The Carrier Educational Center celebrated the accomplishments and future aspirations of its Class of 2026 during its Senior Recognition Ceremony June 10 at Lake Shore Central School.
Surrounded by family, friends, and staff, seniors were recognized not only for completing their Career & Technical Education programs through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, but also for the skills, experiences, and confidence they gained along the way.
“This was my sophomore year as principal, and I can truly say it has been an honor and a joy,” Principal Jessica Sullivan said. “Watching our students grow, our staff collaborate, and our families show up with such care and commitment has been nothing short of amazing.”
Student speakers Delanie Kelley of Culinary Arts and Noah Laing of HVAC/R reflected on the impact of their programs and the shared experiences that united the class.
“My love for making food started as a kid,” Kelley said. “Culinary Arts has given me so many opportunities to express my love for cooking and make others happy with what I cook. It’s also given me the opportunity to push for what I want in the future and set me up for my goals.”
Laing spoke about the value of hands-on learning and the lessons students gained beyond technical skills.
For more photos from Carrier’s Senior Recognition ceremony, click here.
“We didn’t just learn a trade,” he said. “We learned how to show up. How to work with our hands and our heads. How to solve problems instead of avoiding them. How to be the kind of people others can rely on.”
Maureen Donahue, Interim Director of Career & Technical Education, P-TECH and Program Innovation, praised students for their perseverance and growth.
“One word that comes to mind when I think about this graduating class is resilience,” Donahue said. “What has impressed me most was not simply the quality of your work, but your commitment to learning, improving and supporting each other.”
The ceremony also recognized scholarship recipients and outstanding seniors. Presented by Carrier CTE School Counselor Olivia Gannon, awards included the Southern Erie County School Counselors Association Award to Jacob Core of Information Technology/Computer Systems and Sophie Wickmark of Culinary Arts, and the Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce Scholarship to Lilianne Flading.
Tri-County BOCES Education Association Leadership Awards went to Noah Laing of HVAC/R and Samantha Wesser of Cosmetology, while Citizenship Awards were presented to Rilah MacLeod of Small Animal Science and Lily Guest of Cosmetology. Skylar Quain received the Unified Support Association Education Award, Madeline Schumacher of Small Animal Science earned the Unified Support Association Continuing Education Award and FFA Blue Jacket Award, and Reese Pfleuger received the Jim Kuras Memorial Award.
Outstanding Senior Awards were presented to Courtney Wolff (Career & Technical Explorations Through Career Development & Occupational Studies), Lily Guest (Cosmetology), Delanie Kelley (Culinary Arts), Noah Laing (HVAC/R), Jacob Core (Information Technology/Computer Systems), and Emily Reynolds (Small Animal Science).
Commitment Awards were presented to Lyliannah White (Career & Technical Explorations Through Career Development & Occupational Studies), Peyton May (Cosmetology), Audriana Travis (Culinary Arts), Collin Watson (HVAC/R), Tyler Gaul-Sexton (Information Technology/Computer Systems), and Madeline Schumacher (Small Animal Science).
Sullivan closed the ceremony by thanking the graduates for allowing her to be part of their final chapter at Carrier.
“You’ve made a lasting impression, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you,” she said.
