The LoGuidice Educational Center honored the achievements, dedication, and future aspirations of its Class of 2026 during its annual Senior Recognition Ceremony held at King Concert Hall on the campus of SUNY Fredonia.
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.
“Graduation is a time for reflection, cherished memories, and the excitement of new beginnings,” Pagan said. “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. Ten 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, a Forestville senior in the Culinary Arts program, served as one of the evening’s two speakers and reflected on the courage it takes to step outside one’s comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2026, she thanked her instructors, family, and fellow students for their support while sharing her own experience of arriving at BOCES feeling nervous and unsure.
Through the connections she made, skills she developed, and memories she created, Gilman said she learned that taking risks often leads to the most rewarding experiences. She encouraged her classmates to move forward with confidence and not allow fear or self-doubt to prevent them from pursuing their goals.
“Don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from reaching your full potential. Sometimes the best things in life are waiting on the other side of the very things that scare us,” she said. “Remember that your doubts don’t have to control you.”
The second student speaker was Arielle Corbett, a Criminal Justice student from Silver Creek, who reflected on the challenges and rewards of stepping outside her comfort zone. She credited Criminal Justice instructor Jennie Alessi for helping her feel welcome and for showing her the realities of the profession through hands-on learning and internship experiences.
“We came from different hallways, different schools, and different dreams, but today we walk out together,” she said.
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. This year’s rankings were especially competitive, with fewer than two points separating the group. Recognized were 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).
In his closing remarks, Pagan encouraged graduates to embrace the future with confidence and determination.
“You did not just graduate high school, you launched your future,” he said. “With skills in your hands and passion in your heart, you are ready not only for the world but to shape it.”
