Members of WNY P-TECH's Class of 2026 were recognized during the Senior Advancement Ceremony on June 25 at Dunkirk High School. The ceremony celebrated students as they transitioned to college, careers, military service, or the completion of college coursework through Jamestown Community College. Submitted photo

DUNKIRK – WNY P-TECH celebrated the accomplishments and next steps of its Class of 2026 during its Senior Advancement Ceremony on June 25 at Dunkirk High School, recognizing students as they transitioned to college, careers, or completion of college coursework through Jamestown Community College.

Principal Jeffrey Teluk welcomed families, staff, and community partners and reflected on the significance of the milestone for students completing the academy’s six-year pathway.

“Today, we come together to honor the amazing journey of our 2026 seniors,” Teluk said.

Before the ceremony began, Dr. David O’Rourke, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES district superintendent, recognized two retiring consultant teachers for their years of service: Tina Clugston, who served 32 years, and Ann Marie Riggie, who served 12 years.

Representing the senior class, Myah Benjamin reflected on her personal growth and thanked families, staff, and classmates for their support throughout the program.

“When I first came to P-TECH, I was just a shy, quiet girl lacking in self-confidence,” Benjamin said. “Thanks to this school, the teachers, and my fellow classmates, you’ve helped me become more confident in myself. Even though some of us are going in different directions, we will always have our P-TECH bond.”

The keynote address was delivered by Cohort 4 graduate Steven Zentz, now a firefighter with the Dunkirk Fire Department, who encouraged students to focus on adaptability, communication, and lifelong learning.

“The trade I learned opened doors, but the life skills I gained helped me walk through them,” Zentz said.

WNY P-TECH recognized its Senior Advancement candidates:

– Cole Anderson of Jamestown — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Wesley Barger of Westfield — A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design

– Myah Benjamin of Dunkirk — A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design

– Ethan Camus of Eden — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Hayden Chase of Pine Valley — Welding career pathway

– Tyler Cochran of Westfield — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Paul Cunningham of Jamestown — A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design

– Joshua Guadagno of Silver Creek — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Dakota Kent of Dunkirk — A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Design

– Ivan Lemke of Silver Creek — Operating Engineers career pathway

– Tyler McIntyre of Southwestern — Further education out of state

– Ashjon Monaghan of Westfield — A.A.S. Mechatronics

– Tyrick Nadi of Southwestern — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Brandon Nobbs of Brocton — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Dylan Noonan of Dunkirk — Employment and travel

– Tiahjae Perez of Jamestown — Employment

– Jonathan Pilski of Silver Creek — A.A.S. Mechanical Technology: Machine Tool

– Cody Rickard of Southwestern — A.A.S. Welding Technology

The ceremony also recognized students who completed or will complete associate degrees or certificates through Jamestown Community College:

– Noah Benjamin of Dunkirk — A.A.S. Welding Technology

– Felix Manzella of Fredonia — A.A.S. Mechatronics

– Derek Milne of Gowanda — Certificate in Welding Technology

– Christopher Wiltsie of Holland — Certificate in Welding Technology

Several students received special recognition and scholarships. Tyrick Nadi was named a College Connections Student of the Year from SUNY JCC.

Myah Benjamin received the Tri-County BOCES Education Association Leadership Memorial Award and a Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship.

Ethan Camus also received a Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship in addition to the TBEA Citizenship Award and the New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Student Achievement Award.

In closing, School Social Worker Melissa Pietrkiewicz reflected on the relationships and growth students experienced throughout the program, encouraging them to carry those lessons forward.

“You made this place better,” she said. “I hope you remember that you are capable of more than you realize.”

Teluk concluded the ceremony by thanking families for their support.

“We as teachers and administrators can only do so much,” he said. “Without your support, all of the success that you see here wouldn’t be possible.”