On Tuesday, July 7, HFM BOCES celebrated 28 students who completed the HFM PTECH and Agriculture PTECH programs this year during a socially-distanced ceremony outside of Fulton Montgomery Community College.
These students, who come from school districts across the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery region, earned their Regents high school diplomas and associate degrees through the project-based, early college high school program.
Among this year’s completing students were the first two to graduate from the Ag PTECH program. Jenna Finch and Madison Blood both earned their high school diplomas and associate degrees in animal science from SUNY Cobleskill in four years.
The other 26 students earned associate degrees from FMCC in areas including business, computer information systems, health studies, electrical technology and radiologic technology.
To open the third annual PTECH Completion Ceremony, student Abigail Douglas sang the national anthem, and student Grant Stevens, who is entering the Air Force, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
FMCC professor Paula Brown-Weinstock, who taught many of the PTECH students during their time at the college, delivered the keynote address.
Three student speakers — Rhiannon Bornt, Shawn Glionna and Heavenlee Vazquez — also took the stage to share parting words with their fellow students.
During the ceremony, each student was recognized for their accomplishments during their time in the PTECH program and received a plaque.
The following students were honored as completing the PTECH program during the 2019-20 academic year:
Madison Blood
Madison Blood completed the Agriculture PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and her associate degree in Biological Technology from SUNY Cobleskill in four years. A student from the Greater Johnstown School District, she is one of two students finishing the Ag PTECH program this year, the first two students in that program to do so.
While at Ag PTECH, Madison was a member of the school’s chapter of the FFA. She earned second place in public speaking at the state FFA competition, as well as the leadership award and the Star Chapter FFA Degree.
Madison was on the Principal’s List throughout high school and has been honored for having the highest GPA in her class. She also was recognized as being proficient in debate through global studies.
Outside of school, Madison works at Dunkin Donuts.
Madison plans to continue her education at SUNY Cobleskill to earn her bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. She aspires to ultimately receive a biology-related doctoral degree.
Jenna Finch
Jenna Finch completed the Agriculture PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and her associate degree in Animal Science from SUNY Cobleskill in four years. A student from the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, she is one of two students finishing the Ag PTECH program this year, the first two students in that program to do so.
Jenna has been a member of the Ag PTECH Chapter of FFA. Through FFA competitions, she earned awards that included the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree and the Empire Degree.
While at Ag PTECH, Jenna earned a spot on the Principal’s List every quarter.
Outside of school, Jenna works on a horse farm.
Jenna plans to continue her education at SUNY Cobleskill to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She hopes to continue her schooling after that to become a large animal veterinarian
Anne Ballou
Anne Ballou is completing the HFM PTECH program this summer, receiving her associate degree in Business Administration from FMCC.
At PTECH, Anne was on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
She was an active member of the PTECH Underwater Robotics Club that competed in the MATE ROV competitions.
Ballou plans to continue her education at SUNY Delhi to work toward her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After that, she would like to pursue her master’s degree and Juris Doctor degree to become a lawyer.
Aaron Bates
Aaron Bates completed the HFM PTECH program in December of 2019, earning his associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC.
While at PTECH, Aaron consistently made the Honor Roll.
In addition to his work at PTECH, Aaron also participated in track and field at Fonda-Fultonville High School.
Aaron is still exploring his career options but wants to build on the degree he earned through the PTECH program, possibly in the radiologic technology field.
Monique Beam
Monique Beam completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, graduating with her associate degree in Electrical Technology from FMCC.
Monique was active in PTECH’s Underwater Robotics Club and was a member of the teams that won the True Grit and Team Spirit awards during the annual MATE Underwater Robotics Competitions. A student from the Canajoharie Central School District, Monique also participated in archery competitions during her high school years.
At PTECH she has been on the Principal’s List and she was on the Dean’s List at FMCC. In 2019, Monique was awarded the New York Attorney General’s Triple C Award in recognition of the strength of her character, courage and commitment to bettering herself and her community.
