July 2004
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt. 1301

Moving On: 2004 Recognition & Graduation Roundup

About: Career & Technical Center Alternative High School Special Education Surgical Technolgy

Annual Achievement Ceremony Recognized Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Students

The 33rd annual Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center Achievement Ceremony recognized 383 high school and 30 adult students representing over 30 career fields. More than 100 scholarships and awards were also presented to students.

An Electrical Construction student from Wallkill Central School District who is planning on continuing his education at Hudson Valley Community College, was all smiles at the ceremony, eager to forge his way into the next phase of his educational career. "The program at the Career & Technical Center was just awesome," he said. "I've had fun while learning in a hands-on environment. The program has taught me good electrical theory, which has prepared me for a higher quality job in the field."

A Microsoft Applications student from Kingston City Schools Consolidated who plans on expanding her skills learned at the Career & Technical Center by studying international business at college, had mixed emotions about her graduation. "I'm excited, but also sad. I'm going to miss all of my friends and teachers. I learned so much here."

Featured guest speaker Paul Provost, vice-president of Trailways, spoke to the candidates about his own success and that of the graduates. "Many of you have received the basic introduction to well-valued trades. The question now is how do we become successful? There are many degrees of success. We must be successful in our own daily lives-all of us have to be happy in our own skin.success is based on education, training, hard work, and discipline. These are the cornerstones of life."

The Valedictorian, a Criminal Justice student and Kingston High School senior, looked back fondly on her two years of learning experiences at the Career & Technical Center. "Attending the Career & Technical Center gave me the opportunity to explore the field I was interested in-Criminal Justice-and I have now chosen this as my career. My instructor, Mr. Ingellis, once said, 'Life is not a dress rehearsal.' The Career & Technical Center helps you to focus on what you want to accomplish in life. It sets you on your way. You, my fellow graduates, have taken a first step-getting an excellent education through the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center. Be tolerant of each other. Be respectful of others. Listen to the old ones, they know; and don't be a bean bag just lying around letting life pass you by."

Howard Korn, director of Career & Technical Education and Adult Services at Ulster BOCES took to the stage and congratulated the Class of 2004, emphasizing the importance of a career and technical education in today's world. "The Career & Technical Center offers programs that spark interest in school. It's an opportunity to coordinate academics and a career and technical education. We develop academics and technical skills in a safe environment. Technical students are more likely to attend college, have a higher grade point average, and stay in college. Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center is proving we make a difference."

Ulster BOCES Alternative School Students Are Recognized During Heartfelt Ceremony

There wasn't a dry eye in the house during the recent Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education's (the A-School's) annual Recognition Ceremony, which marks the achievements of each of the graduating students. Steeped in tradition, guests witnessed heartfelt exchanges between students and staff, including many shared fond and "funny" memories. Each speaker reinforced the deep, caring bond that is a trademark of the school's setting.

A graduate from Kingston City Schools Consolidated, who was also recognized as Class of 2004 Valedictorian, addressed his fellow classmates. "The future is ours and we must now grasp it and conquer all its battles. May all of you become what you want in life and go where you would like to go. May you continue to strive for all your dreams until you have accomplished each and every one of them." He gave a heartfelt thanks to the staff "for making me laugh and smile and feel part of this school." He closed by saying, "To all my classmates, may the rest of your lives be as great as mine has been for knowing each and every one of you. Congrats."

Class of 2001 alumna Alanna Ostling of Saugerties Central School District was the guest speaker. She shared her memories of the A-School and encouraged the graduates to succeed. "I remember three years ago when I was sitting where you are and to this day, that's the only thing I ever brag about. I don't like to brag about much, but when you're almost dropping out of school, and then you make it to graduation day, you can brag about it 24/7." Ostling spoke of three tragedies that struck her this past year, including loosing a cousin and close friend to car accidents and the passing of her grandfather. "I wanted at that point to give up.but nothing should get in your way of success. My words of wisdom I'd like to share with all of you today is never fail your success. Congratulations to all of you."

Rosemary Mannino, principal of the A-School, addressed the audience filled with parents, family, and friends of the graduating class. "You should be really proud of these students. They have really overcome some obstacles, but they didn't let that get in the way of their goal-graduation." Mannino then smiled out at the seniors clad in their caps and gowns. "Many of you told me this day would never come-I am glad you were wrong. You guys are awesome! Congratulations!"

The A-School offers a full academic program approved by the New York State Education Department. Students receive academic credits for their coursework and upon completion of all required coursework and exams earn their high school diplomas from their home school districts. The mission of the school is to provide at-risk students with additional chances for success in a safe, supportive school community. Students are able to reconnect with themselves, and others, as well as establish career goals through creative academic and hands-on learning experiences. The program's objective is to reduce the dropout rate by improving attendance and completion of academic goals.

Ulster BOCES Special Education Students Shine During Recognition Ceremony

Amidst balloons and smiles, the air at the Ulster BOCES Conference Center in New Paltz was filled with excitement and anticipation as the students who were enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Special Education program eagerly waited for the annual Recognition Ceremony to begin. Students and their families, faculty, staff, and guests were treated to a big screen slideshow of the school's digital yearbook, which highlighted many touching moments from throughout the school year.

