The Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) was recognized for their support of the manufacturing industry during the Council of Industry's Manufacturing Champions Awards Breakfast held on May 12 at the Powelton Club in Newburgh.

Each year, the Council of Industry nominates companies, organizations, or individuals who understand how important manufacturing is to the local economy, and who are committed to helping the industry prosper. Council of Industry Executive Vice President Harold King said, "The Academy not only teaches students about manufacturing, but also helps to fill the manufacturing jobs gap with future skilled workers."

Richard Croce, president of Viking Industries, also praised the types of students that attend HVPA, by saying, "They're playing with robots. They're 3D printing things. They're doing the things that are on the cutting edge of what businesses need in the future. They've also all shown significant improvement in their mastery of the key critical-thinking skills and Common Core learning components."

A select group of HVPA students were invited to attend the breakfast and to accept the award on behalf of the school. Students said they felt very proud.

Past winners of this award include Central Hudson, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, SUNY Ulster, and SUNY Dutchess.