Southern Westchester BOCES Honors Hundreds of its Graduates

SWBOCES honored hundreds of graduates in recognition ceremonies held during the month of June. Among those honored at ceremonies large and small were special education students, career and technical education students, and adults. Here is a round-up of those ceremonies.

SWBOCES Honors Career Services Graduates

SWBOCES Center for Career Services graduation ceremony.

Family members and friends packed the Westchester County Center on June 15 to honor more than 300 students at the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Career Services annual Recognition Ceremony.

The ceremony honored graduating seniors who have attended the SWBOCES Career Services Secondary Day, Basic Occupational Education, and Alternative High School/ GED programs.The event also featured the presentation of BOCES memorial awards and scholarships, outstanding student awards in areas of study, and overall outstanding student awards. An annual Partnership of the Year Award went to Paul Taylor of Beauty Products Inc.

Winning the overall Outstanding Student Awards were Aatika Hayes, a Cosmetology student from New Rochelle High School who also delivered the invocation at the BOCES event. Miss Hayes received overall award for students in the Secondary Day Program. Kyisha Archibald of Mount Vernon High School was named Outstanding Student in the Basic Occupational Education Program.

Memorial Awards, named in honor of staff members who dedicated their lives to BOCES students, were:

Outstanding Student Awards given by program were presented to the following students by SWBOCES teachers:

Awards and graduation certificates were handed out by SWBOCES District Superintendent Ronald L. Smalls; Claudia Fuller, director of the Center for Career Services; Colleen Murray, supervisor of the Basic Occupational Education Program; Linda Suarez, supervisor of the Secondary Day Program; Eileen Bloom, supervisor of the Alternative High School/GED Program; Jeffrey Hansen, deputy district superintendent; Ronald Eaton, assistant superintendent for student services.

Also presenting graduation certificates were SWBOCES Board of Education trustees Beverly Levine, Evelyn Stock, Louise De Vel Muller, Arlene Kamer, John DeSantis, Joseph Wooley and Bruce Williams.

Adult Learning Center Holds Recognition Ceremony

Pictured with their instructor David Aguije (third from left) are (l. to r.): Damaris Rodriguez, a native of the Dominican Republic; Blanch Nievecela from Ecuador; Morgan Padilla, also from the Dominican Republic; and Italo Gomez and Luis Zhizhpon from Ecuador.

The families and friends of more than 200 adult learners from an array of nations were honored June 24 at the 16^th annual SWBOCES Adult Student Recognition Ceremony held at the Career Services campus in Valhalla.

The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the efforts of students who have taken the Adult Learning Center's classes, which are offered at 13 different locations throughout Westchester County. Students can take English as a Second Language, GED, and citizenship and career counseling classes.

This year, the Center awarded 500 certificates to students from 74 countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Japan, to name a few.

In her keynote speech, Gracelia Heymann, director of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition, paid tribute to the immigrants for their hard work and perseverance.  "Following the American dream can sometimes feels like a nightmare, and I am humbled by your sacrifice and your will to succeed," she said.

Noting the important role of immigrants in the economic development of the United States, Ms. Heymann said the students' knowledge of English would open many doors and enable them to "climb the ladder to economic prosperity." Becoming involved in their children's schools, helping with homework, and finding better jobs are just some of the advantages available to them, said Ms. Heymann.

The ceremony also included a number of speeches from students in the program. Many spoke of their initial struggles with the language and their determination to assimilate into American society. Most said it had changed their lives forever, and one student, a native of Ecuador, recalled his harrowing journey across the U.S.-Mexico border before eventually finding a path to freedom.

Students from the ESL class at The Carver Center in Port Chester made a special presentation of readings from the book, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz. The ceremony also included recognition of ALC teaching staff, and at the end of the ceremony, the audience joined Haitian native Rose Moise-Louis in singing "The Star Spangled Banner." 

LPN Graduates Honored

Michelle Hammond-Campbell of the Bronx gets a congratulatory kiss from son, Keon, before LPN graduation ceremony

The 50 men and women who graduated from the SWBOCES Licensed Practical Nursing Program on June 23 capped their arduous 10-month course of study with a delightful ceremony that recognized their efforts and hard work.

