Student Services Newsletter

November 2024

Thank You to Our Employees Who Served

Mr. Mark Claar, Precision Machining Instructional Assistant

Military Service/Highlights

-U.S. Regular Army/Reserves May 1988 to June 1996

-2 1/2 yrs. overseas service is West Germany & Reunified Germany 1989-1991

-Reunification of West and East Germany October 1990

-Operation Desert Shield Mission Support

-Gulf War 1990 to 1991

-8th Infantry Division Non Commissioned Officer Academy graduate

-Nuclear-Biological-Chemical Welfare NCO/Officer School graduate

-Pennsylvania Army National Guard January 2005 to September 2011

-U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School Graduate

-U.S. Army Aviation Flight Crew Wings

-UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Mechanic/Flight Crew Chief

__________________________________________________________________

Jamie Doyle, Powersports & Equipment Technology Instructor

I joined the military at 23 because I was looking for some direction in my life. I served just under four years as an Infantryman in the United States Army. I had multiple deployments to Iraq, my second as a dismounted Rifle Team Leader. I was stationed at Fort Hood in TX. I belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The lessons about leadership I learned in that time have certainly helped mold me into the teacher I am today.

___________________________________________________________________

Mr. Lucas Runk, Facilities Management Coordinator

I spent 6 years in the Air Force Reserves and was stationed at the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh.

This specific picture is from our annual tour in Belize. We were building a medical facility for the locals. We were teamed up with some Marines on this job. The facility was about 2 hours away from the base so they were kind enough to fly us on Blackhawks to and from work most days we were there which was pretty cool.

I'd say the best part about joining the military is that it gave me a sense of direction and kept my life in check. Before joining I had no clue what I wanted to do in life and I was not going down a path to success. The military gave me a purpose, taught me many things in the trades and also many life lessons. I owe where I am today to the Air Force. I encourage anyone who has doubts about what they want to do in the future or just have no direction at all, to join the armed forces. Its a chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and see the country or possibly the world.

Important Schoolwide Dates

November 7th - SkillsUSA Fundraiser Pick-up – Last Names N-Z 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Lot 2, Loading Dock

November 11th – Veterans Day – No Classes

November 12th – Representative from Rosedale Technical College – 9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. for the following programs: Automotive Tech, Automotive/Diesel, Collision Repair and Powersports.

November 13th - Representative from Rosedale Technical College – 9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. for the following programs: Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, Electrical Trades, HVAC/R, EMET, and Masonry.

November 13th - 15th – SkillsUSA Central Region Leadership Workshop with Officers.

November 14th – Representative from St. Francis University – 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

November 18th – Representative from Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for the following programs: Automotive Tech, Automotive/Diesel, Electrical Trades, EMET, Powersports, Precision Machining and Welding.

November 27th-29th – Thanksgiving Break - No Classes

GACTC Stuckey Automotive Student of the Month

Taylor Khavaran, HASD

Congratulations to Taylor Khavaran who has been selected as the Stuckey Automotive Student of the Month in October. Taylor is a Senior student from Hollidaysburg School District studying in our Health & Medical Sciences Program.

October's character trait is Kindness. This is what Taylor's teacher had to say: "Taylor is by far the kindest, sweetest student I have ever had. Her empathy level is unmatched. She is always checking on her peers in class, always finding ways to compliment her teachers and peers any chance she can get. She truly is amazing at encouraging and uplifting everyone around her, not just her friends. She is going to be an amazing nurse and leader someday because these qualities come so easily to her. And the best part is, her kindness is so incredibly genuine."

Cooperative Education Student Spotlight

Justin Chipperfield, AAHS

Justin Chipperfield has been hired by American Roofing, Inc. as a co-op student during his senior year at GACTC. Justin, an Altoona Area High School senior, is a student in the Carpentry/Construction program. He started co-op during his junior year with American Roofing and has continued his co-op work experience into his senior year. During a recently monthly site visit, Steve Delozier, owner of American Roofing, stated that Justin has become a very valued member of our company and continues to learn and grow both professionally and personally.