The 2015-16 school year is proving to be another action-packed and dynamic one here at Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS). During Open House night, held in October, student skills and projects were showcased, as BAVTS celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Special events, activities and competitions are continuing throughout the year. BAVTS students have been competing in both skill and leadership competitions for SkillsUSA. Students are first competing in local and regional contests, with goals of advancing to state and national levels.

Local BAVTS winners so far include the following students for each competition:

Action Skills – first place – Josselin Jimenez, Liberty, 10; second place – Hannah Gooding, Freedom, 12; third place – Genna Wetzel, Northampton, 11.

Customer Service – first place – Laura Traupman, Saucon Valley, 12; second place – Victoria Estremera, Liberty, 12 and third place – Kim Dudley, Freedom, 12.

Job Skill Demonstration – first place – Stephen Lee, Freedom, 10; second place – Hannah Billig, Northampton, 11; and third place – Jessica Sigley, Northampton, 11.

Job Skill Demo Open – first place – Valerie Hauman, Freedom, 10; second place – Zachary Fritzinger, Saucon Valley, 12; and third place – Yomaira Marbelt, Saucon Valley, 11.

Cabinetmaking – first place – Andrew Haldaman, Bethlehem Catholic, 12; second place – Seth Weaver, Liberty, 12; and third place – Matt Davidson, Northampton, 12.

Culinary Arts – first place - John Yost, Northampton, 12; second place-Cassandra Rogers, Freedom, 12; third place - Rebecca Minnelli, Northampton, 12.

First place students will continue to the next competition level, districts, which will be held Feb. 3 at Agri-Plex in Allentown. SkillsUSA District 11 Championships are a series of interscholastic competitions testing technical skill across trade programs. The 54 contests of skill and leadership held at championships provide an opportunity for students to showcase their skills to the larger community, applying what they have learned in the classroom to challenging scenarios designed by experts in their respective fields that simulate the demands of the 21st century workplace. The event is free and open to the public.

Cosmetology students recently gave back to our local community by giving manicures and hand massages to participants at the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.

The SkillsUSA members participated in the Be An Angel campaign and created over 500 cards for the holidays for the Support the Troops in honor of the service they provide our great nation. Support the Troops sends military packages to those serving year-round.

BAVTS fifth annual car show will be held on school grounds April 23. This event is free and open to the public. Please mark your calendars.

The Precision Machining program at BAVTS was recently awarded a $10,000 grant by the Gene Haas Foundation. According to BAVTS precision machining instructor Robert Kleeman, grant money will be used to purchase tools, instruments and accessories to enhance the program. Haas initially formed the foundation to fund the needs of the local community and other deserving charities. Grants are funded that help develop strong technical programs that teach these valuable manufacturing skills.

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