Principal Brent Borzak addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the Carbon Career & Technical Institute on May 20.

"There is no secret to success," he said. "Hard work and dedication day in and day out," is the key.All of the 2015 CCTI students exemplified this sentiment, especially valedictorian Micah D. Evans and salutatorian Kimberly Pimble. Both received numerous hard-earned awards at the ceremony. Among the awards Evans and Pimble received were the President Barack Obama Education Award and United States Marine Corps awards. Community organizations such as The Keystone/Miller Blood Center and the Jim Thorpe Rotary Club donated large monetary awards to student recipients. The largest scholarship of 2015 was a DECA Scholarship of $20,000 awarded to Gabby Achtermann.President Barack Obama's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence: Micah Evans, certificate, pin and letter signed by President Obama; Kim Pimble, certificate and pin; Katarina Kattner, certificatePresident Barack Obama's Education Award for Academic Achievement is to recognize students that show outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual development in their academic subjects: Victoria Costenbader and Casey Currier, certificate and pinsSen. Yudichak Good Citizenship Award: Ashley Pera and Christopher Trovato, certificateUnited States Marine Corps, Scholastic Excellence Award For academic achievement and leadership as a high school scholar: Micah Evans, certificateUnited States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Gary Higgins and Ashley Reiber, certificateUnited States Marine Corps Distinguished Musical Award: Kim Pimble, certificateBo Tkach Foundation: Christopher Trovato, $1,000The Thomas J. McCall Scholarship Award: Kimberly Pimble, $500Carbon Builders Association Award (CP, ECM, HVAC), to a graduating student who excels in: Carpentry, Dominic Caravella; Electrical Construction Maintenance, Chance Eltringham-Koch; HVAC, Troy Freeby, each student receives a gift card to an area businessInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375- NJATC National Joint Apprenticeship Training Commission: Tyler Andrew, Certificate for textbooks with a value of $500 for the apprenticeship programLeadership Carbon Award Class of 2015 A Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Program: Ashley Pera, Naomi Velez, Alexis Tobin and Savannah Moyer, each student will receive a monetary giftConcourse Club Award: Torree Howard, $500.Dr. George P. Thomas Memorial Scholarship: Jeanna Struble, $500Jim Thorpe Rotary Club: Ashley Pera and Chris Trovato, $500Palmerton Hungarian Club: Victoria Costenbader and Austin Rabenold, $100 eachJeff Rider Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jeff a 2010 graduate of the welding program: Tyler Michael, $300. Tyler is also the outstanding senior in the welding program and received a plaqueThe Howard Weir Memorial Award: Alexis Tobin, $100Hank Holland Memorial Award, given to students in the Auto Services & Technology program - in memory of Hank who was a dedicated employee of CCTI for 30 years: Larenzo Aybar, Glen Peabody, Tyler DeAlbertis and Zach Holtzer, each student will receive a monetary awardMiller-Keystone Blood Center Certificate of Achievement, for being a life-saving donor by registering to donate a minimum of four times while in high school and for their commitment to the community volunteer Blood Program. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a RED CORD to be worn at our graduation ceremony: Courtney Englert, Micah Evans, CJ McFeeley, Kaylee Murphy, Ashely Reiber, Jeanna Struble and Ashlee VanHornNational Vocational-Technical Honor Society: Gabrielle Achtermann, Alanis Black, Micah Evans, Troy Freeby, Owen Henninger, Gary Higgins, Katarina Kattner, Dakota Perez, Kimberly Pimble, Christopher Trovato and Aaron Wright, received stolesHalf-Time Graduates: CCTI acknowledges the half-time graduates with a certificate for successfully completing their program area.Jim Thorpe - Stevie Kates (PHA)Lehighton - Larenzo Aybar (AST), Courtney Green (HMA), Rayann Lehman (HMA), Cassandra Rivera (CO), Brian Rotherforth (EL), Tad Snyder (WELWeatherly - Dominic Caravella (CP), Jared Frye (PM), Robert Gillott (pm), Peter Graaf (CP), Kyle Miller (CA), Jesse Rossman (DRF) and Victor Strouse (WEL)•Life Skills - Mr. Pete RileBen Yorgey Foundation Scholarship AwardZurie Williams, Ashley Henry, James O'ConnorAchievement AwardsEach