The 43rd Annual District Superintendents’ Office Personnel (DSOP) Scholarship Luncheon was held this year at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, with morning events hosted at the LoGuidice Educational Center and WNY P-TECH in Dunkirk, and afternoon activities continuing at the Hewes Educational Center. This long-standing tradition brought together DSOP members — past and present — from across the state to tour BOCES programs, connect with students and staff, and award scholarships to deserving students.
Each year, DSOP gathers at one of the 37 BOCES across New York State to attend workshops, visit a variety of programs, and engage with peers. As part of this annual event, the hosting BOCES is granted the honor of selecting a student to receive the prestigious DSOP Scholarship. The recipient must demonstrate academic excellence, strong motivation, and a clear plan to continue their education.
This year, E2CCB proudly recognized two students, Makala Logsdon and Ken Bestine, as its scholarship recipients. A standout Criminal Justice student at the LoGuidice Educational Center, Makala was joined at the luncheon by her proud parents and sister, her teacher, Jennie Alessi, school counselor Alycia Lacki, and Fredonia Central School District Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox.
In her nomination, Lacki praised Makala’s leadership and drive.
“There are so many qualities to speak to about Makala, from her academics — maintaining a 97 GPA in one of our most rigorous courses, Criminal Justice — to volunteering at events. She has always been committed to the program, serving as one of our ambassadors. But what we’re really proud of is Makala for being the person she is.”
Makala’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. She is the President of the National Technical Honor Society and has introduced new initiatives to enhance her CTE class experience. Described by her counselor as “a self-driven leader” and “a kind and genuine person,” Makala exemplifies the spirit and promise of Career and Technical Education.
Lacki emphasized the importance of CTE programs for students like Makala.
“Career and Technical Education programming gives students a chance to find out what they really want to do before they commit time and money into professions they may not really like,” she said.
As DSOP members toured classrooms and labs, teachers echoed that sentiment. Several shared stories of students who found direction and purpose through CTE, including Auto Technology teacher Mike Lomanto, who highlighted a former student’s journey from six-figure industry work down south to returning home to start a successful local shop.
Consultant Teacher Jack Dugan underscored the urgency and opportunity built into CTE.
“CTE gives students the exposure they need to the industries they’re interested in,” he said while the DSOP was touring the Criminal Justice classroom. “We hold career fairs and facilitate internship opportunities because we only get them for two years of their life so we make the most out of it while they’re here.”
Teachers also noted how students often express a desire to spend their entire day in their CTE classes, where they are immersed in hands-on learning tied directly to their passions and future career paths.
During the afternoon session at the Hewes Center, passion for the work was on full display as the group recognized Ken Bestine. His scholarship was a special one, considering he’d been out of the classroom for more than 40 years.
“It’s an honor to be able to show off our programming and wonderful students to my fellow counterparts in BOCES from throughout the state,” said Trisha DeGraff, Executive Assistant to the District Superintendent at E2CCB. “Hearing stories about our scholarship winners, Makala and Ken, was inspirational and drives home the reason we all love working in education and for BOCES.”
