January 2006 Ulster BOCES Students Recognized for Making a Difference in the Community
It was a very proud moment for many Ulster County high school students during a recent Ulster County Legislature meeting when they were recognized for their community service efforts. Student members from the Ulster BOCES National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and the Career & Technical Center chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) were recognized for participating in the Ulster County Food Pantry Consortium’s Donations of Dignity drive.
Throughout the year, Ulster BOCES NTHS students, under the guidance of their advisors Michael Fresina and Gloria Middaugh, and the FCCLA students, along with their advisor, Michelle Friedel, perform various fundraising and community service activities. Most recently, they collected various items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and diapers, etc. to benefit those less fortunate during the Ulster County Food Pantry Consortium’s seventh annual personal care items drive.
According to Fresina, it was the students’ idea to help their neighbors in need. “They organized the drive, went classroom-to-classroom to collect the items, and then decided to donate the contributions to Family House Teen Shelter in Bloomington.”
Middaugh also commended the students for their compassion and efforts. “The students felt that by participating in the drive, they were able to help so many of those who are less fortunate—teens like them—right here in their own county.”
Through community service events, such as Donations of Dignity, the students learn valuable life skills, such as organizing, planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, teamwork, and interpersonal communication—all skills needed in both the home and workplace. They also learn about the joy of giving and helping out a neighbor in need.
Victoria Langling, chairperson for the Donations of Dignity drive and Ulster County Food Pantry Consortium, invited the members of the Ulster BOCES NTHS and the FCCLA to a meeting of the Ulster County Legislature. On behalf of the Consortium, she recognized the students for their efforts in collecting five boxes of personal care items for the teen center. “Our emergency shelters and food pantries are working hard to provide the necessary food for people to stay healthy while they’re going through hard times. With your help, we are able to offer the people who rely on food pantries and shelters these ‘extras,’ like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and laundry soap. Food is important. Shelter is important. But things that make us feel good about ourselves as human beings and as people—that’s important too. That’s dignity,” noted Langling. “We truly could not have done this without you! Thank you so very much for your help.”
The National Technical Honor Society encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps top students find success in today's highly competitive workplace. In order for students to be inducted into the NTHS, there are specific requirements they must meet. A student must have displayed exceptional academic achievement, have no more than two unexcused absences, and most importantly, have a teacher recommendation.
The local chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America was formed last year at the Career & Technical Center. The FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. The students who are members of the NTHS and the FCCLA are from the Ellenville, Highland, Kingston, New Paltz, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Saugerties, and Wallkill School Districts.
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