Thirteen seniors from the Tri Academy and Career Development Academy were recognized during this year’s Alternative and Special Education Recognition Ceremony.

Program leaders, staff and family members attended the ceremony to celebrate these graduates, who represent Camden, Oneida, Rome and VVS. Director Jim Weaver and MOBOCES board member Joe Monfiletto told students how proud they are of their achievements.

“To our graduates, we’ve always accepted and embraced you for who you are,” Weaver said. “Grab the future and remember it’s your destiny to be better than good enough.”

See more photos from the ceremony on our Facebook page.

This year’s senior class:

From Camden: Alex Rocker
From Oneida: Jamie Sipley
From Rome: AJ Ayala, Anthony Ciccotti, James Delahunt, Desyre Drake, Aydon Hoyt, Chance Mowry, Maricelys Rivera, Dylan Robbins, Messiah Robinson, Jarrett Seamons
From VVS: Trevor Christensen

At the ceremony, program leaders also presented nine special recognition awards celebrating students for their academics, attendance, citizenship, growth and future potential. The 12 award winners represent Camden, Canastota, Rome and Sherburne-Earlville.

This year’s award winners:

HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Synjanna Armstrong-Navarro (Rome) and Messiah Robinson (Rome)

ATTENDANCE AWARD: Thomas Hutchings (Sherburne-Earlville) and Chance Mowry (Rome)

MOST IMPROVED AWARD: Gabriel Lacey (Camden) and Chance Mowry (Rome)

CAREER READY AWARD: Dylan Robbins (Rome) and Maricelys Rivera (Rome)

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: Duncan Anderson (Canastota) and Anthony Ciccotti (Rome)

MOBOCES TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Aydon Hoyt (Rome) and Desyre Drake (Rome)

CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Desyre Drake (Rome) and Jacob Johnson (Camden)

STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD: Gabriel Lacey (Camden) and Maricelys Rivera (Rome)

DREAM BIG AWARD: Aydon Hoyt (Rome) and Messiah Robinson (Rome)