ALBANY/SCHOHARIE – A Capital Region BOCES senior from Schoharie is the recipient of the first-ever Bruce Thornton Memorial Scholarship.

James Van Wie-Goring is graduating from the Medium-Heavy Duty Truck Repair program—also known as Diesel Tech—on the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus this month and will enter the workforce as a diesel mechanic.

He was presented the scholarship during a ceremony earlier this month.

“I am thankful for this. It recognizes the hard work I have put into the program which is really what I love to do,” Van Wie-Goring said.

The teen said he grew up repairing equipment on a family farm, which ignited his passion for diesel repair.

“We had a bunch of old tractors, and I just loved working on them,” he said. “I came to BOCES and learned a lot that will help me.” 

“Diesel Tech is a great program,” Van Wie-Goring said. 

The Bruce Thornton Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of retired diesel mechanic and teaching assistant Bruce Thornton. The Voorheesville resident—who passed away recently—worked at Capital Region BOCES for 20 years following 36 years of work for Ryder System Inc.

Van Wie-Goring is one of 40 students enrolled this school year in the Medium-Heavy Duty Truck Repair program. The two-year program prepares youth for careers as automotive/bus/truck technicians, heavy equipment repair technicians, service managers and more. While many students enter the workforce upon graduation, numerous other students from the program often pursue further education.

For more information on the program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/diesel-tech/.