The Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls was filled with excited guests celebrating the important day for these students. Guests included SAEC students, families, friends, WSWHE BOCES staff, BOCES Board of Education members and honored award presenters.
WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent, Dr. Turina Parker, spoke to the graduates about their completion of these programs and how it will forever change the course of their lives.
“You have gained skills and made connections that will undoubtedly prepare you for greatness. You have achieved successes that may once have seemed out of reach. You persevered through obstacles that you did not let deter you from your ultimate goals. You have succeeded! For that, we applaud you, class of 2023.” said Dr. Parker.
The 2023 student speaker was Emily Gardner from the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program. She received the Area III SkillsUSA Award, Career & Technical Education Completion Ceremony Speaker Award, and the Clarissa Porlier Memorial Scholarship. Gardner noted several of the CTE programs and highlighted what they will bring to the world. She talked about how she and the other graduates are the future.
“It is your hard work, responsibility and self motivation that has brought you to this point. Thanks to teachers [like my culinary instructors], there is no doubt in my mind that the future is shining bright for us all. With all of our talent, skills and strengths combined, the world will be changed for the better.” said Gardner.
There were several awards and scholarship winners. One student from SAEC received the Bill Benton Foundation scholarship. Four Benton family members were guests who presented the student with swag along with a personal congratulations.
The ceremony was live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
For more details about the ceremony and the list of students, see the links below: