VALLEY TECH’S BUNNEWITH SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT ON NATIONAL NCAA SIGNING DAY

Blackstone Valley Tech recently hosted a ceremony honoring senior Culinary Arts student Marissa Bunnewith from Millbury on NCAA National Signing Day. Ms. Bunnewith signed a Letter of Intent formalizing her commitment to the College of Saint Rose, a Division II college, in Albany, New York where she has been offered a significant financial package to play volleyball.

Ms. Bunnewith has played volleyball at Valley Tech throughout her four year career at the school and was named Colonial Athletic League all-star the past two years. As captain of Valley Tech’s girls volleyball team she led the team in earning an 18-5 record this past fall.

“Marissa started playing volleyball when she was in seventh grade and has worked hard over the years to get to this point. She has a very strong work ethic and a drive to accomplish her goals,” stated Barbara King, head volleyball coach at Valley Tech. “I am so proud to share this moment in her life with her.”
In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Ms. Bunnewith is at the top of her class academically and is a proven leader in the classroom. Her course load is rigorous as she is enrolled in numerous AP and Honors level classes. She is also the reigning national silver medalist in the SkillsUSA Commercial Baking competition and she recently won the gold medal in the SkillsUSA District V Competition. She will compete in the SkillsUSA state competition taking place on April 27 at Valley Tech for a chance to advance to the national competition again this June.

Ms. Bunnewith will major in biology/nutrition at the College of Saint Rose this fall. She is the daughter of Gary and Cynthia Bunnewith.
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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RESTAURANT 45 TO PARTNER WITH VALLEY TECH FOR MURRAY FAMILY FUNDRAISER

The latest in a series of fundraisers to help build a home for the Murray family of Northbridge, Valley Tech will host a Cooking Demonstration fundraiser at the school on Tuesday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Health Services classroom at Valley Tech located at 65 Pleasant Street in Upton. Valley Tech’s Culinary Arts team leader, Chef Matthew Williams, author of the cookbook “Wicked Good Food,” will host the demonstration in collaboration with Chef Anthony Joseph of Restaurant 45 in Medway. The cost to attend is $20 and includes a recipe booklet. All proceeds will benefit the Murray Integration Project.

Chef Williams and Chef Joseph will demonstrate how to prepare various dishes including: Mesclun Salad, Gnocchi in a Bolognese Sauce, 5-minute Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese, and Mango Salsa with Blackened Salmon. A particular focus will be made on knife skills, nutrition, and food safety.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 508-529-7758, extension 2311.

Amy and Christopher Murray are Valley Tech graduates whose twin sons, Michael and Eric, were born with spastic quadriplegia, a severe form of cerebral palsy which causes them to require round-the-clock care. As the now nine-year-old boys have grown and the challenges of caring for them at home have increased, the family came to the realization that they needed to move from their split-level home into a handicap accessible single-story residence.
The project, coined by the school as the “Murray Integration Project,” is cultivated as a school-wide integration effort to build a home for the Murray family in Northbridge. It reinforces academic and career technical learning across a variety of career pathways. The home is being built by developer, J&F Marinella, who has agreed to let Valley Tech students be deeply involved project.

Students from each vocational technical program at the school are working together for a common goal in this learning experience. In addition to applying their hands on skills to build the home, various programs, such as Culinary Arts, are using their expertise to raise funds for the cause. There has also been an outpouring of support from the community. Businesses, such as Restaurant 45, are volunteering time, services, and donating materials in support of the project.
Donations to the Murray Integration Project are also being accepted and can be made securely through a link at www.valleytech.k12.ma.us to UniPay Gold.
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH STUDENTS TAKE FIRST PLACE IN DENTAL COMPETITION

Valley Tech Dental Assisting seniors Amanda McPhail and Marina Rocha, both from Milford, prepared a presentation focusing on the effects nutrition has on the health of teeth and the body. The students competed against post-secondary dental assisting students from throughout the region before a panel of judges, and won 1st place in the competition.

