ITHACA, NY — The Rotary Club of Ithaca honored Laci Prignon as the Career and Tech Student of the Year at the CTE Completer Ceremony held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Linda Pasto, a Rotary member and TST Board of Education member, presented the prestigious award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize, to Laci in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
This year, nine students from various Career and Tech programs were nominated for the Student of the Year Award. The selection process for this award is rigorous and comprehensive. Teachers nominate students based on character, attendance, and academic achievement, accompanied by a letter of recommendation to the committee. Nominees must complete a packet, including an essay about how attending TST's Career and Tech Education Center changed their life trajectory.
A committee comprised of school board members, retired administrators, former Student of the Year alumni, and community business partners evaluates the nominations. The nominees are interviewed by the committee and are graded on a rubric. The committee considers the students' compelling stories and the impact on their lives when determining the winner. The Rotary Club of Ithaca then presents the $1,000 award at the CTE Completer Ceremony.
Laci, a senior at Dryden High School, distinguished herself with her exceptional performance in Mr. Kinney and Mr. Brockway’s Heavy Equipment class, where she won the Greatest Achiever Award. She also earned 2nd place in the Job Interview competition at the SkillsUSA state-level competition.
In her essay, Laci shared her journey as a female in a male-dominated field, highlighting her work ethic and dedication. "As a female in a male-dominated field, I’ve had to work twice as hard to be recognized," Laci wrote. She detailed her hands-on experience working for her father's construction company, R.C. Wilson Backhoe Inc., and how her interest in heavy equipment grew from these early experiences.
In addition to the Student of the Year Award, Laci also won the Power of Hard Work Scholarship from Casella, which is a $5,000 scholarship given annually to an aspiring heavy equipment operator or diesel mechanic.
Laci's passion and hard work paid off during her time at CTE. She excelled not only in her Heavy Equipment program but also in extracurricular activities. She is an active athlete, playing for Dryden High’s basketball, softball, and soccer teams, and she enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping.
Dale Kinney, Heavy Equipment teacher, remarked: "Laci embodies all the qualities we look for in a Student of the Year. Her willingness to put others first and her kind-hearted nature make her an exceptional team player. Laci listens well and always maintains a can-do attitude. Her impeccable attendance and punctuality, combined with her great communication skills and ability to follow through on promises, truly set her apart. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and know she will continue to excel in everything she does."
Jeff Brockway, Heavy Equipment teacher, added: "Over the past two years, Laci has demonstrated incredible potential and significant growth. Her dedication and hard work have truly set her apart. Once she completes her education, I know she will be highly sought after in the job market."
Laci has been accepted to SUNY Cobleskill, where she plans to pursue a degree in Diesel Technology and continue her athletic career in collegiate basketball and softball. She graduates with a technical endorsement and the Career & Tech Seal of Excellence, signifying her exceptional skills and dedication. Congratulations, Laci!