P-Tech students prepare for their June 13 graduation ceremony.

P-Tech students prepare for their June 13 graduation ceremony.

Southern Tier P-Tech celebrated its very first graduating class, who will be attending SUNY Broome full-time this fall.

Funded by a grant, the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program is a collaboration between SUNY Broome, Broome-Tioga BOCES, area school districts and a half-dozen industry partners, and is designed to provide a career pathway for economically disadvantaged students.

“The P-Tech program makes a college education possible for many young people who might not otherwise be able to afford it,” said SUNY Broome Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Francis Battisti, who gave the keynote address during the June 13 celebration. “The goal is to get you a college degree in a much-needed field – and a rewarding career.”

The inaugural Southern Tier P-Tech class is now graduating from high school.

The inaugural Southern Tier P-Tech class is now graduating from high school.

Click here for more photos of the event at Broome-Tioga BOCES.

The six-year program supports students in earning both their high school diploma and associate’s degree from SUNY Broome in health science, computer technology or engineering technology. Students are also supported by industry partners, who provide mentorship, guidance and workplace learning during the six years.

P-Tech students line up for their graduation ceremony.

P-Tech students line up for their graduation ceremony.

The Class of 2018 entered the program four years ago, and were among the very first P-Tech classes in the State of New York. They will be transitioning to the next phase of P-Tech, as full-time students of SUNY Broome this fall.

The P-Tech Class of 2018 includes:

  • Khalid Abdallah of Binghamton High School, Computer Technology
  • Alexus Barreca of Owego Free Academy, Health Studies
  • Jacob Brady of Johnson City High School, Computer Technology
  • Nathaniel David of Susquehanna Valley High School, Computer Technology
  • Seth DeLeo of Binghamton, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Manuella Diluzio of Harpursville High School, Health Studies
  • Matthew DuBois of Union-Endicott High School, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Gage Gailit of Binghamton, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Paige Gill of Chenango Valley High School, Computer Technology
  • Callie Grassi of Maine-Endwell High School, Health Studies
  • Thomas Horan of Susquehanna Valley, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Michael Huang of Binghamton, Computer Technology
  • Lily Matthews of Maine-Endwell, Health Studies
  • Brock McWherter of Harpursville, Civil Engineering Technology
  • Christian Miller of Union-Endicott, Computer Technology
  • Yana Moroz of Chenango Valley, Health Studies
  • Pilar Morrison of Union-Endicott, Health Studies
  • Brandon Padgett of Johnson City, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Kassandra Rodriguez of Binghamton, Health Studies
  • Dovea Sibley of Windsor High School, Health Studies
  • Holden Snow of Johnson City, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Devin Sutton of Union-Endicott, Computer Technology
  • Brandon Swindler of Owego, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Tyriq Tyler-Rainey of Binghamton, Health Studies
  • Christopher White-Cooley of Binghamton, Computer Technology
  • Jonathan Zendanovich of Windsor, Civil Engineering Technology

Additionally, Diluzio, Gailit, Gill, Grassi, Huang, Matthews, Sutton, Swindler and White-Cooley were honored for successfully completing 20 or more college credits, while McWherter and Moroz completed 30 or more.

P-Tech students process at the start of their graduation ceremony.

P-Tech students process at the start of their graduation ceremony.

“Being a college student is an exciting time. It gives you opportunities to develop as a young adult, not only in your chosen field, but as an individual,” Dr. Battisti said. “You are role models to all those who come after you as P-Tech students, as well as future generations of Hornets.”

The event also honored current P-Tech studies with an array of awards. Gray Dailey won an award in Health Studies, while Caleb Richardson earned one in Computer Technology, Justin Vaughan in Engineering Technology, Mariah Kirchner in Math and Amera Molazem in Science. Clyde Van Dyke was named the Shining Star, and Molazem the Skills USA National Delegate, the first Broome-Tioga BOCES student to be selected for this designation.

SUNY Broome Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Francis Battisti speaks during the P-Tech graduation ceremony.

SUNY Broome Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Francis Battisti speaks during the P-Tech graduation ceremony.

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