CTE Recognition: Career Services salutes 2025 seniors with County Center sendoff

  

Career Services students were celebrated at the Westchester County Center

As he rattled off their many accomplishments, Southern Westchester BOCES Superintendent Dr. Harold A. Coles praised students from the Center for Career Services for making a bold decision. By taking the initiative to join the program and step outside the comfort zone of their home district, Dr. Coles said the students gave themselves a distinct advantage over their classmates.

“You haven’t just gained technical skills and experience,” he said. “You’ve learned important critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. You have begun to embrace your role as a global citizen.”

With these words and many more, Career Services students were celebrated for their accomplishments during the school’s annual Recognition Ceremony at the Westchester County Center. All told, students from 25 different programs — all hailing from Southern Westchester BOCES’ component districts — were recognized during the ceremony.

The event began with a procession of students and staff members, who were led into the arena by Emergency Medical Services student Joscelyn Lopez, a future member of the United States Air Force, who provided a salute to the flag. Lopez remained on stage during the National Anthem, which was sung by Cosmetology student Lilyanna Young.

Following an introduction from Career Services Director Dahlia Jackson, Southern Westchester BOCES Deputy District Superintendent/COO Dr. Brendan Lyons delivered the evening’s salutation.

“Regardless of your reason for coming here, you made a wise choice,” Dr. Lyons said. “We congratulate all of you on your success.”

Salutatorian Cidney Bien-Aime, an Animal Science student, told the soon-to-be graduates they had much to look forward to.

“It is time to take all of the skills we have learned the last two years and start building for the future,” she said.

More students shared reflections on their time at Career Services in a video message that was introduced by TV/Video Production student Logan Pierre, whose award-winning filmmaking was central to the school’s strong performance at regional and statewide SkillsUSA competitions.  Then, following Dr. Coles’ remarks, Principal Jaclyn De Lao and Assistant Principal Phil Donahue presented retiree Rosanne Pennella — a teaching assistant with the Culinary Arts program — with flowers as Ms. Jackson thanked her for her service.

The ceremony also featured scholarship awards for the Barbara E. Chin Scholarship, Schielmann Scholarship, and Solomon Gibbons Legacy Awards, then the presentation of certificates. Students’ names were called by their program instructors, and the students and staff members from each program gathered for group photos at the foot of the stage.

After all the certificates had been disseminated, Ms. Jackson offered closing remarks, telling members of the Class of 2025 that their futures are limitless.

“All doors will remain open to you as long as you remain steadfast and strong,” she said.