The Ormsby Educational Center honored the accomplishments, growth, and future ambitions of its Class of 2026 during its Senior Recognition Ceremony held June 11 at East Aurora High School. Surrounded by families, staff, educators, and community partners, seniors were celebrated for their achievements in Career & Technical Education programs at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.
Opening the ceremony, Ormsby Principal Laura Sokol-Scott welcomed guests and reflected on the class’s accomplishments.
“Through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their programs, our Class of 2026 has achieved remarkable things — and frankly, they’re just getting started,” Sokol-Scott said.
District Superintendent David O’Rourke, Ph.D., took a moment during the ceremony to recognize retiring Career & Technical Education instructors: Denise Heary (Cosmetology), Denise Meyers (Health Careers), Gerald O’Brien (Criminal Justice), and Gregory Babcock (Culinary Arts), honoring their years of service and lasting impact on students and programs at Ormsby.
SERVICE, SKILL, AND SUCCESS ACROSS PROGRAMS
Among the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the recognition of 10 seniors who are enlisting in the U.S. military, honored for their decision to serve.
The senior class also demonstrated strong workforce readiness and real-world experience. Students in the CDOS program produced more than 1,000 shirts and uniforms, while 250 students completed internships. Of those surveyed, 51% received job offers for full-time, part-time, or seasonal employment.
For more photos from Ormsby’s Senior Recognition ceremony, click here.
In total, 62 seniors have already accepted positions in fields including Cosmetology, Conservation, Construction Technology, Welding, and other technical trades.
CAREER PATHWAYS AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Program achievements spanned every department:
- SkillsUSA competitors from Auto Body and Cosmetology earned state titles and advanced to national competition.
- Cosmetology students are preparing for state licensure, with nine seniors applying and seven more expected to qualify this summer after completing twice-weekly clinic services and supporting schoolwide events.
- Culinary Arts students competed in the Army National Guard MRE Challenge, supported major events, and provided hospitality for more than 450 guests at Open House and the Board of Education Annual Dinner.
- Pre-Engineering, Drafting & Design expanded internship opportunities with Moog.
- Animal Science students completed more than 165 grooming appointments while volunteering weekly at Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center and HEART Cat Rescue.
- HOSA and student leaders organized blood drives, fundraised for Hospice Buffalo, and served as ambassadors for Career & Technical Education programs.
A notable milestone for the class included a perfect record: 100% of senior time capsules were successfully recovered.
INTERNSHIPS, EMPLOYMENT, AND POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS
Ormsby seniors continue to transition successfully into the workforce and higher education. In addition to internship experiences, many students secured employment opportunities prior to graduation.
The Class of 2026 will attend 41 different colleges and programs across multiple states and online pathways, earning a combined $2,681,600 in scholarship offers.
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of industry and community partnerships. Moog was recognized with the Business Partner Award for its ongoing collaboration and commitment to student learning and workforce development. Representatives from Moog were acknowledged for helping create meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students across programs.
Retiring faculty and staff were also honored for their years of service and dedication to Career and Technical Education, receiving gratitude for their lasting impact on generations of students.
SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Students were recognized with numerous scholarships and awards reflecting achievement, leadership, service, and technical excellence.
Among the highlights:
- Jamie Heater Scholarship (Conservation): Chace Kramer and Ariana Vanderlip
- Elma Kiwanis Award: Ella Helper and Joshua Scott
- SECCA Scholarships: Abigail Greenan, Kyla Fragale, Lia Palmeri, Makayla Keem, and John Hackett
- USA Scholarship: Mackenzie Moeller
- Marilla Kiwanis Award: McKenzie Corigliano
- Tri-County Leadership Awards: Eva Chelus, Allison Francis, and Jonathan Taips
- Richard Lagowski Award: Eli Chimera
- Tri-County Citizenship Award: Jamie Bauer
- Michael Murphy Award (PEDD): John Gullo
- Robert H. Brooks Award (Health Careers): Jaelyan Bakso
- Timberwolf Award: Katelynn Swartz
- Sports Conditioning Award: Jonathan Taips
- Thomas J. Huebert Scholarship: Ariana Vanderlip
- Wallace D. Ormsby Award: Yanaba Harling
Additional recognition was given through American Legion, Kiwanis, Red Cross, and trade-specific scholarships honoring students who demonstrated leadership, character, and commitment to their chosen fields.
A MESSAGE OF REFLECTION AND MOMENTUM
As the ceremony concluded, Sokol-Scott reminded graduates that their journey was only beginning.
“You’re leaving here with more than knowledge,” she said. “You’re leaving with skills, with confidence, and with the resilience to navigate whatever comes next.”
She credited families, sending districts, and staff for their role in student success, emphasizing that the achievements celebrated that day were shared accomplishments.
“Today isn’t the finish line. It’s a milestone on a much longer journey,” she said. “We can’t wait to see what you do next.”