The Valhalla Career Services campus provided the setting for the graduation, which was held beneath a white tent on a balmy summer evening, and attended by the graduates and their guests, more than 200 in all. The LPN program is offered by the Center for Adult and Community Services, and graduates receive certification that allows them to work in hospitals.

Ronald Eaton, SWBOCES Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, poignantly addressed the group by noting that his mother was a nurse. "My hat is off to you," he said. "We are proud of you and what you have accomplished during these months."

In her address to the graduates, LPN student Barbara Bigda described the graduating class as one of great diversity. Students range in age from their 20s to their 50s, and hail from Westchester County and the local region, as well as from countries in Asia and Africa. Some had former careers as teachers and computer programmers, while others are new to the workforce.

"Among us are people who are single, married, newly wed, divorced, parents raising children, and at least one of us who is pregnant," Ms. Bigda told the audience.

But all were brought together by their singular desire to help others through the nursing profession, and the SWBOCES training was a labor of their love. Ms. Bigda recalled that "blood, sweat and tears" went into the five-day-a-week program. "But the sweat equity has paid off," she said.

The service culminated with a candle-lighting ceremony and the recitation of the Nurse's Pledge.

The SWBOCES Center for Special Services honored 12 students in the special education program with its annual Bob Newman Awards, held at the SWBOCES Rye Lake campus on June 16.

The recipients, all seniors, received certificates in their honor for overcoming insurmountable odds to achieve success in school during their years as students in a variety of BOCES Special Services programs that include the Therapeutic Support Program for adolescents with emotional/behavioral challenges, and the Gifted Special Education program.

Presenting the awards were BOCES teachers from a variety of classroom sites, including Westlake High School, Irvington High School, and the Rye Lake campus.

Recipients of this year's Bob Newman Awards were: Frank DeBartolo of New Rochelle, Steven Fairchild of Scarsdale, Daniel Fuster of Pleasantville, Jessica Humphrey of Tuckahoe, Gabriella Lanza of Scarsdale, Lazala Mackey of Peekskill, Jennifer Marini of Yonkers, Malikka Miller of Mamaroneck, Tanya Mott of New Rochelle, Chackiena Reid of Yonkers, Thomas Richardson of Irvington, and Jon Storfer of Bedford.

Bob Newman scholarships went to three students who "produced outstanding work during their careers in school while overcoming obstacles to attain success," said Dr. Frances Meyer, Director of the SWBOCES Center for Special Services. They were:

• Thomas Richardson, who graduated from the Gifted Special Education program and is headed for Champlain College in Burlington, Vt., where he plans to major in business education.
  
  
• Jennifer Marini, an autistic student who submitted a photojournalism project about her life as an entry into the scholarship competition.
  
  
• Lazala Mackey, who overcame personal obstacles to graduate from Rye Lake High School and is planning to become a nurse.

Friendship Worship Center Turns Out Graduates

Educators from the Friendship Worship Center in Mount Vernon joined with students and their families and friends to celebrate the Center's first graduation ceremony held on the Rye Lake campus June 17. The graduates, dressed in caps and gowns, included Jason Pagano, Pablo Ranieri and Steno Walters.

"They've learned a little, cried a little and participated with the staff on a number of enjoyable activities," said Mr. Manis, who supervises the program. "As graduates, they now move on as part of the rhythm of life, and I hope that we have prepared them as best we could."

A brief slideshow presentation called "Our Graduates in Action" showed the students interacting with teachers, celebrating special events and participating in a number of hands-on activities. The Center provides the least restrictive environment for students who are difficult to manage and need one-on-one support.

Other awards were handed out at the ceremony, including the Bob Newman awards, which are given to students who have overcome insurmountable odds to achieve success in school.

Students leaving the Rye Lake High School program in White Plains were urged at the school's annual Recognition Ceremony to follow their dreams and continue to believe in themselves.

Sixteen students received graduation certificates at the June 10th ceremony. They were: Tanya Mott, Jemel Pagan, Kyle Franks, Jarrel Garris, Brandon Henry and Kevin Williams, all of New Rochelle; Chanel Dulyx and Shealtiel Hanasai, both of Mount Vernon; Malikka Miller and John Saitta, both of Mamaroneck; Melvin Dias of Bedford; Jessica Fenyo of White Plains; Kenyon Gray of Pelham; Kashif Johnson of Yonkers; Lazala Mackey of Peekskill; and Jaamaal McRae of Elmsford.

