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May 9, 2019Capital Region BOCES Social Worker Honored by SkillsUSA
A Capital Region BOCES social worker has been named Regional SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year.
Deb Toy, Co-Lead Advisor of the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School Albany Campus’ SkillsUSA Chapter, was recently honored at the New York State SkillsUSA conference and competition.
“I am very honored to be nominated by my peers,” said Toy, who has served as an advisor in some capacity to the chapter since 2006.
SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led charitable acts, leadership conferences and other activities. Students in SkillsUSA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science; technology; engineering; mathematics; building construction; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. All of this builds student confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Toy, a 23-year Capital Region BOCES veteran, said she enjoys advising SkillsUSA.
“I feel that this role complements my role as a school social worker in many ways. As an advisor, I meet and interact with students in a different capacity. This allows students across campus to get to know me and has led to students seeking me out or referring friends when it is appropriate,” said Toy.
Toy said she believes in the mission of SkillsUSA.
“SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to gain leadership skills, participate in community service projects and participate in competition at the local, regional, state and national level. SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to be club officers for our school chapter. As officers, they participate in a leadership training with other students throughout New York State. … Other students enjoy community service and fundraising activities. All of this builds their character,” she said.
She said ultimately being an advisor is all about fostering relationships with students to build them up.
“I strongly believe in fostering positive relationships with students. The smiles I see on the faces of students who were so hesitant to become a part of SkillsUSA is why I apply to be an advisor each year!,” Toy said.
