Students at Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School have been busy with gathering items for their annual Food Drive to provide baskets for 80 families. We are accepting cash and food donations to assemble the baskets. If you are interested in contributing to our efforts please contact John Karb at karbj@bavts.org or leave a message at 610-866-8013, ext. 164.

Recently students from the esthetics program provided hand and arm massages with basic nail care to the guests at The Salvation Army in Bethlehem. The health care students performed life histories with the guests. This provided an opportunity for students to practice their communication skills and interact with them.

Another community outreach that occurred is that students from the cosmetology class shampooed, dried and styled wigs for patients at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Cancer centers. This is the third year the students have participated in preparing the wigs for those in need.

On Veterans Day, the SkillsUSA and HOSA students held their 25th Veterans Day ceremony honoring the school’s veterans and newly enlisted students. Destiny Deschamps sang the National Anthem acapella.

The school’s Veterans include Stan Dixon, Building Trades, USMC; Michael Galler, supervisor of Career & Technical Education, USMC; Officer Frank Hegedus, US Army Reserve and PA Air National Guard; Sergio Rivas, Video Media Arts, US Army; and Kevin Strawn, Electrical Construction, US Navy.

Students sold toy soldiers to benefit the 397th American Legion Post of Hellertown and presented a check to Commander Eric Medei for $357.

SkillsUSA students attended Ambassador Training and the Professional Development Conference at Camelback Resort. Ambassadors were instructed on personality traits, financial literacy, elevator speeches and ambassador mission and duties. Students attended training sessions including social media, networking, dressing for success and interviewing skills. Additionally students met and networked with employers from the various trade clusters. On their last day, they participated in a community service project with Pocono Wildlife and Rehabilitation.

Katie Walker is executive director of the SkillsUSA Council and Marsha Rivas is the SkillsUSA Council program assistant. This conference creates the initial excitement for the next step of local competition which is occurring the next few weeks. From there, students progress to the District 11 competition to be held at Ag Hall Jan. 29