NEPCSA Announces
2019 Outstanding Graduate Achievement Awards
Each year at the Professional Development Conference, NEPCSA ask member schools to nominate graduates to receive an Outstanding Achievement Award.  Graduate honorees attended the September 27th Professional Development Conference lunch held at the Tower Square Hotel in Springfield, MA.    
 
Graduates were selected for the award based on the contributions that he/she has made to their career field, school or community based on:
  • Accomplishments
  • Academic Excellence
  • How the graduate maximized his/her performance and demonstrated outstanding potential for post-graduation employment
  • The graduate’s extra efforts on behalf of the school, student body or community at large.​

The  2019 NEPCSA Graduate Award Winners Are:

PictureNikoli Kellner
Nikoli Kellner from Porter and Chester in Rocky Hill, CT
 
Nikoli graduated from Porter and Chester’s HVAC Program in July 2019. During his time at PCI, he was a pleasure to have in class. He was always on time, in uniform and his work was performed with limited instruction. He had excellent grades and attendance. By his third term (there are six terms total), he was a Teacher’s Aide. He would mentor new students and others who were in class.
 
Nikoli is a Navy Veteran and is currently employed at the Physical Plant and Maintenance Department at Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
Picture Melissa Medeiros
Melissa Medeiros from NETTTS in North Andover, MA
 
Melissa attended NETTTS from March 2018 until August 2018. During her time here at NETTTS, Melissa was an exceptional student. She was a peer mentor, had perfect attendance, a 4.0 GPA and received her CDL licensed on her first attempt; earning her a “One and Done” status.
 
Upon graduation, Melissa was the first NETTTS graduate hired for Regency Transportation’s pilot training program. Melissa excelled at her job at Regency, and because of her, the pilot program has expanded and multiple NETTTS grads have been hired by Regency as well! Melissa is currently employed as a trainer for Regency Transportation.
PictureAlarberto Ortiz
Alarberto Ortiz from NETTTS in North Andover, MA
 
Alarberto Ortiz, a recent graduate of NETTTS, was born and raised in Fitchburg, MA., and Philadelphia, PA. He is one of 6 siblings. In addition, Alarberto is a father of 4 wonderful kids that he cherishes and wants to give the world to.
 
With an extra push from his family, friends and his girlfriend, Alarberto made the commitment and took the leap to pursue a career driving CDL Trucks. Alarberto recalls some of the obstacle he had to overcome in order to become a NETTTS graduate and adopted a no excuses attitude early on. Alarberto was able to complete the program, not only through his own perseverance but also because of the constant encouragement and support of the people around him.
 
After he received his certificate and license, he accepted an opportunity to pursue his driving career with a highly reputable company, Schneider, and feels he will excel in this path. With this new skill, Alarberto is confident that he will be able to provide his family with what they deserve. Alarberto is extremely proud of his accomplishment and is extremely grateful to the NETTTS team for helping him achieve his dream.
PictureOn left Michelle McCarthy, Campus President with Karima Salhi.
Karima Salhi from Lincoln Technical Institute in Somerville, MA
 
Karima is an exceptional graduate – with a near perfect GPA and attendance record; 3.98 and 99.8% respectively. While she attended the Lincoln Technical Institute, Karima was a student ambassador and very involved in school activities such as Taco Tuesdays, which helped raise money for the Student Fund.

​Karima was also always involved and engaged in classroom activities. Her positive energy uplifted her class and had plenty of questions to make sure she understood each topic.
 
In May 2019 Karima started her externship at Massachusetts General Hospital in the neurology department. After working hard there, she was hired by the hospital upon graduation. The hiring manager who completed Karima’s externship evaluation said it had been a pleasure working with her and looked forward to working with her again soon! Karima began full-time with MGH on July 23rd.
 PictureMichael Roberts
Michael Roberts from NETTTS in North Andover, MA
 
Michael Roberts was employed at an auto body shop for 24 years before he decided it was time for a change. Michael decided that he would like to use his mechanical skills in a career field that would allow him to broaden his horizons and conquer new and more diverse challenges. Michael decided to enroll in NETTTS’ HVAC-R program in preparation for a new career in HVAC-R.
 
It wasn’t long before Sal, the Director, took notice of Michael’s incredible drive and eagerness to learn along with his natural talent and mechanical skill set. 
​
Michael was not afraid to step outside his comfort zone and take on new challenges, with such determination to succeed.
 
Soon, Michael developed quite a passion for his work. He had perfect attendance, helped his classmates and exceeded expectations with whatever he did.
 
Michael just graduated and has his EPA Universal, and is in the process of applying for his oil burner license. He also has a job lined up with New England Cooling Towers in Tyngsboro, where he will have his very own truck and will work on water and electronic control systems.
 
Michael has shown us all that attitude almost always determines your altitude, and that with enough determination and hard work you can succeed at whatever you put your mind to!
PictureDonald Wesley
Donald Wesley from NETTTS in North Andover, MA
 
Donald attended NETTTS HVAC-R program from April 2018 until April 2019. During his time at NETTTS, Donald achieved perfect attendance for all 1200 hours and a 4.0 GPA!
 
Donald was always willing to lend a hand to fellow students. 

​He was attentive in class and worked hard. After graduation, Donald went right to work with Dempsey Energy and currently is employed by HomeWorks Energy Inc.
​Kathleen Trammel from Lincoln Technical Institute in Shelton, CT
 
After having been critically wounded in the Armed Forces, Kathleen found her calling as a Pastry Chef.

​She entered class daily beaming ear-to-ear, soaked up everything her instructors had to teach her and shared her passion of pastry with her classmates. If you needed an extra hand, Kathleen was right by your side supporting and helping you. She consistently went above and beyond what was expected of her.
 
Kathleen drew strength for her purpose in this new journey and never let her disability get in the way. She was quickly the class advocate, cheerleader and supporter for her peers as she reminded everyone that they could be successful. She modeled a positive and unencumbered attitude. She led by example and found great strength by taking risks in creating new wonders in the kitchen.
 
Kathleen has since graduated from the Lincoln Technical Institute in Shelton, CT with a near perfect GPA – 3.98 – and is currently teaching and cooking at a school for young children. She is looking forward to becoming an instructor at Lincoln Tech, and regularly is brought in as a speaker.
 
Kathleen has a been awarded both the Connecticut Chefs Association Award and the American Culinary Federation Student Scholarship. She is also a member of both the Connecticut Chefs Association and the American Culinary Federation.