Catskill High School’s CTE, Marketing, Fashion, and Entrepreneurship students recently took part in an unforgettable leadership trip to New York City, one that highlighted not only career exploration, but the powerful impact of Catskill alumni giving back to the next generation.
The day began early as students departed for the Hudson Amtrak station, traveling by train into Penn Station. From there, students spent the day navigating New York City on foot and using mass transit, an experience that in itself built confidence, independence, and real-world problem-solving skills.
The group’s first visit was with Matel Anasta, a Catskill graduate and professional at Green Bank, a division of NYSERDA. Students were welcomed into a corporate setting where they received a firsthand look at how the organization operates, along with a clear understanding of its mission in sustainable finance. Matel not
only shared his career journey and insights, but also went above and beyond, guiding students through a visit to the High Line and helping them navigate the subway system to their next destination.
That next stop brought the group to Google, where another Catskill alumnus, Steven Jenkins, welcomed students with an incredible reception, including a personalized marquee display. Students participated in a dynamic panel discussion with Google professionals, exploring topics such as careers in technology, artificial intelligence, education pathways, and the evolving workforce. The panel was engaging, informative, and inspiring, giving students a deeper understanding of opportunities in one of the world’s leading companies.
Continuing their journey, students traveled to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where they met with admissions representatives and another proud Catskill alumna, Rachel Marino. A former participant in Catskill’s FCCLA and Business Club programs, Rachel shared her experiences transitioning from high school to college and offered meaningful advice on finding success in higher education and beyond.
Throughout the day, these three alumni demonstrated extraordinary generosity and pride in their Catskill roots, welcoming students into their professional environments and taking the time to mentor, guide, and inspire.
The trip concluded with an exciting event at Madison Square Garden, providing students with a memorable ending to an already impactful day.
As students and staff made their way back to Catskill after a full day in the city, there was a shared sense of gratitude and reflection. The experience was not just about visiting companies, it was about seeing what is possible.
CTE teachers Mr. Hernandez, Ms. Sirianni, Ms. Marino, and Mr. Luvera expressed pride in witnessing a true “full-circle moment,” former Catskill students who are now professionals guiding and inspiring the next generation.
This trip exemplifies the mission of Catskill High School’s CTE programs, which is connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, building leadership, and showing students that their future is full of opportunity.