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Elba student wins design contest for Rochester Auto Dealers' 2020 show program cover

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Fanny Venegas is a junior at Elba Central School who designed the cover of the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association’s (RADA) Rochester Auto Show Program and her design was selected as the winner.

Fanny is also a first-year student in the Graphic Arts Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

She was recently recognized by Juan Canto, director of Training, Compliance, Recruitment and Placement for the RADA, and she was presented with a monetary award.

The RADA show will be held March 5-8 at the Floreano Convention Center in Rochester. The event draws tens of thousands of attendees and features current and future new vehicles in the market.

“Each year, the RADA invites students to design the program cover because it provides an excellent learning opportunity allowing them to display their knowledge and skills that they learn in the Graphic Design classroom,” Canto said.

“The student whose cover design is chosen, gets to have their bio and picture included in the Auto Show book which thousands of people look at. This prestigious selection can be included in the students’ resume as they look to attend college or, find gainful employment.”

“Fanny is a student who consistently goes above and beyond in all that she does," said Gretchen Rosales, principal of Elba Junior/Senior High School. "Not only does she participate in the Graphic Arts program at the Batavia CTE Center, but she takes AP courses back at the Elba campus.

"She is a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country and indoor/outdoor track. Fanny strives to always give more than 100 percent and she exemplifies what it means to be an Elba Lancer.”

Doug Russo is Fanny’s Graphic Arts instructor. He described how Fanny’s skill set has grown immensely since she first began in September.

“Fanny has gained a vast amount of experience in the graphic arts field," Russo said. "She is proficient in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, which are highly sought out skills in the graphics industry. She is detail orientated, gets along well with others and has great leadership skills.”

Fanny was surprised when she was informed that she is the winner for RADA's cover design competition.

“I was shocked because so many of my classmates entered this contest," Fanny said. "I’m so happy."

Fanny’s mom, Sandra Salcido, was present as Canto gave Fanny the award check.

“I am so proud,” Salcido said with a big smile.

Fanny plans to pursue her education and become a photographer/videographer.

Photo, from left: Gretchen Rosales, principal of Elba Junior/Senior High School; Sandra Salcido, Fanny’s mother; the artist herself -- Fanny Venegas; Juan Canto, director of Training, Compliance, Recruitment and Placement for the RADA; Doug Russo, Batavia CTE Center Graphic Arts instructor; and Maggie Poray, Batavia CTE Center Student Services coordinator.

CTE Culinary Arts students commandeer cafeteria to show how to make tasty, healthy food from scratch

By Billie Owens

Above, Chef Tracy Burgio, instructor of the Culinary Arts program at the Batavia CTE Center, helps student Jaheim Merritt (Batavia HS) with his meatloaf gravy.

Submitted photos and information from the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership​.

As Chef Tracy Burgio and her Culinary Arts students at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center prepared to take over the building’s cafeteria yesterday, they had a worthy goal in mind. 

“We want to prove that you can make healthy food from scratch,” Chef Burgio said. 

Culinary Arts students normally cook lunch for faculty and staff members on Thursdays. But for yesterday's "takeover," students attending daytime classes at the center were also queued up.

“The kids have such an interest in having good cafeteria food, this project really drives home that message," the chef said.

Buffalo chicken meatloaf, mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini, apple crisp, and biscuits were prepared for them using USDA recipes.

Burgio said she has been interested in taking over the cafeteria for several years, and plans similar events on Jan. 29 and March 11.

She would like to make the partnership between her students and cafeteria staff a normal part of the Culinary Arts curriculum and would also like to incorporate locally grown produce into recipes. 

Jaheim Merritt, a Culinary Arts student and junior from Batavia High School, stood at a stove making gravy for the meatloaf.

“I think making lunch for everyone is a big responsibility, but I think it’s a good idea,” Jaheim said. “A lot of kids complain about our lunches, so we can help make a change.”

Burgio wants to show kids that healthy food can still taste good.

As students went through the lunch line, they learned nutritional facts about each food. For example, zucchini and carrots are high in vitamins A and C, and the Buffalo chicken meatloaf was high in protein and low in fat.

Culinary Arts students and Byron-Bergen High School juniors Isaiah Merrell and Austin Evert were student-leaders during the cafeteria takeover.

“I’m hoping that making lunch from scratch will help inspire the kids in the Academy,” Isaiah said.

Added Austin, “With our lunches, we don’t normally know the nutritional facts. Now we are giving them knowledge and good food.”

Below: Chef Tracy Burgio spoons out gravy during the lunch takeover. 

Highlights of CTE awards ceremony for new grads

By Billie Owens

Above, Shelby Ulm (right), Cosmetology student from Attica CSD, accepts the AM Student of the Year Award from Catherine Bennett, assistant principal at the Batavia CTE Center.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center celebrated the achievements of its seniors at an awards program last month at Le Roy High School.

