Kailee Mena of Fall River, MA has been named the Automotive Technology Program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of John J. Doran Middle School, Kailee is the daughter of Willy and Nancy Rego. Kailee was a member of the soccer team her freshman year and has earned a bronze award for her Girl Scout Service Project. Kailee is currently employed as a Service Adviser through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program at First Ford in Fall River. She plans on attending Bristol Community College and then on to Curry College where she will major in Pediatric Nursing.

The Building and Property Maintenance Program is pleased to announce that Fall River’s Matthew Campbell has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Atlantis Charter Middle School, Matthew is the son of Edward and Elaine Campbell. He demonstrated his vocational skills by competing in SkillsUSA, earning second place in the district competition in both his sophomore and junior years. Matthew has also participated in The Trade Fair where he won first place three years in a row for his carpentry, tile, and sign projects. He has also earned certifications through the Briggs & Stratton Engine Service Technician Program, MASSDOT Construction Pre-Apprentice Program, LEED Associate Accreditation of USGBC and the Certain Teed Master Craftsman Vinyl and Polymer Siding. He has demonstrated his commitment to transforming the way buildings are designed, built, and operated, which will provide a more healthful and sustainable life within his generation. Matthew is a member of the Guitar Club and the Building and Property Maintenance Advisory Board. Matthew was also a member of the track team his sophomore year. Matthew has been a volunteer at the St. Anne’s Soup Kitchen for many years. Matthew is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program as a Carpenter at Arkins Construction in Little Compton, RI. A John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient, Matthew will be joining the local union and continuing in his trade.

Kyleigh Duarte has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Business Technology Program. The daughter of Lisa and Joe Duarte, Kyleigh lives in Fall River, MA and is a graduate of Holy Trinity School. She has earned high honors every trimester while a student at Diman. Kyleigh is a member of the National Honor Society. Kyleigh is a four-year Varsity Soccer athlete where she was named Mayflower All Star in 2018. As a SkillsUSA member, Kyleigh served as a Voting Delegate in her freshman year. As a senior, she was appointed president of the 2019 Diman Chapter Business Procedures SkillsUSA team. Kyleigh earned a gold medal at the SkillsUSA state competition in Chapter Business Procedures in her junior year and earned a sixth place finish at the National Conference, She will be competing at the National Conference in June after a first place win at the State Conference. Kyleigh also participated in the Trade Fair her freshman year, where she was the overall shop winner for her Travel Agency project. Kyleigh is involved in her community by volunteering at the Diman Bengal Education Foundation annual clam boil, as an assistant teacher in the Diman Division of Continuing Education, and assisting with the Boys and Girls Annual Gala. Kyleigh is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program at Design Ergonomics in Fall River, MA as a Customer Service Intern. Kyleigh also works part-time at Mayer Search in Somerset, MA as a Research Intern. Kyleigh has earned academic achievements in History, Math, and English Language Arts. After graduation from Diman in June, Kyleigh will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth and plans to major in Pre-Med.

Ethan Galego of Fall River, MA has been named the Carpentry-Cabinetmaking Program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Morton Middle School, Ethan is the son of Kathryn and David Galego. He has earned honors during his sophomore, junior, and senior years while a student at Diman. Ethan was a member of the Soccer team for three years. His vocational skills have earned him a first place finish in Diman’s Trade Fair during his sophomore year. Ethan is a member of SkillsUSA and competed in the district competition for Carpentry and Cabinet–Making during his sophomore and junior years. Ethan is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program at Grinnell Cabinet in Cranston, RI. Ethan’s future plans include maintaining his position at Grinnell Cabinet while attending Bristol Community College where he will major in Project Management.

The Culinary Arts Program is pleased to announce Nicholas Mota of Fall River, MA as their Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Holy Name School, Nicholas is the son of Elizabeth and Jose Mota. He has earned honors every trimester while a student at Diman. Nicholas is a member of SkillsUSA and has competed at the district level where he earned a gold medal his sophomore and senior years and at the state level where he earned a silver medal. Nicholas was a member of Diman’s Drama and Track team his freshman year and he has served on the Senior Class Committee. Nicholas will be attending Johnson and Wales University where he will major in Culinary Arts.

