The Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Program is pleased to recognize Savannah Jeffrey as the Outstanding Vocational Student for the 2019-2020 academic year. The daughter of Christine Lavoie, lives in Fall River, MA and is an alum of Talbot Middle School in Fall River, MA. She has participated in many Open House events where she displayed numerous projects displaying her vocational skills. After graduation, she plans on becoming an active member of the Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Advisory Board. Savannah is currently employed with NAC (North Atlantic Corp) as a Prep and Assembly Technician. She was formerly employed at Choice Collision Center since the end of her junior year through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program as a Refinish Technician. Savannah will continue in her trade and is currently in the enrollment process with A.A.T.G. (Auto Appraiser Training Group) to obtain her Commonwealth of Massachusetts Automobile Damage Appraisers License.

The Automotive Technology Program is proud to name Marcello Louro as the Outstanding Vocational Student for the 2019-2020 school year. Marcello is the son of Marcello and Darlene Louro and a graduate of Morton Middle School in Fall River, MA. Marcello was an active member of the Diman community during his high school years. He was a member of the Golf team during his freshman, sophomore, and junior year. Marcello also made time for a yearly community service project--he was a participant of the 25 Mile Ride for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Organization in June 2017, 2018, and 2019. Marcello was able to secure employment through the Cooperative Education Program at Diman. He was employed as a Mechanics Assistant at Pleasant Rentals in Fall River, MA. Following graduation, Marcello plans to attend Bristol Community College with a focus on a Civil Engineering track. He plans to work for LAL Construction in Fall River as a Civil Engineer.

The Building and Property Maintenance Program is proud to award Victoria Rachel with this year's Outstanding Vocational Student Award. Victoria is a graduate of Kuss Middle School in Fall River, MA and is the daughter of Christopher and Brenda Rachel. Victoria was awarded the Academic Excellence Award in Applied Physics during her junior year. During her time at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Victoria has been involved with a variety of activities. She was a member of the Girls’ Soccer team during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. As a sophomore, she participated in the basketball program. Victoria completed community service projects as well. She volunteered for the Relay for Life in 2018 and 2019. She has been a team leader and assistant for the St. Anthony of Padua Youth Group since 2017 and helped prepare meals for people in need at the St. Vincent De Paul Society in 2018 and 2019. Vocationally, Victoria showcased her skills at the SkillsUSA competition in her sophomore and senior years. As a sophomore, she earned a bronze award at the District level in the Power Tool Equipment Technology competition. During her senior year, she competed at the District level and earned a gold award in Masonry. Victoria participated in the Cooperative Education Program as a landscaper at All Island Landscaping in Portsmouth, RI. Victoria is still exploring her options following her graduation from high school.

The Business Technology program is pleased to announce that Jay Raposa II of Westport has earned the Outstanding Vocational Student Award during the 2019-2020 school year. Jay, the son of Jay and Nancy Raposa, is a graduate of Westport Middle School and has been an active member of the Diman community during his four years. Academically, Jay earned High Honors all four years of high school. He was the National Honor Society President during his junior and senior years, as well as a member of DECA and SkillsUSA during his senior year. Throughout his high school years, Jay was an Eagle Scout for the Boy Scouts of America, providing him excellent community service opportunities, including a variety of Eagle projects. He was also a helper at Our Lady of Grace Church Festival. Jay was a varsity member of the Winter and Spring Track teams during his tenure at Diman. Jay was able to secure employment in a Customer Service/Designer position with Mr. Bruce Levesque through the Cooperative Education Program. Following graduation, Jay plans to attend Bristol Community College and major in General Business Administration.

Fall River’s Lillianna Valentine has been awarded with the Outstanding Vocational Student Award by the Culinary Arts Program. The daughter of Jason and Dianna Valentine, Lillianna is a graduate of Morton Middle School in Fall River, MA. As a Diman student, Lillianna was involved with several clubs and programs. During her junior and senior years, Lillianna was a competitive member of the DECA team. She was also involved with the SkillsUSA competition for three years. During her sophomore year, Lillianna competed in the Commercial Baking competition at the District level. During the next two years, she again competed in the Commercial Baking event and earned a silver award at States each year. Lillianna also volunteered her time to give back to her community. She participated in the Relay for Life in 2019 as a volunteer. She was a member of the Gingerbread House Committee in both 2017 and 2018. Following graduation, Lillianna plans to attend The Culinary Institute of America and major in Baking and Pastry Arts. She also plans to work at Somerset Ridge Nursing Home as a dietary aide.

