We're now introducing our new "Herkimer BOCES Spotlight" - beginning by highlighting some of the many great people on our Herkimer BOCES team through Q&As.
The third spotlight is on: Diana Cassidy, who is now into her 45th year at Herkimer BOCES. Her roles include: secretary II/human resources/regional certification officer/claims auditor.
Q. About when did you start working in your current position at Herkimer BOCES?
A. I began my employment with BOCES on Oct. 1, 1979, after taking a Civil Service exam while attending the Utica School of Commerce. I just completed my 44th year at BOCES and still enjoy coming to work every day.
Q. What led you to your current position at Herkimer BOCES?
A. I worked in various departments over the years beginning with the Migrant Education Program, the Mohawk Valley Regional Education Center for Economic Development, labor relations and then human resources in 2000. I also taught Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access for over 10 years for our Adult Education program.
Q. What do you find rewarding about working in your current position?
A. Assisting our BOCES employees and the staff/administrators of our component districts is very rewarding. No question is ever too big or too small. If I don't know the answer, I will find out who does.
Q. What do you think makes Herkimer BOCES special?
A. BOCES provides a variety of services to students by dedicated and knowledgeable staff members.
Q. Did you attend any of the Herkimer BOCES component school districts in high school? If so, which one and what year did you graduate?
A. I began my education at the Annunciation School in Ilion and graduated from Ilion Central School in 1978.
Q. What value do you believe Herkimer BOCES provides for students and/or the community?
A. Not every student plans to attend college. BOCES offers these students a trade for a positive and rewarding future. Many of our students have gone out and started their own businesses in the Mohawk Valley.