Cairo-Durham Central School District

NEWS RELEASE from Cairo-Durham Central School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three Cairo-Durham High School Seniors at Donald R. Kline Technical School Create Letters for Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame Showcase Wall

CAIRO, N.Y., June 18, 2024 – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is proud to announce the completion of a special senior project assigned to three Cairo-Durham High School students attending Questar III BOCES’ Donald R. Kline Technical School in Hudson. 

Following the completion of the welding and fabrication of lettering for the Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame’s showcase wall located at Cairo-Durham High School, Lance Curless, Cameron Falco and Jose Mejia-Deyo will have the results of their learning cemented along with the accomplishments of those who epitomized “Mustang Pride”.

“When the idea of the wall came up a couple years back, it sprung to mind that it would be really cool to have the kids produce the letters. Now, they have a legacy there of, ‘hey, I did that’,” said Cairo-Durham High School student services counselor Justin Karker, the individual who envisioned the senior project for Curless, Falco and Mejia-Deyo. “Seeing their smiles when they first saw the finished work, they took it with a lot of pride. This society and we as an organization still do good things by the work these three students did.”

All three students were described by Karker as hard workers, determined to leave a positive impact in the workforce following their graduation from high school on June 28, 2024. The seniors said they were inspired by personal experiences to become involved with Questar III’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, whether it was looking up to siblings who participated. the constant need for welders in the community, or wanting to satisfy customers with a high quality finished product.

“Initially, I wanted to join Questar’s welding program because of my brothers. I’ve always had a passion for it and it always seemed kinda cool as a kid, because you see the hood and the flame,” said Curless. “Then I got into the program, and I fell in love with it… I’m ready to go out and get to work. And I’m able to do that because of Questar.”

Under the guidance of their instructor, Ed Hull, the three seniors utilized welding strategies of stick and tig welding, and even learned how to braise bolts in the back of the letters over the course of a month. The process included creating a blueprint, matching a font to similar lettering in the building, securing eighth inch stainless steel plating, creating 70 half-inch spacers for a full week, braising bolts, grinding the letters to create shine and having staff mount the letters. 

The project allowed the opportunity for local business in the community owned and operated in Cairo to contribute. August Freeman of Unlimited Metalworks and Peter and Richard Vogel of KB Woodworking powdercoated the letters and provided the wood for the plaques to be displayed on.

“It’s unreal to think about,” Falco said, recapping the project. “If you have the opportunity to do it and are interested in what Questar has to offer, do it!”

Speaking to his pride in the work of the three seniors, Superintendent Michael Wetherbee is grateful for the fact that a student-led and carried out project will now immortalize and inform the community of the positive contributions of countless alumni.

“If their completed work is any indication of the careers these three individuals will have, I feel it is safe to say that all three will have bright futures, in large part due to the District’s partnership with Questar III BOCES,” Wetherbee said.

Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz touched on the impact of their programs, and the positive shift in interested students.

"Our Career and Technical Education programs are impacting students' lives," shared Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz. "As we continue to see increased interest and participation in our CTE programs, we remain dedicated to providing programs that fit the needs of high-demand fields in our region. Thanks to the skills learned at Donald R. Kline Technical School, students have the opportunity to take advantage of these high-paying jobs while also making meaningful contributions to their community, like this project at Cairo-Durham High School." 

Having been a strong advocate for careers in trades through his 20+ year career as a student services counselor, Karker spoke on the District’s partnership with Questar III BOCES painting a bigger picture than only providing an alternative path to graduation for high school students.

“I think it speaks to what Questar is all about. Questar is about how to connect our kids to the greater community,” Karker said. “Not only were they (Curless, Falco and Mejia-Deyo) taking ownership in the process, but they were taking pride in their abilities and the outcome... It was remarkable to see the growth in their confidence level and their ability to showcase their talents. Learning those skills also helps with being ready for the next stage of life.”

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Photo: From left, Donald R. Kline Technical School Welding and Fabrication Program instructor Ed Hull, Lance Curless, Jose Mejia-Deyo and Cameron Falco stand in front of the Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame showcase wall, where Curless, Falco and Mejia-Deyo created the letters for their senior project. 

For further information, please contact:

Austin Crosier

Communications Technician/Specialist