Eastern Center for Arts and Technology

Lorraine Praeger – Protective Services

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Lorraine Praeger was selected.  She is a senior at Abington Senior High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Protective Services program.

About Lorraine:

• Since many of her extracurricular activities and interests centered around various leadership and protective services organizations, she attended EASTERN’s Open House as a tenth grader, and found the Protective Services program to be a great fit for her career goals.
• Lorraine has been an active member of the Girl Scouts since October 2016.
• She has been a member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps since 2018, a national youth leadership development organization that promotes interest and skill in naval disciplines and leadership.
• She has been a member of the Abington Police Explorers since 2018.
• Outside of school, she is an aquatics instructor at the Willow Grove YMCA where she implements a variety of instructional programs such as water exercises and swim lessons.
• After graduation from Abington Senior High School and EASTERN’s Protective Services program, she plans to attend Montgomery County Community College while working as a security guard. She then plans to join the Police Academy and pursue a career as a Naval officer.

Lorraine’s accomplishments:

• Through the Protective Services program, Lorraine has earned National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certification. NIMS guides all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents.
• At EASTERN’s Awards Night in June 2021, Lorraine received the Straight A Award.
• Lorraine is a recipient of the Girls Scouts Silver Award – the second highest award attainable in the organization.
• She was selected by her instructor as the 2021 – 2022 Officer in Charge/Lieutenant for the afternoon session.

Nicole Klaski – Commercial Art

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Nicole (Nikki) Klaski was selected.  She is a senior at Abington Senior High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Commercial Art program.

About Nikki:

• Nikki comes from a long line of EASTERN graduates. Understanding the value of career and technical education, she knew that many of her interests were related to the commercial art industry. Inspired by her sister, Kelly, who is a graduate of Commercial Art, she decided to enroll.
• At Abington Senior High School, Nikki is active in many organizations, such as the Key Club, which encourages leadership by helping others, the Leo Club, which helps the community and local organizations, and she served as the Captain of Hospitality for Mini-Thon.
• She holds a part-time job as Brand Ambassador at American Eagle.
• She was selected by her Commercial Art instructor to represent the Commercial Art program for EASTERN’s virtual Career Expo visitation and Open House during the 2020 – 2021 school year.
• After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, Nikki plans on attending a four-year college and majoring in Business or Architectural Design.

Nikki’s accomplishments:

• At EASTERN, Nikki is an active member of SkillsUSA, EASTERN’s student leadership organization. She won the silver medal for Customer Service at the SkillsUSA National Competition in June 2021.
• At EASTERN’s Awards Night in May 2021, Nikki received the Straight A Award.
• At Abington Senior High School High School, Nikki is a member of the High Honors Society.
• Through the Commercial Art program, Nikki has attained her Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator certifications.

Zachary Trowbridge - Protective Services

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month, Zachary Trowbridge was selected.  He is a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Protective Services program. 

About Zachary:

• Zachary joined the Hartsville Fire Company when he was 14 years old and spent two years serving as a cadet.
• At 16, he joined the Horsham Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter, and recently responded to calls stemming from the devastation of and subsequent cleanup of Hurricane Ida.
  Knowing that Zachary had already dedicated so much time and effort to helping others through the fire companies, his Hatboro-Horsham Guidance Counselor, Marcey Varano, suggested that he visit EASTERN’ Protective Services program.
• Zachary’s commitment to the community extends beyond his work with fire companies. He has also spent time volunteering for both Lehman United Memorial Methodist Church, and for the Jewish Relief Agency for food distribution.
• After graduation, Zachary plans to attend Montgomery County Community College for Firefighting and Paramedic, while working with two fire companies to continuing gaining real-world experience. His ultimate goals are to become a paramedic and attain his master’s degree in Fire Science.

Zachary’s accomplishments:

• In September, his instructor, Mark Zaslavsky, presented Zachary with the class Community Service Award due to a recent act of bravery. Zachary was visiting Gettysburg with his parents over the summer, when he witnessed a man fall to the ground. Zachary had this EMT bag with him and a first aid kit.  He checked the man’s vitals as they waited for the paramedics to arrive.
• Also, in September, Zachary was selected by his instructor to be the Protective Services Squad Leader.
• Through his Protective Services program, he earned his FEMA Certifications 100, 200, 300, 700, IS-120C, 242B, 235, 240, 315A, 907, and CPR certification.

Mario D'Alessio -Electrical Technology

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Mario D’Alessio was selected.  He is a senior at Abington Senior High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Electrical Technology program. 

 About Mario:

• Mario first visited EASTERN on an 8th grade tour through Abington Junior High School. While in tenth grade he participated in another tour where he met his future Electrical Technology Instructor, Gary Felmey, and some student leaders who he felt were extremely helpful.
• Mario comes from a family who understands and respects career and technical education, as his father is also a graduate of the Electrical Technology program at EASTERN.
• Outside of EASTERN, he volunteers at Tiger Schulmann's Mixed Martial Art in Abington.  He has also been a Tiger Schulmann’s student since sixth grade.
• “Mario is a positive person who puts all his effort into all of the projects he is working on,” said Gary Felmey, EASTERN’s Electrical Technology Instructor. “He is a leader in my class and he never hesitates to help others. His attitude and aptitude will take him far in college and his career.”
• After graduation, Mario plans to attend Penn College of Technology to continue his electrical education while working at an apprenticeship.

