As always, it was the students who were the stars — from the impressive group of culinary students, who prepared and served a delicious meal, to the student speakers.
BOCES Board President Sandi Jeanette and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Jean Marsico kicked off the evening by thanking the more than 50 attendees for their continued support of BOCES.
North Rockland and Carpentry alum Jordan Hernandez (Class of 2008) spoke eloquently about how a career and technical education has benefited him. From competing in regional and state SkillsUSA competitions to being awarded scholarships from the Rockland County and State Home Builders Association and starting his college career with several credits “ under his carpenter’s belt”, Mr. Hernandez couldn’t have deliver a better testimonial. He is now an Assistant Manager at a major construction company in Brooklyn.
In his address, first year P-TECH student Luis Lopez (North Rockland) spoke from the heart about how being a P-TECH student has literally changed his life. “Now, I want to go to school every day,” Mr. Lopez said. He talked how his P-TECH peers appreciate the high level of encouragement and support they receive from P-TECH staff, and each other, every day.
Launched just two years ago, Hudson Valley P-TECH is an integrated, six-year STEM program with a rigorous academic curriculum, targeted technical training and comprehensive workplace learning
Parent speakers included Julia Agosto, mother of alumni Ella Frommelt and Ami Davenport, mother Hilltop student, Sam.
Ella Frommelt (Nanuet Union Free School District), is an alum of district –based programs at the South Orangetown Middle School and Suffern High School. She is currently enrolled in the Honors program at RCC.
Sam Davenport is a current student at Hilltop.
Both parents spoke with pride about their child’s social and academic success while at BOCES.
To see what programs and services Rockland BOCES is offering in 2016-2017 year, click here.