Aviation Student Nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholars Award
Erie 1 BOCES Aviation Technology student Alexander Jorgensen has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Alex is a senior at Amherst Central High School and attends the Erie 1 BOCES Harkness Career & Technical Center in Cheektowaga. He joins four other career and technical education (CTE) nominees statewide who were selected based on recommendations to the New York State Education Department.
“Alexander Jorgensen knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in aviation, which is why he chose an education path in the CTE program,” said New York Assemblywoman Karen McMahon, who recommended Alex for the award. “I am delighted that Interim Commissioner Betty Rosa recognized both his excellence in the classroom and his leadership skills, by nominating him for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. I am proud of his accomplishments and look forward to tracking his future successes.”
A total of 25 students from New York State were nominated for the award – 20 from the general component area and five from the CTE component. Alex is one of three students in Western New York to be chosen.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Alex’s interest in aviation led him to enroll in the Aviation Technology program at Erie 1 BOCES. He plans to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to major in Aeronautical Science with flight incorporated. He will earn a bachelor’s degree as well as a certification up to certified flight instructor. He would like to work for a major airline.
“Alex is a hard-working, motivated individual driven to succeed. He continues to challenge himself in class and gain knowledge in preparation for the steps after high school,” said Aviation Technology instructor Thomas Leach. “I look forward to his success story when he reaches his goals.”
A CTE program that allows him to talk about airplanes and aviation for two hours of his school day appeals to Alex.
“The Aviation Technology class has always helped me do what I wanted, and it also better prepares me for college,” he said. “This program has given me the experience of flying a plane and broadened my horizons in the industry. It also helped me feel confident in applying and being accepted into an aeronautical university.”
Outside of school, Alex is involved in Civil Air Patrol, is working on his student pilot license, works part-time at a pizzeria and helps out in an acupuncture office. He has done independent work studying for aviation to pass some of the written exams given to pilots in training.
At Amherst, Alex is involved with PIT and Sinfonia Orchestra playing trumpet and violin, also serving as assistant to the director. He was involved in Spanish Club and participated in a Costa Rica service trip his freshman year, helping local students rebuild a school.
Alex was named to the Erie 1 BOCES chapter of the National Technical Honor Society and has also been a Harkness student of the month. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and earned the Triple C award at Amherst.
“My advice to others regarding their education is to not let anything take your dreams away,” he said. “I thought that being a pilot was going to be too hard, but I decided to buckle down and focus on my school and academics so I could achieve my dreams. Dreaming is motivation, so use it to your advantage. Nothing is ever too hard; you just might have to work harder because if you are not doing what you love, then you won't enjoy life as much.”
The U.S. Department of Education will issue invitations to Presidential Scholar nominees this month. Semifinalists will be notified in mid-April and Scholars will be notified in May.
About Erie 1 BOCES
As part of public education, Erie 1 BOCES offers a variety of career and technical programs during the regular school day to high school students in Erie County. High school students interested in learning more about how they can participate in various programs such as automotive, web and gaming technologies, health careers or aviation technology, should visit www.e1b.org/cte or speak with their high school counselor.