NORWOOD -- The Seaway Career & Technical Education Center has announced that Makali Russell is the Potsdam Rotary Club Student of the Month for November 2019.

She is a student in the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Program. She is from the Massena Central School District and is the daughter of Chris and Lisa Russell.

In her junior year of the HVAC/R program, Makali will cover plumbing, electrical, gas heat, oil heat, electric heat and heat pumps. In her senior year, Makali will learn about air conditioning and refrigeration.

She will take the EPA exam in February. The Environmental Protection Agency offers certification (EPA 608 certification) to technicians who demonstrate knowledge of the multiple laws and rules that are involved in handling HVAC chemicals, such as the refrigerant found in air conditioners and heat pumps.

Upon completion of the program, Makali can enter the workforce or continue her education in the HVAC/R industry.

“Makali is an ideal student,” said instructor Mark Murphy. “She is always prepared for the task assigned. She puts 100% effort into everything she does. Whenever other teachers bring things in to be repaired, they always ask for Makali. She is truly a pleasure to teach.”