On June 11, 2026, the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center celebrated the incredible accomplishments of over 60 adult students who successfully completed their postsecondary career-training diploma programs. Family, friends, faculty, and administration gathered at the Altoona Area High School auditorium to honor the hard work, late nights, and dedication these graduates put into mastering their trades.
Mrs. Nicole Zernick, Executive Director, and Mrs. Julie Patosky, Continuing Education Coordinator, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including:
- Carri Burkett, HVAC program
- Brock Holderbaum, Medical Assistant program
- KaiLeigh Peters, Dental Assistant program
Graduates completed training in the following diploma programs:
- Automotive/Diesel Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Digital Communications
- Dental Assistant
- Electrical Trades
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Related Plumbing & Electrical
- Medical Assistant
- Powersports & Equipment Technology
- Precision Machining
- Welding with Print Reading
The Class of 2026 earned more than 170 industry-valued certifications!
Graduates received additional recognition of their efforts and achievements from local and regional employers. The GACTC is appreciative of the generosity of our industry partners for their contributions to our programs and graduates, including the following organizations:
Anderson Denny VFW Post 4559
Charles Dombrowski, DMD
Curry Supply Company
Global Power Line Academy
Killinger HVAC LLC
Kimmen Plumbing and Heating
Kurtz and Kurtz Family Dentistry
Loyal Order of Moose Lodge Altoona
Family Center Lodge #74
McLanahan Corporation
New Pig Corp.
Philip M. Woo, Jr. DMD
Rachelle Tippery
Schultz Company
Stuckey Automotive
Teamsters Local 8
Thaler Family Dentistry
The Uniform Place
UPMC
On August 13, 2026, a graduation ceremony will be held for our Practical Nursing graduates. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
