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sSpring 2016

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORSPREPARED FOR THEIR EXCITING FUTURES!

Director’s Message

Celebratingour students and their journey to:• Exciting Careers• College Success• Serving America• Making a Difference

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BCTC Spring/Summer 2016

JOINT OPERATING COMMITTEEANTIETAM

Walter R. SaylorBOYERTOWN AREAJohn C. Landino

BRANDYWINE HEIGHTS AREA John Scheetz III

CONRAD WEISER AREAWilliam T. Carl, Jr.

DANIEL BOONE AREATamara D. TwardowskiEXETER TOWNSHIPDr. Ann Hearing

FLEETWOOD AREAGary A. Reinert

GOVERNOR MIFFLINElizabeth AdamsHAMBURG AREAAndrew C. RaughKUTZTOWN AREA

Dr. Al DarionOLEY VALLEY

Robert A. HeckmanSCHUYLKILL VALLEY

Dr. Jay R. MelvinTULPEHOCKEN AREAOscar J. Manbeck(chairperson)TWIN VALLEY

Christine M. OsbornWILSON

Robert MetzgarWYOMISSING AREAScott C. Painter, Esq.

SolicitorJohn M. Stott, Esq.

Superintendent of RecordDr. Jill M. Hackman

Administrative DirectorDr. James A. Kraft

MISSION STATEMENTOur mission is to prepare all students

for successful careers and higher education through a highly acclaimed,

integrated academic and technical education experience.

Berks Career and Technology Center will not discriminate inits employment practices or its educational programs andactivities on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion,gender, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, domicile, veteransstatus, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, handicap/disability or genetic information or any other legally pro-tected characteristics in its admission procedures, educa-tional programs and activities or employment practices, asrequired by the Pennsylvania School Code and related regu-lations, ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 and will pro-vide equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and otherdesignated youth groups. Students are encouraged to con-sider enrolling in career programs non-traditional to theirgender. Berks Career and Technology Center will take stepsto assure that the lack of English language skills will not bea barrier to admission and participation in career and tech-nical education programs and will make reasonable accom-modations for those with disabilities. Furthermore, harass-ment in any form, including bullying, by any individual willnot be tolerated. All policies, regulations and practices ofBCTC shall be guided by this statement. Inquiries regardingcompliance with Title IX, Section 504 or Title VI should bedirected to the Office of the Administrative Director at 1057County Road, Leesport, PA 19533, 610-374-4073.

Steven Filby, a senior in Health Related Technology, servedas the Eastern Region Vice President of Penn HOSAHealth Careers Professionals and was also honored as theOutstanding PA HOSA Health Careers Professionals - Out-standing State Officer for 2015-2016. BCTC was also hon-ored to have Ashley Wellman, a senior in the EarlyChildhood Education program, serve as the FCCLA StateVice President of Elections for the 2015-2016 school year.Christina Rudderow, a junior in the Dental Technology pro-gram, has the distinct honor of recently being elected as the2016-2017 Penn HOSA Health Career Professionals StatePresident. Congratulations to our State Officers and thetremendous leadership experience that comes with these of-fices.

Students attending BCTC are actively involved in com-munity engagement. Trees for Troops, Keystone WoundedWarriors, Miller-Keystone Blood Drive, Project HOPE,Camp Victory and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society are afew of the many community-wide efforts our students haveundertaken to give back to others.

Student enrollment at BCTC has increased with an en-rollment of 1,746 secondary students. This is the highest en-rollment in the past five years and the third highest in thehistory of the school. Enrollment in itself is not an indicatorof student success. The fact is, more students are taking ad-vantage of a technical education, achieving more industrycertifications upon graduation than any other career andtechnical school in Pennsylvania, continuing their educa-tion, and are entering the workforce. These are all measuresof student success.

The Technical Academy continues to succeed and Academy enrollment is increasing. BCTC now has 30 seniors taking courses on the RACC campus two days perweek. Over the past three years, 266 students have beenpart of the technical academies. We are fortunate to havethis golden opportunity for our students.

We are excited to offer two additional RACC collegecredit math courses for 2016-2017. Foundations of Mathe-matics and Trigonometry will be offered. These courses arein alignment with SOAR credits, which are credits offeredto BCTC students who complete their Program of Study intheir technical area, as well as the technical academies.

In February, BCTC ventured into social media by intro-ducing a school Facebook page. This venture will expandour communications by highlighting student achievementsin real time. So find us on Facebook!

