Student Spotlight – Mark Tournier, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Mark Tournier is a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Springfield Township High School. At EASTERN’s Awards Night in May, Mark will receive awards from both the Springfield Rotary Award and the Eastern Montgomery County Regional Testing Center due to his outstanding achievement at EASTERN. In addition, Mark recently received a partial scholarship to CHI Institute in Broomall.

In order to obtain the CHI scholarship, Mark took a test in which he scored as one of the top ten students eligible for four scholarships. After being notified that he was in the top ten, CHI scheduled an interview with Mark, and he was selected for one of the scholarships available.

Mark’s cousin, Tom Garrison, Jr. attended CHI for HVAC and spoke highly of the program, so Mark decided to apply. The program, which runs 10 months, is designed to prepare students to enter their new profession with an up-to-date education that focuses on commercial and residential air conditioning and refrigeration systems, electric motors and motor controls in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, basic electricity and refrigeration systems, and the installation and repair of heating systems. Students receive the training they need to prepare them to sit for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's EPA Technician Certification Exam.

Mark chose HVAC because he had been working for his uncle’s HVAC company for two years prior to attending EASTERN as a junior in high school, and became extremely interested in the field. Springfield Township High School provided Mark with additional information on EASTERN’s HVAC program and encouraged him to attend the program. EASTERN’s HVAC program provides a comprehensive foundation of the basic theories and principles of heating, air conditioning and heat pump systems.

While maintaining good grades at EASTERN, Mark has also been involved in EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA. In February, Mark competed in the SkillsUSA District Competitions held at Bucks County Technical High School in which he was required to detect refrigerant leaks, check readings on compressors, braise copper piping and check electrical board systems.

Outside of school, Mark is a historic re-enactor, and has been involved with the Third Pennsylvania Light Infantry for the past three years. He is currently Sergeant within his unit. These re-enactments are performed along the East Coast at historic parks, most of which have been the scene of actual historic battles. 

“Here at EASTERN you are given the chance to receive scholarships to universities and technical colleges," said Mark. “Because students from high schools throughout Eastern Montgomery County attend EASTERN, you have the opportunity to make friends from all over the area – not just your high school.”

Photo: Mark Tournier