Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

April 2016

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Tim Pitcairn

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 - March Student of the Month

Astrid Hanes is the March 2016 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.

Astrid first heard about the programs at EASTERN through her guidance counselor at Upper Moreland High School. She was encouraged to visit the Open House and see what EASTERN had to offer. When Astrid was in tenth grade she visited EASTERN's Open House and met EASTERN's Commercial Art instructor, Nicole Mohrey. After learning more about the program, she decided to enroll.

Through EASTERN's Commercial Art program, Astrid acquired important technical skills needed to succeed in the commercial art industry and college programs, such as illustration with charcoal, graphite and watercolor, and Adobe Creative Suite 6, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. As a junior, she received the Commercial Art Creative Junior Photo Award at EASTERN's Awards Night in May 2015. She is also a member and class representative for EASTERN's student leadership organization, SkillsUSA. During the 2014 - 2015 school year, Astrid won first-place for Job Demonstration at the SkillsUSA Local Competition, and went on to place fourth at the SkillsUSA District 2 Competition. She was also part of the team who designed the Promotional Bulletin Board for the SkillsUSA District 2 Competition held in early February. She is a student speaker for EASTERN recruitment events, representing the Commercial Art program. Outside of EASTERN, Astrid is involved with mixed martial arts and plays guitar.

"It has been a pleasure watching Astrid grow as a designer, photographer and illustrator," said Nicole Mohrey, EASTERN's Commercial Art Instructor. "She is diligent and hardworking and has set clear goals for her future. I am proud of all she has accomplished in my program, and am looking forward to watching her succeed in the photography field."

After graduation from Upper Moreland High School and EASTERN, Astrid plans to attend Emily Carr University in Vancouver to major in Photography and minor in History. Ultimately, she hopes to open her own photography studio.

Alumni Spotlight - EASTERN Connections: Tim Pitcairn

Tim Pitcairn, a 2013 EASTERN Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Lower Moreland High School graduate, is currently in his third year of his Bachelor's degree in Heating and Air Conditioning Design at Penn College of Technology in Williamsport.

While in Middle School, Pitcairn participated in EASTERN's Summer Fun enrichment program for students in 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th grade, so he was already aware of the career and technical programs available while in high school. Pitcairn likes fixing things, and decided to look into the construction-based programs such as Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, and HVAC. He found HVAC to be of the most interest to him.

In his search for post-secondary schools, he found that there were only two colleges that offered a degree in his field of study - Thaddeus Stevens or Penn College of Technology. After choosing Penn College of Technology, he found that he enjoyed designing the HVAC equipment, and choosing the equipment that worked most efficiently for the given conditions.

"EASTERN gave me a great introduction to HVAC equipment and what to do with it," said Pitcairn. "I would recommend any program at EASTERN. If you find you are really interested in the program you choose, you can further your education in college."

After graduation from Penn College of Technology next year, Pitcairn hopes to design HVAC equipment for a large HVAC company in the local area.

HVAC at EASTERN provides a comprehensive foundation of the basic theories and principles of heating, air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Photo: From left to right - Brian Jacoby, EASTERN HVAC Instructor, and Tim Pitcairn.

EASTERN Events - Information Exchange

EASTERN was pleased to partner with Pennsylvania State Representative Thomas Murt on Friday, March 18 for an Information Exchange session, which included six EASTERN program instructors and local business and industry representatives in their correlating field. The luncheon for this event was prepared by EASTERN's Culinary Arts students and sponsored by Centric Bank.

EASTERN instructors shared education plans and goals for six areas of concentration - Allied Health, Computer Network Administration, Culinary Arts, Office Management, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Protective Services. Local business leaders discussed the attributes and skills needed for a new employee in their business. Local business partners included Stephen Kent from Subaru of America, Inc., Bridget Smith from Lochel's Bakery, Melissa Marchuck from PeopleShare, James Gardner from the Hatboro Police Department, and Don Camp and Joe Mullin from Brinker's Energy.

"I would like to thank Representative Murt and all of the business representatives that were so willing to meet with us and discuss possibilities for our students," said Tom Allen, EASTERN's Executive Director. "Our teachers appreciate these new connections and are excited about potential job opportunities, job-shadow days, and internships for their outstanding students."

Group photo by Ethan Deose, Hatboro-Horsham School District Marketing Intern: From left to right: Thomas Murt, Joe Mullin - Brinker's Energy, Amy Shields - EASTERN, Stephen Kent - Subaru, Jeannie Hagan - Hatboro-Horsham School District, Olga Stylinaou - EASTERN Computer Network Administration senior, Tom Allen - EASTERN, Tyrone Tate - EASTERN, Melissa Marchuck - PeopleShare, Joe Greb - EASTERN, Don Camp - Brinker's Energy, Erin Derby - EASTERN, James Gardner - Hatboro Police Department, Deb Bergmann - EASTERN, Brian Jacoby - EASTERN, Bridget Smith - Lochel's Bakery, Karon Crickmore - EASTERN, Hayley Granacher - EASTERN, George Hartlein - EASTERN, Andrea Ahern - Centric Bank, Patty Fleming - Tom Murt's Office, and Bill Dixon - Tom Murt's Office.

Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Foundation to Hold Meal Fundraiser/Happy Hour

The EASTERN Foundation is holding a happy hour (actually, it's three hours) at Mike's York Street Bar and Grill on March 31, 2016 from 5 - 8 p.m. The fundraiser will also include live acoustic music and a 50/50 raffle. Mike's York Street Bar and Grill is located at 544 York Road, Warminster, PA 18974.

Mike's York Street Bar and Grill will section off a part of the dining area specifically for the EASTERN Foundation fundraiser from 5 - 8 p.m., and will donate 15 percent of total sales if sales are $1,000 or more. If sales are less than $1,000, then they will donate 10 percent.

If you are unable to attend during the 5 - 8 p.m. time frame, but still want to assist, you can come to Mike's York Street Bar and Grill any time during the day and the Foundation will still get credit if you use the coupon below. Takeout orders count too! Please pass along the attached coupon and help the EASTERN Foundation spread the word about this fundraising event.

The EASTERN Foundation has one reason for existing - to encourage students in their pursuit of career ambitions that were developed and strengthened by attending EASTERN. The Foundation does this by rewarding student success and achievement through scholarships and awards which are presented in May at our Annual Awards Night.

The EASTERN Foundation is a registered, non-profit, 501(c)(3). 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.

Photo: Mike's York Street Bar and Grill Fundraiser Coupon to benefit the EASTERN Foundation.

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
According to www.myfuturecareer.us, in 1950, 20 percent of jobs required skilled technical workers. Today, that number has climbed to 80 percent and continues to grow.

	Dates to Remember
- April 13, 14, and 15, 2016 - SkillsUSA State Competition - April 26, 2016 - In-Service Day - April 27, 2016 - Administrative Professionals Day - 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.