More than 700 high school seniors, from more than two dozen school districts, including Middleburgh, graduated from the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center on June 11, 2026.
During ceremonies for the Albany and Schoharie CTE campuses, the aspiring chefs, diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, nurses and more were honored for their diligence in pursuing not only a high school diploma but taking on added career preparation.
Middleburgh CTE graduates include:
Building Trades
Oliver Simeon
Cosmetology
Maria Isabel Patino
Criminal Justice
Ian Vilegi
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology
Shianne H. Calitri
Rose Mercer
Aiden Roe
Digital Media Design
Lauren McGeary
Electrical Trades
Connor Mattice
Health Careers
Reily Murphy
Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation
Liam Delaney
Jakob Lloyd
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair
Nicholas C. Smith
New Visions: Health Careers
Stella Ioannou
Caleb Mickle
Welding and Metal Fabrication
Aiden Moyle
Austin Myhre
Wyatt Strobeck
National Technical Honor Society
Several Middleburgh students were also inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to career and technical education. They include:
Stella Ioannou
Lauren McGeary
Rose Mercer
Caleb Mickle
Aiden Moyle
Reily Murphy
Austin Myhre
Wyatt Strobeck
Ian Vilegi
Many of the graduates are going on to college and trade schools; others are going straight into the workforce thanks to the skills they learned and the connections they made at BOCES. Meanwhile, others have enlisted in the military in an effort to serve their country while boosting their skills.
Speakers praised the graduates for going above and beyond to secure bright futures and for answering the nation’s call to build a skilled workforce.
“Our graduates are stepping into careers that truly matter. They are answering the call to build, to create, to solve problems, to serve others and to lead. … These graduates represent the future of the workforce — and that future is bright,” said principal Joe Slichko.
Welding and Metal Fabrication graduate Athena Masse told her peers that they are a critical part of the fiber of America.
“Trades are often overlooked in conversations about successful careers, yet they are some of the most vital professions in society. Electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics and construction workers keep homes running, businesses operating and cities functioning every day. Without students like us putting in the work to learn these trades, infrastructure would fail, repairs would go undone, people would not receive needed healthcare and meals, and communities would not grow or thrive,” she said.
Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Lauren Gemmill praised the graduates and thanked the community that supported their efforts – from family members to educators to the business and labor partners.
“You have gained practical skills that are not only valuable, but essential in today’s world,” Gemmill told the graduates.
Matt Ward, principal of the Schoharie Career and Technical School Campus, said he “marvels at the work our students have accomplished” and experiences they have learned from.
“When I look out at this graduating class, I see … students who weren’t afraid to try something different and step out of their comfort zones. These students have spent the last two years getting their hands dirty, solving problems, making mistakes, learning from them and getting better every day,” he said.
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