2010 News & Events Archive
Students Receive Second and Third Place in Fire Fighting Robot Competition
On Saturday, April 24, 2010 two three-member teams from the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Penn State Engineering College Credit Program received second and third place in the Regional Fire Fighting Robot Contest in the high school division - a very challenging competition held at the Penn State Abington campus. Penn State Abington has been participating in the fire-fighting robot competition for over 10 years and over 40 robots were entered into the competition this year. Students from the nine public schools in Eastern Montgomery County can apply for any of the three EASTERN Penn State programs - Accounting/Finance, Computer Science or Engineering. Read more >>
EASTERN Students Place in Antonelli Institute Photo Contest
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Commercial Art students, Hatboro-Horsham High School junior Diana Lu, and Cheltenham High School senior Vita Kratzer received awards from Antonelli Institute for their High School Photography contest. Diana received second place and Vita received Honorable Mention for their photo submission. The theme for the contest was symmetry. Students were required to depict an impression of the theme using black and white or color photography, with no digital manipulation. Entries were judged on originality and adherence to the theme. Judges for the contest are professional photographers and graphic designers. Read more >>
Student Wins The Guardians of the National Cemetery Logo Contest
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Commercial Art student and Abington High School senior, Shirleon Benson, received first place for the Guardian of the National Cemetery logo contest. She also received honorable mention for her Washington Crossing National Cemetery logo submission. The Veterans Administration and The Guardians of the National Cemetery sponsored this logo design contest, and the chosen designs will represent and promote the National Cemetery and be used on stationery, documents, web pages, signs and more. Read more >>
EASTERN Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar for Protective Services Students
Protective Service students at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) learned the basic techniques of ground fighting on Friday, March 19, from EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Intern Patrick Kenney. Jui Jitsu Read more >>
Kobalt Donates Tools to EASTERN as Part Of Lowe's National "Toolbox for Education" Program
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania March 30, 2010 - Lowe's and Kobalt Tools, in partnership with SkillUSA, are helping the next generation of trade professionals develop their skills at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) through the Toolbox for Education program. Lowe's is donating approximately $1,100 worth of Kobalt tools to the school as part of the national program, which will total about $450,000 to 400 SkillsUSA automotive service technology programs across the nation for use in their classrooms. Read more >>
COS Students Participate in Abington Rock-a-thon
On March 5, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Cosmetology students attended the Abington Rock-a-Thon Fundraiser at Abington Senior High School which is run by the Community Partnership of Youth and Adults (C.P.Y.A). The CPYA works to mobilize interested and responsible citizens of all ages through activities that enhance community spirit. Abington Senior High School worked closely with Detective Bob Almond, the Abington Police Departments Resource Personnel, for this event. Read more >>
Chas Moritz: Guest Instructor for Protective Services
Charles “Chas” Moritz, the Assistant Director of Field Operations for the Public Safety Training Center at Bucks County Community College (BCCC), made his second trip to the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Protective Services class this school year. On his first visit in November, he taught the first level of Hazardous Material (Hazmat) training to the students. This February he finished with the second level of Hazmat training. Read more >>
Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Wilson, Wedding Photographer
Rachel Wilson, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) alumni and 2002 Abington High School graduate has a successful wedding photography business based in Sellersville, PA. Rachel graduated from the Hussian School of Art in 2005 majoring in Graphic Design. Read more >>
Student Spotlight on Welding Technology
Brittany Hartsock and Ashley Bechtold are Welding Technology students at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) and juniors at Hatboro-Horsham High School. These female students are breaking down the gender barriers. Read more >>
New Foundation Award for High Achievement
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Foundation has recently developed an additional award that recognizes EASTERN’s high achievers. An outstanding student from each of the 14 programs will receive a $250 monetary award which can be used in purchasing a tool of the trade or for post-secondary education. Read more >>
EASTERN Students Wins Medals
Thirty-three students from Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove won medals in skill areas or leadership at the SkillsUSA District Competitions held February 3, 2010 at Bucks County Technical High School. Students from Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties took part. Winners of gold medals will compete at the state level on April 14-16 in Hershey, PA. SkillsUSA is a national student leadership organization that encourages students to be productive individuals in our democratic society, work to their potential, become responsible, and be proud of their accomplishments and supportive of their community. Medalists from EASTERN include: Read more >>
Student Spotlight: Kiara Lee
Kiara Lee, a senior at Upper Dublin, is enrolled in the Commercial Art Program at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN). She recently won the SkillsUSA pin/shirt design competition for the State of Pennsylvania. SkillsUSA Director, Jeri Widdowson, judged many designs submitted and selected Kiara’s. SkillsUSA is a national leadership organization that encourages students to be a productive individual in our democratic society. Read more >>
Landscaping Students Design Front Entrance
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Landscaping Technology class finished the front entrance walkway in June of last year at their campus located at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. The school wanted the old entrance replaced with a newer, more inviting, walkway that would clearly mark the front entrance of the school. Read more >>
Student Spotlight: Victoria Penecale
Victoria Penecale is a second year Collision Repair Technology student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) and a senior at Cheltenham High School. She is an active member of SkillsUSA holding the position of EASTERN's school-wide secretary. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence. Read more >>
Adult Education Landscaping
