FORMER CHAIRPERSON RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED BCTC AWARD

March 2, 2004

The Berks Career and Technology Center has honored former Joint Operating Committee (JOC) chairperson and board member Barbara A. Cafurello with its "Lifelong Friend of Career and Technical Education Award". Oscar J. Manbeck, chairman of the JOC, and Dr. Robert A. Runkle, administrative director of the Berks Career and Technology Center , made the presentation at the February JOC meeting.

The award recognizes individuals who have generously donated his/her time to the advancement of the Berks Career and Technology Center and who have continuously been an advocate for and supporter of quality career and technical education for all youth. Last year, BCTC honored one of its alumni, Jeffery C. Schatz, president of Schatz Electric. Past recipients have included: Dr. K. Robert Hohl, retired BCIU executive director; Edwin Blatt, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd.; Gary Ebeling, Grafika Commercial Printing; Gerry Troutman; Troutman Machine Works; Rolf Schmidt, former CEO, Sharpoint; Paul Roedel, Berks Business Education Coalition; and Dr. Roger Hertz, retired BCIU executive director.

Cafurello graduated from West Reading High School and received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Kutztown University . She also attained her post-baccalaureate certification from Kutztown University in computer science/data processing. For 11 years, Cafurello was employed as a program analyst by the Miller Group Inc., a full service apparel company located in Schuylkill County . She also worked in the same capacity at Alcoa in Cressona for five years.

Cafurello served for 24 years as a school board director for the Wyomissing Area School District . She was appointed to the Joint Operating Committee of the Berks Career and Technology Center , where she has served as the school district’s representative for the past 22 years. During that time, Cafurello provided quality leadership, serving in the role of chairperson of the JOC for 17 years and secretary of the committee for three and a half years. She also participated in many other committees throughout her 24 years of service. In addition, she has been involved with the Berks Earned Income Tax Bureau for 22 years, 13 years as president of the organization.