BCTC STUDENTS HONORED AS "BEST OF THE BEST"

May 12, 2004

Matthew A. Burkart and Amanda N. Trout have been selected as the Berks Career and Technology Center’s 2003-2004 "Best of the Best", a student recognition program sponsored by the Department of Education’s Bureau of Career and Technical Education.

The program acknowledges students who have achieved excellence and mastery in developing a knowledge base by integrating academics with career and technical skills in educational programs at area vocational-technical schools, career and technical education centers, and comprehensive high schools.

Matthew Burkart is a student in the Information Technology-Applications program, West Campus, and a senior at Governor Mifflin School District . Throughout his three years at the Career Center , he has excelled as an "A" student in his selected career path as well as maintained an "A" average in several academic subjects such as Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Calculus. He is presently spending half of the school day on a cooperative education site, applying his skills and knowledge in a real work environment. He has been accepted at Pennsylvania State University for information sciences and technology.

While at BCTC, Matthew has been a member of SkillsUSA, (a national organization serving a quarter-million high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations) and has participated in the Leadership Conferences in the area of related technical math. In 2003, he placed first in states and tenth at nationals. This year, Matthew captured fourth place at the state conference.

Matthew’s extracurricular activities also extend to his sponsoring school district. At Governor Mifflin, Matthew plays trombone for both the high school band and jazz band. He has qualified for the honor roll throughout his entire four years and this year, made Governor Mifflin’s Honor Society.

Amanda N. Trout is a Boyertown Area senior enrolled in the Drafting Design Technology program at BCTC’s East Campus where she has maintained a grade point average of 94.2. Both the Boyertown Lions Club and the Boyertown Rotary Club have recognized her as the Vocational Technical Student of the Quarter.

While at BCTC, Amanda has been a member of SkillsUSA, East Campus Chapter. She has also participated as a student tour guide for the Career Center’s Open Houses as well as volunteered to provide skill demonstrations to eighth and ninth grade students. In the fall, Amanda will attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology to study architectural technology.

The photos of the outstanding students will hang in the lobby-reception area of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education for an entire year. They will also be displayed throughout the year at various locations within the Department of Education.

Berks Career and Technology Center, in partnership with its sponsoring districts, business and industry, and utilizing a system of continuous improvement, prepares secondary and adult students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for gainful employment and further education.