Each year, the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools recognizes an outstanding graduate from each of New Jersey’s 21 counties at an annual Successful Graduate Recognition Awards program. The diversity of the award winners illustrates that New Jersey's county vocational-technical schools prepare students in the most comprehensive way to be successful in their chosen fields and role models for those following in their footsteps.

The following outstanding graduates were honored on April 10, 2008.

Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Michael Newkirk graduated from the commercial foods program of the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in 2001. During his time at ACIT, he demonstrated natural ability in all areas of the kitchen. Michael was a conscientious worker who maintained an “A” average. After graduation, Mike attended the culinary arts program at Atlantic Cape Community College, graduating with an associate’s degree. Mike was an integral part of the team that entered the junior ACF Chefs Competition, where he won a bronze medal. Mike is now the Executive Chef of the Knife and Fork Inn, the second oldest free-standing restaurant in Atlantic City. He has also given his time and enthusiasm back to the ACIT program as a member of the Craft Committee and in talking to students about his experiences.

Bergen County Technical Schools
Tramaine Cooper graduated from Bergen County Academies in 2003 with a reputation for leadership well beyond his years. Currently working as a communications specialist for SkillsUSA and attending college, Tramaine was the New Jersey state president of Skills USA while in high school. He twice won the SkillsUSA state gold medal in Prepared Speech and the state gold medal for Entrepreneurship. He won a national silver medal in Entrepreneurship. Tramaine is studying hospitality management at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Burlington County Institute of Technology
Michael Raber joined the Navy upon graduating from the Burlington County Institute of Technology in 1990, eventually becoming the head culinary specialist on board the USS Dolphin. His many impressive shore assignments include being selected for a position with the Presidential Food Service. As a team leader with the Presidential Travel Advance Team, he spent more than 250 days on 75 domestic and overseas presidential trips supporting the president and first family. Working closely with the U.S. Secret Service, he provided logistical support and food security. While serving at the White House, Michael was selected for his current position as the senior enlisted aide to the Commander, Navy Installations Command. His personal decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 awards). He has completed advanced skills courses at the Culinary Institute of America and is currently studying towards the Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management at Central Texas College.

Camden County Technical Schools
Gene Elwell graduated from the heating and air conditioning program at Camden County Technical Schools in 1969. He served six years in the US Air Force reserves while working as a boilermaker, and then served as a construction superintendent for 25 years in the power plant and refinery industries. Seeing the importance of job safety and medical testing, Gene co-founded American Medical Compliance Testing and American Medical Saliva Testing Inc. (AMSTI). AMSTI has grown dramatically and is now working exclusively with a group of scientists to test children for lead and mercury poisoning. His company is also actively involved with a non–profit organization he co-founded seeking long term health care for the children exposed to mercury poisoning in one New Jersey town.

Cape May County Technical School
Sara Player, a 2002 graduate of Cape May Tech, is now a counselor with the School Based Youth Services program at her alma mater. During high school, Sara was a class officer, a member of student council and National Honor Society, lettered as a varsity soccer and basketball student-athlete and was a league all-star. She graduated from Cabrini College with a bachelor of science degree in social work and played NCAA soccer as a goalie. Sara earned her masters degree in social work from Rutgers University, graduating magna cum laude with a 4.0 average, and served an internship through Cape Counseling Services at Rainbow of Hope Psychiatric, a residential facility for troubled adolescents. She teaches religious school and is a consultant for her church to assist children with special needs. This fall, Sara will accompany a colleague to Nigeria to work with women suffering from the AIDS epidemic.

Cumberland County Technical Education Center
Craig Purcell is a 2000 graduate of Cumberland County Technical Education Center’s computer applications and systems program. Before completing the course, Craig created an operational database program for the county’s utility authority. He is now a senior application developer and systems architect for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in Richmond, VA. CSC is one of the nation’s largest defense contractors and a key contributor to NASA. The corporation deploys solutions around the world, and maintains a presence in 10 countries. Craig has returned to CCTEC several times to make presentations to current students. His message focuses on the excellent opportunities the school offers, the importance of technical education, and how it was his pathway to success.

Essex County Vocational Technical Schools
Hector G. Maldonado entered Essex County Vocational High School's North 13th Street Center in 1997, taking bilingual classes to learn English. Soon becoming fluent in both English and Spanish, he majored in Cisco and C+ Networking and was an honor roll student. Hector graduated as the salutatorian of his class in 2001. He began taking college classes at Westwood College, paying for those classes by working on computers part-time for the Essex County Vocational School District. Today, Hector is working full-time as the district's systems network administrator and he continues to pursue his bachelor’s degree in computer sciences part-time.

Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Marya Oberfrank graduated in 1991 from Gloucester County Institute of Technology and then graduated from Johnson & Wales University. After working in the Gloucester County area for a few years, she moved to California to work as a chef in various restaurants. She then traveled for one year, participating in cooking classes around the world. In 2002, she moved back to Gloucester County and started her own catering business. In 2004, Marya became the assistant restaurant manager at GCIT and is now a teacher of culinary arts.

Hudson County Schools of Technology
After graduating in 2004 from Hudson County Schools of Technology’s County Prep High School, Tiffany Tavarez became the first person to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. While majoring in printmaking at the school and working full-time, Tiffany participated in an education apprenticeship at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum. She also received a graduate assistantship to complete the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program with a focus on education at the University of the Arts. Tiffany is currently assistant director of alumni affairs for the College of Education, Temple University, where she fundraises for the University, manages marketing and communications, organizes all college events and facilitates volunteer functions with Philadelphia for current students and young alumni. She is a volunteer for the Women’s Way Foundation, mentor for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and was recently inducted into the Tyler Alumni Association Board. Her work was recently published by Tea Party Magazine.

Hunterdon County Polytech
A 1983 North Hunterdon High School automotive technology graduate, Edward Barry began his career working for Flemington Subaru during his senior year. Since that time, he has continued to become a true professional in his career and is now their shop foreman. He has earned his ASE certification as a master technician and placed third in the Subaru World Technician Challenge in Tokyo Japan in 2007. He and his wife Diane, service manager at Flemington Subaru, are advisory members and bring new technology to the classroom through new Subaru demonstrations and factory diagnostic equipment. He is a proctor at SOCAT Performance Tests, an integral part in the CARS mentorship program and AYES internships, and attends all of the school's back to school nights and open houses.

Mercer County Technical Schools
Corey Fowler completed Mercer County Technical Schools’ electronics and computer technology program, receiving his certification in C-Tech Fiber Optics and Networking. He has an associates degree in Applied Science from Mercer County Community College and is completing the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State College. Corey started as an electronics technician with PSE&G and was promoted to the position of engineering technician. He is now senior lead engineering technician for PSE&G-BUD Systems Group. In his current position, he develops electrical zone layouts based on circuits versus development load and forecasts the results of added load on circuits. He also is a trainer for systems operations, work orders and reporting. Corey mentors 5th grade students at Cedar Brook Middle School in Plainfield through the PSE&G/ United Way Stay in School Program. He is also a member of and events coordinator for the board of directors for the Young Adult Ministry at the First Baptist Church in Plainfield.

Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools
Bill Leary is a 1988 graduate of the Piscataway campus of Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools HVAC program. As a senior, he was the New Jersey State VICA gold medal winner in his occupational area. As the owner of Bill Leary Heating, Air Conditioning, Duct Cleaning, he employs between 50 and 75 technicians depending on the season. The company has been approved by the State of New Jersey Department of Building and Construction to perform work on jobs up to $15 million. For nearly ten years, Bill has served on the board of directors for the Air Conditioning Contractors Association of America and on the Edison Wetlands Association as the chief financial officer. Over the years, Bill has continued to employ students enrolled in the cooperative education program.

Monmouth County Vocational School District
Jeffrey Godwin began Monmouth County Vocational School District’s law enforcement program as a high school junior and completed the program in 1998. While enrolled in the program, he began an internship with the West Long Branch Police Department. After graduation, Bill began working for the Monmouth Beach Police Department as a special officer and in May of 2002 he was promoted to the position of patrolman. He is a former member of the NJ Army National Guard, is a certified firearms instructor and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the police department’s web site.

Morris County School of Technology
Michael Slattery graduated from the construction program of Morris County School of Technology in 1984 having earned the highest achievement award. Shortly after graduation, he started his own business, Slattery Construction Inc. Located in Whippany, his company specializes in the residential construction of additions, renovations and new homes. During the 24 years he has been in business, Michael has employed several graduates of the school's construction program. He continues to be actively involved with the Morris County School of Technology, serving as a member of the Advisory Council and also as an evaluator for the Student Occupational Competency Assessment Test.

Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Christopher Vanchure attended the aviation/aerospace technology course at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) and graduated in 2001. After graduation, he became a member of the Lakehurst Flying Club. As president of that club, he served as the liaison for OCVTS Aviation class and the school's flying club. After receiving his private pilot license, Chris received an Asociate of Science degree in mathematics at Ocean County College, and then completed his undergraduate education at Seton Hall University under the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Chris was awarded the Cadet Aeronautical Badge for completing the United States Air Force Academy SOAR program, as well the Air Force Pilot categorization. As an Air Force certified aviator, Christopher is now assigned in Texas as an instructor pilot for the T6A Texan logistical group. He currently serves in an advisory capacity for the OCVTS aviation/aerospace technology program.

Passaic County Technical Institute
Joseph Salafia is a 1986 graduate of Passaic County Technical Institute. Since graduation, he has managed to become a successful entrepreneur, owning two multi-million dollar businesses. He is the owner of a high-end automotive after-market accessory installation business, servicing music stars, sport stars and people of all walks of life. His company “Custom Lifestyles by Action Tire” is a leading company in the automotive industry. Joe created what he calls “a lifestyle showroom,” aimed at giving customers the ultimate automotive experience, in the form of an unparalleled captivating ambiance. His business has been recognized as one the top ten custom shops in all of North America by DuPont Registry and Dub, two of the leading magazines in the automotive field. In addition, he is the proud proprietor of Salafia Realty LLC.

Salem County Vocational Technical School
Bruce Connell is currently working as the Executive Pastry Chef at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Culinary Arts program at the Salem County Career and Technical High School and the Culinary Institute of America, where he received his Bachelor of Pastry and Liberal Arts degree. He was an intern under Master Pastry Chef Gunther Heiland for Desserts International in Exton, Pa. Bruce has also worked as a Pastry Chef at the Sofitel Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.; the Restaurant Bruneau in Brussels, Belgium; and the Showboat and Harrah’s Casinos in Atlantic City. While at the Restaurant Bruneau, Bruce helped develop menus for private events for the King of Belgium. At the Kennedy Center, Bruce plans and caters high profile events such as CBS Honors, Mark Twain Awards and the National Symphony Orchestra Ball. He trains, manages and schedules the bakeshop staff and also customizes specialty menus relating to various shows and client requests. He continues to maintain a close relationship with the instructors at his high school and has done several demonstrations for the students.

Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools
Frank Gianotto III, a 1988 graduate of the electrical construction program at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School, is a law enforcement officer with the Franklin Township Police Department. He continued his education at Middlesex County College in the electrical program and at the Morris County Police Academy. For the past 22 years, Frank has been a member of the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician and a member of the Somerset County Underwater Rescue Unit. Frank is also the co-owner of Gianotto Electrical Contracting. He often visits students and faculty in the electrical construction program to provide insight about the challenges that await graduates who enter the workforce.

Sussex County Technical School
Kate Klimas graduated as valedictorian from the culinary arts program at Sussex County Technical School in 1999. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition summa cum laude and her Master of Arts in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University. Kate received the Fashion, Food, and Nutrition department award, and also was recipient of the University’s service for social justice award. Kate became a registered dietitian and worked for Christiana Care Health System. She is currently employed by the Reading Hospital and Medical Center as a clinical dietitian for the brain injury and maternity floors.

Union County Vocational-Technical Schools
Dana Semenoro is a 1997 graduate of the Union County Vocational-Technical School District’s culinary arts program. Upon graduation, Dana earned a scholarship to attend the culinary arts program at Hudson County Community College, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree, summa cum laude, was named to Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges, and received the 1999 National Restaurant Association’s Salute to Excellence Award. She received a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University in Hospitality Management. For ten years, she served as food production coordinator for "Let’s Cook with Paul Dillon" on CN8. She currently is a general manager for SODEXHO Food Service Corporation.

Warren County Technical School
John Goretti graduated from Warren County Technical School in 1971, majoring in drafting. While in high school, he worked at The Free Press, a local newspaper, putting to use the layout and design skills he was learning in the classroom. Upon graduation from Warren Tech, John was offered full-time employment at The Free Press, which was acquired by The Express-Times in 1975. Over the years, John has served in many capacities including production manager, general manager, director of commercial printing, advertising sales consultant, regional accounts manager and is currently senior marketing consultant.