Monique plans to attain her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute and then continue with additional schooling to become a medical engineer.
Rhiannon Bornt
Rhiannon Bornt completed the PTECH program this spring, graduating with her high school diploma and her associate degree from FMCC in Health Studies in four years.
She was a member of the Gloversville High School Winterguard, serving as co-captain and winning the bronze medal during the 2017-18 season.
At PTECH, Rhiannon participated in the Underwater Robotics Club, Student Government Association and Blacksmith Guild. She also was an active member of the PTECH Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Rhiannon consistently earned spots on the PTECH Honor Roll and Principal’s List and was on the Dean’s List at FMCC. She also was a member of FMCC’s academic fraternity.
Outside of school, Rhiannon has worked two jobs, at Panera Bread and Walmart. She also had an internship at HFM BOCES as a receptionist and is working as an intern at the Fulton County Visitors Center this summer.
Rhiannon received the Presidential Scholarship from Le Moyne and the Trustee Scholarship from The College of Saint Rose, where she plans to continue her education in the fall. She plans to work part time while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology. She also is interested in eventually pursuing a career in engineering.
Megan Close
Megan Close is completing the HFM PTECH program this summer, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
A student from the Greater Amsterdam School District, Megan has been on the PTECH Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
She competed in track and field, cross country and swimming for Amsterdam High School.
Megan plans to continue her education at SUNY Brockport, where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Abigail Douglas
Abigail Douglas completed the HFM PTECH program this spring and is the first student in the program to earn her associate degree in Radiologic Technology, a competitive degree pathway at FMCC.
Abigail participated in theater groups outside of school and at Fonda-Fultonville Central School, including playing the lead in their production of “Annie”. She also was on the swim team at FFCS.
She was a member of the PTECH Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Abigail was on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List throughout her time at PTECH.
Abigail plans to enter the workforce following graduation but ultimately plans to return to school to continue her education.
Rane Dutcher
Rane Dutcher completed the HFM PTECH program in December 2019, earning her associate degree in Computer Information Systems from FMCC.
She was on the Principal’s List at PTECH and on the Dean’s List at FMCC. She was a member of FMCC’s academic fraternity and was in the National Honor Society at Gloversville High School.
Rane was named the Distinguished Graduate for Computer Information Systems and received the Foundation of FMCC’s Non-Traditional Academic Achievement Award.
Rane was a member of the Underwater Robotics Club and was active in the PTECH Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, serving as vice president in 2019. She won honors at FBLA competitions, earning a spot at FBLA Nationals in 2018.
In addition, she won the Bronze Apple from the Public Policy Institute of New York State at the PTECH Film Festival.
Rane worked as an intern at Fort Plain Central School District’s IT Department.
Rane plans to go into the local workforce now, but eventually wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animation, possibly through the game art program at Champlain College.
Emily Gordon
Emily Gordon completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, graduating with her high school diploma and her associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC.
Emily, a student from the Greater Johnstown School District, was a member of PTECH’s Judicial Council.
Emily has earned spots on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List at PTECH and has been on the Dean’s List at FMCC.
Emily plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a goal of becoming a crime scene technician.
Shawn Glionna, Jr.
Shawn Glionna, Jr. completed the PTECH program this spring, earning his high school diploma and an associate degree in Business Administration in four years.
During his time at PTECH, Shawn consistently earned a spot on the Honor Roll, and he has been on the Dean’s List at FMCC. He also is a member of FMCC’s academic fraternity, the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Shawn was an active member of PTECH’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America for three years.
He played varsity football for the Gloversville Enlarged School District, and has been a referee for the Little Huskies Football program.
Shawn plans to continue his education at SUNY Oneonta, where he plans to major in business economics. His career goal is to become an accountant.
Hunter Hanrahan
Hunter Hanrahan completed the HFM PTECH this spring, graduating in four years with his high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC.
