May 2025

Preparing for the Next Chapter: Senior Exit Interviews Coming May 9th

As graduation approaches, it’s time for our Class of 2025 to reflect, plan, and take the next step toward their futures. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ms. Chennita Gartrell, our College and Career Counselor, Edison will once again host Senior Exit Interviews—a vital milestone for all graduating seniors, including our P-TECH scholars.

These interviews, scheduled for Friday, May 9th, provide seniors with an opportunity to:

• Reflect on their high school experience
  
  

• Share post-graduation plans
  
  

• Practice professional interview skills
  
  

• Receive valuable feedback from staff and community partners
  
  

This event not only celebrates how far our scholars have come—it ensures they leave Edison with a clear sense of direction and confidence for what lies ahead.

Interview times have been scheduled and shared with students and teachers. Staff are kindly asked to post the schedule in their classrooms and encourage students to check their assigned time. If a student has a conflict, they should see Ms. Gartrell as soon as possible.

These interviews are more than a formality—they’re a meaningful step in each student’s journey toward college, career, or wherever their path may lead.

Thank you, Ms. Gartrell, for your leadership in preparing our seniors to take this bold next step with pride and professionalism.

Edison Scholars Explore the Future of Manufacturing at Youth Apprenticeship Week

Edison CTE students recently participated in an exciting, hands-on learning experience during “Student Day”, hosted by NYMAT Machine Tool Corporation in collaboration with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP). This event marked the kickoff of the first-ever Youth Apprenticeship Week, a statewide initiative celebrating the power of registered youth apprenticeships for students ages 16–24.

Held at NYMAT’s high-tech facility, Edison scholars joined over 100 students from more than a dozen school districts—including members of the homeschool community—to explore cutting-edge technology and in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Students engaged with interactive stations featuring:

• 5-axis CNC milling
  
  

• Turning with live tooling
  
  

• Cobot (collaborative robot) programming
  
  

• Mechatronics for machine service
  
  

• Pathways to post-secondary training and education
  
  

This powerful day of learning helped students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers and highlighted the growing opportunities in Rochester’s manufacturing sector.

“As the Haas Factory Outlet for Upstate New York, NYMAT is happy to expose high school students to the advantages of seeking a career in manufacturing,” said Brian Cregg, President of NYMAT.

Rich Turner, RTMA’s Director of Workforce Development, emphasized the importance of events like Student Day, stating:
“By leveraging partnerships with stakeholders like NYMAT, we are able to showcase the latest and greatest technology in the industry for students and educators to take with them to their peers.”

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program has already connected over 850 youth with job shadows and paid co-ops at more than 125 advanced manufacturing companies throughout the region—building a direct bridge from high school to high-paying careers.

Edison is proud to continue exposing our students to opportunities that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. Thank you to RTMA, FLYAP, and NYMAT for showing our scholars what’s possible!