OCM BOCES accepting nominations for CTE Hall of Fame

The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES is accepting nominations for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Hall of Fame through May 8, 2015. 

The Hall of Fame was established in 2011 to honor individuals who have graduated from our Career and Technical Education programs and who demonstrate leadership in their field. Each year, nominations are solicited and reviewed by a subcommittee made up from our OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee. The committee reviews the nominations for the following qualifications:

1. OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Graduate;
2. Engagement in an occupation related to the program completed at OCM BOCES;
3. Demonstrate leadership in his/her field;
4. Exercise civic responsibility.

The winners of the award will have a commemorative plaque placed in the "Hall of Fame" in their respective campus of graduation.

Current members of the OCM BOCES Alumni Hall of Fame are:
Keith Standish (Inducted 2011 - McEvoy Campus)
Leah Estock (Inducted 2011 - Henry Campus)
Dave Ryder (Inducted 2012 - Henry Campus)
Kevin McMahon (Inducted 2012 - McEvoy Campus)
Robert Canorro (Inducted 2013 - Henry Campus)
Brian Eastman (Inducted 2013 - McEvoy Campus)
Stacy Uzunoff (Inducted 2014 - Henry Campus)
Michael Park (Inducted 2014 - McEvoy Campus)

By identifying successful graduates, we hope to provide positive role models for current students, while making the public aware of the accomplishments of our former students and the potential for success through the high quality programs offered by OCM BOCES.

For more information on the OCM BOCES Alumni Hall of Fame, contact Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education, Phil Grome at 315/431-8407 or by email at pgrome@ocmboces.org.

Click here to download a nomination form.

Click here to download selection criteria and nomination form. 

OCM BOCES CTE students and staff participate in Career Expo event

With February being Career and Technical Education (CTE) month throughout the United States, OCM BOCES wanted to participate by show-casing several of its own CTE programs. OCM BOCES staff worked to set up a working display at the Great Northern Mall on Saturday February 7.

Seven CTE teachers, a teaching assistant, a CTE guidance counselor and the CDOS guidance counselor from  OCM BOCES Henry Campus volunteered to staff the booth throughout the day. Additionally, principal, Peter Hunn and interim assistant principal, Helen White, were on hand to oversee the event.

To showcase BOCES, about a dozen cosmetology students volunteered at the event, demonstrating hair cutting, makeup application techniques, and nail care; two laboratory tech students displayed and explained phlebotomy equipment and a student from the OCM BOCES embedded physical therapy course was available to discuss careers in that field.

Hundreds of mall shoppers saw the OCM BOCES expo area, with many stopping to visit. Some of the visitors who stopped to pick up program brochures, expressed their belief that a career & technical education is a sure pathway to good Central New York job opportunities requiring the skills and work ethic foundational in BOCES CTE programs.  One visitor echoed the comments of most of those walking through our piece of Great Northern Mall between the food court and Macy's, by affirming, "It's great to see young people learning a profession they can really use."  And more than a few mall-goers simply smiled and let the staff know that someone in their life benefitted from a CTE or Adult Education course, then exclaimed, "I think OCM BOCES does great work!"

Some passersby, from districts other than OCM BOCES 23 components, compared their BOCES' programs to ours, with OCM's typically receiving a positive nod.  All in all, the afternoon proved enjoyable for students and staff, many of whom got a chance to chat with their home-school classmates and friends pleasantly surprised to see them on an otherwise gray winter's day.  The Great Northern site served as a practice run for next year's anticipated OCM BOCES CTE Expo at Destiny USA. 

Click here for additional information about OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education programs.

More than 100 adult students recognized for completing OCM BOCES training programs

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, the accomplishments of nearly 150 adult students were celebrated as they completed OCM BOCES training programs.

Students were recognized for completing the following OCM BOCES adult education programs: automotive technology, central service technology, construction trades, dental assisting, electrical maintenance technology, HVAC/R, medical assisting, office technology, pharmacy technology and welding technology.

OCM BOCES full-time certification programs are designed to meet the occupational and educational needs of adults throughout our region. We provide high-quality programming and have a variety of programs and services to enrich the lives of all our community members. Each year, thousands of adult students come to OCM BOCES to advance their professional and personal lives. As an educational provider, we are fully committed to the success of our students.

For more information about adult education and training programs visit our website or, in the Syracuse area, call 315/453-4455 and in the Cortland-area, call 607/758-5111.

HVAC/R program graduate David Lopez addresses audience members at the OCM BOCES February 2015 ceremony. Mari Ukleya, Director of Adult Education looks on.