I was thrilled to read about the BOCES stigma and changing its image. As a parent of two daughters who benefited from BOCES, I am a big supporter and I have felt for years that it was never given its due.

My girls were diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Their grades were average and college was out of the question for one. My eldest went to BOCES and participated in the early childhood program. She was student of the year two years in a row and she made honor roll in her home school. The program offered college credits; with those credits, she went to two colleges, was on the dean's list every semester and received her master's in early childhood education. She has been teaching for three years and loves her job.

My youngest was struggling, she also had dyslexia, but loved working with her hands. She joined the BOCES automotive program. Being one of three girls in the program, she was never picked on, her grades were high and her grades at her home school improved. She surprised us by telling us that she had been accepted to the HVCC automotive program. She now works for a local auto dealer as a service writer and she also loves her job.

The BOCES program offers students a chance to excel and build confidence in areas that build their interest. It is an investment in our youth who may not excel in the classroom but can excel in other areas of life. It keeps them from dropping out of school and helps them to become successful, confident adults.

Rebecca Kiegle

Voorheesville