Hunter has been on the PTECH Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society at Fonda-Fultonville High School, his home district. He also was selected for membership in FMCC’s academic fraternity, the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
While at PTECH, Hunter participated in the Underwater Robotics Club.
Hunter plans to continue his education at The College of Saint Rose as a pre-med major and eventually attend medical school.
Syed Owais Husain
Syed Owais Husain completed the PTECH program this spring, having earned his high school diploma and associate degree in Electrical Technology from FMCC.
A student from the Greater Amsterdam School District, Owais was on the PTECH Principal’s List and received an award for outstanding academic achievement.
Owais was an active member of the PTECH Underwater Robotics Club and was part of the team that won the Team Spirit Award at the annual MATE ROV Underwater Robotics competition.
Outside of school, Owais had an internship with No. 22 Bicycles in Johnstown, where he was later hired and worked for two years.
Owais will continue his education at SUNY Polytechnic Institute to work toward his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Hailee Lesser
Hailee Lesser completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
A student from the Greater Amsterdam School District, Hailee participated in St. Mary’s Healthcare Medical Explorers Program.
At PTECH, she consistently earned a spot on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List, and she was on the Dean’s List at FMCC.
She currently works at Capstone Rehabilitation Center as a residential assistant.
Hailee plans to complete a nursing program in the immediate future, but hopes to continue her education after that to ultimately become a pediatrician.
Cierra Mason
Cierra Mason completed the HFM PTECH program in December of 2019, earning her associate degree in Computer Information Systems from FMCC.
Cierra, who came to PTECH from the Northville Central School District, was active in Underwater Robotics, Judicial Council, Blacksmith Guild and the PTECH Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. She won various FBLA awards at the district and state levels and attended FBLA Nationals in Baltimore.
Cierra was on the Principal’s List at PTECH and the Dean’s List at FMCC. She also was selected for membership in FMCC’s academic fraternity, the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Outside of school, she had an internship at Vails Mills State Farm Agency and was on the Information Technology Team at FMCC. She currently works at the Northville Tops store.
Cierra plans to continue her education to work toward her bachelor’s degree beginning in the fall of 2020 and wants to work in website design and development
Paul Pikul Jr.
Paul Pikul, Jr. completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning his associate degree in Business Management from FMCC in four years.
A student from the Greater Amsterdam School District, Paul is planning to continue his education to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
Jasmine Rouse
Jasmine Rouse completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
While a student at PTECH, Jasmine participated in cheerleading and soccer at the Fort Plain Central School District.
She regularly earned a spot on the PTECH Honor Roll and also has been named to the FMCC Dean’s List.
Outside of school, she has volunteered as a cheer coach for Pop Warner Little Scholars and worked at Pet Supplies Plus. Jasmine currently works at the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
Jasmine plans to continue her education at FMCC to earn her nursing degree and eventually pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.
Brianna Rymarz
Brianna Rymarz completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Business Administration from FMCC in four years.
A student in the Greater Amsterdam School District, Rymarz was a member of the Underwater Robotics Club and Student Government Association, for which she served as secretary. She also has been an active member of the PTECH chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America and has served as historian and president.
Brianna has held various jobs throughout her time at PTECH, including a seasonal job at Mountain Ridge Adventure. She currently works as a waitress at the Fonda TA, a fast food worker at HMS Host (Thruway), and as a deli clerk at the Amsterdam Walmart.
She plans to continue working at her current jobs and then attend cosmetology school in the fall of 2021. Once she has her cosmetology license, Brianna plans to use it along with her business degree to build her career.
Marcos Santiago
Marcos Santiago completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, graduating with his associate degree from FMCC in Electrical Technology.
Marcos has been on the PTECH Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
He was a member of the Amsterdam High School Track and Field team.
In 2019, Marcos worked as an intern at CG Roxane, one of PTECH’s business partners. Since completing the internship, he has begun working in the company’s apprenticeship program.