UPTON – Dental students from across the region recently attended the Yankee Dental Congress 2012 Your Dental Connection event in Boston. The event is the fifth largest dental meeting in the country, drawing thousands of dental professionals and students from across the Northeast featuring educational courses, informative presentations, industry speakers, and student competitions. Valley Tech Dental Assisting students were among the many in attendance, using the event as an educational opportunity and to challenge themselves against fellow students in the dental assisting field of study.

Valley Tech Dental Assisting seniors Amanda McPhail and Marina Rocha, both from Milford, prepared a presentation focusing on the effects nutrition has on the health of teeth and the body. Their thorough presentation included visual aids and various props about the topic. The students competed against post-secondary dental assisting students from throughout the region before a panel of judges, and won 1st place in the competition.

Frequently, Valley Tech educators organize out-of-school educational trips offering broad exposure to a variety of educational experiences. Off-campus learning is a means for exposing students to a vast array of experiences, which they would not otherwise be exposed to in their school environment, in preparation for work or the pursuit of a post-secondary education.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH ART STUDENT PLACES 2ND IN STATEWIDE CONTEST

UPTON – Valley Tech’s Library Media Center is a bustling hub of activity in the school, so it came as no surprise that when Pamela Mark, the school’s Library Media Specialist, and Renee Monteiro-Bernard, Visual Art instructor, teamed up to introduced the Massachusetts School Library Association’s (MSLA) annual bookmark contest, the students jumped in with enthusiasm.

Valley Tech freshman, Marissa Nosiglia from Milford, placed 2nd in the Massachusetts School Library Association’s (MSLA) Division IV annual bookmark contest for her unique bookmark design.

Valley Tech freshman, Marissa Nosiglia from Milford placed 2nd in the Massachusetts School Library Association’s (MSLA) Division IV annual bookmark contest for this galactic representation of the theme “I’m Wild about My School Library!”

The project was presented to freshmen students in Ms. Monteiro-Bernard’s Visual Arts class. The theme for the MSLA’s 2012 contest was “I’m Wild about My School Library!” and submissions were required to be original works of art, hand drawn by students. Since the contest was so popular, a school-wide contest was coordinated to narrow the submissions from over 60 to three in order to comply with MSLA contest guidelines. Designs from Valley Tech freshmen Hannah Goddard, Marissa Nosiglia, and Alyssa Tomas were submitted to the contest which was a part of the MSLA’s conference in Hyannis in March. A panel of judges including numerous authors and illustrators deliberated, naming Marissa Nosiglia’s design as the second place choice, or honorable mention, in the contests Division IV. The division included submissions from hundreds of students in grades 7 through 12 from across the state.

Ms. Nosiglia, a Graphic Communications student from Milford, deeply enjoys being creative and takes pride in her artistic accomplishments, both in Graphic Communications, and in her Visual Arts class. Her winning bookmark design was a galactic representing the “I’m Wild about My School Library!” theme. She also takes part in multiple extracurricular activities including Girl Scouts and is a member of Valley Tech’s track team.

“Marissa is a talented young artist,” stated Renee Monteiro-Bernard, Visual Art instructor at Valley Tech. “She possesses insight on conceptual imagery that is rare for a person of her age.”

Ms. Nosiglia, among other contest winners from throughout the state, will travel to the State House in Boston on April 11 to take part in the MSLA Joint Legislation Day award ceremony, where Ms. Mark and Ms. Monteiro-Bernard will present her with her award. She will be joined by proud members of her family at the ceremony.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH SENIOR, MICHAEL HENNESSY, NAMED 2012 PLUMBING ALL STAR

UPTON – Top Students from Vocational Technical schools throughout the state recently represented their classmates at the 2012 Vocational Technical School All Star program at the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors of Massachusetts’ (PHCC) annual Trade Show in Marlboro. Representing Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School among those students was Michael Hennessy, a senior in Valley Tech’s Plumbing program from Mendon.

