Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES students, families, faculty and staff gathered Friday, June 12, at the Chautauqua Lake Auditorium to celebrate the Class of 2026 during the Chautauqua Lake E2CCB Site Recognition Ceremony.
The ceremony honored five graduates: Christopher Coburn, Timothy Duffley Jr., Kayden Matheson, Robert Pfalzgraf and Sabrina Spears.
The program included a processional, Pledge of Allegiance, welcoming remarks, recognition of retirees, achievement awards, student recognition, diploma presentations, the turning of the tassel and closing remarks. Throughout the ceremony, faculty and staff celebrated each graduate’s accomplishments, growth and next steps.
Christopher Coburn was recognized for his five years in the academic program and for the growth he demonstrated throughout high school. Staff described Christopher as having grown from a “shy, uncertain, and soft-spoken ninth grader” into “a confident young man who demonstrates independence, patience, and a genuine passion for mechanics.”
Christopher’s interest in hands-on learning and mechanical work was also highlighted. Staff recalled how his passion for mechanics became clear early in high school and noted that his persistence helped him earn a spot in the Auto Technology program at Hewes Educational Center during his senior year.
“Christopher is a young man who understands his strengths, connects easily with peers, and brings humor wherever he goes,” staff shared. “His ability to create, build, and problem-solve will serve him well in the future.”
Kayden Matheson was celebrated for the kindness, reliability and strong work ethic he showed throughout his time at Chautauqua Lake. In a senior statement, Teaching Assistant Crissy Rammelt reflected on having the honor of working with Kayden over the past five years.
“From the very beginning, he has always been smart, caring, reliable, and kind,” Rammelt said. “Those qualities are not something that can be taught easily — they come from who a person truly is, and Kayden shows them every single day.”
Rammelt also spoke about Kayden’s success during community work experience hours, where he demonstrated independence, responsibility and pride in his work.
“He consistently proved that he could be counted on to get the job done and do it well,” Rammelt said. “He took pride in his work, showed respect to those around him, and always approached challenges with a positive attitude.”
Timothy Duffley Jr. was recognized for the confidence, authenticity and independence he demonstrated during his time at Chautauqua Lake BOCES. In remarks about Tim, staff noted that although they had only worked with him for one year, it did not take long to recognize the qualities that set him apart.
“He carries himself with a quiet confidence and a strong sense of who he is,” shared Chautauqua Lake Site Principal Sondra Lampson. “He is thoughtful, opinionated in his own understated way, and never afraid to stand firm in what he believes.”
Tim was also praised for his resilience and willingness to be himself as he prepares for life after graduation.
“Over the past year, I have seen a young man become resilient, authentic, and capable of far more than he may realize,” Lampson continued. “Your determination, independence, and willingness to be yourself will serve you well in whatever path you choose next.”
Before honoring the graduates, E2CCB also recognized retiring faculty and staff members who have served the organization and its students. The retirees recognized were Christine Barber, Teacher of Special Education, for 18 years of service; Sheila Kyser, School Social Worker, for 21 years of service; Kathleen Pascatore-Moller, Physical Therapist, for 34 years of service; Rhonda Pugh, Teacher Aide, for 8 years of service; and Anne Tenpas, Physical Therapist, for 29 years of service.
During the retiree recognition portion of the ceremony, the retirees were thanked for helping shape the school community students were part of and for serving their roles well.
