Lily Macaulay, daughter of Rob and Stephanie Macaulay, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for October 2026.

Lily is a senior at Gouverneur Central School and is enrolled in the Building Trades II program at the Southwest Career and Technical Education Center.

Lily is a hardworking student, a natural leader, and a positive role model for her peers. Lily comes to class prepared each day, consistently strives to do her best and is always willing to support and encourage others in the program.

Outside the classroom, Lily is an active member of the Gouverneur track team and the National Technical Honor Society at Southwest Tech. She also volunteers weekly for Friends 4 Pound Paws. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and going to yoga.

After graduation, Lily plans to attend esthetician school to pursue a career in the beauty industry.

Building Trades Instructor:
Alexander Fuller

Carson LeRoux, son of Majonica Drake and Edward Drake, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for May 2026.

Carson is a senior at Clifton-Fine Central School and is enrolled in the Professions in Education II program at the Southwest Career & Technical Education Center.

Known for his kind and conscientious nature, Carson is also recognized as a gregarious, intelligent, and affable student. He is a strong collaborator and communicator who has developed a passion for pursuing a career in special education.

In addition to his academic achievements, Carson is actively involved in athletics at Clifton-Fine, participating in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He also serves his community as a junior firefighter with the Star Lake Fire Department.

Following graduation, Carson plans to attend SUNY Plattsburgh to study special education.

Professions in Education Instructor: Annie Ruberti

Makeena Peabody, daughter of Sausha Pierce, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for June 2026.

Makeena is a senior at Harrisville Central School and is enrolled in the Health & Emergency Rescue Occupations II program at the Southwest Career and Technical Education Center.

Makeena is a hardworking student, a leader, and a positive role model for her peers. She consistently demonstrates the professionalism and dedication required to excel in the emergency medical services field. Throughout the program, Makeena has distinguished herself as a dependable and responsible student who is always prepared and ready to work.

She boasts excellent attendance and a work ethic that sets her apart. She is consistently eager to learn, uses her time effectively, and submits all assignments complete and on time. Whether she is working independently on complex modules or collaborating during skills labs, she puts forth tremendous effort and takes initiative without needing to be prompted. Makeena has passed her New York State EMT practical skills examination and has earned certifications in ICS 100, ICS 700, AWR-160, First Aid, CPR, AED for all ages, and Stop the Bleed.

Makeena is involved in many extracurricular activities at Harrisville Central and volunteers with numerous organizations. She is a member of the National Honor Society at Harrisville Central and the National Technical Honor Society at Southwest Tech. She serves as class secretary and is president of both the Yearbook Club and Green Team. She volunteers for Backpack Club, Varsity Club, HOBY, SRA, YAC, and the school musical.

In her free time, Makeena enjoys reading, crocheting, and baking. After graduation, she plans to attend St. John Fisher University to pursue a degree in nursing.

Health & Emergency Rescue Occupations Instructor: Brandon Hayden

Niklas Tharaldsen, son of Stephen and Jana Tharaldsen, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for April 2026.

Niklas is a senior at Gouverneur Central School and is enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operation II program at the Southwest Career & Technical Education Center.

Niklas is an exceptional student and a role model for his classmates. He is a talented and hardworking individual with a positive attitude. He is always eager to learn and willing to help others when needed. His long-term goal is to become a teacher in the heavy equipment field or to work for a local municipality.

Niklas is a member of the National Technical Honor Society at Southwest Tech and is also part of the Liberty Partnership Program at Gouverneur Central School. Outside of school, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.

Heavy Equipment Operation Instructor: Monty Phinney

Ryanna Todd, daughter of James and Jenna Todd, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for May 2026.

Ryanna is a senior at Clifton-Fine Central School and is enrolled in the Metalworking II program at the Southwest Career & Technical Education Center.

Ryanna is an inspiration to both her classmates and teachers. She is an extremely hardworking student who consistently takes on responsibilities and projects without hesitation. She has earned her DOT certification in metalworking and has competed in SkillsUSA competitions during both her junior and senior years, placing second in New York State as a junior.

In addition to her academic achievements, Ryanna is highly involved in both her school and community. At Southwest Tech, she serves as a student ex-officio board member for SLL BOCES, vice president of SkillsUSA, and a member of the National Technical Honor Society. At Clifton-Fine Central School, she serves as class president, student council secretary, Drama Club treasurer, Language Club vice president, Music Club treasurer, and Yearbook vice president. She is also involved in Impetus, Jazz Band, Envirothon, and Newspaper Club, while participating in softball, golf, basketball, and volleyball. In the community, Ryanna serves as captain of the Star Lake Junior Firefighters.

Metalworking Instructor: Jared Prashaw

Lauren Peacock, daughter of Jeanne Besaw and Danforth Peacock, has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Student of the Month at Southwest Tech (SLL BOCES) for April 2026.

Lauren is a senior at Hermon-DeKalb Central School and is enrolled in the Building Trades II program at the Southwest Career and Technical Education Center.

Lauren is a hardworking student, a leader, and a positive role model for her peers. She comes to class prepared each day and consistently strives to do her best while supporting others in the program.

She is an active member of the soccer, basketball, and softball teams at Hermon-DeKalb. Lauren also participates in band, National Honor Society, and student council. In her free time, she enjoys baking, fishing, and spending time with friends. After graduation, she plans to attend SUNY Canton to pursue a degree in engineering.

Building Trades Instructor: Alexander Fuller