Sixteen students at CAM P-TECH were recognized for their “remarkable achievements” during this year’s Senior Advancement ceremony held June 24 at Springville-Griffith Institute High School.
Eight students plan to continue their education by pursuing associate’s degrees at SUNY Alfred State, while the other eight have successfully completed the college portion of their academic careers at CAM P-TECH.
“Graduations are not just about degrees; they are a celebration of the journeys taken, the knowledge gained, and the friendships forged,” CAM P-TECH Principal Heather Banks said. “It is inspiring to see the growth that each of you has undergone during your time at CAM P-TECH.”
This year’s college graduates include the first five to obtain their associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Alfred State.
“Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paved the way for their future successes, and we are so proud of their accomplishments,” Banks said. “In addition to our college graduates, we also recognize the eight students who are advancing to earn their associate’s degree. Your commitment to your education is commendable, and we look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish in the years to come.”
Senior Luciano Polizzi served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
John Griesmer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at Erie 2 Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES, took a moment to recognize retiring faculty and staff. At CAM P-TECH, that included Counselor Betty Sue Darling.
“These are the people who have helped shape the school community our students were a part of, and everyone has an important role to play,” Griesmer said. “These individuals have served their roles well, and we wish them nothing but the best in retirement.”
The Class of 2025 heard from its Salutatorian, John Woodworth, and Valedictorian, Debralina Randle.
“Our time at P-TECH has allowed us to meet very spectacular teachers, many of whom have left lasting impressions on us,” Woodworth said.
Added Randle, “I am grateful to say, I am no longer the isolated freshman that arrived at Summer Bridge. Today, I am a graduate with friendships and connections that I will cherish for years to come.”
Computer Information Systems instructor Daniel Palumbo said the evening’s celebration marked “not only the end of a journey but the beginning of bold new chapters” for students. He congratulated CAM P-TECH’s first five graduates who received their Computer Information Systems degrees from Alfred.
“You’ve set a powerful precedent, not just by completing your degree, but by earning specialized industry certifications that make you job-ready from day one,” Palumbo said. “You’ve proven that when opportunity meets preparation, success follows.”
Students also heard from Electrical Trades instructor Jason Fitzner, a 1996 graduate of Alfred.
“Let’s take a moment to soak it all in,” he said. “You did it. You crossed the finish line. You climbed the mountain. You beat the final boss. To the seniors, there is one extra level: My class next year. So, props to you.”
The event also included comments from Leo Fial, Director of P-TECH, Career & Technical Education, and Program Innovation at E2CCB; Salvatore Polizzi, representative from Alfred; and Antonéo DezMond Page, data center analyst for M&T Bank.
Afterward, the State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Student Achievement Award for outstanding academic and leadership performance was presented to Knight Bulera, Reed Hoffman, Luciano Polizzi, and Debralina Randle.
The Tri-County BOCES Education Association presented its Leadership and Citizenship awards to Luciano Polizzi.
Norma Resetarits presented the Orchard Park All-Class Reunion Scholarship to Owen Sweeney.
The following advancing seniors were then presented their certificates from Banks and Darling:
- Knight Bulera of Springville, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems
- Asa Cerasani Jr. of Springville, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Reed Hoffman of Holland, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Luciano Polizzi of Springville, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Debralina Randle of Springville, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems
- Gregory Reid of Gowanda, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Owen Sweeney of Orchard Park, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- John Woodworth of Orchard Park, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician
The following students in Cohorts 2 and 3 who successfully completed their associate’s degrees from Alfred State were then acknowledged:
- Samuel Cambareri, who will be pursuing a four-year degree at RIT
- Evan Evancho, who will be pursuing a career in electrical studies
- Zachary Evans, who will be working at Bellinger Electric
- Alex Hammond, who will be working at Dollar General
- Ian Malek, who is working at MOOG
- Samuel Mongillo, who is working at Gowanda Central Schools and is pursuing a four-year degree at SUNY Alfred State College
- Seth Seiflein, who is working at Servotronics
- Adam Trautman, who will be pursuing a career in electrical studies
