Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

May 2014

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Angela Iannarelli

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

- Joseph Greb,
Assistant Director

- Allison Larson,
CTE Supervisor

- Amy Shields,
Editor

Student Success - April Student of the Month

William Currie is the April 2014 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN's Culinary Arts 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, William is active in SkillsUSA as the Culinary Arts Class Secretary and District Competition competitor. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence. In February of 2013, William held a dinner at EASTERN to help raise funds for supplies he needed to complete his Eagle Scout project as a member of Boy Scout Troop 48. His project was to repair the roof and replace the rotted lumber on a pavilion at Camp Discovery in New Hope. Last summer, William was one of only six Culinary Arts students selected to visit the Pentagon's kitchen in Washington DC. At EASTERN's Awards Night in May 2013, William was honored with the Troop 48 Glenside Boy Scouts of America Award.

William works at Morrison Senior Living at Rydal Park in Huntingdon Valley as part of his program at EASTERN. Due to his good grades and attendance, William was able to take advantage of EASTERN's internship opportunity, where he works in the culinary field four days a week when he would normally be at EASTERN. Once a week he returns to EASTERN with a report from his supervisor and to work on any areas of weakness, or learn new techniques.

William plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy after high school graduation, and then use the G.I. Bill to pursue his degree in Hospitality Management from Penn State University.

Alumni Spotlight - Angela Iannarelli

EASTERN 2008 Commercial Art/Cheltenham High School graduate, Angela Iannarelli, is currently a Junior Designer for Sequence, a creative development company in New York. After completing her program at EASTERN and graduating from Cheltenham, Angela attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia for Graphic Design.

While she was in 10th grade, Angela had several friends attending different EASTERN programs and she was encouraged by them to get a head start on her own future by enrolling at EASTERN.

During college, she interned at Conversation, LLC in New York where she designed websites for Oscar Blandi's and the Children's Place, and did some product designs for SVEDKA. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she began freelancing to learn about the type of company for whom she would like to work. During this time, she worked for Masterminds, a full service ad agency, and for Alina Wheeler, the Author of Designing Brand Identity. After designing and coding a website for Ms. Wheeler, Angela went to Chicago to do web design for Costello Communications, a design agency. Her last freelance job before her current position was for Lippincott, a global brand strategy and design consultant in New York. At Lippincott, she had the opportunity to work for several big clients such as United Airlines, Pepsi, and Citibank.

"What worked for me was imagining where I wanted to be. It was like climbing a mountain - a distant mountain," said Angela. "As long as I was walking towards it, I knew I was one step closer. So anyone who is considering pursuing a field in the arts, I recommend taking the Commercial Art program at EASTERN. It is one step closer to your mountain, giving you the extra skills to get noticed amongst everyone else who wants it as bad as you. The Commercial Art Instructor, Mrs. Mohrey, prepared me to become the professional that I am today."

EASTERN Events - Gearing Up for 8th Grade Career Expo

EASTERN will be opening its door to several of our participating middle school students. A total of approximately 859 8th grade students from Abington, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenintown, Lower Moreland, and Springfield will be visiting EASTERN's programs for a fun, hands-on activity for 10 minutes each.

"This is a great opportunity for the 8th grade population to see the career-focused programs available to them at EASTERN when they reach 11th and 12th grades," said Joe Greb, EASTERN's Assistant Director. "It is never too young to explore different careers."

Inside EASTERN

Assistant Director Appointed

Mr. Joseph Greb has been appointed as EASTERN's new Assistant Director, effective April 22, 2014. Mr. Greb comes to EASTERN from Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center where he served as Administrative Director from December 2006 until April 2014. His major responsibilities include curriculum, staff development, advisory committees, strategic plan development and implementation, accreditation and program development.

Mr. Greb can be reached at 215-784-4800, Ext. 210 or via email at jgreb@eastech.org.

Equipment Upgrades made in Culinary Arts

The first phase of the Culinary Arts renovations have been completed. Stoves, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, steamers, tables, sinks, dishwasher, plumbing and electrical upgrades were installed per the recommendations of the Culinary Arts Occupational Advisory Committee and the Executive Advisory Committee. The Joint Operating Committee authorized the purchase and upgrade to address safety and industry standards. Future renovations will include the replacement of walk-in refrigerator and freezer, lighting upgrade and a renovation to the Restaurant. Many items were purchased using grants received from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our students and teachers were delighted with the upgrades.

	Dates to Remember
May 6, 2014 - Administrative Advisory Committee Meeting; 9:30 a.m. May 7, 2014 - Occupational Advisory Committee Chairpersons Meeting; 7 p.m. May 14, 2014 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8 p.m. May 20, 2014 - Teacher In-Service - No Class for Students May 26, 2014 - School Closed May 29, 2014 - Awards Night; 7 p.m.

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, 27 percent of people with less than an associate degree, including licenses and certificates, earn more than the average bachelor degree recipient.

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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.