Pathways student holding a sign delivered during Senior Recognition Caravan with Patrick Corrigan standing in back

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy at Remington seniors and Special Programs seniors were recognized this year with parades of staff to each graduate’s home.

Graduates were presented with their diplomas, some gifts from the staff and dinners for the students and their families.

“It really was a joyous occasion,” Herkimer BOCES Director of Special Education and Alternative Education Roberta Matthews said. “I am so proud of our administrators and staff for creating such a personalized experience for each of our graduates. Every graduate from these programs left their BOCES experience feeling important, valued and loved.”

Because schools have been closed since mid-March in response to the coronavirus public health crisis, the usual recognition ceremonies for seniors in the Pathways Academy and Special Programs had to be replaced with a creative approach.

Pathways Academy replaced its Senior Recognition Award Ceremony with a new plan: “Go mobile,” Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan said. The Senior Recognition Caravan was invented instead and took place on Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17.

“I think the Senior Recognition Caravan was the best possible way for us to end the year,” Corrigan said. “It was amazing to see the expression on our students’ faces when we arrived at their homes. Our staff puts so much positive energy into everything they do, and this event was no exception. It was clear that everyone involved appreciated the opportunity to be together one more time. I know I will treasure this memory for years to come.”

The following are this year’s graduates from Pathways Academy or Special Programs:

  • Mathew Baldwin
  • Storm Baker
  • Jacob Braunlich
  • Dylan Coleman
  • Caitlyn Donohue
  • Hunter Farr
  • Dylan Flike
  • Johnna Geweye
  • Cheyenne Goodsill
  • Maria Hernandez
  • Julissa House
  • Michael Kimball
  • Anna Loori
  • Katelyn Price
  • Thadius Schook
  • Charles Speis
  • Amber Stevens
  • John Wood

‘Shout Outs’

During the school closures, the Herkimer BOCES Pathways Academy received some support from Stewart’s Shops in the form of ice cream scoop coupons that helped motivate students learning from home.

Students who were actively engaged in Google Classroom alongside physical copies of their work received “Shout Outs” each week in videos posted by Assistant Principal of Alternative Education Dave Itzo and had a Stewart’s ice cream coupon mailed to their homes. Word quickly spread among students about the “Shout Outs,” Corrigan said, and Pathways Academy saw a significant increase in the number of students becoming engaged in virtual learning.


Pathways student holding a sign delivered during Senior Recognition Caravan with Patrick Corrigan standing in back

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy senior Hunter Farr poses with signs and items delivered to him as part of a Senior Recognition Caravan. Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan stands behind him. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.


Pathways Academy student in cap and gown holding diploma from Senior Recognition Caravan with Patrick Corrigan and others nearby

 Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy senior Thadius Schook holds up his diploma that was delivered to him as part of a Senior Recognition Caravan. Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan next to him. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.


 

Pathways Principal Patrick Corrigan places a crown on Pathways senior's head

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan places a crown atop the head of Pathways Academy senior Julissa House during a Senior Recognition Caravan. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 

Tim Johnston presents a diploma to a student during Senior Recognition Caravan

Tim Johnston, supervisor of special education at the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES William E. Busacker Complex, presents a diploma to senior Anna Loori during a Senior Recognition Caravan to the homes of seniors. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 

Student in cap and gown holds up a diploma next to Tim Johnston and another person during Senior Recognition Caravan

Tim Johnston (left), supervisor of special education at the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES William E. Busacker Complex, presents a diploma to senior Charles Speis (middle) during a Senior Recognition Caravan to the homes of seniors. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 



 

Students next to a sign and a diploma with food about to be handed to her during senior recognition caravan

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy senior Johnna Geweye has dinner, a diploma and other items delivered to her as part of a Senior Recognition Caravan. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 

Student posing outside with Pathways Principal Patrick Corrigan holding signs and a diploma

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy senior Storm Baker poses with Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan during a Senior Recognition Caravan. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 

Pathways Principal Patrick Corrigan places a crown on student's head during senior recognition caravan

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy Principal Patrick Corrigan places a crown atop the head of Pathways Academy senior Maria Hernandez during a Senior Recognition Caravan. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.

 

Students during a virtual video conference hold up Stewart's ice cream scoop certificates they earned

Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy at Remington students hold up Stewart’s Shops ice cream certificates during a virtual meeting. They were mailed the certificates for being engaged in learning from home. View more photos at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.