More than 275 seniors from Dutchess BOCES’ Career & Technical Institute are now on to college, the military or the workforce after the annual recognition ceremony held on June 9 despite the finicky weather.
Family and friends gathered outside of the CTI main entrance to watch and cheer for their children as they enjoyed their success from completing the variety of programs BOCES has to offer.
Principal Nick Millas commended students for being able to succeed through challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently smoke from the Canadian wildfires blanketing the air.
“You all are real troopers, I must say,” Millas said. “I’m extremely proud of all of you.”
Salutatorian Nicholas Scaffidi offered frank advice to his fellow graduates which included wearing the proper attire to work or else be asked to leave and to accept and overcome any professional challenge.
“You have to convince yourself that a challenge is just a state of mind and you will get by,” Scaffidi said. “Future employers are not going to hire someone who’s not ready to work.”
Valedictorian Anna Bonelli noted that while students studied trades as diverse as cosmetology and welding, they all have something in common – they were given a unique opportunity to further their career goals and meet new people.
“Whether you came here because the typical pen and paper education wasn’t working for you or maybe, like me, you’ve been stuck with the same 70 people since you were five,” Bonelli said. “We came here because we have a passion, something we felt worthy of pursuing.”
As a parting message, Bonelli encouraged her classmates to try new things and not be afraid to take chances.
“Challenges and obstacles may arise, but don’t let that stop you from living your best life to its fullest,” Bonelli said. “A new and exciting journey awaits us all.”
