OCVTS

On we commemorate the end of slavery and celebrate freedom!

Congratulations to the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science Class of 2026! 🎓

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the 67 extraordinary students who graduated from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) on June 18, 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

MATES has been designed to provide you with a rigorous academic curriculum with a concentration in the areas of math, science, and technology. As a specialized high school developed around the marine and environmental science theme, MATES offers a unique and challenging hands-on learning experience. Your journey has been enriched by extensive fieldwork, independent research, work-based learning experiences, and environmental affiliations, offering you numerous opportunities to explore various career fields.

Our mission at MATES is to provide students in Ocean County the opportunity to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. You have participated in an intimate, integrated, and challenging curriculum with a focus on math, science, and technology. We have aimed to empower you with skills essential for post-secondary study and employment in a global community. We believe that the comprehensive education you have received here will serve as a strong foundation for your future endeavors.

We are exceptionally proud that MATES graduates have been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities such as Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Princeton University, George Washington University, and Boston University, to name a few. This is a testament to your hard work and the high standards of education that MATES upholds.

A special thank you to our distinguished commencement speakers for their inspiring words, and to all the faculty and staff whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in helping you reach this important day. Your success is a reflection of their dedication and commitment to excellence.

As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that this is not an end but a new beginning. The skills, knowledge, and experiences you have gained at MATES have prepared you to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to witnessing the incredible achievements and contributions you will make in the years to come.

Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education (Martin Luther King Jr.) Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2025!!!!!

– Alison Carroll, Principal of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science

MATESClassOf2026

🏆 🇺🇸 Ocean County Vocational Technical School State Champions Place at the SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta GA | JUNE 18, 2026

Atlanta, GA- Ocean County Vocational Technical School District proudly announces the exceptional performance of their state champion students at the esteemed National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Atlanta, GA, from June 1-5. This event, recognized as the largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce, brought together thousands of students, instructors, business partners, and administrators to celebrate excellence in career and technical education.

The National Leadership and Skills Conference provided an incredible opportunity for Ocean County Vocational Technical School students to showcase their talents and skills on a national level. The event fostered valuable interactions with other members of SkillsUSA, allowing students to broaden their network and gain exposure to different perspectives within their fields.

With over 19,000 attendees in total, including 6,800 competitors participating in 115 diverse competitions, the conference served as a platform for students to develop their leadership abilities while learning about new technologies and advancements in their respective industries. The presence of hundreds of business and industry representatives enriched the event, providing students with invaluable industry experience and insights.

Ocean County Vocational Technical School students made an impressive mark at a national-level competition, competing against more than 6,800 participants from across the country. The school is proud to announce that Electrical Trades student Patrick Florek earned a second-place silver medal in the Electrical Construction Wiring – Postsecondary competition, showcasing exceptional technical skill and craftsmanship. Ocean County Vocational Technical School also celebrates Michael Messina for his outstanding performance in the Heavy Equipment Operator competition, where he earned an eighth-place finish, as well as Aiden Flanagan for his exceptional creativity in the Photography – Postsecondary competition, where he also placed eighth nationally. These outstanding accomplishments reflect the students' hard work, dedication, and talent while highlighting the high-quality career and technical education provided by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District.

In addition, several students earned the prestigious SkillsUSA Skill Point Certificate, an industry-recognized credential awarded to national competitors who meet or exceed rigorous, industry-defined performance standards. Widely respected by employers, the certificate validates occupational proficiency and workplace readiness, serving as evidence that recipients have demonstrated the technical knowledge and competencies required to meet national industry benchmarks. Among this distinguished group, Jeffrey Ni, a student at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, showcased his advanced problem-solving abilities in the Related Technical Math competition. Thomas Giersch, from the Marine Service Technology program, demonstrated his technical expertise in the Marine Service Technology competition. Annamariella Leal Marron, a student in the Cosmetology program, competed with professionalism and creativity in the Postsecondary Esthetics competition, while Diana Perez displayed exceptional technical artistry in the Postsecondary Barbering competition. Patrick Florek earned both a SkillsUSA Skill Point Certificate and a national silver medal, while Michael Messina earned a SkillsUSA Skill Point Certificate in addition to placing eighth nationally. Collectively, these accomplishments reflect the students' dedication, technical excellence, and the exceptional quality of career and technical education provided by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District.

Ocean County Vocational Technical School extends their heartfelt congratulations to their state champion and gold medalist students for their outstanding achievements at the National Leadership and Skills Conference. This remarkable success underscores the dedication, commitment, and exceptional skills of the students, as well as the unwavering support provided by their instructors, administrators, and business partners.

The National Leadership and Skills Conference stands as a testament to the bright future of career and technical education, highlighting the importance of skilled service occupations. Ocean County Vocational Technical School remains committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen fields.

