Ulster BOCES students and staff at the Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) and Career & Technical Center were eager so show off their knowledge and skills during a May 21 visit by MaryEllen Elia, New York State Commissioner of Education. 

Elia’s first stop was to the HVPA campus in Kingston, where she met with students and staff and heard about the many ways the innovative program motivates students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries, as well as how the young scholars are taking college classes while in high school.  

Elia then arrived at the Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, where she spent the rest of the morning observing students engaged in career-focused education and training. She visited a host of classrooms, including New Visions: Advanced Robotics & Engineering, Cisco Networking/Computer Repair, Custom Robotics Design & Manufacturing, Cosmetology, and Culinary Arts.  

Cisco Networking/Computer Repair students explained how they were learning coding and electronics by using Raspberry Pi—tiny handheld computers. Culinary Arts students were able to show off their cooking talents as they prepared delicious continental breakfast items for an upcoming early morning event. Cosmetology students worked on perfecting their dip manicure skills, while Robotics students displayed machined model cars. Aviation and Drone Technology students also demonstrated their acquired skills with classroom flight simulators. 

“Our students did an outstanding job of giving Commissioner Elia a glimpse into the engaging teaching and learning that takes place daily in our Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center programs,” said principal Dean Lucera. “They were excited to showcase their skills, knowledge, and professionalism during the visit.”