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Continuing Education program is offering a beginners Landscaping class at their campus located at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. The course will be held Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m. from March 18 to May 27, 2010. The cost is $325 for the 12 sessions. Read more >>
Adult Education Construction Basics
Today’s economy calls for individuals with in-demand skills. Whether you simply want to repair/remodel your home or recreate your career, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) can help. EASTERN’s new Renovations Innovations course for Continuing Education adult students will teach the basics of construction. The class will be held at EASTERN’s campus at 3075 Terwood Rd., in Willow Grove, Wednesday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m., February 3 to April 14. The cost is $275. Read more >>
An Afternoon of Beauty at EASTERN
On December 16, 2009, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Cosmetology students welcomed nine students from Sandy Run Middle School in Dresher for an afternoon of beauty. The Sandy Run Middle School students had their choice of two Cosmetology services.. Students opted to have their hair styled, manicures and facials. Students were accompanied by Sandy Run Middle School Counselors Kathi Babin, Kathy Gillespie and Susan Myers. “My students really enjoy working with the middle school students,” said Wendy Leyden, EASTERN’s Cosmetology Instructor. “They all have a lot of fun together and the experience really benefits everyone involved.” Read more >>
EASTERN Students Receive Penn State College Credits
EASTERN Student Recognized by Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
On December 9, 2010, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Protective Services student, Kelly Tascarella, was recognized at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Heroes & Future Leaders Awards Ceremony held at the Dolce Valley Forge Hotel. Kelly, an Upper Dublin High School senior, received the Jr. First Responder Scholarship. Kelly was also recognized for this honor on December 13 at the Upper Dublin Board of Directors Township meeting. Read more >>
EASTERN’s Third Annual Foundation Fundraiser
On November 19, 2010, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) held its third annual Auction Fundraiser to support EASTERN student achievement. It was the most profitable fundraiser the foundation has held with the help of auction items including two extended weekends at the Shady Hollow Inn in Cape Cod, Mass., donated by EASTERN’s Culinary Arts Instructor Gary Albert; a weekend at an ocean-front condo in Ocean City, N.J., donated by Matthew Conrad, a graduate of Eastern; and drawings donated by local artists Roger Weiss and Bill Lessa. EASTERN’s program services were also big sellers with a custom made 6-foot picnic table designed and created by EASTERN's construction technology program students and a chef’s table for four at Eastern prepared and served by EASTERN’s culinary arts students. Read more >>
EASTERN Students Attend Leadership Conference
A delegation of 36 SkillsUSA students from Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN), four advisors and one administrator participated in the Annual District 2 Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Leadership Conference at the Pocono Manor Resort on November 3 -5. Over 300 students in eight different technical centers from Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery Counties attended the Leadership Conference. SkillsUSA is a national student leadership organization that encourages students to be a productive individual in our democratic society. Thirty-four medals were received. Read more >>
EASTERN Culinary Arts Instructor Volunteers for Navy’s Adopt A Ship Program
This past summer, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Culinary Arts Instructor, Chef Joel Marucheck, volunteered his time with the U.S. Navy’s Adopt A Ship Program aboard the USS Carl Vinson CVN 70, off the coast of California and Mexico. Through this program, chefs offer culinary training and support to Navy chefs worldwide. Read more >>
EASTERN Landscape Contracting Students Donate Time and Talents to Gardeners of Crooked Billet
On October 9, 2010, two Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Landscape Contracting students and their instructor, Jim Rall, assisted the Gardeners of Crooked Billet with Community Gardens under the “Welcome to Hatboro” sign on York Road. Each year the Gardeners of Crooked Billet sponsor an EASTERN student award for Landscape Contracting. Read more >>
EASTERN Is Area’s Best Kept Secret
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) offers programs for all ages. EASTERN, located on Terwood Road in Willow Grove, provides courses for middle school students during the summer, career and technical programs for junior and senior high school students in Eastern Montgomery County, and Continuing Education programs for adults. Read more >>
EASTERN Honors Long-Time Supporter, Robert I. Morrison
On June 2, 2010, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) said goodbye and thank you to a great friend and supporter of career and technical education, Robert I. Morrison, as he passed away from a sudden illness. Mr. Morrison was a retired engineer who served on Montgomery County school boards and committees for 30 years, and dedicated countless hours to EASTERN and its Foundation. Read more >>
EASTERN Alumni is New Software Support Specialist
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Computer Network Administration 2006 alumni, Tom Boutcher, has recently secured the position of Software Support Specialist for the school. In this position, Tom will be responsible for developing and deploying a new document management system, as well as overseeing the business data needs of the school. Read more >>
EASTERN Computer Network Administration Seniors Graduate with College Credits
This year, seven Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Computer Network Administration students graduated from EASTERN and their participating high school with a total of 72 transferable credits from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC). This extraordinary accomplishment was made possible through student ambition, and through EASTERN’s dual enrollment program in conjunction with MCCC. When a student registers for EASTERN’s Computer Network Administration program, they are also dually enrolled for up to 12 transferrable credits at MCCC. With dual enrollment, students have access to all of EASTERN’S resources, along with MCCC’s library, career counseling and tutoring services in any subject. Read more >>
EASTERN Students Receive Recognition for Marine Corps
On June 4, 2010, seven Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Collision Repair Technology students and their instructor, Steve Parke, were recognized by the All Divisions Detachment, Marine Corps League for their efforts in restoring their military truck. During this four-month project, the students performed extensive body work and repainted the vehicle. The Marine Corps League uses this vehicle for parades, and for charitable events such as Toys for Tots. Read more >>
