Randolph Academy Celebrates Class of 2021

Dozens of teachers, administrators, board members, family members and classmates cheered on our 17 graduating seniors who received their diplomas, including nine at our Hamburg campus in an early afternoon ceremony and eight at our Randolph campus in the early evening. Regents diplomas were awarded to 59 percent of the graduates, while 41 percent earned local diplomas.

Superintendent Lori DeCarlo led the day’s ceremonies along with each campus’ principal — Dr. Mary Pauly in Randolph, and Mr. Andrew Prinzing in Hamburg. Each ceremony also featured Keynote Speaker Pete Hill, a member of the Cayuga Nation and Special Initiatives coordinator for Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc. (NACS). Mr. Hill has worked with NACS for 28 years, having developed successful programs in the areas of youth development, health and wellness promotion, staff and organizational capacity, and integrating Native American cultural perspectives into program design, delivery and evaluation.

Senior Andrea Hessel shows off her diploma – and her confidence – as she readies to pursue a veterinary technician degree this fall.

An experienced trainer who has delivered hundreds of cultural competency teachings for a wide array of organizations, government agencies and community groups, Mr. Hill has been recognized several times for his work in helping the community move beyond the impact of historical traumas and related factors that have negatively impacted the inter-generational health and vitality of Native Americans. He has provided weekly culture building and personal development sessions at Randolph Academy’s Hamburg campus for two years, making a significant personal investment in these students.

Ninety-four percent of this year’s graduates were day school students, while six percent were residential students served by the district’s New Directions Youth and Family Services partner at its Randolph campus. Thirty-five percent of the Class of ’21 plans on attending college; another 35 percent intends to go on to trade school; 24 percent plans to enter the workforce directly; and six percent is still evaluating their options.

Seniors Makia Jenkins (left) and Maddi Santana share a moment of pride and accomplishment. They plan to pursue careers in nursing and mechanics, respectively.

The district’s graduating seniors include:

Hamburg Campus

  • Kylin Burgard: enrolled in 2020 from the Buffalo School District. Post-graduation plans include an interest in law enforcement and construction.
  • Kevin Cygan: enrolled in 2019 from the Gowanda School District. He is still considering his options regarding his post-graduation plans. 
  • Sean Edmunds: enrolled in 2012 from the Buffalo School District. Post-graduation plans include attending college for education. He will give the student address at commencement.
  • Jessica Hatswell: enrolled in 2018 from the Ken-Ton School District. Post-graduation, she plans on studying to become a paralegal.
  • Andrea Hessel: enrolled in 2019 from Frontier School District. Post-graduation, she plans to attend college in a Veterinary Technician program.
  • Makia Jenkins: enrolled in 2021 from the Buffalo School District. Post-graduation plans include attending college to study nursing.
  • Jocelyn Munoz: enrolled in 2019 from Gowanda School District. Post-graduation, she plans to attend college and study nursing.
  • Maddi Santana: enrolled in 2018 from the Lake Shore School District. Post-graduation plans include a program in mechanics.
  • Mitchell Tanner: enrolled in 2019 from the Frontier School District. He is interested in working in the carpentry field post-graduation.
Senior Sean Edmunds delivers the student address at the Hamburg campus’ 2021 graduation ceremony. He plans to pursue an education degree at SUNY Fredonia.

Randolph Campus

  • Aaliyah Burkes: enrolled in 2020 from Falconer Central School District. Plans to attend Jamestown Community College before transferring to a four-year college for a physical education degree.
  • William Delo, Jr.: enrolled in 2019 from Bemus Point Central School District. Plans to enter the workforce after graduation.
  • Bradley Flagg: enrolled in 2020 from Pine Valley Central School District. Plans to pursue vocational training in mechanics.
  • Desiree Hudson: enrolled in 2019 from Pioneer Central School District. Will enter the workforce after graduation.
  • Josh Jackson: enrolled in 2017 from Frewsburg Central School District. Will attend Alfred State College to study Culinary Arts.
  • Caillou McNevin: enrolled in 2013 from Gowanda Central School District. Will enter the workforce after graduation.
  • Torei Paw Wah: Formerly a residential student, now a day student who enrolled in 2017. Will attend Jamestown Community College to study business.
  • Michael Zemrose: enrolled in 2017 from Forestville Central School District. Will enter the workforce after graduation.

The ceremony also marked the final one as superintendent for Mrs. DeCarlo, who is retiring June 30 following a 36-year career with Randolph Academy, including the last 15 as superintendent. She will be succeeded by Danielle Cook, the current middle and high school principal for the Panama (N.Y.) Central School District, who will begin her new role July 1.

Retiring Superintendent Lori DeCarlo shares a moment with graduating senior and fellow Gowanda resident Kevin Cygan.