Two years ago, students entered the Carrier Educational Center full of anticipation and an eagerness to learn in one of several Career & Technical Education programs. Those same Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES students now leave with “real-world skills, confidence, and purpose,” Principal Jessica Sullivan said.
Carrier recently held its 2025 Senior Recognition ceremony at Lake Shore High School.
Sullivan said the gathering was a celebration of the hard work, growth, and incredible journey the CTE students have taken over the last two years. She said it was also a “moment of pride” for the families, staff, and community members who supported the students.
Sullivan, who became principal at Carrier last summer, shared about her childhood, noting that she grew up in a blue-collar household, “where hard work, dedication, and grit were part of our daily lives.” Further, she said her dad was one of the hardest workers she’s ever known, and whose values have stayed with her throughout her career.
“That’s why I’m so proud to lead a center like Carrier, a place that produces students who are prepared for both college and the workforce,” Sullivan said. “Whether our graduates are heading off to higher education, apprenticeships, full-time employment, or service, they leave here with real-world skills, confidence, and purpose.”
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Anna Miller, a Lake Shore senior enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration program at Carrier, was the student speaker. She said she wasn’t sure what to expect two years ago when she first entered her classroom, figuring she’d get to work with specific tools, refrigeration parts, and electrical components.
“What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow, not just as a student but as a person,” Miller said. “This program has taught us more than just how to fix heating and cooling systems; it has taught us how to stay focused under pressure, how to work with others, and time management.”
Miller wished students in the Class of 2025 well in the career paths they choose to pursue.
“As we graduate, I hope we carry forward the determination, the resilience, and the hands-on knowledge we have gained here at the Carrier Educational Center,” she said.
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Matthew Heidt, executive director of the Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce. He said graduation was more than just a moment to recognize student achievement and the end of the school year; it marks the beginning of new goals, careers, and future plans.
“As you step into the workforce, or into the next phase of your education, you’re entering a world that desperately needs you,” Heidt said. “Training for technical skills isn’t just important, it’s essential.”
Dr. David O’Rourke, E2CCB District Superintendent, took a moment to recognize retiring faculty and staff this year.
“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,” O’Rourke said. “These individuals have served their roles well, and we wish them nothing but the best in retirement.”
At Carrier, O’Rourke recognized Karen Drummond, Executive Director of Business & Financial Services at E2CCB, and thanked her for her years of service. Sullivan provided Drummond with flowers.
Before certificates were distributed, Olivia Gannon, school counselor at Carrier, presented awards and scholarships to graduating seniors.
- Brook Borzelleri and Stevieana Seneca, both of Lake Shore, received the Tri-County BOCES Education Association – Citizenship Award.
- Luke Garlipp of Eden and Hannah DelPrince of Lake Shore received the Tri-County BOCES Education Association – Leadership Award.
- Christopher Knight of Lake Shore received the Carrier Academic Achievement Award.
- Levii Tarnowski of Silver Creek received the USA Special Education Award.
- Keira Kaufman of North Collins received the USA Continuing Education Award.
- Keely Trembath, Anna Miller, and Gabriel Yannello, all of Lake Shore, received the Southern Erie County Counselors Association Award.
- Shaun Serio of Lake Shore received the Jim Kuras Memorial Scholarship.
- Stevieana Seneca of Lake Shore received the Future Farmers of America Small Animal Science Scholarship.
For each CTE program at Carrier, Outstanding Senior and Commitment awards were also announced.
In Career Development & Occupational Studies, Jake Mount of Lake Shore received Outstanding Senior, and Levii Tarnowski of Silver Creek received Commitment.
In Cosmetology, Hannah DelPrince of Lake Shore received Outstanding Senior, and Anya Huber of Eden received Commitment.
In Culinary Arts, Keira Kaufman of North Collins received Outstanding Senior, and Shaun Serio of Lake Shore received Commitment.
In HVAC, Gary Dudek of Silver Creek received Outstanding Senior, and Dylan Matarazza of Lake Shore received Commitment.
In Information Technology/Computer Systems, Samuel Globus of Lake Shore received Outstanding Senior, and Landon White of Gowanda received Commitment.
In Small Animal Science, Stevieana Seneca of Lake Shore received Outstanding Senior, and Mattison Larson of Silver Creek received Commitment.
