What is Ulster BOCES?
Gabrielle Perea

Ulster BOCES means different things to different people.

To Gabrielle Perea, a former Center for Alternative Education student, Ulster BOCES means being given a second chance at leading a successful life. “Ulster BOCES gave me a push in the right direction,” claims Gabrielle, who was able to get her life back on track and even become the Center for Alternative Education’s Class of 2006 salutatorian.

Moving to Ulster County from the city of Miami in 2001, Gabrielle was faced with many logistical and cultural changes, especially once she entered the Saugerties High School. “It was so different, coming from a city,” recalls Gabrielle. “It was a big change for me. I didn’t fit in. Eventually, I became really depressed and wound up going to Four Winds for awhile.”

Upon her release from the Four Winds facility, Gabrielle was enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education’s Intensive Day Treatment (IDT) program. “While I was being transitioned back into school, my mother and I talked to the administrators at Saugerties about other alternatives besides going back to Saugerties High School. They recommended the Ulster BOCES Alternative High School.”

It did not take long for Gabrielle to fit right in with her new academic surroundings. “I felt comfortable pretty much the first day,” recalls Gabrielle. “I also knew one of the girls who had transferred from IDT with me, so it helped to be with someone I knew.” Gabrielle felt comfortable in the Center for Alternative Education’s environment. “It was more like what I was used to so it was easier to adjust to right away. A lot of the teachers, like Dawn Krom, Ruben Quintero, and Principal Rosemary Mannino, were very supportive.”

Gabrielle soon began to succeed both academically and emotionally. “It was easier to concentrate in class. The classes were much smaller and there was a lot of one-on-one. I felt comfortable at the Alternative School. The staff actually cared what you had to say; they didn’t just blow you off. They were willing to work with you and that’s what was great.”

As part of her education at the Center for Alternative Education, Gabrielle also attended classes at the Career & Technical Center in the Cosmetology program. “I really liked the program. It was something that I didn’t know schools taught until I moved here and went to Ulster BOCES. I was always into hair, nails, makeup, and everything, so I was pretty excited that there was a program for it. I also really liked the instructor, Kathy Taylor.”

Gabrielle overcame numerous obstacles on her path to educational success—a move from another state, adjusting to cultural differences in a new community and school, and the depression that set in as a result of the extreme changes—to becoming an academically and socially well-adjusted and successful student. So successful, in fact, that she earned the status of class salutatorian during the school’s June commencement. “It was a surprise to learn that I was the salutatorian. That’s something I never thought would have happened. When I found out, I was like ‘Really? How’d that happen?’ I was very surprised,” states Gabrielle. “For me, that was such a huge accomplishment. Without Ulster BOCES, it would have been impossible for me to have become class salutatorian.”

Gabrielle’s plans include obtaining her cosmetology license and attending SUNY Ulster where she will be studying business management and criminal justice, with an eventual goal of attending law school. Gabrielle’s interest in law stems back to her middle school days, and her interest has grown through the classes she attended at Ulster BOCES. “We had debates in class every now and then, and I absolutely loved it. I like to argue, especially if I’m trying to get my point across. And if my arguing can help other people, I’m all for it. I’m not sure what type of law I want to go into, but I do know I want to help others.”

Eventually, Gabrielle sees herself opening her own business, but for the time being, she plans on paying for her way through college by obtaining a job in the cosmetology industry with the skills she learned through Ulster BOCES.

“I’m always thinking ahead,” notes Gabrielle. “Someday, I want to have my own salon, and I want to have my own practice. I want to do so many things in my life!”

Gabrielle is very appreciative of the support and education she received at Ulster BOCES. “I learned how to deal with all different types of people. I think that will help me in both of my chosen career fields. It has set me up to be aware of what’s out there, and the different types of personalities I would possibly have to deal with. I’m very thankful for everything Ulster BOCES offered to me—for the environment, for the support, for the teachers, for the learning…for just everything.”