Mario’s accomplishments:

• During the summer of 2021, Mario was selected by his Electrical Technology Instructor as a paid summer intern at EASTERN.  He assisted with electrical upgrades and projects throughout the building 32 hours per week.
• Last June, Mario was honored with the Straight A Award at EASTERN’s Awards Night.
• Through his Electrical Technology program, Mario has earned industry-standard certifications such as OSHA 10, Ladder Safety Training, and S/P2 Safety.

Lauren Ricchini, Culinary Arts

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month, Lauren Ricchini was selected.  She is a senior at Upper Moreland High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program. 

 About Lauren:

• Lauren was familiar with the career and technical high school programs offered at EASTERN through her older brother, who participated in the Veterinary Science program. 
• When Lauren was in tenth grade at Upper Moreland High School, she came to EASTERN during the 10th Grade Career Expo visitation.  Prior to this visit, she had already developed an interest in cooking. She discovered that in Culinary Arts at EASTERN she could work in a commercial kitchen, learn cooking and baking techniques from experienced chefs, and learn about career fields in the food industry.
• Through Culinary Arts at EASTERN, Lauren has received many valuable technical and soft skills that have benefited her in many areas of her life – even outside of the Culinary Arts program, such as baking methods, knife skills, cooking methods, time management, and communication skills. 
• “Lauren is an enthusiastic and hard-working part of the Culinary Arts class,” said Chef Ben Vozzo, EASTERN’s Culinary Arts Instructor.  “She truly appreciates the team aspect of the class and thrives as part of a group.  Her self-assurance continues to grow each week, and we are so proud of her achieving this recognition.”
• This summer, Lauren plans to work as a hostess at the Surfing Pig restaurant in North Wildwood to save money for college. 
• Lauren plans to attend Montgomery County Community College for their Education in the Early Years Associate degree. She then plans to matriculate to West Chester University to attain her Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Grades Preparation.

 Lauren’s accomplishments:

• Lauren earned her ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate in October 2020, which verifies basic food safety knowledge to employers.
• At Upper Moreland High School, Lauren a member of the Marching Band, and Indoor Percussion, in which she holds the position of Captain of Battery. She cites her first place in the Mid Atlantic Percussion Society competition one of her greatest accomplishments.
•  Lauren credits her Culinary Arts education at EASTERN for building her confidence and helping her break out of her shell.

Bodhi Childs, Welding Technology

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Bodhi Childs was selected.  He is a senior at Upper Moreland High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Welding Technology program. 

About Bodhi:

• Bodhi visited EASTERN in tenth grade during the Tenth Grade Career Expo field trip. He was drawn to the Welding Technology program because he enjoys the creativity of working with his hands and wanted to learn more about working with metal.  He was also intrigued by the well-paying jobs that come with welding training and experience. 
• Bodhi quickly become a leader in his Welding Technology class and was often asked by his instructor to represent the program at recruitment events as a program ambassador.
• Bodhi enjoys all elements of welding, but as a creative person, he enjoys the artistic side to it. He led his class in the design and build of a seven-foot welded jack ‘o lantern scarecrow for EASTERN’s Fall SkillsUSA event.
• Last summer he worked at William Henry Iron Works in Willow Grove as a welder, earning money and valuable on-the-job experience.
• “Bodhi is a good welder with an upbeat and positive attitude,” said Meghan Cicchino, EASTERN’s Welding Technology Instructor. “He tackles each project with enthusiasm and the desire to learn more.  He is always willing to help a classmate and has incredible communication skills.  I am looking forward to hearing about all of his success in his future endeavors.”
• After graduation, Bodhi would like to use his welding skills to obtain a job in the field. He is interested in pursuing acting and plans to use welding as a way to fund his acting ambitions and the travel that it will entail.  

Bodhi’s accomplishments:

• Through Welding Technology at EASTERN, Bodhi has excelled in obtaining skills in various types of welding and oxyfuel cutting, and plasma arc cutting.
• He has earned his Careersafe OSHA 10-Hour Training certification, and his S/P2 in Welding Safety.
• As a junior in the program, Bodhi was a nominee for the Director’s Award, a prestigious award given to junior who displays outstanding leadership qualities.
• At Upper Moreland High School, Bodhi is a gifted student, and is active in the drama company.

Sarah Brodsky, Commercial Art

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Sarah Brodsky was selected.  She is a senior at Lower Moreland High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Commercial Art program. 









