Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter
May 2012
In This Issue
Student Success - Gregory Garvin
Alumnus Spotlight - Kaitlyn Reading
Upcoming EASTERN Events
Inside EASTERN
Dates to Remember
Facts about CTE
Want to support EASTERN student awards?

EASTERN's Foundation exists to encourage students in their pursuit of career ambitions that were developed and strengthened by attending EASTERN. The Foundation rewards student success and achievement through scholarships and awards.  Please visit www.eastech.org/home/eastern-foundation/   

Mission Statement 

 

The mission of Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, a leader in technology and in developing innovative, responsive programs, is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to select, enter and succeed in a career, and to anticipate and adapt to change by providing high-quality technical instruction and specialized services. 

Student Success - Gregory Garvin; April Student of the Month

Gregory Garvin is the April 2012 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in his second year of EASTERN's Collision Repair Technology program and a senior at Abington High School. The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN's faculty, Joint Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.

 

At EASTERN, Gregory maintains an A average in his Collision Repair Technology program while being active in SkillsUSA as the Collision Repair Technology 2011 - 2012 Class Treasurer. He received second place for Collision Repair Technology at the SkillsUSA District Competition held January 31 - February 1, 2012 at the Western Center for Technical Studies in Limerick, PA.

 

Throughout the year, Gregory volunteered his time representing EASTERN and his Collision Repair Technology program at recruitment events such as EASTERN's 10th Grade Career Expo.  Gregory is the 2011 - 2012 student representative for EASTERN's Collision Repair Technology Occupational Advisory Committee. Last summer, Gregory was a teacher's aide for EASTERN's Summer Fun Auto Mechanics and Collision Repair program for middle school students. 

 

Through his Collision Repair Technology program at EASTERN, Gregory received his SP/2 Certification for Collision Pollution Training and Collision Safety.  Both his father and sister attended EASTERN, so early on Gregory knew the value of career and technical education and the opportunities available at EASTERN.

 

At Abington High School, Gregory is an honor roll and distinguished honor roll recipient.  Outside of school, Gregory still finds time to participate on the Abington Township ice hockey team, and volunteers for the Glenside Youth Athletic Club baseball team and Rau Animal Hospital.  He has also been providing landscaping services locally since 2006.

 

After completion of his EASTERN program and graduation from Abington High School, Gregory plans to attend Montgomery County Community College for Business.  Eventually, he would like to take over for his Collision Repair Technology Instructor, Steve Parke.

Alumnus Spotlight - Kaitlyn Reading

EASTERN 2009 Cosmetology/Upper Moreland High School graduate, Kaitlyn Reading, is enjoying prosperous careers in both of her chosen fields - cosmetology and education.  She is currently a hair stylist at Shear Madness in Abington, PA, and teaches the toddler class at Hearts 'n Hands Childcare in Hatboro.

 

After high school graduation and completing her program at EASTERN, Reading passed the State Board Examination for Cosmetology. She then continued her education through Penn State University's "Better Kid Care" Child Development Associate Credential online program.  Reading now volunteers her time as a member of EASTERN's Cosmetology Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC), which helps the instructors and administration to keep the program's curriculum state-of-the-art. During her time at EASTERN, Reading was very involved with the school's student leadership organization, SkillsUSA.

 

"I was able to pay for my Penn State education because of my career in cosmetology," said Reading. "If you are considering EASTERN for Cosmetology - don't hesitate.  Go for it! I didn't think it would be my career but as I learned more I fell in love with the industry," continued Reading. "I enjoyed the opportunities for recognition through SkillsUSA and their many competitions. Cosmetology at EASTERN helped me figure out my career path.  I joined the Cosmetology OAC because I was excited to give back to a class that gave me so much."    

 

EASTERN's Cosmetology program is a two-year half-day program that provides the skills necessary to begin a career in the cosmetology field. In Pennsylvania, as well as other states, cosmetologists and nail technicians must be licensed to practice in the field.

Upcoming Events at EASTERN - EASTERN Awards Night is May 31; Foundation Auction Fundraiser is November 9
EASTERN's Awards Night will be held 7 p.m. on May 31, 2012 at Upper Moreland High School.  

