On June 4, the Bridges Foundation awards were presented to 25 seniors graduating from the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School (BAVTS). The Foundation was created in 1998, and is administered by Board of Directors. To be eligible, students were required to complete an application, including two evaluations from their instructors, and two letters for recommendation from other sources. The awards were presented virtually this year. The full video of the ceremony can be viewed on the BAVTS Facebook page. Executive Director Adam Lazarchal opened the ceremony, followed by a statement from Gail Evans, a member of the Bridges Board of Directors. Then the awards were presented.

Each student’s name was announced, and a slide with their senior photo and information about their accomplishments was shown. Then the student’s faculty advisor said a few words, followed by a brief video statement from the student.

The awardees are listed by their area of study at BAVTS, and their home high school:

Alex Balash, Liberty HS, Electrical Construction: Awarded a $1,000 Albarell Electric scholarship, $500 Elizabeth Mason Thun scholarship, and a $250 Air Products scholarship.

Josh Behm, Liberty HS, Electrical Construction: Awarded a $1,500 BEI Electrical Scholarship.

Liam Chavez, Liberty HS, Electrical Construction: Awarded a $1,000 Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley scholarship, and a $250 Air Products scholarship.

Tobey Field, Liberty HS, Academy of Applied Engineering: Awarded a $2,000 Risbon scholarship, and a $1,500 Bridges Foundation scholarship.

Zane Henritzy, Liberty HS, Carpentry/Building Trades: Awarded a$1,500 Jerdan Construction scholarship, and a $250 Air Products Scholarship.

Treasa Burke, Liberty HS, Academy of Medical Sciences: Awarded a $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship.

Mersadies Bonilla, Liberty HS, Health Careers: Awarded a $2,500 Bridges Foundation Scholarship, and a $1,000 BAVTS Faculty Scholarship.

Natiana Stonebeck, Liberty HS, Automotive Technology. Awarded a S1,000 Elizabeth Mason Thun Scholarship, $1,000 Porsche Auromotive Scholarship, a $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Jake Bruchak, Saucon Valley HS, Industrial Design/Advanced Manufacturing. Awarded a $1,500 Mike and Lynn Albarell Scholarship, and $ $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Olivia Kacerick, Saucon Valley HS, Cosmetology: Awarded a $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship, and $259 Air Products Scholarship.

Caylin Markle, Saucon Valley HS, Cosmetology: Awarded a $1,000 Elizabeth Mason Thun Scholarship, and $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Shelbie Salvaggio, Saucon Valley HS, Esthetics: Awarded a $1,000 Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley Scholarship, and $250 Air Products Scholarship.

Jacob Christman, Northampton Area HS, Academy of Applied Engineering: Awarded a $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship.

Cody Eckhart, Northampton Area HS, Masonry: Awarded a $1,500 Luke and Barbara Cunningham COOP Scholarship.

Derek Thomas, Northampton Area HS, Automotive Technology: Awarded a $1,500 Porsche Automotive Scholarship, $1,000 Elizabeth Mason Thun Scholarship, and $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship.

Joel Valencia, Northampton Area HS, Automotive Technology: Awarded a $ 2,500 Porsche Automotive Scholarship, and $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship.

Hunter Woodring, Northampton Area HS, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Awarded a $1,000 Deiter Brothers Scholarship, and $500 Elizabeth Mason Thun Scholarship, and $250 Air Products Scholarship.

Eva Santorelli, Notre Dame HS, Introduction to Sports Medecine: Awarded a $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship, $500 Risbon Scholarship, and $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Andre Banegas, Freedom HS, Automotive Technology: Awarded a $$1500 Joe and Shirley Knecht-Hixson Scholarship, and $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Brandon Cordero, Freedom HS, Protective Services: Awarded a $1500 King Spry Scholarship, $500 Risbon Scholarship, and $500 Air Products Scholarship.

Gabriella Evans, Freedom HS, Fashion Institute: Awarded a $1000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship, and $250 Air Products Scholarship.

Janel Macravitz, Freedom HS, Video and Media Arts: Awarded a $1,500 Adam Fink Memorial Scholarship, $1000 Elizabeth Mason Thun Scholarship, and $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship.

Kenneth Zuniga, Freedom HS, Web Design and Development: Awarded a $1,000 Bridges Foundation Scholarship, and $250 Air Products Scholarship.

Harkiran Bhullar, Freedom HS, Protective Services: Awarded a $4,000 Dale Kochard Leadership Award.

Kaitlin Borda, Liberty HS, Protective Services: Awarded a $5,000 Walter Dealtry Distinguished Scholar Award.