GACTC News Update Issue 7—May 23, 2018

Inside this issue: Guidance Activities/ 2 Cooperative Education Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center Report from Adult & Continuing Education: Outstanding Senior Students Recognized PN Notes 2 Adult Education Notes 3 The 51st Annual Senior Awards Program was held Thursday evening, May 10, in the school cafetorium. Outstanding senior awards were presented to students in twenty-seven programs. Fifty-two other special awards and scholarships were presented. One senior was recognized for having four years of Special Points of perfect attendance. Approximately 300 students, parents, business and Interest: community representatives, and staff members attended. Nearly $35,000 in cash awards were presented to these seniors. It is important to note that many memorial awards are endowed to honor former students or employees of the school. Some of these memorial awards include the Timothy A. Bartek Retirees p. 4 Memorial Scholarship, Joseph J. Schamris Memorial Scholarship, Daniel Clark Memorial Scholarship, Piotr Marciniak Memorial Scholarship, and the Scott Senior Award Winners p. 5 & 6 Garlick Memorial Scholarship.

Award Contributors p. 7 Congratulations to the award recipients and to all the seniors from sending schools as they close their high school careers. MSMO Assemblies p. 8

Best wishes for great success to all of you!

OUTSTANDING SENIOR 1500 Fourth Avenue Altoona, 16602 www.gactc.edu Electro Mechanical

Engineering Technology Program

Middle States Assn. of Enrolled in Colleges & Secondary Schools Electronics Engineering/

Aleah M. Emlet Computer Programming at Altoona Area High School The Pennsylvania College of OUTSTANDING SENIOR Becky Reighard Technology Admin. Asst./Editor OF THE YEAR

GACTC Update — Page 2 — May 2018 Guidance Activities Secondary Applications To date, 438 new applications for incoming tenth graders and 131 applications for incoming ninth graders have been received and processed.

Counselors’ Activities In the past month, much of the counselors’ time has been devoted to completing scheduling activities, including both regular and special needs students. In addition, counselors have been processing returning students’ scheduling requests and attending IEP meetings as necessary.

NOCTI Testing NOCTI performance and written tests were administered to Administrative Office Specialist, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office Specialist students from April 30 – May 2.

Attendance Incentive Assembly The end-of-year assembly for the Attendance Incentive Program (Miss School Miss Out) was held on Monday, May 14. The grand prize, a 2010 Ford Focus, was awarded to a student, along with many other prizes (page 8). Students were eligible either through perfect attendance or honor roll status.

GACTC Tour Approximately 70 sixth graders from Penn Lincoln Elementary School toured GACTC on May 18.

Career Fair Counselor Nicole Taneyhill and Instructors, Katrina Gentsch (Administrative Office Specialist), Nicole Weakland (Cosmetology), and Bill Doutt (Masonry), participated in Ebner Elementary School’s Career Fair on Friday, May 11.

Cooperative Education As the end of the school year approaches, twenty-five high school students have met all criteria and are currently participating in Cooperative Education—nearly double the number of students (thirteen) placed at this time last school year. Nine of those twenty-five students received recognition at the Senior Awards banquet. Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION Practical Nursing Notes

Current Class Update Enrollment has remained steady this year for the Practical Nursing program. There are 45 students enrolled in the full- time program and 34 students in the part-time, evening/weekend program. The students are assigned to the Presbyterian Home in Hollidaysburg where they are actively participating in quadrant medication administration experiences, which involve administering medication to an entire quadrant of residents under the direct guidance of their instructor. The purpose of this clinical practice is to prepare the students to administer medications to multiple patients for an entire eight-hour shift. The students are also in the process of completing their Pennsylvania State Board Approved Intravenous Therapy Course that will enable them to administer and start IVs. The program has six simulation arms that the students use to perform the needle insertion for an intravenous start and to draw blood.

