The event, held in partnership between WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack, welcomed families, friends, faculty, staff, Board of Education members and special guests to recognize the Class of 2026.
ECCA offers students focused career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, New Media, and Pathways to Teaching. Participants gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology, earn certifications, complete work-based learning, job shadowing, mentorships with professionals and solve real-world industry challenges. Students also earn college credits toward an associate degree while still in high school.
Of this year’s graduates, 15 completed the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program, which is a rigorous, six-year track that prepares students for technology-driven industries. PTECH students begin in middle school and continue through high school into two years of college, equipping them with skills and credentials that make them career-ready.
SUNY Adirondack President Anastasia Urtz, J.D., praised the graduates for their maturity and determination going forward in life.
“I want each and every one of my students to make sure that they look people in the eye and show them what you know. The skills, experiences, and confidence you have gained through this program have prepared you well for what lies ahead,” said President Urtz. “On behalf of SUNY Adirondack and our whole community, congratulations to each and every one of you. We believe in you.”
Special awards were given to students for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship. Students earned the Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the late ECCA Special Projects Administrator. The VanBuren family attended the ceremony to personally present the awards.
Student Citizenship Award Winners
- Allison Bartone, Queensbury, Pathways to Teaching
- Elisia Carpenter, Glens Falls, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Cora Dennis, North Warren, New Media
- Lee Ellis, Hudson Falls, Information Technology
- Halley LaBrecque, Bolton, New Media
- Frank Marshall, Stillwater, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Ethan Williamson, S. Glens Falls, Advanced Manufacturing
Student Leadership Award Winners
- Addison Barton, Cambridge, New Media
- Madison Braim, Corinth, New Media
- Kaden Dunkley, S. Glens Falls, Information Technology
- Ethan Gonzales, Argyle, Advanced Manufacturing
- McKenzie Johnson, Hartford, Pathways to Teaching
- Alessandra Ouellette, S. Glens Falls, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Cameron Porter, Queensbury, Business & Entrepreneurship
SkillsUSA Scholarship Award Winner
- Colton Shepard, Lake George, Business & Entrepreneurship
Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship Winners
- Addison Barton, Cambridge, New Media
- Avell Donders, Cambridge, Information Technology
- Alexis Hatch, S. Glens Falls, Pathways to Teaching
- Chloe Jasper, Corinth, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Miles Martin, Warrensburg, Advanced Manufacturing
Newly added this year was the Keirdon Brunell Memorial Scholarship and Award on behalf of Nemer Motor Corp. Keirdon was a former IT PTECH student in the program who passed away. Members of his family and the Nemer family were in attendance to present the awards as well.
Keirdon Brunell Memorial Scholarship & Award Winners
- Logan Benson, Argyle, Advanced Manufacturing
- Brody Dashnaw, Fort Edward, PTECH Graduate Award Recipient
- Isabelle Lumbra, Schuylerville, New Media
- Raegan McWain, Queensbury, Pathways to Teaching
- Caleb Stranahan, Fort Ann, Business & Entrepreneurship
Three student speakers took the podium to reflect, acknowledge and congratulate their classmates. The similar tone of each speech was one of resilience and hard work. But most importantly, the connections and true friendships they made with their classmates.
“While I learned a great deal through my college experience at ECCA, I learned much more than just academics. I learned people skills. I learned how to collaborate with others who may not always see eye to eye with me. I learned how to pursue a career in art even when it feels out of reach. No dream is impossible unless you believe it is. So do what seems like the impossible thing, no matter how hard, because we only live once,” said Addison Barton from Cambridge, a New Media student, who is also an ex-officio board member for WSWHE BOCES.
“Through the sheer amount of time that we spent together, we built a lot of connections. I think many of us will carry that forward. I'm grateful for the chance to have shared this experience with all of them and I hope to stay in touch,” said Miles Martin from Warrensburg, an Advanced Manufacturing student.
“Out of everything I learned here, the biggest lesson wasn't about the classroom, the projects, or even the experience itself. It was about the people. ECCA also taught me how important networking and relationships are for the future. The people sitting in this room today could someday become co-workers, business owners, managers, or lifelong friends,” said Aiden Swezey from Hartford, a Business & Entrepreneurship.
A number of graduates accepted full-time job offers. Others are continuing their education at the following colleges: Alfred State, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida South Western, Liberty University, Lincoln Technology Institute, Maria College, Mohawk Valley, Niagara University, Penn State, Quinnipiac University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Russell Sage College, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Canton, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic, University at Albany and University at Buffalo.
Dr. Turina Parker, District Superintendent and CEO of WSWHE BOCES closed the ceremony with words of gratitude and encouragement.
“The willingness of regional business and industry representatives to be our partners in supporting this program has truly made the difference in its success and we thank you,” said Dr. Parker. “Students, you are the next generation of professionals who will be forging paths and doing great things in the years ahead. We honor you and we wish you all the best as you continue to accomplish great things.”
The Early College Career Academy provides students with a competitive edge as they move confidently toward their future careers and academic pursuits.
A gallery of photos is available in this folder.