This has been a terrific year atBCTC. I am extremely proud ofthe many accomplishments of ourstudents and staff.

In February, the West Campuswas lauded with a certificate fromthe PA Department of Education,Bureau of Career and TechnicalEducation for being one of a selectgroup of Career and Technicalcenters with greater than 75 per-cent of the 2015 seniors achieving“Advanced” on the National Occupational Competency TestingInstitute (NOCTI) assessment.The NOCTI assessment is ourend-of-program high stakes assess-ment of student achievement. Theseniors attending our East Campushave also done exceptionally well.At the time of writing this mes-sage, we have just concluded the2016 NOCTI testing. From all indications, 2016 promises to beanother banner NOCTI perform-ance year for BCTC.

Once again, our Career andTechnical Student Organizations(CTSOs) student competitorshave done an outstanding job atboth district and state competi-tions. We had a record 33 studentsplace 1st and receive gold medalsat the state skill competitions.They will be representing BCTCand Pennsylvania at national com-petitions this summer. The highnumber of state and national stu-dent competitors over the years isa testament to the exceptionalskill development acquired atBCTC.

BCTC has had the honor ofhaving two state CTSO Officersthis year and one for 2016/17.

Director’s Message

Dr. James A. Kraft BCTC Administrative Director

BCTC Celebrates Student Success

BCTC Spring/Summer 2016

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Erik AbramczykIT Programming (West Campus) Boyertown Area SD❝The experiences I have hadat BCTC have enabled me tofind out that programming iswhat I want to do with the rest of my life.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: TechnicalAcademy Student | National TechnicalHonor Society | BCTC Student of the Quarter |OSHA Industry Certification

Technical Academy: Enrolled at BCTC and RACC while in high school. Completed RACC college courses at BCTC during sophomore and junior years. Earned college credits toward a degree.

BCTC Activities: SkillsUSA Secretary | SkillsUSA States – 2nd

District Activities: Technology Student Association

Plans after Graduation: Attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to major in computer science with an emphasis on software development to become a computer programmer.

Laney BenfieldAuto Technology (East Campus)Oley Valley SD❝I have been very well educated for a career in the automotive/diesel fieldbecause of the industry experience of my instructors.BCTC also gave me organizational, work ethic, and time management skills.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: State Inspection License | MACS AirConditioning License | S/P2 Safety Certification | Snap-On MeterCertification | Emissions License | OSHA Industry Certification |BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Activities: SkillsUSA Member

District/Community Activities: FFA | Student Advisor |FFA Tent Volunteer | Dairy Cow Exhibitor | Graveyard Preservation Work | Food Bank Deliveries

Plans after Graduation: Attend either Pennsylvania College ofTechnology to major in diesel technology or Delaware Valley University for animal science with a focus in dairy sciences.

Daniel BernardDental Occupations (East Campus)Wilson SD❝What I love about BCTCis the opportunity toearn college credits as ahigh school student. Iwould also recommendBCTC to anyone trying tofulfill a career directly out ofhigh school.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Radiation Health & Safety |OSHA Industry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Activities: HOSA Treasurer | HOSA President |HOSA States 2015 - 2nd | HOSA Nationals 2015 - Competitor

District/Community Activities: Latin Pride Club | Track & Field | Volunteer Firefighter –Township of Spring – Fire & Rescue Service

Plans after Graduation: Complete an internship at a dental office while attending Pennsylvania College of Technologyto become a dental hygienist.

Noah BieberComputerized Machining (West Campus)Brandywine Heights Area SD❝The best things aboutBCTC are the teachers,equipment, and the opportunities I wasgiven to prepare for my future career.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: NIMS Certifications | CNC Milling Operator | CNC Milling-Setup/Programming | Milling I | Measurement Materials and Safety | Job, Planning, Benchwork, & Layout | OSHA Industry Certification |BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Experience/Activities: Completed a co-op assign-ment at East Penn Manufacturing as a Machinist throughBCTC’s Work Based Learning program. SkillsUSA District& State Competitor 2016.

District Activities: Golf Team

Plans after Graduation: Plan to enter the workforce at East Penn Manufacturing as a machinist.

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS

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Dalton BoltzWelding (West Campus)Tulpehocken Area SD❝What I like best aboutBCTC is the hands-on experience and the access to modern equip-ment. BCTC has preparedme for my future because Ihave experience with alltypes of welding and can go into any welding career.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: AWS SENSE | NCCER |FCAWD1.1 3G | OSHA Industry Certification

BCTC Activities: SkillsUSA Districts – 3rd

Plans after Graduation: Attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to major in welding.

Steven FilbyHealth Related Technology(East Campus)Boyertown Area SD❝BCTC has been instrumen-tal in helping me to establish my long-term educational and careergoals in the field of PhysicalTherapy. Many young peoplegrapple with these decisions, butbecause of my experiences at BCTC, Iknow exactly what the future holds for me.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: First Aid | CPR/AED | GloballyHarmonized System for Hazardous Classification & Labeling |OSHA Industry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Experience/Activities: Completed job shadowing atMishock Physical Therapy (Gilbertsville) and Fox Rehabilita-tion Services at Chestnut Knoll (Boyertown)- observed and assisted physical therapists. 2015-2016 Berks East AM HOSAChapter President | Pennsylvania HOSA 2015-2016 EasternRegional Vice President | PENN HOSA 2015 SLC - Campaigned and elected as PENN HOSA Eastern RegionalVice President | HOSA National Leadership Conference - Voting Delegate, Workshop Ambassador, Flag Bearer, & StateRepresentative | PENN HOSA 2016 SLC - Outstanding StateOfficer Award | HOSA International Leadership Conference -Outstanding State Officer Award Recognition.

Community Activities: Volunteer Firefighter with Earl Township Volunteer Fire Company No.1 Truck Crew

Plans after Graduation: Attend Pennsylvania State University-Berks Campus majoring in kinesiology.

Samantha HaagHorticulture (East Campus)Schuylkill Valley SD❝The experience here hashelped me to know that a career in Horticulture is definitely what I want aftergraduation. I love how wehave the opportunity to be inan environment that is not just sit-ting at a desk. Learning hands-on isthe best part of being at BCTC. I have gained employa-bility experiences that have helped me surpass the skillset of my peers.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: National Technical Honor Society - President | Horticulture Certificate of Achievement | OSHA Industry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Activities: FFA President | FFA Vice President |Landscape Competitions | Oley Fair Competitor | Pennsyl-vania Farm Show Competitor

District/Community Activities: Ag Club | FFA | Grange |Dairy Ambassador | Dance | Church Youth Group

Plans after Graduation: Work on the family orchard to makeimprovements and bring it to a new level such as possiblyadding an orchard store. Will also work part-time at a dairystore and attend RACC for general courses.

Elise HoffaBusiness Mgmt & Entrepreneurship (West Campus) Wilson SD❝I like how BCTC makesyou feel comfortable in expressing your opinions.There is also a lot of hands-on work and experience.BCTC has prepared me becauseyou have a sense of responsibility in your work environment.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Technical Academy Student |BCTC Student of the Quarter | OSHA Industry Certification

Technical Academy: Enrolled at BCTC and RACC while in high school. Completed RACC college courses at BCTCduring sophomore, junior and senior years. Earned collegecredits toward a degree.

Plans after Graduation: Attend Gwynedd Mercy Universityto major in radiologic technology.

BCTC Spring/Summer 2016

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Zoe HuttEarly Childhood Education(East Campus)Boyertown Area SD❝BCTC is the best experi-ence I have had. I am soglad I chose to comehere. I like the hands-onexperience working withchildren and making friendsfrom other schools. I feel prepared for college and the challenges I will face taking classes in Physical Education.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Pediatric First Aid/CPR|Fire Safety Training | Mandated Reporter Training |OSHA Industry Certification

BCTC Experience / Activities: Completed clinical experienceat Head Start and Friedens Child Care. Responsibilities included preparing lesson plans, activities with children,overall child care. FCCLA Member.

District Activities: Basketball

Plans after Graduation: Attend RACC for early childhoodeducation for two years and then transfer to West ChesterUniversity to major in physical education with plans to become a physical education teacher or athletic trainer.

Binta JallohHealth Occupations (West Campus)Wilson SD❝What I like best aboutBCTC is our clinical experience and all the procedures we learn aboutbecoming a nurse.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Certification of Commendation | CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant | Direct Care Staff Aide |BLS / First Aid | OSHA Industry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter| BCTC Perfect Attendance Award

BCTC Experience: Completed clinical experience at Berks Heim Nursing Home with responsibilities to treat each resident with care and respect. HOSA Blood Drive & PinkDay Committee | United Way Volunteer.

District Activities: Wilson’s Published Writer Award | Wilson’s Certificate of Commendation | Multi-Culture Club

Plans after Graduation: Attend Alvernia University orBloomsburg University to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursingwith future plans to become an orthopedic nurse.