Madison Ouellette is the recipient of the Outstanding Vocational Student Award for her performance in the Dental Assisting program. A graduate of Atlantis Charter School in Fall River, MA, Madison is the daughter of James and Sandra Ouellette. Madison was involved in a variety of activities at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School during her four years. Academically, she was named to the Honor Roll during her sophomore and junior years and was awarded both a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Dean Scholarship. She was a member of the freshman Volleyball team and a Shop Guide during the Diman Open House events for three years. Vocationally, Madison demonstrated her skills in the Occupational Health and Safety Competition at SkillsUSA. During her junior year, Madison earned a silver award and competed at the state level during her senior year. Madison was able to participate in the Cooperative Education Program as a dental assistant at Perfect Smiles in Westport and Seekonk. In the fall, Madison plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and major in Pediatrics.

Brooke Soares is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Vocational Student Award for her performance in the Drafting Program. The daughter of Debbie Soares and Jason Lyons, Brooke graduated from Morton Middle School in Fall River, MA prior to joining the Diman student body. Brooke was an active member of Diman. She was recognized as part of the honor roll during her junior and senior years. Her academic performance also resulted in Brooke being awarded a John Abigail Adams Scholarship. During her freshman year, Brooke was a member of the soccer, basketball, and softball teams. Brooke also donated her time volunteering at the Relay for Life event in 2018. Vocationally, Brooke displayed her knowledge at the SkillsUSA Competitions. She participated in the Automated Manufacturing Technology Competition during both her junior and senior years. She earned gold at District and State levels. As a freshman, Brooke was awarded a second-place finish in the Chief Architect Program. Brooke remains undecided as to what she will do following her graduation from Diman. She would like to explore the fields of Mechanical Engineering Technology and Industrial Design and become a drafter or designer.

The Electricity Program is honored to present Logan Lopes with this year’s Outstanding Vocational Student Award. The son of Rich Lopes and Jessica Araujo, Logan graduated from Somerset Middle School. Logan was both academically and educationally successful during his time at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. He was on the honor roll his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Logan participated in the Cooperative Education Program at Diman. He was employed by the City of Fall River’s Police Department as an Electrical Apprentice. Logan plans to continue his work with electricity upon graduating from high school. He would like to join the Local 223 Union in the City of Taunton as an Electrical Apprentice.

