Hudson Valley PTECH Receives "Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office Leadership Award" from BRIDGES

This year, during their annual gala, BRIDGES honored our Rockland BOCES Hudson Valley P-TECH and seniors Nephtalie Douyon (Clarkstown Central School District, Cyber Security), Meilyn Hernandez (East Ramapo Central School District, Business Administration) and Kelly Ramos (East Ramapo, Business Administration) with the "Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office Leadership Award.” This award recognizes those in the community who are at the forefront of creating a world that values diversity and inclusion, embraces differences in others, and champions enhanced quality of life for people with disabilities, those involved with the justice system, and Veterans.

Last year, Meilyn participated in the BRIDGES “In My Shoes” learning experience.  She was so impacted that she encouraged her classmates to focus on expanding this initiative at the school for their Senior Project. In additional to facilitating the return of the program, Nephtalie, Meilyn and Kelly are now supervising a group of P-TECH underclassmen on a separate BRIDGES project that involves raising awareness about disabilities and educating people on ways to support those facing physical challenges. The trio is also producing a short video for BRIDGES to help promote “In My Shoes.”    

In My Shoes highlights personal accounts of people with disabilities, Veterans, and justice-involved persons in Rockland County and beyond who are willing to share their journeys, stories, and vision. This year’s event celebrates Entrepreneurship by recognizing three honorees that exemplify the mission of inclusivity and autonomy and who embed principles of entrepreneurship into their work.

Rockland BOCES Hudson Valley Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) is a four-to-six-year program (grades 9-14) focused on engaging students in hands-on, project-based learning to be successful in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students who successfully complete the program earn a high school diploma and an associate degree at no cost from Rockland Community College. P-TECH is designed for students who want something different from their high school career. Students of all academic achievement levels are encouraged to apply. Special effort is made to recruit and support students who are considered academically and/or economically at-risk; populations that historically lack access or success in higher education.

Congratulations to this outstanding group of young leaders!