May has been nothing but hectic for BAVTS with a flurry of recognition events.

Emily Adamson, a junior graphic communications student from Freedom HS, won the Pa. State SkillsUSA T-shirt competition. Her design will appear on the official Pennsylvania t-shirt and all students and staff from Pennsylvania participating at the National Competition in Louisville, Ky., will be wearing her design. Way to go Emily.

Other successful competitors from states who are continuing on to nationals include Joshua Crespo (FR-12), Amber Hunsicker (LI-11) and Timothy Surov (SV-12) from Sgt. Karb’s Protective Services program who participated in the Crime Scene Investigation, and Isaac Medina (FR-11), Anthony Tomeski-Sudziarski (SV-11) and Omar Torres (LI-11) from Mr. Cantrel’s Automotive Technology program who competed in the Human Services Career Pathways competition.

Students have been busy electing their representatives for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.

The SkillsUSA Officers are Amber Hunsicker, president (LI-12); Angelina Rex, vice president (NO-11); Samuel Costenbader, treasurer (NO-12); and Selena Martinez, secretary (LI12).

The SkillsUSA Ambassadors are Josselin Jimenez (LI-12), Alex Roan (LI-11), Anthony Tomeski-Suazialski (SV-12) and Hunter Miller (NO-11)

Eighteen students were recognized May 4 with the prestigious Bridges Scholarships. The awards are based on academic and extracurricular accomplishments. The awards can be used to pursue post-secondary education or to purchase tools for a student to continue their path of study. The foundation has awarded over $750,000 since its inauguration by Walter Dealtrey in 1999.

On May 10, the Cooperative Education Gathering was held at the school recognizing all students and employers who participated in the program. Every year BAVTS students employment assist in the local economy by providing skilled labor to the local manufacturing industries. The guest speaker this year was Anthony Manjone, general manager of Jenkins Machine Inc., a well-established and growing machining company located in Bethlehem.

On May 19, the Fashion Industry’s class, taught by Sharon Werst, presented its annual fashion show. Thirty-five students, including seven seniors, modeled their creations and projects on the runway in the cafeteria. “Lights, Camera, Fashion!” was the theme of this year’s program, which also featured eight guest models. Following the show, delicious baked goods and beverages were provided by Karen Mustonen’s baking students. It was a wonderful evening, and a good time was had by all who attended.

On May 22, 36 eighth grade students from Northampton and Saucon Valley school district participated in the BAVTS STEM v. the Zombie Apocalypse Academy, a full day of activities that integrate science, technology, engineering and math within our CTE classrooms. Students worked on projects designed to prevent and prepare for a fast-moving virus that has the potential to change the world.

Next year’s car show will be held Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the BAVTS parking lot. We are seeking sponsors for this year’s event, if interested please contact John Karb