Outstanding Senior Students Recognized

GACTC News Update
Issue 7—May 28, 2013
Inside this issue:
Guidance Activities/
Cooperative Education
2
Outstanding Senior Students Recognized
Report from Adult &
Continuing Education:
PN Notes
Adult Education Notes
3
4-5
Special Points of
Interest:
Pertussis Case
p. 2
Chapter 339 Review
p. 5
Senior Award Winners
pp. 6, 7
Award Contributors
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
p. 8
Incentive Award Program p. 9
Employee Spotlight
p. 10
NOCTI Performance
Testing
p. 11
Equipment Grant
p. 12
The 46th Annual Senior Awards Program was held on Thursday evening, May 9, in the
school cafetorium. Outstanding senior awards were presented to students in twentyseven programs. Forty-two other special awards and scholarships were presented. One
senior was recognized for having four years of perfect attendance, while five other
seniors had three years of perfect attendance. Approximately 285 students, parents,
business and community representatives, and staff members attended. Nearly $35,000
in cash awards were presented to these seniors. It is important to note that fourteen
memorial awards are endowed to honor former students or employees of the school. A
memorial scholarship endowed in honor of Multimedia & Web Design student Jesse
McElhinney, Altoona Area SD, was awarded for the first time. Others include the Sgt.
Brandon Adams Memorial Scholarship and the Daniel Clark Memorial Scholarship.
Brandon, a former student in Multimedia & Web Design and a graduate of the AAHS
Class of 2000, died at Walter Reed Army Hospital in September 2004 as a result of
wounds he sustained in Iraq.
Congratulations to the award recipients, and to all the seniors from sending
schools as they close their high school careers.
Best wishes for great success to all of you!
Outdoor Power Equipment
Donation
p. 12
End-of-Program
Assessments
p. 12
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
1500 Fourth Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
www.gactc.edu
Middle States Assn. of
Colleges & Secondary Schools
Multimedia & Web Design
Accepted at
California University of PA
in the
Graphics and Multimedia
Council on Occupational Education
Becky Reighard
Admin. Asst./Editor
Bachelor Degree Program
STEFEN M. SMITH
Altoona Area High School
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
GACTC Update — Page 2 — May 2013
Guidance Activities
Secondary Applications
To date, 455 new applications for incoming tenth graders and 61 applications for incoming ninth graders have been
received and processed. The third scheduling run will be printed May 30.
Current Enrollment
Secondary enrollment stands at 858, and intergenerational adults total 24.
Guidance Advisory Council Meeting
On Tuesday, April 9, the second Guidance Advisory Council meeting of the year was held. Counselors and Special
Needs personnel from the sending schools met with GACTC staff to discuss programs of study, scheduling for the
2013-14 school year, and strategies to more effectively promote programs at our school.
Counselors’ Activities
In the past month, much of the counselors’ time has been devoted to completing scheduling activities and conducting
career information tours for sixth grade students. Approximately 80 sixth graders visited from Foot of Ten
Elementary on April 30; 80 from Longer Elementary on May 3; and 80 from Frankstown Elementary on May 20.
On Thursday, May 16, Counselors Gayle Swales and Nicole Taneyhill visited with seventh grade students at
Hollidaysburg Junior High School, providing GACTC career guidance and education.
Student Failures
Counselors will meet with students who are in danger of failing for the year. The parents of those students who do
indeed fail will all be contacted. Also, the home schools will be notified so those students can schedule full day
classes at their home schools for the 2013-14 school year.
Accelerated College Education
Information was mailed to parents and students regarding the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program. Those
program areas involved are: Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy,
Multimedia & Web Design, and Welding Technology.
Incentive Program Assembly
The end of the year assembly for the Incentive Program was held on Wednesday, May 15. The grand prize, a 2005
Volkswagen Beetle, was awarded along with prizes. See Page 9 for details.
Cooperative Education
As the end of the school year approaches, 15 senior students and 3 adult students have met all criteria and have been
approved for participation in Cooperative Education.