The Pulse of Pennsylvania’s LPN Workforce With an August graduation nearing, GACTC Practical Nursing students will soon be making application for their initial licensure in Pennsylvania. Once an individual is licensed, they are required to renew their license every two years. In conjunction with the biennial license renewal, a survey is conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Health Planning Division of Plan Development on the characteristics and distribution of the LPN workforce within the Commonwealth. Results of this survey reveal that the average age of an LPN working in Blair County is 42 years old and that 63% of the 674 respondents are over the age of 40. These statistics support the labor shortage prediction for LPN’s in the Pennsylvania workforce over the next 20 years. But nearing retirement isn’t the only explanation for the

Continued on Page 3

GACTC Update — Page 3 — May 2018 Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION Practical Nursing Notes ... Cont’d multitude of job openings; as many as 20% of respondents reported that they are continuing their nursing education with 64% of them in an associate degree program attaining eventual licensure as a Registered Nurse. Another factor responsible for the projected 20% increased need for practical nurses in the state is the expanding role of the LPN working with vulnerable populations in community settings such as ventilator-dependent children in the home, prisons, co-dependent patients, families in urgent care, and end of life patients.

Practical Nursing Student Activities This month, Kim Ciccarella, Placement Specialist, will assist the students in developing a resume 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 21, 2018, in the GACTC cafetorium. The expanding role of the LPN has attracted not only long-term care facilities, hospitals, and clinics, but 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.

During the month of May, the Practical Nursing students celebrated Cinco de Mayo by preparing Mexican foods and learning how to communicate with patients in Spanish; and on May 9, three days before the birthday of Florence Nightingale, they received a GACTC Practical Nursing t-shirt and had cake and ice cream to celebrate Nurse’s week (pictured right).

American Cancer Society Spring Carnival GACTC PN students gave up studying on Saturday in order to represent our school Relay for Life team at the American Cancer Society Spring Carnival which was held May 5 at Hollidaysburg American Legion Park. The beautiful weather may have been responsible for a huge turnout, but the nursing students were responsible for making lots of children happy as they played a variety of games and had the opportunity to win lots of prizes.

Projected 2018 Enrollment The program continues to accept applications for both the full-time and part-time programs that will begin fall of 2018. We have received over 100 applications for the available 54 full-time and 35 part-time openings. Our next pre-entrance exam will be administered on June 11. The selection process is very competitive; therefore, it is important that individuals score well on the exam. The Adult Community Education Center continues to hold preparatory classes to assist prospective students in the achievement of successful exam scores. The Practical Nursing program at GACTC also accepts transfer students from other programs and those who were not successful in registered nursing programs.

Continuing Education Notes

SkillsUSA One adult student placed at the state competition for SkillsUSA that was held in Hershey, PA, in April. Brittany Trinkley competed in the Customer Service category and placed second. Brittany is currently enrolled in the Administrative Office Specialist program and was also a graduate of the Emergency Services program when in high school.

2018-2019 Academic Year Interviews are continuing for all applicants for the upcoming school year. An open house for potential adult students will be held on June 20 from noon – 6:00 p.m. Interested individuals can tour the programs, meet with instructors, and begin the application process.

Graduation On May 16 a graduation luncheon program was held for 60 graduates from the various Adult Education Programs. Dr. Doriann Lavery, who started her career as a Medical Assistant, continued schooling and became a doctor, was the guest speaker. Several students plan to further their education by taking advantage of the articulation between the GACTC and St. Francis University. They will be able to transfer 27 credits towards an associate degree. In addition, multiple students have already accepted full-time positions within their areas of study.

GACTC Update — Page 4— May 2018

Employee Spotlight — RETIREES

Dr. Donna Miller is retiring as Executive Director of the GACTC, a position she has held for three years. Donna began her career at the GACTC as a Business Education Instructor. Prior to that time, she taught at Altoona Area High School, Tyrone Area High School, and the Campus. Donna also served as the GACTC School to Work Coordinator and Assistant Director during her long career at GACTC.

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Shippensburg University and a Master of Education degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Penn State University. She earned Vocational Administrative Director certification in 2004. Donna will be remembered as a dedicated educator and administrator!

Dr. Thomas Zajac has worked at the GACTC since 2008. He serves as the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Program Coordinator/Instructor. Dr. Zajac was instrumental in bringing the EFDA program to our school. He was also involved in bringing the Pediatric Dental Clinic to the school in conjunction with UPMC Partnership for a Healthy Community. Thank you Dr. Zajac for your expertise!

