Nick Leone has turned a talent into his life's work.

BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education student finds his life's work

Nick Leone knew at an early age that he was good with his hands and could operate machinery. Since he was 10, he had done farm chores with his grandfather before his school day even started, when other children his age were still in bed. When he was older he learned to drive heavy equipment and make repairs. These days, Nick, a senior at Churchville-Chili High School, starts his workday a little later. He attends class in the morning at C-C High School and works in the afternoons at PEKO Precision Products in Rochester, under the guidance of Tom Roth. Nick participates in a co-op through SkillsUSA and BOCES 2 WE-MO-CO Career and Technical Education Center in Spencerport.

As a junior in high school Nick took the precision machining classes at the Career and Technical Education Center, and this year from January to June, he goes directly to his co-op position in the afternoons at PEKO Precision Products. He works from a blueprint to create a mold, which will be used to make the part that a client needs. "I learned a lot from Mr. Scarpulla and Mr. DiProspero, the precision machining teachers at WE-MO-CO. They were always willing to work with me on special projects that kept me interested. They've been doing this a long time and they really know their stuff."

Nick is the son of Melody and Preston Leone of Churchville. His brother, Brandon, is a sophomore at Churchville-Chili Senior High School. Nick is a member of the WE-MO-CO National Honor Society and SkillsUSA, an international organization that promotes leadership and professional development for students enrolled in vocational schools. Members participate in skills competition at the state, national and international level, attend leadership conferences and sponsor social events and community service projects. Nick took second place at the recent statewide competition in precision machining.

In addition to his school work and his co-op position, Nick is continuing his education by taking classes such as blueprinting and machining theory at Monroe Community College's Applied Technology Center. To become a journeyman toolmaker, Nick is required to train four years as an apprentice in a tool and die shop. In accordance with the New York state standards, while an apprentice he'll need to complete academic courses such as trigonometry, practical application and metallurgy.