One candidate for graduation from the Onteora Central School District attributed his success to his family and the staff at Ulster BOCES Special Education at Tillson. "As of last year, I was not doing too good with school. I was skipping school with my friends and doing what I wanted to do. I was hurting my mom and those who loved me. I thought it was a joke, but it is not something that you or anybody should do. I did not want to stay out in the streets (any) more, so I went home and back to school. My love goes out to my mother, stepfather, and my real dad. Thank you for pushing me so hard in life. Without them, I would not be here today." He then thanked the many teachers and staff members from Tillson who supported him. "Thank you to all.for helping me when I needed you the most. Good luck to all the graduates."

Many students were recognized for their great academic efforts, as well as achievements in citizenship, physical education, technology, art, music, occupational therapy, speech, best work ethic, most-improved academics and behavior, and successful mainstreaming back into their home school districts.

The staff at Tillson nominated a student from Highland Central School District for the "Yes I Can!" Foundation for Exceptional Children's award and received a Certificate of Excellence in Athletics from the Foundation for his outstanding athletic achievements.

A fellow student from the Rondout Valley Central School District was the recipient of the Ulster BOCES Teacher Organization Scholarship. A student from the Wallkill Central School District and one from the Saugerties Central School District received the Ulster BOCES Teaching Assistants' and Aides' Organization Scholarship. A Wallkill Central School District student was awarded the Secretaries and Office Workers' Scholarship.

"What is success?" Marlene Anderson-Butler, director of Special and Alternative Education at Ulster BOCES, asked the group of students who were either graduating, moving up to high school or middle school, or returning to their home school district. "Accomplishing schoolwork? Working with computers? Graduating? Success in the dictionary states, 'The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted; a favorable or desired outcome.' Our students have overcome many obstacles to achieve success. This is their moment to shine on a job well done."

The students in Ginger Glynn's class at Tillson closed the ceremony by singing a beautiful rendition of "Lean on Me," conducted by Ulster BOCES Special Education music therapist Jeff Siegel.

"Many of the students excel to a degree beyond their capabilities. They try really hard and overcome insurmountable odds. It's great to see them doing so well," said Anne Kelly, supervisor of Special Education at Tillson and Rondout Valley.

Added Barbara Zolnowski, supervisor of Special Education at New Paltz and Highland, "All of these young adults have had their personal challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to be here today. We hope the lessons they learned, the skills they mastered, and the friends they made will remain with them always. We wish them all the very best."

Ulster BOCES School of Surgical Technology Students Graduate

The students in the Ulster BOCES School of Surgical Technology program, along with their family, friends, and community members, had a lot to celebrate recently. Travelling from many areas, including Kingston, Lake Katrine, West Park, and Poughkeepsie, the Class of 2004 surgical technologists (techs) came together one final time to commemorate their achievements at a graduation dinner and ceremony held at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen.

The Ulster BOCES School of Surgical Technology is unique because it is currently one of only ten accredited Surgical Technology training programs in New York State (one of only two in a BOCES setting) and has received accreditation from the commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Ulster BOCES School of Surgical Technology program consists of 970 hours of study, half clinical and half didactic studies. Under the direction of instructor Joan Manka, RN, BSN, CNOR, the graduates learned how to master instrumentation surgery skills, which places these aspiring surgical technologists in a position of great value to surgeons across the country.

"It was a tough, but good program," stated graduate James Palmatier of Kingston, who is currently a nursing assistant at the Northern Dutchess Hospital's Thompson House in Rhinebeck. "I will now pursue being a surgical technologist full-time. I wanted to be able to travel, and getting certified as a surgical technologist will allow me to travel and still work in this field. I'm ready to go out there now and embark upon a new career."

Fellow graduate and recipient of an award for "Outstanding Performance in a Clinical Setting" Jacqueline Woolcock of Poughkeepsie, who works full-time as a technician in the urology department at Vassar Brothers Hospital, found the learning experience in the Surgical Technology program to be an excellent one. "I've always been in the medical field, and in addition to my interest, I was proud and honored that my co-worker and supervisor at Vassar recommended me to participate in the Ulster BOCES School of Surgical Technology," remarked Woolcock, who added that the program was a great introduction to the OR (operating room) and allowed her to have a better understanding of what happens in the OR. "I have learned a whole lot from this program. It really made a difference in my career."

Class representative Christine O'Shea of Poughkeepsie, who also received an "Academic Achievement" award, discussed the definition of unique in her student address. "We are a group that has come from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. As different as we may all be, we have come together to train and excel in the field of Surgical Technology, a unique challenge. We have had the privilege to study here at Ulster BOCES.in future years we will be proud to say we are past students," stated O'Shea, adding, "Today, life is good. We are making plans and are setting out to conquer our worlds. Those worlds may be unique to us, but they have one thing in common-the time we spent at Ulster BOCES perfecting our skills as surgical technologists."

Area hospitals that offered their facilities to these students for training were Vassar Brothers and St. Francis Hospitals, Poughkeepsie; Benedictine Hospital and the Hurley Avenue Surgical Center, Kingston; Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson; Northern Dutchess Hospital, Rhinebeck; St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh; and Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown.

There are many career options available to the graduates, ranging from becoming career surgical techs who choose to stay local and work on specialized surgical teams, such as heart transplant, etc., to continuing on to become RN (Registered Nurse) circulators in the OR (operating room), while others may obtain degrees and become representatives for surgical supply companies or become traveling technicians (after passing the national certification exam).

"The program provides healthcare communities with a practitioner who is certified and has the knowledge base and skills to assure competent care in the operating room setting," said Marita Kitchell, supervisor of Health Occupations and New Visions at Ulster BOCES, adding that as a direct result of this course, most of the graduates have already gained employment at area medical facilities.