Zane McCormick-Blaine, a student in the CISCO and Cybersecurity program at Ulster BOCES Career Academies at iPark 87, representing Rondout Valley High School, has been selected as one of only two 2026 recipients of the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award for ACTEA Zone 4, representing the Hudson Valley region including Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.

Zane is a quietly remarkable leader whose impact is felt throughout the Ulster BOCES community. As Curation Team Lead and Phoenix Academy Ambassador, he manages multimedia content for 21 technology programs, welcomes prospective students and families, leads school tours, and represents the program with professionalism and authenticity. He was hand-selected to represent Phoenix Academy at a district-wide conference, where he collaborated with administrators and educators to provide strategic input on school culture and student experience.

Outside of the school day, Zane volunteers as Photography Team Lead, documenting the student experience on his own time. He has also partnered with a community member to design and fabricate devices that improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Zane has earned the Ulster BOCES Principal’s Award, four Cisco certifications, and multiple fabrication micro-credentials. His teacher, Jesse Roth, describes him as an insightful and creative thinker who will be “an asset to any institution.” Zane’s combination of technical expertise, humility, creativity, and commitment to service reflects the very purpose of the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award.

“These students represent the very best of Career and Technical Education,” said Ulster BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design, Career Pathways Programs, Peter Harris, who serves as ACTEA Zone 4 Representative & President of NYSACTE. “Through leadership, technical skill, innovation, and service to others, they demonstrate the powerful impact of CTE experiences in preparing young people for success in college, careers, and community leadership.”

Career and Technical Education programs across New York State provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, industry-connected learning experiences that prepare them for both college and career success. Through partnerships with business, industry, labor, and post-secondary institutions, CTE students develop technical expertise, professional skills, and leadership capacities that support lifelong success.

Presented through the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA), the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award recognizes Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who exemplify leadership, service, technical excellence, and commitment to their communities. Recipients are selected based on their accomplishments in Career and Technical Education, leadership experiences, community involvement, future goals, and recommendations from educators and mentors. Each award includes a $500 scholarship to support students as they continue their educational and career journeys.

Named in honor of Thomas Olivo, a respected advocate and champion for Career and Technical Education, the award celebrates students who embody the values of service, professionalism, collaboration, and leadership through CTE.