BOCES profession, technical schooling college students lauded | Information, Sports activities, Jobs
Area 1 NY SkillsUSA Vice President Anna Pokoj of Dunkirk is pictured during the LoGuidice Educational Center Senior Recognition Ceremony. Submitted photos
Earlier this summer, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES seniors were honored for careers and technical training at four locations.
Students who enrolled in the E2CCB CTE program celebrated in a variety of ways, with the Ormsby Educational Center in East Aurora and the Carrier Educational Center in Angola holding roadside ceremonies; the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville, which will host a two-day in-person, program-specific event; and the LoGuidice educational center in Fredonia, which hosts a personal outdoor event.
“Before joining the Health Careers program, I had no idea what I was going to do in my senior year, and I certainly didn’t have enough confidence to stand in front of a crowd and give a speech.” said Area 1 NY SkillsUSA Vice President Anna Pokoj of Dunkirk. “Now, like many of us, I can say that my time in a career and technical education program has resulted in my finding my true potential.”
Pokoj, who is enrolling the Women’s College for the Pre-Med program, will join thousands of CTE graduates across the state pursuing further education in their programs or entering the world of work.
Jake Brach, Rich Products Manager Culinary Learning & Development for 18 years, was also recognized for his work on the Culinary Arts program at the Ormsby Educational Center ceremony.
“Jake has been a positive influence on the many students in the Culinary Arts program at the Ormsby Center for the past 15 years.” said Ormsby Educational Center’s Chef Greg Babcock. “He has helped prepare my ProStart teams for the competition on several occasions and has donated products for fundraising purposes.”
Special moderators included NYS Trooper Senior Investigator Matthew Stegner, a ’94 Ormsby grad who presented Teresa Welker of East Aurora with the Matthew Stegner Award, given to the best criminal justice student, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff, James Quattrone speaking during the Hewes Educational Center ceremony.
“You learned this curriculum in the Criminal Justice program that prepares you for more than just a career in law enforcement. There are so many options out there and we struggle to find employees. “ Quattron said. “I really believe that the criminal justice system in the United States is the best in the world, but it still needs some work. This moment is really the start of your educational career. It doesn’t mean you have to go to college, but you shouldn’t stop studying. Learning is a lifelong process. This creates opportunity for you and when you have opportunities it drives you further and lets you find a way to improve the system and ourselves. I encourage you to do so. “
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