Outstanding Seniors Students Recognized

GACTC News Update
Issue 6—May 25, 2011
Inside this issue:
Guidance Activities/
Cooperative Education
2
Report from Adult &
Continuing Education:
PN Notes
Adult Education Notes
New Choices Career
Development
3
4
5
Special Points of
Interest:
NIMS………………………… p. 5
Artists of the Month………. P. 5
Senior Award Winners ..pp.6, 7
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
Outstanding Seniors Students Recognized
The 44th Annual Senior Awards Program was held on Thursday evening,
May 12, in the school cafetorium. Outstanding senior awards were presented to
students in twenty-seven programs. Thirty-seven other special awards and
scholarships were presented. Three seniors were recognized for having three
years of perfect attendance. More than $33,000 in cash awards were presented
to these seniors. It is important to note that five memorial awards are endowed
to honor former students or employees of the school. These 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.
Award Contributors……… p. 8
Incentive Award Program .p. 9
Robot Competition. ………p. 10
Auction of Equipment.…...p. 10
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!
Donation…………………… p. 10
Employee Spotlight... pp. 10,11
2011 Senior Award
Winners…………………...p. 12
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
1500 Fourth Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
www.gactc.edu
Middle States Assn. of
Colleges & Secondary Schools
Council on Occupational Education
Becky Reighard
Admin. Asst./Editor
Computer Programming/
Oracle Academy
RYAN P. ICKES
Accepted at St. Francis University
with a dual Major in
Computer Science and Mathematics
Hollidaysburg Area High School
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
OF THE YEAR
GACTC Update — Page 2 — May 2011
Guidance Activities
Counselor Activities
Counselors continue with scheduling, attending IEP meetings at the home schools, and conducting 6th grade
tours.
2011-12 Applications
To date, 409 new applications for incoming tenth graders and 73 applications for incoming ninth graders have
been received and processed. A third complete scheduling run involving all four grade levels will be
completed June 1.
Failure Notifications
Counselors are meeting with students who are in danger of failing this year and will communicate with the
parents of those students who do indeed fail.
Guidance Advisory Council Meeting
The second Guidance Advisory Council meeting of the year was held on Thursday, May 3, Counselors from
the sending schools, Special Needs Personnel, and GACTC Counselors met to discuss programs of study,
scheduling for the 2011-12 school year, and ideas to promote our school.
VIAS Testing
Mark Treese is conducting VIAS assessments with 65 eighth graders from AAJHS and approximately 30
eighth graders from Hollidaysburg Junior High. These students represent next year’s ninth graders.
Attendance Incentive Program
The Guidance Department planned
the Miss School, Miss Out Attendance
Incentive assemblies. Pictured is the
2007 Dodge Caliber that was given
away as this year’s grand prize to
Isaac Conner, a senior student in
Carpentry/Construction.
Cooperative Education
The number of seniors placed in Cooperative Education now stands at 24 secondary students and seven intergenerational adult students. Placement has increased since the NOCTI review and testing has been completed.
Coordinator, Leanne Sidney, is collecting final evaluations from employers and seniors. Each employer will
receive a framed Appreciation Certificate from the student they employed.
GACTC Update — Page 3 — May 2011
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION…...
Practical Nursing Notes
Practical Nursing Student Update
The Practical Nursing students celebrated National Nurse’s
Day on Thursday, May 12, the anniversary of Florence
Nightingale’s birthday. Students received a GACTC
Practical Nursing t-shirt and were treated to ice cream
sundaes.
This month, Leanne Sidney, Placement Coordinator, will
assist the students in developing resumes in preparation for our annual Health Care Industry Job Fair.
Over 30 prospective employers are expected to attend the event which will be held June 24, 2011, in the
GACTC Cafetorium.
Professional Development
PN Coordinator Rebecca Kelly attended the PA Practical Nursing Coordinators’ Convention in
Lewisburg on May 5 and 6. Dr. Sue Petula, Education Advisor with the PA State Board of Nursing, was
present to provide information related to the new electronic process for Nursing Education Verification
Form submission. This new method was implemented to expedite the verification process, allowing
graduates the opportunity to take the licensure exam in a more timely fashion.
