Thirty-seven Career & Technical Institute (CTI) students received over $14,000 worth of awards generously donated by Dutchess BOCES’ community partners during the annual CTI Awards Ceremony on June 8.
Before presenting the awards to students, Principal Nick Millas thanked students’ families for supporting their growth and the community partners for their generosity. In their award packet, each student received a blank thank you card they had to write to receive their award and show their appreciation.
“It provides that personal touch, that sign of gratitude; it shows that you’re an outstanding professional,” Millas said. “Those little things go a long way.”
Small Engine Technology student Masyn Killmer, of the Pine Plains School District, was awarded the CTI Achievement Award, worth $125, from the Dutchess BOCES Faculty Association. Its vice president and CTI work-based learning coordinator, Sharon Myers, shared that students are chosen for this award by the association’s members with input from CTI teachers.
“We love giving awards to the students here, it’s always hard because we know everybody,” Myers said. “Masyn, you were chosen because you are amazing and outstanding.”
Killmer, who carried his younger brother, Max, to the podium with him, was proud to achieve this milestone which he said will help him as he desires to study auto mechanics at Lincoln Tech. He credits his guidance counselors at Pine Plains for pushing him to continue with BOCES and Small Engine Technology teacher Peter Hruscik for help when he needed it.
“Anything I’ve ever had trouble with or asked him about, he’d give me an answer right away,” Killmer said of Hruscik. “He’s there for me.”
For aspiring CTI students, Killmer recommends never hesitating to ask for help and to not give up.
“If you think it’s not going to work, just stick with it because it’s definitely going to work out in the end,” Killmer said.
Cosmetology student Melina Romano, of the Arlington Central School District, was given the Cosmetology Achievement Award and a $100 gift card from A&A Beauty Supply & Salon Design. She appreciated how the community partners are eager to help students on their career paths.
“I feel really blessed that my hard work paid off and is recognized,” Romano said. “I felt really good because you see how many people are willing to help.”
CTI helped Romano learn that she has to work hard in order to achieve goals, which will be helpful advice as she plans to apply for hairdressing jobs after graduating.
“Nothing’s going to be handed to you,” Romano explained. “You have to try and make connections and be kind to the people around you.”
