


BOCES Bids Farewell to Long-Term Educators
Five Educators Newly Tenured Kindergarten & First Grade Students Graduate
Nine Students Say Goodbye to Elementary School
The Class of 2023: Ready for Life's Next Chapter
National Technical Honor Society
Career & Tech Center Recognizes 213 Graduates
Middle School Science Fair Engages Students
Seven Graduate from Adult Construction Course
July 5 - Aug 15 Summer School
Aug 24 County-wide Administrative
Retreat
Sept. 4 Labor Day (BOCES Closed)
Sept 5 & 6 Conference Days
Sept 7 Classes Begin for Students
Sept. 25 Yom Kippur (BOCES Closed)
Oct 9 Columbus Day (BOCES Closed)
Linda Berkowicz, President - Fallsburg
Linda Fisk, Vice President - Livingston Manor
Carol Bliefernich - Eldred
Susan Horton - Monticello
Kenneth Hilton - Sullivan West
Carol Park - Roscoe
The Edge is a publication of the Sullivan BOCES Communications Division
Cathy Russo - Tri-Valley
Anthony Sinacore - Liberty
Simmie Williams III - At-Large
Sullivan County BOCES delivers a wide-range of instructional and management services to its eight component school districts and several other districts outside the county. Our three hundred staff members collaborate with our partners to create solutions to educational challenges, increase operational efficiencies, and reduce costs. We improve student success by providing quality educational experiences, helping students achieve their goals, learn skills, increase knowledge and develop a work ethic for the 21st century.
Sullivan BOCES bids farewell to several long-term educators this year It is bitter-sweet to see them leave, but everyone at BOCES wishes each a wonderful retirement
District Superintendent Robert M Dufour, Ed D said, "Your dedication to BOCES and providing quality education to our students is truly appreciated."
Joy Gorr, Central Business Office (29 yrs )
Bernard Lohman, Career & Tech Ed (21 yrs )
Susan McGrath, Special Education (19 yrs )
Ed Moran, Career & Tech Ed (20 yrs )
James Weiner, Special Education (19 yrs )
The BOCES Board of Education recognized five educators as they received tenure in their respective tenure tracks at the May Board meeting. These five individuals earned their tenure for their hard work, educational contributions to the students, and being valued members of the BOCES family.
“Congratulations on your tenure, I know that your colleagues think highly of you, as do the rest of us at BOCES, said Robert M. Dufour, Ed.D., District Superintendent at BOCES.
Missing: Tenure recipient Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal of CTE
On June 15, the Elementary Program at Sullivan BOCES held a celebration/graduation for fourteen kindergartners and seven firstgraders who will be moving up to the next grade within the Elementary Program at the Rubin Pollack Education Center Administrators, staff, and parents attended this joyous celebration
“This is such a special day for our youngest students. The ceremony signifies the first of the graduation ceremonies these students will participate in during their academic pathway. We are so proud of our graduates,” said Megan Becker, Executive Principal of the Elementary Program
Kindergarten Class: Walter Canales-Paz, Fallsburg CSD; Karissa Dinger, Monticello CSD; Mateo Flores-Bonilla, Fallsburg CSD; Jaden Rodriguez-Cortes, Tri-Valley CSD; James Ryder, Fallsburg CSD; Oliver Aguilera-Castillo, Fallsburg CSD; Amir Bolden, Monticello CSD; Evelyn Goodin, Monticello CSD; Messiah Liles, Monticello CSD; Maximus Scoyni, Monticello CSD; Kole Weekes, Port Jervis CSD; Masoud Bradshaw, Fallsburg CSD; Giovanni Oliveras, Sullivan West CSD; and Justin Worden, Sullivan West CSD
First Grade Class: Jaxon Hanley, Sullivan West CSD; Stephen Smyth, Monticello CSD; Zabdiel Reyes-Dubon, Fallsburg CSD; Aryan Ala, Liberty CSD; Jasiah Fredenburgh-Aquino, Liberty CSD; Michael Abrams, Monticello CSD, and Abdiel Reyes-Dubon, Fallsburg CSD.
