Waterville students in the Summer Regional Program for Excellence (RPE) didn’t just clock in — they leveled up. With over 72 hours of hands-on experience, they turned summer internships into stepping stones toward lifelong careers.
This summer, Caleb Rotach, Oscar Yang and Peyton Harris gained real-world experience through Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES’ Summer Regional Program for Excellence (RPE). The RPE program provides students with internships in their career fields of interest.
Rotach interned with the Utica Blue Sox, where he gained experience in the operations of a professional sports organization. From game-day logistics to behind-the-scenes coordination, Rotach learned the importance of discipline, teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Yang spent his summer at Randall’s Pharmacy, where he learned about pharmaceutical care and customer service. His experience deepened his appreciation for the healthcare field and taught him valuable lessons in responsibility and patient interaction.
Harris interned at Hamilton Medical Office, where she assisted with administrative tasks and shadowed medical professionals. The internship gave her insight into clinical workflows and reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
Each student reflected on how the program expanded their knowledge and helped them make informed decisions about their future. “This experience taught me lessons that will stick with me,” Harris said. All three emphasized how the internships instilled discipline and a strong work ethic, qualities they’ll carry forward in their academic journey.
“We are incredibly proud of our RPE students. Their dedication to learning beyond the classroom and their willingness to embrace new challenges sets them on a path to success,” said Principal Andre Paradis.
Rotach, Yang and Harris were formally recognized for their achievements at the RPE Ceremony held on Sept. 17 at OHM BOCES’ main campus.
