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 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 10th Grade Career Expo, 8th 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.
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 Greyson Stewart was selected. He is a senior at Abington Senior High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Design, Photography, and Illustration program.
About Greyson:
When Greyson first learned about the programs at EASTERN, he was excited by the opportunity to explore how a career pathway in art could help him develop valuable professional skills. He appreciates being able to do something he loves and excels at every day.
Through his Design, Photography, and Illustration program, Greyson obtained an industry-standard certification in Adobe InDesign.
At Abington Senior High School, Greyson is an active member of the National Honor Society, the Boys Lacrosse Team, Friends Against Alcohol and Drugs (FAAD), and the Alternative Sports Club.
Outside of school, he works part-time at Be Well Bakery and Café in Huntingdon Valley, where he serves as a server, food preparer, smoothie preparer, and kitchen assistant.
Greyson volunteers at Forgotten Cats in Willow Grove.
Greyson is a Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard with CPR/AED certification.
“Greyson brings a positive and encouraging energy to the classroom,” said Nicole Abruzzi, EASTERN’s Design, Photography, and Illustration Instructor. “He is always ready with a kind word for a classmate and is consistently willing to lend a hand.”
After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, Greyson has committed to attending Susquehanna University, where he will pursue a degree in graphic design and play lacrosse. During college, he hopes to secure an internship with an outdoor sporting goods company.
Greyson’s accomplishments:
At EASTERN’s Awards Night in May 2024, Greyson was honored with The Outstanding Junior Year Sketchbook Award and the Straight A Award.
As an active member of EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA, he achieved first place in the District II Action Skills Competition in February 2024 and earned third place at the Pennsylvania State Competition in April 2024. For this competition, Greyson demonstrated the different shading techniques commonly used in illustration.
In February 2025, Greyson once again received first place in the SkillsUSA District II Competition, but this time it was for T-Shirt Design.
Through his Design, Photography, and Illustration program, Greyson obtained an industry-standard certification in Adobe InDesign.
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 Skyler Childs was selected. He is a senior at Upper Moreland High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Robotics and Automated Technology.
About Skyler:
· Skyler thrives academically at both Upper Moreland and EASTERN. In tenth grade, he explored the Culinary Arts and Robotics and Automated Technology programs, uncertain of his exact career path but eager to combine academics with practical, real-world experiences. "EASTERN is the best decision I ever made," Skyler shared. "I love what I do in the Robotics and Automated Technology program. Every day, I feel like I'm working in the field."
· Skyler has earned several industry-standard certifications in his field, including OSHA and Universal Robots Certification.
· Skyler serves as the student representative on the Robotics and Automated Technology program’s Occupational Advisory Committee, which provides input to the school on industry-relevant updates.
· At Upper Moreland High School, Skyler has participated in several musicals and is a member of the Drama Club and Rock Climbing Club.
· He holds a part-time job at Acme and volunteers regularly at the Glencairn Museum assisting with events.
· “Skyler is exceptionally intelligent and personable—two qualities that will undoubtedly help him achieve his goals,” said Mr. Kyle Jacoby, EASTERN’s Robotics and Automated Technology Instructor. “He is hardworking and creative. Currently, he is designing a donation robot for the Glencairn Museum as part of a SkillsUSA competition. I am incredibly proud of all he has accomplished.”
· After graduating from EASTERN and Upper Moreland High School, Skyler plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to continue his engineering education. He hopes to then secure a rewarding job in the field.
Skyler’s accomplishments:
· This year at EASTERN, Skyler was selected as one of three students nominated for the prestigious CTE Presidential Scholar Award.
· He is a member of EASTERN’s National Technical Honor Society
· He serves as the Robotics and Automated Technology class representative for SkillsUSA.
· As a junior, Skyler received two awards at EASTERN’s May Awards Night: the Straight A Award and the Demco Automation Innovation Award.
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 Andrew Rodriguez was selected. He is a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School and is being honored for his work in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program.
About Andrew:
· Andrew has been immersed in the restaurant industry from a young age, with his father owning Hatfield Pizzeria on Main Street in Hatfield, where the entire family plays a role in the business. "When I learned about the Culinary Arts program at EASTERN and realized I could pursue my passion during school hours, I knew I had to enroll," Andrew shared.
· He actively volunteers at various EASTERN events, including the Joint Operating Committee annual dinner, Open House, and Career Expo, where prospective 10th-grade students from multiple districts come to explore programs.
· As a member of SkillsUSA, EASTERN’s student leadership organization, he chose to participate in the “Front of the House” competition to challenge himself in an area where he feels less confident and to broaden his skill set.
· Andrew finds deep inspiration and motivation in working alongside his family, crediting these experiences with keeping him grounded and instilling in him a strong sense of purpose. Watching his parents’ unwavering dedication and work ethic drives him to strive for excellence and embody the same commitment in his own life and career.
· After graduating from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School, Andrew plans to either take a gap year to save money or pursue his culinary education at Montgomery County Community College, Penn College of Technology, or Johnson & Wales University.
Andrew’s accomplishments:
· As a junior, he was honored with two awards at EASTERN’s May Awards Night: the Straight A Award and the Alumni Tool of the Trade Award.
· Through the Culinary Arts program, he earned his ServSafe certification, a nationally recognized credential in the food service industry that demonstrates his knowledge of essential food safety practices.
· "Andrew draws on his real-world work experience to inspire and motivate his classmates," said Chef Ben Vozzo, EASTERN’s Culinary Arts Instructor. "He consistently maintains a positive attitude and goes out of his way to support others."