On June 16, the Elementary Program at Sullivan BOCES held a Stepping Up ceremony for nine sixth-grade students moving to the middle school program at the Rubin Pollack Education Center Administrators, staff, and parents attended this milestone celebration
“We are so proud of our students and wish them much success in middle school,” said Megan Becker, Executive Principal of the Elementary Program. “We will truly miss them in the elementary program. ”
Students Stepping Up
Erick Aliers-Amparo, Liberty CSD
Jordan Ayala, Fallsburg CSD
Malik Bush, Fallsburg CSD
Daniel Edmonds, Monticello CSD
Alec Irwin, Livingston Manor CSD
Bruce Mckendry, Livingston Manor CSD
Anthony Sarno, Ellenville CSD
Emily Sheldon, Roscoe CSD
Jailyn Wanner, Walton CSD
Sullivan BOCES held its commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, for the Rubin Pollack Education Center at the Clubhouse at Villa Roma Family, teachers, and school administrators honored the nineteen graduates for their educational achievements.
Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, welcomed guests and opened the ceremony with a story of a little boy attending kindergarten for the first time The story spoke of how his father was fearful for his son as he was going to a strange place without knowing anyone at the school To do something to help protect his child, the father wrote the saying ‘You Can Do the Hard Stuff’ on a card and stuffed it in his son ’ s pocket. He told his son that this was his superpower and that if he was ever afraid or wasn’t sure if he could do something, to take the card out of his pocket and read it The boy carried the card in his pocket until he graduated high school The boy returned the card to his father at his graduation and thanked him Dr Dufour then handed each graduate a small card that said, ‘You Can Do the Hard
Stuff ’ He said, “You are stronger than you think, and you can do anything you want in life because you can do the hard stuff You’ve already done it, I know, you are here tonight, graduating,” said Dufour
Lieutenant Cheryl Crumley, from the Sullivan County Sherriff’s Department, was the keynote speaker for the graduation. Lieutenant Crumley congratulated the students and praised them for their success, and spoke of how the obstacles that they have overcome have made them stronger “Although the journey has been different for each of you, you have shown your strength and determination, and you showed up The most important part of life is showing up, ” said Crumley “You have overcome and persevered As you reflect on your high school journey, be proud of how far you have come. Now is the time for you to dream and set new goals Where ever your future takes you, let it lead you to new and amazing opportunities Class of 2023 – you ’ ve made us proud Congratulations on a job well done!”
The ceremony ’ s student speaker was Zachary Thiel, a Liberty CSD graduate Zachary spoke of the past three years he has spent at BOCES and how he learned a great deal and made many friends He congratulated his classmates and thanked them for always being there for him. He ended with words of advice for the graduates. “As you go off to college or work, never let anyone walk over you, and keep moving forward,” said Thiel
Anthony Sinacore, Sullivan BOCES Board Member, spoke to the class on behalf of the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education. He congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and spoke of the changes and challenges the students have had over the past couple of years Mr Sinacore expressed his admiration for the students for their ability to adapt and overcome any challenge to get them to this milestone “As you move to the next step in your life - keep learning,” said Sinacore
Delyla Alger, RCS
Oscar Barrera-Campos, FCS
Evin Cross, FCS
Brian Detzauer, TVCS
Grace Gonzalez, SWCS
Rahmel Harris, MCS
Joseph Jadan-Chocho, LCS
Armando Miguel, LCS
Niel Patel, FCS
Xaira Sennett, SWCS
Hailey Shaw, RCS
Jadin Suarez, MCS
John Taurino, TVCS
Zachary Thiel, LCS
Adam Turk, TVCS
Gaibrul VanAken, MCS
Erik Vasquez, MCS
Gemael Wallace, Jr , LMCS
Stefano Zinas, SWCS
School District Abbreviations:
Eldred (ECS)
Fallsburg (FCS)
Liberty (LCS)
Livingston Manor (LMCS)
Monticello (MCS)
Sullivan West (SWCS)
Tri-Valley (TVCS)
The Career and Technical Education Center at Sullivan BOCES inducted fifty-three students into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society (NTHS) The NTHS was created in 1984 to bring honor and recognition to one of the most critical segments of education, Career and Technical Education Induction into the National Technical Honor Society is one of the highest accomplishments bestowed upon a Career and Technical Education student
