Work-based learning students honored at end-of-year celebration

Wearing their royal blue SELFI Program t-shirts, teacher Brent Pierce and graduate Kayin Wethers are photographed together. Brent has his hand on Kayin's shoulder as he presents Kayin with a graduation certificate.

Students in the Skills for Employment, Life and Functional Independence (SELFI) Program were recognized during a graduation and end-of-year celebration on June 17 at Capital Region BOCES.

“Graduates, you made it. You showed up for each other and for your jobs, and in turn, they all showed up for you,” said Principal John Clausson. “I could not be more proud of each of you for showing up and doing what you needed to do to be better than you were just six months ago.”

Clausson also thanked the families, SELFI Program community partners and Capital Region BOCES staff who have been instrumental in the program’s success. Throughout the year, SELFI students receive classroom instruction at BOCES and on-site job training opportunities provided through community partners such as Price Chopper, Metro Ford, and the Northeastern Regional Food Bank, among others.

SELFI students were also praised for completing impactful community service projects this year. Program Teacher Brent Pierce highlighted the students’ collaboration with Christmas Pajamas Inc., and a food drive that provided over 300 meals to the regional food bank. Christmas Pajamas founder Lynn Fraim, was also in attendance and honored as a Friend of the Program.

Pierce thanked Dr. Tammy Robinson, assistant professor within the Divisions of Special Education and Educational Psychology and Methodology, for coordinating the mentoring program with his students and Capital Region BOCES middle school students at Green Island Central School District.

SELFI students are photographed wearing their royal blue SELFI Program t-shirts while sitting in front of an audience of supporters at their graduation and end-of-year celebration.

“These guys did really well with the middle school students and Ms. Tammy’s graduate students, and we appreciate the collaboration. It’s always been fun, we look forward to it next year,” said Pierce.

SELFI students Kayin Wethers and William Pit played an important role in binding and distributing the 2026 Creative Collective, an annual writing and art anthology by students in BOCES in-district programs. As Wethers prepares to leave the program to pursue full-time employment, his contributions will be missed.

Lynn Fraim holds her Friend of the Program award as she stands next to SELFI Program student Skylar Britton and teacher Brent Pierce. — Lynn Fraim, founder of Christmas Pajamas Inc., Skylar Britton and Pierce

“We will miss him very much,” said Pierce. “We’re confident he’ll be a great employee—perhaps continuing his work at Price Chopper, where he is currently in the bakery.”

During the ceremony, Donna Lamkin, Capital Region BOCES training specialist and literacy coach, was also honored as a Friend of the Program for her contributions to the SELFI Program.

“We really appreciate you all for coming to our SELFI Program celebration and graduation,” said Pierce to everyone in the room. “As I look around this room full of coworkers, administrators, families, and community partners I am amazed at how much SELFI has grown in five years. The support we received from this room is immeasurable and we appreciate you more than you know.”

Thank you to our Community Partners & Friends of the Program:

Price Chopper Supermarkets
Northeastern Regional Food Bank
Metro Ford Schenectady
City Mission of Schenectady
Bethel Full Gospel Church
Burlington
Upstate Thrift and Apparel
Christmas Pajamas Inc.
Capital Region BOCES
University at Albany