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Career and
Tech honors 2011 graduates
Student Recognition Program celebrates achievements and
service
 JOHNSTOWN
- A warm evening and enthusiastic crowd greeted one of the
largest classes to graduate from HFM BOCES Career & Technical
Center during a program in their honor in Fulton-Montgomery
Community College’s gymnasium on Tuesday, June 21.
Career and Technical Center Director Jay DeTraglia opened the
ceremony by recognizing the BOCES Board of Education and
thanking them for their considerable contributions. Mr.
DeTraglia introduced Criminal Justice student Lauren Trojan from
Broadalbin-Perth to lead the audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
 Greeting his first graduating class as district superintendent,
Dr. Patrick Michel congratulated the more than 280 students for
their achievement, and asked them to give a round of applause
for their parents, friends and teachers there to support them.
“You have taken the admirable step of not only achieving your
academic goals, but also preparing yourself for a job,” Dr,
Michel said. “The kind of work you have trained for is very
important, and we need you to do that work to move this country
forward.”
After thanking parents and staff for their considerable efforts
and support, Board of Education President Robert Townsend
commended the students for making the choice—and the
commitment—to complete their high school diploma as well as a
rigorous course of vocational training at HFM BOCES.
“Your dedication and passion for excellence are cornerstones of
a successful and fulfilling year,” Mr. Townsend told the
students, explaining how their efforts, backed by the support of
family and friends, have prepared them for the next phase of
their lives.
He went on to lament how corruption, deceit and lack of respect
have become commonplace in today’s world, but how that could be
changed by a new generation with passion and character.
“The cornerstones of character are trust, honesty and respect,”
Mr. Townsend told the class. “Never compromise your personal
integrity.”
Completing the circle
 Each year a student is selected to speak as a representative of
the graduating class. Amsterdam senior Sieara Fraczek, a
graduate of the Equine Science program, spoke about the
opportunities she and her classmates had been given at BOCES.
“Did I see horses as a hobby or a career opportunity?” Miss
Fraczek said she posed that question while she considered
attending the HFM BOCES equine science program. “Ultimately the
opportunities to gain people skills and communications skills,
along with the advanced training I received at BOCES, have
defined my direction for the future.”
She outlined her plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill—pursuing a
degree in equine science—followed by a Master’s degree in
education, culminating in her return to a BOCES to teach equine
science to a new generation of students.
“I want to complete the circle and give back all that has been
given to me through BOCES,” Miss Fraczek said.
With those words, the 2011 graduates of the HFM BOCES Career &
Technical Center stepped into their lives after high school.
Career and Tech Administrative Coordinator Duilio Viscusi
introduced the teachers from each of the 17 technical programs
who recognized their students as they proceeded to the stage.
High school seniors and adult learners shared the applause as
they were honored for their achievements.
 In addition to the recognitions presented to students in each
program, winners were announced for five major awards:
Dr. Geoffrey H. Davis Memorial Award
- presented to New Visions Health student Cody Gifford of
Mayfield.
HFM BOCES Teachers' Association Award
- presented to Broadalbin-Perth students Cody Waite (Digital
Multimedia) and Caitlyn Fuelleman (Careers in Education).
NBT Bank Award recipients
were Cosmetology student Victoria A. Glasser of Canajoharie and
Digital Multimedia student Matthew Hough of Gloversville.
HFM Superintendents' Association Award
was given to Home Health and Child Care Aide student Ashley
Nicole Palmateer of Johnstown and Careers in Education student
Jonathan Micheal Wavres of Amsterdam.
HFM BOCES Professional Student Award
was presented to Equine Science student Sieara Fraczek of
Amsterdam and Criminal Justice and Security II student Travis L.
Vance of Fort Plain.
For a complete list of all awards and scholarships earned by
Career & Tech students in 2011, click
here.
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