Valley Tech senior Michael Hennessy is congratulated by John Klesaris, former president of the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors of Massachusetts, for being named a 2012 Plumbing All Star.

The PHCC of Massachusetts Trade Show draws industry professionals from throughout the state. It is a tremendous opportunity for students to network with members of industry. At the event, Mr. Hennessy received the 2012 Plumbing All Star Award from the PHCC of Massachusetts. Senator Scott Brown was in attendance to congratulate him, and other award recipients. Student honorees were given $500 worth of tools to start their careers. Mr. Hennessy was one of the few students to also receive $500 in scholarship money to be used to further his education.

“This is an awesome recognition that will give me an advantage when I graduate and begin my career,” stated Michael Hennessy. “I’ve been on various job sites, and I really enjoy that each day is different. I definitely know that I want to be a plumber.”

Mr. Hennessy will graduate in May and plans to pursue an apprenticeship with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union and also further his education by studying business.

“The All-Star Program is wonderful opportunity for vocational school students to distinguish themselves from their peers. Through hard work and dedication, these young men and women have earned this recognition as they prepare for the road ahead,” commented John Klesaris, former president of the PHCC of Massachusetts. “I had the additional pleasure of speaking to Mr. Hennessy personally, and found him to be highly motivated. He is a credit to Valley Tech, and I expect he will go far in his chosen profession.”

PHCC of Massachusetts is the Massachusetts chapter of the oldest trade association in the construction industry—PHCC, established in 1883. The Association represents the interests of Massachusetts' plumbing, heating and cooling contractors with a mission to educate, train, promote, and advance their industry.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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STEPHANIE RIVARD DECLARED BLACKSTONE VALLEY TECH TOP VOCATIONAL STUDENT

UPTON – Stephanie Rivard is dedicated to her chosen field of study, Drafting. The student from Northbridge not only excels in her vocation, but she is one of the top academic students in the Class of 2012 at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Rivard’s exceptional Drafting skills, along with her many other contributions to the school, have earned her Valley Tech’s Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award given in conjunction with the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

“I am motivated by the feeling of success,” stated Ms. Rivard. “I just don’t feel right not doing my absolute best at everything I do.”

Senior Stephanie Rivard of Northbridge has been named Valley Tech’s top vocational technical student this year given in conjunction with the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

Ms. Rivard is very involved in the Valley Tech community. She is a member of the James S. Mullaney Chapter of the National Honor Society and the Paul J. Sullivan Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a member of the FIRST Robotics Team, and the Aviation Club. She works at Plansee, USA in Franklin as part of her co-op program through Blackstone Valley Tech, and is a volunteer at Milford Regional Medical Center. Ms. Rivard is the 2011 SkillsUSA National Gold Medalist in Technical Drafting and plans to compete again this year in that national competition.

“I would like to study Aerospace Engineering in college next year,” said Ms. Rivard, who is anxiously awaiting to hear word of acceptance from multiple colleges. “Ultimately, I would like to work for NASA when I complete my education.”

“We are extremely proud of Stephanie’s numerous achievements,” said Valley Tech Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. “She is a leader who has distinguished herself with admirable dedication to both rigorous academic studies and challenging vocational technical training. She serves as a role model with earned attributes exemplifying our 21st century skills curriculum.”

Ms. Rivard will be honored for this award at the 26th Annual Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award Dinner at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 25.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH RECOGNIZES “NO NAME CALLING DAY”
Student Rolls Out Anti-Bullying Ad Campaign

UPTON – As part of the state’s initiative to cut down bullying in public schools, Governor Deval Patrick recently declared January 25 “No Name Calling Day” in Massachusetts. Blackstone Valley Tech celebrated the day by unveiling a student designed ad campaign to inspire support of anti-bullying in the school. The student behind that initiative is Graphic Communications junior Kevin Farrell from Bellingham.

Kevin Farrell, a Valley Tech junior from Bellingham, displays his anti-bullying ad campaign that was unveiled on January 25, which was recently declared “No Name Calling Day” by Governor Deval Patrick.

Kevin was inspired to promote positive change with a call to action against bullying and used his creativity and learned skill set to do so. His inspiration came in the saddest of forms; a news story reporting the death of a New York high school student who took his own life after a prolonged period of harassment. Kevin applied his creativity to the anti-bullying cause and began diligently working on an ad campaign in his Multimedia Communications class to have an impact on his school community.

Kevin created multiple design concepts, which were reviewed by his teachers and student peers. He then prepared and delivered a professional presentation to school administrators. So moving was Kevin’s work that the administration team agreed to display the campaign in a trophy case in the school’s Hall of Fame, temporarily removing medals and trophies to make room for the week-long showcase. The school recognized “No Name Calling Day” by unveiling Kevin’s work, but the campaign will remain in the current location to close out the week. It will then be repositioned, in a more prominent home on a much grander scale in the school’s cafeteria.
“All of the students in class were drawn to Kevin’s work because it is so poignant,” stated Graphic Communications Team Leader Adele Ellis. “The growth of technology means that bullying now takes place in an anonymous format, and spreads quickly. Kevin’s work is a call to action, and a learning lesson for all of our students. They are learning that their creativity and their voice can have an impact.”
Kevin is very involved in his school community, and also in his hometown of Bellingham. He recently presented his Eagle Scout leadership service project proposal to the Bellingham Public School District School Committee. His proposed project includes transforming the courtyard at the Bellingham Middle School into an outdoor classroom.
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH INDUCTS STUDENTS INTO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AND NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY

Valley Tech recently inducted new members into the James S. Mullaney Chapter of the National Honor Society. Additionally, the school added the Paul J. Sullivan Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society to the program this year. In total, 112 students were inducted into one or both honor societies.

UPTON – Valley Tech recently inducted new members into the James S. Mullaney Chapter of the National Honor Society. Additionally, the school added the Paul J. Sullivan Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society to the program this year. Students were eligible for induction into either organization, or in some cases both, based on grade point average. Student members of both organizations have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Members of the National Technical Honor Society are required fulfill community service requirements in their vocational field of study.
The James S. Mullaney Chapter of the National Honor Society bears the name of James S. Mullaney who was instrumental in bringing a regional vocational school to the Blackstone Valley and was the chair of the school’s building committee from 1964-1968. The Paul J. Sullivan Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society is named after the District’s first superintendent, who also dedicated his life to vocational education.
In total, 112 students were inducted into one or both of the Honor Societies.

Seniors who are currently National Honor Society Members
who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society were:
Business Technology: Rachel Casey-Chase, Bellingham. Culinary Arts: Marissa Bunnewith, Millbury; Hannah Green, Grafton; Liam MacLeod, Millbury. Cosmetology: Kristyn Laferriere, Uxbridge. Drafting: Elizabeth Belanger, Northbridge; Jacob Kellett, Northbridge; Nicholas Lemay, Douglas; Stephanie Rivard, Northbridge; Catherine Scharnagle, Mendon. Graphic Communications: Maggie Dugan, Uxbridge; Andrea Pendleton, Northbridge. Health Services: Melissa Burdick, Northbridge; Jillian Crowley, Douglas; Katelyn Graves, Sutton; Mollie Letendre, Hopedale. Manufacturing Technology: Lindsey Brochu, Upton.