PERTUSSIS CASE
Early this month, a student in the Food Production program was diagnosed with Pertussis, commonly known
as Whooping Cough, a highly communicable disease. As required by State Law, close contact letters, general
contact letters, and Pertussis fact sheets were mailed to all staff, Food Production students, adult students, AM
students, and Middle Culinary students. More than 700 individuals were provided with this information. No
other cases of Pertussis have been reported at the school.
GACTC Update — Page 3 — May 2013
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Practical Nursing Notes
Practical Nursing Student Activities
Although Cinco de Mayo and Florence Nightingale’s birthday anniversary fell on Sundays this year, it did not prevent
the Practical Nursing students from celebrating. On May 2, the students prepared Mexican foods and learned how to
communicate with patients in Spanish; and during National Nurses’ Week, on May 9, students received a GACTC
Practical Nursing T-shirt and were treated to cake made by the GACTC Food Service Department.
This month, Kathy Butler, Placement Coordinator, will assist the students in developing resumes in preparation for our
annual Health Care Industry Job Fair. More than 30 prospective employers are expected to attend the event which will
be held June 20, 2013, in the GACTC Cafetorium. The expanding role of the LPN has attracted not only long-term care
facilities, hospitals, and clinics, but also industries such as prisons, dialysis clinics, and school districts. Representatives
from colleges will also attend to provide information on advanced placement for the Practical Nurse into their RN
programs.
Class of 2014
The program continues to accept applications for the full-time class that will begin this August. We have received more
than 150 applications for the available 54 full-time seats. Approximately 49 students have received acceptance letters.
An additional 20 applicants are scheduled for pre-entrance testing which will be administered on June 3. The selection
process is very competitive; therefore, it is important that individuals perform well on the pre-entrance exam. The Adult
Community Education Center continues to hold preparatory classes to assist prospective students in the achievement of
successful exam scores. Applicants must also submit three character references, an essay, and a high school diploma or
its equivalent.
March of Dimes Community Award
The Practical Nursing Program received a $200 award from the March of Dimes to purchase
educational materials for its Maternal Child Nursing course. The focus for the grant money
is to educate moms on the importance of staying pregnant for at least 39 weeks. GACTC
students have obstetrical patient teaching
opportunities while at the Altoona
Regional Hospital and at the Prenatal
Clinic.
Full-time PN Students participated in community service at the Cystic Fibrosis
Great Strides Walkathon at Hollidaysburg American Legion Park
Walk Today. Add Tomorrows
As part of their community service
Lori Remis, Community Director for the
Central PA Division of March of Dimes
activities, the State Health Occupations
presents Community Grant Award to
Becky Kelly, PN Program Director
Students of America (HOSA) sponsors a
national charitable organization. This
year, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be the recipient of funds
raised by HOSA students. The Practical Nursing students have raised
more than $600 by participating in the Great Strides Walkathon at
Hollidaysburg Legion Memorial Park on May 18 and selling
pinwheels as part of the Foundation’s “Blow Away CF” campaign.
GACTC Update — Page 4— May 2013
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION…...
Adult Education Notes
Spring 2013 Update
At the end of the 2012-2013 academic year, the Continuing Education Department is currently developing 2013-14 class
offerings and schedules. Scheduled full-time adult only offerings include: Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA),
Welding, HVAC w/related electricity & plumbing, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, and Administrative
Office Specialist. The scheduled part-time certificate programs include: Certified Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, and Medical
Coding. In addition, all of the secondary programs offer a full-time intergenerational curriculum to adult learners. Kathy
Butler, Retention Specialist, is continuing to interview students for the GACTC postsecondary programs. As of this date,
83 applications have been received for the 2013-2014 school year and student recruitment for the 2013-14 school year is
ongoing for all eligible program areas.
2013-14 Enrollment Snapshot
Program
Administrative Office Specialist/Medical
Assistant/ Medical Office Specialist
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Welding Technology
HVAC w/related electricity/plumbing
Intergenerational
Number of Applications Processed
18
19
17
11
18
Total
83
All adult students enrolled in full-time postsecondary programs (Medical Assistant,
Medical Office Specialist, Administrative Office Specialist, HVAC w/related
electricity & plumbing, and Welding w/Math & Print Reading) took the NOCTI this
year. This marks the fourth year of NOCTI administration for students enrolled in
stand-alone postsecondary programs of study at GACTC.
