Alex Thompson, a recent graduate of Tyrone Area High School and completer of the Powersports & Equipment Technology program at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center, has achieved remarkable success at the national level in SkillsUSA competition. Alex's journey to national recognition began with a first-place finish at the district competition in January, which advanced him to the SkillsUSA State Competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he again earned first place in April. His gold medal performance in the Power Equipment Technology competition secured his spot at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held June 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. At [...]

The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) proudly hosted its inaugural Senior Signing Day on Friday, May 23, 2025, a landmark event celebrating the diverse post-graduation plans of its seniors. This new tradition recognized students committed to pursuing higher education, enlisting in the military, continuing in trade programs, and entering the workforce directly. The event, held at the GACTC, was attended by family members, friends, GACTC faculty, and representatives from various colleges, universities, and local employers. In total, 30 accomplished students were recognized. Students were individually celebrated for their commitments, highlighting the broad spectrum of opportunities available to GACTC graduates. [...]

The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) celebrated the achievements of 317 seniors during its annual Senior Ceremony held on May 20th at the Blair County Convention Center. The ceremony recognized students who successfully completed their career and technical education programs of study. The celebration drew an audience of approximately 1,300 attendees, including proud family members, friends, GACTC faculty and staff, administration from sending school districts, and members of the Joint Operating Committee. The ceremony served as a culmination of the students' dedicated work in their chosen career pathways. "The Senior Ceremony is the celebration of an incredible journey we've [...]

The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) proudly hosted its 58th annual Senior Awards Banquet on May 8, 2025, honoring the outstanding achievements of its 12th-grade students in career and technical education. The celebratory event brought together faculty, staff, and valued members of the local business community to commend the students' dedication and success. The banquet recognized exceptional students from across all 25 of the GACTC's diverse programs, with each program selecting a "Senior of the Year" for their exemplary performance. In addition to these accolades, 34 students received "Special Recognition Awards," which included a combination of valuable scholarships [...]