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Career and
Tech honors 2010 graduates
Student Recognition Program celebrates achievements and
service
 The
largest class to graduate from the HFM BOCES Career & Technical
Center gathered with family, friends, teachers and staff to
celebrate the completion of their studies during a program in
their honor in Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s gymnasium
on Tuesday, June 22.
After congratulating the students, and thanking parents and
staff for their considerable efforts and support, Board of
Education President Robert Townsend paused to address the
students about a single quality that, once embraced, would
enrich their lives forever—service.
“Service, defined as an act of assistance, help or aid, when
done with passion and commitment, empowers you to change the
lives of so many,” Mr. Townsend told the overflow crowd.
He reminded the audience that this past year the HFM BOCES
family had lost two men dedicated their lives to the service of
others—District Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Davis and long-time
Board of Education member William Finch both died during the
school year.
“These men, along with many others here at HFM BOCES, dedicate
their lives to making a difference in the lives of those in our
region. Each of you benefits from their efforts and desire to
serve others,” Mr. Townsend said.
 He
asked everyone to reflect on the impact other people’s service
had on their own life, and to take the time to say “thank you.”
“Tomorrow, as you embark on the next phase of your life’s
journey, I invite you to ‘pay it forward’ through a personal
commitment to service, either in your vocation or volunteer
efforts,” Mr. Townsend said. “It probably will involve some
personal sacrifice, but believe me, your life will be much
richer and more rewarding that you could ever imagine.”
With those words the 2010 graduates of the HFM BOCES Career &
Technical Center were launched into their lives after high
school.
On a warm summer evening, more than 285 students were recognized
for their participation in 17 different technical programs. High
school seniors and adult learners shared the stage as they were
honored for their achievements.
 Career
and Technical Center Director Jay DeTraglia opened the ceremony
by recognizing the BOCES Board of Education and thanking them
for their considerable contributions. Mr. DeTraglia introduced
Construction Technology student Matt Mueller from
Broadalbin-Perth to lead the audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Confidence in the future
Each year a student is selected to speak as a representative of
the graduating class. Amsterdam senior Gianna Emanuele, a
graduate of the Careers in Education program, spoke about the
opportunities she and her classmates had been given at BOCES.
“We have grown into young adults here,” Gianna said, “The
friendships we made, the challenges we overcame together has
prepared us for the future.” She reminded her classmates that
commencement wasn’t a destination, but the beginning of the next
part of their lives and careers.
Canajoharie student Joshua Hill, a graduate of the New Visions
Health Careers program, told how HFM BOCES often seemed more
like college than high school, and he felt confident and well
prepared for college.
 At
the conclusion of the remarks, the teachers in each program took
the stage, and one by one their students came forward to receive
their certificates of completion. Cheers and applause met each
student, and many parents and friends waved and snapped photos
as students left the stage.
In addition to the recognitions presented to students in each
program, winners were announced for five major awards:
HFM BOCES Teachers' Association Award
- presented to Digital Multimedia student Mercedes Miller of
Johnstown and Foundations of Food student James Scunziano of
Northville.
Montgomery-Fulton United Scholarship
- awarded to Digital Multimedia students Lindsay Lizio of
Johnstown and Kyle Fraser of St. Johnsville.
NBT Bank Award recipients
were New Visions Health student Jaspreet Kaur of Amsterdam and
Digital Multimedia student Evan Orth of Amsterdam.
HFM Superintendents' Association Award
was given to Medical Assisting student Victoria Panetta of
Johnstown and Culinary Arts student Aaron Gonnelly of Fort
Plain.
HFM BOCES Professional Student Award
was presented to New Visions Health student Joshua William Hill
of Johnstown and Auto Technology student Nathan Bunker of
Broadalbin-Perth.
For a complete list of all awards and scholarships earned by
Career & Tech students in 2010, click
here.
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