The Electronics Program is proud to name Landon Begin as their Outstanding Vocational Student for the 2019-2020 school year. Landon, a graduate of Joseph Case Junior High School, is the son of Jeffrey Begin and Dawn Dailey-Begin of Swansea. During his tenure at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Landon was involved in a variety of activities, including volunteering with the Swansea Ambulance Corps from October 2017-2020. Landon was also a successful four sport athlete in Golf, Winter Track, Hockey, and Tennis. On the Golf team, he earned several awards including: Captain in 2018 and 2019; MAC Champions 2019; 2019 Mayflower South Division Team Champions; Most Outstanding Player 2017, 2018, 2019; MAC All Star Award 2017, 2018, 2019; Sportsmanship Award 2016; Herald News All Star 2017, 2018, 2019; and the Herald News Player of the Year 2018. As a tennis player, Landon earned the following awards: Captain 2019, 2020; Most Outstanding Player 2018, 2019; Herald News All Star 2019 and the Herald News Certificate of Athletic Excellence 2019. Landon found time to be a member of the Diman Ski Club all four years as well. Landon also excelled academically. He was a member of the National Honor Society, earning High Honors all four years of high school. Landon participated in the Cooperative Education Program, working as an Electronic Technician Intern at Island Tech Services in Rehoboth, MA. Landon has plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Kimberly Lajoie has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Graphic Communications Program at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. Kimberly is the daughter of William and Mansueta Lajoie of Somerset and a graduate of Westport Junior High School. Kimberly was a well-rounded student at Diman, participating in sports, clubs, community service activities, and vocational competitions. She has been on High Honors all four years of high school, earning her membership to the National Honor Society. Kimberly was the Vice President of National Honor Society during her junior and senior years. She received the Academic Excellence Awards in Math and Science twice, as well as in History and English. Kimberly volunteered as a fourth grade CCD instructor from 2017-2020, and as an assistant for the Gifts to Give from 2016-2019. She spent much of her time at high school running--she was a member of the Indoor Track, Outdoor Track and Cross-Country teams. As a varsity athlete on the Indoor Track team for four years, Kimberly was given many awards, including: three-year captain; two-time Most Outstanding Player Award; League All Star Award; Herald News All Scholastic Award; Coach’s Award; and the Mayflower Conference MVP. She earned several more awards as a varsity member of the Outdoor Track team. Kimberly was named the Team Captain for three years, the Most Outstanding Player for three years, the League All Star Award, and the Herald News All-Scholastic Award. As a senior, Kimberly expanded her running career to include cross country. As the captain of the Cross-Country team, the team won the Large Division MAC League Championship and Kimberly was named the Most Outstanding Player; the League All Star Award; Herald News All Scholastic Award and holds the Diman New 5K course record. In her free time, Kimberly also participated as an Ambassador to the Girls Scouts and a Patrol Leader and Historian to the Boy Scouts of America. Kimberly also highlighted her vocational talents in the SkillsUSA competitions. In her sophomore year, she competed in the State Trading Pin Design, earning a fourth-place finish at Nationals. As a junior, she repeated her fourth-place finish at the National level in the Graphic Communications competition. She earned the District gold medal in Graphic Communications in her final year of high school. Kimberly participated in the Cooperative Education Program as a Digital Print Operator at Plum Direct Marketing in Fall River, MA. Kimberly has been accepted to several colleges, including Roger Williams University, Wheaton College, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Stonehill College, and Providence College. She is undecided at this time but would like to pursue a degree in Psychology.

The Health Assisting Program is pleased to award Kaia Ferreira with the Outstanding Vocational Student award. Kaia, the daughter of Manuel and Jodi Ferreira, excelled academically and vocationally while attending Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. A graduate of Westport Middle School, Kaia’s high academic achievements earned her a spot on the Principal's List, High Honors all four years and a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship to help with a post-secondary education. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and earned several academic awards, including an Academic Achievement Award in English her junior year and in History both her sophomore and freshman years. Kaia was an active member in the Diman community, participating in sports and community service opportunities. Kaia was the Varsity Tri-Captain of the Volleyball team, having been a member of the team all four years. She also participated in the Softball program during her freshman year. During her last two years of high school, Kaia was a classroom aid at the Westport Elementary School. Kaia also immersed herself in her vocational program, participating in the SkillsUSA Competition. She competed in the Health and Knowledge Bowl during her sophomore year and the Medical Math Competition during her junior year both at the District level. Kaia extended her vocational knowledge outside of the classroom, taking advantage of the Cooperative Education Program. She had hands-on experience at the Clifton Rehab and Nursing Home in Somerset, MA as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She will continue in this field following graduation, as she plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and major in Nursing.

Emily Moniz is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Outstanding Vocational Student award for her performance in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program. Emily is the daughter of Joseph and Lucy Moniz and a graduate of Westport Middle School. She has been successful both academically and vocationally at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. Emily is a member of the National Honor Society. She earned High Academic Honors her freshman and sophomore years as well as Honors all four years of high school. Emily is a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. While at Diman, Emily participated in several sports and clubs. Emily was a member of the Volleyball team all four years at Diman, earning an MVP award and the Herald News All Star Award. She was also a two-time MVP recipient in Tennis, participating on the tennis team during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Emily’s interests expanded outside of sports as well. She was a member of the International Club during her sophomore year and participated in several community service activities. Emily volunteered at both the Open House at Diman and the Accepted Students Night. Emily has taken pride in her vocational studies. She participated in the SkillsUSA program all four years at Diman. Emily was involved in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at both the State and National Level, earning three gold medals at States. Upon graduating from Diman, Emily plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She also has plans to work for the BETA Group, Inc. in Lincoln, RI as an entry level engineer.

