Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

January 2016

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Angela Allen

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 - December Student of the Month

Olga Stylianou is the December 2015 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in EASTERN's Computer Network Administration 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.

Olga became interested in computers at a young age. While a sophomore at Upper Moreland High School, she participated in EASTERN's 10th Grade Career Expo visitation in which she had the opportunity to visit two programs. She chose Computer Network Administration and Allied Health. She knew immediately that Computer Network Administration was the ideal fit for her.

At EASTERN, Olga is very involved in EASTERN's student leadership organization, SkillsUSA, and is currently the SkillsUSA Schoolwide President for the AM session. Last year, she served as the SkillsUSA Schoolwide Treasurer. As a junior, she competed in the SkillsUSA Job Interview competition, and she was chosen by her instructor to attend the Career and Technical Student Organization Fall Leadership Conference in Hershey. At EASTERN's Awards Night in May 2015, Olga received the Perfect Attendance, SkillsUSA Advisors, the Computer Network Administration Outstanding Junior, and the Director's Awards. Through her Computer Network Administration program at EASTERN, she will earn 12 transferable college credits through dual enrollment with Montgomery County Community College.

Olga is also very active at Upper Moreland High School, participating in Mini Thon to help support children with cancer being treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, is a producer for the drama company, and has participated in spring track.

After graduation from Upper Moreland High School and EASTERN, Olga plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania and major in Management Information Systems. Ultimately, she would like to work for a big corporation and earn her Master's Degree in Cyber Security.

Alumni Spotlight - Angela Allen

EASTERN 2015 Culinary Arts/Abington High School graduate, Angela Allen, is in her first semester at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She is pursuing her associate degree in culinary arts, and her bachelor's degree in culinary nutrition.

Angela moved to Abington from Philadelphia in 2007. As she was adapting to being the new girl in school, she spent a lot of time with her mom learning how to cook and bake. During that time, she found herself constantly striving to improve upon recipes that she and her mom were already using. In 10th grade, Angela toured EASTERN, and it was the first time she had seen someone wearing the white chef uniform, aside from watching cooking shows. She realized that the EASTERN Culinary Arts program is not only a cooking and baking class, but a professional development program.

"Through the Culinary Arts program, my knowledge and interest in the food industry developed more and more," said Angela. "It has given me a head start on my college program. At Johnson & Wales University, we all learn from each other - some students took a career and tech high school program in culinary, and some worked in the food industry while in high school. As opposed to traditional high school, this is a hands-on experience. EASTERN is not the easy way out of high school. It gives you a taste of the real world and helps determine what career best suits you. Through EASTERN, I was able to research the many career options in the culinary field. Through EASTERN'S notable reputation, I was able to network and gain work experience from functions held at EASTERN, and functions that were held off-site. To anyone who is thinking about coming to EASTERN -- take the opportunity and do it. Not only does it open that door to your career field, it develops you into a professional while gaining real world work experience."

Angela chose Johnson & Wales University because she wanted educational diversity. In her program, she is also required to take math, science, and English requirements. She wanted the full college experience, as well as the culinary aspect.

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, Angela is interested in becoming a nutritionist or dietitian, focusing on healthy eating habits. She would also like to develop convenient and healthy meal options.

Photo: From left to right - Gary Albert, EASTERN Culinary Arts Instructor, Angela Allen, and

Hayley Granacher, EASTERN Culinary Arts Instructor.

EASTERN Events - EASTERN Reaches New Goals in Support of the Pajama Program

EASTERN faculty and staff members held a pajama and book drive throughout the months of November and December to benefit the Pajama Program. They collected 52 pairs of pajamas and 65 books to benefit children in need during the winter season. Since EASTERN is celebrating its 50 year anniversary, the school set a goal to collect a minimum 50 pairs of pajamas. EASTERN exceeded their goal through the generosity of staff, instructors, administration and a generous donation made by an anonymous supporter.

The Pajama Program collection has been a holiday tradition at EASTERN for many years, beginning with the efforts of Ellen Ainge, who retired in 2010. The collection has continued due to the overwhelming response of staff and instructors.

The Pajama Program, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides comfort and love in the way of new pajamas and new books to children in need, many waiting and hoping to be adopted. Snuggling up in new, warm pajamas with their very own book to read gives lonely children a secure and nurturing bedtime environment. The Pajama Program depends on the support of volunteers, supporters, event hosts, pajama drive sponsors, and of course, donations of cozy new pajamas and new children's books.

"Each year we strive to collect more than the year before," said Thomas Allen, EASTERN's Executive Director. "We decided that we should give our collection an extra push and set a goal in honor of our 50th anniversary. I am proud that we were able to meet and even exceed our goal to help local children in need this holiday season."

On December 17, Eileen Collins, EASTERN's Assistant to the Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, and Amy Shields, EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Director, delivered the pajamas and books to the local Pajama Program drop-off center, Bethanna, a Christian services organization for children and their families.

Photo: From left to right - Joe Greb, EASTERN's Assistant Director; Allison Larson, EASTERN's CTE Supervisor; Amy Shields, EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Director; Eileen Collins, EASTERN's CTE Supervisor's Secretary; and Tom Allen, EASTERN's Executive Director.

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN is Gearing Up to Host the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA District 2 District Competition

EASTERN will host the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 2 Competition on February 2 and 3, 2016. SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 2 offers competitive activities in which career and technical students strive to win in a variety of job skills and leadership areas. Eight local career and technical schools share the responsibility of hosting this event annually including EASTERN, Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center, Central Montco Technical High School, North Montco Technical Career Center, Delaware County Technical High School, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Bucks County Technical High School, and Williamson College of the Trades.EASTERN last hosted the event in 2000.

Competitions begin at the district level and continue through state and national levels. It is important for the students to participate in a competition that will reflect a cross-section of the industry skills needed to prepare them for the state and national levels. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2015-16 school year is SkillsUSA: Champions at Work - Connecting You to Career Success

Competitions scheduled for February 2 include Advertising Design, Auto Service Specialization, Basic Health Care, Collision Repair Technology, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Extemporaneous Speaking, Firefighting, First Aid/CPR, Medical Math, Photography, Quiz Bowl, Related Technical Math, Web Design, Welding, and TeamWorks.

Competitions scheduled for February 3 include Action Skills, Automotive Refinishing, Auto Service Technology, Carpentry, Crime Scene Investigator, Criminal Justice, Electrical Construction, Employment Application Process, Health Occupations Knowledge Bowl, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Industrial Motor Control, Job Interview, Job Skill Demo, Medical Assisting, Medical Terminology, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Prepared Speech, Technical Computer Applications, and TeamWorks.

"We are looking forward to welcoming all student competitors as well as faculty and staff from the competing districts," said Joe Greb, EASTERN's Assistant Director. "To EASTERN, SkillsUSA competitions are such an important part of who we are and what we do. This is an exciting time for all of us at EASTERN."

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, health care occupations, many of which require an associate degree or less, make up 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations.

	Dates to Remember
- January 18, 2016 - District Closed - January 28, 2016 - Practical Nursing Graduation; 7:00 p.m. - February 28, 2016 - Open House; 1 - 3:30 p.m. - May 25, 2016 - Awards Night; 7:00 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.