At its annual meeting on April 9, HFM BOCES recognized Kingsboro Lumber Company as its Outstanding Workforce Development Partner for their exceptional dedication to supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) students.
The event, held at the HFM BOCES Career and Technical Center, gathered nearly 60 component school board members, district leaders, and BOCES administrative staff to celebrate the Gloversville-based company’s significant contributions.
Don and Paula Wicksell of Kingsboro Lumber Company pose for a picture after the Gloversville based company was named the HFM BOCES Outstanding Workforce Development partner at the annual meeting on April 9, 2025.
Highlighting the long-standing partnership, HFM CTE Principal Michael DiMezza praised Kingsboro Lumber’s commitment to advancing students’ futures, particularly through its impact on the Construction Technology program.
“We are truly grateful for the outstanding partnership between HFM CTE and Kingsboro Lumber. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the success of our students have made a lasting impact on our Construction Technology program and the futures of countless individuals,” said DiMezza. “Kingsboro Lumber’s generosity and support exemplify the power of local businesses in shaping the next generation, and we look forward to continuing this incredible collaboration for years to come.”
Owners Don and Paula Wicksell accepted the award on behalf of Kingsboro Lumber, which has been serving communities across Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga counties since its establishment in 1945. Their contributions include hosting student interns, conducting classroom presentations, and bringing building material representatives into the classroom for hands-on learning experiences.
Construction Technology instructor Steve Derwin commended Don Wicksell’s proactive role in enriching the program.
“Don is an outstanding individual who cares about people first. If he can do something for you, he will,” said Derwin.
HFM BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, Jay DeTraglia, emphasized the importance of fostering strong connections with the local business community, highlighting Kingsboro Lumber as a key collaborator.
“We are very fortunate to have strong partnerships with our business community, along with the collaboration of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce,” DeTraglia shared. “Kingsboro Lumber has been an invaluable partner through their active participation in our program advisory council, hosting student interns, and participating in classroom presentations.”
The meeting also featured HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. David Ziskin’s address on the state of the BOCES, including an overview of next year’s proposed administrative budget, which is projected for a slight decrease of 0.85 percent.
Additionally, the nominations of Board of Education members Kathryn Zajicek and Dr. Harry Brooks for re-election were announced, with voting slated for later this month.
Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner prepared by students from the CTE Culinary Arts and Foundations of Food Services programs, which showcased their skills with a diverse menu ranging from filet mignon to refreshing mocktails.
