Twenty students from nine Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery area school districts were honored as program completers at the HFM PTECH Completion Ceremony, held Wednesday, May 21, at the Rao Theater on the SUNY FMCC campus.
PTECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a unique six-year program designed to blend high school, college, and workplace experiences. It offers students individual pathways to success through mentorship, project-based learning, and real-world applications.
These students not only met all New York State Regents Diploma requirements, but also completed coursework toward associate degrees at either SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College or SUNY Cobleskill entirely tuition-free.
PTECH Principal Dr. Jim Niedermeier welcomed the audience before HFM BOCES Board of Education President Matt Sullivan delivered opening remarks, congratulating students on their achievements.
Michael Feldman, recruitment manager at The Arc Lexington—a long-time business partner of the program and frequent contributor to professional skills development—delivered the keynote address. Feldman told the completers they don’t need to have their entire future figured out, emphasizing that success comes from taking the first step, being willing to learn, and continuing forward even when uncertain.
“You don’t need the whole plan. You just need a starting point,” he told those in attendance.
After his words of encouragement, Feldman challenged the new PTECH completers to apply their skills and experiences in real situations.
“Take what you’ve built here, go put it to use, and see where it takes you,” he said.
Greater Amsterdam School District student Giovanni Schaffer also addressed his classmates. He spoke about how PTECH is not just a school, but rather a community that helps shape who students become, and that graduation is not an ending, but the beginning of life beyond it.
“This is not our final goodbye, this is our first greeting to the world as adults.”
Additional speakers included SUNY Cobleskill Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darcy Medica and SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College Dean of Student Affairs Arlene Spencer, who presented special student recognitions.
The ceremony also included recognition of PTECH students from all grade levels for their achievements throughout the academic year. Awards were presented to students who demonstrated excellence in leadership, professionalism, academic success, resilience, and community involvement.
The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from PTECH Assistant Principal Erika Haggerty, who highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of the completers in earning their high school diplomas as well as college degrees.
“Each of you have not only completed high school, but also earned an associate’s degree, making it even clearer just how remarkable this accomplishment is,” Haggerty said.
As the ceremony concluded, Haggerty left students with a final message.
“I encourage you to carry this achievement with confidence. Let it remind you of what you are capable of. Keep reaching for the stars, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. And remember, no matter where life takes you, your PTECH family will always be in your corner.”
• The following students have earned their New York State Regents diplomas and their associate degrees from SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College, hereby completing the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES PTECH program: Samantha Allen, Mackenzie Barkley, Alanea Geweye, Nora Meyer, Caitlin Olsen, Anthony Otto, Cameron Pigott, Parker Powers, Patrick Richmond, Giovanni Schaffer, Samantha Seydi, Christopher Szabo, Lucas Tate-Pettit
• The following students have earned their New York State Regents diplomas and their associate degrees from SUNY Cobleskill, hereby completing the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES PTECH program: Giana Cross, Jamie Danforth, Emma Flores, Katana Gonzalez, Mason Rathbun, Heather Romaine, Zachary Young
