Peekskill’s Albert Sullivan Named BOCES Student of Distinction

On Tuesday, June 19, Peekskill student Albert Sullivan closed out a successful school year by being named a PNW BOCES Student of Distinction at a Peekskill Board of Education meeting.

PNW BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James Ryan, joined by PNW BOCES Assistant Superintendents Dr. Lynn Allen and Mr. John McCarthy, accompanied Sullivan’s family, teachers and BOCES Board of Education trustee Mr. Douglas Glickert to the Peekskill Administration Building where a ceremony was held in Sullivan’s honor. At the event, Sullivan was presented a medal in addition to a certificate of recognition noting his, “outstanding leadership skills, academic progress and community spirit.”

Sullivan’s teacher, Ms. Tammy Adams spoke at the ceremony and explained why her student was selected for BOCES’ prestigious honor.

“Albert is a trusted student,” Adams said. “He walks through the hallways with a smile, maintains his composure in the face of different opinions and is able to advocate for himself. We are so proud of Albert today.”

PNW BOCES speech pathologist Lysette Seedorf took to the podium next to praise Sullivan for his accomplishments.

“It has been an honor walking with Albert on his path to success,” Seedorf said. “At PNW BOCES we define success through independence, skills for individual success and communication. Albert has made tremendous growth in his communication, and is able to relay not only his wants and needs, but also his thoughts and interests. I know that he is John Cena’s number 1 fan, that he enjoys sitting on the deck with his dad enjoying the warm days and that he loves football, because he told me so.”

Albert’s father, Kevin Sullivan, stood on the steps of Peekskill’s administration building following the ceremony and expressed his pride regarding his son’s successes. Mr. Sullivan also thanked BOCES staff for their support through his family’s difficult times.

“The BOCES program has really helped Albert a lot,” Mr. Sullivan said. “The teachers at school and everyone at BOCES, they’ve reached out to my family in so many ways it’s unbelievable. We lost his mother a little over a year ago, and the kindness and generosity of the people at BOCES really helped pull us through. They’ve been there for us for years and I really can’t help say enough. When Albert started at BOCES he was a whole different child than he is now. He’s come a long way; he’s more vocal and asserting himself more, and he’s really doing great with his life skills - the things he’s going to need. I’m just delighted and it’s been great. We’re making memories.”

When asked if he was excited to be honored as a Student of Distinction, Albert Sullivan replied with an enthusiastic “yeah!”

“It was pretty amazing,” Sullivan said.

PHOTOS:

Albert Sullivan is presented with Student of Distinction awards at a Peekskill Board meeting on June 19, 2018. (From Left to right: Peekskill Interim Superintendent Dr. Mary Keenan Foster, Albert Sullivan, BOCES Board Trustee Mr. Douglas Glicket and PNW BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James Ryan)

Albert Sullivan proudly shows off his awards in front of the Peekskill Administration Building. (From left to right: Back row – Dr. James Ryan and Dawn Meyer; middle row – Tara Williamson, Kevin Sullivan, Michelle Van Riper, Douglas Glickert; front row – Maryalice Williamson, Albert Sullivan, Audrey Houston, Tammy Adams and Lysette Seedorf)