The evening began with Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal of the Career & Tech Center, welcoming those in attendance and recognizing the accomplishments of this group of outstanding students, who have put forth a tremendous effort and have shown great aptitude in their chosen trade
Carla Granados a New Vision Health student f Fallsburg CSD, Addison Kidney a New Vision H student from Eldred CSD, Zandy Valencia Bam an Early Childhood Education student from Li CSD, Joseph Park an Innovative Design Studen from Roscoe CSD, Angelica Rothberg a Public Safety Services student from Liberty CSD, and Sanna Woytowick a Basic Welding student fro Monticello CSD each explained the different components of the NTHS and its meaning beh its purpose, colors, emblem, insignia, and slog
Debra Heidt Dunwell, one of the Chapter Advisors, also explained the benefit of the National Technical Honor Society and how its seven pillars (leadership, scholarship, skills, honesty, citizenship, service, and responsibility) help students become positive role models for others while encouraging leadership skills
Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal of Career & Technical Education and NTHS Advisor, concluded the ceremony and congratulated the inductees on their hard work and installation into the National Technical Honor Society “This is an honor that you will be able to carry with you throughout your education and your career, ” said Molusky
Animal Science:
William Chellis, SWCS
Nevaeh Davis, LCS
Amelia Edwards, SWCS
Dominic Gagliardo, LCS
Steven Gil de Lamdrid, SWCS
Hannah Gill, LCS
Zoie Marks, LMCS
Caleigh McDole, FCS
Keely Schock, SWCS
Auto Body:
Samuel Olivares Reyes, LCS
Auto Technology:
Alyssa Gettel, SWCS
Daniel Omogbai, MCS
Colin Phelps, SWCS
Basic Welding:
Patrick Adams, ECS
Bretten Benzenberg, MCS
Zaylee Cox, RCS
Vincent Mingo, TVCS
Jake Parks, LCS
Cameron Revicki, RCS
Ethan Williams, ECS
Kayla Wilson, SWCS
Sanna Woytowick, MCS
Broadcasting/Music
Production:
Reece Hendrickson, SWCS
Construction:
Terrence Hayden, FCS
Health Occupations:
Jillian Carlsen, LMCS
Ralph Cherubino, LMCS
Taylor Doty, TVCS
Isabella Francisco, RCS
Jordanna Martinez, MCS
Maytte Morales-Romero, LCS
Lesly Panama, LCS
Allie Sierens, SWCS
Innovative Design:
Hannah Easop, MCS
Dylan Evans Machacek, MCS
Kylie Feeney, ECS
Joseph Park, RCS
Natural Resources:
Corey Bedward, MCS
Robert Buck, RCS
Nicholas Carroll, MCS
New Vision Health:
Matthew Chigbundu-Obiokoye, LCS
Madison Clancy, MCS
Addison Kidney, ECS
Ava Toledo, MCS
Allison Weinstein, MCS
Public Safety:
Dennis Call, MCS
Madison Morales, LCS
Angelica Rothberg, LCS
Junior Nathaniel Ordonez Bonilla, FCS
Cosmetology:
Melany Manzanares, LCS
Elyanna Ocasio Lombardi, LCS
Early Childhood Ed.:
Kamaryn LaNoce, LMCS
Alexis Oshaughnessy, RCS
Jersey Rios, MCS
School District Abbreviations:
Eldred (ECS)
Fallsburg (FCS)
Liberty (LCS)
Livingston Manor (LMCS)
Monticello (MCS)
Roscoe (RCS)
Sullivan West (SWCS)
Tri-Valley (TVCS)
On June 15, the Career & Technical Education Center at Sullivan BOCES held its Recognition Ceremony for 213 graduating Career & Tech students at the Tri-Valley Central School District. The auditorium was filled with smiling faces, cheers, and applause as the graduates made their way across the stage to accept their awards and certificates
Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal of the Career & Technical Education Center, opened the ceremony by welcoming the graduates, parents, board members, and school administrators to this joyous occasion. He spoke of the advantages of the hands-on learning the students received. Molusky explained how each graduate, regardless of their future path, will benefit from and be better prepared than most as they enter college or the workforce
Felicity Bauernfeind, a Sullivan West Central School District graduate, and Allison Weinstein, a Monticello Central School District graduate, were the class speakers at the ceremony Each spoke of their experiences at the Career & Tech Center, how attending BOCES has helped them determine their future career paths, and how beneficial and enriching their experience at BOCES has been
After the students’ speeches, BOCES Board members Carol Park, Jackie Rutledge, Keith Stryker, and Simmie Williams III presented Felicity Bauernfeind, Sullivan West; Matthew Chigbundu-Obiokoye, Liberty; Samantha Medina Garzon, Fallsburg; and Allison Weinstein, Monticello with the BOCES Board Outstanding Career & Technical Education Student Award.
