Croton-Harmon's Gordineer Named BOCES Student of Distinction

Croton-Harmon High School senior Kristopher Gordineer has been named Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES’ Student of Distinction for the month of December.

He has been recognized for his outstanding leadership skills, academic progress and community service.

Gordineer, who is a second-year student in BOCES’ culinary arts program at the Tech Center, was presented with a Student of Distinction certificate during the Croton-Harmon School District Board of Education meeting on Dec. 3 in front of administrators and his parents.

Douglas Glickert, a BOCES board member, and Jim Bellucci, the Career Academy principal at BOCES, presented Gordineer with the certificate. They praised him for his leadership skills and described him as a hardworking and friendly person who is always willing to help others, officials said.

“What really stands out about [Kristopher] is that at all of the events, he’s there — he’s actually working the kitchen, he’s working the room, and he’s always smiling,” BOCES Assistant Superintendent John McCarthy said in a statement. “He loves what he does [and] we’re very lucky to have him in our program.”

Gordineer, who works at Croton-on-Hudson barbecue restaurant Memphis Mae’s after school, said his grandmother inspired him to choose the career path of a chef. BOCES educators said he has distinguished himself in the culinary arts program, through which he prepares gourmet meals for the public.

“I work hard in the kitchen,” Gordineer said. “It’s where I want to be. It’s my happy place. I like how you can make a masterpiece from nothing.”

The young chef said he didn’t expect to receive the award, but was honored for the recognition.

“He’s always been a loving kid and he works hard in everything he does; he never gives up,” his father, John Gordineer Sr., said. “I’m very proud of him. He’s come a long way. When he came to the Croton schools, he excelled. He always tries so hard, and there’s not a mean bone in his body.”

PHOTO: (from left): Croton-Harmon High School senior Kristopher Gordineer has been named Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES’ Student of Distinction. Jim Bellucci, Career Academy principal at BOCES, and Douglas Glickert, a BOCES board member, presented Gordineer with the certificate, at the Croton-Harmon Dec. 3 Board of Education meeting. Photos Courtesy of the Croton-Harmon Schools