As noted by Principal Paul Mihalko, the students began their journey at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES more than two years ago. At the time, each sought a Career & Technical Education skill that would last them a lifetime.

“Regardless of what they decide to do from this point forward, they will use their life skills and their CTE program experiences far into the future,” Mihalko said of the graduating Class of 2024.

For the first time, Hewes held a separate ceremony at Falconer Central High School to hand out awards and scholarships. According to Mihalko, more than $182,000 in financial support was provided to dozens of graduating Career & Technical Education students.

At Chautauqua Institution, the principal praised the departing seniors and the work they put into graduating from E2CCB.

Greta Bollman of Frewsburg completed the Cosmetology program at the Hewes Educational Center. Bollman is pictured with Hewes Principal Paul Mihalko. Submitted photos

“Each student is unique and has faced their own challenges and hardships, yet all are here before you tonight triumphant,” he said. “I am very excited to see what lies ahead in each of their journeys.”

The accomplishments and future plans for each of the more than 200 seniors were read aloud as they received their certificates.

The ceremony concluded with a salute from students in the criminal justice program.

Career and Technical Education programming typically serves students in their junior and senior years of high school, with students selecting the option to attend an E2CCB CTE program in their sophomore year. For more information, visit e2ccb.org.