The Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents recently recognized four Dutchess BOCES students for their academic achievements. Noah Browne, Sebastian Gonzalez, Victoria Kirsch and Samantha Werner were among the honorees at the organization’s 57th Annual Carroll F. Johnson Scholastic Achievement Dinner held May 21.
“They’re leaders in the classroom, they’re really great kids, they’re the kind of students who take initiative,” shared CTI Principal Nick Millas about why he nominated Kirsch and Browne. “They generate really good ideas to support their own learning and have contributed ideas on how to build and improve our program.”
Resilience Academy Principal Kiesha Tillman shared that selecting Gonzalez for this award was an easy decision for her to make. “He is an intelligent, thoughtful leader who acts as a voice for the students when change is necessary,” shared Tillman. “When I first started here, he took initiative in being a leader amongst the students. He is responsible, conscientious and focused.” Werner was not able to attend.
This was Tillman’s first time attending the dinner. “It was awesome seeing so many students being honored. Our hope is that we have more Resilience Academy students to honor in the future.”
After the event, students who attended shared their experiences at their respective schools. “I have gained a lot of confidence and made great friends during my time here,” Gonzalez reflected. “Something may not affect me, but I speak up if I know someone else is being harmed. That’s important to me.” Gonzalez plans to become a teacher after studying at SUNY Oswego. “Education is the most powerful thing.”
Browne said his experience in the Graphic Arts and Design program has changed him fundamentally as a person. “BOCES has been an opportunity to figure out who I am and where I belong. I'm incredibly grateful for my time here,” Browne shared. “Now I’m going into college knowing that I love what I’m choosing to study. That’s a huge advantage.”
One of Browne’s favorite memories during his time at BOCES was winning first place in Advertising Design and second place in T-Shirt Design at the SkillsUSA New York Area 4 Regional competition. He then went on to compete at the state level and was awarded fourth place. Browne will be attending SUNY New Paltz to study graphic design.
Kirsch said much of her success is thanks to teacher Wendy Wabshinak. “She prepared us for not only the state boards but for what it will be like to work in the professional world. There are so many things I never would have thought of or tried if it weren’t for her.” Kirsch was hesitant to attend BOCES due to the uncertainty of doing something different from her classmates. She shared that she is glad she took the leap and grateful for the opportunities and experiences she’s had throughout the program.
“I almost didn’t do BOCES because I didn’t know anyone else doing the program,” Kirsch shared. “I ended up making the best friends that I could have ever met and being extremely prepared for my future.” She plans on working full time at the salon where she is currently working and studying business after graduation. Her goal is to have her license before she receives her diploma. “How cool would that be?”
The Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents aims to cultivate positive educational experiences while highlighting student leaders and their efforts towards their personal and professional growth in the 75 school districts and four BOCES that it represents. Congratulations to all four students for embodying these principles and their achievements!