year seniors nationally must take an assessment from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), or the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). These assessments showcase the vocational skills and abilities the students have learned in their technical areas throughout their years at CCTI. The exams are difficult, but prove to industry that the students are competent in their specific trade area.For a student to receive an Advanced Pennsylvania Skills Certificate from NOCTI, a student must score at or above the cut level for both the performance and written portions of the exams, thus achieving Advanced standing. These cut levels will vary for each test.Students will receive a Certificate of Competency if they achieve standards for Competent level on one section of the test and Advanced level on the other section of the test.CCTI 2015 NOCTI scores: 93 percent Advanced or Competent overall 99 percent Advanced or Competent on the written portion 79.4 percent Advanced overall.Technical AwardsAuto Collision & Repair - Instructor Mr. Dennis StarryZachery David and Marcus MackHighest performance Nocti ScoreMarcus Mack, Certificate and $125 from the The Timothy Jupina AwardHighest written Nocti score and The Outstanding SeniorZach David, Certificate and $50 from The H. James Gaugler Jr. Memorial,$50 from The Charles A. Snyder Memorial Award, $50 gift card, from Palmerton Auto Parts and one special award $125 The Timothy P. Jupina Award.The Timothy P. Jupina Award is an annual award given to students in the Auto Collision Program in memory of Timothy, a former ACR student.H. James Gaugler Memorial award is in memory of Mr. Gaugler who was a member of Mr. Starry's OAC, he was a collision repair instructor for over 35 years, and dedicated to the trade.Carpentry Program - instructor Mr. Don KerbaughDominic Caravella and Paulo BarrosThe most improved carpentry studentDominic Caravella, $300 donated by Terry P. DeGroot, from Terraform Engineering LLCThe outstanding Senior in CarpentryPaulo Barros, Plaque and carpentry toolsCooperative Education Program - instructor Mr. DonadiJared Frye, Luke Gerhard, Jesse Rossman, and Victor Strouse, each student will receive $150.Awards are donated from their employer - The Kovatch Corporation for their dedication to employment and their education.Cosmetology - Instructor Mrs. Lisa WalckShannon Carroll, Asia Christman and Amy CressmanMost Requested StylistShannon Carroll, $100 from the La Vaun Fisher MemorialMost Cooperative and Helpful studentAsia Christman, $50 from The Roxanne Strohl AwardOutstanding Cosmetology SeniorAmy Cressman, $500 from The Lisa Shook Memorial FundEach student is receiving assorted gifts - courtesy of Burmax, Milady, Ally Beauty and Carbon Career & Technical Institute.The Roxanne Strohl Memorial, The La Vaun Fisher Memorial and The Lisa Shook Memorial Awards recognize these outstanding students who are pursuing their career in the field of cosmetology.Culinary Arts - instructor Mrs. HarboveNathanial Diehl, Maya Leon, Kyle Miller and Samantha ShanfeltContinuing education in the Culinary field of Pastry Arts at "The Culinary Institute of America"Maya Leon, $300 donated by "The Palmerton Lioness" from the Palmerton School District and $50 donated by the Culinary Arts program.Culinary student who excelled in customer serviceNathanial Diehl, $50 donated by The Culinary Arts ProgramMost improved culinary studentSam Shanfelt, $50 donated by Tommy Burke and $50 donated by Kevin Niederer Memorial ScholarshipThe Outstanding Senior in the Culinary Arts Program.Kyle Miller, plaque and $50 donated by Techno-ply Company, $50 from The Culinary Arts program, $100 donated by Master Supply Company and $100 donated by Zimmerman's Dairy for placing at Skills USA competition. Kyle will also be receiving $50 from the Weatherly Rotary Club, which will be presented to him at their award ceremony.Drafting and Design Technology/Technician - instructor Mr. Jeremy PeaseGabby Achtermann, Micah Evans, Katarina Kattner and Jesse RossmanThe Franklin Township Lions Club this award is given to a student furthering their education and a resident of Franklin TownshipGabby Achtermann, $1,000 and The Franklin Township Elementary School PTO Award $100, The Pittsburgh Technical Institute and The High School Student Government Scholarship andA DECA Scholarship of $20,000.Carbon County AVTS Teacher's Memorial AwardMicah Evans, $50 donated by The Carbon County AVTS