FARMINGTON — On Wednesday evening, more than 300 students were recognized for having completed a course of study at the Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center which is part of Mt. Blue Campus.

As relatives, friends, and fellow students made their way into the gymnasium, the Mt. Blue Jazz Combo provided welcoming music. On two large screens, videos created by students in the Digital Media Program were shown that highlighted the various programs offered at Foster CTE Center.

The students gathered in the courtyard before making their way, by program, into the gymnasium. Director Glenn Kapiloff asked S. Clyde Ross, Deputy Fire Chief, to give safety instructions and lead everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Aleena Warren, a Digital Media student who was videotaping the ceremony, then sang the National Anthem.

Kapiloff said students were being recognized for completing programs at Foster CTE Center. “These students have met their high school academic requirements and have met the competitive selection to participate in a CTE program,” he added. They have accumulated at least 350 hours in learning a trade and obtained skill levels often providing them with state and national certifications.

Foster CTE Center serves students from several area high schools as well as home schooled students. The students work both in and out of the classroom and often volunteer their time and knowledge to assist in the community. “They have created music videos, built garages, prepared meals, flew drones, discovered viruses and tended children,” Kapiloff said.

Rhys Simpson, a student in the Automotive Technology program, then sang an original song he had written.

Before the students in each program were recognized, Kapiloff gave a brief summary of what had been accomplished in that program. Each student received a certificate of completion and a maroon cord that will be worn during the student’s graduation from their respective high school.

Students were enrolled in Agriculture Technology, Automotive Technology, Biotechnology, Building Construction, Business Applications for Medical Careers, Business Education, Business Enterprise, Certified Nursing Assistant, Adult Ed Certified Nursing Assistant, Commercial Arts & Photography, Composites Manufacturing, Computer Technology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Digital Media, Early Childhood Occupations, Emergency Medical Technician, Employability Skills, Firefighting, Forestry & Wood Harvesting, Metal Fabrication, and Truck Driving.

As part of the evening, instructors Sean Minear and Leilani Gordon presented program awards and scholarships. A new scholarship this year was given to Alexis Wyman Labelle and Andrew Gardner in memory of Francis Orcutt. Almost $10,000 was given to deserving seniors.

Rhys Simpson sang “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”. Kapiloff then thanked everyone for coming and invited everyone to the Food Court for an ice cream social.

There was such a demand for the Certified Nursing Assistant program this year that a second course was offered through Adult Ed. Students in that program received their CNA pins in a pinning ceremony at the conclusion of the Foster CTE Center Recognition Ceremony.

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