Retiring Randolph Academy Superintendent Lori DeCarlo shares a moment with graduating senior and fellow Gowanda resident Kevin Cygan.

RANDOLPH — Randolph Academy, a 200-student, two-campus New York State Special Act school district, recently held its graduation ceremony.

Dozens of teachers, administrators, board members, family members and classmates cheered on the 17 seniors who received their diplomas, including nine at its Hamburg campus in an early afternoon ceremony and eight at its Randolph campus in the early evening. Regents diplomas were awarded to 59% of the graduates, while 41% earned local diplomas.

Superintendent Lori DeCarlo led the day’s ceremonies, which featured Pete Hill, keynote speaker and a member of the Cayuga Nation and Special Initiatives coordinator for Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties Inc. (NACS). Hill has worked with NACS for 28 years, having developed successful programs in the areas of youth development, health and wellness promotion, staff and organizational capacity, and integrating Native American cultural perspectives into program design, delivery and evaluation.

A trainer who has delivered hundreds of cultural competency teachings for a wide array of organizations, government agencies and community groups, Hill has been recognized several times for his work in helping the community move beyond the impact of historical traumas and related factors that have negatively impacted the inter-generational health and vitality of Native Americans. He has provided weekly culture building and personal development sessions at Randolph Academy’s Hamburg campus for two years, making a significant personal investment in these students.

Ninety-four percent of this year’s graduates were day school students, while 6% were residential students served by the district’s New Directions Youth and Family Services partner at its Randolph campus. Thirty-five percent of the Class of 2021 plans on attending college; another 35% intend to go on to trade school; 24% plan to enter the workforce directly; and 6% of the class is still evaluating their options.

The district’s graduating seniors include:

HAMBURG CAMPUS

¯ Kevin Cygan: enrolled in 2019 from the Gowanda School District. He is still considering his options regarding his post-graduation plans.

¯ Jocelyn Munoz: enrolled in 2019 from Gowanda School District. Post-graduation, she plans to attend college and study nursing.

RANDOLPH CAMPUS

¯ Aaliyah Burkes: enrolled in 2020 from Falconer Central School District. Plans to attend Jamestown Community College before transferring to a four-year college for a physical education degree.

¯ William Delo Jr.: enrolled in 2019 from Bemus Point Central School District. Plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

¯ Bradley Flagg: enrolled in 2020 from Pine Valley Central School District. Plans to pursue vocational training in mechanics.

¯ Josh Jackson: enrolled in 2017 from Frewsburg Central School District. Will attend Alfred State College to study Culinary Arts.

¯ Caillou McNevin: enrolled in 2013 from Gowanda Central School District. Will enter the workforce after graduation.

¯ Torei Paw Wah: Formerly a residential student, now a day student who enrolled in 2017. Will attend Jamestown Community College to study business.

¯ Michael Zemrose: enrolled in 2017 from Forestville Central School District. Will enter the workforce after graduation.

The ceremony also marked the final one as superintendent for Mrs. DeCarlo, who is retiring June 30 following a 36-year career with Randolph Academy, including the last 15 as superintendent. She will be succeeded by Danielle Cook, the current middle and high school principal for the Panama Central School District, who will begin her new role July 1.