Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter
October 2013
In This Issue
Student Success - Culinary Arts Students Visit Pentagon
Alumna Spotlight - Victoria Penecale
EASTERN Events
Inside EASTERN
Dates to Remember
Facts about CTE
 EASTERN Foundation

The purpose of EASTERN's Foundation is to recognize EASTERN student achievement and success, assist them if post-secondary education is their goal, or help them start a rewarding career.

 For more information about the EASTERN Foundation, please visit  www2.eastech.org/home/eastern-foundation.  

Mission Statement 

 

The mission of EASTERN, 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. 

- Thomas Allen, Administrative Director
- Kevin Reilly,
Assistant Director

- Allison Larson,
CTE Supervisor

- Amy Shields, Editor
Student Success - September Student of the Month
Juan Paolo Figueras is the September 2013 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN's Computer Network Administration program and a senior at Springfield 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, Juan Paolo maintains high grades in his Computer Network Administration program, and through EASTERN's dual enrollment agreement with Montgomery County Community College, he has already earned nine college credits. He is actively involved in SkillsUSA, and was on the team that won the gold medal at the SkillsUSA District Competition and had the opportunity to compete at the state-level for Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2013. He also competed in the SkillsUSA local competition for Extemporaneous Speaking. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence.

 

During his junior year at EASTERN, Juan Paolo was selected as the Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) student representative. The EAC is comprised of business and community leaders who advise the Joint Operating Committee of EASTERN on the training needs of business and industry. Juan Paolo represented EASTERN and his Computer Network Administration program during Springfield School District's Middle School Career Fair, and volunteered his time at EASTERN's Open House. At Springfield High School, Juan Paolo was active in baseball, soccer and the Computer Science Expo.
 
After graduation from Springfield High School and EASTERN, Juan Paolo plans to continue his computer networking education at Drexel University, where his grandfather studied engineering. Juan Paolo's dream is to move to California and work for Google.
 Alumnus Spotlight - Matthew McConeghy

EASTERN 2011 Welding Technology/Hatboro-Horsham High School graduate, Matthew McConeghy, is currently serving in the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division in Fairbanks Fort Wainwright in Alaska.

 

When McConeghy was in tenth grade, he had several friends already enrolled in EASTERN's Welding Technology program. They enjoyed the class and had good things to say about the instructor, so he decided to visit, and ultimately enrolled in the program.

 

During his two years in the Welding Technology program McConeghy excelled, and obtained a job in the welding field one week after he graduated from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School. He worked for two years before joining the military.

 

EASTERN's Welding Technology instructor, Gary Devine, also served in the U.S. Army and encouraged McConeghy to pursue this route as well. Mr. Devine was a positive influence on McConeghy during his time at EASTERN.  Matthew even did a video project about Mr. Devine for his senior English class in which he needed to make a tribute video about someone who has inspired him.

 

"In the Army, I can still use my welding skills," said McConeghy. "I would like to pursue a career in the U.S. Army, and eventually attend Airborne School. If you know what you want to do, and you know you have the potential to do it - give a program at EASTERN a shot. To learn a trade makes you more valuable in the job market, and you can still go to college to further your skills in that trade."

EASTERN Events - EASTERN Foundation Fundraisers
Mark your Calendar for the EASTERN Foundation Happy Hour at

Jerzee's Sports Bar - October 3, 2013

 

The EASTERN Foundation will be holding a happy hour at Jerzee's Sports Bar located at 2609 Mount Carmel Avenue in Glenside, PA 19038 on Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 5 - 8 p.m. Let your server know that you are with the EASTERN Foundation, and we will receive 15 percent of your total bill.

 

If you cannot make it during the happy hour, you can go for lunch or pick up takeout that entire day -- just mention the EASTERN Foundation and we will receive credit.

 

Mark your Calendar for the EASTERN Foundation Silent Auction and Murder Mystery - November 8, 2013, 6 p.m.

 

Please join the EASTERN Foundation on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 6- 9 p.m. at EASTERN's Willow Grove campus for a silent auction and the Murder Mystery,

Greased, performed by the professionals at Without a Cue Productions.

 

Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple - which includes a bidder number for the silent auction, the Murder Mystery show, and appetizers and desserts prepared and served by EASTERN's Culinary Art students.

 

Checks can be made payable to "EASTERN Foundation" and sent to 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. For more information, please contact Amy Shields at 215-784-4806, or via email at foundation@eastech.org.

 
Inside EASTERN - Animal Science Program Postponed

The launch of EASTERN's Animal Science program has been postponed for a minimum of one year.  This delay is due to current renovations needed throughout the facility, in particular, updates to the Culinary Arts and Cosmetology programs are slated to occur over the next two years.  This extra time will also ensure that the Animal Science facility is properly equipped to meet the needs that accompany this type program.

 

"We are very excited about this new program," said Mr. Thomas Allen, EASTERN's Administrative Director. "It is very important to us that our students learn in a setting very similar to what they will find in the work force.  This extra time will help us better prepare for a great Animal Science program while keeping our current programs, such as Culinary Arts and Cosmetology, up-to-date and cutting edge. We have a lot of exciting facility upgrades scheduled to occur over the next few years.  I really would like to thank our participating high schools for all of their support and input on our programs.  Thanks to this strong partnership, we are able to offer amazing programs to Eastern Montgomery County high school juniors and seniors."

Dates to Remember
  • October 3, 2013 - Foundation Fundraiser Happy Hour at Jerzee's, 5 p.m.
  • October 9, 2013 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting, 8 p.m.
  • October 10, 2013 - Practical Nursing Graduation, 7 p.m.
  • October 17, 2013 - Principals' Advisory Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m.
  • October 23, 2013 - Occupational Advisory Committee Chairpersons Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • October 29, 2013 - Joint Operating Committee Work Session, 7 p.m.
Facts About Career and Technical Education

According to the Utah State Office of Education, today's labor market requires that workers have more advanced training and post-secondary education. As a result, CTE graduates are more employable and have higher earnings.

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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.