Della Gens, B.S.N., R.N., has taught the Health Occupations program since 1999 after working at the Home Nursing Agency, Laurel Crest Manor, and Admiral Peary Vo-Tech School. Della is a 1977 graduate of the GACTC LPN program. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1983 from Mount Aloysius Junior College followed by a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1997 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Della has School Nurse Certification as well as Vocational Instructional II Certification. Della served as the school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) secondary advisor for many years. Della is an outstanding educator and will be missed by all!

Debra Krist began employment at the GACTC in 2009 as a Teacher Aide. She has also served as the Guidance Department Secretary and will finished her career here as Student Data Specialist. Prior to working at our school, Deb worked at the Altoona Area School District and several local companies. She will be remembered as efficient and dedicated!

Barton Kitt worked as a lead maintenance person, a carpenter, a banquet houseman, and a driver and saleseperson before accepting a maintenance custodial position at the GACTC in 2006. Bart has served the school well by keeping the systems operational and the school clean. Bart has always been cordial and helpful.

Kim Bender, R.N., was hired as the GACTC First Aid Assistant in 2004. She earned an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius Junior College. Kim has worked at several hospitals as well as private child care and a local school district. Kim has served on the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Committee and the Safety Committee for many years. Kim has shown dedication to the students and staff at GACTC!

Margaret Baumgartner, R.N., served as the part-time Health Occupations Teacher Assistant since 1996. This school year, she chose to work as the teacher assistant for the clinical portion of the program and as an Instructional Substitute. Margie is always upbeat and has provided exceptional help and expertise over the years.

We wish you all healthy and enjoyable retirements!

GACTC Update — Page 5— May 2018 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OUTSTANDING SENIOR STUDENTS

Congratulations are extended to the following students named Outstanding Seniors in their respective programs for 2017-18:

Danielle B. Coakley Administrative Office Specialist/Bellwood-Antis Blake A. Neely Automotive Technology/Hollidaysburg Area Kyle D. Fink Automotive/Diesel Technology/Hollidaysburg Area Joshua R. Hollopeter Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry/Altoona Area Robert W. Spaid Carpentry/Construction/Glendale Christopher K. Noel Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology/Hollidaysburg Area Sherman W. Taylor Computer Programming/Oracle Academy/Hollidaysburg Area Robert J. Dick Computer Technology/Cisco Academy/Glendale Ashley D. Futrell Cosmetology/Altoona Area Megan M. Weathersbee Cosmetology/Altoona Area Makayla N. Deeters Culinary Arts/Altoona Area Delaney K. Clemens Dental Assistant/Hollidaysburg Area James R. Holsinger Digital Printing Technologies/Central Scott L. Leydig Drafting/Design Technology/Central Joshua J. Lynn Electrical Trades/Hollidaysburg Area Aleah M. Emlet Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology/Altoona Area Cody L. Wyland Emergency Services/Central Haley C. Patterson Health Occupations/Altoona Area Devin M. Wolfe Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing/Glendale Shannon M. Brothers Interior Decorating & Finishing/Hollidaysburg Area Sarah J. Plowman Logistics & Materials Management/Hollidaysburg Area Michael D. Wilt Masonry/Williamsburg Community Kaitlyn E. Knisely Multimedia & Web Design/Bellwood-Antis Alan L. Harding Outdoor Power Equipment Technology/Williamsburg Community Nathaniel R. Leech Precision Machining/Tyrone Area Rebekah L. Schleppy Visual Arts Technologies/Tyrone Area Drew A. Dunmire Welding Technology/Hollidaysburg Area

GACTC Update — Page 6—May 2018 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

