Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES recognized almost 250 students who completed Career and Technical Education programs this school year during a ceremony on Tuesday, June 16, at Herkimer College.

The 2026 Career and Technical Education Completion Ceremony celebrated students who went through any of the 14 two-year Herkimer BOCES CTE programs – including students in the Valley Pathways in Technology Early College High School (VP-TECH). Students were also recognized during the ceremony for various awards they won.

Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson gave the opening and closing remarks, and Herkimer BOCES Class of 2020 graduate Reese Battisti was the keynote speaker. Herkimer BOCES Board of Education President Holly Pullis, Herkimer BOCES Career and Technical Education Director Zane Mahar and Herkimer BOCES Career and Technical Education Principal Sheri Perry presented awards and certificates.

CTE completers

The following DCS students completed Herkimer BOCES CTE programs this school year.

Automotive Technology: Mia Crafton and Ian Sheppard

Conservation: Alyvia Sanders and Caileigh Youker

Cosmetology: Ava Barnes, Breanna Congdon, Alexis Looman and Olivia Scully

Criminal Justice: Dreden Ellerby, Madison Jeffers and Carlee Nichols

Culinary and Hospitality: Madison Lovett

Health Science Careers: Molly Vickers and Lilly Welch

Heavy Equipment Repair Operations: Tisen Dager, Gabriel Leskovar, Mark Serman, Robert Vogt Jr. and Connor White