Nine WNY P-TECH students were recently inducted into the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
New inductees included Matthew Abbey (Welding) of Pine Valley, Ethan Camus (Welding) of Eden, Hernan Colon Ortiz (Mechatronics) of Dunkirk, Anderson Francisco Felipe (Mechatronics) of Dunkirk, Calem Izzo (Welding) of Silvercreek, James McCrory (Welding) of Lake Shore, Cody Rickard (Welding) of Southwestern, Caleb Sickles (CAD) of Dunkirk, and Logan Smith (Welding) of Jamestown.
An induction ceremony for the students and their families was held on April 10 at WNY P-TECH in Dunkirk.
Principal Jeffrey Teluk told students their achievements in “scholarship, leadership, community service, and character” had earned them the privilege of becoming part of the National Honor Society. They joined 1 million students from all 50 states in the prestigious organization, he said.
“As individuals, you should proudly celebrate this induction and honor, but you should also realize that there are many people who helped you get here today. Most notably, your parents and guardians,” Teluk said. “They made your education a priority, elected to send you to P-TECH, and most likely are one of the biggest reasons you are an exceptional student and an invested member of our community.”
Ethan Warblow, National Honor Society president at WNY P-TECH, presided over the induction ceremony.
The traditional candle-lighting ceremony included students Jonathan Pilski, Noah Hardy, Paul Cunningham, and Parker Bohn.
The pinning ceremony was handled by Nicole Donato, WNY P-TECH school counselor; certificates were presented by Kayla Hotchkiss, school secretary.
The event’s guest speaker was Jailene Jimenez, a former WNY P-TECH student and 2021 graduate of Dunkirk City Schools. She reminded the NHS inductees that she was in their position just a few years ago.
“I have come to realize that success does not come easily. You have to work for what you truly want,” said Jimenez, who is employed at S. Howes Inc. in Silver Creek. “Currently, I am a drafter and designer. I decided to continue to work hard and go back to school because I knew my hard work would pay off and put me in a better position.”
She told students to keep pushing themselves, both mentally and physically. That same drive should continue after graduation.
“You will be surprised at what you can accomplish,” Jimenez said. “Keep that same attitude towards everything and anything you do, even when things do not seem reachable. Keep up the good work, and keep pushing yourself. You will thank yourself in the long run.”
