UBCTS March Newsletter
UBCTS: A proud past with a very bright future!
UBCTS Hosts Legislator Day
Upper Bucks County Technical School's Worldclass School To Work Program
Taylor Diehl and Alex Edinger Earn Gold
Taylor Diehl and Alex Edinger won first place at the recent SkillsUSA District Cake Decorating Competition hosted by Northampton Community College. Congratulations to Taylor, Alex, and their instructor, Diana Penn, CEPC, CCE, M.Ed., for their dedication and hard work. This meaningful accomplishment speaks to our students' and staff's talent and effort.
International Beauty Show Trip
Our Cosmetology students recently attended the International Beauty Show in New York! They soaked up knowledge and skills in:
🚀 Business Building
💄 Makeup, Lashes & Artistry
💅 Nail Art and Trends
🎨 Hair Technique ClassesThis incredible experience has armed them with the latest trends and techniques, setting them up for a bright future. Stay tuned for their extraordinary journey ahead!
Matt McClung joins Temple CTE Center's Curriculum Advisory Committee
Our distinguished Graphic Communications instructor, Matt McClung, has been invited to join Temple CTE Center's Curriculum Advisory Committee. This team of student interns, instructors, and professionals is set to elevate their Undergraduate CTE courses, ensuring they are top-notch and industry-relevant. Thank you, Matt, for your commitment to excellence
University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center Presentation
Jen Macomber, CVT, from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, visited our Veterinary Assisting program. She shared insights on careers in Large Animal Veterinary Medicine and her experiences as a Veterinary Nurse at the country's largest university vet hospital—an invaluable session for aspiring veterinary professionals.
Strawberry Sale - Thank you for your support
We sold over 400 flats of strawberries, the most of any school in the state. Your purchase will help fund FFA students' activities, including Regional Contests and the State Convention.
Spring Breakfast
UBCTS Celebrates Pi Day (March 14)
Thrilled to see our baking students shine on Pi(e) Day! Their skillful creations for the Occupational Advisory Board meetings were a testament to their dedication and our program's excellence. Their contributions are the actual ingredients of our success! Also, thank you to everyone who supported Pi Day. The baking program had $2400 in sales, and we were sold out in one day. Best performance ever
Safety First at UBCTS
We're proud to spotlight our unwavering commitment to safety as we conducted our annual safety tour alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Allentown Office and the Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program. This collaboration is pivotal in bolstering our safety protocols and educational efforts, providing a safer environment for our entire community. We thank Scott Shimandle and Cynthia Mellen for our OSHA consultative program. Together, we're setting new standards in safety excellence.
Everett Cupak - Arch Medical Solutions Placement
Everett Cupak, a Machining and Engineering Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with Arch Medical Solutions in Quakertown. Mentor Alex Kern joins the placement meeting.
Bryce Ammon - Myco Mechanical Placement
Bryce Ammon, a Construction Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with Myco Mechanical in Telford. Mentor Glenn Sudol joins the placement meeting.
Kaylie Gerstenberg - North Penn Animal HospitalPlacement
Kaylie Gerstenberg, an Ag Tech & Life Sciences Academy student, begins her cooperative education program at North Penn Animal Hospital. Her mother, Megan Trauger, and Mentor, Alexa Rossi, join her in her placement.
Nic Mendez - RL Reppert Placement
Nic Mendez, a Construction Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with RL Reppert in Emmaus. Mentor Wayne Kerchner and parent Crystal joined the placement meeting.
Angelo Garrison- Grace Computers Placement
Hunter Zartman- Total Property Maintenance Placement
Devon Wilson - Yates Electrical Service Placement
Jimmy Foster - Thompson Toyota Placement
Logan Sharpe - HC Site Contractors Placement
Logan Sharpe, a Construction Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with HC Site Contractors in Chalfont. The placement meeting included mentors Jennifer and Mike Johnson and parent Dale.
Branden Oetzel - Trumbauer's Motorsports Placement
Branden Oetzel, a Small Engine Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with Trumbauer's Motorsports in Quakertown. The placement meeting includes mentors Alex Reidnauer John Trumbauer and parent Eric.
Jack Newhall - Doylestown Electric Supply Placement
Jack Newhall, an Electrical Technology student, begins his cooperative education program with Doylestown Electric Supply Company in Doylestown. Mentor and UBCTS alumni Scott Hart and his parent, Eric, joined the placement meeting.
Zach Ripka - Bella Flooring Internship
Zach Ripka, a Graphics student, started his internship program at Bella Flooring in Pipersville. His mentor, Kathy Rocco, joins the placement meeting.
