|
Growing Career and Tech Center graduates largest class
 The
largest class to ever graduate from the HFM BOCES Career &
Technical Center gathered with family, friends, teachers and
staff to celebrate the completion of their studies during a
program in their honor in Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s
gymnasium on June 24.
On a clear summer evening, the class of 260 students was
recognized for their participation in 17 different technical
programs. High school seniors and adult learners shared the
stage as they were recognized for their achievements.
 In
his welcoming comments, CTC Director Jay DeTraglia recognized
the contribution of Josephine Watts, who is retiring after 24
years of volunteer service on the BOCES Board of Education. Mrs.
Watts was presented an honorary Career & Technical Center
certificate of completion.
 “I
just want to point out to everyone that this school is filled
with outstanding, and sneaky, people,” Mrs. Watts jokingly told
the audience. She was not told of the plans to honor her when
she was invited to attend.
Guest speakers included HFM BOCES Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey H.
Davis, Cosmetology student Alicia Case from St. Johnsville,
Construction Technology student Schuyler Duross from Johnstown,
and HFM BOCES Board of Education President Robert Townsend.
Dr. Davis reminded students that the opportunity to participate
in a BOCES program includes an element of risk. They had left
their familiar home school and faced an unknown environment, he
said, and were rewarded with skills and ambitions they didn’t
have as a sophomore.
“The lesson for us all,” Dr. Davis said, “is that measured risk
– not foolish risk – is typically rewarded.”
  Both
student speakers echoed that sentiment in their comments. Alicia
spoke about her first days and the fear she felt in a new place.
Today she says she is confident and ready for the next step of
her career. Schuyler characterized his choice to go to BOCES as
the best decision he ever made.
Board of Education President Robert Townsend singled out the
BOCES staff for special appreciation.
“Your passion, dedication and willingness to be there for your
students is responsible for the growth of these programs,”
Townsend said.
At the conclusion of the remarks, the teachers in each program
took the stage, and one by one their students came forward to
receive their certificates of completion. Cheers and applause
met each student, and many parents and friends waved and snapped
photos as students left the stage.
In addition to the recognitions presented to students in each
program, winners were announced for five major awards:
HFM BOCES Teachers' Association Award
was presented to Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
student Bradley Bailey of Amsterdam and Digital Multimedia
student Jen Toomer of Gloversville..
Fulton-Montgomery United Scholarship
- was awarded to Culinary Arts student Jonathon Brian Hill of
Canajoharie and Criminal Justice student LeAnn Pratt of
Gloversville.
NBT Bank Award recipients
were Culinary Arts student James Sidney Rorick of Fonda-Fultonville
and Construction Technology student Alicia Brown of Fonda-Fultonville.
HFM Superintendents' Association Award
was given to Cosmetology student Alicia Case of St. Johnsville.
HFM BOCES Professional Student Award
was presented to Criminal Justice student Amanda
DeLeon of Amsterdam and Construction Technology student Schuyler
Duross of Johnstown.
For a complete list of all awards and scholarships earned by
Career & Tech students in 2008,
click here. |
