CTE Programs Honored With NYSSBA ‘Champions of Change’ Awards
During the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, two innovative Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs were officially recognized as “Champions of Change” by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
The “Champions of Change” program was initiated by NYSSBA to provide a “pat on the back” for creative and meritorious programs throughout the state. During the ceremony, David Lowrey, NYSSBA Area 1 Director and E2CCB Board of Education member from Iroquois, presented colorful banners to be displayed in the classrooms of the honored programs.
“The Champions of Change program recognizes students, communities, and districts in New York,” said David Lowrey. “On behalf of NYSSBA, we thank you for allowing us to present the Champions of Change recognition. We ask that the banner be displayed in an appropriate place of honor for all to see.”
The Annual New York State Cookie Project The first honor was awarded to the Annual New York State Cookie Project, a collaboration between the Culinary Arts program at the LoGuidice Educational Center and the Chautauqua Lake Central School District. For nearly 30 years, junior Culinary Arts students have baked sugar cookies in the shape of New York State for fourth graders to decorate as they learn about the state’s geography, including its capital, rivers, and major landmarks.
Chef David Caccamise, who leads the program, accepted the award as he prepares for retirement. “I’m very honored to be here, very humbled by this award,” said Caccamise. “It’s nice to see the fourth graders collaborate with my kids… they learn about the capital and the lakes and all the hot spots in New York State and they have fun and they can eat it afterwards. I’m going to miss that.”
The second recognition was given to the Small Animal Science program for their work with the Whiskers Veterinary Hospital in Dunkirk. Seniors in the program recently assisted during a high-volume feline neuter clinic, where they performed tasks ranging from monitoring animals after sedation to reviewing discharge instructions with owners.
Maureen Donahue, Acting Director of Career & Technical Education and Innovation, spoke on behalf of instructor Holly Lemke, who was unable to attend the ceremony. Donahue, whose own father has been a practicing veterinarian for 70 years, noted the significance of the students’ work.
“This is an honor,” said Donahue. “I know what it means to have 30 cats in a place that you have to take care of… Many of those kids got either scholarships or awards last night at the senior recognition and [I am] very proud that I can take this back.”
While she was not present at the Board meeting, instructor Holly Lemke spoke to the impact of the feline clinic during the actual event that was being recognized. In a statement regarding the project’s success, Lemke emphasized the confidence it built in her students: “It was an incredible experience for the students as they were able to apply hands-on knowledge from class to real-life situations. The training day was very helpful in providing students with an overview and creating confidence in their ability to carry out their tasks.”
Both programs exemplify the E2CCB commitment to providing students with practical, community-minded educational experiences that prepare them for future careers while giving back to the region.
For more information on Career & Technical Education programs at E2CCB, visit www.e2ccb.org/programs/career-technical-education/.
