Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

June 2015

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Greg St. Leger

EASTERN Events

Inside EASTERN

Facts about CTE

Dates to Remember

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,
Executive Director

- Joseph Greb,
Assistant Director

- Allison Larson,
CTE Supervisor

- Amy Shields,
Editor

Student Success - May Student of the Month

William Pfeiffer is the May 2015 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN's Electrical 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.

As a sophomore at Abington, William received promotional mailings from EASTERN. His dad had always taught him the value of learning a trade, so they decided to visit EASTERN during Open House. He visited several programs, but decided that Electrical Technology was the right program for him.

Through his Electrical Technology program at EASTERN, William competed in the Industrial Motor Controls competition against other Electrical Technology students from various local career and technical high schools at the SkillsUSA District Competition in February 2015. SkillsUSA is EASTERN's student leadership organization, and is also a national organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence.

William was chosen as the Electrical Technology intern to assist Gary Felmey, EASTERN's Electrical Technology Instructor, with wiring renovations throughout the building. William volunteered his time throughout the school year as student speaker for EASTERN's 10th Grade Career Expo presentation at Abington High School. As a junior, he was the recipient of the Marion Prochazka Charitable Trust Award, Perfect Attendance and Straight A at EASTERN's Awards Night in May 2014, Last week at EASTERN's 2015 Awards Night, William received the Abington High School Alumni Association Award, EASTERN Foundation Award, Straight A Award, Henkles & McCoy, Inc. Award, Perfect Attendance, Klein Tool Company Award, IBEW Local 98 North Academic Recognition Award, Foundation Award for High Achievement, Denny Electric Supply, Inc. Award, and the Electrical Technology OAC Award.

William is currently working for Reuter Hanney in Ivyland, PA through a paid internship set up through EASTERN. After graduation from Abington High School and EASTERN, William will begin his apprenticeship through Reuter Hanney, while attending EASTERN's Continuing Education Electrical Technology program.

Alumni Spotlight - Greg St. Leger

EASTERN 1975 Electrical Technology/Hatboro-Horsham High School graduate, Greg St. Leger, is currently the Operations Manager at Reuter Hanney in Ivyland, PA. On April 8, 2015, St. Leger came to EASTERN to interview selected Electrical Technology students for the Reuter Hanney apprenticeship program.

St. Leger is seeking local graduating seniors with a high maturity level and professionalism for this apprenticeship program. As a graduate of both EASTERN's Electrical Technology high school program and EASTERN's Continuing Education Apprenticeship program for his Journeyman's license, he trusts EASTERN's programs and the quality education they provide. He has hired apprentices and sent them to EASTERN's Continuing Education Electrical program for their Journeyman's license.

While growing up, he watched and worked with his father, who was a cabinet maker by trade. St. Leger found that the electrical portion of construction is where his passion lied, so he decided to get a head start on his career by attending EASTERN as a junior in high school.

After graduation from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham, he worked for an electrical contractor while participating in EASTERN's Apprenticeship program at night for his Journeyman's license. He then worked for 17 years as an electrician for DCA in Warrington. When working for DCA, he transitioned from an electrician into management. He has been at Reuter Hanney for nearly 23 years managing electricians.

"I wanted to learn a trade, so that is why I came to EASTERN," said St. Leger. "I believe the student needs to choose their career path and pursue it. If they want a career in the electrical field, there will always will be jobs. I am 58 years old and have never been unemployed. I am very grateful for that."

EASTERN's Electrical Technology multi-faceted program teaches the basics of electricity as well as residential and commercial wiring, data cabling and basic fiber optic installation. For more information on the Electrical Technology program, please visit http://www.eastech.org/eastern-programs/ele/.

EASTERN Events - 8th Grade Career Expo

8th Grade Career Expo was a resounding success! On May 29, 2015, EASTERN opened it's doors to 242 8th grade students from Jenkintown and Lower Moreland. On June 2, 2015, EASTERN welcomed 224 8th grade students from Abington and Springfield.

All students had the opportunity to visit six EASTERN programs for a fast-paced, interactive demonstration.

"Thank you to Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Abington and Springfield school districts for participating in this fun and educational career exploratory event," said Tom Allen, EASTERN's Executive Director. "Eighth grade is an ideal time to start thinking about the future and learning more about all of the career paths available."

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Collision Repair Technology Student Refurbishes Old Quad Helmet

Tiffany Worrell, EASTERN Collision Repair Technology and Hatboro-Horsham junior, is reaping the benefits of working hard and being successful in her EASTERN program by getting the opportunity to repaint and refinish her quad helmet.

As a sophomore Tiffany visited Protective Services and Collision Repair Technology. She found the Collision Repair Technology program to be more hands-on and she enjoyed the fact that there were always projects to work on that apply to what you are learning in the classroom.

Her favorite part of the program is painting. Tiffany asked her Collision Repair Technology Instructor, Steve Parke, if she could bring in one of her helmets used for quad racing to refinish and repaint. Since it is the end of the school year, and Tiffany has accomplished a great deal this year, Mr. Parke agreed that her efforts should be rewarded.

"I am happy with the helmet's paint job. There were many obstacles in finishing it. First, I sanded it down, primed it black, painted it green and the spray gun broke. Then I purchased more paint, primed it black, did the lime green fade, and then a blemish occurred. Hand painting the logo was challenging as well. In the end, I am happy with a job well done," said Tiffany. "Collison Repair Technology is a fun program; you learn a lot. It helps you prepare for a rewarding career."

After graduation from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School next year, Tiffany plans to pursue a career in the collision repair industry. However, this summer she will be working for her father's contracting company, Dad Contracting, LLC, where she assists in home remodels.

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, CTE helps employers close the skills gap and address the needs of fast-growing industries.

	Dates to Remember
- June 10, 2015 - Executive Advisory Committee Meeting; 5:30 p.m. - June 11, 2015 - Last Day for Students - June 12, 2015 - Act 80 Day - June 15, 2015 - In-Service - June 16, 2015 - In-Service - June 17, 2015 - In-Service - June 18, 2015 - In-Service - June 17, 2015 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8:00 p.m.

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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.