SPECIAL AWARDS AAA East Central Award, Hunter W. Gregory, Automotive Technology, Glendale Aaron Stuckey Memorial Scholarship, Kyle D. Fink, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Hollidaysburg Area Sgt. Brandon Adams Information Technology Memorial Scholarship, Samuel A. Dick, Computer Prog,/Oracle Academy, Central Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Rachael J. Albright, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Hannah J. Burket, Health Occupations, Altoona Area Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Makenna L. Dunio, Cosmetology, Altoona Area Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Seth X. Hufford, Welding Technology, Altoona Area Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Jocelyn P. Lynch, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area Altoona Rotary Club Award, McKayla E. Buoymaster, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area Altoona Rotary Club Award, Hannah J. Burket, Health Occupations, Altoona Area Altoona Rotary Club Award, Bradley M. Keagy, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Central Altoona Rotary Club Award, Rebekah L. Schleppy, Visual Arts Technologies, Tyrone Area American Welding Society Award, Seth X. Hufford, Welding Technology, Altoona Area Automotive Technology Nontraditional Student, Makaylah L. Nolan, Automotive Technology, Claysburg-Kimmel Timothy A. Bartek Memorial Scholarship, Bradley M. Keagy, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Central BASICS Attendance Counts Award, Joshua R. Hollopeter, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area Daniel A. Clark Memorial Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area Dental Clinician of the Year, Jocelyn P. Lynch, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area Franklin M. Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Noah J. Reighard, Drafting/Design Technology, Williamsburg Community Franklin M. Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Robert W. Spaid, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Glendale Scott Garlick Memorial Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area Glunt Special Recognition Award, Devin M. Wolfe, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Glendale Health Clinician of the Year, Erin H. Albright, Health Occupations, Altoona Area Hite Company Tools for the Trade, Kaitlyn E. George, Electrical Trades, Altoona Area Jane Purdy Hite & Robert Lee Hite Memorial Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Tech., Altoona Area Lowe's of Altoona Gold Hammer Award, Alexander A. Mentzer, Carpentry/Construction, Altoona Area E. Charles Makdad Memorial Award, Derrick J. Harris, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Tyrone Area Piotr Marciniak Memorial Scholarship, Emily A. Pielmeier, Culinary Arts, Bellwood-Antis Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. Recognition, Garrett J. Burmeister, Welding Technology, Glendale Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Robert W. Spaid, Carpentry/Construction, Glendale Outstanding Senior of the Year, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area PA Concrete Masonry Association Award, Michael D. Wilt, Masonry, Williamsburg Community Perfect Attendance—4 Years, Joshua R. Hollopeter, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area Perfect Attendance—3 Years, Brittany N. Moyer, Health Occupations, Altoona Area Perfect Attendance—3 Years, Summer D. Moyer, Emergency Services, Altoona Area Perfect Attendance—3 Years, Avery L. York, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area Perfect Attendance—2 Years, Ashley D. Futrell, Cosmetology, Altoona Area Reliance Bank Scholarship, Delaney K. Clemens, Dental Assistant, Hollidaysburg Area Reliance Bank Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area Joseph J. Schamris Memorial Scholarship, Bradley M. Keagy, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Central William & Joan Shiffler Memorial Scholarship, Noah J. Reighard, Drafting/Design Technology, Williamsburg Community SkillsUSA Scholarship, Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area SkillsUSA State Conference—2nd Place, Benjamin R. Campbell, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Hollidaysburg Area SkillsUSA State Conference—2nd Place, Rebekah L. Schleppy, Visual Arts Technologies, Tyrone Area SkillsUSA State Conference—3rd Place, Drew A. Dunmire, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg Area SkillsUSA State Conference—3rd Place, Noah J. Reighard, Drafting/Design Technology, Williamsburg Community Smithmyer Special Recognition, Devin M. Wolfe, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Glendale Special Recognition Foods Award, Andrew W. Miller, Food Production, Central S. Rodger Walters Education Scholarship, Derrick J. Harris, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Tyrone Area YBC Gold Hammer Award, Avery L. York, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area

GACTC Update — Page 7—May 2018 THANKS TO ALL OUR SCHOLARSHIP 2018 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

