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Proud families, teachers and staff watched last week as nine students were recognized as Students of Distinction by the Tech Center at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. The students were nominated by their teachers for their outstanding work, excellent attitudes, and dedication.
Jim Bellucci, principal of Tech South, told the audience gathered for the ceremony that it is important to recognize those students who go above and beyond what is asked of them.
“We need to use these students as an example for other students to measure up against,” he said.
While the comments by Mr. Bellucci spoke generally about all the honored students’ attributes, their nominating teachers had the chance to praise their students individually and talk about each person’s strengths.
“Every teacher wants a student like Khalilah Cunningham, said Tech teacher Jose Proano. “Her classmates look to her for guidance, and she can be counted on all the time.”
“Breanne has blossomed into a true leader,” Communications Academy teacher Lisa Tobin said of her student Breanne McCarthy. “She is always willing to help with anything. She is responsible and always strives to do her best.”
John Madden said of his student Justin Vaas, “He stays on a task until it is finished. This is the kind of person everyone will want to have work for them.”
“Christina Toso is a good teacher because she is a good learner,” said her teacher Debbie Ashley. “She knows that hard work and dedication will help her achieve great things.”
Mr. Lowery noted that the nine students honored this quarter stand out among the 1,100 students at the Tech Center. He challenged them to “inspire someone else in your classroom to sit in your seat at this ceremony the next time.”
The honored students include: Samantha Snyder from Somers High School; Justin Vass from John Jay High School; Lucy Cabanillas from Croton High School; Sarah Mitten from Lakeland High School; Khalilah Cunningham from Peekskill High School; Christina Toso and Breanne McCarthy from Mahopac High School; Mikhail Brown from Ossining High School; and Taylor Turnure from Brewster High School.
