More than 700 high school seniors from more than two dozen school districts graduated from the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center on June 11.

During two separate ceremonies, the aspiring chefs, diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, nurses and more were honored for their diligence in pursuing not only a high school diploma but taking on the added work of preparing for a career.

Many of the graduates are going on to college and trade schools; and others are going straight into the workforce thanks to the skills they learned and the connections they made at BOCES. Others, meanwhile, have enlisted in the military in an effort to serve their country while boosting their skills.

Albany Campus

593 Albany campus graduates were honored during an evening ceremony at the University of Albany, during a ceremony that celebrated their successes in the classroom and, for many, in the workforce.

With a packed house of caregivers, friends, school and BOCES administrators looking on, students from more than two dozen school districts ranging from Guilderland to Watervliet, Cobleskill to Shenendehowa and Bethlehem to Burnt Hills were celebrated.

The ceremony marked the completion of one- and two-year programs at the school, including Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation, Sterile Processing Technician, Digital Media Design, Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers, Carpentry Services and Manufacturing and Machining Technology.

Speakers praised the graduates for going above and beyond to secure bright futures and for answering the nation’s call to build a skilled workforce.

“Our graduates are stepping into careers that truly matter. They are answering the call to build, to create, to solve problems, to serve others and to lead. … These graduates represent the future of the workforce — and that future is bright,” said Principal Joe Slichko.

Welding and Metal Fabrication graduate Athena Masse told her peers that they are a critical part of the fiber of America.

“Trades are often overlooked in conversations about successful careers, yet they are some of the most vital professions in society. Electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics and construction workers keep homes running, businesses operating and cities functioning every day. Without students like us putting in the work to learn these trades, infrastructure would fail, repairs would go undone, people would not receive needed healthcare and meals, and communities would not grow or thrive,” she said.

Schoharie Campus

141 CTE students from the Schoharie Campus received certificates of completion, honors and awards during an emotion-filled ceremony earlier in the day.

As parents, friends, school and BOCES administrators cheered them on, students from the Schoharie, Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Gilboa-Conesville, Schalmont, Voorheesville, Duanesburg, Middleburgh and Sharon Springs school districts were celebrated in a ceremony at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.

The ceremony marked the completion of one- and two-year programs, including Building Trades, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology, Cosmetology, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation, Criminal Justice, Electrical Trades, Early Childhood Education and Automotive Trades Technology.

Speakers praised the graduates and their supporters for going above and beyond to secure bright futures. 

Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Lauren Gemmill praised the graduates and thanked the community that supported their efforts – from family members to educators to the business and labor partners.

“You have gained practical skills that are not only valuable, but essential in today’s world,” Gemmill told the graduates.

Matt Ward, Principal of the Schoharie Career and Technical School Campus, said he “marvels at the work our students have accomplished” and experiences they have learned from.

“When I look out at this graduating class, I see … students who weren’t afraid to try something different and step out of their comfort zones. These students have spent the last two years getting their hands dirty, solving problems, making mistakes, learning from them and getting better every day,” he said.

Berne-Knox-Westerlo senior Trista Smi spoke as a representative of the Class of 2026. 

“CTE has been given the opportunity to prepare for a career that other high school students may never get. Attending Schoharie CTE has been the best decision I’ve made,” the Welding and Metal Fabrication graduate said.