Nathan Soares | Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program is pleased to recognize Nathan Soares as its Outstanding Vocational Student for the 2022-2023 academic year. Nathan, the son of Nancy Soares, resides in Fall River, MA and is a graduate of Edmond P. Talbot Middle School. Nathan has displayed numerous projects showcasing his vocational skills throughout his years at Diman at our Open House Events. He is also a member of SkillsUSA competing during his sophomore year in the Collision Repair Competition at the District Level. Nathan is currently employed with Carl's Collision Center in Fall River as a Repair Technician through Diman's Cooperative Education Program. He was formerly employed at Distinctive Auto Body during his sophomore year. After graduation, Nathan plans to continue in his trade as a Repair Technician and possibly enroll with Auto Appraiser's Training Group to obtain his Commonwealth of Massachusetts Automotive Damage Appraisers License. He would also like to become an active member of the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Advisory Board and hopes to someday become an instructor at Diman.

Michael Zbyszewski | Automotive Technology
This year’s Outstanding Vocational Student for the Automotive Technology program is Michael Zbyszewski. A Fall River, MA resident, Michael is a graduate of Edmond P. Talbot Middle School and the son of Michael and Kelly Zbyszewski. Michael has received the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, as well as earning Honors during his sophomore and junior years. His interest in Subaru led him to enroll in Subaru’s factory training program. He is currently employed at J.R.’s Superlube as a lubrication technician as part of Diman’s Cooperative Education Program. Michael plans to attend George Mason University in Virginia where he will major in Environmental Science.

Francisco Dinis | Building and Property Maintenance
The Building and Property Maintenance program is pleased to announce that Fall River’s Francisco Dinis has been named its Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Edmond P. Talbot Middle School, Francisco is the son of Simao and Graca Dinis. He won a First Place ribbon for a woodworking project during his freshman year and a Second place ribbon for sign-making his sophomore year. He also participated in soccer his senior year. In addition to this work, Francisco has completed the MassDOT construction program and received 30 hours of credit towards a trade union. He has assisted in many projects for the community as part of his program. He helped with the Swansea dugout and concession stand at the baseball field, a community sign for the Town of Somerset Recreation Department, as well as the Amvets sign in Somerset. When he is not in school, Francisco enjoys helping out his community by donating toys to “Toys for Tots” and working at the soup kitchen at St. Michael’s Church. He has also volunteered in the Building and Property shop for Open House and Accepted Student Night where he talks to students and their families about the Building and Property Maintenance program. Francisco is currently enrolled in Diman’s Cooperative Education Program working for Kenneth Pacheco Construction. He also works for Demelo & Sons Landscaping and Construction on the weekends. His future plans include continuing in his trade with the hopes of starting his own company.

Savannah Santos | Business Technology
Savannah Santos has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Business Technology program. The daughter of Joseph and Donna Santos, Savannah is a graduate of Holy Name School and lives in Fall River, MA. Savannah has received High Honors all four years of high school, is a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in the Dual Enrollment program at Diman during her junior year. She is a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, Bridgewater State University Crimson Merit Scholarship, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor’s Scholarship, Suffolk University Dean's Scholarship, University of Massachusetts Amherst Dean's Award, Emmanuel College Dean's Scholarship, Regis College Sister Therese Higgins Sisters of St. Joseph Merit Scholarship, Roger Williams Presidential Scholarship, University of New Hampshire Trustee’s Scholarship, and the Bentley University President’s Scholarship. Savannah was the President of the National Honor Society and served as a student ambassador her junior and senior year. She is also a member of the Senior Class Committee and Key Club. Savannah has been a member of SkillsUSA since her junior year, serving as a voting delegate her junior and senior year, as well as during the Fall Leadership Conference during her senior year. Savannah was a member of the volleyball team her freshman year. She has volunteered for a number of organizations including Holy Name Church/ School, Wish Foundation, Diman’s PTO car show, clam boil fundraiser, Outstanding Vocational Student Banquet, Open House, and Wellness Day. Savannah is employed through Diman’s Cooperative Education Program, as a Commercial Lines Assistant at John Andrade Insurance Agency in Bristol, RI. She will continue to work remotely for them while she attends Bentley University where she will major in Finance with a concentration in Corporate Finance.

Cameron Mattos | Carpentry-Cabnetmaking
Cameron Mattos of Fall River, MA has been named the Carpentry-Cabinetmaking program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Saint Stanislaus School, Cameron is a Fall River, MA resident and the son of Jesse and Amanda Mattos. He has made the Principal's List all four years of high school. Cameron has been a member of the hockey team all four years, where he earned a varsity letter and was captain his senior year. He was also named Mayflower League All Star and team MVP his senior year, and received the Andrew Dumont Award his junior year. He has volunteered in the community serving as SWS Chiefs score keeper while in high school. He is part of the Cooperative Education Program working at Teck Construction in Tiverton, RI as a carpenter's apprentice. Cameron plans to continue in his trade and become a general contractor while playing hockey for the 95 Giants Showcase Club Team.

Katherine Antunes | Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program is pleased to announce Katherine Antunes of Westport, MA as its Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Westport Middle-High School, Katherine is the daughter of Carlos and Patricia Antunes. She earned Honors during her sophomore, junior, and senior years at Diman. She is also the recipient of the Bridgewater State University Crimson Merit Scholarship. Along with the Culinary Department, Katherine has volunteered her time working various school functions including the Advisory Board. She recently competed in the Prostart Cake Decorating Competition placing second. She also participated in spring track during her junior year receiving the Participation Award. Katherine plans to attend Bridgewater State University in the fall where she will major in Business Management and Marketing.

Pearl Duclos | Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting program is pleased to announce Pearl Duclos of Fall River, MA as its Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Morton Middle School, Pearl is the daughter of Matthew Duclos and Meghan Black. Pearl has received the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor’s Scholarship, as well as the Bridgewater State Merit Scholarship. She was also the Geometry Student of the year her sophomore year, as well as Honors Chemistry 1 Student of the Year during her junior year. She has received High Honors all four years of high school. She has obtained her certification from the Dental Assisting National Board in Infection Control and Radiation Health and Safety. Pearl is a member of the SkillsUSA SAIL Conference graduation, as well as SkillsUSA Voting Delegate. She was on the Freshman Class Committee and the Senior Class Committee. When she is not in school, Pearl has volunteered her time helping with the Relay For Life of Fall River in 2021 and 2023. Pearl is part of Diman’s Cooperative Education Program working as a Dental Assistant at Highland Dental Health in Fall River. Pearl’s future plans include attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she will participate in the BSN Nursing Program this fall.

Brianna Vierra | Drafting
This year’s Outstanding Vocational Student for the Drafting program is Brianna Vierra. A Fall River, MA resident, Brianna is a graduate of Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School and the daughter of Adam Vierra and Shannon Hareld. She is a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and made High Honors her junior year and Honors her senior year of high school. Brianna also likes to assist in the community volunteering at Seekonk Congregational Church all four years of high school. Brianna is a Sunday school teacher, assists in Vacation Bible Studies, and volunteers at other church events, including fundraisers, mental health awareness seminars, church dinners, and youth groups. She also helps out at local soup kitchens. Brianna is currently employed as part of Diman's Cooperative Education Program at OST Services as a drafting intern. Brianna plans to attend Bristol Community College to pursue a degree in Engineering and then transfer to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to complete her bachelor’s degree.

Olivia DeMelo | Electricity
Fall River’s Olivia DeMelo has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Electricity program. A graduate of Argosy Collegiate Charter School, Olivia is the daughter of Antonio and Donna Pavao. Olivia has maintained High Honors all four years at Diman and has also received the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. She was nominated for Fall River Youth of the Year in her senior year and is a member of the National Honors Society. Additionally, Olivia has participated in the Dual Enrollment program while at Diman. As a DECA student, Olivia placed fourth in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism while at the 2023 District Conference and Gold Certification for SBE School Store. What is more, Olivia was a member of SkillsUSA during her junior year, winning Gold in the Teamworks District Competitions. In addition to this work, Olivia is a Diman athlete. She has participated in girl’s soccer, track and field, and girl’s tennis, receiving a varsity letter in all three sports. When not in school, Olivia enjoys volunteering in her community. She has helped with malassada sales and church events at Espirito Santo Church from 8th-10th grade, as well as being an altar server from 2nd-8th grade. Olivia has volunteered at Holy Trinity Parish in the soup kitchen during her sophomore and junior years, the Boys and Girls Club, the Making Proud Choices program, the Elks Lodge, the Make a Wish Foundation, and at the Westport Elementary School for their holiday fair. Olivia is currently employed at Granite City Electric Supply Company in Fall River, MA as a warehouse associate as part of Diman’s Cooperative Education program. Her future plans include majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Aerospace Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Eden McCausland | Electronics
The Electronics program is pleased to announce Eden McCausland of Fall River, MA as its Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Morton Middle School, Eden is the daughter of Mark and Jessica McCausland. She is the recipient of the Academic Award for Math in 2022 and earned Honors her freshman and sophomore years and High Honors her junior year. In addition to her academic achievements, she has also excelled in shop during her senior year, working with the instructors on a host of special engineering projects which have showcased her excellence within her vocational trade area. Eden has also participated in basketball during her freshman year and spring and winter track during her junior and senior years, serving as varsity captain for both, as well as for cross country. During her freshman year, Eden volunteered as a cross country coach for Morton Middle School. Eden has accepted a position at SAIC in Newport, RI as an engineering assistant and will be attending Bristol Community College for Engineering Technology focusing on Electrical Engineering.

