July 2005
Moving On: 2005 Recognition & Graduation Roundup
Annual Achievement Ceremony Recognized Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Students
Summer’s arrival brought exciting moments, such as graduations and recognition ceremonies. Recently, Ulster County residents were treated to a very special event—the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center’s 34th annual Achievement Ceremony held at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston where 362 high school and 78 adult students representing over 30 career fields were recognized for their academic achievements. During this event, more than 100 scholarships and awards were also presented to students.
A Culinary Arts student from Wallkill Central School District who is planning on continuing his culinary education at Johnson & Wales University, 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’m happy about going on to college.”
Two seniors, Cosmetology students from Rondout Valley and New Paltz Central School Districts, were both excited about the prospect of college. “I’m happy I’m done. It was a good program and now I’m looking forward to college,” said the senior from Rondout Valley.
Featured guest speaker, 18-year-old Carmela Gonzalez, a service writer for Colonial Motor Cars in Kingston and a 2004 graduate of the Ulster BOCES Automotive Technology program, spoke candidly to the candidates about her own early success and how the Career & Technical Center helped her achieve it. “Do what you want to do.
Go where you want to go. Follow your dreams. For me, it was cars,” she said in closing. “Don’t think that if you are a girl, you can’t do a guy’s job or if you are a guy, you can’t do a girl’s job. You’re equal,” she told a cheering audience. “As long as you’re happy, you are successful. My advice to you is do what you want to do. Be yourself. Conquer the world, even if it’s the hardest thing to do. Congratulations.”
The Class of 2005 Valedictorian, a Carpentry student from Ellenville High School senior, looked back fondly on her two years of learning experiences at the Career & Technical Center. “I’ve learned more knowledge at the Career & Technical Center than what I could have in any other high school tech class. This school is a really great opportunity for the students of Ulster County. The Career & Technical Center prepares students for life after high school…in both trade and academic skills. This school takes a great interest in the students,” she remarked. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a really long time. This is our chance to go out and make our mark on this world, but what matters is that you are happy doing it.”
Howard Korn, director of Career & Technical Education and Adult Services at Ulster BOCES congratulated the Class of 2005 while emphasizing the importance of a career and technical education in today’s world. “The new global economy has redefined what work and college mean,” noted Korn. “Those without an education and having low-level skills, will be left out of this environment. When you chose to attend the Career & Technical Center, you made a wise decision. Keep up the pace…continue with your education,” advised Korn. “This day marks a culmination of years of work—you are outstanding, and I mean outstanding, graduates. Congratulations.”
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