Donna Cunningham, PN Instructor, attended Pennsylvania’s Best Health Care Practices Conference
sponsored by the PA Center for Health Careers in Harrisburg on April 28. Participants had the
opportunity to network with education and industry experts in their respective disciplines and learn about
best practices conducted within the Commonwealth. Of particular interest was research being conducted
related to the increasing problem of student incivility. Interventions and solutions were offered in order
to provide for a more effective teaching and learning environment.
Class of 2012
The program continues to accept applications for the class that will begin this August. Our last
pre-entrance test exam will be conducted on June 7. Over 150 applications have been received for the
available 54 seats. 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.
GACTC Update — Page 4— May 2011
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION…...
Adult Education Notes
NOCTI
Adult students in the HVAC, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office Specialist programs participated this
year in NOCTI performance and written testing. This year marks the second year of NOCTI administration
for adult students enrolled in stand-alone postsecondary programs of study at the GACTC. A total of twentyseven students took the NOCTI exam with results are as follows:
BASIC
COMPETENT
ADVANCED
1
0
8
0
1
11
MEDICAL OFFICE
SPECIALIST
2
1
3
TOTALS
3
2
22
HVAC
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
**The exam that the Medical Office Specialist students took was the Administrative Assistant exam. While
there is a match in competencies, the Administrative Assistant exam is not a best fit for the Medical Office
Specialist (as there is no emphasis on the Medical piece, which is such an important part of the MOS
curriculum).
2010-2011 Graduation
The graduation luncheon for all adult students, excluding the Practical Nursing students, is scheduled Friday,
May 27, 2011, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. At this point, 59 adult students will graduate this year. While it is
still too early to have a final count, it is estimated that 175 people will be in attendance for the graduation
luncheon. Michael Snow, Human Resources/Organization Manager from REI in Bedford, is the guest speaker
at this year’s function. If you have the time, please stop in to see our adult graduates receive their diplomas
and enjoy a good meal. Call Karen Chirdon at 946-8469 to RSVP.
Preparation for 2011-2012 Year
 Katrina Gentsch and the Coordinator of Continuing Education began
interviewing students for postsecondary programs four weeks ago.
 Scheduling classes for next year has begun. Working out the schedule
involves a very timely and tedious process with input from all teaching.
Meetings to work out the schedule will continue into the coming weeks.
 We are still recruiting students for the 2011-2012 year in all program areas.
The Coordinator of Continuing Education has been working with Steve
Clark to begin airing TV spots for the Adult Welding, HVAC, Medical
Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, and Expanded Function Dental
Assistant programs.
GACTC Update — Page 5—May 2011
NEW CHOICES CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Leadership Day activities were held in Harrisburg, PA, on Tuesday, May 3, to promote the success of the
New Choices Career Development Programs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The keynote
speaker was Governor Corbett’s wife, who is a strong advocate of our program. During Leadership Day,
one of Altoona’s New Choices graduates, Dena A. Clark, was selected and awarded the Stephanie
Beaver’s Scholarship. Proudly, Ms. Clark accepted the $500 scholarship which will be applied to study at
South Hills School of Business & Technology. Ms. Clark expects to enter the Business Administration
Management & Marketing program in the fall, 2011.
A final New Choices session concluded on April 28, 2011. No further sessions will be held during the
remainder of this grant year. A total of six sessions were conducted this year which exceeds our yearly
requirement of four.
New Choices guidelines required graduating/completing at least 30 new students. By successfully
graduating 53 new students during the 2010-2011 grant year, this requirement was exceeded as well.
Ongoing follow-up and supportive services continued simultaneously with 45 former graduates.
The New Choices Office will continue its partnerships with community agencies and educational
institutions in the remaining weeks. Coordinated efforts with the Rapid Response Team will also continue
should any additional local businesses experience a lay off.
The New Choices Career Development program continues collecting data, statistical reporting, allocating
of remaining funds, invoicing, and the submitting the 2011-2012 grant application. Office procedures will
continue until funding is depleted or conclusion of the grant year on June 30, whichever comes first.
