Four Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Valley Pathways in Technology Early College High School students recently received their associate degree diplomas from Herkimer College.
“These students received their associate degrees in quality assurance at no cost to them or their families by going through VP-TECH,” Herkimer BOCES Technical Education Assistant Principal Dennis Hooks said. “The fact that they were able to work toward college degrees while in high school and receive their college diplomas is a great accomplishment.”
VP-TECH students Alexis Farr, Mark Hanshaw, Brianna Holtz and Christopher Janis received their diplomas from the 55th annual Herkimer College Commencement on Friday, May 12, at the college.
The Herkimer BOCES VP-TECH focuses on technology, project-based learning and real-world work situations. VP-TECH is a six-year program that can also be completed early in four or five years. VP-TECH students have the opportunity to earn a Regents diploma, complete a Career and Technical Education program, make connections with local businesses and earn a no-cost associate degree from Herkimer College. The associate degree can be in quality assurance, and pending state approval, associate degree options will be expanded to also include esports management, business administration, computer network and security, and electrical engineering technology.
Farr and Hanshaw, both of Central Valley Central School District, walked the stage and received their diplomas from Herkimer College, and they will officially complete the VP-TECH program in four years when they graduate high school in June.
Janis, of Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District, completed the VP-TECH program in five years. He completed his high school coursework in June 2022 and then completed the rest of the VP-TECH program this school year to earn his associate degree.
Holtz, of Central Valley Central School District, is currently a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and is studying to be an aerospace engineer. She completed VP-TECH in June 2022, but due to a technicality, had to wait to receive her Herkimer College quality assurance associate degree diploma this year.
Herkimer BOCES VP-TECH student Alexis Farr, of Central Valley Central School District, receives an associate degree diploma from Herkimer College on May 12.
Herkimer BOCES VP-TECH student Brianna Holtz, of Central Valley Central School District, received an associate degree diploma from Herkimer College on May 12. She is currently a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and is studying to be an aerospace engineer.
Herkimer BOCES VP-TECH student Christopher Janis, of Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District, receives an associate degree diploma from Herkimer College on May 12.
Herkimer BOCES VP-TECH student Mark Hanshaw, of Central Valley Central School District, receives an associate degree diploma from Herkimer College on May 12.