The Ormsby Educational Center honored the accomplishments, growth, and future ambitions of its Class of 2026 during its Senior Recognition Ceremony held June 11 at East Aurora High School. Surrounded by families, staff, educators, and community partners, seniors were celebrated for their achievements in Career & Technical Education programs at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.
Opening the ceremony, Ormsby Principal Laura Sokol-Scott welcomed guests and reflected on the class’s accomplishments.
“Through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their programs, our Class of 2026 has achieved remarkable things — and frankly, they’re just getting started,” Sokol-Scott said.
For more photos from Ormsby’s Senior Recognition ceremony, click here.
The senior class, she said, also demonstrated strong workforce readiness and real-world experience. Students in the CDOS program produced more than 1,000 shirts and uniforms, while 250 students completed internships. By the end of the school year, 51% received job offers for full-time, part-time, or seasonal employment, Sokol-Scott said.
In total, 62 seniors have already accepted positions in fields including Cosmetology, Conservation, Construction Technology, Welding, and other technical trades.
Sokol-Scott listed numerous achievements that spanned every department at the Ormsby Educational Center:
- SkillsUSA competitors from Auto Body Repair and Cosmetology earned state titles and advanced to national competition.
- Cosmetology students are preparing for state licensure, with nine seniors applying and seven more expected to qualify this summer after completing twice-weekly clinic services and supporting schoolwide events.
- Culinary Arts students competed in the Army National Guard MRE Challenge, supported major events, and provided hospitality for hundreds of guests at Open House and the Board of Education Annual Dinner.
- Pre-Engineering, Drafting & Design expanded internship opportunities with Moog.
- Animal Science students completed more than 165 grooming appointments while volunteering weekly at Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center and HEART Cat Rescue.
- HOSA and student leaders organized blood drives, fundraised for Hospice Buffalo, and served as ambassadors for Career & Technical Education programs.
Sokol-Scott noted that Ormsby seniors continue to transition successfully into the workforce and higher education. The Class of 2026 will attend 41 different colleges and programs across multiple states and online pathways, earning a combined $2,681,600 in scholarship offers.
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of industry and community partnerships. Moog was recognized with the Business Partner Award for its ongoing collaboration and commitment to student learning and workforce development. Representatives from Moog were acknowledged for helping create meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students across programs.
District Superintendent David O’Rourke, Ph.D., took a moment during the ceremony to recognize retiring Career & Technical Education instructors: Denise Heary (Cosmetology), Denise Meyers (Health Careers), Gerald O’Brien (Criminal Justice), and Gregory Babcock (Culinary Arts), honoring their years of service and lasting impact on students and programs at Ormsby.
Students were then recognized with numerous scholarships and awards reflecting achievement, leadership, service, and technical excellence.
Among the highlights:
- Jamie Heater Scholarship (Conservation): Chace Kramer and Ariana Vanderlip
- Elma Kiwanis Award: Ella Helper and Joshua Scott
- SECCA Scholarships: Abigail Greenan, Kyla Fragale, Lia Palmeri, Makayla Keem, and John Hackett
- USA Scholarship: Mackenzie Moeller
- Marilla Kiwanis Award: McKenzie Corigliano
- Tri-County Leadership Awards: Eva Chelus, Allison Francis, and Jonathan Taips
- Richard Lagowski Award: Eli Chimera
- Tri-County Citizenship Award: Jamie Bauer
- Michael Murphy Award (PEDD): John Gullo
- Robert H. Brooks Award (Health Careers): Jaelyan Bakso
- Timberwolf Award: Katelynn Swartz
- Sports Conditioning Award: Jonathan Taips
- Thomas J. Huebert Scholarship: Ariana Vanderlip
- Wallace D. Ormsby Award: Yanaba Harling
Additional recognition was given through American Legion, Kiwanis, Red Cross, and trade-specific scholarships honoring students who demonstrated leadership, character, and commitment to their chosen fields.
As the ceremony concluded, Sokol-Scott reminded graduates that their journey was only beginning. “You’re leaving here with more than knowledge,” she said. “You’re leaving with skills, with confidence, and with the resilience to navigate whatever comes next.”
She credited families, sending districts, and staff for their role in student success, emphasizing that the achievements celebrated that day were shared accomplishments.
“Today isn’t the finish line. It’s a milestone on a much longer journey,” she said. “We can’t wait to see what you do next.”
