Five Hundred and Fifty-Eight Students Graduate From BOCES’ Tech Center

Cheers and applause filled the air as 558 students graduated from the Tech Center at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES prepared for college or careers in fields ranging from law enforcement to cosmetology to healthcare.

Student speakers at the ceremony, which took place on the Yorktown campus Wednesday, June 11, included Walter Panas High School student Hawkon Gustavsson, Haldane High School’s Rachel Conklin and Yorktown High School’s Amanda Carlson.

Gustavsson, a graduate of BOCES’ Animation and Motion Graphics program, said his time at BOCES was marked by the passion that he developed for his chosen profession.

“Everyone here has learned and developed skills in a trade, but it’s not our dedication that has made it so valuable, but our passion that turns even the most tedious work into a work of art,” said Gustavsson.

Conklin, a graduate of  the New Visions Health program, said what she would remember most from her BOCES experience were the friendships she made.  

“The bonds that I have made here in the last 10 months are stronger than those that I’ve made with kids from my home school who I’ve known since I was five,” Conklin said. “The students at BOCES are no doubt the reason for this. Each student has … a unique presence.”

Finally Carlson, a graduate from the Law Enforcement program, took to the podium to express her gratitude for the future employment opportunities her BOCES training has afforded her.

“We at BOCES have an advantage over those at our home school,” Carlson said. “We are graduating with the particular skills needed to perform the specific job of our choosing.”

After the graduation ceremony had concluded students flocked to the friends and family members who were present to celebrate the special day. Students showed off their diplomas and spoke about what the future holds for them.

Sterling Fite, a Peekskill High School student who graduated from the culinary arts program, stood with his parents recapping the past year and talking about college. Fite plans to attend SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, New York, this fall to study Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

“I wouldn’t be going to study at a culinary college if I hadn’t come to BOCES first,” said Fite. “Even though I knew I wanted to go into the field, I wouldn’t have known half of the things I know now. BOCES has definitely given me a step-up.”

In his speech to the graduates, BOCES Superintendent James Langlois praised their accomplishments and offered some time-tested advice, which he has followed throughout his own life.

“Use the energy, the optimism and the enthusiasm that you have tonight as a moral measure as you move through the rest of your life,” Langlois said. “Nurture a sense of insatiable curiosity… and always hold on to a sense of wonder about the world.”

“Finally…” Langlois said, “…never, ever stop learning.”