Pictured are the 16 Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Practical Nursing program at Job Corps graduates. A celebration was held Jan. 10 at Park Church in Cassadaga.

CASSADAGA — Sixteen Practical Nursing students recently celebrated the successful completion of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES program at Job Corps in Cassadaga. Friends and family, many from out-of-state, attended the celebratory event held Jan. 10 at Park Church in Cassadaga.

“One of the aspects of Job Corps is we attract students from all over the country and the world and that is a huge benefit for our little corner of Chautauqua County. It’s a benefit to our region, our economy and community to have you here,” said Janeil Rey, Ph.D., director of Workforce Development. “These students give their time, treasure and talent. They leave their families, ask people to pick up their responsibilities so they can be here and it’s a huge sacrifice … but it’s all worth it when they stand up here before you as successful graduates.”

Speakers included opening remarks from Vicki Yonkers, career technical training manager; guest speaker Cherish Mignoli, Cassadaga Job Corps advanced training coordinator; and closing remarks by Janeil Rey, Ph. D. Class valedictorian was Micayla Whyte and the salutatorian was Sally Lindquist.

“Words can’t describe the joy I feel right now,” Whyte said. “I worked extremely hard for this title. I’ve been dedicated and I took pride in perfecting my craft.”

The 2020 graduating class includes Ava-Gayle Green, Ja’Karah Harris, Lizette Hernandez, Juan Herrera, Tabria Jones, Sabrina Lopez Toro, Khadejah Muhammad, Mellissa Nolan, Joseph Nwabuobi, Daidra Pearson, Pedro Ponce Lopez, Karmin Richardson, Sharyl Rizzo, Britanie Walker and Micayla Whyte.