William Bell: A Path to National SkillsUSA Success Forged Through Strong Foundations and Dedicated Mentorship

Cazenovia High School student William "Billy" Bell is heading to the National SkillsUSA competition this summer. He secured a first-place win in Power Equipment Technology at the 2025 SkillsUSA New York State competition. Billy defines this field as encompassing "any motorized vehicle from 1 to 35 horsepower, and most of which is carbonated." His success is a testament to his talent and the strong educational journey he's had, built on the robust foundation provided by Cazenovia CSD and his specialized Career & Technical Education (CTE) at OCM BOCES.

Billy credits his high school education at Cazenovia CSD as a crucial springboard for his accomplishments. He specifically recognized the impact of Ms. Mandi Millen's classes. 

"Ms. Millen's class helped a lot, especially because I already knew a lot about safety from the months and months of safety training with Ms. Millen," he said. 

This early exposure to crucial safety protocols provided a distinct advantage as he delved into more advanced technical training.

Furthermore, Billy's participation in Cazenovia CSD's CTE offerings, including a small gas engine repair class, directly contributed to his competitive edge. 

"That CTE class helped me a lot in competition because I already knew most of the small engine repairs," he said.

Ms. Millen, Billy's agricultural mechanics teacher at Cazenovia High School, praised his early dedication. 

"Billy Bell was a hardworking student in the Agricultural Mechanics classes where he learned how to tear down, rebuild and troubleshoot small gas engines," she said. "He also competed in a number of FFA events as a member of the Cazenovia Aggies FFA Chapter.” 

Currently, Billy is immersed in the OCM BOCES Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations and Diesel Technology program. This comprehensive two-year course, located at Tracey Road Equipment in Syracuse, provides high school students with crucial skills in the operation and repair of heavy equipment and heavy-duty diesel trucks. Billy described the hands-on learning environment, where students are "just turning wrenches, and figuring things out as a team."

Currently, William is immersed in the OCM BOCES Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations and Diesel Technology program. This comprehensive two-year course, located at Tracey Road Equipment in East Syracuse, provides high school students with crucial skills in the operation and repair of heavy equipment and heavy-duty diesel trucks. Billy described the hands-on learning environment, where students are "just turning wrenches, and figuring things out as a team." This team-oriented approach, fostered by dedicated instructors like BOCES instructor Mr. Bryan Wilson, has been instrumental in his growth. 

"100% thank you Mr. Wilson, for kind of pushing me to improve my skills," Billy said.

Reflecting on his journey, Billy offered valuable advice to other students considering CTE programs or SkillsUSA. 

"Be honest when you don't know something," he advised. "It's better to ask a question and just admit that you don't know, than to mess something up and have to deal with the consequences."

Cazenovia CSD proudly celebrates Billy's accomplishments and wishes him the best at Nationals.