The Mission of the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology is to equip all students with the dynamic skills, knowledge, and mindsets to succeed in a career pathway.

Greetings! Welcome to our October Newsletter!

Ace Williams, a senior at Abington Senior High School, has been named October 2026 Student of the Month at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. They are being recognized for their outstanding performance in EASTERN’s Design, Photography, and Illustration (DPI) program. The Student of the Month Award, sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club, honors student excellence, achievement, and service. Ten students are selected for this distinction each year.

Ace first learned about EASTERN from their school counselor at Abington Senior High School. They signed up to attend EASTERN’s presentation at Abington and was especially impressed by a DPI student representative. Ace has a strong passion for photography and hopes to expand their skills to prepare for a future career as a forensic photographer.

At Abington High School, Ace is an Honor Roll student, participated in Marching Band, and is a dedicated member of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), a student-led organization that provides a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. Through GSA, they were part of a student group that spoke with the school board about the topic of gender-neutral bathrooms.

At EASTERN, Ace served as a State Conference Delegate and campaign manager for a student running for SkillsUSA State Officer — and helped lead a successful campaign. As a junior, they served as a SkillsUSA class officer for the DPI program, was selected to attend the Fall Leadership Conference in the Poconos and assisted at EASTERN’s Open House. At EASTERN’s Awards Night in May 2026, they received the prestigious Director’s Award. Through the DPI program, they earned their Adobe InDesign 2026 certification.

Outside of school, Ace is a longtime Girl Scout who has earned the Bronze Award. They credit Girl Scouts with encouraging their involvement in community service activities, including volunteering with One House at a Time, whose mission is to help families in Greater Philadelphia establish or reestablish self-sufficient lives by providing the necessities of a functional home environment. The organization also focuses on ending child bedlessness to improve overall health and well-being.

After graduating from Abington and completing the DPI program, Ace plans to attend a four-year college to study forensics. They are already exploring their options and participated in a summer program at Johnson & Wales University, where they learned more about the university’s state-of-the-art forensic science program, including its dedicated crime scene training areas and simulation labs.

You are cordially invited to EASTERN's Fall Fundraiser.

What: Designer Bag Bingo

When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 6 – 8 pm. Doors open at 5 pm

Where: Upper Moreland High School Cafeteria

3000 Terwood Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090

Tickets: will be available online and at the door, $35 in advance/$40 at the door

• Admission includes 10 game cards and a bingo dauber.
• Extra game cards can be purchased at the event. Extra cards are 10 for $30, or $5 each.
• There will be snacks for sale at this event, but please feel free to bring your own food. **Snacks and beverages are $1 each CASH ONLY.
• Alcohol is NOT permitted at this event or on school grounds.
• We will also have 50/50 and gift basket raffles. Raffle tickets are 6 for $5, and 50/50 tickets are $5 each, OR 5 tickets for $20.
• All proceeds will benefit SkillsUSA and the EASTERN Foundation, which in turn, benefits EASTERN students.
• Individuals under 18 can play only when accompanied by an adult.

Reserve your seats here - https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-eastern-designer-bag-bingo/items



EASTERN is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and sharing the inspiring stories of our Hispanic American students. This week, we are excited to feature Chelsea Martinez, a junior in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program and at Hatboro-Horsham High School. Chelsea was selected for this student spotlight for her outgoing personality and dedication to learning more about the culinary field.

When Chelsea thinks of National Hispanic Heritage Month, she thinks of her vibrant culture and the traditions that bring people together. “Hispanics are known for hospitality, parties, great food, and having fun,” Chelsea said. She recently enjoyed an Instagram video celebrating Hispanic cultures from around the world, including Mexican, Salvadoran, and Puerto Rican communities. As someone who is proud of her Mexican heritage, Chelsea especially enjoys that National Hispanic Heritage Month begins the day before Mexico’s Independence Day.

Chelsea’s favorite parts of her culture are the deep-rooted traditions and the time spent with family. She especially enjoys celebrations such as Día de Los Muertos and Christmas Eve, when extended family comes together to share food, stories, and traditions. One of her favorite parts of these gatherings is her aunt’s homemade tamales. “At our parties, we stay up late and dance all night. It’s just so much fun! We don’t want to be the same as everyone else—we want to stand out, be unique, and be our own person,” shared Chelsea.

Both of Chelsea’s parents are of Mexican heritage. Although they met in the United States through a mutual friend—Chelsea’s uncle—their families share roots in Puebla, Mexico. Visiting Mexico is high on Chelsea’s bucket list, as she looks forward to exploring the country and connecting with her family’s heritage.

When Chelsea’s grandfather immigrated to the United States, he began working in the restaurant industry. He spent more than 20 years working at an Italian restaurant in New York, where he developed his skills as a chef. “He is an amazing chef and cooks for many family members’ birthday celebrations,” said Chelsea. “He has inspired me so much, and he is such a hard worker.” Chelsea draws much of her motivation and inspiration from her parents, grandparents, and Godparents. She admires the way her family has always come together to support one another, especially during difficult times, and she hopes to carry that same spirit of generosity and perseverance with her.

After graduating from Hatboro-Horsham High School and EASTERN, Chelsea plans to take a year to work in the culinary field and gain hands-on experience before continuing her education at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC). She hopes to apply the college credits she earns through EASTERN toward her degree. After MCCC, Chelsea is considering continuing her education at a culinary institute, including exploring the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

EASTERN is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and sharing the inspiring stories of our Hispanic students. This week, we are excited to feature Anaya Roman, a second-year student in EASTERN’s Cosmetology program and a senior at Upper Dublin High School.



When Anaya thinks about National Hispanic Heritage Month, she thinks about the family members who left their home in Puerto Rico in search of new opportunities and a better life. She reflects on the courage it takes to leave what is familiar and embrace new possibilities. “Puerto Rico is a small and beautiful island, but I understand the need to expand your horizons and do something different,” said Anaya.

Anaya still has many family members living in Puerto Rico, such as great grandparents and cousins, and she visited them last April. She takes great pride in her Hispanic heritage, especially the Spanish language and the food that connects her to her culture. She also enjoys learning about and appreciating other cultures.

Anaya’s mother was born in Puerto Rico, while her father, who is also of Puerto Rican heritage, was born in Philadelphia. Anaya’s interest in cosmetology was inspired by her mother, who does nails. From an early age, Anaya has enjoyed doing hair and nails for others. She began doing nails herself in eighth grade and now shares her work on Instagram.

Anaya draws a great deal of inspiration from her dad as well “He works so hard and has accomplished so much,” said Anaya. “He was a police officer, then changed careers and became a principal at a school in New Jersey. A few months ago, he completed his doctoral program in education.”

Anaya participates in several activities at Upper Dublin High School, including the Black Student Union, track, and cheerleading. After graduating from EASTERN and Upper Dublin, she plans to obtain her cosmetology license and enlist in the Air Force, where she hopes to explore careers in the medical field. She is not giving up on her passion for cosmetology; instead, she is expanding her horizons and exploring additional career options.

Anaya’s advice to students thinking about a program at EASTERN - “Explore all your options, learn as much as you can about them, and give something new a try. You never know where it might take you or what you might end up loving.”

DID YOU KNOW?



🎓 CTE students graduate with a high school diploma just like other students.

💻 CTE is not just "trades." Programs include technology, healthcare, business, engineering, culinary arts, design and many other career areas.

🎓 CTE can lead to college. Students can pursue college, apprenticeships, industry credentials, employment—or a combination of these paths.

🔧 Learning is hands-on. Students use equipment, technology and workplace practices similar to what they may encounter in their future careers.

💰 Students can earn valuable credentials before graduation.

🤝 Real-world experience matters. Pennsylvania CTE supports work-based learning opportunities such as internships and cooperative education.

📈 CTE is growing in Pennsylvania. The state reports that more than 3,000 additional students have enrolled in CTE programs since 2023. 

October 1, 2026 - Practical Nursing Graduation (#167)

October 13, 2026 - Designer Bag Bingo; 6 - 8:00 p.m. at Upper Moreland HS

October 14, 2026 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8 p.m.

November 3, 2026 - In-Service for Staff

November 11, 2026 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8 p.m.

February 28, 2027 - Open House; 1 - 3 p.m.

May 19, 2027 - Awards Night (held at Upper Moreland High School); 7 p.m.

Contact Information

Dr. Cathleen Plesnarski, Executive Director

Mr. Joseph Greb, Assistant Director

Mr. Gerry Rooney, CTE Supervisor

Dr. Ken Molczan - Director of Practical Nursing Program

Mrs. Amy Shields, Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator

It is the policy of the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or national origin in its career and technical programs, activities or employment as required by Title VI, IX, Section 504, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. EASTERN provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. EASTERN will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in its career and technical programs. Further assurance is given that services, activities and facilities are acceptable to and usable by persons with handicaps. is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity Coordinator, 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090; 215-784-4800; equitycoordinator@eastech.org.