Three Minisink Valley seniors were among 18 seniors recognized at Orange-Ulster BOCES recent Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day.

The first-ever event recognized these students who, after completing their CTE programs in June and any additional requirements by the hiring agency, will be heading directly to careers at LEGOLAND New York and The Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS), comprised of Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

Joshua Decker, a student in the Basic Office Applications Program, is doing an internship at LEGOLAND New York and has accepted a permanent position there.

Courtney Elwood and Samantha Knibbs will join GHVHS as nurse assistants after graduation.

Representatives from both organizations were on hand to present the students with ceremonial paperwork, along with family members, classmates and OU BOCES faculty and staff members.

Orande Daring, CTE director, said that though signing days are a routinely held for high school athletes committing to college teams, doing the same for CTE students is a new and growing concept intended to help get the word out about the value of CTE.

OU BOCES offers 37 CTE programs which give students the opportunity to graduate from high school with technical experience, professional skills, and national industry certifications.