LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Sullivan BOCES pulled out the stops to celebrate the BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) Class of 2024 upon their graduation.

“The seniors of BOCES CTE stand on the brink of a new chapter,” Ralph Cherubino of Livingston Manor told those gathered at the college’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse on June 20. He was the opening speaker. “These past two years have been a journey of growth, discovery, and preparation for our future careers, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of our dedicated teachers.”

“As we move forward, stepping into the world beyond these walls, we carry with us the lessons you’ve taught us,” he said. “The skills we sharpened, the knowledge we’ve gained, and the values we’ve embraced will serve as the foundation upon which we will build our futures. We are ready to tackle the challenges ahead, innovate within our fields, and contribute positively to our communities.”

All around the county

The soon-to-be graduates walked proudly before a crowd of hundreds, accompanied by traditional processional music. Liberty senior Madison Morales, a President’s Academic Excellence Award winner, led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

CTE students come from school districts all around Sullivan County. As they were honored, each wore the color of their home district, creating an array of colorful gowns in the fieldhouse:

Eldred, white

Ellenville, royal blue

Fallsburg, black

Liberty, red/white

Livingston Manor, maroon/grey

Monticello, royal blue

Roscoe, royal blue/white

Sullivan West, black

Tri-Valley, blue with red

BOCES, blue

‘A lifetime of learning and growth’

Ralph Cherubino, the student speaker, studied health occupations as part of the Allied Health Program at BOCES and received the President’s Academic Excellence Award. He said their time at BOCES “has been filled with hands-on learning experiences, from mastering technical skills to understanding the nuances of our chosen trades,” adding that the experience “instilled in us a sense of confidence and pride in our abilities.”

He thanked the instructors. And to his fellow grads, he said, “Today is a celebration of hard work, determination, and perseverance. It’s a day to reflect on the friendships we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the dreams we’ve nurtured. Remembering that our education here has not only prepared us for a career, but also for a lifetime of learning and growth.”

Jeffrey Molusky, executive principal of the career and technical education program, presented graduates with employability profiles and certificates of completion. Instructors and BOCES board of education members presented student awards, and district superintendent Robert Dufour gave closing remarks.

The newly minted graduates then marched back down the center aisle, into the arms of their family and friends—and into the future.