BAVTS

In honor of Jane Helman, who spent her entire life devoted to teaching, her family has agreed to largely sponsor a “Working Replica of Optimus Prime®.”

Helman died in October of 2018, but in memory of her years of service to education, her family chose to honor her in an educational event that would assist students and entertain the local community. A car show will be held Sept. 21 on the campus of Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, 3300 Chester Ave. Registration will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; the show will be noon-4 p.m.; and the awards will be 4 p.m.

Rain date is set for Sept. 22.

Helman graduated from William Allen High School and then continued her studies at Messiah College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. She then earned her master’s degree in education from Bloomsburg University.

Helman then taught in Tunkhannock Area School District for 30 years, serving as a reading specialist. During her time at Tunkhannock, she coached the girls track team, mentoring multiple individual state champions.

After retirement, she served as an adjunct professor at Marywood University, teaching graduate-level courses to the next generation of teachers. She was also a past president of the Keystone State Literacy Association.

Additional sponsors of the vehicle include Casilio Concrete, Connie Muschko and Michelle Steward’s Beauty Salon.

This replica truck has become an online viral sensation. Not only have millions of people seen videos, but “Optimus Is Here” has been featured on Truck News, Ridiculous Rides and dozens of other news stories and podcasts. The truck has even made the cover of American Trucker. TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. &Copy;[2019 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. &Copy;[2019] Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.