BOCES holds Career and Tech Night recognition

By RICHARD A. ROSS

FALLSBURG, NY — They are enrolled in courses that develop workable skills in potential future careers such as automobile technology, computer and electronics repair, communication arts, construction technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, early childhood education, health occupations, heavy equipment operation, agricultural mechanics and public safety services.

They are the students of the Sullivan County BOCES Career and Technology programs, and they spend half of their school days with dedicated and talented instructors who help these young people develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in one of these viable career paths.

The graduating seniors from the county’s eight school districts who participated in BOCES Career and Technology programs were recognized for their achievement on June 23.

Director of Secondary Personnel John Jordan commended the students on their fine efforts.

“You’ve learned skills that can be the foundation of rewarding careers,” Jordan said.

BOCES Board President Edward Furchack followed with the BOCES presentations to an outstanding Career and Tech student. That award was given to Sierra Konikowski of Eldred for her work in Health Occupations (LPN).

Savannah Puccio of Tri-Valley was the program’s student speaker. Puccio, a cosmetology student, said she was especially grateful to her inspirational teacher, Lori Scardino. To her fellow Career and Tech graduates, she said, “We’ve had a great experience. Make your future filled with your dreams and aspirations.”

Guest speaker County Court Judge Frank LaBuda offered his congratulations to the graduates. Using the film “Titanic” as a metaphor, LaBuda said this period of the students’ lives was similar in many ways.

“It’s time to say bon voyage to youth as you go into unchartered waters.”

He urged the students to avoid tragedy by being alert, aware and prepared. “Make every day count,” was something uttered by Jack in the film on the night before the great ship hit the iceberg.

“Take good care of your body and stay active,” LaBuda added. Quoting Jack’s last words to Rose before he slipped beneath the waves, LaBuda counseled the graduates to “never give up. When you think life is giving you nothing but lemons, make lemonade.”

A number of students received special awards. Jeffrey Beach of Tri-Valley won the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) award, presented by IAEI Adirondack Hudson Chapter Secretary Ron Henry. Vikki Krause, president of the Catskill Region Antique Car Club, gave out two $300 scholarships. The winners were Matthew Mueller and Matt Ziegler from Sullivan West. The winner of the Darren Foss Scholarship was Katrina Wells from Liberty High School.

Regina Wagner spoke eloquently about the life of Anastacia Martins and the efforts of the New Visions students who competed and won the NYS Skill USA competition. Martins was a member of the team and Wagner noted that the other team members, who included John Gorzynski, Melinda Kelder, Bertha Lee and Julie Goodman, dedicated their efforts to Anastacia’s memory. The team was in Kansas City last week vying for a national title.

“Loss can inspire you to do good work,” Wagner told the assembled graduates.

Each of the Career and Tech students was then called to the stage to receive their certificates and awards.

In his closing remarks, BOCES Superintendent Dr. Martin Handler thanked the component schools’ staff, the BOCES administration and the Board of Education and the “finest career and tech faculty.”

Handler thanked the parents for entrusting their children to the program. Handler closed by telling the students, “You are an exceptional group.”