2026 Honorees
Educational Foundation Showcases Student Scholarships and Teacher Innovation at June Board Meeting
The Erie 1 BOCES Educational Foundation highlighted both student achievement and instructional innovation during a special presentation held prior to the Erie 1 BOCES Board of Education meeting on June 10, 2026. The event, held at the Education Campus, recognized this year’s scholarship recipients while also celebrating the impact of Foundation-funded teacher mini-grants.
Back Row: Noah Ost, Scott Lachut, and Brenna Towle; Front Row: Jane Ogilvie, Lindsey Meyers, and Sharon Shilen
During the presentation, Lindsey Meyers, principal of eAcademy, addressed the audience to share her experience with the Donald Ogilvie Memorial Teacher Mini Grant Program, named in honor of a former Erie 1 BOCES district superintendent. She emphasized how the program has supported innovative teaching and learning, noting that in fall 2026, nine eAcademy teachers were awarded a combined total of $2,000 in mini-grants to purchase technology equipment for their students. The funding is intended to enhance student success in virtual learning environments. Several eAcademy teachers, along with additional educators who were awarded mini-grants in the spring, were present and recognized during the event.
The Foundation also celebrated the 2025–26 scholarship recipients. Through the continued support of Amherst Federal Credit Union, two $1,000 High School Scholarships were awarded to Erie 1 BOCES students who demonstrated strong academic performance and clear career goals.
Otto Borden, representing Williamsville Central School District, was honored for his work in the Electronics and Applied Technologies program at the Harkness Career and Technical Education Center under the instruction of Travis Mawhir. Otto was recognized for his commitment to the engineering field and shared plans to study robotics engineering in college, with the goal of pursuing a future in engineering management.
Giuliana Bishouty, representing Clarence Central School District, was also recognized during the ceremony. A student in Anthony Lleras’ Education Pathways Academy (New Visions, Education) class, Giuliana was celebrated for her passion for teaching and language studies. She shared plans to pursue a degree in education, focusing on Spanish and French, with the goal of becoming a culturally responsive educator and Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages for grades 7 through 12.
Sadie Burr of Lancaster Central School District
The presentation included the announcement of the Dr. Leonard Katz Scholarship, a $1,000 award given annually to a student who exemplifies compassion and community service. The scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Leonard Katz, remembered not only for his work as a gastroenterologist, but also for his deep commitment to community involvement.
This year’s recipient, Sadie Burr of Lancaster Central School District, was recognized for both her academic achievements and her outstanding service to others. A student in Christine Tillman’s Connection Health program (New Visions), Sadie was commended for her volunteer work with the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance and Creative Therapies, where she supported children and families receiving early intervention services. She shared plans to attend Binghamton University to study integrative neuroscience as she works toward her goal of becoming a physician.
Educational Foundation representatives and members of Erie 1 BOCES Board of Education congratulated each of the honorees, noting their dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and classrooms.
The evening reflected the Erie 1 BOCES Educational Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in both students and educators, supporting academic success while advancing innovative teaching practices across the region.
Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall, Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District; honoree Otto Borden; and instructor Travis Mawhir.
Presenter Judith Katz, honoree Sadie Burr, and instructor Christine Tillman.
Instructor Anthony Lleras and honoree Giuliana Bishouty.
Lindsey Meyers, principal of eAcademy, addressed the audience.
Nancy Bojanowski, president of the Educational Foundation, addressed attendees at the event.
Elizabeth Angelbeck, director of the Educational Foundation, spoke to the audience about an upcoming golf fundraiser.