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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 November Newsletter! | | Student of the Month - Anthony Hairston, Electrical Technology | | |
Anthony Hairston, a senior at Abington Senior High School, has been named November 2026 Student of the Month at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is being recognized for his outstanding performance in EASTERN’s Electrical Technology 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.
Anthony first learned about EASTERN through his school counselor at Abington High School and later attended the 10th Grade Career Expo. “Prior to EASTERN, I felt lost,” said Anthony. “I had a friend who took Business and raved about the school. I enjoy working with my hands, so I decided to enroll in the Electrical Technology program.” Anthony initially entered the program thinking it would serve as a backup while he explored career paths. “At first, it was my Plan B,” said Anthony. “But as I gained more experience and improved my skills, it became my Plan A.”
At Abington High School, Anthony has been a consistent Honor Roll student since freshman year, and was a member of the basketball team. He also participates in the Vibe and Imagine Club, in which he helped to organize toy drives for local children in need.
Through EASTERN’s Electrical Technology program, Anthony has earned several trenching certifications, an important credential in the electrical field. As a junior, he was selected as the SkillsUSA Class Representative for Electrical Technology. Anthony interviewed for and was chosen as a 2026 summer intern for the Facilities department headed by his Electrical Technology Instructor, Gary Felmey, and EASTERN Facilities Manager, Fred Fox. At EASTERN’s Awards Night in May 2026, Anthony received The Straight A and Magdeline Felmey Memorial Award.
Anthony’s goal for his senior year is to participate in co-op — a paid internship program in which students work four out of the five days they would typically attend EASTERN — giving him valuable real-world experience and potential employment connections. He is also excited that the program serves as a pre-apprenticeship pathway and hopes to become a union apprentice, following in his uncle’s footsteps.
Outside of school, Anthony works at Kids Footlocker where he handles shipments, organizes inventory, and is one of the top salespeople on the floor. He is also a dedicated member of the Philly Kappa League, a renowned youth mentorship program for male students in grades 6 – 12. After graduation, he hopes to begin his apprenticeship in the Electrical Union.
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EASTERN Alumni Spotlight -
Tyler Wildgust, Networking and Cybersecurity
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EASTERN 2023 Networking and Cybersecurity graduate Tyler Wildgust, an Upper Dublin High School graduate, is putting his career training to work as a Systems Administrator at OverclockedIT LLC, where his professional journey began as an intern while still in high school.
Wildgust reached another milestone in his educational journey, graduating in August 2026 from Pennsylvania College of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security and an Associate of Applied Science in Network and User Support.
Reflecting on his experience, Wildgust credits EASTERN’s practical instruction and industry connections with giving him a strong foundation for both college and his career. “The hands-on experience in the labs, combined with the classroom instruction at EASTERN, not only mirrored what I later experienced at the university level but often exceeded it,” Wildgust said. He also noted that EASTERN provided access to more lab equipment than he encountered during his college experience, underscoring the value of the program’s practical, career-focused approach to learning.
Wildgust found that working directly with equipment while still in high school helped him develop the technical skills, confidence, and problem-solving abilities needed to succeed in higher education and the workplace. EASTERN’s emphasis on applying classroom concepts to real-world situations helped prepare him for the challenges of college-level coursework while giving him a competitive advantage as he entered the workforce.
He also emphasized the value of EASTERN’s internship program, which allowed him to spend four days a week gaining real-world experience outside the classroom while continuing his studies. Through the program, Wildgust interned at OverclockedIT LLC, where he developed technical skills, worked directly with clients, and gained firsthand experience in the information technology field. The opportunity allowed him to apply what he learned at EASTERN in a professional setting, strengthen his technical knowledge, and establish relationships with industry professionals.
“Looking back, EASTERN played a significant role in both my educational and professional success. The combination of hands-on training, industry exposure, and internship opportunities provided an experience that prepared me not just for college, but for a long-term career,” Wildgust said.
| | EASTERN Holiday Craft Fair | | |
Mark Your Calendar for December 6! Two great events, one special day at EASTERN!
Holiday Breakfast – 8:30–11 a.m.
The Kiwanis Club of Old York Road invites you to enjoy a festive holiday breakfast in EASTERN’s Restaurant. Tickets are just $15 at the door.
Did you know? The Kiwanis Club generously sponsors an award each year recognizing one of our outstanding Culinary Arts students. Come enjoy breakfast and help support an organization that supports our students!
Annual Craft Fair – 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping! Browse the many vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal finds. There is no admission fee to attend the Craft Fair.
Best of all, proceeds from vendor admission fees will directly benefit EASTERN’s Student Leadership Organization, SkillsUSA!
Bring your family and friends and make a day of it at EASTERN. We hope to see you there!
| | Facts About Career and Technical Education | | |
DID YOU KNOW?
CTE BUILDS EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS!
Research shows that CTE has positive impacts on students' employability skills, academic achievement, high school completion, and college readiness.
CTE teaches more than a job. It helps students prepare for life!
Source: CTE Research Network, 2024 Systematic Review of Research
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November 11, 2026 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8 p.m.
November 18 - 20, 2026 - SkillsUSA Leadership Conference at Kalahari
November 26 - 27, 2026 - District Closed
December 6, 2026 - Kiwanis Breakfast & EASTERN Craft Fair; 9 a.m. -1 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.
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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. | | | | |