Seniors inducted into the National Technical Honor Society were:
Business Technology: Deneige Arguin, Uxbridge; Lindsey Lamphere, Bellingham; Bridget Wallace, Uxbridge.Cosmetology: Samantha Giroux, Uxbridge. Dental Assisting: Katelyn Anzivino, Bellingham; Angelica Aube, Douglas; Brianna King, Sutton; Amanda McPhail, Milford; Haley Vaudreuil, Mendon. Drafting: Kevin Gilchrist, Mendon. Electrical: Alexander Fant, Sutton; Adam Karagosian, Northbridge. Electronics: Ryan Foley, Hopedale. Graphic Communications: John Mangano, Hopedale. Health Services: Taylor Chenevert, Upton; Oscar De La Rosa, Northbridge; Jessica Gorman, Sutton; Kylie Opatka, Blackstone. HVAC/R: Julian Picard, Upton. Manufacturing Technology: Erik Oleksyk, Uxbridge. Plumbing: Michael Hennessy, Mendon.

Juniors inducted into both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society were:
Auto Body: Tyler Amour, Uxbridge. Automotive Technology: Christopher Moran, Sutton. Business Technology: Jenna Archambault, Blackstone; Rebecca Arduino, Upton; Dominique Campbell, Upton; Danielle Combs, Uxbridge; Alexandra Delmore, Milford; Sarah Keith, Northbridge; Jennifer Lannon, Grafton; Mary-Bridget O'Callaghan, Northbridge; Gabriela Rosa, Milford; Alycia Wagner, Uxbridge; Rachael Zinkus, Grafton. Culinary Arts: Ashley Bedrosian, Northbridge; Erika LaCrosse, Millbury; Samantha Morin, Mendon; Christine Scharnagle, Mendon; Andrew Turbesi, Millville; Adam Vinton, Milford; Anthony Young, Blackstone. Cosmetology: Nicole Jolicoeur, Uxbridge; Sherry Rankins, Upton; Ashley Samara, Millbury; Lindsay Silva, Sutton. Dental Assisting: Dillan Constantineau, Millville; Nina Dow, Grafton; Alexandra Doyle, Milford; Alison Laquerre, Bellingham; Nicole Lucciarini, Uxbridge; Brooke Sauriol, Millbury; Elizabeth Swenson, Millbury; Krystal Waters, Uxbridge. Drafting: Colby Howarth, Grafton. Electrical: Khahnty Daraphet, Northbridge; David Villandry, Blackstone. Graphic Communications: Kevin Farrell, Bellingham; Krystal Giffen, Bellingham; Hayley Paterson, Blackstone; Palmer Zona, Millbury. HVAC/R: Justin Del Tufo, Milford; Alexander Serafin, Millbury; Joseph Tomaino, Northbridge. Information Technology: Christopher Afonso, Northbridge; Brendan Downs, Uxbridge; Shane O'Shea, Sutton; Tyler Swett, Northbridge; Marc Tetreault, Uxbridge; Zachary Weisenhorn, Milford. Painting & Design Technology: April Erickson, Grafton; Kurtis Paterson, Blackstone.

Juniors inducted into the National Honor Society were:
Drafting: Nathaniel Antaya, Sutton; Corey Silver, Millbury. Electrical: Michael Moran, Milford. Electronics: Patrick Durkin, Douglas. Health Services: AJ Bottoms, Mendon; Toni-Ann Hanratty, Millbury; Michaela Joyce, Northbridge; Leila Larson, Douglas; Mercedes Nelson, Douglas; Brittany Nephew, Grafton. Information Technology: Jack Cone, Uxbridge. Manufacturing Technology: Daniel Avery, Milford.

Juniors inducted into the National Technical Honor Society were:
Auto Body: Bianca Gonzalez, Millbury. Culinary Arts: Angelique Boisvert, Northbridge; Kathryn Davis, Milford; Katie Stengel, Mendon. Cosmetology: Paige Lavallee, Uxbridge. Dental Assisting: Allyce Germain, Grafton; Kellie Schroeder, Grafton. Electrical: Robert Holmes, Blackstone. HVAC/R: Taylor Hanson, Northbridge. Information Technology: Brendan Burdick, Milford; Ian Kelly, Northbridge. Plumbing: Joseph Angelini, Millville.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH STUDENTS TAKE FIRST PLACE IN STATE COMPETITION

Mike Cibelli (Bellingham) and Connor Nepomuceno (Sutton) display trophies they won as a team placing 1st place in the Underclassmen Division of the Mass State Auto Dealer’s Technical Competition at Mass Bay Community College in December.

