BAVTS NEWS by Nikki Ochoa-Cookie Crunch champs

In February, in conjunction with MIller-Keystone Blood Bank, BAVTS hosted a blood drive. There were 31 donors, and 30 people were able to donate. Blood drive captains from Mrs. Stilgenbauer’s Health Careers class included Megan Giangulio, from Northampton HS, Luis Rodriguez, Jasmin Rivera and Mariah Guarin, from Liberty HS, and Crystal Ortiz and Alice Rivera, from Freedom HS. Once again, BAVTS students and staff stepped up to the plate to help those in need in the local community with this important outreach!

What can you do with a Girl Scout Cookie? Culinary students from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School created Lemonades® Pepper Chicken Bites with Mango Salsa to earn the scrumptious “Cookie Crunch Champions at the fourth annual Girl Scout Cookie Crunch hosted at the ArtsQuest Center this past Sunday. Over 300 guests sampled 19 dishes and voted for their top choices at the event. “Cookie Crunch Champions” are Jaevon Freeman, LI, 12; Kenya Harrell, BECA,11; Gabriella Stocklas, LI, 11; Marc Anthony Olmo, LI, 11; and Culinary Arts instructor, Larry Fortunato.

“What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” Cupcake Wars occurred in conjunction with the “What’s So Cool about Manufacturing” video competition. The cupcake war theme was Manufacturing & Technology, with a maximum size of 4’x6’x6’ and the materials had to be creative and safe and the design criteria had to incorporate both manufacturing and the culinary program. The electronics technology, industrial design and advanced manufacturing and welding program were all involved in the program. The programs designed and created a lighted revolving cupcake stand to display. The competition was judged on on the theme, the complexity and its appeal.

Masonry students have been designing a garden arch. The project began with students laying out two reinforced block piers. Upon completion of the block piers, students wrapped them with brick veneer thus the structure size was 16” x 40”. Then they laid out the arch using a hand formed rough form brick to construct the arch and proceeded to lay up the two peirs and then placed a form for the arch and laid brick. Once they had this step completed students placed 12” block up against the arch to strengthen the support. When this was complete, they parged the 12” block and prepped for the stone work. Then they laid the stone and pointed the stone. Currently they are adding tow curved wing walls with a brick solder course on the end. From there an exterior brick fireplace will be built and herringbone style brick paver will create the floor. The final plans include a garden scene for decoration.

On March 22, BAVTS Culinary program students in Mr. Chavez’s, Mr. Ferry’s and Mr. Fortunato’s classes will be competing in the ninth annual SkillsUSA Council Culinary Challenge, to be held at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) in Schnecksville. The night features 10 culinary students working with top chefs in the area and serving a six-course meal to the audience. Then the audience chooses the winner. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tasting begins at 6. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Marsha Rivas at either 610-841-1195 or marsha@skillsusacouncil.org.

Looking to volunteer, come join us on May 5, at The Greenway, located between New Street and Hayes Street in South Bethlehem. Last year our Protective Services class under the direction of instructor, former Officer Sgt. Karb, cleaned the Greenway. This year we are to join the Bethlehem Rotary. If you have an interest in joining us please contact Mr. Karb at karbj@bavts.org.