Senior Deagan Makarowski was the recipient of the January SkillsUSA Character Award at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus.
The Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair program senior was recognized for going above and beyond when meeting with business partners and seizing the opportunities presented to him at BOCES.
As a result of having an excellent portfolio, prior work experience that reflected an excellent work ethic and being well prepared for his job interview, Makarowski was hired by Lancaster Development, Inc. / Tri-City Highway Products, Inc., said Nancy Liddle, Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships.
The Character Award is presented on the BOCES Schoharie Campus to recognize students whose work and attitude reflect the SkillsUSA framework of integrity, cooperation, respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
Makarowski is one of 39 students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment program. Students learn in the program how to operate and maintain large construction-related equipment, such as backhoes, dozers, front end loaders and excavators. Students also learn how to diagnose and repair common issues with diesel engines and heavy machines.
“The program gives you a lot of opportunities and you learn skills across the spectrum while doing real-world work,” he said.
The SkillsUSA Character Award is presented regularly to an outstanding student on the Schoharie Campus who represents the values of SkillsUSA and Capital Region BOCES.
SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school students nationally. The organization promotes personal and professional growth and offers students the opportunity to network with industry executives and professionals at the local, regional, state and national levels and to participate in competitions.
The organization also promotes giving back to the community, which locally results in collections each year for food pantries and city missions.