ADULT ONLY
HVAC
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
MEDICAL OFFICE
SPECIALIST
WELDING
TOTAL
BASIC
0
COMPETENT
6
ADVANCED
10
TOTAL
16
0
0
2
2
1
0
10
0
2
4
13
4
1
2
1
17
12
30
14
49
Continued on Page 5
GACTC Update — Page 5—May 2013
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION (continued)
2012-13 Adult Graduation
The graduation luncheon for all adult students, excluding Practical Nursing students, was held May 23 from 11:00 am to
12:30 pm in the school cafetorium. The guest speaker was Gayle Swales, GACTC Guidance Counselor, who addressed
the audience about her experience as the mother of a Wounded Warrior and encouraged the graduates to never give up.
Altogether, 90 adult students graduated this year. With graduates, guests, JOC, other school board members,
administration, faculty, and staff, approximately 260 people attended the graduation program.
WEDNetPA Update
Kathy Butler attended the annual WEDnetPA conference and training and successfully completed the Partner
Certification exam. Kathy is very busy processing WEDnetPA trainings for all of our companies that will expire June 30,
2013. Following the end of this fiscal year, WEDnetPA will be accepting applications for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
Nurse Aide Program
The GACTC Nurse Aide program held its first Occupational Advisory Meeting on May 15, 2013, following the program
re-structure. The meeting was well attended by representatives of clinical host sites, employing facilities, former
students, and program instructors. The revised Pennsylvania Department of Education approved curriculum content for
the training was shared with the members of the OAC. The topics of recruitment and marketing were discussed in
attempt to find the advertising niche that best works to advertise this Nurse Aide program.
EFDA Certificate to Associate Degree Initiative
The first cohort of EFDA students (6) graduated with Associate Degrees at commencement on May 11, 2013, from the
combined Mount Aloysius GACTC EFDA Program. Six more students completed the certificate EFDA program and
are eligible to enroll at Mount Aloysius College to complete the Associate Degree Program.
CATS (Customized Applied Training Solutions)
The GACTC Continuing Education Department customized eight hours of Excel training for employees from the Home
Nursing Agency. According to the supervisor from Home Nursing, the employees were well instructed and very satisfied
with the training which covered all of the requested topic areas.
FCI
Following a brief shut-down due to sequestration, the Automotive Technology program at the Federal Prison in Loretto
began again on May 13. Thirteen students are enrolled and the GACTC is working with the prison to attain NATEF
ON-SITE APPROVED PROGRAM EVALUATION
The GACTC has recently been notified that the school has been selected for an on-site Approved Program
Evaluation (APE) during the 2013-14 school year. Chapter 339, Vocational Education Standards 339.61,
states that Vocational Education curriculum will be subject to review by the Secretary to determine compliance
with Chapter 4 and Chapter 339 standards. An Approved Program Evaluation was last conducted at Greater
Altoona CTC on 9/30/-10/2/08.
An APE standards-based checklist must be completed for each approved career and technical education
program by Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code. Additionally, all information for each
approved program in the CATSv3 system must be updated. A team consisting of PDE representatives,
teachers, and other CTC personnel from across the state will make up the evaluation team. A tentative date of
October 8, 2013 has been set.