Benjamin KleinProtective Services (West Campus)Governor Mifflin SD❝What I like best aboutBCTC is that it has prepared me for the career that I want to dofor the rest of my life.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned:NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, 800 |Hazmat Awareness | Hazmat Operations |Completed Bucks County Community CollegeBasic Fire Academy | EMR | EMT | OSHA Industry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Activities: National Technical Honor Society | HOSA President | HOSA StatesCERT 2014 - 2016 – 1st Place | HOSA NationalsCompetitor 2014 – 2016.

Community Activities: Volunteer Firefighter | Boy Scout – Eagle Scout

Plans after Graduation: Attend Harrisburg Area Community College to earn an associate degree in fire science to become a professionalfirefighter / paramedic.

Katrina MaldonadoCulinary Arts(East Campus)Daniel Boone Area SD❝My experience at BCTC was educational, fun,supportive, andone of the best experiences of my life.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: ServSafe & OSHA Industry Certifications

BCTC Activities: FCCLA Competitor

Community Activities: Volunteer at localpreschools and volunteer with the elderly.

Plans after Graduation: Enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve our country.

BCTC Spring/Summer 2016

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Robert MartinPainting & Decorating(West Campus)Exeter Township SD❝My experience at BCTC has prepared me formy future plans ofbecoming a highlyskilled residentialpainter. Using the knowledge I have learned, I will apply these skills in my future painting career.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: National Technical HonorSociety | PA Skills Certificate | NCCER | OSHAIndustry Certification | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Experience/Activities: Participated in a BCTCcommunity service project through the PA HomeBuilders Association at Camp Victory, a summer campfor special needs children in Millville, PA. Responsibili-ties included painting several cabins with fun themes forthe camp participants. BCTC’s PBA chapter was recog-nized with a national award in 2015 for the work doneat the camp. PBA Member | SkillsUSA Member.

District Activities: National Honor Society

Plans after Graduation: Attend RACC to major in art.

Darius MillerAuto Collision Repair Technology (East Campus)Wyomissing Area SD❝BCTC helped me expand my knowledge of the auto collision repair field.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: I-CAR Certifications | S/P2 Certifications |OSHA Industry Certification

District Activities: Football | Wrestling | Track & Field

Plans after Graduation: Attend Ohio Technical Collegeto major in auto collision repair and then enter the work-force in the automotive collision repair field. Future plansto become the owner of a car repair business.

Lauren OlsenMedical Health ProfessionsBrandywine Heights Area SDDual Enrollment Program with PennState Berks & The Reading Hospital❝BCTC has prepared me for the future by giving me a chance to experience college classes, alongwith giving me a head start in mymajor. I appreciate the opportunities I’vehad, including the chance to make new friends.❞

Dual Enrollment Student: Enrolled at both Penn State Berks and BCTCfor the senior year. Attended Penn State Berks two days a week complet-ing Chemistry and Physiology courses. Took medical related theory classestwice a week at Reading Hospital and shadowed healthcare professionalsat the hospital weekly.

Penn State | BCTC Credentials Earned: Earned college credits for com-pleting Chemistry and Physiology at Penn State Berks. Earned BLS forthe Healthcare Provider (CPR) | First Aid Certifications. BCTC Studentof the Quarter | HOSA States 2016 – 2nd.

District/Community Activities: National Honor Society | Softball Team |Volunteer at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center (Kutztown) and with the Brandywine Girls Softball League.

Plans after Graduation: Attend Widener University or Arcadia Universityto major in biology. Continue my education to receive a doctorate in physi-cal therapy and become a physical therapist at an outpatient facility.

Edmer Astacio PenaMechatronics Engineering (West Campus) Wilson SD❝I really enjoyed being able to worknext to nice classmates and learn about Mechatronics from good teachers. My experience at BCTC has prepared me for my future plans by demonstrating that this is the correct field for me.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Technical Academy Student | BCTC Student of the Quarter | OSHA Industry Certification

Technical Academy: Enrolled at BCTC and RACC while in high school. Completed RACC college courses at BCTC duringsophomore & junior years. Completed additional courses on the RACCcampus during senior year. Earned college credits toward a degree.

BCTC Activities: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics(STEM) Competitor

District Activities: Van Reed Basketball

Plans after Graduation: Attend Penn State Berks to major in electro-mechanical engineering.

