The Carrier Educational Center celebrated the achievements of its Career & Technical Education students during a National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) induction ceremony held on Nov. 20 at Lake Shore High School. The event highlighted the dedication, skill, and ambition of students pursuing career-focused education through Erie 2–Chautauqua–Cattaraugus BOCES.
The National Technical Honor Society recognizes students who excel in workforce education while promoting values such as honesty, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, productivity, leadership, and citizenship. Its mission is to reward excellence, encourage achievement, strengthen school-industry partnerships, and champion a positive image for workforce education in America.
NTHS co-advisors, Nicole Kaleta and Emilee DeGraff, welcomed the audience and reflected on the students’ journeys.
“A couple of years ago, this group of young adults decided to take a different path — the Career and Technical Education path,” Kaleta said. “Perhaps it was to pursue a dream of being a chef, or a desire to work in the computer industry. Regardless of their career path, each student embraced Career and Technical Education. The results are here for all to see tonight.”
E2CCB Deputy Superintendent Bryna Moritz was the ceremony’s guest speaker, applauding the students’ commitment and maturity. “I want to start off by acknowledging the dedication, persistence, and hard work that have gotten all of you here. You should be very proud. It’s an impressive accomplishment,” she said.
Moritz reflected on the importance of choosing a career path thoughtfully.
“So often, students are adrift at this point in their lives. The students sitting before us on this stage should be extremely proud, as they demonstrate self-awareness and maturity in selecting a skill that they will later utilize in life. Not only did they demonstrate the maturity to select that skill, but they also brought dedication and hard work to reach the point where they’re sitting on the stage as National Technical Honor Society inductees.”
She added: “We are all really excited to see the contributions you will make to the world, your excitement to build and grow, and to be productive members of society.”
Carrier Center Principal Jessica Sullivan also congratulated the students. “This is an honor that you will carry with you throughout your academic and professional life,” she said.
Students inducted into Carrier’s National Technical Honor Society chapter include:
- Cosmetology: Lily Guest of Lake Shore, Ryleigh Hanner of Silver Creek, Peyton May of Lake Shore, Lyric Roetzer of Eden, Skyler Rosa of Lake Shore, and Samantha Wesser of Lake Shore
- Culinary Arts: Delanie Kelley of Lake Shore, Reese Pfleuger of Lake Shore, Audriana Travis of Lake Shore, and Eliya Valencia of Lake Shore
- HVAC/Refrigeration: Noah Laing of North Collins and Presten Shultz of Gowanda
- Information Technology/Computer Systems: Tyler Gaul-Sexton of Lake Shore
- Small Animal Science: Jax Beers of North Collins, Rilah MacLeod of Gowanda, and Emily Reynolds of North Collins
