A Watervliet High School student with a passion for pastry will attend a prestigious culinary school this fall thanks to her training at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Albany.
Makayli Hurd, a member of Watervliet’s Class of 2025, has been accepted to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY, where she will study pastry arts starting in the fall 2025 semester.
“I am very excited,” Makayli said. “I like the CIA because of the opportunity it offers, the chefs there, and the campus, not to mention the learning ability!”
Student cites Capital Region BOCES for success
The quiet Watervliet Junior-Senior High School student credits BOCES with giving her the skills to succeed in college and in her future professional endeavors.
“Attending BOCES has helped me with time management, work ethic and knowledge of cooking,” she said, adding, “Thanks to BOCES, I have learned new techniques and skills and have had many opportunities to grow.”
BOCES Culinary Arts instructor Chef Paul Rother expressed happiness for Makayli.
“To be accepted at such a prestigious school is an honor and a great accomplishment,” he said.
Makayli will join three Class of 2024 graduates from the BOCES Culinary program who were accepted into the CIA. She is among the more than 100 students enrolled this year in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program that is offered at both the Albany and Schoharie campuses. The two-year program teaches students the skills necessary to enter the workforce as a chef or pursue additional training in college.
More information on the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology program