Academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance took center stage on June 3 as the Hewes Educational Center hosted its annual Senior Awards Night at Panama Central School. The ceremony celebrated outstanding students with scholarships, accolades, and induction into the National Technical Honor Society.
Principal Paul Mihalko welcomed students, families, and guests, extending his gratitude to the host school and expressing hopes of continuing partnerships with component districts for future ceremonies.
Among the evening’s first honors was the Rebecca Ann Capitano Award, presented to Liam Rankin Jr. of Southwestern’s Small Animal Science program. The award commemorates Capitano’s passion for animal science and recognizes a student who shares that dedication.
The Dru Cole Memorial Fund Award was presented to Jenna Silliman (Small Animal Science) of Bemus Point and Ethan Coone (Construction Technology) of Southwestern. The award honors the memory of a longtime consultant teacher and recognizes students who have demonstrated resilience through adversity.
To view more photos from Senior Awards Night, click here.
Addison Calimeri of Falconer received the Sally DiPietro Award, which recognizes a Cosmetology student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
The Far West Council of School Superintendents Scholarship was awarded to the Hewes Educational Center’s top two academic achievers. Elias Armes of Sherman, an Information Technology and Computer Systems student, was named valedictorian, while Dani Trim of Bemus Point, a Conservation student, earned salutatorian honors.
Two Construction Technology students from Falconer, Justin Dave Wilcox and Gracie Lisciandro, received West Valley Cleanup Alliance scholarships recognizing excellence in math, science, and engineering.
The Kip Feinen Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a senior who exemplifies character, leadership, and a strong work ethic, was presented to Elliott Gonzalez, a Construction Technology student from Panama.
Several students also received Ryan Howard Memorial Scholarships, which recognize attitude, attendance, dedication, and work ethic. Recipients included Collin Carlson (Automotive Body Repair), Cameron Mathews (Small Animal Science), and Clayton Smith (Conservation) of Chautauqua Lake; Gracie Lisciandro (Construction) and Matisonn Dellahoy (Cosmetology) of Falconer; Katana Ramos (Health Careers) and Felix Rosa (ITCS) of Jamestown; and Mackenzie Andrews (Criminal Justice), Arianna Silakowski (Culinary Arts), and Connor Swafford (Automotive Technology) of Southwestern.
Mihalko later presented the Principal’s Award to Ethan Coone of Southwestern’s Construction Technology program, praising his resilience, determination, and willingness to help others.
The Tri-County BOCES Education Association Leadership Award was awarded to Alexander Koxlien (ITCS) of Bemus Point and Mackenzie Andrews (Criminal Justice) of Southwestern for their positive attitudes, concern for others, and leadership involvement.
Kylee Miller of Southwestern’s Health Careers program received the United Support Association Continuing Education Award, which supports students planning to continue their education after graduation.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Robert S. Guiffreda Scholarship to Gracie Lisciandro of Falconer. The award honors a graduating senior who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a passion for mathematics and science.
Prior to the awards presentation, 10 students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. New members included Mackenzie Andrews (Criminal Justice) and Aiden Guzman (Information Technology/Computer Systems) of Southwestern; Elias Armes (Information Technology/Computer Systems) of Sherman; Gracie Hyldahl (Health Careers II) of Frewsburg; Gracie Lisciandro (Construction Technology) of Falconer; Daniel May (Criminal Justice) of Jamestown; Gemini Prittie (Criminal Justice) and Dani Trim and Savannah Weart (Conservation/Natural Resource Management) of Bemus Point; and Jackson Seiberg (Conservation/Natural Resource Management) of Chautauqua Lake.
