Three Brewster Career and Technical Education Students Among Those Celebrated at National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The mood was celebratory last week as friends and loved ones filed into the Walden School gym to celebrate the twenty-third annual National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony. Dressed their best and grinning with pride, 63 students from the Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES Tech Center were honored in the student-led event. Three Brewster students were included: Kimberly Bates (Fashion Design & Merchandising), Anthony Primavera (Microcomputer Technology), and Gavin Jeuschkel (Small Engine/Motorcycle Technology).

“Tonight really celebrates the excellence of our Career and Technical Education program, the faculty and staff, and the outstanding accomplishments of more than 60 honor students representing schools of Putnam and Northern Westchester,” said District Superintendent Dr. James Ryan at the start of the evening. “The accomplishments of this group — the work they’ve done in a wide range of career and technical options — is nothing short of phenomenal.”

In order to become a member of the National Technical Honor Society, students must meet strict criteria. Kevin Valdes, a Mahopac senior who co-hosted the event with Hendrick Hudson’s Eric Andre, explained the qualifications to the audience.

“Only those students who demonstrate superior personal excellence, honesty, leadership, teamwork, and responsibility are invited into the society,” Valdes said. “In order to qualify for nomination, students must maintain a 90% average or better in a technical program and maintain an 85% average or higher in their home schools. Students have to go through an application process which includes writing an essay, getting three recommendations, and community service.”

BOCES Board President Rick Kreps and administrators Dr. Lynn Allen, Todd Currie, John McCarthy, Michael Skerritt, Stephen Lowery, and James Bellucci, also attended the induction, which featured a special candle-lighting ceremony that highlighted skill, scholarship, character, leadership, and service — all of which are important attributes of NTHS members.

“In the next few months, many of you will go on to begin the college experience while others will go right into the world of work,” Dr. Ryan said. “We’re so pleased and proud that we’ve been able to provide you with an opportunity to pursue your desires, your dreams, and your passions here at PNW BOCES and to provide you with that opportunity is a result of the support of our outstanding faculty. The faculty and staff are totally committed not only to your success today and tomorrow, but in your future. We’re so proud of the results.”