February's Program of the Month - Chef Penn: A Culinary Virtuoso Shaping the Future of Culinary Arts
At the heart of our baking program stands Chef Penn, a figure whose influence extends far beyond the kitchen's confines. Since she arrived in 2012, Chef Penn has played a pivotal role in the program's development. It’s been rumored that her legendary chocolate chip cookies contributed to the school’s major renovation project in 2016.
Chef Penn's journey began at the Peter Kump New York Restaurant School. She then attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where she graduated first, setting the stage for a career that would span the diverse spectrum of the baking industry. From retail and wholesale bakery to upscale dining and hotel management, Chef Penn's 30-year tenure has been marked by innovation and excellence. Her creative genius has left an indelible mark on the industry, with contributions to Sweet Street Desserts in R&D, the creation of Applebee's apple crisp, and the influence of the sweet offerings at Starbucks.
Chef Penn's academic pursuits are as impressive as her culinary achievements. She completed her BA in Applied Psychology/Organizational Behavior in 2012 and an MA in Industrial Education from Temple University in 2017. These accomplishments underscore her multifaceted approach to culinary education, blending psychological insights with organizational strategies to cultivate a nurturing and effective learning environment.
Certified as an Executive Pastry Chef and a Culinary Educator by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Chef Penn's credentials are a testament to her expertise and commitment to the culinary arts. Her leadership extends into the classroom, where she pioneered cooperative classes, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.
Under Chef Penn's guidance, students have achieved remarkable success, securing placements in prestigious institutions such as Hershey, Johnson & Wales, and the CIA. Each year, her mentorship has propelled students to podium finishes in SkillsUSA competitions, a testament to the program's excellence and the high standards she sets.
Chef Penn's vision for the future of culinary education is expansive. She sees beyond the immediate skills required in the kitchen, advocating for a curriculum that integrates culinary arts with organizational behavior and attention to detail. This holistic approach prepares students for the culinary industry and equips them with the leadership and organizational skills necessary for a successful career.
Chef Penn's biography reflects excellence, innovation, and leadership. Her contributions to the culinary world and education have elevated the standards of culinary excellence and inspired countless students to pursue their passions with diligence and creativity. As we celebrate her achievements, we look forward to her continued impact on the culinary arts and education sectors.
Congratulations, Taylor Diehl, on being selected as UBCTS February Student of the Month!
UBCTS's February Student of the Month is Taylor Diehl, a senior from Palisades High School who excels in our Baking & Pastry Arts program.
Taylor is not just any student; she is a beacon of dedication, excellence, and ambition. Achieving First Honors status, Taylor has also earned the Outstanding Level I and Level III Award in her program, a testament to her hard work and passion for the culinary arts. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her achievement of the Servsafe certification, an essential credential in the culinary industry that underscores her dedication to food safety and hygiene.
Her journey in SkillsUSA is remarkable. In previous years, she represented our school and Pennsylvania, competing among 6,500 contestants across 108 events. This year, she placed second in the district competition. She is set to represent UBCTS in the cake decorating competition, highlighting her artistic flair and technical proficiency.
Beyond her academic and competitive achievements, Taylor has gained real-world experience through our school-to-work program since November 2023 with Mercatino Italiano in Quakertown. This placement as a start-to-finish baker has allowed Taylor to refine her practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the culinary industry, preparing her for a successful baking and pastry arts career. Taylor’s work mentors, Kristin Randazzo and Mary Anne Mann, are continually impressed with her work ethic and skill levels.
Taylor's aspirations extend beyond the culinary world. After graduation, she plans to continue her passion for baking while attending college to pursue a career in the medical field, demonstrating her multifaceted interests and commitment to making a difference in the world.
Taylor Diehl represents what our students can achieve best when they combine passion, hard work, and a willingness to challenge themselves. She is a role model for her peers and a clear example of the excellence that our programs strive to cultivate.
Important Dates
3/3 - 3/5 - SkillsUSA State Competition
3/26- National Technical Honor Society Induction
3/28 - UBCTS Inservice Day
3-/29 - Holiday
4/1 - UBCTS Inservice Day
4/26 - NOCTI Performance Date
6/3 - UBCTS Senior Ceremony
About us
Email: mherrera@ubtech.org
Website: www.ubtech.org
Location: 3115 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA, USA
Phone: 215-795-2911
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpperBucksTech
Twitter: @mherreracte
Linkedin: Michael Herrera, Ed.D. | LinkedIn