GACTC Update — Page 6— May 2013
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
OUTSTANDING SENIOR STUDENTS
Congratulations are extended to the following students named Outstanding Seniors in
their respective program for 2012-13:
Jo A. Edgar Automotive Technology/Altoona Area
Ronald L. Litzenberger Automotive/Diesel Technology/Claysburg-Kimmel
Andrew L. Adams Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry/Altoona Area Senior
Shea A. Stayer Carpentry/Construction/Altoona Area
Mark A. Landeck, Jr. Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology/Glendale
Tanner G. Lashinsky Computer Technology/Cisco Academy/Hollidaysburg Area
Jaclynn M. Haring Cosmetology/Altoona Area
Haley B. McCready Cosmetology/Hollidaysburg Area High School
Brooke N. Desch Cosmetology/Tyrone Area High School
Kandice M. Blazer Culinary Arts/Altoona Area
Tyler J. Shultz Culinary Arts/Hollidaysburg Area
Ashley L. Deterline Dental Assistant/Claysburg-Kimmel
Chelsea R. Benton Digital Printing Technologies/Central
Zachariah T. Gates Drafting/Design Technology/Tyrone Area
Evan M. Shover Electrical Trades/Altoona Area
Jonathan M. Snowberger Electronics Technology/Hollidaysburg Area
Justin M. Perino Emergency Services/Altoona Area
Kara J. Stayduhar Health Occupations/Williamsburg Community
Zachery A. Garland Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Bellwood-Antis
Alesha M. Shields Interior Decorating & Finishing/Altoona Area
Victoria E. Grager Logistics & Materials Management/Altoona Area
Brandon T. Pendergrast Masonry/Altoona Area
Stefen M. Smith Multimedia & Web Design/Altoona Area
Andrew M. Brode Outdoor Power Equipment Technology/Hollidaysburg Area
Matthew J. Snyder Precision Machining/Hollidaysburg Area
Zachary G. Ray Welding Technology/Williamsburg Community
GACTC Update — Page 7—May 2013
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL AWARDS
AAA East Central Award, Dustin J. Wilkins, Automotive Technology, Altoona
Aaron Stuckey Memorial Scholarship, Jerime D. Musselman, Jr., Automotive/Diesel Technology, Claysburg-Kimmel
Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Angelica R. Hoover, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Daly L. Lardieri, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Altoona
American Welding Society Award, Michael A. Claar, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg
BASICS Attendance Counts Recognition, Frederick W. Conner II, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg
Daniel A. Clark Memorial Scholarship, Kandice M. Blazer, Culinary Arts, Altoona
Dental Clinician of the Year, Anna L. Ciccarella, Dental Assistant, Altoona
Diesel Service Technician Award, Gabriel-Lee T. Fowler, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Glendale
E. Charles Makdad Memorial Award, Greggory R. Herr, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Central
Franklin M. Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Cole E. Burghard, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Tyrone
Franklin M. Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Robert G. Yahner, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona
Jane Purdy Hite and Robert Lee Hite Memorial Scholarship, Jonathan M. Snowberger, Electronics Technology, Hollidaysburg
Jesse T. McElhinney Memorial Scholarship, Kenneth M. McElhinney, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
Lowe's of Altoona Gold Hammer Award, Shea A. Stayer, Carpentry/Construction, Altoona
Makdad Tools for the Trade, Zachery A. Garland, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Bellwood-Antis
Mary Julie Ann Wehrle Memorial Scholarship, Casey L. Blackie, Health Occupations, Altoona
Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. Recognition, Frederick W. Conner II, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg
NAACP Harriet Tubman Scholarship, Alesha M. Shields, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
Outstanding DECA Member, Tamera C. Settles, Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship, Altoona
Outstanding Senior Of the Year, Stefen M. Smith, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
PA Concrete Masonry Association Award, Brandon T. Pendergrast, Masonry, Altoona
Piotr Marciniak Memorial Scholarship, Kandice M. Blazer, Culinary Arts, Altoona
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Haley B. McCready, Cosmetology, Hollidaysburg
