Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

January 2014

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumnus Spotlight - Theresa Ostrowski

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 - December Student of the Month

Sarah Welch is the December 2013 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in EASTERN's Commercial Art program and a senior at Upper Moreland 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, Sarah maintains an A average in her Commercial Art program, and is actively involved in SkillsUSA as the Pennsylvania State Secretary for the 2013 - 2014 school year. She has also been successful placing first in local SkillsUSA Photography and Job Interview competitions. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence.

As a junior at EASTERN, Sarah was honored with two prestigious awards at the Awards Night Ceremony in May - the Straight A Award and the Director's Award. She volunteers her time as a student ambassador at all school functions, including Open House and Parents Night. At Upper Moreland, she has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll since 2010, and is a regular contributor to the Bear Print Newspaper.

"Sarah is a leader in the class and a positive role model," said Nicole Mohrey, EASTERN Commercial Art Instructor. "She has a bright future ahead of her. With the combination of her outstanding graphic design and photography talents and her phenomenal people skills - there is nothing that she cannot accomplish."

Sarah plans to continue her education at Drexel University, and will pursue a career in photo journalism.

Alumnui Spotlight - Theresa Ostrowski

EASTERN 1986 Cosmetology/Cheltenham High School graduate, Theresa Ostrowski, has been working as a hair stylist at Hair Cuttery in Flourtown since 1986. While still in her Cosmetology program at EASTERN, her instructors set her up with a paid internship shampooing hair at a salon in Roslyn. Once she graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1986 and passed her State Board Cosmetology Exam, she obtained a job at the Hair Cuttery, and aside from a ten year stint of working from home when her children were young, she has been at the Hair Cuttery ever since.

Theresa's guidance counselor at Cheltenham recommended EASTERN's Cosmetology program once Theresa indicated a strong interest in the beauty industry. From a young age, Theresa enjoyed styling hair and working with people. While a good student at Cheltenham High School, she found EASTERN's Cosmetology program to be a perfect fit for her since she preferred a hands-on learning environment.

"You can take an EASTERN program and then go to college. My daughter is currently considering Allied Health for next year, and I encouraged her to visit," said Theresa. "After putting two of my children through college, I realize that an EASTERN program can only help students in their future, giving them valuable skills they may have not otherwise obtained - even if they don't go into that particular work field after graduation."

EASTERN's Cosmetology program 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.

EASTERN Events - Tenth Grade Career Expo

EASTERN's Tenth Grade Career Expo is underway! Starting in December and running through early February, we are spreading the word to all participating school tenth grade classes about all of the career and technical program opportunities offered at EASTERN. Tenth Grade Career Expo consists of a presentation made at each high school addressing all of EASTERN's program offerings, our recruitment video, and of course, a few words from current EASTERN students.

As a follow up to the in-school presentations, all interested students are invited to visit EASTERN on February 12 during the morning session, or February 26 during the afternoon session. During this visit, students have the opportunity to visit two different programs for 50 minutes each.

For more information about Tenth Grade Career Expo, please contact Amy Shields, EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Director at 215-784-4806 or ashields@eastech.org.

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Student Collecting Jeans for Homeless Teens

EASTERN Cosmetology/Springfield High School senior, Morgan-Victoria Johnson, is currently conducting a drive to collect jeans for local homeless teens. Donations are being accepted at Springfield High School and EASTERN now through January 31.

In September she was online looking for scholarships on Fastweb.com, a scholarship website, and came across DoSomething.org, the nation's largest not-for-profit for young people and social change. This site caught her attention because it offered much more than scholarships. DoSomething.org spearheads national campaigns to 13-25 year olds who can make an impact without ever needing money, an adult or a car. Morgan decided to get involved, and help with a DoSomething campaign called Teens for Jeans, which is collecting jeans for local homeless youth. Teens for Jeans is seeking lightly worn to new jeans in any size.

At EASTERN, Morgan is the SkillsUSA School-Wide President. SkillsUSA is EASTERN's student leadership organization. She also volunteers her time for various school events and fundraisers.

Morgan plans to attend Shippensburg University for her Bachelor's Degree in Business, and to open her own salon. Her long-term goal is to eventually run a teaching salon in the future.

"I love community service work. Cosmetology and SkillsUSA have brought me out of my shell and given me the courage to do more for my local community."

Jean drop offs may be made at EASTERN's main entrance from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

	Dates to Remember
January 1, 2014 - School Closed January 17, 2014 - End of Marketing Period January 20, 2014 - School Closed January 23, 2014 - Principals' Advisory Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m. January 28, 2014 - Administrative Advisory Meeting, 9:30 a.m. January 30, 2014 - Practical Nursing Graduation, 7 p.m. March 2, 2014 - Open House, 1 - 3:30 p.m.

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
According to Careertech.org, CTE programs are organized by 16 Career Clusters™ and 79 Career Pathways. CTE offers a compete range of career options for students, helping them discover their interests and the educational pathway that can lead to success in high school, college and their chosen career/profession.

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The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity Coordinator, 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. 215-784-4800.