Teacher's Assoc.Exemplary Professional Service AwardJesse Rossman, $100 from Mr. & Mrs. Hittinger of WeatherlyOutstanding senior in the Drafting Program: Katarina Kattner, plaque and $150 donated by the Jim Thorpe Lioness ClubElectronics Communication Engineering Technology - instructor Mr. Joseph FarkasOwen Henninger, Brian Rotherforth and Preston SmithCertified Electronic TechniciansBrian Rotherforth, Preston Smith and Owen Henninger, $25 and a Certified Electronic Technician Graduation Medal from Electronic Technician AssociationThe Outstanding Senior in Electronics Communication Engineering TechnologyOwen Henninger, plaque and $100 donated on behalf of "The Daniel Reese Memorial Award"Electrical Construction / Maintenance - instructor Mr. CopeTyler Henning, seven piece screwdriver set valued at $100 from Hayden ElectricAustin Lilly, electrical tools valued at $100 from Hayden ElectricTyler Andrew, Ideal min pouch valued at $100Tyler Crandall, Voltage Tester FChris Trovato, Electrical test equipment valued at $250Cody Wehr, Pocket Pro Multi MeterDakota Perez, Ranging Multimeter value $200 and $500 from The Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club - This is given to a Palmerton student furthering their education.Donald Stepp, Klein Tool Pouch and Voltage tester valued at $400 and $1,000 from The Warren E. Furry Memorial, given to a student who has best exemplified the ideals of community service through active participation in a local fire department /ambulance squad.Chance Eltringham-Koch, driver set valued at $100 and The Franklin Township Elementary School PTO Award- Given To a student who attended Franklin Elementary School and will be furthering their education.Electrical gifts are donated by Friedman ElectricGraphic Design - Instructor Mrs. Michele KlockAlanis Black, $100 and $50 donated by the Panther Valley Womens' ClubThe Above and Beyond Award to the Graphic Design student with excellent work habits and on-the-job attitude, whose efforts have gone above and beyond course requirements.Torree Howard, $200 and certificateOutstanding Graphic Design Student who demonstrates the highest overall skill and ability in Graphic Design.Kimberly Pimble, $200 and certificateHeritage Sign Contest - designing a logo, which involved a senior in Graphic DesignKimberly Pimble, $250 donated by Heritage Sign & Display Inc.Health/Medical Assistant - instructor Mrs. Michele DominicKim Dawson, Courtney Englert, Courtney Green, Rayann Lehman, Charles McFeeley, Kaylee Murphy, Ashley Reiber, Sky Stenger, Jeanna Struble and Ashlee VanHornThe Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Award presented to a senior pursuing a career in the medical fieldKaylee Murphy, $500. Kaylee helped with four blood drives and raised $500 dollars for the American Heart Association and $250 for leukemia/lymphoma. She helped spearhead the "Kiss a Pig" fundraiser. She is a CNA and is employed at Blue Mountain Health SystemsOutstanding senior in health medicalRayann Lehman, plaqueAll nursing students have completed the 105 hour state approved nursing component and passed the state test, these seniors will graduate with their Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. They are receiving their Certificate pin, and gifts from CCTI.Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning - instructor Mr. Brian WirthVictoria Costenbader, Troy Freeby and Stevie KatesMost Improved studentStevie Kates, Tools at a value of $300Exceptional Attitude and work ethicVictoria Costenbader, Tools at a value of $325.Outstanding HVAC Co-Op StudentTroy Freeby, Tools at a value of $750 and $500 from the Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club. Troy receives this as a resident of Lower Towamensing Township and who is planning on continuing his education.Meier Supply, Bath Supply and Just Better, donations totaling over $1300.Management Information Systems - Instructor Mr. Michael LewisThe Outstanding senior in MISZachary Bachert, plaque and $100 from The Dan Reese MemorialMarketing-instructor Mrs. BartoThe "Apprentice" Award. Possessing all the necessary skills in Marketing, Management and Merchandising. Maintaining outstanding achievement in various community service projects, school store operations and numerous accomplishments in DECA as a national competitor.Alexis Tobin, Valley Athletic gift card and giftSuperb Customer Service" Award. Organizing various aspects of the school store, processing Customer