The Dental Assisting Program is pleased to announce Jesenia Delrosario of Fall River, MA as their Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Matthew J. Kuss Middle School, Jesenia is the daughter of Rhonda Delrosario. She has earned high honors every trimester while a student at Diman. Jesenia is a member of the National Honor Society. At Diman, Jesenia has been Vice President of the Key Club during her junior and senior years, a member of the Student Government her sophomore, junior, and senior years, and she was a member of Genes in Space her freshman year. Jesenia has demonstrated her leadership skills by earning a silver medal at the SkillsUSA State Competition for her work on the Diman Food Pantry Community Service Project. She has also given back by serving as a member of Walk for Hunger, she is the founder of Hope Food Pantry, and has volunteered at Diman’s Trunk or Treat. Jesenia is currently employed through the Cooperative Education Program as a Dental Assistant at Ghenta Dental Group in Dartmouth. She is a recipient of a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. Jesenia will be attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for Biology with future plans of becoming a dentist.

This year’s Outstanding Vocational Student for the Drafting Program is Robert Pais. A Fall River, MA resident, Robert is a graduate of Edmond P. Talbot Middle School and is the son of Colleen and Jorge Pais. Robert is a member of SkillsUSA and competed at the district level in Additive Manufacturing his junior year and Mechanical Drafting his senior year. Robert was a member Football Team his freshman and sophomore years, and a four year member of the Winter Track Team where he earned a 4th place finish in the Janiak 4X 400 Relay. His vocational skills have earned him a second and third place finish at the Trade Fair for his Kitchen Design project and Mechanical Engineering. Robert has served as a member of the Drafting Advisory Board, participated in Diman’s Open House as a student presenter, and most recently, Robert has earned his Eagle Scout Rank for his project on Refurbishing Hydrants. He is currently employed as an Engineer at Rector Seal in Fall River, MA through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program. Robert plans to remain employed with Rector Seal while attending Bristol Community College, and transferring to the University Of Massachusetts where he will major in Mechanical Engineering.

Fall River’s Raleah Hubner has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Electricity Program. A graduate of Matthew J. Kuss Middle School, Raleah is the daughter of Barbara Hubner. Raleah is a member of SkillsUSA and had competed in the Freshman Exploratory Demonstration, Residential Wiring and Community Service at both the district and state level. Raleah also served as a Chapter Officer for Diman’s SkillsUSA Chapter. She has participated in the Trade Fair earning a second place finish for her project on Residential Wiring. Raleah has been a member of the VolleyBall Team for three years and the Tennis Team her junior year, earning her Varsity Letter. Raleah has volunteered at the Diman Bengal Educational Foundation’s annual clam boil and has been a member of the Key Club for four years. Raleah has also been the face of Diman by serving as Boomer, Diman’s Mascot, for four years. Additionally, she was named a John and Abigail Adams Scholar. Raleah is currently employed through the Cooperative Education Program at Florence Electric of Canton, Massachusetts. She intends to continue on to Diman’s Evening School Journeyman Electric Code class and become a Journeyman Electrician with Florence Electric.

The Electronics Program is pleased to announce Marcus Banoub, of Swansea, MA as their Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Joseph Case Junior High School, Marcus is the son of Matthew and Natasha Banoub of Swansea, MA. When not in school, Marcus volunteers his time at the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River and the Walk for Hunger in Boston, as well as various Diman sponsored events like the Canned Food Drive, Accepted Students Night, and Tour Guide. He reads the daily announcements and competes in SkillsUSA, where he won a bronze medal at the national level during his junior year in Electronics Technology. He has also won silver medals at SkillsUSA for Related Technical Math and Electronic Technology and a second place win for his Trade Fair Project on Binary Counter. Marcus was also named a finalist at the state level in DECA for Retail Merchandising. Marcus was also selected as Diman’s Massachusetts Outstanding Vocational Student. Marcus is the President of the National Honor Society, was named a Letters about Literature Honorable Mention, assisted the University of Alabama’s EcoCar Program over the summer of 2017, and has captained the Math Team to multiple trophy finishes since his freshman year. Marcus is currently employed through the Cooperative Education Program at Maxon Precision Motors in Taunton, MA, as a Manufacturing Technician. While at Diman, Marcus has maintained High Honors all four years and is ranked first in his graduating class. Marcus has been named an Outstanding Student in Mathematics, as well as Science at the end of every school year. Additionally, he was named a John and Abigail Adams Scholar, a WPI Presidential Scholar, and Diman’s first ever Commended Scholar under the National Merit Scholarship (attached to the PSAT). What is more impressive, Marcus earned an SAT score of 1560 out of 1600. He has also been awarded the Dean’s Scholarship at the University Of Massachusetts Amherst and Northeastern University. It is perhaps due to the accomplishments that he has been accepted at Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Merrimack College. Marcus has also been wait listed at Harvard University. He intends to pursue a graduate degree in the fields of Engineering or Medicine.

