Meet Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School's Top 10 Graduates of 2022
NEW BEDFORD — The following students are graduating from Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School at the academic top of the senior class.
1. Abigail Borges
Borges is in the Mechanical and Architectural Drafting Program. She is a four-time dean's list recipient, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in dual enrollment college courses throughout her time at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. Abigail is an active member of her community and has volunteered for multiple organizations and events. Volunteering at the city half-marathons, helping a local non-profit organization that helps mothers in need, and serving as a lector at her church are just some of the acts of service that she has been a part of. Abigail has committed to Wentworth Institute of Technology as an architectural major where she will continue to work towards her goal of becoming an architect.
2. Kara Koska
Koska is in the Dental program. She is a SkillsUSA MA Bronze Medalist, SkillsUSA MA State President, Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Standard recipient, and the winner of the Robert L. Flint Leadership Scholarship. Kara has been involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities during her time at GNBVT. She is a member of SkillsUSA, SADD Club- Chapter President, a member of the Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team, and is the President of the National Honor Society. In addition, Kara volunteers for the GNBVT Mentoring program, the Acushnet Planning Board, the Acushnet Assessor’s Office and participates in the SkillsUSA Massachusetts conferences and events. Kara also serves as a Dental Assistant for Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts. Kara plans on furthering her education at UMass Dartmouth, majoring in Accounting, and will be part of the Honors College.
3. Christopher Pereira
Pereira is in the Engineering program. He has challenged himself academically throughout his 4 years and has earned several academic awards including the Trade Excellence Award, Outstanding Student Award, Freshman’s Dean List, and two Bear Awards. Aside from his studies, Christopher enjoys music and playing the bass and guitar, in addition to coding. He is also a member of the Music Club. As a way to give back to the school, Christopher has volunteered for Open House helping to facilitate activities to show prospective students and families the different aspects of Engineering. Christopher will be attending UMass Dartmouth in the fall majoring in Electrical Engineering.
4. Steve Jacob
Jacob is in the Medical Assisting program. His future aspiration is “to attend Johnson & Wales University in Providence for Health Science/Physician Assistant Studies with a long-range goal of becoming a Physician Assistant within the Cardiothoracic surgical field.” He has received several awards and certifications for his efforts, including Dean’s List recognition, the Outstanding Student award, membership in our school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and certifications in HeartSaver First Aid and Basic Health Support for the Health Care Provider. He has participated in SkillsUSA District competition, has served as a SkillsUSA Chapter Officer (Parliamentarian 2020-present), and served as a member of the National Honor Society (2021-present). Steve is also employed at Hawthorn Medical Associates through our school’s Co-Op program.
5. Kaitlyn Duarte
Duarte is in the Dental program. She has earned several academic awards during her time at GNBVT including the Dean’s list freshman year along with earning the Bear award her freshman and sophomore years. In 2020, she earned a spot on the National Honor Society. Kaitlyn has found success both on and off the field and is currently on the Girls Varsity Soccer team and is also on the Girls Varsity Basketball team. She was the captain of both teams junior and senior year. Kaitlyn has committed to Umass Dartmouth, majoring in Biology. She will be part of the Honors College and will be playing soccer.
6. Jenna Cabral
Cabral is in the Media Technology program. She has a long-term goal of working in the Information Technology field and pursuing a career in website design or program design. Jenna has earned several academic awards during her time at GNBVT including Dean’s list, a Bear Award, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Jenna likes to spend her time volunteering in the community at Next Step Healthcare where she has taken on different roles in the business office and also assisting in the kitchen preparing and delivering meals to residents.
7. Deysia Andrade
Andrade is in the Electrical Technology program. Deysia is a member of the National Honor Society and plays for the girls’ volleyball team. She has also been recognized for her academic and athletic achievements by receiving honors and MVP awards. Deysia has used her knowledge of the Electrical trade to work with the Cancer Center Hop Festival. Deysia’s goal is to pursue a career in Music Performance, Business, and Theater.
8. Melissa Rivas
Rivas is in the Nurse/Health Assisting program. She is the recipient of several awards and commendations for her efforts, including the Math Academic Excellence award, the English Academic Excellence award, and the Trade Excellence award. Melissa is employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living through our school’s Co-Op program. During her Junior year at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, she earned her CNA certification in her career/technical program. Melissa will be attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the fall for Nursing.
9. Aiva Perry
Perry is in the Nurse/Health Assisting Program. She has also been a member of the Varsity Cheerleading team. Aiva is currently employed at Hawthorn Medical Associates Urology as a Medical Assistant through our school’s Co-Op program. Aiva will be attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for Nursing in the fall.
10. Jacqueline DePina
DePina is in the Medical Assisting program. Jaqueline is the recipient of several awards including Dean’s List recognition, the Medical Assisting award, the Bear award, recognition for Perfect Attendance, and membership in the National Society of High School Scholars and our school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Jaqueline is currently working at Hawthorn Medical Associates in the Cardiology department as a Medical Assistant through our school’s Co-Cp program. Jaqueline will be attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the Fall for Nursing.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Meet Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School's Top 10 Graduates 2022
