There was plenty to celebrate at WNY P-TECH’s Senior Advancement ceremony held June 18 at Dunkirk Senior High School.
Several students were wrapping up their final year of school and planning to enter the workforce or military; other students were preparing for their first semester at SUNY Jamestown Community College; and a handful of students were recognized for completing their degrees at JCC.
“We come together to honor the amazing journey of our 2025 seniors, who are transitioning from their final year at the WNY P-TECH Academy to a career or on to their pivotal first semester at Jamestown Community College in the career path that they chose,” Principal Jeffrey Teluk said. “We also applaud the successful completion of the journey for students who stood on this stage two years ago during their own transition from high school to college.”
Nicholas Williams of Holland Central School provided the senior address. He told fellow students the ceremony marked the “first ending” of a journey they embarked upon together four years ago.
“For most, if not all of us, the time we spent at WNY P-TECH and the things we learned and the memories we made will carry on with us into our future endeavors,” Williams said. “Many of us, I’m sure, are not the same people as the freshmen who entered this program four years ago. This program has helped shape us into the skilled and intelligent people we are today, and I can only hope we will all continue to be such people in the future.”
Whitney Hice, a Cohort 1 graduate of WNY P-TECH, was the ceremony’s guest speaker. She advised students to “slow down” and enjoy their remaining teenage years.
“We all want more and better for ourselves, and I’m not saying to stifle that,” Hice said. “I’m saying to slow down and enjoy these next couple of years in college because they’ll be gone too soon.”
Leo Fial, Director of P-TECH, CTE, and Program innovation at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, told seniors they should be proud of their achievements, personal growth, and the bright futures that await them. Over the past few years, he noted that they faced numerous challenges, embraced countless opportunities, and created “unforgettable memories” that will last a lifetime
“You have shown remarkable strength when faced with adversity,” Fial said. “You have consistently demonstrated kindness, leadership, and creativity. You have supported one another, lifted each other up during tough times, and made a lasting impression on this school community in ways that will forever be cherished.”
Seniors Max Hansen-Ivett and Noah Hardy were awarded Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarships, named in memory of a former WNY P-TECH student. The awards were presented by Bessie Fitzgerald.
“The friendships or bonds, along with the support of the teachers and administrators, make WNY P-TECH more than a school, it’s a family,” Fitzgerald said. “Wyatt was fortunate enough to be a part of this family.”
The College Connections Student of the Year Award went to Max Hansen-Ivett, while the Robert S. Guiffreda Scholarship was awarded to Nicholas Williams.
Amber Kautzman spoke on behalf of SUNY JCC, and Cindy Aronson handed out certificates for Dream It Do It recipients.
Senior Parker Bohn provided closing remarks.
“P-TECH was, honestly, a godsend for me,” he said. “Every corner of this tight-knit community is filled with incredible effort, learning, passion, humor, and genuine enjoyment in each of those aspects.”
The following students were recognized:
- Colton Blendinger of Holland, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Welding Technology from SUNY Jamestown Community College
- Parker Bohn of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Hector Ceteno Rivera of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Collin Covert-Young of Lake Shore, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechatronics
- Aydan Gilbert of Chautauqua Lake, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechatronics
- Max Hansen-Ivett of Gowanda, who is continuing work as a welder at Dunkirk Metal Products
- Noah Hardy of Pine Valley, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Welding Technology
- Jackson Laurie of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Welding Technology
- Aaron Macakanja of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Seamus Matwijow of Gowanda, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Dominic McDonald-Abraham of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Gavin Milner of Southwestern, who is pursuing a career in welding
- Jared Sek of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Welding Technology
- Zachary Sheffield of Dunkirk, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Isaiah Snow of Jamestown, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Machine Tool
- Nathaniel Valiente of Jamestown, who is pursuing a career in the U.S. Navy
- Ethan Warblow of Jamestown, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Machine Tool
- Nicholas Williams of Holland, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology – Design
The following WNY P-TECH students in Cohort 5 have successfully completed their degrees through SUNY Jamestown Community College:
- Jayden Chudy in Welding Technology
- Chase Fischer in Mechatronics
- Kaidyn Lazar in Mechatronics
- William Rivera in Mechanical Technology – Design
- Brayden Reading in Mechatronics