Fall River resident Taylor Dutra has been named the Graphic Communications Program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Morton Middle School, Taylor is the daughter of Brandy and Craig Dutra. Taylor has been an honors student throughout her career at Diman. She is a recipient of a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. Taylor is a SkillsUSA member where she competed at the district level in Photography and earned a third place finish her sophomore year and a second place finish in her junior and senior years. She has been a member of the Photography club for four years. Taylor will be attending Bristol Community College where she will major in Graphic Design.

The Outstanding Vocational Student for the Health Assisting Program is Brianna Melo. A Westport resident, Brianna is the daughter of Maria and Manuel Melo and a graduate of Westport Middle School. Brianna has earned honors and high honors every trimester at Diman and has been named a John and Abigail Adams Scholar. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was a member of the Key Club her freshman and sophomore years. As a SkillsUSA member, she has earned a state silver medal for Freshman Career Choice Commentary. As a freshman, she earned second place at the local level for Exploratory Demonstration, as well as Bronze medal at the national competition in First Aid/CPR. Most recently, Brianna has qualified for the National Competition because of her First Place finish at the State Competition. Brianna has been committed and involved at Diman as an athlete, playing Cross Country her junior year, Winter Track her sophomore year, and Spring Track all four years. Brianna was the recipient of the Coaches Award in Cross Country her junior year. She volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club, Relay For Life, and Walk for Hunger. She has also served on the Health Assisting Advisory Board, as well as the Student Improvement Council. Brianna is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program at Dr. Magalhaes and Associate in Dartmouth, MA. She will attend Rhode Island College, where she will major in Nursing and then continue on to Regis College, where she will major in Physician Assistant.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program is pleased to announce that Matthew Martins, of Somerset, MA has earned their Outstanding Vocational Student Award. Matthew is the son of Celia and Paulo Martins and is a graduate of Somerset Middle School. Matthew has participated in the Trade Fair by creating a Piping Board. Matthew is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program at Air Masters in Fall River, MA. Matthew will continue in his trade and work to obtain his Apprentice License through Diman’s Evening School of Continuing Education School.

The Machine Tool Technology Program has named Richard Sousa of Somerset, MA as their Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Somerset Middle School, Richard is the son of Maria and Richard Sousa. During his time at Diman, Richard has earned high honors all 12 trimesters at Diman and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is also a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient. He has been an active member of the Machine Tool Technology Advisory Board for two years. He has been chosen as the most outstanding program student for four years. Richard is a member of SkillsUSA, where he earned a first place finish at the State Competition in his junior year in CNC Turning. He also earned the silver medal at the National Competition for CNC Turning. Richard will be competing once again in the National Competition, after his win this first place win this year at the State Competition. Richard volunteers at New Hope Christian Church performing maintenance work and as a greeter. He is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program as a Machinist at F.H. Peterson Machine in Stoughton, MA. His future plans include attending Bristol Community College in the fall where he will major in Mechanical Engineering.

The Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies Program is pleased to name Emily Merkt as their Outstanding Vocational Student. The daughter of Janet Hickey and Curtis Merkt, Emily lives in Fall River, MA and is a graduate of Matthew J. Kuss Middle School. Emily earned a first place award for her Trade Fair Project on Mig and Tig Welding. Emily is currently employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program where she works as a welder at Taco Comfort Controls in Fall River, MA. Emily’s future plans include maintaining her current Cooperative Education Employment Position.

Avantay Pereira of Fall River, MA has been named the Plumbing Program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Matthew J. Kuss Middle School, Avantay is the son of Sonia and Moses Pereira. As a student in the Plumbing Program, Avantay has earned academic honors all four year. He was also a member of the football team his freshman and sophomore years. He is currently employed through the Cooperative Education Program at Sakonnet Plumbing in Little Compton, RI. His future plans include maintaining his Cooperative Education Employment position while continue his education through the Diman Evening School Journeyman Plumbing Code class.

Hilary Cabral of Fall River, MA, has been named the Licensed Practical Nurse Full-Time Program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. She is a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses. Hilary was also a member of this years SkillsUSA Health Knowledge Bowl. Hilary is currently employed at Charlton Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Technician in Fall River, MA. Hilary will be pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing.

Mandy Dias is the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Licensed Practical Nurse Part-Time Program. A Fall River resident, Mandy has given back to her community by serving as the recording secretary for the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary of the state of Massachusetts. Mandy also serves as President of the Licensed Practical Nursing Student Government. She is currently employed at Prima Care Cardiology in Fall River, MA as a Hospital Biller. Her future plans include obtaining her degree as a Registered Nurse.