The scholarship and award winners, their programs and home schools are noted below.

  • Student of the Year (a.m.), Shelby Ulm, Attica CSD, Cosmetology;
  • Student of the Year (p.m.), Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy;
  • Blakeslee Memorial Award, Karl Steffenilla, Pavilion CSD, Building Trades;
  • Donald Abramo Jr. Memorial Award, Steven Keicher, Attica CSD; Anthony McMaster, Batavia CSD, both Metal Trades students;
  • Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship: James Roggow, Byron-Bergen CSD; Evan Bartz, Batavia CSD; Arden Schadt, Attica CSD; Noah Stachowiak, Attica CSD; Anthony McMaster, Batavia CSD; all Metal Trades students;
  • AutoDesk Master Manufacturing Scholarship: Benjamin Bailey, Pembroke CSD, Metal Trades;
  • James P. Donnelly Memorial Award: Garret George, Attica CSD; Lucas Stucchio, Byron-Bergen CSD, both Building Trades students;
  • Paul Levins Memorial Award: Zachary Heaton, Attica CSD, Building Trades;
  • Batavia Rod & Gun Club Memorial Scholarship: Eric Lewis, Pavilion CSD, Building Trades;
  • Roy H. Turnbull Memorial Scholarship Award: Joshua Kelsey, Alexander CSD, Building Trades;
  • Ignatius J. Radesi Memorial Award: Tyler Totten, Notre Dame Batavia, Building Trades;
  • Pullinzi Family Scholarship: Jonathan Bigsby, Alexander CSD, Building Trades;
  • Building Trades Alumni Award: Nicholas Bonamici, Attica CSD, Building Trades;
  • Jason H. Rowcliffe Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Volutra, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award: Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Red Osier Scholarship: Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Josh Mouery Memorial Award, Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • C. Thomas Olivo Award - ACTEA: Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy;
  • Batavia Rotary Club Memorial Fund Scholarship: Tyler Kirst, Pembroke CSD, Health Dimensions;
  • Kiwanis Citizenship Scholarship: Emily Boldt, Pavilion CSD, Justice Academy;
  • Adams’ Welding & Fabrication Scholarship: Ayden Odachowski, Batavia CS, Metal Trades;
  • Dr. Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Schofield, Pavilion CSD, Health Careers Academy; Madison Dedman, Batavia CSD, Health Careers Academy; Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy.

Above, Taylor Tyczka (right) an Information Technology Academy student from Attica CSD, accepts the $2,000 Charles Holowach Scholarship from Julie Donlon, assistant superintendent for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.  

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership 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.

Holowach Scholarships awarded by the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership

By Billie Owens

Above is Ethan Hutchins, a 2018 Holowach Scholarship winner, with Julie Donlon, GVEP assistant superintendent.

Submitted photo and press release from the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership:

Le Roy -- Since 1988, the Gary Hammond Golf Tournament has helped to raise funds for the Holowach Memorial Scholarship Fund. To date, more than $112,000 in scholarships have been awarded.

Holowach Scholarships are given annually to assist outstanding career and technical education students with college expenses. The selection process includes written application, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview with the selection committee. Selection criteria includes citizenship, financial need, dedication to and achievement in his/her chosen field.

The Holowach Memorial Scholarship Fund is named for Charles “Chuck” Holowach, Ed.D., who served as the District Superintendent of Livingston-Steuben Wyoming Board of Cooperative Educational Services from March 1982 until his untimely death in December 1988.

The golf tournament is named in honor of Gary Hammond, a retired assistant superintendent for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, who served the district for 16 years.

This year’s Genesee County Holowach Scholarship recipients are noted below.

$2,000 -- Batavia CTE Center

Ethan Hutchins is a Health Careers Academy student from Notre Dame who will attend St. John Fisher’s Nursing program. Ethan is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), 4H, and prom committee at his school.

Ethan is also a member of the Notre Dame chorus, and is HOSA Vice President for his class, and secretary for his class at school. He has received numerous awards including Breakfast of Champions, Most Improved-Volleyball, and Scholar Athlete.

$1,500 -- Batavia CTE Center

Paige Perry is from Attica Central Schools and a student in the Health Careers Academy Program. In the fall, she is set to attend Niagara University where she will major in Biology. At her home school, Paige is involved in many activities including Student Government, 4-H, Envirothon, Soccer, Track, Ski Club, Pulse Academy, We Care Club, and Spanish Club. She is a member of National Honor Society and President of the Ski Club.

$1,000 -- Batavia CTE Center

Kim Davis is a Health Careers Academy student from Pavilion Central Schools. She plans to attend Nazareth College and major in Physical Therapy. Kim is active in many sports, clubs, and activities at her home school including soccer, basketball, track, and Girls Service League.

