On Wednesday, May 9, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 1533, in partnership with Schuylkill Technology Center, honored 32 students at the Annual Students of the Year Awards Banquet. The ceremony took place at the Elks Lodge Number 1553 in Frackville, highlighting the achievements of selected students from both STC North and South campuses.
This year’s celebration identified four students as Students of the Year. From the STC South Campus, seniors Jeffrey Petzold and Brendan Melochick were recognized for their excellence.
Petzold, from Tri-Valley Area School District, is studying Culinary Arts. His involvement extends beyond the classroom as he is active in several leadership and academic societies, including STC SkillsUSA and the National Technical Honor Society. He plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Melochick is enrolled in the Welding program. He is preparing for a future in Welding and Metals Fabrication at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, motivated by his involvement in technical and honor societies at STC.
From the North Campus, Keily Chavez Zunun and Hannah Hepler were celebrated.
Chavez Zunun, a senior from Pine Grove School District in the Health Careers program, balances her education with work at Tremont Nursing Home. She has earned academic credits from Alvernia University and aims to pursue a Registered Nursing program at Messiah University after graduation.
Hepler is part of the Early Childhood Care & Education program and holds leadership roles in the Tri-Valley FFA. Her future plans include participating in an Animal Science Apprenticeship Program while contributing to her family’s farm operations.
IN THE PHOTO (Submitted by STC) … Students of Year – (Pictured Left to Right, Front Row) Jeffrey Petzold, Tri-Valley; Brendan Melochick, Pottsville Area School District; Keily Chavez Zunun, Pine Grove Area School District; and Hannah Hepler, Tri-Valley School District. (Pictured Left to Right, Back Row) William Cickavage, Past Exalted Ruler for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks number 1533; William Mack, Past State President for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Shannon Brennan, Director of Schuylkill Technology Center; Stacey Minahan, Assistant Director of Schuylkill Technology Center; Chris Groody, Assistant Director of Schuylkill Technology Center; and Lance Nelson, Elks Lodge Esquire.
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