Two Catasauqua students were recognized for their accomplishments in technical education in May.

SkillsUSA hosted the Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards, honoring 38 senior high school career and technical education students from the Lehigh Valley. The awards were presented at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center on Route 512, Bethlehem.

The honorees, including Catasauqua High School Class of 2013 members Devon Wagner and Braxton Strauss, were selected for their scholastic achievement, community service, entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in SkillsUSA. The young men received their technical education at Lehigh Career & Technology Institute, Schnecksville.

Elmer Gates addressed the students at a breakfast attended by approximately 300 family members, school personnel, business and community supporters.

The students received a plaque, citations from national and state legislators, and a savings bond from the Gates Family Foundation.

Braxton Strauss studied welding technology at LCTI. He has been on the distinguished honor roll and was named Student of the Month at both LCTI and CHS several times. He was a candidate for The National Technical Honor Society. He completed the OSHA 10-hour general industry safety and health certification. He placed fourth at the SkillsUSA District Championship in the welding competition.

Braxton has been employed by Carmike Cinemas in the concessions, at Dunderbaks as a utility worker and at Catasauqua Area School District in the maintenance department.

He plans to join the Navy for 20 years then pursue a welding career.

Devon Wagner was in the culinary arts program at LCTI. He has been the treasurer during his junior and senior years. He was also a competitor in this years SkillsUSA District Championship for culinary arts. Besides being a member of SkillsUSA, he is also a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Devon is currently employed at Best Buy. During his time there, he has been promoted four times and is currently a Geek Squad agent.

He plans to pursue a degree in business management.