Students, Parents, Community Members Honored at CiTi Migrant Program Dinner

Hard work has paid off for several Migrant Education Tutorial & Support Services Program participants.

Seven students from throughout Oswego, Wayne and Lewis counties overcame lingual and academic challenges to graduate high school in the coming weeks.

Those students, other youth who have succeeded academically with the help of the METS program, parents who have advocated for their children’s education and community partners were honored during the METS’ recent annual graduation and recognition dinner.

A component of the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation’s alternative education program, the METS program has approximately 15 full-time and part-time migrant specialists and tutors to assist about 600 families annually in Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis and Wayne counties.

Families may be eligible if they have moved across school district or state boundaries within the last three years in order that a parent or guardian might secure or search for employment in agriculture.

All honorees and their families enjoyed dinner and conversation before the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Linda Jackson for her continued commitment to help families learn.

CiTi District Superintendent Christopher Todd welcomed guests and commended METS Director Paul Gugel for his support and expansion of the program.

Gugel said it truly was the hard work and dedication of students that helped them reach their educational and personal goals.

Cake was served as keynote speaker Say Moe Moe shared her story of perseverance and hope, detailing her struggles from Burma and Thailand before she and her family immigrated to the United States of America.

Moe Moe thanked her METS tutors for their support even after her graduation from the program.

All seven graduates and Moe Moe were awarded scholarships from the Weston T. Hyde Oswego County Educational Foundation.

Graduates include: Lazaro Mendoza (Sodus High School), Alexia Rojo (North Rose-Wolcott High School), Asiana Harris (Williamson High School), Angel Campos (Oswego High School), Jacqueline Aguilera (Williamson High School), Victor Beaubrillant (Sodus High School) and Wendi Linares Rivera (Newark High School).

Star student recognition was given to Jocelyn Ortiz, Isidoro Jimenez, Jeronimo Ortiz and Olivia Chambers for their drive to succeed in their studies.

Wilfido “Alex” Bernardo Reynoso was named the Star ESL student and both Monica Hernandez and Tracy Chambers were honored as Star Parents.

G. Ray Bodley High school English as a New Language teacher Leah Simonds received the Star Teacher award and Caring Community awards were given to Julia Stewart-Bittle and Kathy Fenlon.

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