Local Valley Tech students honored
MENDON — Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School students Troy Lafond of Bellingham and Jadon Laforest of Millville have been named recipients of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award of Academic Excellence.
Also known as the Superintendent’s Scholar Award, the annual commendation is presented to two BVT seniors who exemplify the school’s commitment to cutting-edge career technical training and rigorous academics.
Laforest and Lafond will graduate in May from the school’s engineering technology program and information technology program, respectively.
Laforest is the Class of 2018 valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. His dedication to both his academic and vocational studies were on display last year when he earned gold and bronze medals at the SkillsUSA District and State competitions.
Jadon’s passion for information tech- nology led him to volunteer regularly at the Uxbridge Senior Center where he spends an afternoon each week teaching computer programs and skills to area senior citizens. To maximize his future employment options, he is currently analyzing several four-year college computer science credentialing pathways.
Lafond is the Class of 2018 salutatorian and an active member of the Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. To strengthen his workforce entry opportunities he will study engineering at a fouryear college upon his graduation from BVT in May.
Troy is passionate about community involvement and is currently pursuing an Eagle Scout rank through the Boy Scouts of America. As he dedicates himself to his Boy Scout Troop and his Eagle Scout project, Troy still finds time to attend karate lessons and is currently a brown belt.
Assistant Superintendent-Director/ Principal Anthony Steele congratulated Jadon and Troy on their awards and thanked them for their many contributions to Valley Tech.
“It is an educator’s dream to work with students like Troy and Jadon who have incredible drive and zest for their futures,” said Steele. “We are happy to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success in their future endeavors.”
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge.