Boces valedictorian for 2020

Ulster Boces has recognized 408 Ulster County students who completed their trades’ technical endorsement requirements during 22 live senior tribute ceremonies held on June 10 via Zoom. The BOCES career areas each presented business sector-related keynote speakers and featured highlights including words of hope and wisdom from the school’s valedictorian, salutatorian, principal’s award recipient, and school principal Amy Storenski and assistant principal Robert Knuschke.

Andrew Westervelt, an electrical construction and maintenance student from the Kingston school district, was named valedictorian of the Class of 2020. Westervelt has demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills that have earned him the respect of his classmates, said instructor Robert Jones. “Andrew is truly a special all-around person, who is always kind, thoughtful and selfless.” 

Westervelt was one of two students invited to be part of the second annual Kingston Design Connection’s 2019 Showhouse. He also volunteered his technical skills with some of his classmates on Saturdays to help a local family become homeowners through an Ulster County Habitat for Humanity project.

Principal Storenski offered her thoughts. “The graduating class of 2020 has been through so much these past few months. The graduates have missed out on many events, memories, and milestones,” she said. “Their steadfast determination to complete the year despite all of the challenges of Covid 19 is an exceptional example for future Ulster Boces students, a precedent that won’t be forgotten.”