New BVT Grads Remember Joey Wilson

A tragic car accident in December 2010 robbed Joey Wilson of the chance to receive his diploma with his Blackstone Valley Regional Technical School classmates last night at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester.

But he crossed the stage anyway.

In an emotional moment, Wilson’s photo was carried across the stage by John Rodominick, an instructor in the Auto Body program. Wilson received a vocational certificate.

He also received a standing ovation from his classmates.

Wilson’s death was one of many challenges the class members faced during their four years at the school, said Patricia M. O’Connell, coordinator of school discipline and community outreach services.

The worst economy since the Depression, issues of bullying and teen suicide and unrest throughout the post-Sept. 11, 2011 world cast a cloud on the students’ four years at the schools.

But it also forced them to develop strength and courage they will rely on in the years ahead, she said.

In a speech delivered with humor and confidence well beyond his years, class president Liam MacLeod said that, in an era where acronyms rule social media, Blackstone Valley Tech is commonly known as BVT.

That, he said, could also be known as Be Very Thankful.

He said that students should be grateful for the education they received at the school and the support they received from their families.

He paid special tribute to parents who might have been skeptical about sending their child to a vocational school but went along with the child's wishes.

For that, he said, they and their children would always Be Very Thankful.

Here are the Grafton graduates. National Honor Society members are indicated by NHS and National Technical Honor Society is indicated by NTHS:

Anthony Allen, Carpentry; Jonathan Atchue, Carpentry; Adam Beller, Electrical; Kayla Bennett, Manufacturing Technology; Rachel Casey-Chase (NHS/NTHS), Business Technology; Matthew Chanthavangso, Information Technology; Zacary Christie, Drafting; Sarah Collins, Graphic Communications; Laura Collins, Health Services; Joseph Collins, Information Technology.

Arissa DeVries, Dental Assisting; Brad Dion, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration; John Estrela, Manufacturing Technology; Michael Giacopello, Jr., Carpentry; Hannah Green (NHS/NTHS), Culinary Arts; Olivia Hatch, Drafting; Trevor Hendrix, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration; Dustin Hopkins, Drafting; Corey Johnson, Carpentry; Bryan Laskey, Culinary Arts.

Christopher Lola, Graphic Communications; Glenna Magowan, Culinary Arts; Mary Kate Mahassel (NHS), Business Technology; Amanda Maranda, Dental Assisting; Peter Mayer, Electrical; Andrew Perras, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration; Julie Perrault, Health Services; Ariel Ramos, Culinary Arts; James Ramos, Plumbing; Tyler Smith, Plumbing; Zachary Sullivan, Plumbing.