Blazing His Own
Path, Beloved
C-M Student
Makes Impact
B
laze Koteles was carried into kindergarten registration
more than a dozen years ago.
That is the moment Bob Chuey’s and Blaze’s journey
began.
While Koteles, now 18-years-old, still needs support and help
as he manages Cerebral Palsy, this young man stands alone
when it comes to battling the odds, obstacles and tough times
as he graduated from Canon-McMillan High School proud and
accomplished.
Koteles uses a walker and wheelchair for mobility. Those only
helped him in his pursuit of higher education and a life few would
ever have expected he could have.
He nearly died before having a kidney transplant in 6th grade.
He spent time on homebound instruction.
Koteles set his mind to work hard and achieve. He started at
vocational-technology in 10th grade in computer networking. He
earned the highest standardized test scores in the area over all
students the teacher had taught for the previous seven years.
He has earned certifications “outside of school” in computer
technology.
Koteles earned advanced certification, which according to Kurt
Blanock, computer networking teacher, Western Area Career and
Technology Center “is difficult and takes years of preparation to
achieve.”
Said Chuey, special education coordinator for Canon-McMillan
School District: “Blaze scored near the top because of his own
hard work as well as having a brilliant instructor at Vo-Tech, and a
wonderful paraeducator.
“My words, cannot do justice to explain what Blaze has
accomplished.”
Koteles plans to attend Community College of Allegheny
County next school-year through Job Corps.
“I feel with what I have accomplished here, if you try your
hardest, you can do anything,” Koteles said. “My brother was
involved in computer technology and that really inspired me to do
what he does.
“I’m going to work for an associate degree in information
support technology. I need to earn more certifications to allow me
to get a good job.”
As remarkable as Blaze’s achievements have been, the team
that supported him and lifted him up are inspired and emotional
as he moves to the next phase of his life and journey.
“Blaze was a pleasure to work
with. He persevered. He is aware
of the world around him and he
challenged himself. He has goals
and he has achieved a lot.”
— CARY SPILSBURY
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CANON-MAC