Twenty-nine students from eight Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery area school districts were recognized as program completers during the seventh annual HFM PTECH Completion Ceremony on Wednesday, May 22 at the HFM BOCES campus.
PTECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a 6-year program that aims to look and function like a hybrid between college and the workplace. It emphasizes individual pathways to completion, workplace experiences, mentorship, in-depth project-based learning and real-world experiences.
Students that completed the program earned all of their high school credits, meeting the New York State requirements for a Regents Diploma and they also completed the required coursework for associate degrees in various programs at either SUNY Fulton Montgomery Community College or SUNY Cobleskill at no cost to their families.
In her remarks to the class of 2024, HFM PTECH Principal Celeste Keane reminded the students to stay connected to what drives them each day as they journey through life.
“As you move on from here, to jobs, more school, more independence and invariably more responsibility, you need to stay connected to your why. Being propelled by the things that matter to you make the long days shorter and the hard times bearable,” said Keane.
Kaymen Lewis-Matthews, a completer from the Gloversville Enlarged School District, was one of two students to address his fellow classmates. He encouraged them to always do what’s in their best interest and to not get distracted.
“Spend every day trying to elevate yourself, learn from your mistakes, take that risk, but most importantly, don’t give up on yourself,” said Lewis-Matthews.
Luke Page, another completer from the Gloversville Enlarged School District, spoke to his classmates about life after PTECH.
“If you ask me I’d say that it’s pretty scary, but in reality, it’s a fresh start,” said Page. “We may fear it, but the access to new opportunities is larger than you could imagine. Go out and explore the world and try new things, now is the time to do it!”
The ceremony also included speeches from HFM BOCES Board President Dr. Harry Brooks and special guest Marc Arseneault, a Senior Equipment Engineer from GlobalFoundries in Malta who has been a frequent visitor at PTECH’s Workplace Wednesday seminars.
SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Dan Fogarty was also on hand to honor the PTECH student for whom FMCC bestowed special recognition.
In her closing remarks of the evening, Principal Keane wished the students well in their future endeavors.
“As this evening draws to a close, remember to reflect on the significance of your accomplishment, the hard work, dedication and sense of purpose that propelled you forward, your why. Best of luck to you all,” stated Keane.
Other highlights of the ceremony included:
- The National Anthem was performed by Anastasija Morse. Jade Danforth led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The following students received scholarships and awards: Luke Page and Makiya Smith (HFM BOCES Teachers’ Association Scholarship) and Anastasija Morse (Triple C Award).
- The Foundation of FMCC Non-Traditional Academic Achievement Award was presented to Makiya Smith.
- The following student was honored for having a cumulative average of 90% or higher throughout every semester of their PTECH career: Makiya Smith
- The following students have earned their New York State Regents diplomas and their associate degrees from SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College, hereby completing the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES PTECH program: Nick Ahrens, Jason Beck, Avery Bowen, Kalei Cenzano, Dan Clark, Jade Danforth, Lillian Fudger, Kiley Gallt, Ayden Harrington, Josh Hughes, Luciel Kempf, Phillip Lewis, Kaymen Lewis-Matthews, Ethan Lince, Mercedes Milby, Anastasija Morse, Stephanie Ortiz, T’shalla Richards, Jordan Schmidtmann, Makiya Smith, Isis Velasquez, Caleb Wood
- The following students have earned their New York State Regents diplomas and their associate degrees from SUNY Cobleskill, hereby completing the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES PTECH program: Molly Ahrens, A. Caraballo, Abigail Chest, Terry Delos, Caden Douglas, Luke Page, Lyndsey Price
