Peekskill's Gregory Clark Honored as BOCES Student of Distinction

Gregory Clark, a high school student from Peekskill City School District who attends Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES’ Tech Center, was named a Student of Distinction for the month of November and was recognized at a Peekskill Board of Education meeting at Oakside Elementary on November 4.

Clark, who is a second year student in the BOCES’ Fashion Design and Merchandising program, was presented with a certificate of recognition and a medal for his achievements by Tech Center Principal Steve Lowery, who spoke to meeting attendees about Clark’s passion, dedication, and student leadership abilities.

“Gregory really stands out among the 1100 students we have at the Tech Center,” Lowery said.

In his first year at the Tech Center, Clark was “heavily involved” as a junior in the annual senior fashion show, which Lowery noted is “virtually unheard of.”

“Every time I turned around, there he was- helping out another student, getting something for the teacher, and really coordinating the production,” Lowery said. “When he came back in senior year, his leadership skills really took off.”

This year, Clark and other BOCES students have developed a clothing exchange store at the Tech Center called, “Confidence in Clothes,” which aims to ensure that all students feel confident in the clothing they are wearing. Through the store, members of the BOCES community can trade in clothing that might need repair and can collect new items for their wardrobe.

Clark credits the Fashion program at Tech with helping him choose his career path. “I’ve always been interested in fashion,” he said, “and this program is amazing, because it has prepared me for life in the fashion industry. It covers multiple fields and really helped me focus on what I want to do.”

Lisa Tobin, Clark’s teacher at the Tech Center commended Clark on his leadership skills and noted that he has been an inspiration to other students at BOCES.

“Greg is always willing and eager to volunteer to support BOCES and our programs,” said Tobin. “His peers look up to him and his leadership within the Communications Academy.”

“He really is my go-to person,” added Tobin. “He’s always there to help.”

Clark, who was joined at the award ceremony by his parents, Isaac and Lisa Clark, said he was happy to be recognized for doing what he loves.

“I’m proud to be honored with this award,” Clark said. “It feels like my work over the past two years has paid off. It feels amazing.”

“We are very proud of him,” said Clark’s mother, Lisa Clark. “It’s very nice to see how he’s jumping into everything and moving forward.”

Photo: BOCES Student of Distinction Gregory Clark stands with BOCES administration and family members at a recent Peekskill Board of Education meeting. (From L to R): Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Assistant Superintendent John McCarthy, Tech Center Principal Steve Lowery, Gregory Clark, Lisa Clark, Isaac Clark, III