Dean Grant has been named as the Outstanding Vocational Student in the Metal Fabrication and Welding Program for the 2019-2020 school year. Grant is the son of Westport’s George and Kelly Dean. During his four years of high school, Dean was an active member of the Diman community. He participated in the Ski Club during his sophomore, junior and senior years. Dean also completed several community service projects, including repairs to the veterans sign on Eastern Avenue, building a rail for Diman’s Room 251 Restaurant, and projects for the Fall River Police and Fire Departments. Dean was a part of the Advisory Board from Metal Fabrication and Welding during his junior and senior years. Vocationally, Dean participated in the SkillsUSA Competition during his last three years at Diman. Dean competed in the Welding competition, earning awards each year. His sophomore year, Dean earned a second-place finish at the District level and a third-place finish at the State level. The following year, he placed second in the Welding competition at both the District and State level. Due to the Coronavirus, Dean was only able to compete at the District level, earning a second-place finish. He was given a unique experience in the summer leading into his junior year--he attended the University of Alabama for three weeks to work on an FSAE (Formula Society of Automotive Engineers) car with engineering students. Dean secured employment through the Cooperative Education Program as a welder and maintenance worker at Taco in Fall River, MA. Currently, Dean is undecided as to his plans following his high school graduation. He is considering exploring local unions in the areas of pipefitting or public utility companies.

Fall River’s Evan Thro has received the honor of being named the Outstanding Vocational Student in the Machine Tool Technology Program. The son of Thomas and Kerri Thro, Evan graduated from Morton Middle School and was an active member of the Diman community. While at Diman, Evan earned High Honors during his freshman, sophomore, and senior years. These achievements earned him membership into the National Honors Society. Evan also excelled vocationally at Diman. He participated in SkillsUSA his junior and senior years in the Automated Manufacturing Technology competition. Evan earned gold during his junior year at the District and State level, and ninth place at Nationals. During his senior year, he again earned gold at the District level, and was prepared to compete at the State and National competitions. Evan was also involved in activities beyond the classroom. He was a member of the Baseball, Cross Country and Winter Track teams for two years. He completed several community service activities, including volunteering at Diman events and helping with the Diman PTO. Evan also took advantage of the Cooperative Education Program, working at Empire Prototype in Attleboro, MA as a CNC Machinist. Evan’s success earned him a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and major in Mechanical Engineering following his graduation from Diman.

The Plumbing Program is honored to grant Hunter Levine with the 2019-2020 Outstanding Vocational Student Award for his performance in his vocational program. Hunter is a graduate of Joseph Case Junior High School in Swansea, MA and the son of Jennifer Levine. Hunter was awarded a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship as a result of his strong academic performance on state testing. He was also a recipient of a vocational honor while at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. In 2019, Hunter received the PHCC of Massachusetts Apprentice Scholarship. Hunter secured a position as an apprentice at O’Brien’s Plumbing and Heating in Fall River, MA as part of the Cooperative Education Program at Diman. He plans to continue with his employment at O’Brien’s Plumbing and Heating following his graduation from high school.

Nancy Walz is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Vocational Student award from the LPN program. Nancy has an Associates in Health Sciences and is also a certified grief facilitator. She volunteers with the Rhode Island Chapter of USA Dance and is on the Bristol Community College Advisory Committee for Thanatology. Nancy’s volunteer spirit and can-do attitude have helped her cope with the stressful environment of the nursing program. Whenever she suffered a setback, Nancy used the situation as an opportunity to learn more about herself, and in turn, becoming a stronger and more resilient person. She believes her experiences in the health field have helped her to identify her true purpose—to help people. Nancy plans to continue to pursue her career in the nursing field by obtaining her RN, BSN, or LCSW license.