Electro-Mechanical Trades Program

Submitted photo and press release:

Henry Schafer is a young man who sets a goal and is not afraid to work hard to achieve it. This senior from Notre Dame High School in Batavia is enrolled in the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.

Henry was recently awarded the Electrical Association of Western New York’s (WNY) School-to-Work Scholarship for $500. According to the Electrical Association of WNY, the money is to be used toward the cost of tools for individuals seeking a career in the electrical trade.

After graduation, Henry plans to attend Alfred State College of Technology to study Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician. His long-term goal is to, “Work as an electrician to take care of myself, my family, and keep a roof over our heads.”

Rich Monroe is the instructor of the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia CTE Center.

“Henry’s growth has been remarkable," Monroe said. "He came into this program as a very timid person. Last summer, he had a co-op job with Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning where he was able to use the skills that he learned in this program. Henry has a tremendous work ethic.”

Henry is currently in a work co-op program with Bonduelle in Bergen where he is gaining valuable on-the-job experience. This worldwide food processing company has three locations in New York State. 

“I’m learning how to fix motors and ballasts," Henry said. "So much of what I learned in this program is helping me in this co-op."

This humble and shy young man has many accomplishments. He is a member of the National Honor Society at Notre Dame High School and also a member of the National Technical Honor Society at the Batavia CTE Center.  He has been a recipient of the Notre Dame High School Anima Christi Award, and is also a scholar athlete for both cross-country and swimming.

Henry was awarded the New York State Triple C Award, which recognizes the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students.

In Henry’s free time, he volunteers at St. Michael’s Church as an altar server and usher, and helps in his church’s Clothes Closet.  

The Electrical Association of Western New York established a School-to-Work Scholarship in 1998. All applicants are judged on academic achievement in school and personal characteristics by an independent panel of area school educators.

The Electro-Mechanical Trades Program is offered at the Batavia CTE Center, a Genesee Valley BOCES program. GV BOCES operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Photo from left: Rich Monroe, instructor, Electro-Mechanical Trades Program; student Henry Schaefer; and Maggie Poray, Student Services coordinator, Batavia CTE Center.

Submitted photo and press release:

Casey Felski is a determined young person. This senior from Pembroke High School attends the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Last school year, she attended the Building Trades Program at the Batavia CTE Center. Rich Monroe is Casey’s Electro-Mechanical Trades instructor in the program. He describes her as a leader in the classroom and on the worksite.

“From Casey’s first day of school, I could see that hands-on learning is her forte," Monroe said. "I could tell that she would excel in whatever she attempted to do.  My job as her instructor was to spark her interest."

Each year the Building Trades and Electro-Mechanical Trades Programs build a house on-site for a home owner. All the building materials costs, as well as the construction of the home’s foundation, are paid by the home owner but the labor to construct the home is free.

This house project provides students with real-world on the job experiences including leadership roles.  

As a senior, Casey does just that, she works with the incoming juniors to orient them to working at the house site, leading group projects and running jobs as assigned by Monroe.

Besides being determined, Casey can also be described as hardworking and dedicated. She is an active volunteer firefighter with Corfu Rescue Hook and Ladder Company and she also serves as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She runs track at Pembroke High School and works part time at a grocery store in Akron. 

Casey’s actions and work ethic in and out of the classroom have proven successful. She recently was awarded a School-to-Work scholarship from the Electrical Association of Western New York (EAWNY).

Founded in 1924, this organization’s mission is to educate about the safe and efficient use of electricity and technology, and promote the electrical industry. Each year, the EAWNY awards School-to-Work Scholarships to individuals who pursue a career in the electric industry and participate in a training program to be used for the purchase of tools.

After graduation in June, Casey’s goal is to gain acceptance into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 41 Apprenticeship Program. Monroe said the he has no doubt that Casey will get accepted.

Photo, from left: Instructor Rich Monroe, senior Casey Felski, and Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal.