Student of the Month

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, Amira Banks was selected. She is a senior at Cheltenham High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program. 

About Amira:

 

·         Amira has had a passion for sports since the age of six, participating in track, volleyball, and soccer. As a dedicated athlete competing in Varsity Track and Field for Cheltenham High School and participating in Club Track and Field, she has gained a deep understanding of the vital role physical therapy plays in helping athletes recover and reach peak performance. With aspirations of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Amira attended EASTERN’s Open House after learning about the Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program. She found the program to be a strong fit for her interests and a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and strengthen her resume.

 

·         At Cheltenham High School, she is part of the Black Scholars Program and is a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program, which helps students develop business skills and leadership qualities. 

·         “Amira is a leader in the classroom and is always willing to support her classmates whenever needed,” said Mrs. Shelley Helm, EASTERN’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Instructor. “Her patience and strong communication skills are valuable assets, and I look forward to seeing all she will accomplish during her senior year.”

·         After graduating from EASTERN and Cheltenham High School, Amira plans to attend the University of Delaware to pursue a six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. She hopes to work with athletes in both clinical settings and sports environments, with a particular interest in helping younger athletes reach their full potential.

 

Amira’s accomplishments:

·         As a junior at EASTERN, Amira was selected by her instructor for a Black History Month Student Spotlight.

·         She has obtained industry-standard certifications through her Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program such as CPR and OSHA-10.

·         At Cheltenham High School, in addition to being an honor roll student and outstanding athlete, Amira volunteered at Cedarbrook Middle School during volleyball and track seasons to assist the middle school athletes in developing their skills. This experience helped her strengthen her communication and coaching abilities while sharing positive sports experiences with younger students.

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, Anthony Ginaldi was selected. He is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Automotive Technology program. 

About Anthony:

·         Growing up, Anthony developed a strong bond with his dad through their shared passion for working on cars—a passion that began with his love for Hot Wheels. In tenth grade, he learned about the career and technical programs at EASTERN during a presentation at Upper Dublin High School. Encouraged by some of his peers, he decided to visit the Automotive Technology program to explore it further.

·         Before attending EASTERN, Anthony completed two years of engineering courses at Upper Dublin High School, which helped prepare him for the Automotive Technology program. “In those engineering classes, I was able to develop my hands-on skills before coming here,” said Anthony. “I learned to use various computer programs and even designed layouts for cabins and houses.”

·         During the 2024–2025 school year, he was selected to attend the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in the Poconos and serves as the student representative for the Automotive Technology Occupational Advisory Committee.

·         At Upper Dublin High School, Anthony plays Club Soccer and is also a member of the School Bowling Team.

·         After graduating from EASTERN and Upper Dublin High School, Anthony plans to attend a postsecondary trade school to study both welding and automotive technology, with the possibility of exploring aeronautics as well. “I want to diversify my skills and career options,” said Anthony.

 

Anthony’s accomplishments:

·         Through the Automotive Technology program at EASTERN, Anthony has gained hands-on experience performing oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, wheel alignments, brake service and safely lifting and jacking several types of vehicles.

·         He has completed full engine and brake teardowns and assemblies. Anthony is always willing to work with other students to complete live work in the shop and often takes on a lead role.

·         Anthony has earned several industry-standard certifications, including Lift Institute Certification, S/P2 certifications in Electric Vehicle Safety, Automotive Service Safety, Automotive Service Pollution Prevention, and Valvoline Motor Oil 101.

·         At EASTERN’s May 2025 Awards Night, he was honored with the Straight A Award.

·         Anthony was selected as the 2025 – 2026 SkillsUSA student representative for the AM Automotive Technology Class.

 

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 Paul Bilotta was selected. He is a senior at Upper Moreland High School and is being honored for his work in the Automotive Technology program.

About Paul:

·         Before attending EASTERN, Paul was already familiar with its opportunities through his sister, a 2024 graduate of the Cosmetology program. He learned more about EASTERN at the 10th Grade Career Expo presentation at Upper Moreland High School and took part in the visit. After exploring several programs, he found Automotive Technology the most compelling and chose to pursue it.

·         At Upper Moreland High School, Paul was a member of the lacrosse team.

·         Outside of school, Paul works as a Detailer at Thompson Lexus in Willow Grove, where he cleans and details vehicles to ensure showroom readiness and assists with valet operations as needed. Before this role, he worked at Jacksonville Auto in Hatboro, performing routine maintenance tasks, setting car lifts, driving vehicles, and supporting the team with troubleshooting issues.

·         He works for a nonprofit organization founded by his sister, The ChrisSanthemum Project, created in memory of their Aunt Sandy, who passed away from leukemia, and their cousin Christian, who died by suicide—both in 2017. The organization holds fundraisers to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Peyton Heart Project. The Peyton Heart Project raises awareness about suicide and bullying by distributing handcrafted hearts, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

·         Paul has already been accepted to the Pennsylvania College of Technology for Heavy Equipment and Power Generation. This three-year program emphasizes hands-on training in the maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of heavy machinery, including construction and power generation equipment.

Paul’s accomplishments:

·         At EASTERN, he serves as a student ambassador for the Automotive Technology program, speaking at recruitment events and fundraisers to promote the school.  He has participated in events such as 10^th Grade Career Expo, 8^th Grade Career Expo, Designer Bag Bingo, and the Craft Fair fundraiser.

 ·         Through the Automotive Technology program, he has earned industry-recognized certifications, including multiple S/P2 (Safety and Pollution Prevention) certifications, which focus on workplace safety and environmental responsibility, as well as the Valvoline Motor Oil 101 certification.

·         ​In 2023, Paul, along with two teammates, participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year campaign as part of the "Cure Hunters" team. This philanthropic leadership program engages high school students in a seven-week fundraising competition to support LLS's mission of combating blood cancers. The campaign encourages students to develop leadership and fundraising skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

·         At EASTERN’s May 2025 Awards Night, Paul received the Attendance Award, the Colony Club of Ambler Scholarship, the Straight A Award, and the Willow Grove Rotary Scholarship (Service Above Self).

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, Nia Bonaparte, was selected. She is a senior at Cheltenham High School and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Allied Health program. 

About Nia:
•    Nia has always been deeply passionate about science, constantly seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and explore new challenges. Recognizing her enthusiasm and potential, one of her AP Science teachers at Cheltenham High School encouraged her to look into the Allied Health program at EASTERN. Intrigued by the possibilities, Nia attended EASTERN’s presentation at her school. Determined to make an informed decision about her future, she took the next step by participating in a follow-up visit, solidifying her confidence that Allied Health was the perfect fit for her aspirations.

•    At Cheltenham High School, Nia is a member of the softball team, an avid participant in the Reading Olympics, a member of the National Honor Society and Black Scholars program. 

•    At EASTERN, she was part of a four-person team that competed in the “Bone Voyage” Anatomage Tournament at the Pennsylvania College of Technology on March 6, 2025. 

•    Outside of school, Nia has been actively involved in running her family-operated nonprofit organization, Kingdom Keepers Outreach Ministry (KKOM). Founded in 2017, KKOM is dedicated to serving the Philadelphia community through acts of kindness and support for those in need. Twice a month, Nia, her parents, and a team of dedicated volunteers visit the Ben Franklin Parkway to distribute food and hygiene items to individuals facing hardship. 

•    After graduating from EASTERN and Cheltenham High School, Nia plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study Neuroscience and research. 

Nia’s accomplishments:
•    At EASTERN, Nia competes in SkillsUSA, EASTERN’s Student Leadership Organization. She was part of the team that received first place in the Health Knowledge Bowl competition in February and advanced to the State competition in April.

•    Through her program at EASTERN, Nia has earned both CPR and OSHA-10 certifications, equipping her with essential lifesaving and workplace safety skills.

•    Nia was honored with a Community Service Student Spotlight in December for her outstanding work with KKOM. 

•    On April 30, 2025, Nia was inducted into EASTERN’s National Technical Honor Society.