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Sadia RafiHealth Occupations (East Campus)Daniel Boone Area SD❝BCTC has given me ahead start in my futurecareer goal of becominga Nurse. I enjoy coming tothe career center to experi-ence the hands on skills, learningnew things, and making new friends.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant |CPR | OSHA Industry Certifications | BCTC Student of the Quarter

BCTC Experience/Activities: Completed the Berks HeimOrientation | Completed a clinical rotation at the Berks HeimNursing Home for the Nurse Aide Training Program | HOSAStates 2014 – 4th | HOSA States 2015 – 1st | HOSA Nationals 2015 – 3rd | HOSA States 2016 – 1st

Community Activities: Miller-Keystone Blood Drive

Plans after Graduation: Attend RACC then transfer toNew York University to obtain a master’s degree in nursing to become a neonatal nurse.

Colin ReasonerCabinetmaking (East Campus)Kutztown Area SD❝My favorite things aboutBCTC are the friendshipsand the opportunities that I have beyond theclassroom.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: BCTC Student of the Quarter |OSHA Industry Certification

BCTC Activities: PBA President | SkillsUSA SecretarySkillsUSA Districts 2015 – 1st | SkillsUSA States 2015 – 6th |SkillsUSA Districts 2016 – 3rd

District Activities: Wrestling | Baseball |Tennis | StudentCouncil | Media Production | Volunteer Wrestling Coach andBaseball Coach

Plans after Graduation: Attend either Kutztown University tomajor in secondary education or Thaddeus Stevens Institute ofTechnology to major in CAD programming.

Jacob RolonIT Networking (East Campus)Exeter Township SD❝I like how we are treatedat BCTC with more responsibility and free-dom. My experience herehas prepared me to con-tinue my education so I canbe successful. I feel that BCTChas enriched the opportunities that life has presented me.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Technical Academy Student |OSHA Industry Certification

Technical Academy: Enrolled at BCTC and RACC while in high school. Completed RACC college courses at BCTCduring sophomore and junior years. Completed additionalcourses on the RACC campus during senior year. Earned college credits toward a degree.

BCTC Activities / Experience: SkillsUSA Vice President

District/Community Activities: Water Polo | Swimming |Volunteer Fire Fighter

Plans after Graduation: Enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard to serve our country.

Jessica WetzelGraphic Imaging Technology(West Campus)Kutztown Area SD❝I like that I come to BCTC every day and express my creativity. My experiences have prepared me for my transition into college and industry as well. You can do anything you set your mind to.❞

BCTC Credentials Earned: Adobe Certified Associate |OSHA Industry Certification

Plans after Graduation: Attend RACC and then transfer to Kutztown University to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

Spring/Summer 2016

NON- PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDReading, PA

Permit No. 305

www.berkscareer.com

West Campus1057 County RoadLeesport, PA 19533

610-374-4073

East Campus3307 Friedensburg Road

Oley, PA 19547610-987-6201

05/16 PR-007

(B) indicates the program is offered at both campuses.

(E) indicates the program is offered only at the East Campus in Oley.

(W) indicates the program is offered only at the West Campus in Leesport.

Business & Information TechnologyBusiness Management & Entrepreneurship (W)

IT Networking (E)IT Programming (W)

CommunicationsAdvertising Art & Design Technology (W)Communication Media Technology (W)Graphic Imaging Technology (W)Photo Imaging Technology (W)

ConstructionBuilding Construction Occupations (E)Cabinetmaking (E)Carpentry (B)Drafting Design Technology (E)Electrical Occupations (B)HVAC / Refrigeration (E)Masonry (E)Painting & Decorating (W)Plumbing & Heating (E)

Engineering & Manufacturing TechnologyDrafting Design Technology (E)Electronic Engineering Technology (W)Mechatronics Engineering Technology (W)Precision / Computerized Machining Technology (W)

Robotics & Automation Technology (W)Welding Technology (W)

HealthcareDental Occupations (E)Health Occupations (B)Health-Related Technology (E)Medical Health Professions (W)

Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy (E)

ServicesCosmetology (B)Culinary Arts (B)Early Childhood Education (B)Horticulture (E)Protective Services (B)Service Occupations (E)

TransportationAutomotive Collision Repair Technology (B)Automotive Technology (B)Diesel Technology (E)Heavy Equipment Technology (E)Recreational & Power Equipment Technology (W)

Technical Academy ProgramsBusiness Management & Entrepreneurship (W)

Health Occupations (B)IT Networking (E)IT Programming (W)Mechatronics Engineering Technology (W)

BCTC Offers Programs

(seniors only)

NEW!