Allegheny Supply & Maintenance Co., Inc. Evolving Technologies, Inc. Reliance Bank Allegheny Trucks, Inc. Gampe Machine & Tool Co., Inc. Charles D. Riley, Inc. Alpha Assembly Solutions, Inc. GAP Federal Credit Union Ritchey’s Dairy Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co. Garvey Manor Nursing Home Schultz Company Beard Legal Group Glunt Company Inc. , Inc. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, Inc. Hite Company SkillsUSA Bettwy Electric Inc. Keller Engineers Small Engine Shop BK Audio Eddie King Family Smithmyer Plumbing & Heating, LLC Blair Auto Service & Power Equipment, Inc. Keystone Response Services Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc. Blair Candy Company, Inc. Knisely & Sons, Inc. Stuckey Ford, Subaru & Collision Blair County Dental Society Lindy’s Automotive Warehouse, Inc. Taddei’s Cookies and Catering BMZ Law, P.C. Link Computer Corporation Team Chevrolet Buick Cadillac Borex, Inc. M & T Bank Thompson Machine Bovard Heating & Cooling Manpower Triangle Barber Shop Carnegie Equipment Marianna's Fundraisers/DelGrosso’s Park UPMC Altoona Daniel A. Clark Family S. P. McCarl & Co., Inc. UPMC Altoona Partnership for a Healthy Courtesy Ford, Inc. Modern Cabinet & Construction Community, Inc. Cumming Motors NAPA Auto Parts Value Drug Dale Oxygen New Look Uniform Vince’s Auto Body James & Genevieve DeGennaro NPC, Inc. Waltower Enterprises, Inc. Delta Health Technologies, Inc. Operation S.O.S. (Support Our Soldiers) Young, Oakes, Brown & Co. E & W Small Engine J. C. Orr & Son, Inc. Your Building Center

MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS Hannah J. Burket, Health Occupations, Altoona Area (2) Delaney K. Clemens, Dental Assistant, Hollidaysburg Area (2) Drew A. Dunmire, Welding Technology, Hollidaysburg Area (2) Aleah M. Emlet, Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology, Altoona Area (9) Kyle D. Fink, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Hollidaysburg Area (2) Ashley D. Futrell, Cosmetology, Altoona Area (2) Derrick J. Harris, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Tyrone Area (2) Joshua R. Hollopeter, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area (3) Seth X. Hufford, Welding Technology, Altoona Area (2) Bradley M. Keagy, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Central (3) Jocelyn P. Lynch, Dental Assistant, Altoona Area (2) Noah J. Reighard, Drafting/Design Technology, Williamsburg Community (3) Rebekah L. Schleppy, Visual Arts Technologies, Tyrone Area (2) Robert W. Spaid, Carpentry/Construction, Glendale (3) Michael D. Wilt, Masonry, Williamsburg Community (2) Devin M. Wolfe, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Glendale (3) Avery L. York, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona Area (2)

GACTC Update — Page 8— May 2018

MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT PROGRAM AWARD WINNERS At the annual Miss School/Miss Out Attendance Incentive successful in turning the ignition. Assembly, twelfth grade students at the Greater Altoona Career & Hannah, who is a Cosmetology Technology Center were recognized for perfect attendance and student, will soon graduate from the high achievement. Altoona Area High School. She has applied to the GACTC’s Sara Jones of the Challenge Program presented awards as Practical Nursing Program in the follows to outstanding seniors: fall while working as a Manager at  Academic Excellence—Cody Wyland, Emergency Services Southeast Tanning. Program (Central HS)  Academic Improvement—Dominick McCready, Automotive/ Diesel Technology Program (Hollidaysburg AHS)  Attendance—Joshua Hollopeter, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry Program (Altoona AHS)  Community Service—Sarah Ashcroft, Food Production Program (Altoona AHS)  STEM—Sherman Taylor, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy Program (Hollidaysburg AHS)

The GAP Federal Credit Union and the Hite Company contributed $1,000 as sponsors for each senior award given at the assembly.

This is the sixteenth 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 Senior Hannah Brodman, placed 1st in the Programs. This year’s car was purchased from Stoystown Auto MSMO Attendance Incentive Program Wreckers. Donations from the following companies helped make this restoration possible: Fisher Auto Parts, Hamer Auto Body Hannah Brodman was declared the Repair & Towing, and Mueller’s Auto Recycling & Sales. winner. Runner-up, Joshua Lynn (Electrical Trades Program) won a 43” One student from the morning session, Hannah Brodman, and LED TV. one student from the afternoon session, Joshua Lynn, qualified for the grand prize automobile. Each student received an ignition key Good luck with the car, Hannah, and for the 2010 Ford Focus, but it was Hannah’s key that proved remember to drive safely!

CAR PARTNERSHIP MISS NAPA SCHOOL SPONSORS Blair Candy Co. MISS OUT The Meadows

DelGrosso's New Look Uniform Fisher Auto Parts AWARD Hamer Auto Body Repair & Towing Lindy’s PROGRAM Uline Automotive SPONSORS Mueller's Auto Recycling & Sales, Inc.