The ceremony also included the presentation of individual certificates for achievement in sports and in academic subjects, such as English, psychology, social studies, science, and math. Other notable awards included the Bob Newman Award, which was given to Mallika Miller, Tanya Mott and Lazala Mackey.

Rye Lake High School Principal Edward Lo Presti congratulated the students for their achievements and for the way in which they had conducted themselves during the school year. "There may be complicated times ahead and you will need the support of your friends and family," he said, "but never forget that we will always be here if you need us."

SWBOCES Says Farewell to Beloved Students

An emotional graduation ceremony June 15 honored five students who are leaving the SWBOCES Multiply Handicapped Program.

This year's graduates, Adita Areizaga, Jacqueline Argonez, Robert Edwards, Jessica Smith and Yanira Garcia, received diplomas from Director of Special Services Frances  Meyer in the poignant ceremony attended by family, friends, teachers and aides.

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Meyer reassured families that their children could indeed go on to lead "wonderful, fulfilled lives." Many of the graduates, having reached the age of 21, will continue to receive care in independent living facilities across the region. "Just getting out in the morning and enjoying the world around them is proof that these students can have an adult life," added Dr. Meyer.

During the hour-long ceremony, Special Service Supervisor Neil Manis, who coordinates the program both on the SWBOCES Rye Lake campus and in school districts across Westchester, presented a slide show of the graduates' activities throughout the year. Touching scenes from Daffodil Day, St. Patrick's Day events, Halloween festivities and other special occasions were all captured on film to the sound of "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by the group, Green Day.

In his address to graduates, District Superintendent Ronald L. Smalls said he was happy to share in their success, and thanked their parents for working in partnership with SWBOCES. "To the graduates, I say this: this has been a marathon for you and now you have finished the race. Know that we care about you and we love you for who you are."

Angela Batra is a strong swimmer and a good storyteller. Travis Bottiglieri likes anything NASCAR and country music. Jose Colon loves animals and has been offered a job at Balmoral Kennels.

When a commencement honors 11 graduates, their individual achievements can actually be celebrated. Such was the case June 23, when SWBOCES held its graduation ceremony for students of the Therapeutic Support Program at the White Plains Mall. The intimate event was held at the SWBOCES Rye Lake campus and was attended by the graduates' families and friends.

Other graduates were Christine Cousins, who recently won a computer for her academic excellence; David Hilsenrath, described as a "social butterfly"; Johanna Jurado, who is "always upbeat"; Juan Perez, who enjoys the sciences; Antonio Smith, a "motivated self-advocate"; Toi Stephens, who is itching to get his driver's license; and Shane Gleason, who brings new jokes to school all the time, entertaining fellow students and teachers. Graduate Joseph Jerusem could not attend the commencement.

These and other anecdotes were shared by TSP teachers, whose students have developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. While enrolled in the program, students learn skills that will allow them to function successfully in home, school and community settings. The program emphasizes functional academics through experiential learning.

Dr. Frances Meyer, Director of the Center for Special Services, told the graduates that life is made up of four parts: babyhood, childhood, young adulthood, and adult maturity. As they enter young adulthood, said Dr. Meyer, "that next chapter in your life story will be written by you."

John McKay, the Program Supervisor, noted that this year's graduating class was the largest in the program's seven years of existence. McKay, Dr. Meyer and program teachers presented diplomas and a number of awards to the graduates.

Four students graduated from the SWBOCES Collaborative High School in Rye Brook on June 15. The school, in its second year of operation, is a visionary program for teens at risk.

The graduates were Rose Amato, Jerry Economos and Nicole Tarpey, all of Eastchester, and Antoinette Collins of Port Chester.

A number of awards were also handed out at the ceremony, including academic excellence awards in English, social studies, math, science, and physical education. Other students received what Principal Dale Bradley called "esteem-boosting" awards. They included best attendance and most improved academic performance at the school.

The school was established by BOCES in collaboration with the Eastchester and Port Chester school districts and serves students who have not been successful in their home districts. Approximately 38 students attended the school last year.

Top