Sadie Krauzyk | Graphic Communications
Fall River resident Sadie Krauzyk has been named the Graphic Communications Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Holy Name School, Sadie is the daughter of Henry and Michelle Krauzyk. She has earned Honors all four years at Diman, as well as participated in the Dual Enrollment program during her junior year. Sadie has received the Maine College of Art and Design Merit Scholarship, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Dean's Scholarship, and a scholarship for Curry College during her Senior year. In her four years at Diman, Sadie has participated in the Theatre Arts Club, Ski Club, Diman Student Handbook Committee, and the Diman Advisory Board. As a member of DECA, she earned 5th place at the District Level in ETDM her junior year and has currently competed in the Innovation Contest at the State Level. She was a member of SkillsUSA in her senior year in Advertising Design and competed at the District Level. Sadie has been committed and involved at Diman as an athlete. While at Diman, she was a member of the freshmen volleyball and basketball teams, varsity volleyball team, and varsity tennis team. When not in school, Sadie likes to help out in the community where she has helped with Baby Bottle Blessings, Project Clothe-A-Child, and face painting at Holy Name School Oktoberfest. Through Diman’s Cooperative Education program, she is employed at Double E Company LLC in West Bridgewater as a graphic design intern. In the fall, Sadie will be pursuing Graphic Design or Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Hannah Martin | Health Assisting
Massachusetts Outstanding Vocational Student

The Outstanding Vocational Student for the Health Assisting program is Hannah Martin. A Fall River resident, Hannah is the daughter of Kenneth Martin and Crystal Bielawa and a graduate of Kuss Middle School. Hannah has earned High Honors all four years of high school and has earned several scholarships and awards including the Founder’s Scholarship from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Trustee’s Scholarship from the University of New Hampshire, and the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. In addition to these accolades, she has also received the Outstanding Academic student award in English, Math and Science in her sophomore year, as well as the Most Outstanding Junior Student Award and the Outstanding English Student Award. Hannah is the recipient of the Massachusetts Outstanding Vocational Student Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and serves as a Student Ambassador. Hannah has been a member of DECA during her senior year in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, placing second at District Competitions. She is also a member of SkillsUSA, serving as a voting delegate during her junior year and in the Job Skills Demonstration Open during her senior year where she won a Bronze medal. Hannah is a three season athlete and has been a member of the volleyball team all four years. She has also been a member of the basketball and softball teams sophomore, junior and senior years, earning a varsity letter in all three sports. In her free time, she volunteers at the Holy Trinity Soup Kitchen, CCD assistant, A Wish Come True, and Diman PTO. Hannah is currently employed at Whalers Cove Assisted Living in New Bedford, MA as a Certified Nurse Assistant through Diman’s Cooperative Education program. Hannah’s future plans include attending the University of New Hampshire where she will major in Nursing.

Lindsey Mello | Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program is pleased to announce that Lindsey Mello, of Fall River, MA has earned its Outstanding Vocational Student Award. A graduate of Matthew J. Kuss Middle School, she is the daughter of Kenneth Medeiros and Leslie Senechal. Lindsey received the Academic Award for English her junior year and the Bridgewater State University Merit Rose Scholarship her senior year, as well as Honors during her freshman year and High Honors sophomore through senior years. She participated in Key Club during her junior and senior year and Student Government during her senior year. Lindsey was part of the girls basketball team during her freshman and junior years. Lindsey volunteers in her community helping with Barrett’s Sensory Friendly Night, the PTO Thanksgiving Food Drive, DECA Thanksgiving Food Drive, Diman’s Thanksgiving Can Drive, and Trunk or Treat. Lindsey is part of Diman’s Cooperative Education program working at GKT Refrigeration in Pawtucket, RI in the maintenance department. Her future plans include attending Bridgewater State University where she will major in Elementary Education.

