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 and professional tools and equipment to aid them in their future endeavors. The evening also highlighted the accomplishments of SkillsUSA State Competitors and Officers, acknowledging their commitment to excellence in their respective trades.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious “Outstanding Senior of the Year 2024-25” award to Jude Plutko, a highly talented student from the Graphic Design program. Plutko’s recognition underscores the exceptional caliber of students emerging from the GACTC.
The culinary talents of the GACTC students were also on full display, as the banquet was expertly catered by the school’s Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs, students from the Service Occupations program executed the facility set-up, and the Digital Communications program was on-hand to photograph the evening’s festivities.
The GACTC extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the generous sponsors whose support and donations made this memorable event possible, further enriching the opportunities available to its students.