NIMS
Precision Machining is the lone approved program that utilizes an end-of-program test other than one
developed by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). Our Precision
Machining Program was the first program certified by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills
(NIMS) and the second program in the state to undergo certification. Five seniors and one adult
completed more than the minimum number of projects required by NIMS and submitted for independent
testing and evaluation outside of school. Once again, student performance on this assessment validates the
high quality instruction offered in the program. All Precision Machining senior and adult students earned
four or more NIMS Certifications.
AASD PUBLIC LIBRARY ARTISTS OF THE MONTH
Visual Arts Technologies Instructor, Susan Lowther
and her students at the AASD Public Library
Morning and afternoon students of the Visual Arts
Technologies class at the Greater Altoona Career &
Technology Center are the invited Artists of the Month in
May at the Altoona Area Public Library. Works displayed are
classroom projects utilizing various media: watercolor,
pencil, acrylic, pen and ink, and digital imaging. The class
prepares students for careers in graphic design and the visual
arts field. The exhibit will be displayed until the end of May.
An artists’ reception will be held in the Library Boardroom
on May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
GACTC Update — Page 6— May 2011
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
OUTSTANDING SENIOR STUDENTS
Congratulations are extended to the following students named Outstanding Seniors in
their respective program for 2010-11:
Romeo J. DiBartolomeo III Automotive Technology/Altoona Area
Dylan L. Kaehler Automotive/Diesel Technology/Hollidaysburg Area
Kimberly M. Bumbarger Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry/Altoona Area
Isaac B. Conner Carpentry/Construction/Blair County Christian
Jered M. Glass Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology/Claysburg-Kimmel
Ryan P. Ickes Computer Programming/Oracle Academy/Hollidaysburg Area
Matthew T. Frederick Computer Technology/Cisco Academy/Altoona Area
Lindie A. Bush Cosmetology/Altoona Area
Michele N. Pfahler Cosmetology/Altoona Area
Janee B. Hart Culinary Arts/Altoona Area
Bailey C. Sinai Dental Assistant/Altoona Area
Daniel P. Joyce Digital Printing Technologies/Altoona Area
Brittany N. Dempsie Drafting & Design Technology/Central
Kyle L. Myers Electrical Trades/Glendale
Nicholas M. Bowser Electronics Technology/Tyrone Area
William F. Harris Emergency Services/Altoona Area
Melony L. Gray Health Occupations/Altoona Area
Kendra A. Helsel Horticulture & Environmental Science/Claysburg-Kimmel
Taylor J. Thompson Heating, Vent., Air Cond., & Plumbing/Altoona Area
Jenna H. Weston Interior Decorating & Finishing/Altoona Area
Bradley J. Bender Logistics and Materials Management/Altoona Area
Dustin B. Hewitt Masonry/Altoona Area
Samantha L. Smith Multimedia & Web Design/Hollidaysburg Area
Shane E. Howsare Outdoor Power Equipment Technology/Bellwood-Antis
Brock A. Bowers Precision Machining/Altoona Area
Katelyn R. Wackerman Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship/Altoona Area
Nickolas A. Lonsinger Visual Arts Technologies/Altoona Area
Daniel J. Destefano Welding Technology/Hollidaysburg Area
GACTC Update — Page 7—May 2011
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL AWARDS
AAA East Central Award, Tyler C. Kane, Automotive Technology, Hollidaysburg Area
Altoona Area High School Alumni Scholarship for 2011, Haley M. Gainvors, Horticulture & Environmental Science, Altoona Area
Altoona Area High School Alumni Scholarship for 2011, Melony L. Gray, Health Occupations, Altoona Area
American Welding Society Award, Elliot R. Fasick, Welding Technology, Central
American Welding Society Award, Brandon E. McClain, Welding Technology, Great Commission Schools
BASICS Attendance Counts Award, Blair Chamber, Steffani N. Rickabaugh, Visual Arts Technologies, Altoona Area
Business & Professional Women's Club Award, Kendra A. Helsel, Horticulture & Environmental Science, Claysburg-Kimmel
Daniel A. Clark Scholarship, Lauren E. Moore, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona Area
DECA Outstanding Member of the Year, Katelyn R. Wackerman, Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship, Altoona Area
Dental Clinician of the Year, Gabrielle S. Ross, Dental Assistant, Hollidaysburg Area
