Cobleskill’s Waage Earns Statewide Scholarship

ALBANY/COBLESKILL — A graduate of Capital Region BOCES and Cobleskill-Richmondville High School is the recipient of the 2026 Michael Endres Memorial Scholarship.

The Shay Legacy Foundation late last month announced the award to Cobleskill’s Lydia Waage. 

Endres was a longtime member of the Trucking Association of New York and a passionate supporter of the SuperTech Competition, serving as chairman of the event until his passing in 2020. As the owner of Mohawk Truck, he understood the importance of education, training and lifelong learning for the next generation of technicians.

The $2,000 scholarship was established to honor the Endes’ legacy and commitment. 

Waage is a graduate of the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation (HERO) program who served as president of the SkillsUSA organization on the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus. Waage also took part in Women in the Trades events that served to recruit the next generation of female tradespeople.

She took part in the 2026 National Signing Day activities at Capital Region BOCES and is going to work for Casella Waste Products while also attending SUNY Cobleskill.

“Lydia’s achievement is a wonderful reflection of her dedication, hard work and commitment to the diesel and transportation industry. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful to the Shay Legacy Foundation for investing in the future of our students,” said Alan Gaines, Shay Legacy Foundation Executive Director.

CTE faculty and staff praised the scholar.

“Lydia is a hardworking and determined young lady. She is always willing to go the extra distance to further her education/career goals,” said her teacher, Matt Millard.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said Waage is a “hard-working, diligent student with a bright future.”

For her part, Waage said her two years at BOCES “have been great.”

“BOCES has given me many opportunities to grow personally and professionally,” she said.