Changing 'careers'

CACTC graduates 183 students from Class of 2018

By THOMAS GREENBERG
Posted 6/20/18

By JEN COWART More than half of the Cranston High School West seniors celebrated their graduation from their respective three-year career pathways programs at the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) Senior Certificate Ceremony in a recent

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CACTC graduates 183 students from Class of 2018

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More than half of the Cranston High School West seniors celebrated their graduation from their respective three-year career pathways programs at the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) Senior Certificate Ceremony in a recent ceremony. The nearly 200 students completed their rigorous CACTC programs, which often included internships, college classes, certification programs, and more, all in addition to their regular educational programs at Cranston High School West.

Director Zachary Farrell welcomed guests to the celebratory event, and greeted the distinguished platform guests, including Mayor Allan Fung, Cranston School Committee Chairwoman, Janice Ruggieri, School Committee Member Vincent Turchetta, Cranston Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer, Joseph Balducci, Executive Director of Educational Programs and Services, Joseph Rotz, Cranston West Principal, Tom Barbieri, Cranston West Assistant Principals Cheryl Anderson, David Schiappa, Elizabeth Furtado and John Fontaine.

The JROTC students from Cranston High School East presented the colors, while student Heather DiFazio led the salute to the flag. The Cranston High School West choir performed the National Anthem.

Farrell addressed the audience, speaking to all of the accomplishments the school has seen this year, his first in the director’s position.

“This class has many accomplishments of which to be proud, in addition to completing a rigorous Career and Technical program couple with your high school diploma requirements,” Farrell said. “The most astounding example of which is the combined accumulation of nearly 380 college credits resulting from our dual and concurrent enrollment agreements with our post-secondary partners, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island.” Farrell also noted that 91 percent of the graduates were going on to some form of post-secondary education.

“Additionally, your class was instrumental in putting us over the top as the school with the highest SkillsUSA medal count in the entire state of Rhode Island at the competition, which was held this past March, with the class of 2018 garnering no less than four gold medals, seven silver medals, and three bronze medals,” he said. Farrell paid tribute to his predecessor, former director Gerry Auth, who was unable to attend the evening.

Cranston High School West Principal Tom Barbieri addressed the students, teachers and staff, thanking them for making CACTC the best career and technical center in the state, as well as administration, parents and the West administration as a whole.

“I am very proud of you,” he said to the graduates. “You are now in possession of having an edge over others in the world, whether it be in the world of work or continuing on in post-secondary education. Continue to strive for greatness and accept nothing less. Have no regrets. Again, congratulations, be proud of your accomplishments and thank you for making me a proud principal.”

School committee chairwoman Janice Ruggieri brought greetings and congratulations from the Cranston School Committee.

“Congratulations is just not enough,” she said. “The accomplishments you have made this year and throughout your years of education is just amazing. This night is just the beginning of such a great time of year as we celebrate all of your accomplishments. We are so lucky to have the career and technical center here, and all that it offers. All of your hard work and dedication have led you to this night. This path that you’ve chosen is one that will bring you rewards at the end. You’ve already taken advantage of all of the opportunities offered to you by the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center. You’ve earned certificates, awards, scholarships and college credits to put you ahead on your future path, whether you are heading to work or continuing your education, to serve your country, or whether you have not decided what is next for you. You have been surrounded by an amazing dedicated group of educators, administrators and families who have helped you along the way and I know that they have prepared you for the next steps ahead. Continue to learn and to grow and take advantage of what is offered to you.”

Executive Director of Educational Programs and Services, Joseph Rotz thanked all those in the Cranston and educational community who have helped the students along the way. He paid tribute to the administrative team at Cranston High School West and to the students’ parents and he congratulated the students themselves.

“I’d like to recognize you for taking advantage of the opportunities this Career and Technical Program offers. You sought out an educational program that interests you. You chose a different pathway than your traditional high school experience. Continue to take ownership and responsibility of your education, and ultimately your success. Continue to work hard and take advantage of your opportunities. Enjoy the journey, live in the moment,” he said. “I see too many people missing out on the memories because they are too distracted. Use social media to connect to the outside world and take advantage of those opportunities. Make certain it doesn’t have the reverse effect down the road. Most importantly students, take care of yourselves. One of my best teachers, one of my favorite teachers along the way was a hockey coach and he used to have a saying, ‘If you look good, you feel good, you play good,’ and I still revert back to that advice every day. You have to think about that in all the different facets of your life. Make sure you take time for all your different hobbies, spend as much time as possible with the people you love. Congratulations to all of you, I wish you the best summer ever, just be safe.”

The following awards were presented: Mayor’s Scholarship: James McHenry, Dawn Rotz Scholarship: Christopher Konturas, Saccocio Scholarship: James McHenry, Lt. James Pagano Memorial Scholarship: James McHenry, Outstanding SkillsUSA: Gillian MacDonald, Outstanding DECA: Marina Moceri, Megan Kenneally, Michael J. Palmer Memorial Scholarship: Michael Ragosta, Medical Pathways Excellence in Community Award: Zoe Cute, Marc Mansolillo, Excellence in EMT Award: Alexis Florio, Caitlin O’Brien, EMT and CNA Completion Award: Kelsey Calabro, Madison DeMelo, Gemma Downing, Sophia Hanley, Francesca Nencka, Madison Parent and Paige Ring. The Ashley Signoriello Scholarship: Sofia Pontarelli, Kelly Lambrese, Early Childhood Excellence Book Award: Jenna Andrade, Haley Corsetti, Pathways to Education Award: Kathryn Sleboda, Olivia Webb, Students with Advanced Technical Skills (SWATS) Award: Anthony Barone, Nicholas DeStefano, Adrian Hernandez, Brandon MacDonald, Michael Charpentier and Connor Rogan.

Additionally, outstanding students were named in every pathways program: Aquaculture: Melina Palmieri, CAD/Drafting Technology: Thomas Savella, Child Development: Adriana Aceto, Sophia Montanaro, Culinary Arts: Cameron Vicente, CISCO/Cybersecurity: Connor Rogan, Entrepreneurship: Michael Ragosta, Graphic Communications: Kristina Faiola, Interactive Digital Media, Giovanni Colon Velez, Medical Pathways: Madison DeMelo, Mia Marcello, Pre-Engineering/Robotics: Heather DiFazio, Residential Construction and Repair: Devin Hassett.

The Director’s Medal was given to Cameron Vicente from the Culinary Arts program.

Farrell ended his portion of the evening’s events with a thank you to all who contributed to the success of the ceremony. As is tradition, the event ended with the showing of the senior tribute video slideshow, distribution of certificates and a special message from Pre-Engineering/Robotics teacher, Edd Spidell.

Light refreshments were served following the ceremony, courtesy of the Culinary Arts program.

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