She is a member of National Honor Society, serves as Student Government Class Treasurer, and also serves on Youth Court. dKim has earned many awards and much recognition including Honor Roll, Scholar Athlete, Music Award, MVP-Basketball Tournament, Coaches Award, and the Livingston County Athletic Association All-Star Award.

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The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, based in Le Roy, 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.

Batavia CTE precision machining and welding students celebrate end of school year, get awards tonight

By Billie Owens

Mike Pribanich from NYMAT Machine Tool Corporation, works with William Hammond, a Precision Machining student from Caledonia-Mumford High School, on the Haas TM-1P control machine in the Precision Machining shop at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center Precision Machining and Welding students celebrated the end of the school year with a visit with representatives from area manufacturing businesses.

The goal of the event was to introduce students to potential employers and for students to learn of the many career opportunities available in the manufacturing industry.

Lars Christensen, from Autodesk, a multinational software corporation that makes software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries, attended the event and spoke with students.

“I came to the United States in 1999 from Denmark and worked as a mold maker at a manufacturing facility in Rochester, New York," Christensen said. "I moved into the software industry and today I work for Autodesk, one of the biggest CAD-CAM companies in the world.

There are many prospects in this industry that students can pursue. I hope to encourage these students to do that.”

Erik Schwenzer works for NYMAT Machine Tool Corporation, a Haas Factory Outlet. He also attended and met with students.

“We are looking for summer employees as well as summer interns," Schwenzer said. "We like to be involved with the schools as much as possible because there is a real shortage of workers and many jobs are available in the manufacturing industry.

"Manufacturing is a great business that offers a host of opportunities. You make a very successful living and we need to show this to students.”

At the event, Christensen announced that he is funding a scholarship for Precision Machining and Welding students called the Master Manufacturing Scholarship. This scholarship will be presented tonight at the Batavia CTE Awards Night (June 5).

“This $500 scholarship will be presented to a student who is pursuing a career in the manufacturing industry or who is furthering his or her education.  It can be used by the student for educational purposes or to purchase tools or whatever the student might need to be prepared for work,” Christensen said.

About CTE

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership 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.

New Diesel Mechanics Program set to begin for high school students this fall

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Beginning in the fall of 2018, the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center will offer a new career and technical education program, which will be available to high school juniors and seniors.

A Diesel Mechanics Program will help students on their path to becoming college or career ready. The program is made possible through a partnership with Daimler Trucks North America.

Once the facility is completed, there will be a classroom and service bay located at Daimler’s facility next to the Batavia CTE Center on State Street in Batavia.

The Diesel Mechanics Program is a two-year certified program for juniors and seniors who are interested in working with machines in the construction and agriculture industries. Prospective students could also have an interest in auto/diesel machining, trucking, the lawn and garden industry, welding, and the Armed Forces.

"The Diesel Mechanics Program is a welcome addition to the diverse career and technical program offerings available at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center," said Jon Sanfratello, executive principal, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Batavia Campus. "Our region has a rich agricultural presence which offers many opportunities for students to be successful upon graduation. By offering this new program, it’s one more way we are providing our students with college and career readiness." 

The program was first introduced at the Mount Morris CTE Center in September and is offered at Marquart Repair and Equipment Sales in Gainesville. Steve Jacoby is the instructor.

Students will work on trucks of varying sizes including, tractors, forklifts, backhoes, bulldozers, lawnmowers, and small engines.

Class work includes small group as well as individual instruction for engine and transmission teardown, and overhaul and failure analysis. The hands-on course work will require students to test and rebuild fuel system components and machine cylinder heads and blocks for rebuilding.

Additional program highlights include heavy-duty preventative maintenance, air and hydraulic brake systems, air conditioning and climate controls, and hydraulic hose and fitting identification.

For more information about the Diesel Mechanics Program contact: Sarah Luczak, Student Services coordinator, Batavia CTE Center at (585) 344-7716 or Jane Rahn, Student Services coordinator, Mount Morris CTE Center at (585) 658-7805.

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership 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.

CTE students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Inductees in the 2018 Batavia Career and Technical Center's National Technical Honor Society.

Submitted photo and press release:

This month, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapters inducted 49 career and technical students from Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Evening candlelight ceremonies took place at Elba High School.

These students met the rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership 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. 