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Alesha M. Shields, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Haley B. McCready, Cosmetology, Hollidaysburg
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Jonathan M. Snowberger, Electronics Technology, Hollidaysburg
Rodger Walters Memorial Award, Greggory R. Herr, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Central
Rotary Club Scholarship, Xena R. Price, Dental Assistant, Altoona
Rotary Club Scholarship, Alesha M. Shields, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
Scott Garlick Memorial Scholarship, Jonathan M. Snowberger, Electronics Technology, Hollidaysburg
Sgt. Brandon E. Adams Information Technology Education Scholarship, Angelica R. Hoover, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
SkillsUSA Scholarship, Alesha M. Shields, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
SkillsUSA Scholarship, Jonathan M. Snowberger, Electronics Technology, Hollidaysburg
SkillsUSA State Conference 2nd Place-Chapter Display, Richard J. Focht, Electronics Technology, Altoona
SkillsUSA State Conference 2nd Place-Promotional Bulletin Board, Alesha M. Shields, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
Smithmyer Special Recognition, Greggory R. Herr, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Central
Special Recognition, Adam J. Foor, Food Production, Hollidaysburg
YBC Gold Hammer Award, Dylan J. Martynuska, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona
Perfect Attendance-Four Years: Frederick W. Conner II, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg
Perfect Attendance-Three Years: Tristyn K. Lingenfelter, Dental Assistant, Hollidaysburg
Jo A. Edgar, Automotive Technology, Altoona
Paige A. Geist, Digital Printing Technologies, Altoona
Bradley M. Harbaugh, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Altoona
Justin M. Perino, Emergency Services, Altoona
GACTC Update — Page 8—May 2013
THANKS TO ALL OUR SCHOLARSHIP 2013 CONTRIBUTORS
Many area businesses and individuals have contributed to scholarship and special awards for our graduating seniors.
Without these contributions, the Senior Awards program would not be possible.
In the aggregate, contributions amounted to nearly $35,000
AAA Blair Motor Club
Ace Fix-It Hardware
Allegheny Supply & Maintenance Co., Inc.
Allegheny Trucks, Inc.
Alpha Metals
Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co.
Altoona Regional Health System
Altoona Regional Health System Partnership
for a Healthy Community, Inc.
AMED
American Welding Society
Andrews & Beard
Bettwy Electric Inc.
BK Audio
Blair Auto Service & Power Equipment
Blair Candy Company, Inc.
Blair Companies
Blair County Dental Society
Bollman Charter Service
Borex, Inc.
Bovard Heating & Cooling
Brumbaugh Insurance Group
Burgmeier Hauling, Inc.
Carnegie Equipment
Concept Foods
Courtesy Ford, Inc.
Cumming Motors
Dale Oxygen
Daniel A. Clark Memorial Scholarship
Delta Health Technologies, LLC
Downtown Bedford, Inc.
E & W Small Engine
Elaine’s Wearable Art
Evolving Technologies, Inc.
Feesers, Inc.
First Commonwealth Trust Co.
G. W. Sipes Company
Gampe Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
Garvey Manor
Hayes, Large Architects, LLP
J. C. Orr & Son, Inc.
Judy Coutts, AIA Architect
Keller Engineers
Keystone Environmental Health & Safety
Services, Inc.
Knisely & Sons, Inc.
Link Computer Corporation
M & T Bank
Manpower
Marianna's
Mary Julie Ann Wehrle Memorial
Scholarship
McLanahan Corporation
Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
Mel C. Woomer
Modern Cabinet & Construction
Mueller's Auto Recycling and Sales, Inc.
NAPA Auto Parts
New Look Uniform
NPC, Inc.
Operation S.O.S. (Support Our Soldiers)
Precision Machining Bench Rest Project
Pyramid Engineering, PC
Reinhart Foodservice
Reliance Bank
Ritchey’s Dairy
Schultz Company
Secure-Tec, Inc.
Sheetz Organization
SkillsUSA
Smithmyer Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Southern Alleghenies Chefs Association
Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc.
Stuckey Ford, Subaru & Collision
Summit Quest Fitness Center
Team Chevrolet Buick Cadillac
The Bruno & Lena DeGol Family Foundation
The Hite Company
The Knickerbocker Tavern
The Small Engine Shop
Thomas A. Fahr Masonry Contractors
Thompson Machine
Triangle Barber Shop
U. S. Foods
Value Drug
Vince’s Auto Body
Young, Oakes, Brown & Co.