He plans to continue his education at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and major in Electrical Engineering Technologies. Marcos is looking to obtain his master’s degree while completing CG Roxane’s apprenticeship program.
Clayton Schriner
Clayton Schriner completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning his associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC.
A student from the Greater Johnstown School District, Clayton has been an active member of PTECH’s Art Club and has worked on the Dance Committee.
Outside of school, he has been working in food services.
Clayton plans to use his degree to enter the workforce and would like to get a job working in a school district. He would ultimately like to further his education and work with and help people either as a teacher, counselor or psychologist.
Kayla Sondrup
Kayla Sondrup completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and her associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
A student in the Greater Amsterdam School District, Kayla competed in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field for AHS.
She was on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List at PTECH and was on the Dean’s List at FMCC.
Outside of school, she helped with fundraising efforts for her track team.
Kayla plans to continue her education at The College of Saint Rose to work toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Michael Spiezio
Michael Spiezio completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning his associate degree from FMCC in Computer Information Systems.
Michael came to PTECH from the Greater Amsterdam School District. He plans to continue education to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
Sabrina Steenburg
Sabrina Steenburg completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and her associate degree in Business Accounting from FMCC in four years.
A student from the Greater Amsterdam School District, Sabrina was on the PTECH Honor Roll.
Outside of school, she has worked at the movie theater.
Her future plans include attending SUNY Delhi to earn her bachelor’s degree to become a veterinary technician.
Grant Stevens
Grant Stevens completed the HFM PTECH program in December of 2019, earning his associate degree in Business Administration from FMCC.
A student from the Fort Plain Central School District, Grant participated in the Underwater Robotics Club while at PTECH.
He has been working for the Village of Canajoharie doing maintenance work.
Grant is going to continue working for the Village of Canajoharie and has plans to enlist in the Air Force.
Loghan VanAlstine
Loghan VanAlstine completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning a degree in Business Management from FMCC in four years.
A student from the Fort Plain Central School District, Loghan’s immediate plans include entering the regional workforce.
Heavenlee Vazquez
Heavenlee Vazquez completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
She participated in the Battle of the Books and the Key Club at Gloversville High School. She also has been a member of the PTECH Underwater Robotics Club, Video Club, Drama Club and the Student Government Association.
An active member of the PTECH Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, Heavenlee has served as president and secretary and earned multiple awards at FBLA competitions.
Heavenlee has been on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List at PTECH and the Dean’s List at FMCC and was the recipient of FMCC’s annual F.A.C.E. Award, which is a scholarship given to four graduating or continuing students who have demonstrated academic achievement and show promise of future success.
Heavenlee was offered an internship at Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Emergency Management Unit.
She plans to continue her education at SUNY Oneonta, where she will major in political science with a concentration in pre-law and a minor in international studies. She then plans to enroll in a master’s program in one of those areas of study and eventually either work for Doctors Without Borders in disease control or have a career as an immigration or defense attorney.
Emilee Walendziak
Emilee Walendziak completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her associate degree from FMCC in Health Studies in four years.
A student from the Gloversville Enlarged School District, Walendziak was in the Drama Club and on the Prom Committee while at PTECH.
Emilee has been on the PTECH Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
Outside of school, she completed an internship in Hospice.
Emilee plans to continue her education at the College of Saint Rose, where she will major in Early Childhood Education and Adolescent Psychology.
She ultimately wants to obtain her master’s degree in Early Education and become a special education teacher.
Madison Willis
Madison Willis completed the HFM PTECH program this spring, earning her high school diploma and associate degree in Health Studies from FMCC in four years.
While at PTECH, Madison was on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
In her home district, Madison competed in junior varsity and varsity volleyball and softball for the Mayfield Junior/Senior High School.
Outside of school, Madison works at Lakeside Restaurant. She has held internships at the Fulton County Regional SPCA and Mountain Valley Hospice.
Her future plans include continuing her education at The College of Saint Rose, where she will major in biology. After she earns her bachelor’s degree, Madison plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
