Congratulations to the 59 adult students who earned their high school diplomas this year through the BOCES Consortium of Continuing Education (BCCE), a adult education partnership between MOBOCES and Oneida BOCES! They received their diplomas in a formal cap-and-gown ceremony on June 26 at Oneida BOCES in New Hartford. 

BCCE offers students two pathways to a high school diploma: the National External Diploma Program or the High School Equivalency Diploma Program. NEDP allows students to earn their diplomas by demonstrating skills gained through life and work experiences, using a performance-based assessment model. The HSE Diploma Program allows adults to earn a diploma by passing state-approved exams in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

Each graduate reached this milestone with their own story and purpose—many overcoming personal challenges along the way. These stories were highlighted in the graduate keynote speeches.

Hannah Botelho, a High School Equivalency graduate, spoke about her path from hardship to hope: “You are never too broken to start again. You are never too far gone to build a life you’re proud of. And sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you—or you daring to believe in yourself—to change everything.”

Yahaira Hilario, representing the National External Diploma Program, signed her speech while her interpreter delivered it aloud. She addressed future graduates, urging them never to give up on their journey. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they have overcome many challenges. She encouraged them to keep striving towards their dreams, likening their path to climbing a mountain. Hilario proudly shared, “Even though English isn't my first language—American Sign Language is—I've made it this far, and I’m proud of that!”

This year’s graduates are:

National External Diploma Program 
Kayla Bernal

Joseph Cayton

Linsey Garcia

Kira Gilmore

Yahaira Juliana Hilario

Ryan Jones

Yessenia Jorge

Sophanny Lathan

Belinda Radcliffe

Tiffany Ramos

Jamal Reed

Kristin Roesman

Carmecita Rosado

Jeizan A. Ruiz

Elizabeth Sampson

Carissa B. Steinborn

Khun Suaung

High School Equivalency Diploma 

YouthBuild Program

Rachel Carswell

Daniel J. Coleman IV

Makayla Gordon

Jayden M. Hernandez

Ericka Pike

Regents Exam Pathways

Thatarithsamony M. Alzendani

Madisyn Askew

Eriberto A. Avila Valderramos

Laiken A. Bixler

Hanna Botelho

Ashlyn Cackett

Hannah R. Coleman

Neveah Conley

Hector Davila

Kathryn Davis

Alec DeBella

Donna Doolen

Earl A. Duncan, Jr.

Noemi Emaniel

Jordan D. Gerace

Toni Hungerford

Dylan Kimball

Rick L. King

Chelsea E. Kirk

Sophia Klosek

Danasulique Lanaux

Joseph R. Leuenberger

Blanco Seven Machuca-Barnett

Ashly Manning

Denzel McClendon

Alexander J. McLiesh

Alicea McNally

Nutthasinee Moonsuk

Maung Oo

Chasity Perkins

Olivia P. Rzepka

Dialo J. Sanchez

Krishan N. Sesathpura

Suriya

Chloe Thien

Key Trinidad

Jordynn A. Waters