On April 8, 2026, 22 students received recognition for completing the “Professional Skills” certificate
This certification was created to identify and celebrate those students who have demonstrated the positive characteristics business and industry are struggling to find.
The Lehigh Valley Education &Talent Supply Report has consistently identified two major concerns that employers are having when trying to fill available positions: 1) A shortage of skilled labor, and 2) The need for employability skills training to improve job readiness and retention.
Many surveyed companies indicated dissatisfaction with an applicant’s communication skills, attendance, punctuality, work ethic, attitude and ability to work as part of a team. Our certification documents that you have successfully demonstrated these skills during your time at BAVTS and that you have received the necessary training on how to obtain and maintain employment.
This is no small achievement.
Freedom students: LeAnn Christie, Caitlin Meagher, Cristian Mendez, Daron Roberson and Anthony Yarko.
Liberty students: Daniela Arroyo-Mojica, Alyssia Colon, Corban Fox and Nye’Eima Lomax,
Northampton students: Brianna Bailey, Jocelynne Bean, Gabriela Chevere, Aubrey Greb, Chloe Kunsman, Damian McMullen,Talyn Paules, Nathan Rivera, Abdias Rodriguez Romero and Christopher Sponsler.
Saucon Valley students: Bethany Dietrich, Jacob Dietrich, Ty Lehr and Jerik Lesser.
PRESS PHOTOS COURTESY BAVTSPrior to spring break, students participated in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) event. Students were given the choice to build a bunny trap using three simple machines. Students were able to use the various materials provided or items from their career and technical program. Masonry student Chelsea Pugh orchestrated the event to foster a little friendly student competition. Above: STEM plumbing students (left front) Evan Vargas, LI-11; and Nicholas Amato, NO-10; (right front) Justice Flores, NO-10; and Johan Santana, No-11
Emily Feijoo, FR-11, and her model, Rashell Castillo Arias, LI-11, are competing in the esthetics competition at PA SkillsUSA. This year’s is Animal Kingdom, and we are sharing a photo of Emily’s work. Emily and her model placed first at the State competition and will be heading to the National competition June 1-5, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. Cole Stefano, FR-12, will also be joining her to compete in Marine Service Technology. In second place were Sam VanNorman from SV-12 in Firefighting and Parker Haydt from NO-12 in plumbing.
Rachel Makary explains how she created a metal flower which took about two hours to complete. “First, I used three different sizes of washers, slightly bending each one by clamping it and striking it with a hammer. Then, using MIG welding, I tack-welded the pieces together to form the flower. I started with the smallest washers, using three to create the center as a base to build on. Next, I arranged the medium-sized washers in a circular pattern around the center. Finally, I added the largest washers in the same circular pattern to complete the outer layer. For a finishing touch, I welded on a stem made from scrap steel rod and added two washers as leaves.”
AM Welding students participated in an in-house tournament. The students are using 6011 electrodes to weld an overhead fillet weld. Students will be competing head-to-head to decide who gets bragging rights and welding swag.
Brooke Rosenberger
PRESS PHOTOS COURTESY AWS District 3Keegan Hackett (right) accepts top honors from an American Welding Society District 3 representative which Hackett earned at the AWS’s 55th welding competition March 11. Hackett, a senior welding student from Northampton Area HS, was recognized April 15 at a dinner at Northampton Community College. Keegan is the son of Shannon and Brenden Hackett of Danielsville. Hackett’s strong performance across all areas earned him first place, showcasing both his technical skill and knowledge of the welding trade. He is a BAVTS co-op student employed by Szoke Brothers Welding in Slatington.
