Two years ago, students at the Hewes Educational Center made a commitment to themselves and their future by enrolling in a Career & Technical Education program. That commitment has now begun to pay off.
More than 200 seniors took part in Hewes’ Senior Recognition ceremony held June 16 at Chautauqua Institution. The event served as the ideal bookend for students and their journey with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.
“Over two years ago, these students decided to make a commitment and come to the Hewes Educational Center to obtain a skill that will last a lifetime,” Principal Paul Mihalko said. “Regardless of what they decide to do from this point forward, they will use their life skills and their CTE program experiences far into the future.”
Before graduation, Hewes held its annual Senior Awards Night at Maple Grove Junior-Senior High School, in which 30 awards and scholarships were distributed. The event also included an induction ceremony for new National Technical Honor Society members.
During Senior Recognition, Mihalko recognized the faculty and staff at Hewes. He also acknowledged Brenda Johnson, consultant teacher, who was retiring after 17 years of service.
“On behalf of your colleagues at the Hewes Educational Center and E2CCB, we thank you for your years of service,” Mihalko said.
The ceremony included representatives from many school component districts, which include Bemus Point, Chautauqua Lake, Clymer, Falconer, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Panama, Ripley, Sherman, Southwestern, and Westfield.
Afterward, Mihalko told students they were now prepared to evolve and be successful in their future careers.
“I have said this to you before: life doesn’t get easier,” he said. “You learn how to handle things better as life goes on. Your experiences at the Hewes Center were not just about your ability to perform tasks for a particular trade; it was about getting you ready for what lies ahead in life. Enjoy that life, we only go around once.”
