Seniors from the MOBOCES Career and Technical Education, Career Development Academy and Tri Academy programs walked across the stage during a June 10 ceremony at the Vernon Downs Grandstand, earning completion certificates and recognition as candidates for graduation from their high schools. The 431 seniors represented 26 CTE programs and 12 school districts.

The outdoor, chilly evening event drew hundreds of attendees, including family, friends, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members, all gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024.

The ceremony commenced with the procession of the 431 students, including PROPEL, who entered the arena by class. Each student was individually recognized and presented with their completion certificate. Following the formal proceedings, families had the opportunity to capture photos in and around the Grandstand and complex.

The ceremony included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Takeshi Hashimoto, a New Visions Professions student from VVS. Additionally, Olivia Crane, a student from Madison Central School District who successfully completed the New Visions Advanced Health Science program this year, delivered an inspiring keynote speech.

Olivia Crane started her speech by telling the crowd that some might know her as the girl who runs around the Rossetti Education Center in a ridiculous yellow outfit handing out smiley cards, otherwise known as 'Captain Nice'.

Here’s an excerpt from her address:

Look at how many students are with us here tonight. They have all demonstrated their ability to endure, persevere, and thrive at Madison-Oneida BOCES. You might ask, how is that? I am not the first student to say this, and I doubt I will be the last. I have never had a bad day here at BOCES, ever. I have been given the opportunity to learn the things that I want to learn, to expand past my homeschool, and meet people who are like-minded in the same ways that I am. But above all, we (graduates) have been given the opportunity as young adults to truly shape ourselves into the people that we can be.