This week several students were recognized during the 2025 Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day held Thursday, May 30, at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center in Albany. The annual event honors high school seniors entering technical trades and celebrates partnerships between students, families, educators, and local industry leaders.

The event, modeled after the NCAA’s National Signing Day for student-athletes, recognized 40 students from across the region as they signed letters of intent for employment with area businesses and unions. More than 150 people, including family members, educators, and industry representatives, gathered to support the students’ career commitments.

Among those honored were Hunter David (Welding and Metal Fabrication), Kalea Graves (Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers), Ariana Nahlupin (Cosmetology), and Brianna Toro (Cosmetology), all seniors from Colonie Central High School.

Each of these students has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their chosen field:

• Hunter David will join Met Weld International, applying skills he honed through the welding program.
• Kalea Graves signed with Loudonville Assisted Living Residence, continuing her path in health careers with a strong foundation in patient care and safety.
• Ariana Nahlupin will work with NY CREATES, pursuing her passion in cosmetology.
  Brianna Toro committed to Sports Clips Haircuts of Colonie, where she will bring her technical skills and customer service training into a professional salon setting.

These students were celebrated not just for their employment commitments, but for the hard work, certifications, and hands-on experiences they’ve accumulated through BOCES programs. Each one has taken a significant step toward a successful and fulfilling career.

“We are incredibly proud of our Colonie students who participated in National Signing Day,” said the Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “Their achievements reflect the power of career and technical education and the strength of our community partnerships. These students are entering the workforce with valuable skills, confidence, and purpose.”

The Capital Region BOCES Signing Day event was part of the national SkillsUSA Signing Day initiative and highlights the importance of workforce development in trades and technical fields.

Congratulations to all of our students for their achievements and for showing what it means to “Run with the Pack” beyond the classroom.