SCHOHARIE/ALBANY — As he graduates from high school this weekend, a Schoharie teen with an affinity for heavy equipment and a plan to join the family pool making business is working to overcome a major obstacle: the loss of an arm.
Nate Parslow sustained the traumatic injury in March when the car he was driving was struck by an allegedly impaired driver in Schoharie.
Since that time, Parslow—who graduated from the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center’s Construction/Heavy Equipment program—has worked to re-learn life skills, as well as his professional skills, during physical therapy sessions in Albany and workouts at home.
Parslow delivered a tear-inspiring speech at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center graduation on June 13, not only appealing to classmates and their families to not drive impaired, but also speaking about his journey since the March 5 accident.
“I have had to miss out on much of my senior year at Schoharie Central, a milestone that I have worked hard to achieve. Attending my classes for big machinery at Schoharie CTE was a highlight of my day and came to an abrupt stop. My days are now spent traveling to the many doctor appointments I have each week as I heal and learn to do everything without my dominant arm,” Parslow told the crowd.
The resilient teen said he still plans to work with his mother, Celeste, in the family business—Korendace Pool Building in Voorheesville—and one day take over operations.
“I have been learning to use the foot pedals on different machines and working towards that goal,” he said during a recent conversation.
He also thanked the community and the Capital Region BOCES family for their support.
“I have received so much support from the community. The troopers and first responders who saved my life, the people who have helped financially, and my BOCES family who encouraged me with cards and notes, have helped me deal with this life-changing event.”
Parslow added that, “it helps me heal knowing that I have such great support behind me.”
Among the supporters are his fellow BOCES graduates.
Students in the Cosmetology Program on the Schoharie Campus held a clinic that was open to the public and raised more than $600 that they donated to Parslow.
”This experience taught us the importance of using our talents to give back to the community and to help others. It was an honor to be able to help Nate,” said Gracie Chmura who, along with fellow cosmetology senior Dezirea Yowell, presented the check to Parslow during their graduation ceremony.
Also during the ceremony, fellow Construction/Heavy Equipment graduates Tyler Harnett, Jeremiah Taylor, James Mosbey and Nate Lupi presented Parslow a check for more than $600 that was raised during a food truck fundraiser they held in conjunction with The Babbling Brook Watering Hole & Eatery and the establishment’s owner, Brad Stevens.
Parslow said he has been overwhelmed by the support from the community and BOCES.
“I want to thank everyone for all of the support they have given me and I am thankful for everyone’s outreach,” he said.
Faculty and staff said Nate is an inspiration to all.
“He is working hard to overcome this tragedy and to resume as routine a life as he can. We can all learn a lesson or two from the perseverance he is showing,” said Nancy Liddle, Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships.