The WNY P-TECH Academy celebrated the accomplishments and next steps of its Class of 2026 during its Senior Advancement Ceremony at Dunkirk High School last Thursday. The academy recognized students as they transitioned to college, careers, or completion of college coursework through Jamestown Community College. Principal Jeffrey Teluk welcomed families, staff, and community partners and reflected on the significance of the milestone for students completing the academy's six-year pathway.
Representing the senior class, Myah Benjamin reflected on her personal growth and thanked families, staff, and classmates for their support throughout the program. She said, "When I first came to P-TECH, I was just a shy, quiet girl lacking in self-confidence. Thanks to this school, the teachers, and my fellow classmates, you've helped me become more confident in myself." She added, "Even though some of us are going in different directions, we will always have our P-TECH bond."
The keynote address was delivered by Cohort 4 graduate Steven Zentz, now a firefighter with the City of Dunkirk Fire Department, who encouraged students to focus on adaptability, communication, and lifelong learning.
Maureen Donahue, Interim Director of P-TECH, Career and Technical Education, and Program Innovations, praised students for their growth in both technical and professional skills.
WNY P-TECH recognized its Senior Advancement candidates:
- Cole Anderson (Jamestown): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Wesley Barger (Westfield): A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design
- Myah Benjamin (Dunkirk): A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design
- Ethan Camus (Eden): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Hayden Chase (Pine Valley): Welding career pathway
- Tyler Cochran (Westfiel): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Paul Cunningham (Jamestown): A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design
- Joshua Guadagno (Silver Creek): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Dakota Kent (Dunkirk): A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design
- Ivan Lemke (Silver Creek): Operating Engineers career pathway
- Tyler McIntyre (Southwestern): Further education out of state
- Ashjon Monaghan (Westfield): A.A.S. Mechatronics
- Tyrick Nadi (Southwestern): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Brandon Nobbs (Brocton): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Dylan Noonan (Dunkirk): Employment and travel
- Tiahjae Perez (Jamestown): Employment
- Jonathan Pilski (Silver Creek): A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Machine Tool
- Cody Rickard (Southwestern): A.A.S. Welding Technology
The ceremony also recognized students who completed or will complete associate degrees or certificates through JCC:
- Noah Benjamin (Dunkirk): A.A.S. Welding Technology
- Felix Manzella (Fredonia): A.A.S. Mechatronics
- Derek Milne (Gowanda): Certificate in Welding Technology
- Christopher Wiltsie (Holland): Certificate in Welding Technology
Several students received special recognition and scholarships. Tyrick Nadi was named a College Connections Student of the Year from SUNY JCC. Myah Benjamin received the Tri-County BOCES Education Association Leadership Memorial Award and a Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship. Ethan Camus also received a Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship in addition to the TBEA Citizenship Award and the New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Student Achievement Award.
