Student testimonials were given by Laura Tarbell and Eric Steger, both OCM BOCES students, to illustrate their personal and educational struggles prior to coming to BOCES and the successes they have achieved as a result of their educational experiences with BOCES. Jesse Lyles, another OCM BOCES student and a United States Army Veteran who served in the Korean War, said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Laura Tarbell, a student of Celia Volbrecht, attended GED classes at OCM BOCES during the 2012-2013 school year. Prior to attending classes, she was employed in the health care and food service fields for 35 years. While she did not pass the GED exam the first time she took it, and despite the many obstacles in her way, she was determined to complete the program. With the support of classmates, friends and teachers, Laura worked hard to reach her goal. Laura’s teacher, Celia, is proud of her student’s determination and says that, “Laura was an inspiration to her classmates to not give up and pursue their goals. She is now employed and is interested in obtaining her LPN license.”
Eric Steger, age 26 of Cortland, NY, is a student of Lori Pallone at the OCM BOCES Cortland program. He is a recent graduate of the National External Diploma Program. Born in Honduras, Eric was adopted by an American family at 18 months of age and grew up in Cortland, but has also lived in many other cities, including Binghamton and Syracuse. He is currently a shift leader at a Dunkin Donuts Restaurant in Cortland, NY. Eric plans to continue his education by earning a trade certificate and hopes to eventually own his own business.
Jesse Lyles, age 68 of Syracuse, NY, is a United States Army Veteran. He was born in Auburn, Alabama in 1946, dropped out of high school and was drafted by the army in December 1968. After basic training, he served in Port Richie, Maryland, and then in Korea from 1969 to 1970 where he was a heavy truck driver and ammunition specialist. In 1971 he came to Syracuse, NY and obtained employment at Chrysler. He worked at Chrysler from 1971 until 2001 as a machinist and a fork lift operator. He began high school equivalency classes at OCM BOCES in June of 2013. When his instructor at BOCES found out he had served in Korea, she told him about New York State’s “Operation Recognition” Program, which awards high school diplomas to veterans who had served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War. Jesse got together the necessary paperwork, and within a short time he received his high school diploma from the Syracuse School District. Jesse is married, has one son who lives in Florida, and he still resides in Syracuse with his wife, Tammy.
Additionally, BOCES recognized Jena Kablecik as the NYACCE Student of the Year and Onondaga Community College’s (OCC) Outreach Partnership Team as their 2014 Partner in Literacy. Dave Wall, the college’s Director of Corporation and Public Partnerships accepted the recognition on behalf of himself, Sheila Osborne and Barbara Dennehy.
For more information on the 31st Annual Adult Literacy Celebration, contact the OCM BOCES Adult and Continuing Education Program at 315-453-4466.
Pictured above: Eric Steger leads the graduate procession into the SRC Arena.
Pictured above: Graduates proceed into the SRC Arena for the OCM BOCES 31st Annual Adult Literacy Celebration.
Pictured above: Senator John DeFrancisco addresses graduates and family members at the ceremony.
Pictured above: Graduates cross the stage at SRC Arena and receive congratulations from OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning and other staff.
