Senior Stephanie Rivard of Northbridge has been named Valley Tech’s top vocational technical student this year given in conjunction with the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

UPTON – Stephanie Rivard of Northbridge, a senior at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, is dedicated to her chosen field of study, drafting.

She not only excels in her vocation, but she is one of the top academic students in the Class of 2012.  Rivard’s exceptional drafting skills, along with her many other contributions to the school, have earned her Valley Tech’s Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award given in conjunction with the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

 
“I am motivated by the feeling of success,” stated Rivard. “I just don’t feel right not doing my absolute best at everything I do.”
 
Rivard is very involved in the Valley Tech community. She is a member of the James S. Mullaney Chapter of the National Honor Society and the Paul J. Sullivan Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a member of the FIRST Robotics Team, and the Aviation Club. She works at Plansee, USA in Franklin as part of her co-op program through Blackstone Valley Tech, and is a volunteer at Milford Regional Medical Center. She is the 2011 SkillsUSA National Gold Medalist in technical drafting and plans to compete again this year in that national competition.

 
“I would like to study aerospace engineering in college next year,” said Rivard, who is anxiously awaiting to hear word of acceptance from multiple colleges. “Ultimately, I would like to work for NASA when I complete my education.”

 
“We are extremely proud of Stephanie’s numerous achievements,” said Valley Tech Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick.  “She is a leader who has distinguished herself with admirable dedication to both rigorous academic studies and challenging vocational technical training.  She serves as a role model with earned attributes exemplifying our 21st century skills curriculum.”

Rivard will be honored for this award at the 26th Annual Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award Dinner at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 25.
 
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.