ANNUAL MEETING ELMER GATES ENTERPRISE AWARDS
During the Annual Meeting the Leadership By Example Award
is presented to an individual in our community who exemplifies
the principles we instill in our students and promotes the value
of career and technical education. It also provides an opportunity
for the Council to reflect on the successes of the previous year
and share goals for the coming year with our members. This year
Judy Hunsicker, Chief Operating Officer of Embassy Bank For
the Lehigh Valley, was honored as our “Leader By Example”. Ms.
Hunsicker is a current SkillsUSA Council Board Member and
Council Past President. Judy has continuously showed support of
the Council and Career & Technical Education. The Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards, hosted by the Gates Family
and SkillsUSA Council, were given to 43 career & technical
education students. Students were honored by Jodi Key and Patti
Gates-Smith, daughters of Elmer Gates a founding member of
SkillsUSA Council. Students were chosen based on their scholastic
achievement, school activities, SkillsUSA involvement, community
service, and entrepreneurial spirit. Amber Hunsicker, the student
speaker from BAVTS, enlightened guests on the importance of a
career and technical education and how it has helped her.
Also honored was Warren Steigerwalt with the Volunteer of the
Year Award. He is the main contact at District Championships
for the coordination of sponsor banners at Ag Hall. Sarah Liebel,
from Upper Bucks County Technical School, was the student
speaker and shared her experience in SkillsUSA.
INDUSTRY TOUR
Crayola was gracious to host our students for a half day. Students
had the opportunity to tour the facility in Easton, interact
with employees, and learn about the different opportunities
available. Tours like this help open students up to possibilities for
employment outside what they may learn in their labs.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
During the Professional Development Conference each student
donated a toy to the Malek Brothers Project Playroom. The toys
were then distributed by the Malek Bothers to Monroe County
Children and Youth Services benefiting those less fortunate.
Also during PDC, Ambassadors from each school selected
projects designed to help their fellow students serve the
communities in which they live.
One of these included, MCTI – Students from SkillsUSA at
MCTI donated children's books related to the various trades
that are offered at MCTI. Student delegates then went to
kindergarten classes at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and
read to all the students. At the end of the day the students
presented the books to the school librarian where they are
available to all elementary students. Not only is this a community
service activity but a great way to start to have students think
about careers and SkillsUSA.