A January visit to Webutuck High School by Dutchess BOCES’ Career and Technical Institute teachers and school counselors peaked Andres Dionicio’s interest enough to be one of 22 Webutuck sophomores to tour CTI Feb. 10.
“I wanted to see BOCES and how it works,” he said.
CTI school counselors Kirstin Litwin and Deanna Pillius prepared a presentation for students at the start of the visit that included introductions of CTI administrators. Students were informed of the work-based learning program, which features internships in a student’s senior year and employment after completing the program.
CTI student Noah Browne spoke to the sophomores about SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization that has competitions for trade students. CTI student Victoria Kirsch, president of CTI’s National Technical Honor Society, talked with students about the NTHS, which is similar to the National Honor Society.
CTI student ambassadors took the visiting sophomores on a tour of the school that included stops at two classrooms of interest to the visiting 10th graders.
Dionicio visited the small engine and electric classes.
“It was really interesting and there is a lot going on,” he said. “Everything is hands-on. You are not just standing there watching.
“I’m interested in coming here.”
Emma Sprague was among the 22 Webutuck students on the tour. The sophomore hopes to be back to study in the nursing program as she prepares for a career as a traveling nurse, where she will travel the world to help people.
“I just want to help people and help them feel better,” she said.
Sprague added about CTI’s nursing program, “I really liked it. I really hope I can do it. It just depends on my classes.”
Litwin and Pillius were among the CTI guests to visit Webutuck in January where they spoke to eighth and 10th graders.
“We were out at Webutuck giving them an introduction, but today they get to see and experience it,” said Litwin. “We want to give a clear understanding of what BOCES is and that it’s a solid option for their future. It can really help them be prepared for the next phase of life.”
