2 Orleans/Niagara BOCES employees win 2023 WNYSEC Awards of Excellence

Submitted by Lisa Bielmeier

Orleans/Niagara BOCES Public Relations Director

Lisa Bielmeier, public relations director of Orleans/Niagara BOCES, and Scott Brauer, a Niagara Career and Technical Education Center Project-Based Engineering teacher, were among the 18 recognized from across the Western New York area by the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYSEC) on April 26 at the Awards of Excellence ceremony.

WNYSEC is an organization that provides support for the educational community, such as professional development, mentoring opportunities and research. Each year, WNYSEC honors exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators and board of education members for their outstanding service to their students, schools, district and community.

Bielmeier has been the BOCES’ public relations director for 25 years, and received the WNYSEC Award of Excellence for Support Staff Services. In her role, she supports Orleans/Niagara BOCES and several of its component districts in promoting their students, staff and programs and the importance of education.

Brauer has taught the project-based engineering program for the past 27 years, and received the WNYSEC Award of Excellence for Teaching. He started as a student at O/N BOCES in the precision machining program, worked in industry for 15 years, and then came back to BOCES as a teacher in career and technical education and adult education. He has been a SkillsUSA lead adviser, TCI trainer and church deacon for many years. Brauer has helped to develop many student- and youth-centered programs and helped to mentor many teachers.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall, who nominated the two individuals, said he could not be prouder of their achievements and the positive impact they have made in the educational community in Orleans and Niagara counties.