Goshen Chamber of Commerce Highlights Orange-Ulster BOCES at Networking Breakfast

From left to right: Goshen Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes, Daniel Bassani (Goshen HS), Samantha Pickering (Goshen HS), Dayra Delgado-Santana (Goshen HS), OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer William J. Hecht, and Goshen Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Regina Clark

Recently, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce hosted representatives from Orange-Ulster BOCES, including administration and three Career & Technical Education (CTE) students, as  featured guest speakers at their September networking breakfast. After a warm welcome and introduction from Executive Director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Regina Clark, OU BOCES Deputy Superintendent Deborah Heppes gave an overview of what OU BOCES is and explained how important the organization is to the students, school districts, local economy and community in its supervisory area. Director of Career & Technical Education Kathleen Smith explained how CTE programs give students the opportunity to graduate from high school with technical experience, professional skills, national industry certifications, and college credit in a wide variety of high-demand occupations.

The true highlight of the morning was when three OU BOCES CTE students, all from Goshen High School, enthusiastically shared their positive feelings and great experiences they have had in their CTE programs. Samantha Pickering in the Digital Design & Advertising Program, Daniel Bassani in the HVAC/Program, and Dayra Delgado-Santana in the Cosmetology Program each took a turn and spoke with confidence and joy about their time in CTE and their plans for the future. The students were chosen by their teachers and administration to speak because of their outstanding performance and academic achievement in their programs. Proud family members, as well as Goshen Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes, were in attendance to show their support of the students’ successes.

CTE maintains relationships with over 187 business partners in the OU BOCES supervisory area, offers 33 programs, has over 1,900 students and a completion rate of over 97%.

For more information about OU BOCES CTE programs, visit www.ouboces.com/CTE or call (845) 291-0300.

The Goshen Chamber of Commerce is a valuable business partner with OU BOCES CTE and is committed to improving the economic prosperity and quality of life of the area. To contact the Goshen Chamber of Commerce visit www.goshennychamber.com/contact-us or call (845) 294-7741.