Your Building Center
MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Kandice M. Blazer, Altoona/Culinary Arts (3)
Frederick W. Conner II, Hollidaysburg/Welding Technology (3)
Jo A. Edgar, Altoona/Automotive Technology (2)
Zachery A. Garland, Bellwood-Antis/Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (2)
Gregory R. Herr, Central/Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (3)
Angelica R. Hoover, Altoona/Multimedia & Web Design (2)
Haley B. McCready, Hollidaysburg/Cosmetology (3)
Brandon T. Pendergrast, Altoona/Masonry (2)
Justin M. Perino, Altoona/Emergency Services (2)
Alesha M. Shields, Altoona/Interior Decorating & Finishing (7)
Stefen M. Smith, Altoona/Multimedia & Web Design (2)
Jonathan M. Snowberger, Hollidaysburg/Electronics Technology (5)
Shea A. Stayer, Altoona/Carpentry/Construction (2)
GACTC Update — Page 9—May 2013
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT PROGRAM AWARD WINNERS
At the annual Miss School/Miss Out Incentive Assembly, twelfth grade
students at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center were
recognized for perfect attendance and high achievement.
Mark Ziegenfuss of the Challenge Program presented awards as follows
to outstanding seniors:
 Academic Excellence – Angelica Hoover, Multimedia & Web Design
 Attendance – Adam Foor, Food Production (2 years of Perfect
Attendance)
 Academic Improvement – Nicole Himes, Interior Decorating &
Finishing
 Community Service – Therese Kapfhammer, Cosmetology(86 hours)
 STEM—Jonathan Snowberger, Electronics Technology
The Hite Company, the Blair Companies, and McLanahan Corporation
contributed $1,000 as sponsors for each senior award and the
underclassmen awards to be presented in September.
This is the eleventh consecutive year that the school has awarded a rebuilt late-model automobile that is restored to like-new condition by the
Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, Automotive Technology, and
Senior Kara Stayduhar, top winner in the
Automotive/Diesel Technology Programs. This year’s car was donated
MSMO Incentive Program
by Stoystown Auto Wreckers. Frank Mayak of Stoystown has sponsored
the program in whole or in part for each of the eleven years it has been
in existence. Donations from the following companies helped make this
restoration possible: Stoystown Auto Wreckers, Mueller’s Auto
Recycling & Sales, Hamer Auto Body Repair & Towing, Reliable Tire &
Kara Stayduhar was declared the
Auto Center, Courtesy Ford Lincoln, and Fiore Volkswagen.
winner. Runner-up, Jordan Smith won a
One student from the morning session, Kara Stayduhar, and one student 39” Insignia television, a Blu-ray DVD
from the afternoon session, Jordan Smith, qualified for the grand prize
player, and a DVD movie.
automobile. Each student received an ignition key for the 2005
Volkswagen Beetle, but it was Kara’s key that proved successful in
Good luck with the car, Kara, and
turning the ignition. Kara, who is a Health Occupations student will soon
remember to drive safely!
graduate from the Williamsburg Community High School.
Altoona Curve
CAR PARTNERSHIP SPONSORS
Stoystown Auto Wreckers
MISS SCHOOL
MISS OUT
Mueller’s Auto Recycling & Sales
Hamer Auto Body Repair & Towing
Reliable Tire & Auto Center
Courtesy Ford Lincoln
Fiore Volkswagen
AWARD
PROGRAM
DelGrosso’s
Amusement Park
Meadows Original
Custard
SPONSORS
New Look
Uniform
GACTC Update —Page 10 —May 2013
Employee Spotlight
JUNE RETIREES & RESIGNEES
Betty Richardson’s career has included secretarial work at several local companies
including the Pennsylvania Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Ciocca &
Company (CPA), and Appleton Papers. Betty spent many years as an operator and
supervisor at Bell Telephone before coming to the Greater Altoona Career &
Technology Center in 1986 as a clerk typist. Since that time, Betty has worked in
several departments within the school—Continuing Education, the Main Office, and
the Business Office. Twice Betty has been chosen by her colleagues as “Employee
of the Year.” Betty has served the school faithfully with professionalism and
efficiency. We will all miss Betty!
