Tiena Gilbert of Parishville-Hopkinton Central School District, a student in the Natural Resource Management program at the Seaway Career & Technical Education Center, is the November recipient of the Potsdam Rotary Club’s “Rev. William R. and Crystal E. Cuthbert Vocational Excellence Award Sponsored by Brookfield Renewable U.S.” Gilbert is the child of Joseph Gilbert.
At a Rotary luncheon honoring Gilbert, she met with Potsdam Rotarians and was commended for her academic excellence by Seaway Tech instructor John Morgan.
Gilbert has acquired an entry-level skill set in fields related to natural resources that she can take with her to college or if she decides to enter the workforce.
“Tiena is a top-notch student,” said Morgan. “She takes excellent notes and works hard on assignments. She is a program student leader and a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She goes above and beyond as a student in the Natural Resource Program.”
Natural Resource Management is based on the sustainable use of natural resources. Students in year one learn primarily about forests and silvicultural practices that increase growth and productivity. Some of the units include tree identification, wood products, forest mensuration, chainsaw safety, equipment operation and plantation practices. Students in year two are introduced to the evolving world of agricultural science. Topics include wildlife management, integrated pest management, fruit production, sugarbush management, OSHA and UDIG training (certification), First Aid/CPR training (certification), invasive species, job shadowing, arbor care, nursery practices and alternative energy. There are college credit opportunities available as well.
Left to right: Potsdam Rotary Vocational Service Chair Duane Pelkey, Gilbert, Rotary President Christina Delorenzo and Seaway Tech instructor John Morgan.