orders and attaining a vital role in the daily routine for School Store and willingness to contact vendors. Creating numerous Promotional pieces for nonprofit organizations.Savannah Moyer, gift card and giftThe "Right Arm" Award. For doing whatever needs to be done in a timely fashion with a great attitude.Savannah Lacy, gift card and giftThe "Marketing Student of the Year." For going above and beyond and excelling in all areas of marketing, and DECA. Serving as a leader in all aspects of the Marketing program and a role model to underclassmen.Ashley Pera, monetary gift and plaque. Ashley also had the highest written and performance NOCTI score for marketing.The" Most Improved" Award. Improving in all aspects of Marketing and DECA while maintaining a positive attitude.Kayla Hockenbury, gift cardThe "Entrepreneur" Award. For being motivated to plan, process and see projects through to their completion with a 100% success rate. Demonstrating strong leadership skills in marketing, and DECA, especially as a National Competitor.Austin Rabenold, gift cardThe "Co-op" Award. For demonstrating outstanding marketing, leadership and communication skills in the classroom and at cooperative education job site.Erika Sheckler, gift cardThe "Most Cooperative" Award. Always willing to help others with any marketing project or with the school store operations.Jenna Medelo and Tasha Reis, gift cardDECA AwardsChapter President: Ashley Pera is the recipient of a $2,000 PA DECA scholarship, which was awarded at the DECA State Conference February 2015.Emerging Leader Honor Award. Marketing seniors recognized by National DECA for outstanding achievement in marketing, academics and community serviceAshley Pera, Austin Rabenold, Alexis Tobin and Savannah MoyerSenior DECA members: Gabby Achtermann, Micah Evans, Kayla Hockenbury, Torree Howard, Katerina Kattner, Savannah Lacy, Maya Leon, Jenna Medelo, Savannah Moyer, Jasmine Pasternak, Glenn Peabody, Ashley Pera, Kim Pimble, Austin Rabenold, Tasha Reis, Erika Sheckler, Alexis Tobin, Deric Tomasovich, Naomi VelezPrecision Machine Technology - Instructor Mr. Kevin KuehnerCasey Currier, Jared Frye, Gary Higgins.Dedication and honorable work ethics in Precision MachineCasey Currier, $125 donated by Craig S. Graver MemorialC N C technician machinistJared Frye, a 12-inch Dial Caliper, donated by Mr. Kuehner, $125 from The Craig S. Graver Memorial, and $100 donated by Dean Beers Memorial. Jared is a state champion in Skills USA and he will be competing in The National Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.Outstanding Precision Machine SeniorGary Higgins, digital depth micrometer and $300 from The Mahoning Township Lions Club given to a Mahoning Township senior with a high average and continue his education. Gary is the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from The Gene Haas Foundation this grant is in support of our machine technology programThe Craig S. Graver Memorial is given to a precision machine senior who exemplifies dedication, honorable work ethic, and has accomplished the goal of becoming an accomplished machinist. The Dean Beers Memorial is a scholarship fund set up by Mr. Beers for a Precision Machine Student. All Precision Machine seniors received Advanced in NIMS - National Institute Metal Working Skills is a National certification.Auto Service Technology - instructor Mr. Hal ReshTo the student who excels in auto servicesMatt Worthington, $50 from The Charles A. Snyder Memorial FundZach Barron, $600 from The Ernie Ginder Memorial AwardBrett Piepmeyer, gift card donated by Palmerton AutoOutstanding Senior in Auto Service TechnologyBrian Lassell, plaque and Composite Impact Wrench with DR rail set (Auto tools) donated by Fastenal.Students who have passed the National Automotive Student Skills Assessment, NATEFLarenzo Aybar, Zach Barron, Tyler DeAlbertis, Zach Holtzer, Brian Lassell, Glen Peabody, Brett Piepmeyer and Matt Worthington, certificatesAdministrative Awards to be presented this evening are sponsored by the Carbon Career & Technical Institute Scholarship Trust Fund.Business Administrator's Award - presented by Mr. Colosimo and Mr. BorzakKatarina Kattner, $500 to be sent to the post-secondary collegePrincipal's Award - presented by Mr. Colosimo/Mr. BorzakKimberly Pimble, $500 check to be sent to post-secondary collegeDirector's Award - presented by Mr. Colosimo/Mr. ReinboldMicah Evens, $500 check to be sent to post-secondary college