Our Happy Students
My name is Dennis O'Connell, I graduated from Ralph R. McKee Career & Technical High School in 1993. I was a Carpentry/Cabinet making student during my time at McKee. Ralph R. McKee CTE HS provided me with a small, safe learning environment that prepared me for my post-secondary experience. I'm currently the Carpentry and Building Trades Instructor at McKee High School. The Carpentry/Cabinetmaking Program provided me with a real-life trade experience. During my years in the program, I was able to gain industry knowledge along with hands on experience. All these exercises were simulations of what was and is currently treading in the NYC Building Trades. This program provided me with a vast number of opportunities following graduation. I was presented with a direct entry ticket into the NYC Carpenters Union, I was offered a full-time apprenticeship position with local Cabinetmaking Shop. That was the one I chose. Following that I was presented the opportunity to train to become a Carpentry Instructor. For the last 22 years I have been the Carpentry/Cabinetmaking Instructor here at McKee CTE HS. That is how the program helped prepare me for my career. I have now spent my years at McKee preparing young men and woman ready for the world of work. Just as the program prepared me as a young person.
Hi, my name is Dominick Mecca reaching out regarding my years in McKee and my career after. I graduated in 2017 from McKee and the experience I had was great. Currently the job I have in local 137 is a sign hanger/fabricator we build and hang signs all over the 5 boroughs, Long Island and also upstate. The construction program prepared me very for my career by giving me a general idea of how the work force goes, teaching me about tools blueprints and a bunch of other stuff that really helped me build a good base to become a good worker once I was given the opportunity to join local 137. The picture of me below is me hanging signs for target at 2900 veterans rd W by the outer bridge
Hi, my name is Rafael Santiago, I’m a 2010 graduate of “Ralph R McKee Vocational H.S.” From a first hand experience McKee H.S formulates young men and women to become part of the working class with great career opportunities and/or provides a substantial education to start college. Today I’m part of Local Union 638 Steamfitters of the NYC building trades; which I have been for over 10 years. Traits of a Steamfitter consist of blue print reading, HVAC piping systems, power houses, refrigeration systems and sprinkler systems just to name a few. The Construction Tech program I became part of while attending McKee prepared me for the Blue Collar World. The program has taught me responsibility, common blue print reading, using the proper tools to complete a job, working well with others and most importantly being on time!!