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Health & Fitness

P/NW BOCES Names Student of Distinction for February

The first thing you notice when you meet Nick Ruales is his easy smile. Nick, a student in Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES’ Transitions program, likes nothing more than to be helpful, engaged and independent, and he accomplishes all of those things every day with a uniquely positive outlook.

Nick’s upbeat attitude and strong work ethic earned him the title of BOCES’ “Student of Distinction” for the month of February. His home district of Hendrick Hudson honored him at a recent Board of Education meeting.

During the school week, Nick has a very busy schedule that includes working four out of five days at various locations, including Pepsi, Sears, and The Yorktown Senior Center. On any given day, Nick might be found setting up cookies for baking at Pepsi, sizing clothes at Sears or packaging meals for homebound senior citizens at the senior center.  

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“Nick is one of the most polite and respectful people you will ever meet,” said his teacher, Connie Liotta. “I can’t think of a day that Nick did not walk into my classroom with a huge smile and an energetic ‘Good Morning!’ He is always ready for whatever the day brings, and he prides himself on all of the independent things he can do.”

“We’re very proud of Nick,” said Robert Kelderhouse, principal at BOCES’ Pines Bridge School. Nick is a student in the school’s Transitions program, which helps prepare older students for life beyond school. “As I look back at what Nick has accomplished in his many years with us, I would call him one of my heroes.”

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Nick has a very busy social life outside of school as well. His many interests include bowling on a Nor-West team, competing as a Special Olympics athlete, and going out to eat - Nick is a known foodie, according to his teacher. “I speak on behalf of all of Nick’s teachers, friends, therapists and staff when I say that we are all exceptionally proud of him and his many accomplishments,” said Liotta. “He will be a very successful and productive young man.”

Nick’s family was on hand at the Board of Education meeting, where Nick received a medal and a certificate to commemorate his award. “We’re extremely proud of him,” said Myron Ruales, Nick's father. “His teachers are so wonderful and dedicated, they really bring out the best in the kids.”

 


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