Twenty first year students from Dutchess BOCES’ Career & Technical Institute (CTI) are now members of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) following an induction ceremony that was held May 1 at the Conference Center.
Students completed an application with a writing prompt, provided community service hours and recommendation letters from instructors and job supervisors and had to have an overall career technical education average of 93 or above in order to be considered.
Each student was presented with a certificate, purple cord and positive attributes read aloud by CTI teachers before reciting the organization’s pledge.
NTHS President and second year Cosmetology student Victoria Kirsch shared how being a part of the organization helped her grow as a leader and future professional and how she feels prepared not just for her field, but for life.
“This organization represents so much more than just good grades and accomplishments, it’s about dedication, hard work, leadership and the willingness to push ourselves further,” Kirsch said. “We are shaping a better future, not only for ourselves, but for the community and industries we’ll one day serve.”
Kirsch offered this advice to the new inductees.
“Take pride in what you’ve accomplished and stay hungry for what comes next,” Kirsch said. “This is not the end of your journey, it’s just the beginning.”
Construction Trades student Matthew Spada, who was described as an enthusiastic and positive student who is eager to learn, was excited to be inducted because it opens the doors to more opportunities. He credits his guidance counselor at Stissing Mountain High School for encouraging him to attend BOCES.
“It’s definitely an honor because I get to meet other people from other schools and learn about other trades,” Spada said. “It’s pretty cool.”
Cosmetology student Julia Minihane, who was praised for always willing to help her fellow students in the classroom, is honored to be part of NTHS and appreciates a rather unique aspect of the organization.
“I think it helps the community,” Minihane said. “I just want to help people out and get more knowledge.”
Inductees:
- Max Beecher, Rhinebeck High School: Construction Trades
- Erik Berg, Roy C. Ketcham High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Macklin Boyd, Roy C. Ketcham High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Noah Browne, Rhinebeck High School: Graphic Arts & Design
- Caylee Cuccia, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School: Careers in Animal & Plant Sciences
- Michael D’Emidio, Roy C. Ketcham High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Neil Litt, Poughkeepsie High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Keiley Lopez-Perez, Poughkeepsie High School: Cosmetology
- Carmine Marino, John Jay High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Citlaly Mendez-Hererra, Arlington High School: Cosmetology
- Christopher Meneses Lavariega, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Julia Minihane, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School: Cosmetology
- Braydin Moser, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Paolino Piazzi, Stissing Mountain High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Evan Ricci, Arlington High School: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Nathan Romej, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School: Security & Law Enforcement
- Natalie Schultz, Dover High School: Careers in Animal & Plant Sciences
- Matthew Spada, Stissing Mountain High School: Construction Trades
- Audrey Zengen, Stissing Mountain High School: Fashion Design & Merchandising
- Samantha Zeni, Arlington High School: Cosmetology