FCTS Superintendent Richard J. Martin said it was “with immense pride and admiration” that he was presenting the school’s Superintendents’ Certificate of Academic Excellence to seniors Kylee Gamache and Madix Whitman at the Franklin County Area Superintendents’ Annual Awards Dinner.
The event was held in the school’s Apprentice Restaurant on Thursday, December 5. The Superintendents’ Award Dinner brings together school superintendents from high schools around the county to award students “who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school careers.”
Martin said Gamache and Whitman share a 4.4 GPA and are both members of the National Honor Society. Both excel at Advanced Placement and honors courses, display leadership and character, athletic achievement and commitment to community service.
Whitman is a captain of the football team and competes in varsity wrestling and track. Gamache is captain of both the varsity soccer and softball teams.
“In recognizing Madix Whitman and Kylee Gamache, we honor not just their extraordinary achievements but also the qualities of character, compassion and leadership that make them inspirations,” Martin said. “While each brings unique strengths and aspirations, both embody the values and excellence that define Franklin County Technical School.”
Gamache, who is in the FCTS Carpentry program, said it was an honor and a privilege to receive the Superintendents’ Award and plans to attended Western New England University, where she has also been recruited to play soccer and softball, next fall.
“I plan to major in criminal justice in college,” she said. “I want to go into child advocacy after I graduate.”
Whitman was also honored by the award and humbly said there were likely other just as deserving students who did not win the award. As a Health Technology/Medical Assistance student, he said he has made good friends in the shop which makes it a meaningful experience.
“We make a connection because we’re all taking the same thing,” Whitman said. “We spend a lot of time together.”
Whitman said he plans to go to college, but hasn’t decided where yet. He hopes to have a career in kinesiology, medical assistance or physical therapy.
Whitman was impressed by the students from all of the area schools that won a Superintendents’ Award.
“Everyone has a different resume,” Whitman said “It was cool to see everyone who won and they’re all deserving.”
Megan Whitman said she is very proud of Madix and called him a “good brother and cool son.”
“He’s a good kid all around,” she said.
The superintendents from other area schools presented the Superintendents’ Award to their recipients. The award winners were:
Emily King, Athol High School
Sasha Malo, Frontier Regional
Mia Marigliano, Turners Falls High School
Lian and Luan Lopez-Baez, Ralph C. Mahar Regional School
Amelia Fowler-Shaw, Pioneer Valley Regional School
Eliza Crowell, Mohawk Trail Regional School
Shane Toomey, Greenfield High School
In addition to his own remarks regarding Gamache and Whitman, Martin also read quotes from their teachers:
According to his Health Tech teacher, Whitman is “a shining example of unwavering dedication and a compassionate heart. On his clinical site he receives constant positive feedback for the dignity he shows others.”
Gamache’s Criminal Justice teacher said she is “one of the hardest working students I have ever had in class. Her success in the classroom and on the sports field is overshadowed by her unique leadership qualities.”