Hancock, NY — Ashton Aceves-Amaya, a dedicated 12th grader at Hancock Central School, is making significant strides toward a bright future in technology and cybersecurity. Since joining Hancock Central School, Ashton has shown an unwavering passion for learning and innovation, traits that are paving the way for his promising career.
Ashton is currently enrolled in the Computer Networking and Repair program at DCMO BOCES, where he specializes in coding—with a focus on Python and other essential skills for a career in cybersecurity. Complementing his classroom experience, Ashton has gained hands-on training with the Hancock Central School IT staff, Thomas Schoonmaker and Tonia Hollen, through a unique partnership with the South Central Regional Information Center (SCRIC). This opportunity allows him to apply his technical skills in real-world scenarios, such as repairing Chromebooks and addressing other IT challenges.
“Working with the IT team at Hancock has been incredibly valuable,” Ashton shared. “At BOCES, we do labs where the issues are predefined, but here, it’s like exploratory surgery—you’re diving into real problems and learning as you go. It’s challenging but rewarding.”
Ashton’s journey to Hancock began in 2013 when he moved from Atlanta, Georgia, and joined Mrs. Rice’s first-grade class. Outside of his academic pursuits, Ashton enjoys reading, with Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree being a personal favorite. He also finds excitement in exploring new advancements in artificial intelligence and technology.
Recently, Ashton’s aspirations led him to Grand Canyon University, where he plans to major in Cybersecurity this fall. His visit to the Arizona campus was a transformative experience. “It was my first time flying and being on the West Coast. The campus felt welcoming and equipped with state-of-the-art technology,” Ashton noted. He has already been accepted and awarded scholarships, with more opportunities in discussion.
Hancock Central School is proud to celebrate Ashton’s achievements and looks forward to his continued success. With his determination and talent, Ashton is well on his way to making impactful contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
