Welcome Our New Officers for 2025-2026

Kimberly Petronella & Nicholas Zwart Team Leaders

Xavier Williams: (President) Is from WEMOCO BOCES, is a driven 16-year-old who excels in sports, academics, and community service. Xavier leads as track captain at Gates Chili High School, where his talent and dedication have broken school records and earned him a reputation for excellence in Section 5 athletics. Xavier balances athletic prowess, academic excellence, and community engagement, setting an inspiring example as he continues to grow and make a positive impact in his community and beyond, well-prepared to face future challenges and succeed in any path he pursues.

Giovanna Caminiti: (Secretary) Is an incoming senior at Broome-Tioga BOCES where she is enrolled in the Health Studies Pathway of the P-TECH Program offered. Giovanna is passionate about open communication and success with her peers. She constantly encourages others to achieve their full potential which fully encompasses the SkillsUSA Essential Element of “Integrity”, this is what makes Giovanna a valuable person.

Gianna Balsamo: (Treasurer) Is a dedicated SkillsUSA student from the WSWHE BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center, where she is enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program. Passionate about teamwork and leadership, Gianna believes that strong communication is the foundation of every successful team. Her favorite SkillsUSA Framework Essential Element is Communication, recognizing that no team can function effectively without it. Gianna is proud to represent her region and program as a NYS SkillsUSA State Officer, bringing her enthusiasm and commitment to the SkillsUSA mission.

Elena Hymes: (Parliamentarian) Is a Criminal Justice student at Albany Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School, where she is pursuing her passion for public service and plans to continue her education in college with a major in Forensics. As a NYS SkillsUSA State Officer, Elena is driven by her favorite SkillsUSA Framework Essential Element: Self-Motivation. She believes in the power of self-love, confidence, and perseverance, knowing that when you trust yourself, the possibilities are endless. Elena is committed to empowering others and inspiring the next generation of leaders, because the future starts with you.

Antonella Barone: (Reporter) Is a Senior at F. Donald Myers Educational Center and Saratoga Springs High School, where she studies Graphics and Visual Communications. As a NYS SkillsUSA State Officer, Antonella brings creativity, leadership, and a strong moral compass to the team. Her favorite SkillsUSA Framework Essential Element is Integrity, believing that without it, trust is lost and a team cannot grow into the next generation of great leaders. Antonella is proud to represent her school and career pathway while helping to lead and inspire students across New York State mission.

Zoee Corrigan: (Historian) Is a dedicated student at CV-TEC in Peru, New York, where she is enrolled in the Business Management & Entrepreneurship. A proud member of SkillsUSA, Zoee is passionate about applying her knowledge to real-world experiences and making a positive impact in her community. Her favorite Essential Element of the SkillsUSA Framework is Self-Motivation, as she takes pride in setting goals, staying focused, and pushing herself to succeed without needing external reminders. Zoee is committed to continuing her growth in both her technical field and personal development.

Gianna Rowles: (Area I VP) Is a junior at Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, where she studies cosmetology. Gianna is passionate about communication, she believes it is one of the main tools to success. Successful communication ensures that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the expectations within any situation.

Pierce Haney: (Area II VP) Is a junior at DCMO BOCES RWH campus where he studies Culinary Arts. As a New York State SkillsUSA Officer, Pierce is determined to encourage everyone to be the best that they can be. His favorite SkillsUSA Essential Element is “Leadership,” which promotes his teamwork and work ethic.

Mialee Robles: (Area III VP) Is a Junior at Robert H Gibson Technical School where she studies HVAC/R. As New York State SkillsUSA Area 3 Vice President, Mialee is passionate about breaking gender barriers in skilled trades. Her favorite SkillsUSA Essential Element is Multicultural sensitivity and awareness which guides her leadership in the HVAC classroom striving to make it inclusive for everyone.

Caden Salamone: (Area IV VP) Is a student at Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Center, where he is pursuing Automotive Technology while attending New Paltz High School. As the current SkillsUSA New York Area IV Vice President, Caden is committed to promoting excellence in career and technical education. His favorite SkillsUSA Essential Element is Communication, a skill he consistently applies in both professional and leadership roles. Through his studies and leadership experience, Caden strives to advance the future of skilled trades and inspire his peers across the state.

John "Burke" Gates: (Officer at Large Community Service) Is a junior at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, where he studies Culinary Arts. He enjoys learning cooking skills and gaining hands-on experience in the culinary field. His favorite Essential Element of the SkillsUSA Framework is Responsibility, because he believes being dependable and accountable is key to success in both the kitchen and in life.

Joshua Trop: (Officer at Large Community Service) Is a junior at Robert H. Gibson Technical Institute where he studies Gaming and Multimedia. Joshua is passionate about including others in anything he can and giving them every opportunity to express themselves. His favorite SkillsUSA Essential Element is “Teamwork” which guides his service and community.

Malachi Plaza: (Officer at Large Social Committee) Is a senior at Capital Region BOCES - Albany in area III in which he studies automotive vehicles in Automotive Trades. Malachi thrives on hard work not only in the auto shop but also in his social life. He has many favorite SkillsUSA elements but his all time favorite SkillsUSA Essential Element is “Work Ethic”, He believes that a strong work ethic is needed in order to excel in future careers but also in a social aspect.

Savannah Juste: (Officer at Large Alumni) Is a senior at PNW Boces where she is enrolled in Child Development and Education. She loves working with children and helping them learn and grow. Her favorite essential element is “Integrity”. She feels that integrity is key and being true to yourself no matter where you are is very important. She believes that integrity earns respect and that builds your reputation.