Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus joins the Department of Social Services and Dutchess County BOCES in congratulating Shacrisha Armstead and Zemar Gonzalez, area residents named 2004 Student of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing Community Education (NYACCE).

Both students acquired their GED from the Dutchess County BOCES Adult Education Program, as a transitional service offered by the Dutchess County Department of Social Services (DSS). In continuing their education both students are also graduates of the Dutchess County BOCES Office of Technology Program where they were able to acquire strong communication skills, typing and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

“DCDSS has always believed in its programs to move people from public support to self-sufficiency. We applaud both our recipients of the student of the year awards and the staffs that have supported them on their road to success,” said Commissioner Robert Allers.

“These are two highly motivated people we are talking about,” said Dutchess County Executive Steinhaus. “Both recipients of this statewide award have overcome many obstacles just to get to and from school and have come face to face in meeting challenges, such as gaining access to transportation and getting to and from employment. They should be commended for their hard work and determination in achieving their individual goals. I was happy to hear of their nomination for this award, and after reading about their outstanding achievements, can see why they have received it,” said Steinhaus.

The awards were presented to Ms. Armstead and Ms. Gonzalez at the NYACCE Awards Dinner, March 2nd in Albany, New York.

Since Ms. Armstead was referred to the Dutchess County BOCES Adult Education Program via Dutchess County Department of Social Services she has obtained full-time employment as an Administrative Assistant in the area, is participating in the DSS’s Community Solutions for Transportation and has moved to permanent housing. Ms. Gonzalez has also acquired housing for herself and is utilizing public transportation to get to and from her job in Poughkeepsie.