Sen. Ritchie is pictured with students from the Natural Resource Management program, Northwest Career and Technical Education Center director Jane Akins, principal Larry Jenne and teaching assistant John Bresett.

OGDENSBURG -- North Country Senator Patty Ritchie R-Heuvelton secured $25,000 to help St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES purchase a new Bobcat.

The new equipment will be used by students enrolled in the Natural Resource Management program at Ogdensburg’s Northwest Career and Technical Education Center as part of their coursework, as well as for school-sponsored projects.

“So much of learning is what happens outside the classroom,” said Ritchie. “I couldn’t be more pleased to be able to provide funding for the new Bobcat, which will expand educational opportunities for students in the Natural Resource Management program.”

“It goes without saying that hands on, active learning is key to student success in our Natural Resource Management program,” said Northwest Career and Technical Education Center Director Jane Akins. “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her support, which will provide our students with the experience they need to be successful in their chosen career field.”

Recently, Ritchie visited Ogdensburg’s Northwest Technical Center to meet with students and see demonstrations of the work they will be using the Bobcat for.