UPTON – Students from across Massachusetts recently took part in the Mass State Auto Dealers Technical Competition testing automotive technical skills of each student team at Mass Bay Community College. Two Valley Tech juniors, Connor Nepomuceno (Sutton) and Michael Cibelli (Bellingham), took first place as a team in the Underclassmen Division of the challenging competition.
Students completed a written exam to initially qualify for entry into the competition; student teams that earned the highest scores earned the chance to compete against the best students from throughout the Commonwealth. Competitors were required to diagnose a problem after given a written description of the automobiles symptoms. They were then tasked with repairing the problem. In addition, a written examination about vehicle suspension systems was included as part of the competition.
Senior Division competitors who take part in the state level competition are eligible to advance to the national competition and test their skill against the best automotive technology students from throughout the nation. Both students voiced enthusiasm for participating in future competitions.
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

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VALLEY TECH NAMED FIRST HIGH SCHOOL IN MASSACHUSETTS TO EARN USDA’S TOP NUTRITION AWARD

UPTON – John Magnarelli, USDA’s top regional school lunch official, presented Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School with a HealthierUS Award, one of the nation’s highest school nutrition awards, from the US Department of Agriculture.

Magnarelli applauded the students, food service staff, and school officials for being the first high school in the state to earn the Silver award, and 1 out of just 10 high schools throughout the United States, in USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). Only about 2 percent of schools nationwide have achieved HealthierUS status.

"We are reminded about the importance of providing our children access to nutritious meals so they are able to learn, thrive and grow," said Magnarelli. "Through our HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA recognizes schools that have accepted the challenge of revamping school lunch with meals that look good, taste good and are good for you. As students get older it gets harder to get them to change the way they eat, making this an especially rigorous challenge at the high school level.”

“Valley Tech’s long term nutrition improvements have been met by students with ownership and enthusiasm. Greater nutritional awareness has resulted in high participation rates,” stated Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent-Director of the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District. “We are proud to join the ranks of a select group of schools throughout the nation in receiving this award, and prouder to help our students make lifelong healthier eating and physical activity choices.”

The Challenge is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's “Let's Move!” initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity. Challenge winners are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification. Challenge certification also includes monetary incentives for schools - $2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.

Improving child nutrition is a focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that recently passed Congress and was signed by President Obama on December 13, 2010. This legislation authorizes USDA's child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children. USDA encourages schools to use the HealthierUS School Challenge as a means of meeting the new reforms in school meal programs.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

Read the Award letter from Michelle Obama

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100% OF VALLEY TECH PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM GRADS PASS STATE BOARDS

Valley Tech is proud to announce that the first graduates of the school’s post-secondary Practical Nursing (PN) Program, a total of 19 individuals, have all successfully passed the challenging National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). All graduates passed the exam in their first attempt.

These 19 students, now Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), are eligible to begin entry-level Licensed Practical Nursing careers in long term care, office settings, ambulatory care settings, acute care settings, rehabilitation centers and to continue their nursing education. Employment of LPNs is expected to grow 21 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations, in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for health care services. This projected growth offers exciting opportunities for those considering a nursing career.

“This was an extremely motivated and dedicated group of students. The practical nursing faculty is proud to have participated in their professional growth and academic success,” stated Practical Nursing Program Coordinator, Kathy Ashe, MSN, RN, CNE. “It was through their own hard work that they’ve achieved this tremendous accomplishment.”

Valley Tech opened the LPN program in 2009 following Initial Status Approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing in July 2009 and full approval from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Practical Nursing Program has been awarded Candidate status for Initial Program Accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The second class will graduate from the program in June of 2012.

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