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https://bit.ly/ocvtskillscomp2026

New Jersey Department of Education Middle States Association NJ SkillsUSA SkillsUSA Jersey Shore Online The Asbury Park Press Toms River Education Association Career Tech NJ Association for Career and Technical Education Ocean County Government

At the June 17 meeting of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, students from the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Academy of Law and Public Safety (ALPS) and Grunin Performing Arts Academy (GPAA) shared their experiences in their programs and discussed their plans for college, careers, and life after graduation.
The students reflected on the opportunities, skills, and mentorship they received through OCVTS and how those experiences helped prepare them for their next chapter. We thank them for joining us and wish them continued success as they pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

At the June 17 meeting of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, students from the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Academy of Law and Public Safety (ALPS) and Grunin Performing Arts Academy (GPAA) shared their experiences in their programs and discussed their plans for college, careers, and life after graduation.

The students reflected on the opportunities, skills, and mentorship they received through OCVTS and how those experiences helped prepare them for their next chapter. We thank them for joining us and wish them continued success as they pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi | Deputy Director Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione | Commissioner Robert Arace | Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen | Commissioner Ray Gormley

MATES Class of 2026 College Decisions
Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science


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Congratulations to OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy senior Dance major Katarina Connors, winner of the WOBM Student of the Week Annual Contest! Katarina was presented with a $3,000 prize during a special check presentation this morning at Gateway Toyota in Toms River. Representing WOBM was radio host Sean Michaels, who joined the Gateway Toyota management team to congratulate Katarina on this outstanding achievement. 🎓🎭

92.7 WOBM OCVTS GPAA PTSO

Congratulations to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School's Pre-Nursing and Audio Engineering Class of 2026! 🎓

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of 11 Audio Engineering and 30 Pre-Nursing students who graduated on June 10, 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

Our Pre-Nursing and Audio Engineering graduates have mastered a wide range of skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Whether you're stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or even starting your own business, we know you'll make a significant impact in your chosen fields.

A special thank you to our commencement speakers for the inspiring words, and to all the faculty and staff whose unwavering support helped our graduates reach this day.

Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities. We can't wait to see where your skills and passions take you next. Keep reaching for the stars, Class of 2026! 🌟

Congratulations to the OCVTS 10 Month Accelerated Adult Program Class of 2026! 🎓

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the 101 incredible adult students who graduated from the 10 Month Accelerated Adult Programs on June 15, 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

From Automotive Technology, New Home Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Certified Medical Assistant, to Precision Machine Technology, our graduates have mastered a wide range of skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Whether you're stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or even starting your own business, we know you'll make a significant impact in your chosen fields.

A special thank you to our commencement speakers for the inspiring words, and to all the faculty and staff whose unwavering support helped our graduates reach this day.

Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities. We can't wait to see where your skills and passions take you next. Keep reaching for the stars, Class of 2026! 🌟
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“In just 10 months, Accelerated Programs have earned industry credentials which have positioned them for success in their trades. This year, I observed many of these experiences in the classrooms. They included but were not limited to cutting brake drums on a car, programming CNC machines to make tools and parts, renovating and building a house, taking blood and caring for patients, making sophisticated meals and cutting hair for me and the community are among the few. They have built a base of technical knowledge and application of it which will surely be an asset to our community's workforce. They have been formed into a caring professional who can solve problems and provide service for our community. I thank our County Commissioners, Board of Education and Central Administration for supporting these programs and wish all the graduate’s success in their careers.”

– Jeremy Dusza, Principal of Adult Education

OCVTS Adult Education Division OCVTS Employment & Industry Development

Congratulations to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School's Toms River Center’s Class of 2026! 🎓

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the 190 incredible students who graduated from the Toms River Center on June 10, 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

From Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, Electrical Trades, Computer Science, Computer Networking, Health and Fitness, Marine Service, Medical Assistant, Pre-Nursing, Welding, Legal Studies to Retail Store our graduates have mastered a wide range of skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Whether you're stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or even starting your own business, we know you'll make a significant impact in your chosen fields.

A special thank you to our commencement speakers for the inspiring words, and to all the faculty and staff whose unwavering support helped our graduates reach this day.

Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities. We can't wait to see where your skills and passions take you next. Keep reaching for the stars, Class of 2026! 🌟

“Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Completing your vocational training is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and passion for your chosen field. You have not only acquired invaluable skills but also demonstrated a commitment to excellence that will serve you well in your professional journey. Congratulations once again, and best of luck in all your future endeavors!”

– Christine Santasieri, Principal of OCVTS Toms River Center

Congratulations to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School's Brick Center’s Class of 2026! 🎓

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the 286 incredible students who graduated from the Brick Center on June 11, 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

From Automotive, Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Fashion Design
Design & Visual Communications, HVAC-R, Child Care, Career Dynamics, Information Technology, Multimedia, to Service Occupations, our graduates have mastered a wide range of skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Whether you're stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or even starting your own business, we know you'll make a significant impact in your chosen fields.

A special thank you to our commencement speakers for the inspiring words, and to all the faculty, staff, and administration whose unwavering support helped our graduates reach this day.

Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities. We can't wait to see where your skills and passions take you next. Keep reaching for the stars, Class of 2026! 🌟

“Congratulations to all of the OCVTS completers. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished during your time here. Good luck in all of your future endeavors and please, always remember the value of the education that you have gained at OCVTS.” – Lynn Sauer, Principal of OCVTS Brick Center