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Outstanding CTE students honored at 'Tools for Success' ceremony
May 13, 2025The annual "Tools for Success" awards ceremony at the OCM BOCES Thompson Road Campus celebrated 10 outstanding students from various Career & Technical Education programs.
What makes this ceremony special is the tangible support offered by partnering businesses, each providing a "tool" to help launch these students' careers. Automotive students, for instance, received a professional Snap-On screwdriver. Welding students were gifted helmets, and aspiring construction workers took home an Estwing framing hammer and tool belt.
The ceremony also included the recognition of North Syracuse senior Mallory Wessles, the Culinary & Pastry Arts honoree. She received a $1,000 college scholarship from "Two Chefs from Above," a non-profit established by OCM BOCES Adult Education Instructor Nancy Chappell in memory of her son and another young man tragically lost in a 2018 Syracuse-area restaurant shooting. This scholarship will support Mallory's upcoming enrollment at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park this fall. (A complete list of award recipients is below.)
Selection for a "Tools for Success" award requires students to demonstrate mastery in their chosen field, maintain excellent attendance and engagement, and consistently display a positive attitude in the classroom. Notably, most of these honorees are members of the National Technical Honor Society and have actively participated in SkillsUSA, a national organization fostering trade skills through competitive events at the local, state and national levels. Many are also gaining real-world experience through internships.
During the award presentations, each OCM BOCES instructor offered a long list of accolades to their students, who are all committed to pursuing careers in their CTE fields. Instructors described their students as dedicated, passionate, reliable, hardworking, academically successful, helpful, and exemplary leaders and role models within their CTE programs.
Throughout the ceremony, the room was filled with applause from OCM BOCES staff, board of education members, district superintendents, administrators, and proud family and friends.
This year's generous partnering businesses included Driver's Village, Home Builders and Remodelers of Central New York, Lincoln Electric, Tracey Road Equipment, Snap-on, Inc., and Two Chefs from Above, LLC.
The event was skillfully emceed by CTE Principal Michelle Giamartino.
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Automotive Collision Ryan Cawley |
Instructor Jon Sawicki said Ryan has had a four-year internship at a local body shop and plans to work full-time in the automotive collision field.
“Ryan has established himself as a leader in the class, always willing to help his classmates and share his knowledge. Over the past two years, he has progressed from an entry-level technician to a solid B-level technician, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Ryan consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. He shows up to work every day in his uniform, ready to tackle any task. He is self-motivated, takes initiative on multiple jobs, and accepts responsibility beyond his assigned duties.”
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Automotive Technology Jonathan Cross |
Instructor Sam Azria said Jon plans to attend SUNY Morrisville to pursue his passion for automotive technology.
“Jon’s passion for the automotive field extends beyond the classroom. He enjoys working on his truck, expressing his creativity and technical skills through customization. His recent project, installing star lights in the truck’s interior, showcased his meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. …Beyond his individual pursuits, Jon is also a valuable team player. He is always willing to work collaboratively with other students, sharing his expertise and assisting them in repairing various vehicles.”
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Automotive Technology Jack Connelly North Syracuse |
Instructor Erick Dodge said Jack plans to work in the automotive field after college.
“Jack is, in a word, dedicated. He consistently completes his work on time and to a high standard of effectiveness. Additionally, he actively seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills and is always open to taking on additional projects and challenges. …Jack is a true friend and colleague. He is known for having nice things to say about others, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.”
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Automotive Technology Freddy Rodriguez |
Instructor Zach Ward said Freddy plans to attend SUNY Morrisville to further his education in automotive technology.
“This year, Freddy has taken on a leadership role in the classroom, demonstrating his initiative and willingness to guide his peers. He consistently arrives on time and is ready to work. He goes above and beyond to collaborate with his classmates, helping them to learn the material and produce quality work. …Freddy is a model student, known for completing tasks efficiently and adhering to proper safety precautions. He is always willing to work with others, contributing to their success whenever possible.”
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Construction Technology Daniel Hoyer |
Instructor Nick Ross said Daniel plans to enter the construction field as a carpenter after high school.
“Daniel consistently demonstrates the qualities of a true professional. He is a skilled problem-solver, approaching challenges with a clear head. He has the ability to analyze complex situations, identify effective solutions, and implement them with efficiency and precision. Dan’s focus and leadership are truly commendable. He consistently demonstrates leadership ability among his peers and fosters a collaborative and productive learning environment.”
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Construction Technology
Christopher Bakowski
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Instructor Zach Wills said Christopher plans to attend Alfred State College to pursue a career in construction management.
“Chris approaches every class with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn. He consistently demonstrates good problem-solving skills, often drawing on past experiences from the classroom or from his work outside of school to overcome challenges faced by himself and his classmates. Chris is always willing to dedicate his time to helping other students in the classroom, and he consistently goes the extra mile by staying after the bell to ensure that tools are put away and the shop is clean.”
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Culinary & Pastry Arts
Mallory Wessels
North Syracuse |
Instructors Bob Canorro and Albert Herrara — Mallory will be attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park in the fall.
“Mallory is a highly focused and mature student and has a real talent and desire for baking and pastry arts. She has worked as a cake decorator at Speara’s Market and displayed her ability as a cake decorator during the state SkillsUSA competition, where she finished in an impressive second place. …Mallory, I commend your hard work and passion, and we all believe you have a bright future ahead.”
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Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations & Diesel Technology
Matthew Barbaro
Marcellus |
Instructor Bryan Wilson said Matt plans to attend Lincoln Tech to further his education and start his own mobile diesel repair business.
“This award recognizes an individual who not only excels in their technical abilities but also demonstrates the character, work ethic, and personal qualities that are essential for a successful and fulfilling career. Matt embodies these qualities to an extraordinary degree. …Over the past two years, Matt has blossomed into a confident and capable leader. He often takes the lead on projects, ensuring that his fellow classmates have the knowledge and support they need to complete the job successfully.”
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Welding Technology
Isaac Cicione
Baldwinsville |
Instructor Duane Debejian said Isaac hopes to join the Local 81 Plumbers and Pipefitters union after graduation.
“What truly sets Isaac apart, and what I believe serves as an inspiring example for each and every one of us in this room, is his personal motto. ‘If he can do it, why can’t I?’ This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates a mindset of possibility, a refusal to be limited by perceived barriers, and an inherent belief in his own potential.”
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Welding Technology
Tucker Bealer
West Genesee |
Instructor Scott Watkins said Tucker will be attending Alfred State College to further his education in welding technology. “Over the past two years, Tucker has demonstrated significant personal growth and a remarkable development of his welding skills. He is always ready to lend a hand, arriving on time every day, prepared and eager for any task. Tucker takes immense pride in his work and consistently assumes a leadership role, inspiring and guiding those around him.” |
