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A perfect 10: E2CCB Special Education students graduate

Submitted Photos Above: Nate Bonafede, Jenna Fisher, Johnathan Sheldon, Trever “Jimmy” Kneer, Josh Eidens, Devin Bush and Donovan Silleman are members of the Special Education division’s Class of 2017 at the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia. Below: Graduating senior Johnathan Sheldon of Dunkirk City Schools took home two awards and offered a heartfelt goodbye to his fellow graduates and the staff at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES during the ceremony.

The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES held a senior recognition ceremony June 20 for the 10 graduates of the Special Education division at the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia.

Supervisor of Special Education Melanie Ulinger welcomed the graduates, their family and friends.

“Today is about the students that are seated here today,” said Ulinger. “Each one of them has worked extremely hard to be here, and it is through their hard work and dedication that they can say that they are high school graduates.”

Instructors then presented the graduates with their diplomas. Next, as is tradition at LoGuidice, the graduates presented a single rose to a loved one in the audience. Musical entertainment was provided by teacher aide Daniel Bolles, who sang “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.

The presentation of awards and scholarships was helmed by Amy Montgomery, a teacher in the Work Experience program.

Johnathan Sheldon of Dunkirk City Schools received the Robert Guiffreda Award and the TBEA Leadership Memorial Award. Devin Bush of Brocton Central School received the Unified Support Association Award.

Assistant Superintendent Danielle O’Connor and Director of Alternative and Special Education Jennifer Saboda along with Ulinger then presented the diplomas to the graduates.

At the close of the ceremony, the Sheldon took a moment to wish a fond farewell to his classmates and the E2CCB staff.

“I can’t believe we did it, but we did it,” said Sheldon. “I’m really going to miss you guys.”

The Class of 2017 comprises: Nathan Bonafede, Jenna Fisher and Donovan Silleman of Pine Valley Central School; Devin Bush, Joshua Eidens, Erika Gernatt, and Derek Lindstrom of Brocton Central School District; Wayne Francis of Lake Shore Central School District; Trever Kneer of Jamestown City Schools; and Johnathan Sheldon of Dunkirk City School District.

Afterward, everyone was welcome to celebrate and enjoy light refreshments in the student-run EBrew coffee shop, an on-campus work experience site.

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