FFA Leadership Award, Haley M. Gainvors, Horticulture & Environmental Science, Altoona Area
Food Production Special Recognition, Matthew R. Ickes, Food Production, Hollidaysburg Area
Frank Cristillo Special Recognition, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Hollidaysburg Area
Franklin M. (Frankie) Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Kimberly M. Bumbarger, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area
Franklin M. (Frankie) Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Brittany N. Dempsie, Drafting/Design Technology, Central
Gold Hammer Award from Lowe's of Altoona, Kevin M. Pierce, Jr., Carpentry/Construction, Altoona Area
Gold Hammer Award from Your Building Center, Tyler D. Stevens, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area
HOSA State Conference 2nd Place Dental Spelling, Symantha Wright, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area
HOSA State Conference 3rd Place Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team:
Ben Carter, Health Occupations, Altoona Area
Brandon Lego, Health Occupations, Altoona Area
HVAC/P Special Recognition, Adam M. Watchey, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Bellwood-Antis
Masonry Special Recognition, Ryan M. Kensinger, Masonry, Central
Mike & Kathy Ventre Scholarship, Dustin B. Hewitt, Masonry, Altoona Area
Outstanding Senior of the Year, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Hollidaysburg Area
PA Concrete Masonry Assn Award, Ryan M. Kensinger, Masonry, Central
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Hollidaysburg Area
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Lauren E. Moore, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona Area
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Hollidaysburg Area
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Amanda J. Pulcine, Visual Arts Technologies, Altoona Area
Rotary Club of Altoona Award, Brittany N. Dempsie, Drafting/Design Technology, Central
Rotary Club of Altoona Award, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Hollidaysburg Area
Rotary Club of Altoona Award, Lauren E. Moore, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona Area
Sgt. Brandon E. Adams Information Technology, Matthew T. Frederick, Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Altoona Area
SkillsUSA Scholarship, Jenna H. Weston, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona Area
SkillsUSA State Conference 1st Place - First Aid/CPR, William F. Harris, Emergency Services, Altoona Area
SkillsUSA State Conference 2nd Place - Related Technical Math, Ryan P. Ickes, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy,
Hollidaysburg Area
SkillsUSA State Conference 3rd Place - Culinary Arts, Janee B. Hart, Culinary Arts, Altoona Area
Masonry Special Recognition, Ryan M. Kensinger, Masonry, Central
The Aaron N. Stuckey Memorial Scholarship, Romeo J. DiBartolomeo III, Automotive Technology, Altoona Area
The Jane Purdy Hite & Robert Lee Hite Scholarship, Nicholas M. Bowser, Electronics Technology, Tyrone Area
The Scott T. Garlick Memorial Scholarship, Nicholas M. Bowser, Electronics Technology, Tyrone Area
Valley National Gases, Inc. Award, Matthew M. Ball, Welding Technology, Altoona Area
Perfect Attendance—Three Years:
William F. Harris, Emergency Services, Altoona Area
Steffani N. Rickabaugh, Visual Arts Technologies, Altoona Area
Jenna H. Weston, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona Area
Issue 6—May 25, 2011
GACTC Update — Page 8—May 2011
THANKS TO ALL OUR SCHOLARSHIP 2011 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 over $33,000
AAA Blair Motor Club
Aaron N. Stuckey Memorial Scholarship
Allegheny Supply & Maintenance Co., Inc.
Allegheny Trucks, Inc.
Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co.
Altoona Regional Health System
Altoona Regional Health System
Partnership for a Healthy Community
AMED
Andrews & Beard
ATC Associates, Inc.
Bench Rest Project
Bettwy Electric Inc.
BK Audio
Blair Auto Service & Power Equipment, Inc.
Blair Candy Company, Inc.
Blair County Dental Society
Borex, Inc.
Bovard Heating & Cooling
Brumbaugh Insurance Group
Burgmeier Hauling, Inc.
Carnegie Equipment
Citywide Auto Transport
Concept Foods
Cookson Electronics
Courtesy Ford, Inc.
Cumming Motors
Dale Oxygen
Delta Health Technologies, LLC
Downtown Bedford, Inc.
Edwin Frontino, Logan Twp Supervisor
First Commonwealth Trust Co.
