Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical school is extremely different from traditional academic schools, offering classes on a wide variety of careers that allow students to learn about the trade and skills of their choice. While teaching students brand new experiences that traditional schools do not offer, such baking, fashion design, or protective services, BAVTS also supplements its career class with math and literacy programs.

The most unique aspect of BAVTS, however, is how well it transitions students into the working world, and how well graduates also keep in contact with instructional staff. Bethlehem Vo-Tech prepares students with industry-standard skills and technology, allowing them to be successful directly after high school.

Dakota Sarbaugh, a 2012 BAVTS graduate from the fashion industries class, was recently awarded for her prowess in design and sewing. In this past August, Dakota entered a dress she designed and created in the Allentown Fair. Dakota was entered into the youth category of the competition, which took place at AG Hall. The dress was entered into the competition Aug. 22, and Dakota felt hesitant to leave her work in the hands of someone else for two weeks, until she was able to get the results.

Fortunately, it was worth the wait and and she received a call Aug. 26, only four days later, that she would have to attend the Agricultural Recognition Night for the commemoration of her dress. The event took place at the AG Hall the next night, and Dakota received the honor of the Bill Serfass Memorial Award, which included a scholarship in the amount of $250.

The award was presented to Dakota by Bill Serfass' son-in-law and Pennsylvania Representative, Charlie Dent. Dakota plans to spend this money on books and tuition for her upcoming spring semester at college.

Dakota received a first place award in the youth dress category, as well as a recognition for the "Best in Show" award, which judged projects throughout the entire AG Hall contest.

While the industry-level skills Dakota learned at BAVTS helped her perfect her dress, the unique teaching style also helped her in the competition.

"BAVTS taught me to be outgoing and set high goals for myself," Dakota explained. "This definitely helped me get the confidence to enter my dress info the Allentown Fair."

Bethlehem Vo-Tech helps set students up to interact with professionals and have skills that can be translated directly into the working field, while still connecting with math and literacy skills. Dakota sums up the experience by saying that it taught her to try her hardest and put effort into everything she does.

Instilling genuine effort and a good attitude is what allows BAVTS to springboard its students into the professional world.