IN Greensburg Salem Spring 2019 | Page 34

Upcoming GSEF Events T he Greensburg Salem Education Foundation is excited to partner with Hose Company No. 8 to hold their annual Designer Handbag Bash on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Marion Hall in Crabtree. The event will feature authentic Coach, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, and other designer handbags and totes. The ticket cost of $25.00 includes the cost of lunch, beverages, and the chance to win a stylish new purse! The 2019 GSEF Distinguished Alumni Banquet will be held on Friday, April 5th to honor two notable Greensburg Salem graduates. Dr. Susan Manzi, MD and Albert Novak (both Class of 1977) will be honored at the event, which will be held at Lakeview Restaurant. For additional information or to purchase tickets for either of these events, please call 724-832-2907. GSHS Junior Pursues a Culinary Dream J unior Kelly Gillis knew from a young age that she would pursue a career in the culinary industry. When she was eight years old, Kelly watched a fellow member of her 4-H club present a demonstration on fruit art that she learned at the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (CWCTC) and knew instantly that she wanted to be just like her. Fast-forward eight years to find Kelly herself in her second year of the Culinary Arts program at CWCTC, where she has learned a variety of skills needed in the culinary and hospitality fields. Students in the program learn hot and cold food presentation, menu math, restaurant management skills, sanitation, and team work skills. Kelly’s success in the program has led her to demonstrate her talents at the annual SkillsUSA One of Kelly’s competition. SkillsUSA is a competitive showcase of the top career and technical education Culinary Creations! students in the country. Students compete at local, district, state, and national levels to be recognized as the best of the best in their programs. Kelly, along with six other CWCTC teammates from other districts, also participate in the Opening/Closing Ceremonies portion of SkillsUSA. As a team, they must present to a panel of judges their understanding of SkillsUSA and the symbolic representation of the SkillsUSA emblem. The group is judged on the information presented, professionalism, and leadership skills. This year, Kelly’s team won at the district level and will present at the state competition in Hershey this April. “The CWCTC really did change my whole life,” said Kelly. “I got involved with something I love, met new friends, earned over $30,000.00 in scholarships, and am proud to represent the CTC while competing!” Kelly plans to pursue a restaurant/hotel management degree with a double major in marketing. She hopes to develop concepts for new Kelly Gillis (2nd from right) with fellow restaurants or work with marketing farm-to-table and Know Your Farmer culinary arts program participants campaigns to restaurants. Radio Station Grants Metzgar Student’s Holiday Wish A udrey Moy, a 3rd grade Metzgar student in Mrs. Laurie Kopasko’s class, wasn’t concerned with what she might get for Christmas from Santa. When she learned that a friend didn’t celebrate the holiday for financial reasons, Audrey asked her mom, Tiffany, if she could get her a Barbie doll so her friend would receive a gift for Christmas. Proud of her daughter’s compassionate request, Tiffany readily agreed. The act of kindness moved a step further later that evening as Audrey and her mom were driving home from dance, and a radio commercial caught Audrey’s attention. Star 100.7’s Bubba Show and Richard Bazzy of Shults Ford were accepting nominations for their “Yes, Pittsburgh, There is a Santa Claus!” campaign. Audrey implored her mother to let her call to help bring Christmas to her friend’s family. 32 greensburg salem Tiffany woke Audrey up early the next day, letting her know there was a chance she might not get through to the radio station. Audrey called and hung up, called and hung up, over and over, until finally- THEY ANSWERED! Very excited- and a little embarrassed- to be on the radio, Audrey told the radio hosts her wish for her friend. “I told them my friend needed help for Christmas,” said Audrey. Hosts Bubba and Melanie, along with dealership owner Richard Bazzy, were so touched by her genuine plea for Barbies for her friend, they granted her request. Representatives from the Shults Ford dealership dropped off presents for the whole family, and guidance counselor Jessica Pritts arranged for them to receive the gifts. Audrey’s selfless gesture exemplified the true meaning of Christmas and the Golden Lion spirit. We are proud of you, Audrey! Audrey knows the true meaning of Christmas!