Capital Region BOCES students celebrated in style at division-wide prom

Students were dressed to impress at the Capital Region BOCES Special Education division-wide prom, which took place at Duo at the Dunes, a premiere venue in Albany.

A fun group photos of students and staff as they pose in front of a golden balloon garland at the 2026 Special Education division prom.

With their peers, teachers and supporters there to cheer them on, students at Maywood Academy, the Skills for Employment, Life and Functional Independence (SELFI) program, and those attending Capital Region BOCES public school programs partied the night away. The event served as a fitting celebration to cap a successful school year.

“The prom is truly a celebration of our students, their growth, achievements, and joy, and a reflection of the strong BOCES community that supports them every day,” said Special Education Director Catie Magil.

BOCES staff planned a delightful evening that included dinner catered at the venue and music provided by DJ Patti Reynolds. The students were also gifted boutonnieres and corsages made by Special Education Program Specialist Amy Grogan.

A photo of a male and female students as they pose for a photo in front of a sliver, black and gold balloons garland while wearing their festive costume props.

“I love seeing the students dressed up and wearing their flowers at the prom. I find it fascinating that the boys love the flowers, boutonnieres, just as much as the girls love the corsages,” Amy said. “When they arrive [to prom] they get to pick from a variety of color options that may coordinate with their attire or their favorite color.”

Unlike other school proms, students are not required to be exiting a special education program to be invited, nor do they have to be a current student. The division-wide prom is an acknowledgment of students’ unique, individual journeys and is open to students who have attended special education programs over the years. Former students are sometimes invited to prom to celebrate important milestones in their lives.

A photo of Capital Region BOCES School Resource Officer assisting a student with putting on his boutonniere.

SELFI program teacher Brent Pierce invited two of his former students, Michael Sirigiano and Roslin Burrell, who were recently inducted into the program’s Hall of Fame. Reconnecting with Burrell was a highlight of the evening for Ryan Cacchiotti, who is completing work-based learning hours this year with the SELFI program. Cacchiotti also raved about the chicken parmesan served at dinner.

Special Education Teaching Assistant Alyssa Hesch created the balloon arrangements, including the arches and garlands that served as a nice backdrop for the dance floor and students’ photos.

A group photo of three male students, Special Education Deputy Director Kristen Roys and Maywood Academy Principal Gabriele Barbato as they pose in front of a flower wall and a sign made of lights that reads "Duo at the Dunes."

“For the balloon display, my inspiration really came from wanting to create something that felt both elevated and celebratory for the students,” she said. “Since prom is such a special milestone, I aimed to design a setup that would make them feel like they were walking into something magical and memorable.”

It is safe to say the Capital Region BOCES Special Education prom planning committee outdid themselves this year! The team is happy to bring back the prom for a second year in a row after a five-year hiatus. With a sea of smiling faces in the audience and a packed dance floor, the 2026 division-wide prom was surely an evening to remember for students and staff alike.