Awards ceremony recognizes Resilience Academy students, staff

Christopher Ellis earned Resilience in Science and Art awards. Students and staff at Dutchess BOCES’ Resilience Academy received certificates and praise for their efforts this school year during the school’s Fourth Quarter Award Ceremony on June 13. Fifty-nine students received awards in 27 award categories, while six staff members received awards in five categories.
(SEE list of winners and photos below)
Principal Kiesha Tillman shared with students about the quote for the school year, “I’m not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship,” which focuses on resiliency and learning from mistakes. “In life, we do not have the opportunity to control everything that happens to us, we can only control how we react,” Tillman said. “We can’t control every situation, but we can steer our ship in the right direction.” Before sharing a series of highlights from the year, Tillman also reminded students of the word for the quarter, “Git ‘Er Done!” which many students have thrived at.
“I'm proud of many of you because you completed courses this year,” Tillman said. “Many of you are working your way closer and closer to graduation.”
Alexander Reichman received three awards, including the teacher-nominated Student of the Year, which he received with Nathaniel Skolinsky. Tillman noted that Reichman won this distinction because he has shown resilience, determination and consistency. Reichman, who is also a first-year student in the Career & Technical Institute’s welding program, said that the award has encouraged him to continue to improve in his classes and makes him feel better about himself. “I’ve improved in my studies and myself in general,” Reichman said. “I feel proud of myself and thank everybody that made this possible.”
Jax Jones received two arts-centric honors, including the newly created Phil Parquet Music Award, named in honor of the late teaching assistant who was instrumental in music education at the school. Jones said that the award helped boost his self-esteem as he’s on track to get his diploma. “I’m not very prone to getting awards so it’s quite different … to actually be heard is amazing,” Jones said. “Even if you don’t feel like you’re doing your best, there’s a good chance you are.”
Retiring staff also received recognition for their efforts including business education teacher Kathy White, who received the Teacher of the Year Award and Assistant Principal Kenneth Louis Jeune, who received the Superior Excellence Award.
Congratulations to everyone who received an award!

Resilience in Math Award
Quevil Santos Hernandez
Mia Fountain
Alex Rine
Savion Robinson
Anthony Ronda
Jae-La Francis
Olivia Hardman
Samantha Werner
Jorden Smith
Christopher Garcia Reyes
Julian Paige
Dylan Paraszti
Justin Cabassa

Resilience in Science Award
Christopher Lopez
Christopher Ellis
Alexandra Varble
Aurora Maldonado
Christina Leone
Jae-La Francis
Elijah Pernell
Quadir Wheeler

Resilience in English Award|
Sebastian Gonzalez
Lillian Norris
Samira Barahona
Samara Carlo
Celia Esposito
Braedin Henry
Asiel Montoya
Matthew Imperati

Resilience in Social Studies
Alex Reichman
Jae-La Francis
Sebastian Gonzalez
Dylan Seaboldt
Justin King
Aurora Maldonado
Austin Cichocki
Samantha Haase
Serenity Miles

Resilience in Art Award
Aurora Maldonado
Christopher Ellis
Lisandro Martinez
Alyssa Ranone
Isaiah Calderon
Devyne Smith

Art Excellence Award
Jax Jones
Samira Barahona
Christopher Lopez
Benicio DiFabio
Alexandra Varble
Abigail Gonzalez

Resilience in Spanish
Jae La Francis

Resilience in Business Communications Award
Samira Barahona
Samara Carlo
Christopher Lopez
Mason McNair
Jordan Terry

Resilience in Theater and Dance Award
Michael Ford
Lucia Ciralo
Shawn Giglio

Resilience in Music Award
Celia Esposito
Clayton Funk
Jovanni Ercolino
Julian Paige
Devyne Smith
Diego Salgago-Barlocco
Asiel Montoya
Elliona Hemphill
Justin Bradley
Angelo Mastandrea

Most Improved in Speech Award
Cameron Davis

Excellence in Peer Leadership Award
Shawn Giglio

Excellence in History of Gaming Award
Josiah Watson

Excellence in History and Film Award
Michael Ford

Resilience in Physical Education Award
Alexander Reichman
Chloe Yagasits

Resilience in Health Award
Jae la Francis

The Phil Parquet Music Award
Jax Durso

Excellence in Cooking Club Award
Samira Barahona
Samara Carlo

Empowering Change - GSA Club Award
Dylan Seaboldt

Excellence in 3D Printing Award
Stephen Fekishazy
Jordan Terry

Excellence in Robotics Award
Aurora Maldonado

Empowering Change Award - Student Government
Christopher Lopez