Dutchess BOCES

Five Dutchess BOCES students were honored for their efforts inside and outside the classroom by the Poughkeepsie-Arlington Rotary during the Student of the Month Ceremony Nov. 16 at Mahoney’s Restaurant.
Maia Dorfman a student at the Career & Technical Institute; Victoria Myers, Chloe Mort and Sebastian Gonzalez who attend the Alternative High School; and Colin Plunkett, from the Work Based Learning Program, were each given a personalized certificate by Rotary Club liaison Ellie Charwat and a $25 bank account presented by TEG Federal Credit Union’s marketing coordinator Kaitlin Thomas.
In addition to families and teachers, Denise Dzikowski, executive director of special and alternative education, and Board of Education member Gully Stanford were in attendance to congratulate the students.
“All were in agreement that the event was both enjoyable and inspirational,” Work

Based Learning Program Facilitator Jeanette Straebler said.
Plunkett was chosen for his excellent performance while working at Gold’s Gym and A&A Redemption Center. Job Coach Jim Brocker praised him for working quickly and efficiently. “To watch him at the Redemption Center sorting over a hundred different types of bottles at the speed that he does is just amazing,” Brocker said.
Myers has excelled in her General Education Development (GED) class where her teacher Erin Weidner was impressed with her persistent desire to be successful.
Social Worker Robert LaColla introduced Mort and Gonzalez, who received multiple submissions from their teachers praising them for their cooperation, classwork and community spirit.
“Both students are considered role models throughout the school,” Straebler said.
Dorfmann, who has assisted with catering multiple campus events with the Culinary Program, was lauded by chef instructor Darcy Sala for being an outstanding student. However, Dorfmann never expected to receive this honor.
“I’ve always been a decent student, but I’ve never really achieved excellency to get an award like this,” Dorfmann said. “I’m very grateful to have been recognized.”
For Dorfmann, it is rewarding to see that her favorite class is also the one she excels in. She will attend the Culinary Institute of America next fall and is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps to become a certified chef.
“I put a lot of effort in the class,” Dorfmann said. “It’s nice that it’s appreciated.”
Two students from Arlington who do not attend BOCES were also honored at the event, York Zhou and Terlyka Horton.