Date Range
-
- Alumni Spotlight
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Welding Technology/Upper Moreland High School 2022 graduate, Aiden Cosgrove, recently completed a six-month Nuclear Power training program through the U.S. Navy. Cosgrove committed to the U.S. Navy in the spring of his senior year of high school. He received a high score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and was encouraged to pursue Nuclear Power training. The Naval Nuclear Program is widely acknowledged as having the most demanding academic program in the U.S. Military. Academics proceed at a rapid pace with high academic standards enforced in all subjects.
His recent program included 10-hour-a-day classes in General Physics, Nuclear Physics, Heat Transfer Physics, Electrical Theory, and Fluid Flow Theory. Cosgrove has one more training left before completing the entire program - Prototype Training. Cosgrove’s overall training for the position of Machine Mate (Nuclear) consists of approximately 14 weeks of Nuclear Field A School and 26 weeks of Nuclear Power School. These schools are located in Goose Creek, SC - near Charleston. Following the successful completion of these two schools, 26 weeks of hands-on training will occur at one of the Naval Prototypes located in Goose Creek.
Prototype training, which begins next week, is a six-month training on a surfaced submarine where Cosgrove will work 12-hour shifts ensuring that the steam and condensate are directed through the plant and used for nuclear power.
“I plan on soaking up as much education as possible through my time in the military,” said Cosgrove. “After this is completed, I may continue my education in welding through the Navy. I would recommend the Navy to anyone. They make sure that you are prepared for the civilian world with worthwhile certifications that help you to become gainfully employed.”
Cosgrove credits his excellent education at both EASTERN and Upper Moreland High School for his drive and determination to continue his education in the Navy. He felt as though both schools provided him with great examples of teamwork and leadership. “I left EASTERN and Upper Moreland with a good attitude toward education,” said Cosgrove. “Once you have a good attitude about something, it changes everything.”
Good welders make good money…learn how at EASTERN! This two-year career program is designed for the student who is interested in the industrial engineering field. Students will learn about the properties of different types of metals and how to join them using state-of-the-art welding equipment. Visit https://www.eastech.org/programs/explore-our-programs/welding-technology for more info.
- Alumni
- Spotlight
- Welding Technology
Michael Raggi was hired in April 2023 as the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Protective Services Instructor. Mr. Raggi is a 2002 graduate of EASTERN’s Protective Services program and Abington Senior High School. He comes to EASTERN from the Bucks County Department of Corrections where he was employed in various positions since 2005.
During Raggi’s tenure as a student at EASTERN, he was an active member of the student leadership organization, SkillsUSA, and was selected as Student of the Month. After high school, he attended Penn State University Abington where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice in 2005. In 2012, he attended Montgomery County Community College’s Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale and was trained in emergency medical procedures. Raggi holds many field certifications, including Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Crisis Intervention.
Raggi became interested in law enforcement in high school, as his best friend’s father was a Hatboro-Horsham Police Officer. He enrolled in EASTERN’s Protective Services program as a one-year senior and excelled. One of his Penn State Professors encouraged him to apply for the Corrections officer position at Bucks County Department of Corrections, where he finished an 18-year career as a Sergeant.
“I had a great educational experience at EASTERN as a high school student, and I am happy to be part of my student’s career pathway planning,” said Raggi. “I want students to leave EASTERN prepared to take the next steps toward a successful career, with independence, professionalism, and confidence.”
Action, adventure, and saving lives! You will earn several certifications to give you a head start on careers in this field. This two-year half-day class is a multi-disciplined program developed in consultation with a countywide advisory committee of law enforcement, fire science, security professionals, and post-secondary institutions. Detailed instruction is provided on leadership, criminal, motor vehicle crash and fire investigation, first responders, security systems, terrorism, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency communications.
- Alumni
- Protective Services
- Spotlight
March is National Women’s History Month. EASTERN is celebrating by spotlighting several of our successful female students and alum. Today’s alum spotlight features Betsy Herczeg, a 2022 EASTERN Allied Health/Springfield Township High School graduate, who is continuing her education in nursing at Thomas Jefferson University.
National Women’s History Month reminds Betsy of all the women throughout history who have advocated for equality in our country. “It makes me think of how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to pursue higher education and prepare for a profession I am passionate about,” said Betsy.
Betsy chose Thomas Jefferson University because it is a large and well-known healthcare system, and she felt this would be a good opportunity to stay within the Jefferson system after graduation. “I like how my program is split between two campuses - the East Falls campus for the first two years, which is more suburban, and Center City for the last two years. Both campuses are very close to home, which is also important to me.”
Before attending EASTERN, Betsy was leaning towards becoming a nurse but had some reservations. “The COVID-19 pandemic initially scared me away from the profession due to the nature of the disease and the stress healthcare workers were experiencing,” said Betsy. “By enrolling in the Allied Health program, I better understood a nurse’s role in patient care and the various specialties that I could pursue.”
Betsy’s parents are her greatest inspiration. “They always encourage me to pursue my passions and go after my dreams,” said Betsy. “My father and mother always find ways to support me in every phase of my life, and I am very grateful to have them both in my life!”
After graduating from Jefferson, she wants to gain experience by working as a travel nurse. “This career would allow me to travel to new places while working in different specialties and treating various kinds of patients,” said Betsy. She hopes to work as an Emergency Room Nurse, but she is keeping an open mind as she continues her education.
The Allied Health one-year program is designed for students with rigorous academic preparation who plan to continue their education in college to prepare for a healthcare career. Students have the opportunity to explore careers in the healthcare field through job shadowing, guest speakers, and facility tours. This program offers the potential of earning college credits at Montgomery County Community College at a reduced tuition rate.
- Spotlight