 

Last year, 115 students were recognized for their achievements with $34,900 awarded in the form of scholarships, tools of the trade, plaques, certificates and checks. Awards Night recognizes students who are on the honor roll, Students of the Month through the year, medal winners at SkillsUSA District and State Competitions, winners of special end-of-year awards, and those who have perfect attendance.  

 

Student awards are provided by the EASTERN Foundation, and supported by businesses, various community organizations, and individual donors.  The purpose of EASTERN's Foundation is to recognize EASTERN student achievement and success, by assisting both students whose goal is post-secondary education and students who intend to start a rewarding career. Our business and industry partners inspired this effort and continue to support it extensively. 

 

The EASTERN Foundation conducts an annual silent/live auction fundraiser to support student awards.  This year the fundraiser will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 from 6 - 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are $30 per person, and $50 per couple, which includes appetizers and dessert provided by EASTERN's Culinary Arts students, a bidder number for some amazing auction items and live music. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806 or ashields@eastech.org. 

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Culinary Arts Student Selected for Congress-Bundestag Scholarship

EASTERN Culinary Arts/Abington High School senior, Jillian Plum, is the recipient of the Congress-Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange Program Scholarship.  This scholarship provides Jillian the unique opportunity to live and work in Germany for one year after graduation.  Jillian is the third EASTERN student to win this prestigious scholarship in the last 10 years.  

 

Jillian applied for this scholarship in January 2012, and was informed on April 9, 2012 of her acceptance. The application consisted of several essays, three letters of recommendation, an overall GPA of 3.0, and an interview at the Department of Education in Harrisburg. This program, funded by the United States Congress and the German Bundestag, allows graduating high school seniors to spend a year in Germany living with a host family, participating in a training or school program, and most importantly, getting hands-on work experience through an internship with a German company. Jillian will be interviewing for a position in the Hospitality Management industry.

 

Jillian is also a SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Officer for 2011 - 2012, EASTERN's October Student of the Month, and the recipient of the 2011 EASTERN Director's Award, and the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Award. At Abington High School, Jillian is a member of the Key Club, in which she volunteered for the 24-Hour Relay, one of the Citizens and Police Together organization's undertakings to raise money for Abington youth and community programs. Jillian is a Cheerleader and she was named the 2010 MVP for her outstanding leadership skills.  She is employed as a store clerk and cake decorator at Weinrich's Bakery, and as a waitress at the Italian Village Bistro.  As a young culinary professional, she is also a junior member of the American Culinary Federation and attends monthly meetings.

 

"I am honored to be selected for this program.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime," said Jillian.  "I plan to represent EASTERN, Abington High School, and the United States in an exceptional manner."

 

Jillian was accepted to and offered a scholarship for Penn College of Technology's Hospitality Management program, all of which have been graciously deferred for one year so that Jillian can take advantage of this opportunity.

Dates to Remember
  • May 1 - Administrative Advisory Committee Meeting - 9:30 a.m.  
  • May 2 - Counselor/Special Education Teacher In-Service - 10 a.m. 
  • May 8 - Principals Advisory Committee Meeting - 12:30 p.m.
  • May 9 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting - 8 p.m. 
  • May 28 - School Closed
  • May 30 - OAC Chairpersons Meeting  
  • May 31 - EASTERN Awards Night at Upper Moreland High School - 7 p.m. 
Facts About Career and Technical Education

According to the state of Washington, for every dollar spent on secondary CTE students, federal and state governments will receive seven dollars back in Social Security, Medicare and federal and state taxes. 

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All activities, services, education programs and employment practices at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology are nondiscriminatory as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of federal law.  If there are restrictions, they are based on one's ability and aptitude, not on one's sex, race, color, national origin or disability.  Additionally, students and employees with disabilities may qualify for special services or instruction and equipment modifications. Students with limited English language skills will not be denied participation in any activity or program.  Complaints or concerns about discriminatory treatment and racial or sexual harassment should be directed to EASTERN's Equity Coordinators at 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA  (215) 784-4800.