The 2018 Batavia Career and Technical Education Center NTHS Inductees:

Agri-Business Academy

Almadelia Salinas Guzman          Pavilion

Jade Vogel                                   Pavilion

Animal Science

Sarah Murray                               Caledonia-Mumford

Auto Technology

Hannah Tiede                              Batavia

Building Trades

Nicholas Bonamici                      Attica

Christian Bradt                            Oakfield-Alabama

Zachary Heaton                          Attica

Dylan Lang                                 Pembroke

Anthony Leitten                          Le Roy

Eric Lewis                                   Pavilion

Jordon Ludwig                            Pembroke

Breanna Montford                       Attica

Julius Ohlson                              Oakfield-Alabama

Karl Steffenilla                            Pavilion

Lucas Stucchio                           Byron-Bergen

Cosmetology

Hayle Conte                                Le Roy

Kayla Heinlein                            Pembroke

Emma Hopfinger                        Attica

Elizabeth Kowalski                     Elba

Shelby Ulm                                 Attica

Criminal Justice

Shawn Busch                              Attica

Cyle Felski                                  Pembroke

Amanda Knauss                         Pembroke

Electronics

Cole Ackert                                 Attica

Benjamin Bowman                     Byron-Bergen

Dwight Czworka                         Attica

Dominic Donley                          Batavia

Seth George                               Alexander

Thomas Pattridge                       Alexander

Chase Roth                                Alexander

Joshua Schulik                           Caledonia-Mumford

Mary Snyder                               Pavilion

Graphic Arts

Caleb Cottone                            Pembroke

Hannah Stockschlaeder             Attica

Health Careers Academy

Kaitlin Ange                               Batavia

Brionna DeMichel                      Byron-Bergen

Kaitlyn Freeman                        Pembroke

Melissa Jarnot                           Attica

Health Dimensions

Summer Anderson                    Caledonia-Mumford

Taylore Dorman                        Pembroke

Samantha Feldmann                Alexander

Nicole Welka                             Byron-Bergen

Justice Academy

Tyler Wood                               Pembroke

Metal Trades

Matthew Kurowski                    Attica

Anthony McMaster                   Batavia

Andrey Musiyevich                   Caledonia-Mumford

Anthony True                            Pavilion

Programming and Interactive Media

Donovan Kelley                        Caledonia-Mumford

Taylor Tyczka                           Attica​

Batavia Career and Technical Center to hold Open House Nov. 2, all are welcome

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2.

Students, parents and community members are invited to tour the center and discover the many skilled trades opportunities available at this facility.

Crime scene analysis, 3-D printing processes, welding applications, animal care methods, and the newest cosmetology trends are just a few of the practices students learn at Batavia CTE.

All programs housed at this campus will also be open for touring including the Batavia Academy, the Intensive Therapeutic Program, the Transition and Practical Assessment Exploration Systems Programs and other school-age special education programs.

The Batavia CTE Center is located at 8250 State Street Road. Please call (585) 344-7711 with any questions.

About CTE

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Students and parents learn about skilled trades at open houses

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo. Will, Penny and Bill Kennett listen as Scott Henahan, Building Trades instructor at the Batavia CTE Center, gives a brief overview of the course offerings taught explains some of the Building Trades curriculum.  

Press release:

A record turnout at the Open Houses held at both the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center and the Charles G. May Center in Mt. Morris gave students the opportunity to learn the educational pathways to a career in the trades. During the open house, students and their families toured classrooms, and spoke with skilled trades professionals who were on hand to discuss employment opportunities.

Will Kennett, a 10th-grader from Byron-Bergen High School, visited the Batavia CTE Center Open House with his parents, Penny and Bill. They toured the center with hopes of learning more about the programs offered. Will noted that he’s looking at his options.

“I want to pursue a trade and hope to attend this center next school year,” Will said.

Penny added, “The programs here have a wide range of opportunities. You can have a successful career in the trades.”

Alex Jones is a Criminal Justice student from Batavia High School. He brought his parents, Joyce and Edward, to learn more about what their son is studying. 

“It’s really interesting to learn about court cases and how our prison system operates,” Alex said. “I plan on pursuing a career as a police officer.”

Alex’s mom Joyce also noted, “The college credits that he earns in this program are a bonus for when he enters college.”

Past, present and perspective students visited the Animal Science Program at the May Center said Jon English, Animal Science instructor. 

“We had a large number students and their families who were interested in learning more about our Animal Science program,” English said.  “So many people commented that they did not know the extent of our programs.”

The Mt. Morris and Batavia Career and Technical Education Centers are programs of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership 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. 

Open House Nov. 5 at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Crime scene analysis, 3-D printing processes, welding applications, animal care methods, and the newest cosmetology trends are just a few of the practices students learn at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE). The Batavia CTE Center will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Students, parents and community members are invited to tour the center and discover the many skilled trades opportunities available at this facility. This event is open to the public. The Batavia CTE Center is located at 8250 State Street Road, Batavia. Please call (585) 344-7711 with any questions.

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The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component New York State school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties.

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