When addressing the students, Mr Molusky stated, “Regardless of the path you choose, you will benefit from everything you were taught at the Career and Tech Center Your experience has helped ensure your pathway to further education, training, and sound employment opportunities Your work may result in dirty hands, sweaty brows, and aching muscles, but take pride!
These momentary discomforts signify an unsung hero who makes modern life possible The work you will do is incredibly honorable and necessary But most of all, you will enjoy the satisfaction of looking at your completed work and saying to yourself, “I built that,” “I got that working again,” or “I helped that person. ” Your hard work will not come without heartache, defeat, or challenges, but in those times, we learn and grow, building the strength and perseverance needed to set the footings upon which you will build your future success Above all, believe in yourself; you have the skills and qualities to succeed and be successful wherever the future takes you, ” concluded Molusky.
Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent at BOCES, closed the ceremony with a statement from his mother, “Nobody ever does anything on their own ” He explained how everyone has had someone who has helped them in one way or another Dr Dufour then asked the students to stand and applaud everyone who has helped them over the years. “We never succeeded without others, and we must always be thankful to those around us who have helped us succeed. I wish you all the best, and everyone at Sullivan BOCES is very proud of you ” , concluded Dufour
Allied Health
Animal Science
Auto Body
Automotive Technology
Broadcasting & Music Production
Construction Technology
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Education
Electrical Trades
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Fire Science
Health Occupations
Innovative Design
Natural Resources
New Vision Health
Public Safety Services
Welding
The Career & Tech Center welcomes students, parents and school districts to come and learn about the programs available at the Career & Tech Center
The Middle School program held its Fourth Annual Science Fair on June 9. Students proudly demonstrated and presented their projects at the fair to fellow students, family members, and school staff
The room was buzzing as students visited each project and asked questions. Of course, there were several hands-on displays like the virtual sandbox, the bearded dragons, and the hoverboard, where students waited in line for their turn to see how the sandbox worked, pet the dragon, or ride on the hoverboard
The science fair, spearheaded by Science Teacher Adam Malfetano, is instrumental in engaging the students in the wonders of science and puts the students in the spotlight “The impact of the Science Fair is powerful The students are so interested and excited about the fair that even shy students are willing to talk about their projects,” said Malfetano
Earlier this year, BOCES and the Sullivan County’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) created a construction training pilot to train adult residents in basic carpentry skills. Through this partnership, seven local residents had the opportunity to start the path to obtain a new career.
"This has been an incredible opportunity for these men, ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s, some single, some with families,” explained Center for Workforce Development Director Loreen Gebelein, who spearheaded this project “They should be as proud of themselves as we are of them!”
“This was hands-on training at BOCES’ fully equipped workshop, and these graduates are immediately ready to work with any number of employers, as the local building industry is growing fast,” said Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley
“We are proud of the seven individuals who have completed this program and wish them the best of luck and success as they continue to their new career, ” said Robert M. Dufour, Ed.D., District Superintendent/CEO at Sullivan BOCES.
“I’m grateful for the fact that this is a free program and is guiding all of us on to a career, ” affirmed graduate Ben Ziff, who will be joining a local union
“I’m thinking of going into maintenance, but I also just got my forklift operator’s license,” noted graduate Dominic Cabrera to cheers and applause from the audience.
“It’s great to see people who were looking for a path and to actually be given that path to a sustainable career, ” noted Legislature Chairman Robert A Doherty
“This is just the beginning of our partnership with the Center for Workforce Development and the County. Discussions are underway to provide future educational opportunities for adult learners, which will help build and maintain our County’s workforce,” explained Dufour
Allied Health:
Erika Allison, TVCS
Camila Gonzalez, LCS
Olga Gonzales Reyes, FCS
Novalyn Rivas, LCS
Eliezer Cubero Vargas, LCS
Derek Wheeler, LCS
Animal Science:
Ethan Blumenthal, LCS
William Chellis, SWCS
Alexandra Cogswell, LCS
Dominic Gagliardo, LCS
Azalia Graffeo, ECS
Dillan Hanslmaier, SWCS
Kayleigh Horvath, ELL
Caleigh McDole, FCS
Marayah Morra, ECS
Nataliya Parache, LCS
Destiny Pettus, FCS
Xaira Sennett, SWCS
Emily Rose Curry, LCS
Auto Body:
Oscar Barrera-Campos, FCS
Jose Bonilla, MCS
Joseph Brewer Jr., TVCS
Austin Dolfini, TVCS
Connor Evans, LCS
Luke Klein, FCS
Dylan Mitchell, TVCS
Niel Patel, FCS
Devaun Williams, LCS
Auto Technology:
Benedict Bergmanis, ECS
Chase Beseth, LCS
Louis Bilancione Jr , TVCS
Annabella Card, LCS
Nathan Coy, SWCS
Brandon Cuevas, SWCS
Natalio Crespo III, SWCS
Rebecca Dalton, SWCS
Omar Delgado, MCS
Nathan Edwards, MCS
Ahmed Elakwah, MCS
Alfredo Arce Embree, FCS
Anthony Hamilton, MCS
Rahmel Harris, MCS
Jacob Harrington, MCS
Russell Hodge Jr ,RCS
Joshua Klaus, FCS
Matthew Klein, TVCS
Robert Kurtz, SWCS
Armando Miguel, LCS
Luke Oefelein, TVCS
Colin Phelps, SWCS
Zion Smith, MCS
Zachary Thiel, LCS
Shane Turner, SWCS
Rodney Wilson, SWCS
Malachi Wright, MCS
Basic Welding:
Patrick Adams, ECS
Aaron Altman, TVCS
Bretten Benzenberg, MCS
Christopher Brush, MCS
Michael Davies Jr., TVCS
Armando Diaz, LCS
Dominick Furlipa, ECS
Lauren Kirk, RCS
Nicholas Kirk, ECS
Morgan McKinley, LMCS
Vincent Mingo, TVCS
Reuben Rausch, ECS
Evan Skala, MCS
Victor Tyutko, LCS
Brooke VanAken, TVCS
Robert VonGerichten, SWCS
Synaida Wheeler, FCS
Ethan Williams, ECS
Janessa DeGroat, SWCS
Samantha Medina Garzon, FCS
Grace Gonzalez, SWCS
Ava Hesse, RCS
Jackie Anne Horton, ECS
Kaden Besson, TVCS
Anthony Llaguarima Chocho, LCS
Jeffrey Ferrufino, LCS
Michael Lauria, TVCS
Jose Martinez Hernandez, MCS
Denilson Turcios Mejia, LCS
Casimiro Pomales, ELL
Jorge Reyes, LCS
Cody Ricco, LCS
Darren Watkins Tejada, MCS
Micaiah Williams, MCS
Jade Baker, RCS
Alexandra Barnes, TVCS
Rebecca Brewer, SWCS
Angelina Canfield, ECS
Victoria Champlain, MCS
Imani Gonzague, LCS
Serena Harting, SWCS
Gillian Ibarra, MCS
Alyssa Mahler, FCS
Maria Marrero, MCS
Mahetzin Leon Martinez, LCS
Stephanie Meade, LMCS
Keidy Escoto Morales, FCS
Jocelyn Mungeer, TVCS
Samantha Powell, RCS
Savannah Rose, TVCS
Sheone Santiago, ECS
Emalee Schleiermacher, LMCS
Jadin Suarez, MCS
Destiny Virgil, MCS
Ashley Wilkins, MCS
Culinary Arts:
Lacy Babcock, MCS
Kayalah Brewster, FCS
Andrew Figueroa, LCS
Cameron Gieger, SWCS
Matsuy Gutierrez, LCS
Dary Jadan, LCS
Sean Linton, ECS
Isiah Mateo, LCS
Alexus Parisella, LCS
James Paulding, MCS
Kailan Odell Schreier, FCS
Cameron Sullivan, SCS
Andrew Tejada, FCS
Alexis Williams, ECS
Andraya Young, MCS
Cameron Young, MCS
Early Childhood Education:
Zandy Valencia Bamac, LCS
Gabrielle Dilles, ECS
Mikayla Dirie, SWCS
Kaylee Feller, SWCS
Andrew Gaebel, LMCS
Daniela Iniguez Gutierrez, LCS
Ashlee Ladenhauf, RCS
Courtney Mikalonis, MCS
Alexis Oshaughnessy, RCS
Gissel Gonzalez Ramirez, LCS
Jersey Rios, MCS
Felicity Bauernfeind, SWCS
Samantha Bonilla, RCS
Cheyenne Bound, TVCS
Shyann Boyles, LCS
Norlis Acosta Bustillo, LCS
Sierra Kaplan, MCS
Kaitlyn Lamantia, LCS
Jordanna Martinez, MCS
Brandy Salgado Perez , MCS
Rae-Lyn Stanton, SWCS
Suani Valente, SWCS
Innovative Design:
Brooke Compton, SWCS
Logan Cox, MCS
Dylan Evans Machacek, MCS
Hailey Markle, ECS
Jacqueline McKay, LCS
Damien Northcote, LCS
Joseph Park, RCS
Jessica Ponce, LCS
Jordan Lopez Sanchez, SWCS
Weston Shaver, TVCS
Adam Turk Jr ,TVCS
Christos Vernezos, FCS
Natural Resources:
Eric Altman, TVCS
Corey Bedward, MCS
Lucas Herbert, SWCS
Jesse Hynson, TVCS
Colin Kavleski, SWCS
Briar Knight, TVCS
Jacob Lucak, TVCS
Jesse Payne, TVCS
Christopher Pinkerous, ELL
Abigail Post, RON
Adam Vandermark, RCS
Grant Watch, MCS
New Vision Health:
Madison Ames-Shaw, MCS
Erin Brawley, MCS
Matthew Chigbundu-Obiokoye, LCS
Madison Clancy, MCS
Meg Cruz, MCS
Carla Granados, FCS
Stephanie Granados, FCS
Jason Hernandez, MCS
Addison Kidney, ECS
Andrew Rein Jr , FCS
Sheila Smyth, ECS
Ava Toledo, LCS
Jayda Valentin, MCS
Allison Weinstein, MCS
Pre-Tech:
Delyla Alger, RCS
John Taurino, TVCS
Public Safety Services:
Ian Allard, LMCS
Wilmer Acosta Bustillo, LCS
Mariah Cadet, LCS
Dennis Call, MCS
Mackenzie Carlson, LMCS
Fabian Clough Jr , MCS
Michael DeFrank Jr , LCS
Jason Edwards, MCS
Sendy Ramon Fernandez, LCS
Xavier Footman, MCS
Ximena Garcia Gomez, LCS
Dylan Hardy, MCS
Gabriel Ivory, LMCS
Anna Klimiuk, TVCS
Holly McFarland, MCS
Zachary Miller, TVCS
Ashlyn Nivelo Cruz, LCS
Ryan Rampe, LMCS
Aaidan Rausch, MCS
Michael Razumoski, FCS
Angelica Rothberg, LCS
Anthony Hernandez Sandoval, FCS
Daniel Seminario, MCS
Dayris Valladares, LCS
Faith Velazquez, SWCS
School District Abbreviations:
Eldred (ECS)
Ellenville (ELL)
Fallsburg (FCS)
Liberty (LCS)
Livingston Manor (LMCS)
Monticello (MCS)
Rondout (RON)
Roscoe (RCS)
Sullivan West (SWCS)
Tri-Valley (TVCS)