About Sarah:

• At Lower Moreland High School, she was already known for her love of art, as she excelled in AP Studio Art while in 10th grade, and Honors Art while in 9th grade.
• Sarah knew about EASTERN’s career and technical high school offerings through her older sister, Rachel, who attended Culinary Arts. Her sister spoke about the Culinary Arts program with the same passion that Sarah felt for the art field.
• Outside of school, Sarah works as a gymnastics instructor at the Acrobatic School of Circus Arts where she teaches beginner through advanced level gymnastics and acrobatics classes and collaborates with her coworkers on lesson plans.
• “Sarah is a hardworking and dedicated student,” said Nicole Mohrey, EASTERN’s Commercial Art Instructor. “She has a great deal of artistic talent, is kind and personable, and is a great example of what an EASTERN student can accomplish with focus and determination.  I am so proud of all of her accomplishments.”
• After graduating from EASTERN and Lower Moreland High School, Sarah hopes to get an internship at a design or marketing company for one year before starting college. Ultimately, she would like to have a successful career in web design and computer science. 

Sarah’s accomplishments:

• Through Commercial Art at EASTERN, Sarah has received her Adobe InDesign Certification.
• Sarah is frequently chosen by her instructor to represent the Commercial Art program by speaking at recruitment events.
• At Lower Moreland High School, Sarah was asked by the Library and Media Specialist, Mr. Patrick Engleman, to create a mural in the Lower Moreland High School Library that would help inspire school spirit. She chose the slogan, “Fall into the world of Lower Moreland” for the theme of her mural.

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Kayla Boyle was selected.  She is a senior at Lower Moreland High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Robotics and Automated Technology program. 

 


About Kayla:

• Kayla knew she wanted to attend an EASTERN program since she visited with her 8th-grade class at Lower Moreland’s Murray Avenue Middle School.
• When she was in tenth grade, she heard about the new program at EASTERN, Robotics and Automated Technology. As someone who grew up building with Legos and who loved putting things together and figuring out how they worked, the idea of electrical and mechanical work appealed to her.
• Kayla is a Lower Moreland High School Symphonic Band member and a third-degree black belt in martial arts.
• She currently teaches students of all ages self-defense and martial arts at Action Karate in Huntingdon Valley.
• Through her EASTERN program, Kayla is participating in a paid internship at SP Industries in their Thermal Department, where she works on fans, motors, capacitors, and more. This is a paid internship that she plans to keep throughout the summer.
• After graduating from EASTERN and Lower Moreland High School, Kayla plans to attend West Texas A&M University for Engineering.

Kayla’s accomplishments:

• “Kayla is an outstanding student with an exceptional work ethic,” said Chris Passante, EASTERN’s Robotics and Automated Technology Instructor. “She has leadership and communication skills that will benefit her in her career in Electrical Engineering. I am so proud of her accomplishments.”
• She is an avid photographer and received first place in an AP/Honors photography competition at Lower Moreland High School.
• At EASTERN’s Awards Night in June 2021, Kayla was recognized with the Demco Automation Innovation Award, the Robotics Automated Technology First-Place Award, and the prestigious Directors Award.
• She is part of EASTERN’s Student Leadership Organization, SkillsUSA. She attended the State Competition in Hershey in April as a Delegate, in which she served as part of the team that ensures that the rules and regulations are followed during all competitions.

Tori Bone, Allied Health

This award is sponsored each month by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success, and service. This month Tori Bone was selected.  She is a senior at Abington Senior High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Allied Health program. 

About Tori:

• Tori first heard about EASTERN through a presentation at Abington High School. She liked the idea of hands-on learning and has always been interested in a career in healthcare.
• Since August 2021, she has been working part-time as a Supervisor at Beech Hill Kennels in Bensalem. Since October 2021, Tori has been working for the Montgomery County Second Alarmers where she is currently completing her EMT program and works as an Ambulance Aid.
• Tori has been active in the Allied Health community service projects such as the Blood Drive and Virtual Holiday Toy Drive for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
• She is a student ambassador for the Allied Health programs and presents to potential future Allied Health students at recruitment events such as Career Expo.
• After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, Tori plans to attend Gwynedd Mercy for their Bio-Chemistry major and a Public Health minor. She then plans to matriculate to Temple University for their Master of Medical Science program or their MD degree program.  
• “Tori is a bright and creative young woman who is compassionate and puts forth her best effort,” said Allison Latzo, EASTERN’s Allied Health Instructor. “She has had an exceptional year and has continued to make a name for herself as a leader in the Allied Health program. I am proud of all of her accomplishments.”

Tori’s accomplishments:

• She is an honor student at Abington Senior High School and is a member of Future Medical Leaders of America, and Students for a Sustainable Future.
• At EASTERN, she is the Allied Health Class Representative for EASTERN’s Student Leadership Organization, SkillsUSA. In January 2022, Tori received first place in the Medical Assistant Competition at the SkillsUSA District Competition held at Delaware County Technical High School. She then competed at the State level in Hershey in April 2022, receiving second place, and was offered a $1,500 scholarship to Pennsylvania College of Technology. 
• Through the Allied Health program, Tori is now First Aid/CPR certified.
• Through Allied Health, she completed the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Adult Residential Licensing Direct Care Staff Training Course and Competency Certification.
• At EASTERN’s annual Awards Night on May 25, 2022, she received the EASTERN Foundation and Straight A awards.