Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

July 2014

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Kelly D'Amico

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 - June Student of the Month

Naron Datts is the June 2014 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN's Protective Services 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, Naron is active in SkillsUSA and has served as a SkillsUSA Council Representative for the Protective Services program for the past two years. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement

and excellence.

At Upper Moreland High School, Naron has been involved in Track and Field, and this year became a member of the

Key Club. Last year he volunteered his time assisting coaches with Upper Moreland Middle School track meets, and he packaged donated items for Cradles to Crayons - an organization dedicated to providing children ages 0 to 12 some of the most important basics of life - free of charge. Currently, he volunteers for the Jewish Relief Agency collecting food items and donating them to retirement homes in need of assistance.

"Naron demonstrates drive, motivation and leadership," said Walt Kenney, EASTERN's Protective Services Instructor. "He possesses a strong sense of volunteerism and helpfulness that will assist him in succeeding in the law enforcement field."

After completing his Protective Services program at EASTERN and graduating from Upper Moreland High School, Naron plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Criminal Justice, join the Police Academy and ultimately become a State Trooper.

Alumni Spotlight - Kelly D'Amico

EASTERN 2010 Commercial Art/Abington High School graduate, Kelly D'Amico, is currently working as the head photographer and a graphic artist for the local fashion company, Truly Whimsical, and also owns and operates her own photography business, Mico Photography. After graduating from EASTERN and Abington High School, D'Amico decided to pursue post-secondary education and received her associate degree in Photography from the Antonelli Institute of Graphic Design and Photography.

When D'Amico was in tenth grade, she took a tour of EASTERN, and instantly fell in love with the Commercial Art program. She saw this as an opportunity to learn more about a potential career field from professionals who had been in the industry.

"EASTERN helped me find the path that I wanted to take in my career, and gave me skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life," said D'Amico. "It was a great first step in my career path."

EASTERN's Commercial Art program covers everything from conceptual drawing and design to a professional portfolio. Students learn the value and application of their unique styles in both design and illustration. Students use industry-standard software on the Macintosh platform. Software used includes Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash.

For more information about Mico Photography and samples of D'Amico's work, please visit her website at http://micophotography.vpweb.com/?prefix=www.

EASTERN Events - Summer Fun 2014

Summer Fun is well underway! We currently have 125 students enrolled from middle schools spanning Eastern Montgomery County. Programs include Auto Mechanics & Collision Repair, Computer Art/Digital Photography, Cooking and Baking, Crime Scene Investigation, Drawing and Painting, Electronics & Robotics, Fun with Fashion, Looking Good, and Video Game Programming.

"This program is a great way for middle school students in the surrounding areas to start thinking about potential careers and career paths," said Joe Greb, EASTERN's Assistant Director. "It also gives students a first look at our school and what we can provide in 11th and 12th grades."

More information about Summer Fun can be found at http://summerfun.eastech.org/.

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Culinary Arts Student Receives Thomas W. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship

EASTERN Culinary Arts/Hatboro-Horsham High School 2014 graduate, Lauren Bissig, is the recipient of the newly-created Thomas W. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship. The award was established by the friends and colleagues of Thomas W. O'Brien in partnership with the PA Association for Career and Technical Education to benefit a career and technical student who will be continuing their education in their chosen field. Lauren was selected from close to 100 applicants to receive the scholarship. She was presented this award at an awards dinner at the Pennsylvania Career and Technical Education Conference on June 19, 2014. This $1,500 award was made payable directly to Drexel University, where Lauren will continue her culinary education.

Mr. O'Brien was an educator dedicated to career and technical education (CTE). His passion for education and strong belief in CTE were evident in his involvement at local, state, and national levels. In 2003, Tom retired from Indiana University of Pennsylvania after a long and distinguished career in CTE. His leadership, enthusiasm, and compassion were an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. This scholarship is offered in his memory and to continue his spirit of generosity and support of career and technical education.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as the first recipient of this award," said Lauren. "At the awards presentation I had the opportunity to meet Mr. O'Brien's friends, family and coworkers. It was a very emotional night for everyone involved. I truly appreciate this scholarship and look forward to continuing my education at Drexel."

Lauren was encouraged to apply for the award by her Culinary Arts instructor at EASTERN, Chef Marucheck. Lauren is currently interning at Mica Restaurant in Chestnut Hill, PA. After completing her education, she plans to become a Sous-Chef at a restaurant in the Philadelphia area.

	Dates to Remember
June 23 - July 11, 2014 - Summer Fun Program (No class July 4) June 23 - August 4, 2014 - Summer Cosmetology (No class July 4)

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
Experts project 47 million job openings in the decade ending 2018. About one-third of those jobs will require an associate's degree or certificate, and nearly all will require real-world skills that can be mastered through CTE. (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce via Harvard's Pathways to Prosperity)

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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.