BOCES Career Programs Celebrate Over 550

Jun 3, 2026

Ellenville Central School District seniors (left to right) Kiley Reister-Oliver (New Visions Education Careers), Khadija Mayo (Health Occupations Exploration Program), and Jolene LaVerdure (Agriculture and Natural Resources) pose together at the Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Programs Completion Celebration.

KINGSTON – On May 28, the Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Programs honored 581 young professionals from high schools across the region during its Class of 2026 Completion Celebration, which was held at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston.

The young professionals were recognized for completing the requirements of their respective trade programs, which range from Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Law & Public Service, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Cisco & Cyber Security, to Electrical Construction, Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing, Welding & Metal Fabrication, and more.

Ulster BOCES graduates Jaralyn Ramos (Wallkill Central School District), Kirra Rogers (Kingston City School District), and Mia Tuttle (Wallkill Central School District) await the start of the Career Pathways Completion Celebration at Ulster Performing Arts Center on May 28, 2026.

As a SkillsUSA total participation program, nearly 580 young professionals from the Career Academies at iPark 87 who participated in the leadership activities and framework qualifications were recognized. Around 175 students were also recognized for their participation in either SkillsUSA competitions or for their involvement as elected officers. This national workforce leadership program fosters community service and leadership training and provides opportunities to participate in regional, state, and national trade competitions. Additionally, 298 young professionals who are members of the esteemed National Technical Honor Society were recognized at the ceremony.

Many of the young professionals also participated in the Capstone Internship program, which allowed them to gain real-world work experience in their chosen area of study. In 2025-26, these job experiences included 82 paid internships where young professionals earned a combined total of over $16,750 each week while also meeting academic requirements for their program of study. Additionally, 341 young professionals were involved in experiential or clinical internships.

Valedictorian Makayla Petreshock, a young professional in the Culinary Arts program from Highland High School, addressed the Class of 2026. She thanked the teachers and staff for all they have done. Makayla reminded her fellow graduates, “Success does not just happen; one has to put in the effort in order to achieve their goals.”

Ulster BOCES graduates from the Kingston City School District, Ruben Derisse (New Visions Robotics & Engineering), Jaden Reposa (Early Childhood Education), Silas Gabler (Automotive Technology), and Preston Clark (Heating, Ventilation & AC), smile together before the Career Pathways Completion Celebration at UPAC on May 28, 2026.

Aiden Corniell (Saugerties Central School District), Aundrea Ortiz (Ellenville Central School District), and Morgan Hicks (Kingston City School District) celebrate their completion of the Law & Public Service program at The Class of 2026 Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Programs Completion Celebration at the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston.

Makayla was recognized at the SkillsUSA Regional and State Competitions, where she earned gold medals for Cake Decorating, and she is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She plans to continue her education at the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park.