macedon High School,
and Christopher Hall, ESSEF Board Member and Business and Marketing Education Teacher at
Red Jacket Middle/High School (Manchester-Shortsville Central School District), toured FLCC's
Gaming Lab, met with FLCC Esports student-athletes in the student lounge, and engaged in
meaningful discussions about partnership opportunities at the intersection of K-12 and collegiate
competitive gaming.

"This visit represents exactly the kind of bridge-building that elevates esports as a legitimate and
lasting pathway for all students," said Professor Michael Van Etten, Faculty Director of FLCC
Esports. "What ESSEF is doing for K-12 students in New York is remarkable".

A Powerhouse Program Meets a Growing Statewide Movement

The timing of the visit is no coincidence. FLCC Esports enters 2026 with five NJCAAe Division
III National Championship titles in Rainbow Six Siege, Mario Kart 8 DX, Fortnite Build Duos,
Fortnite Zero Build Duos, and League of Legends. The program competes across more than 24
team, duo, and solo titles through the National Junior College Athletics Association Esports
League (NJCAAe)..

The ESSEF, founded by New York State educators and operating as a free-to-join, 501(c)(3)
nonprofit, serves K-12 students across public, private, and charter schools throughout the state.
Its mission - to use esports to encourage community involvement, academic achievement, and
career development in youth within a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment - resonates
strongly with FLCC's own program philosophy.
Both organizations expressed enthusiasm for continued dialogue around K-12-to-college
esports pathways, recruitment pipelines, shared events, and community outreach in the near
future.

About FLCC Esports

Finger Lakes Community College Esports is the competitive and community gaming program of
FLCC Athletics in Canandaigua, New York. The Lakers compete in the NJCAAe and other
nationally accredited intercollegiate leagues across more than 24 titles. The program has
earned five NJCAAe DIII National Championship titles and is one of the only programs in the
region to offer academic credit for esports participation. Learn more at www.flccesports.com.

About ESSEF

The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation is a free-to-join, nonprofit organization founded
by educators to foster and support scholastic esports in New York State. Run entirely by NYS
educators and volunteers, ESSEF provides K-12 students at public, private, and charter schools
across New York with high-quality competitive esports experiences.. Learn more at
www.essef.org