June 2006 Ulster BOCES “At-Risk” Students Recognized During Heartfelt Ceremony Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education Class of 2004 alumni Nicholas Bernier from Highland Central School District, who is a certified nursing assistant and a volunteer emergency medical technician for the Highland Fire Department, and Allana Ostling, a 2001 graduate from Saugerties Central School District, were the guest speakers. “Don’t give up after you leave here,” Ostling advised the students. “Keep going and never give up.” Bernier advised the Class of 2006 to take the next step. “I still believe the teachers at Ulster BOCES go to the extreme for the care of their students. They teach students to believe in themselves. I learned respect by going to Ulster BOCES. For you, the next step…believe in yourself.”
Barbara Zolnowski, supervisor for the Ulster BOCES Special Education program at Highland, congratulated the students and reminded them of what graduation means. “Graduation is a time of sadness because you will be leaving your peers and staff…Graduation is a time of gladness because you have achieved your goal of obtaining a high school diploma. It is a time for reflection on your experiences that formed who you are today. It’s a time to look forward to new opportunities and experiences. And, most importantly, graduation is a time for moving forward to achieve bigger dreams and bigger goals.”
“This year’s senior class has persevered,” states Rosemary Mannino, principal of the Center for Alternative Education. “These students came to us with the determination to succeed despite some huge obstacles. For many reasons, these students faced long odds trying to obtain their high school diplomas. They have learned that if they can make better choices, they can free themselves from many of the obstacles that have kept them down. I remind them that this is the school of a million and one chances. So many times I tell my students that if they can believe in themselves half as much as we do, they will succeed. Well this group certainly listened. They now leave us with solid skills and the confidence to meet the challenges that life will bring their way.”
The Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education 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.
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Amidst a sea of floating balloons and festive ribbons, a touching and emotional commencement was held for students at the Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education. Marking the achievements of each of the 12 graduating students who were once considered “at risk” of dropping out of school, the annual Recognition Ceremony was an event students will remember forever. Steeped in tradition, guests at the ceremony 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.