Ronald DeNicola retired from self-employment as a contractor and restauranteur
after also working for several machining companies and a contractor. Ron came to
work at the GACTC in 2005 as a teacher aide. He has worked diligently in this
position, advancing the education of students in his charge. Thank you Ron for your
years of dedicated service.
Judy Graziosi spent many years as a Dental Assistant in two area dental offices. She
was eminently qualified when hired at GACTC as a teacher aide in the Dental
Assistant and EFDA Programs. Judy has played a key role in working with students
on a daily basis and in advancing both the secondary and postsecondary dental
programs. Staff and students will miss Judy.
Billie Brown has served as the Emergency Services Instructor since 2008. Billie
began her teaching career in the field of Mathematics. After many years of
volunteering as a firefighter and EMT, Billie decided to pursue Workforce Education
Certification and teaching in the field of Emergency Services. Billie has realized that
she would now like to focus on patient care in the field of Nursing. Thank you for
providing quality learning for your students!
Debbie Lardieri was gracious enough to come out of retirement to assume the
position of Cooperative Education Coordinator at the beginning of this school year.
Debbie retired from the Hollidaysburg Area School District where she served as
Cooperative Education Coordinator and as a Business Education Teacher. Those of
us who have been around the GACTC since the 1970’s remember that Debbie
started out at our school as the secretary in Cooperative Education! Thank you,
Debbie, for your outstanding work at the GACTC!
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HEALTH TO ALL OF YOU!
GACTC Update —Page 11 —May 2013
NOCTI Performance Testing
Students participated in school-wide NOCTI Performance Testing on April 23 (L-R)
1st Row: Dental Assistant, Masonry, Automotive Technology
2nd Row: Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Carpentry/Construction, Cosmetology
3rd Row: Precision Machining, Culinary Arts, Electronics Technology
4th Row: Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Digital Printing Technologies,
Electrical Trades
GACTC Update —Page 12 —May 2013
PRECISION MACHINING EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
On Wednesday, May 1, one CNC Machining Center and one CNC Machining Center-LPM Milling Machine were delivered to the
Precision Machining program. These two new pieces of equipment, with a combined value of approximately $85,000, were
purchased through two matching state equipment grants with a 50% match by the school. After being delivered by crane to the 15th
Street loading dock (pictured below), company representatives and maintenance personnel worked to install the equipment in the
Precision Machining lab area which required the removal of an exterior door and frame. As you can see by the picture, it was a very
tight fit. Vendor-sponsored training for the instructor will be conducted in the near future.
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT DONATION
Before attending the 2013 Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) annual
accreditation conference, Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) Technology Instructor,
Chuck Miller, discussed with the new EETC Director, Erik Sides, the possibility of
acquiring some new two-stroke cycle engines. Upon arrival at the conference, Mr. Sides
introduced Mr. Miller to Mr. Mike Hudson of ECHO Inc. As Mr. Hudson was part of
the committee that helped select Chuck Miller EETC Teacher of the Year in 2010, Chuck
was already acquainted with Mike. The two discussed the school’s needs, and
Mr. Hudson agreed to support the GACTC by sending nearly two dozen backpack
blowers to the school along with curriculum to teach the students how to repair the
machines. Mr. Hudson also agreed to send training material to teach rotary carburetor
theory as well. The EETC has been an indispensable resource for the OPE program the
past 14 years. Support provided by EETC has allowed Chuck to provide excellent
student training at a substantially-reduced cost to the school.
The retail value of this most recent donation is more than $5,000, not including the
OPE AM and PM students wearing the
donated ECHO Blowers
END-OF-PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS—SECONDARY STUDENTS &
INTERGENERTIONAL ADULT STUDENTS
NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY TEST (NOCTI)
RATING
ADVANCED
COMPETENT
BASIC
TOTAL
NUMBER TESTED
150
58
18
226
PERCENTAGE
66.4%
25.7%
7.9%
100%
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR METALWORKING SKILLS (NIMS)
RATING
NUMBER TESTED
PERCENTAGE
ADVANCED
PROFICIENT
TOTAL
12
1
13
92.3%
7.7%
100%
GRAND TOTAL
239
92.5%