Sidney CSD’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian Adian Moodley and teacher Peter Okoniewski were honored earlier this week at the annual Scholar Recognition program dinner.

 

Another Sidney senior, Baylee Lowe, was honored as the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus recipient, along with teacher Barbara Fletcher-Blake.

 

The program honors students and teachers from schools in the DCMO BOCES and ONC BOCES districts. One student from each school is recognized for outstanding scholastic achievement. That student then nominates a teacher who has had a significant and beneficial influence on their education.

 

Below are the profiles that were in the program. The student’s profile is written by the teacher, and the teacher’s profile is written by the student.

 

Aidan Moodley (by Peter)

 

Aidan Moodley is the definition of a motivated and dedicated student both in and out of the classroom. His list of accomplishments, ranging from classroom successes to extra-curriculars, music and sports are impressive, but what truly stands out is his character.

Aidan typifies the student every teacher loves to have. His is passionate, motivated, driven and never one to back down from a challenge. He is a natural leader in the classroom and is always a beacon of positivity that makes whatever classroom he is in a better place. His inquisitive nature, curiosity and drive to learn all he can goes well beyond the typical high schooler. His love of learning is apparent in all that he does and will surely take him to great heights as he pursues a degree in Environmental Engineering at Cornell next year.

 

Peter Okoniewski

 

Your everyday efforts to make education as understandable, enjoyable and interesting as possible have resulted in a love and appreciation for the sciences that has been truly formative. From Scratch Coding to College Chemistry, you have been an extremely positive and impactful force in my high school career. Through my upcoming college education, efforts to strive for success, and methods of improving every day, I will be continuing the lessons that you have instilled in me throughout my high school career. Thank you for all that you’ve done!

DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus

 

Baylee Lowe

 

Baylee Lowe is a senior Nurse Assisting student at DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus. Her outstanding academic achievement, and heightened ability to overcome obstacles sets her apart from others. Aside from her numerous memberships in her home school, she has consistently maintained an average above 90, is a member of the NTHS, an active member in Skills USA (with campus leadership position) and won 1st place in the Skills Regional Nurse Skills competition in 2025.

 

She has a contagious enthusiastic personality working well with her classmates, respectful of teachers, and has a caring, competent manner when caring for her residents in the clinical setting. She is grateful for her experience at BOCES, and is looking forward to continuing her education out of state in pursuit of a BS in Nursing. It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to have Baylee in my class. I am honored to have been a part of her journey, and I look forward to seeing the development of her future in health care.

 

Barbara Fletcher-Blake

 

High school hasn’t always been easy for me, so when I was given the opportunity to attend BOCES for something I was passionate about, I was beyond excited. From the moment I started, I admired my mentor Ms. Blake, not just as a teacher and nurse, but as a person. She is one of the most hardworking and determined individuals I have ever met. Her love for nursing and teaching is truly inspiring and her dedication to her students is unmatched. There have been many days when I wasn’t at my best and she always reminded me that it was okay. She always encouraged me to keep going, that I was good enough and reassured me of my potential. She consistently challenged me to be the best version of myself, sharing so much knowledge and advice that only deepened my passion for becoming a nurse. We may have tested her patience, but she always showed y for us, pushing us to succeed. Ms. Blake has touched and changed the lives of every one of her students and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her constant support and belief in me. I am incredibly grateful to have had a teacher like her.