Twenty-seven students from nine Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery area school districts were honored as program completers at the eighth annual HFM PTECH Completion Ceremony, held Wednesday, May 21 at the HFM BOCES 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 for associate degrees at either SUNY Fulton Montgomery Community College or SUNY Cobleskill—entirely tuition-free.
HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. David Ziskin and Board of Education President Matt Sullivan delivered opening remarks, congratulating students on their achievements.
Keynote speaker Reverend Doctor Laurie Garramone addresses the crowd.
Keynote speaker Reverend Doctor Laurie Garramone, Rector of St. John’s Church in Johnstown, shared personal reflections on her experiences with PTECH students over the years. She spoke about the vibrant energy and thoughtfulness that defines the program, noting, “I am always inspired by the spirit and energy of PTECH whenever I come and spend time with you, as if good ideas and question marks are sort of floating around in the air as I walk down the hallways, which is the right blend! Today is no different.”
Garramone encouraged students to embrace their curiosity and keep looking forward, even in challenging times. She quoted renowned physicist Stephen Hawking:
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”
Building on Hawking’s wisdom, she left students with a final, heartfelt piece of advice: “Find your joy. Keep your head up. Expect the unexpected.”
PTECH completer Brooklyn Vasquez gets chuckles from her teachers and the crowd during her speech.
Broadalbin-Perth Central School District’s Brooklyn Vasquez also addressed her fellow completers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
“The world needs thinkers, creators, builders, and doers,” Vasquez remarked. “May we never stop asking questions, laughing through the confusion, and learning—every single day.”
Additional speakers included PTECH completer Devyn Burtt, 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 concluded with heartfelt remarks from PTECH school counselor Jennifer Sponnoble, who urged students to support those around them.
“Remember the people around you that might need a lift, a kind word, support or encouragement,” Sponnoble said. “Every one of us needs it from time to time.”
Other highlights of the ceremony included:
- The National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance was performed by Nora Meyer.
- The HFM BOCES Teachers’ Association Scholarship was presented to Addison Farrington.
- The following students were honored for having a cumulative average of 90% or higher throughout every semester of their PTECH career: Jacob Blais, Gayleen Budhoo, Aaron Lopez, Logan Mitchell, Quinten Morse, Andrew Satas, Brooklyn Vasquez.
- 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: Aidanrose Achzet, Jacob Blais, Devyn Burrtt, Liam Donde, Addison Farrington, Ethan Germond, Payton Insonia, Aaron Lopez, David Martuscello, Nolan Meyer, Olivia Michalski, Logan Mitchell, Yadiel Morales-Diaz, Quinten Morse, Joseph Pinto, Bianca Rorick, Andrew Satas, Logan Smith, Riley Sweet, John Vargas, Brooklyn Vasquez
- 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: Gayleen Budhoo, Gavin Freeman, Holden Rose, Trenton Sanders, Alexis Sherman, Samantha Totten
