The applause and well-wishes of administrators, faculty and family resonated throughout the auditorium at Wisdom Lane Middle School as 183 students received their certificates of completion from the Levittown School District’s Gerald R. Claps Career and Technical Center program on June 10.
In her opening remarks, Principal Joan Lorelli told the students that she is humbled to be their principal. She also explained that GC Tech is at the forefront of offering both college-ready and employment certification. “The world of work is the endpoint for all of our students,” she said. “Thanks for shining a spotlight on career and technical education.”
During the student address to the Class of 2014, SkillsUSA President Jessica Zager thanked the teachers and administration for their support. “It takes a team to graduate,” she said to her graduating peers. “It all comes down to help, so let’s remember to help others and take advantage of the skills our teachers taught us.”
Student awards and scholarships were bestowed upon many of the graduates. Outstanding students also received commendations, including: Matthew Barbaro, electrical technology; Nicholas Castaldo, culinary arts; Amanda Esbin, cosmetology; Tyler Falcone, carpentry; Bridget Glennon, medical assisting; Philip Liotta, police science/EMT-B; Steven Lombardo, automotive technology; Alexander Perez, automotive technology; Veronica Rader, cosmetology; Steven Sculco, architectural drafting; Tyler Smith, graphic arts; and Julia Vargas, computer animation.
The following graduates also received Class of 2014 Senior Awards.
• Teachers’ Choice Award: Victoria Antonacci
• Town of Hempstead Academic Excellence and Volunteer Achievement Award: Bridget Glennon
• Key Club Scholarship: Shianne Comodo, Emilie d’Hedouville, Nicole Giacinto, Bridget Glennon, Charmy Patel and Brittany Trotter.
• Sal Navarino Scholarship: Steven Lombardo and Daniel Thorburn.
• National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: Victoria Antonacci, David Colletti, Kiersten Gaertner and Victoria Jimenez.
• SkillsUSA Scholarship: Nicholas Castaldo, David Colletti, Patricia Hastings, Helen Lopez and Lawrence Yip.
The students were then called individually to the stage one by one to receive their certificates. The audience and graduates also viewed a slideshow developed by the computer animation students that recapped the school year.
— Submitted by the Levittown Public School District
