Submitted Photos From left, Whitney Hice, Luke Peterson-Riedesel, Erik Mettler, Jordan Butterfield, David Kozlowski, Katlyn Lawton, Hope Smith and Donald Warren are the eight founding members of the National Honor Society chapter at the WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy in Dunkirk.

Eight students from the WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy were lauded for their scholarship, service, leadership and character on Tuesday May 22 at the school on East Benton Street during a National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Principal Stephen M. Ruszczyk welcomed the dozens of family, friends and Erie 2-Chautauaqua-Cattaraugus BOCES staff in attendance in the gym to celebrate the students’ achievement.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight to recognize the outstanding achievements and character of these founding members of the P-TECH NHS chapter,” said Ruszczyk, who next introduced the inductees before a presentation of certificates with assistance from science teacher Julie Sek.

Representing the Dunkirk, Forestville, Jamestown, Lake Shore and Pine Valley Districts, the eight students are from the second and third cohorts of P-TECH and hold the distinction of being the founding members of the school’s NHS chapter. Under the advisorship of teacher Ann Marie Riggie, the eight inductees comprise about 10 percent of the P-TECH student body and are considered top learners.

Dunkirk students Luke Peterson-Riedesel and Whitney Hice were sponsored by history teacher Tom Talbot. Jamestown students Erik Mettler, Hope Smith and Donald Warren were sponsored by ELA teacher Jason Tracy, science teacher Julie Sek and math/CAD teacher Matt Edwards, respectively. Jordan Butterfield from Lake Shore was sponsored by math/CAD teacher Matt Edwards; David Kozlowski from Forestville was sponsored by math teacher Rich Seigel; and Katlyn Lawton from Pine Valley was sponsored by health/physical education teacher Dan Snyder.

The traditional candle-lighting ceremony was followed by a group recitation of the NHS pledge.

Closing remarks were given by Dr. Janeil C. Rey, director of Workforce Development at E2CCB, who emphasized the significance of tradition in education and noted the students’ efforts to build a culture of leadership and good character.

“You are developing a habit of excellence that will carry you through your lives as you pursue your careers,” said Rey, addressing the inductees. “We need your ideas, creativity, innovations and efforts to solve the problems of the world.”

A reception featuring cupcakes frosted in orange and blue – the P-TECH school colors – took place in the cafeteria following the ceremony.

Submitted Photos
From left, Whitney Hice, Luke Peterson-Riedesel, Erik Mettler, Jordan Butterfield, David Kozlowski, Katlyn Lawton, Hope Smith and Donald Warren are the eight founding members of the National Honor Society chapter at the WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy in Dunkirk.

WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy students Donald Warren, Hope Smith, Luke Peterson-Riedesel, Erik Mettler, Katlyn Lawton, David Kozlowski, Whitney Hice and Jordan Butterfield listen as Principal Stephen M. Ruszczyk introduces them during the National Honor Society induction ceremony held Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Dunkirk.