Ulster BOCES welcomed students, educators, community leaders, industry partners, and elected officials to the Career Academies at iPark 87 in the evening on Tuesday, June 16 for the Ulster County Pride of Ulster Recognition Ceremony, an event celebrating excellence in career and technical education, culinary innovation, leadership, and partnership.

Highlighting the key themes of Excellence in Skilled Trades & Career Pathways, Excellence in Culinary Innovation, and Excellence Through Partnership, the ceremony recognized the students, educators, alumni, and community partners whose dedication is helping shape the future of Ulster County.
"This ceremony began with one simple idea: exceptional accomplishments deserve recognition," said dedicated parent, Elmer LeSuer during opening remarks. "These achievements represent what is possible when talented students, dedicated educators, supportive families, and strong community partners work together."

Recognizing Student Excellence
The evening celebrated five Career Pathways young professionals who earned gold medals at the 2026 New York State SkillsUSA Championships and represented New York at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference:

• Seamus Dietz – Motorcycle Service Technology
• Evan LeSuer – Restaurant Services
• Teagen Meditz – 3D Visualization & Animation
• Makayla Petreshock – Cake Decorating
• Daniel Carlos Ramos Cano – 3D Visualization & Animation

Special recognition was also presented to Michael Levi Peterson, an Ulster BOCES alumnus and current Alfred State College student whose success demonstrates the lasting impact of career and technical education, and Cameren Thibault-Edmonds, SkillsUSA Area IV Vice President, for his outstanding student leadership.

The ceremony also honored SkillsUSA advisors James McNulty, Kerri Sheehy, and Angelica Dickerson for their dedication to mentoring young professionals and supporting their success in competition and beyond. McNulty received additional recognition in honor of his retirement and years of service to Ulster BOCES.

Celebrating Culinary Innovation
A second portion of the program highlighted excellence in culinary education.
Evan LeSuer was recognized for earning the Future Food Scholarship, an achievement that reflects her creativity, research, preparation, and determination. The scholarship, presented in partnership with Johnson & Wales University College of Food Innovation & Technology, provides Evan with valuable opportunities to continue her education while also benefiting future Ulster BOCES culinary young professionals.

Chef Elise Macur, Culinary Arts Instructor at Ulster BOCES, was also recognized for her leadership in preparing students for careers in the culinary industry.

Honoring the Power of Partnership
The ceremony concluded by recognizing organizations whose partnerships continue to expand opportunities for students.

Ulster BOCES presented an Excellence Through Partnership recognition to Johnson & Wales University College of Food Innovation & Technology, accepted by Department Chair Chef Jeremy Houghton, in recognition of the growing collaboration between the two institutions and their shared commitment to creating pathways from secondary education to college and careers.

Rational was also recognized for its generous donation of a Rational iCombi Oven, an investment that will enhance hands-on learning experiences for Culinary Arts students for years to come.

The event was attended by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Ulster County Legislators Amy Dooley, Jason Kovacs, and Dominick Marino, educators, families, industry partners, and community members who gathered to celebrate the achievements and partnerships strengthening workforce development throughout Ulster County.

"Our young professionals' accomplishments are made possible through the commitment of dedicated educators, supportive families, and community partners who believe in the power of career and technical education," said Peter Harris, Ulster BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Career Pathways Program. "Together, we are creating opportunities that prepare students not only for successful careers, but for meaningful futures."