Local BOCES student awarded for excellence

Judith Rodriguez, of the Malverne Union Free School District, was among 17 honorees recognized by Nassau BOCES in a recent ceremony. She received the George Farber Outstanding Student Award for her academic achievements, perseverance, enthusiasm and willingness to help others.

“The students we honor here today demonstrate honesty, diligence and high moral standards in their everyday lives, exemplifying the life that George Farber himself led,” said district Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers.

Rodriguez, who has been enrolled in Nassau BOCES’ Center for Community Adjustment in the Herricks Union Free School District in New Hyde Park for the past three years, is a student whom others seek out for friendship due to her kindness, gentleness and work ethic.

According to her teachers, “Judith’s story is one of quiet determination and wonderful personal growth.” She received the Student Excellence Award twice, was named Student of the Month, served as an officer in the school’s Job Club, has been a valued employee at a dog grooming business for the past two years and won an art award for a poster depicting pride for her Dominican Republic culture and heritage.

The Center for Community Adjustment, which serves students 14 to 21 years old, provides specially designed instruction to meet the unique social-emotional, academic, behavioral and transitional needs of each of its students.