Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical Students have been preparing for the upcoming Lehigh Valley Autism Walk to be hosted at the SteelStacks April 27. Students have been preparing the famous puzzle pieces made of particle board that the children customize to their own design. So far the students cut, sanded and base coated 350 pieces. Approximately e18 students have assisted in preparing the pieces and another 21 students will participate in the walk.

Students recently returned from the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Competition where several students received recognition for their accomplishments. Lauryn Stauffer, a Northampton senior, was recognized as the third place recipient of the Rex Wright Scholarship Award. She had to write a paragraph of her most memorable SkillsUSA activity and what she learned from it.

Action Skills competitor Zane Henritzy, a Northampton junior, took first place for describing how to spackle drywall. He will be continuing on to the National Leadership and Skills Conference located in Louisville, Ken., June 24-28. He was assisted by Krystal Colon, a Liberty senior.

The TeamWorks Team is comprised of four students: Brandon Balliet, Plumbing, and Jeremy Myers, Electrical Construction, both Northampton juniors; Thomas Coffin, Masonry, a Saucon Valley senior; and team captain Joseph Fekete, Carpentry, a Freedom senior.

These four students were required to build a construction project, over two days, that will demonstrate their ability to work together as a team. Each team will be required to understand the project elements based on a detailed blueprint and special instructions presented at the pre-competition orientation. Each team must write a project completion “action plan” and will present their “action plan” as one of the “key” elements of the competition (all team members must participate during the presentation). During the “construction project”, the team will demonstrate their ability to work together by using their carpentry, electrical, plumbing and masonry skills. Judging is based on the team’s presentation skills, ability to construct the project per “competition specified” building codes, jobsite safety and cleanliness, organized and correct ordering of materials from the competition material depot, proper use and accountability of tools and equipment and the rate of completion of the project. Teamworks is not only a SkillsUSA competition, but a way of learning, for each team member, to help maximize their skills for their future.

Mason Taschler, a Northampton senior, placed second in the Precision Machining Technology competition. Robert Smith, a Northampton junior, placed third in the Collision Repair Technology.

Liberty seniors, Ariel Montanez, competed in the masonry competition and placed third, as well as Kristen Fleary of Health Careers who took a third place in medical math.

Students placing sixth included, Jordan Krische a Northampton senior from the Protective Service class, in the Fire Fighting Demonstration and Michael Kuzio, a Northampton junior in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning competition.

On March 23, students from BAVTS Culinary and Protective Services programs participated in Hellertown Edward H. Ackerman Legion Post 397’s celebration of the American Legion’s 100th anniversary. Tatiana Francis and Angelee Cuebas, from Mr. Chavez’s Culinary Arts program, Cathin Rodriguez, from Mr. Fortunato’s Culinary Arts program and Cameron Ahmed, Angel Banchs, Norman Barnes, Patrick Brown, Amerinder Dhillon, Jean Ortiz Flores, Charles McKelvey, Karlita Munoz, Marc Rivera, Maria Rivera, Justin Salabasky and Damian Strain, from Mr. Karb’s Protective Services program all worked to make the event highly successful.

Culinary Arts students prepared and served a variety of delicious entrees, while Protective Services students assisted and escorted guests and also provided event security.

Named for Hellertown’s first casualty of World War I, American Legion Post 397 was built in 1926, a handsome, three-story brick building, located at 935 Main Street in the borough. Over its history, the Legion has hosted weddings, fundraisers and movie showings, in addition to serving as a social center for veterans. Legion Post 397 has even been the site of a disaster shelter and temporary high school. Post 397 closed in 2008. However, through the efforts, labor and contributions of veterans, local businesses and members of the community, Post 397 has reopened and now boasts a membership of over 600, plus approximately 200 social members.

Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School students, staff and faculty take pride in being active in our local communities and giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for us and our country.

The Lehigh Valley Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls will be held at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School July 8-12 This is a free camp for girls ages 14-18 to explore architecture, engineering, manufacturing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, painting, tiling and so much more. For more information, email letsbuildcamp@gmail.com or call 610-821-9686. The website is www.letsbuildcamp.com

The Cooperative Education Breakfast will be May 15 at 8:30 a.m. and the Fashion Show will occur that evening at 6:30.

Senior Recognition will be held at the Sands Event Center May 22.