The BOCES LoGuidice Center in Fredonia honored the achievements, dedication, and future aspirations of its Class of 2026 during its annual Senior Recognition Ceremony held in SUNY Fredonia's King Concert Hall on June 9th. The event celebrated students who successfully completed their Career & Technical Education program through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES while recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership, technical excellence, scholarship recipients, and the support network that helped guide them to graduation.
LoGuidice Principal Joe Pagan welcomed families, educators, community partners, and graduates, thanking SUNY Fredonia and numerous supporters who helped make the ceremony possible. He also acknowledged the collective efforts of component school districts, E2CCB leadership, instructors, counselors, support staff, and families.
Pagan said, "Graduation is a time for reflection, cherished memories, and the excitement of new beginnings. It marks the end of one chapter and the start of another -- one filled with new challenges to overcome, new goals to achieve, and new opportunities to embrace."
Pagan highlighted several accomplishments of the Class of 2026, noting that 98% of students successfully completed their programs. More than half plan to continue their education, while 75% intend to pursue careers in their technical fields. 10 graduates will serve in the military, and many secured employment opportunities through internships and work-based learning experiences.
The ceremony also featured remarks from two student speakers who reflected on their experiences at BOCES and encouraged classmates as they prepared for their next chapter. Anna Gilman of Forestville reflected on the courage it takes to step outside one's comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. Arielle Corbett, a Criminal Justice student from Silver Creek, reflected on the challenges and rewards of stepping outside her comfort zone.
The evening also included recognition of retiring faculty and staff members whose combined decades of service helped shape generations of students. Honored were Academic Liaison Mary Ann Basile-Lyons (27 years), Culinary Arts instructor David Caccamise (30 years), Teaching Assistant Rosemary Catalano (25 years), Consultant Teacher William Chambers (50 years), Personal Computer Specialist Jeannette Morales (34 years), and Academic Liaison Lea Ann Talbot (26 years).
Among the evening's highlights was the recognition of the Top 10 students in the Class of 2026 -- Anna Gilman, Julian Rivera, Ryleigh Morrison, Autumn Rice, Arielle Corbett, Naliyah Hooten, Morganne Kelley, Anthony Gatto, Olivia Rivera, and class valedictorian Natasha Kemp.
Kemp was further recognized for her exceptional achievements, including becoming the first female Eagle Scout in Chautauqua County. Following graduation, she plans to enlist in the United States Navy. She received the Tri-County BOCES Leadership Award in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.
Students were honored with dozens of scholarships and awards presented by local organizations, businesses, community members, and E2CCB supporters. Awards recognized excellence across a variety of career pathways.
Several students also received national recognition through the President's Education Awards Program. Anna Gilman and Julian Rivera earned the President's Award for Educational Excellence, while Bella Banach and Duhayla Ramos-DeJesus received the President's Award for Educational Achievement. American Citizenship Awards were presented to Yadielys Cruz-Montalvo and Collin Shoemaker.
The ceremony also celebrated members of the National Technical Honor Society. More than two dozen students received graduation stoles in recognition of their continued excellence in academics, leadership, professionalism, and technical skill.
Outstanding Senior Awards were presented to students selected by instructors as exemplary representatives of their respective programs. Honorees included Makayla Jimerson (Auto Body), Gabriel Myers (Automotive Technology), Anthony Gatto (Conservation), Christian Morello (Construction Technology), Reece Shuster (Cosmetology), Arielle Corbett (Criminal Justice), Anna Gilman (Culinary Arts), Gabrielle Hoffnung (Health Careers), Samantha Buthy (Small Animal Science), Colie Bundy (Sports Conditioning), Drew Gustafson (Welding), and Irelynd Henry (New Visions in Education).
Photo by Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