FFA Leadership
Gampe Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
Garvey Manor
Hayes, Large Architects, LLP
Horticulture Community Project
Hoss's Steak and Sea House
J. C. Orr & Son, Inc.
Jane Doyle
Jim Burtoft
Keller Engineers
Knisely & Sons, Inc.
Lawruk Builders Inc.
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Link Computer Corporation
M & T Bank
Manpower
Marianna's
McLanahan Corporation
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)
Reliable Towing & Auto Center, Inc.
Reliance Bank
Riley, Inc.
Ritchey’s Dairy
Schultz Company
Scott T. Garlick Memorial Scholarship
Secure-Tec, Inc.
Sgt. Brandon Adams Memorial Scholarship
Sheetz Organization
SkillsUSA
Smithmyer Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Southern Alleghenies Chefs Association
Spherion
Stuckey Ford/Stuckey Subaru
Summit Quest Fitness Center
Team Chevrolet Buick Cadillac
The Bruno & Lena DeGol Family Foundation
The Small Engine Shop
Thomas A. Fahr Masonry Contractors
Thompson Machine
Triangle Barber Shop
US Foodservice
Valley National Gases, Inc.
Value Drug
Young, Oakes, Brown
Your Building Center
MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Nicholas M. Bowser,Tyrone Area/Electronics Technology (3)
Kimberly M. Bumbarger, Altoona Area/Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry (2)
Brittany N. Dempsie, Central/Drafting/Design Technology (3)
Romeo J. DiBartolomeo III, Altoona Area/Automotive Technology (2)
Matthew T. Frederick, Altoona Area/Computer Technology/Cisco Academy (2)
Haley M. Gainvors, Altoona Area/Horticulture & Environmental Science (2)
Melony L. Gray, Altoona Area/Health Occupations (2)
William F. Harris, Altoona Area/Emergency Services (3)
Kendra A. Helsel, Claysburg-Kimmel/Horticulture & Environmental Science (2)
Dustin B. Hewitt, Altoona Area/Masonry (2)
Ryan P. Ickes, Hollidaysburg Area/Computer Programming/Oracle Academy (6)
Ryan M. Kensinger, Central/Masonry (2)
Lauren E. Moore, Altoona Area/Interior Decorating & Finishing (3)
Steffani N. Rickabaugh, Altoona Area/Visual Arts Technologies (2)
Katelyn R. Wackerman, Altoona Area/Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship (2)
Jenna H. Weston, Altoona Area/Interior Decorating & Finishing (3)
GACTC Update — Page 9—May 2011
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT PROGRAM AWARD WINNERS
CAR PARTNERSHIP
SPONSORS
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.
Stoystown Auto Wreckers
Mueller’s Auto Recycling
Dunkle Services
Kathy Holtzman of the Challenge Program presented
awards as follows to outstanding seniors:
 Academic Excellence – Kendra Helsel, Horticulture &
Environmental Science (97%)
 Attendance – Jenna Weston, Interior Decorating &
Finishing (3 years perfect attendance)
 Academic Improvement – Megan Hicks,
 Cosmetology
 Community Service – Brett Sweitzer, Collision Repair
& Refinishing Technology (193.75 hours)
Courtesy Dodge
Barr’s Auto Electric
Hamer’s Auto Body
Sam’s Club
The Devorris Family and the Blair Companies again
contributed $3,000 as sponsors for each senior award
and the underclassmen awards to be presented in
September.
This is the eighth 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 Automotive/
Diesel Technology Programs. This year’s car was
donated by Stoystown Auto Wreckers. Frank Mayak of
Stoystown has sponsored the program in whole or in part
for each of the eight years it has been in existence.
Donations from the following companies helped make
this restoration possible: Stoystown Auto Wreckers,
Mueller’s Auto Recycling, Dunkle Services, Courtesy
Dodge, Barr’s Auto Electric, Hamer’s Auto Body, and
Sam’s Club.
L-R, Seniors Kim Bumbarger (2nd Place) and Isaac Conner
(1st Place), top winners in the MSMO Incentive Program
One student from the morning session, Isaac Conner,
Isaac Conner was declared the winner. Runner-up, Kim
and one student from the afternoon session, Kim
Bumbarger won a Dynex 32” Flat Screen TV and a
Bumbarger, qualified for the grand prize automobile.
Each student received an ignition key for the 2007 Dodge Sony DVD Player.
Caliber, but it was Isaac’s key that proved successful in
turning the ignition. Isaac, who is a Carpentry student
Good luck with the car, Isaac, and
and resident of Duncansville, will soon graduate from the
remember to drive safely!
Blair Christian Academy.
Altoona Curve
MISS SCHOOL
Blair Candy Co.
MISS OUT
Blair County
Chamber of Commerce
DelGrosso’s
Amusement Park
AWARD
PROGRAM
SPONSORS
The Meadow’s
Original Custard
New Look Uniform
Holiday Bowl
Sheetz Organization
GACTC Update —Page 10 —May 2011
ROBOT COMPETITION
Electronics Team PM with Robot
Electronics Team AM with Robot
The Electronics Technology class held a Robot Competition during the fourth marking period. Two
teams, AM vs. PM, were given a budget and the goal of designing and constructing a robot that would
retrieve as many tennis balls as possible and place them in a storage container. The team that collected
the most balls over five minutes won. Interested classes watched the competition that was held on
Friday, May 13, in the school Cafetorium. After seven rounds, the PM team’s robot design was
victorious by collecting 70 tennis balls compared to the AM team’s 36.
AUCTION OF OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT
After receiving Joint Operating Committee approval, the GACTC collected and delivered three
loads of obsolete equipment to Stoy’s Auction Service in Gallitzin, PA, to be auctioned in its
April 30 consignment sale. Net proceeds in this sale were $4,752. Our school has used this
service several times and continues to be very pleased with the final results.
DONATION
Several good-quality engineering work stations were recently donated to the school by Hayes,
Large Architects.
PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
Welding
Equipment purchased through PDE Equipment Grant has been delivered to the Welding Technology
Program. This equipment enables high school and adult welding students to use the latest technology
available. The downdraft technology is expected to significantly improve the air quality and safety for
students in the program.
Cosmetology
The Cosmetology suite has not undergone renovations or improvements since the early 1980’s. The
program has two instructors and is fully enrolled. It operates a clinic open to the public every Friday.
Since this occupation has recently been justified as a high priority occupation, the improvements to the
facility have been carefully planned to control costs and take place within a well-defined budget. The
work to be completed by the school’s maintenance staff is slated to be finished before the beginning of
the 2011-12 school term.
GACTC Update —Page 11 —May 2011
Employee Spotlight
JUNE RETIREES
Art Albright was a Foreman with John Wagner General Contractor before
coming to the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center in 1979 as a
Teacher Assistant in the Building Trades Department. Since 1982, Art has
served as an instructor in Building Construction, Postsecondary Building
Construction, Millwork, and finally Carpentry/Construction since 2003. Art
earned his Vocational Instructional II Certificate in 1991. Art was active with
SkillsUSA-VICA as student adviser for 23 years. He has served as President of
the GACTCEA since 2003. Art will be missed by everyone at the school,
especially his colleagues in the construction trades cluster.
Jim Burchfield also began his career at the GACTC as a Teacher Assistant in
1979 in the Environmental Resources Program after working as a landscaper
for the Unico Corporation. Jim became instructor of Environmental Resources
Program (now Horticulture & Environmental Science Program) in 1983. Jim
has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Penn State University in Park &
Recreation and earned his Vocational Instructional II Certification in 1979.
Under Jim’s direction, his students have completed many community service
projects. Burch, as he is known to his colleagues, has been an outstanding
asset to the school and has had a positive impact on many students throughout
his career.
Jane Phelan worked from 1993-2008 as an Elementary Lunch Worker. Since
the 2008-09 school year, Jane has served as Teacher Assistant in Food
Production. Jane has been an integral part of the Food Service Department and
has worked to make Culinary Arts successful.
Kathy Felty has held several positions at the school since 1988 including parttime data entry clerk and full-time clerk typist. Most of her career at the
GACTC has been as Secretary in the Guidance/Cooperative Education
Department. In 2010 she moved to Management Support. Kathy has served
the staff and students of the Guidance and Cooperative Education Departments
with professionalism and efficiency.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HEALTH TO ALL THE RETIREES!
GACTC Update —Page 12 —May 2011