Auto Olympics!!

This past week was the annual York Tech Automotive Olympics. Pictured above are the 1st year students competing for their first time, although the upper classmen also participated. During this competition, tasks are determined by Mr. Merges and Mr. Kessler for the students to complete, and the students who receive 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place get to wear little trophies the rest of the day. Some of the students I saw wearing trophies were:

Colton Miller

AJ Albino

Corin Sappe

Brittany Mayr

Patrick Hull

Edwin Coston

Co-Op Banquet

Last night was the co-op banquet. The coordinators (Mr. Mark and Mrs. Warner) did a great job at organizing the event. The meal was fantastic (thanks Chef Baker and Culinary students), and the students and their employers were honored with certificates. One co-op student spoke from each academy (Kyle Harrison, Metal Machine student) was ours to discuss how his co-op experience impacted him. Several of the students academic and technical teachers also attended. Mrs. Bassett (Guidance Counselor), Mr. Yarrison (Welding Instructor) and Ms. Lenz (Special Ed instructor) were among those who attended to support the students. It was a very nice event (all of our Man/Tran students even had button-down shirts on -very impressive!).

Here is the list of M/T students who were honored last night:

Zach Allman (Welding)
Jake Watson (Welding)
Devin Greenplate (Welding)
Jon Tracey (Welding)
Kyle Harrison (Metal Machine)
Dan Waltimyer (Welding)
Brandon Godfrey (Diesel)
Dave Orwick (Diesel)
Eric Shearer (Welding)
Kevin Markle (Diesel)
Nick Houston (Diesel)
Josh Hisey (Diesel)
Nick Roth (Diesel)
Josh Wagner (Auto)
Will Sydor (Welding)
Aaron Beavers (Diesel)
Dustin Redman (Metal Machine)
Paul Storke (Diesel)
Jake Anderson (Welding)

May - Busy and Fun at Tech

For a few days last week, the Festo Learning Systems Mobile Mechatronics Lab visited the YCST campus. The local York Dispatch visited as well, and took a picture of some of our Auto students testing out the equipment. I also received very sincere and sweet thank you letters from an English 9 class that I allowed to go out and visit it.

Last night was the prom, and WOW, did our students look great and they behaved even better. Maybe someone will send me some pictures to post, since I forgot to bring a camera :(

This week, we have two great dinner events coming up. First, on Tuesday night, we will be honoring our Co-Op employers and students with a banquet, organized by Mr. Mark and Ms. Warner. On Wednesday night, we are holding our annual senior banquet for 12th grade students and their families at a new location, the Praise Center.

STAR Student/NOCTI Incentives Assembly

Yesterday afternoon, there was an assembly held for 11th and 12th graders to recognize the top student in each shop for the year (STAR student) and to have drawings for prizes for all students who score proficient and advanced on the NOCTI exam. Here are the following Man/Tran winners:

STAR Students - Aaron Callis (Auto), Kole Krysiak (Diesel), Rachel Styers (Welding), Kyle Aikens (Power Equip), Cody Miller (Collision) and Kyle Harrison (Metal Machining).

The following seniors won prizes from the drawings. There names were entered into the drawing for scoring successfully on the NOCTI exam -

Reserved Parking Spot: Jesse Blair (Collision)

Lunch with the Director and Asst. Director in the SPARTAN Inn: Dan Waltemire (Welding), Rick Wilson (Diesel), and Josh Wertz (Welding)

Free Prom Ticket: Jacob Watson (Welding)

Best Buy Gift Card: Franklyn Ramos (Auto)

Monday Work

I was able to take pictures of the hard work being completed in the Weld and Diesel shops yesterday. I was amazed at the balance of the diesel student under the hood.

This is going to be a busy week for York Tech students. Tomorrow afternoon is the STAR student assembly, where a student from each shop area is chosen to receive an award. One student in the academy (usually a senior) will be chosen as the STAR student for the entire academy.

On Thursday, all students will attend an assembly by grade level sponsored by the student assistance team (SPART) in reference to making good decisions around prom time and always.

YCST Reading Initiative

You might wonder.... how does this picture match the title of this entry? On Wednesday, this was the beautiful sight I had on my trip up to State College to participate in a training with several of our teachers (Mr. Kessler - Automotive, Mrs. Lenz - Special Education, Mrs. Zortman - English, and Mr. Marks - Graphic Arts). The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides our school the additional opportunity for specialized training as folks who work at a career and technical high school. Many of us (including thos listed above) have been working hard, creating and implementing a plan to help our students learn to demonstrate the reading skills they have in the technical and academic classes

YCST Staff Participates in YWCA Race Against Racism

This past Saturday, several staff members and their friends/family members joined me in participating in the YWCA Race Against Racism 5K Run/Walk. Pictured above is Mr. Kessler (Auto Instructor) who had the best time among our folks, coming in at 21:20. The other current YCST teachers who participated were Ms. Falvey (Spec. Ed), Ms. Pavlick (English), Mrs. Schaeberle (Sped. Ed.), and Mrs. Stiger (Spec. Ed.). A special thanks to Mrs. Caruso (Science) who stood along E. Market St. with her dogs cheering us on and taking pictures.