Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We pleased to share this outstanding news that student Christopher E. Joiner has been selected by Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to represent the state as one of the U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees from Massachusetts.
BVT Senior Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidate
Honoring Distinguished Ability and Accomplishment in Career and Technical Education
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick is proud to announce Christopher E. Joiner of Grafton as a 2025 candidate for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates are selected based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and contributions to their schools and communities. Only a select number of students’ nationwide progress to the finalist stage.
Chris, a senior in the Biotechnology program, has proven himself to be an extraordinary student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, service, and honorable character. His achievements include membership in BVT’s National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, serving as the president of both societies. Named most outstanding English, Math, and Chemistry student for earning the highest class grade. A silver medalist in the SkillsUSA Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl State Competition.
Chris is an enthusiastic school community member who participates in many extracurricular organizations. He is actively involved in the LEO Club, Student Council, and SkillsUSA, having served as a delegate. He volunteers at Project Just Because (a local non-profit that helps families attain basic necessities) and Pawfect Life Rescue (a local animal shelter). His self-motivation extends to independently studying multiple Advanced Placement courses to challenge himself academically while employed through BVT’s Cooperative Education program at UMass Chan Medical School, where he helps conduct novel Down syndrome research.
Having gained valuable industry experience, Chris intends to further his career training by studying biomedical engineering at a four-year college, earning a master’s degree and then entering the industry. He aspires to start his own neural prosthetics company, focusing on minimally invasive neural prosthetics. This career path aligns perfectly with his passion for helping others, advancing science, and applying creativity to design life-changing medical devices.
On behalf of the school community, Dr. Fitzpatrick is proud to recognize Chris and the many accomplishments and contributions that have led to his nomination for this distinguished recognition, which will ultimately lead him to an incredibly bright future.
About Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT):
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. For more information about the school, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, 65 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