Hayley Aguiar | Medical Assisting
Hayley Aguiar of Fall River, MA has been named the Medical Assisting program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of St. Michael’s School, Hayley is the daughter of Vasco and Andrea Aguiar. While at Diman she has earned High Honors all four years. Hayley received the Fall River Police Department Axis Bat Award for her exceptional work within her trade. When not in school, Hayley enjoys volunteering at St. Michael's Church where she is an assistant CCD teacher and makes rosaries for the poor. She also assisted in decorating the streets for this year’s procession. She is employed as part of Diman’s Cooperative Education program at Dermatology Services in Dartmouth where she is a medical assistant. Hayley plans to attend Bristol Community College in the fall where she will major in Health and Life Sciences and then transfer to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences where she will obtain her bachelors in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Chace Duarte | Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies
The Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program is pleased to announce Chace Duarte as its Outstanding Vocational Student. The son of Joe and Aimee Duarte, Chace resides in Somerset, MA and is a graduate of Somerset Middle School. Chace is a student member of the Metal Fabrication Advisory Board. Chace is a member of SkillsUSA where he competed in Welding. He has earned Bronze at District Level competitions during his sophomore year, Silver at District Level competitions and Silver at State Level competitions during his junior year. Chace won Gold at District Level competitions and Gold at the State SkillsUSA competition in Welding during his senior year. Chace also competed in the Notch Mechanical Pipe Welding Competition in his junior and senior year. He is also a student member of the American Welding Society. Chace was a member of the football team his freshman and sophomore year. His senior year, he volunteered at Diman’s Open House in the Metal Fabrication shop. After graduation, Chace plans to go into his trade and work as a pipe welder.

Benjamin Lebow | Plumbing
Benjamin Lebow of Somerset, MA has been named the Plumbing program’s Outstanding Vocational Student. A graduate of Somerset Middle School, Benjamin is the son of Matthew and Sondra Lebow. Benjamin received Honors his freshman and sophomore years and High Honors during his junior and senior years. He was a member of the International Club his freshman year. Benjamin is a member of SkillsUSA where he earned a Gold medal at the District Level during his junior and senior year. He received the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors All Star Award. His workmanship was recognized during his Trade Fair Project his sophomore year. Benjamin was a member of the basketball team his freshman and junior year. He is also a member of the local Bristol County Plumbing and Gas Association (BCPGIA), where he has earned various certifications in his trade. Benjamin is part of Diman’s Cooperative Education program and is currently employed at Greenpoint Plumbing and Heating in Somerset as a plumbing apprentice. He will continue his education through the Diman Evening School Journeyman Plumbing Code Class.

Jillian Barnwell | Programming and Web Development
Swansea’s Jillian Barnwell has been named the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Programming and Web Development program. A Swansea resident and graduate of Joseph Case Junior High School, she is the daughter of Robert and Kimberly Barnwell. Jillian is the recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. She earned Honors her freshman year and High Honors her sophomore, junior and senior year. Jillian has been the webmaster for the Key Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in Dual Enrollment. She also worked with educators and students from Diman, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the collaborative initiative "Engaging Middle School Students in Digital Literacy & Computer Science" where she helped deliver STEM content to underrepresented middle school students in the area. She helped her community build a free pantry for Church of Our Savior where she also volunteers her time. Jillian worked on youth activities at the Holiday in the Village in Swansea, helped reorganize and refresh the library at Chace Street Elementary in Somerset, and assisted the Diman PTO during her junior year by selling raffle tickets and helping with food and cleanup at the students' end of the year celebration. Jillian plans to attend Bridgewater State University where she will major in Cybersecurity.

Sabrina Cordeiro-Acevedo | Practical Nursing Full Time
Sabrina Cordeiro-Acevedo of Fall River, MA has been named the Full-Time Practical Nursing Outstanding Vocational Student. A Diman graduate, Sabrina obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certification while in the Health Assisting program. While at Diman, she worked at Clifton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Somerset sparking her interest in continuing her education with Diman’s Practical Nursing program. She is a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. Sabrina also participated in Student Government and the Licensed Practical Nursing Advisory Board. She also served as the full time day 2023 class president. She is currently working at St. Anne’s Hospital as a Health Unit Coordinator and Certified Nursing Assistant. Her future goals include attending Bristol Community College where she will enroll in the Bridge Program to obtain her associate’s degree in Nursing. Sabrina would like to thank her family for always being there to support her and showing her that with hard work anything is possible.

Colette Hubert | Practical Nursing Part Time
Colette Hubert is the Outstanding Vocational Student for the Practical Nursing Part Time Day Program. A Fall River, MA resident, Colette is a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. Colette serves on the Health Assisting Program Advisory Committee as well as the Part Time Day Program student Government where she serves as class president. Colette is currently employed at Kimwell Nursing and Rehabilitation as a Certified Nurse’s Aide. She also served her community participating in the Teddy Bear Clinic at Citizens for Citizens Head Start in Fall River, MA where she interacted with children ages 3-5 inspecting their teddy bears and handing out certificates of good health to the children. Colette plans on furthering her education by earning her Associates degree in Nursing and hopes to work in a pediatric setting. She likes knowing she is making a difference in the lives of children and helping them to grow up healthy and help ease parents’ worry with education and resources.