Local GST BOCES student honored

Albany, N.Y., March 12—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C-Big Flats) congratulated Amanda Martone of Elmira Heights, who was among the adult education students from across New York State honored on Wednesday, March 6th by the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE).

The NYACCE is the professional organization representing adult education professionals statewide.  As part of the organization’s 30th Annual Student of the Year Awards and Legislative Event in Albany, Martone, representing the Greater Southern Tier (GST) BOCES, received a “Student of the Year 2013” award.

“It’s a well-deserved and well-earned testament to Amanda’s commitment to her family, as well as to her steadfast pursuit of her education and her goals,” O’Mara and Friend said in a joint statement.  “Amanda is all about meeting challenges head on, staying devoted to family and achieving success through a strong work ethic.  We know that she’s an incredible source of pride to the administration and staff of the Greater Southern Tier BOCES."    

Martone enrolled in the External Dipolma Program at GST BOCES Adult Education and Training Services in January 2010 and, at the same time, in the Office Careers vocational training program.  She completed both programs in June 2010.  She then enrolled at Corning Community College, where she has excelled.  Last May she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for Community Colleges and will earn her Associate’s Degree later this year.  She plans to continue her education and keep working toward a career in psychology.

Amanda was nominated for the NYACCE award by Robin DeLong, a Community Education Specialist at GST BOCES.

In the photo above, from left to right, are: Assemblyman Friend, Senator O’Mara, Robin DeLong and Amanda Martone.