A Watervliet High School senior, who attends the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School in Albany, is leaving a lasting impression in his home city, Watervliet.

Daniel Baughn constructed a full-sized wooden podium that he presented on Thursday to Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli and Police Chief Joseph Centanni.

“It’s nice to be able to use the skills I have learned here to give back to my community,” said Baughn, who attends BOCES from the Watervliet City School District.

Watervliet School Superintendent Donald Stevens, Joseph LaCivita, general manager for the city, and Police Lt. Brian Strock joined Baughn, Centanni and Patricelli at the Career and Technical School’s Albany Campus for the presentation.

“Having a nice, new podium has been a longtime desire of mine. Having one that was made by a young citizen of our city is especially gratifying. I look at the craftsmanship of this and I am amazed by the work,” said Patricelli.

Centanni added, “It’s great to see a young person using his hands to create something that will last a long time and will reinforce a positive image of our city.”

Stevens said Baughn’s work and donation exemplifies good citizenship.
“He has a bright future ahead of him with the quality of work he creates and his understanding of what it means to be a good citizen,” Stevens said.

Capital Region BOCES Building Trades Teacher Paul Roberts said Baughn spent about a month making the pine podium out of reclaimed wood, balancing his time between the podium and other school projects.

“Projects like this give our scholars an opportunity to learn the value of charitable acts, and it also reinforces professional soft skills such as time management and communication,” said Shelette Pleat, principal of the Career and Technical School, Albany Campus.

As to his future, Baughn will attend the construction program at Alfred State in the fall and shared his ambitious post-college career plans. 

“I want to own my own construction business and I want to be able to give back to the city and the people who are less fortunate,” Baughn said.

Daniel and his generous donation were featured on WTEN 10 News. View WTEN’s coverage of the presentation