An aspiring marketing professional has been named SkillsUSA Student of the Year on the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.
Congratulations to Emily Burdikoff, a BH-BL High School senior, who was presented the honor during the June 7 BOCES Graduation and Awards Ceremony at Proctors.
The SkillsUSA Student of the Year honor is given to the student on each Career and Technical School campus who best exemplifies SkillsUSA by their leadership and service to others, participation in all facets of the organization, and dedication and diligence to their vocation.
Burdikoff, who attended BOCES, graduated from the Digital Media Design program and will attend the Digital Media Design program at Hudson Valley Community College in the fall. Thanks to the articulation agreement between BOCES and HVCC, she has already earned nine college credits.
A two-year member of the National Technical Honor Society, the graduate honed her marketing, design and photography skills taking part in work-based learning at Livingston Energy Group. She also competed in SkillsUSA competitions and held office in the organization, as well as volunteered to take part countless times in other campus activities.
“BOCES gave me the opportunity to grow, not just personally, but professionally,” she said. “I have gained so much knowledge and experience that will help me in the future.”
SkillsUSA advisors praised the BH-BL teen
“Emily’s passion, drive and determination distinguishes her from her peers. She is a positive role model who is always willing to assist with any task asked of her and continually seeks out ways to promote SkillsUSA on our campus,” said advisor Gretchen McDonough.
“Emily’s flexibility and positive mindset allowed her to achieve her goal of competing at both the regional and state level, despite some difficult circumstances. Her pride in her accomplishments and her growth as a leader and as a person continually makes her advisors smile,” added co-advisor Debra Toy.
SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school and students. The organization promotes personal and professional growth and offers students the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, state and national levels. The organization also promotes giving back to the community, which locally results in collections each year for food pantries and city missions.
