Congratulations to CHS seniors Richard Shumway and Phoenix Jones who took part in the annual Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day on Thursday, May 29.
Both students are graduating from the two-year Automotive Trades Technology program and signed letters of intent to work at DePaula Chevrolet and Destination Kia, respectively.
CHS Principal Laura Tarlo spent a day shadowing Richie last year and was genuinely impressed with the CTE program.
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Richie and the automotive trades program members last year during a shadow day and I was so impressed by how engaged the students and staff were,” said Mrs. Tarlo. “I couldn’t be prouder of Richie and Phoenix for all of their hard work and dedication.”
The event took place at Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center – Albany Campus, with 40 high school students signing letters of intent and a crowd of more than 150 business, family, labor and education supporters watching.
The event was affiliated with the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, which mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college, and is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of work.
“The work done here at BOCES and CTE is amazing. It … puts students on the road to great success,” said Brian Williams, executive director, Capital Region Workforce Development Board.
He went on to say that Signing Day highlighted the “indisputable proof of the success of partnership in fueling the essential workforce pipeline.”
Among those speaking at the event were Jeff Palmer, director of Career and Technical Education at Capital Region BOCES who thanked the partners, parents and educators on hand.
“Through your unwavering support, your child has reached this milestone,” he told parents, while praising the business and labor partners for “opening your doors to our students and helping bridge the gap between school and the workforce.”