Dozens of family members, teachers, administrators, staff members, board members, classmates and friends applauded the 14 collective seniors who earned their diplomas. New York State Regents diplomas were awarded to 10 of the 14 graduates, with the remaining four earning local diplomas.

Dr. Danielle Cook, academy superintendent, reminded the students how far they’ve come.

“To meet graduation requirements in the state of New York is no small feat,” Cook said. “It requires that students consistently attend school; engage in activities laid out by teachers; inquire, relearn and try again when you don’t demonstrate proficiency; and one of the hardest tasks: pass New York’s Regents exams. You’ve demonstrated that – no matter what life brings your way – you’re able to rise above and achieve.”

Board of Education President Mary Myers also shared her congratulations with the graduates, advising, “Wherever the road leads, take with you all of the good that you’ve gained here, and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Superintendent Cook and Collin Keeler are pictured.

Each campus featured a keynote speaker from its region’s law enforcement industry. In Randolph, the students heard from Cattaraugus County Deputy Sherriff Kale Luce, a partner to Silas, a member of the county’s therapy K-9 unit.

“Looking back, high school is where I learned to push myself to limits that I thought I couldn’t reach,” said Luce, who also serves as school resource officer for the Randolph Central School District. “High school is where I learned four keys to achievement: drive, want, confidence and character.”

Remarks were also shared by class presidents Spencer Laska (Hamburg) and Zachary Davidson (Randolph).

The district’s graduating seniors include:

RANDOLPH CAMPUS

Flynn Jameson holding her decorated graduation cap.

Kassondra Blanchard, of Cattaraugus/Little Valley, who will be attending cosmetology school with the goal of one day opening her own salon;

Elisabeth Campbell, of New York City, who hopes to attend college and become a politician;

Zachary Davidson, of Fredonia, who will attend the State University at Fredonia this fall and pursue a degree in computer science;

Taniya Eldridge, of Pioneer Central, who will attend Jamestown Community College this fall and hopes to one day become a chef;

Collin Keeler, of Fredonia, who plans to work in the landscape and/or mechanic industries;

Chief Dienes speaks to graduating class.

Wallace Rankin, of Jamestown, who will enter the workforce but hopes to one day be on TV;

Jayden Shugars, of Randolph, who plans to enter the construction industry; and

Shayna Thomas, from New York City, who will attend Jamestown Community College this fall and pursue a General Studies degree, in hopes of one day working within the medical field.

HAMBURG CAMPUS

Flynn Jameson, from Fredonia, who will attend Daemen University in the fall to study nursing;

Johnson Moccasin, of Gowanda, who is deciding between going to college or the armed forces.