A fifth-generation resident of Cornwallville, Joe Armstrong, Class of 2016, is a community-oriented role model, a CD Wrestling Coach, a business owner, and a father. Joe coaches the CD varsity wrestling team, and assists CD’s Track and Field.
Joe grew up on his family’s farm in Cornwallville, NY. He started his time in the District at Durham Elementary and later graduated from Cairo-Durham High School in 2016. Afterward, he immersed himself in his studies to earn his Diesel Technology Certification from the Universal Technical Institute out of Exton, Pennsylvania in just eight months.
As the owner of JPA Service, Joe Armstrong is thrilled to offer his services as a Mobile Diesel Technician to other businesses, fixing anything with a diesel engine such as excavators, dozers, pick-up trucks, etc.
“Owning my own business is something I've always dreamed about,” Joe said. “Helping other businesses get their down machines back up and running is a great feeling.”
Not only is he a businessman, but he is also a phenomenal coach. Coach Armstrong has been leading the Cairo-Durham wrestling team since 2022. He also assists the track and field student-athletes with their long jump forms and times.
Both of his nominators agree that he is a phenomenal coach and mentor to the school’s student-athletes. “He calls to check on how they did after their meets. He cares about the students and this community,” one of his nominators said.
“I enjoy coaching the kids and watching them grow as athletes,” Coach Joe Armstrong said. “To see the kids go out on the mat and wrestle as hard as they can is very fulfilling.”
During his time at Cairo Durham, he played three varsity sports: soccer, wrestling, and track. Joe also made lifelong friends, he said. For students currently at CD, he offers the below advice.
“Don't be afraid to take chances, just because someone else is doing something doesn't mean you have to, and chase your dreams- they won't just be handed to you,” Joe Armstrong said.
To bridge the community and the Cairo-Durham Central School District, the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” was created to provide an opportunity for community members to nominate members of the Cairo-Durham Class of 2018 or prior who have made an impact in the community, embrace Cairo-Durham pride and serve as role models to future generations of Mustangs to be recognized on the District’s platforms. Nominations are now open for the January spotlight, click here to nominate a Cairo-Durham alum. Submissions are due by Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 4 p.m.