Altoona GACTC visits TAHS

By Ashley Hamilton

On November 7, 2011 Altoona Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center(GACTC) visited TAHS to talk about the vo-tech programs available to students. The assembly consisted of two periods, 6th period for the 9th graders and 7th period for the 10th and 11th graders.

GACTC offers twenty-seven different approved secondary programs on a half-day basis, one in the morning one in the afternoon, and a number of full-time adult “Career in a Year” programs. According to the website, “An intergenerational initiative also allows adults to enroll in secondary programs. The school envisions a learning environment that is progressive, well maintained, and incorporates innovative technology.”

Sophomore Anessa Datres thinks moving the vo-tech to GACTC would be a good thing because “they offer more in education and go into greater detail.” Datres thinks the assembly was necessary because it answered a lot of the questions she’s had.

“I will be very upset because if I’m not getting accepted in my first choice then I’m not going period,” Datres said. She feels that if she goes to GACTC with students from other schools then she will meet new people and that’s always a good thing she continues.

“I will probably want to cry because it’s my only hope to see exactly where im going in my career and the only hope I have to getting started,” Datres finished.

Sophomore Alison Shaffer said, “I would like to keep the vo-tech at the school because it’s easier.” Shaffer feels that “it is not a smart decision to move the vo-tech because not everyone will be able to attend GACTC and then they will not have a program that they want.”

Shaffer will be attending GACTC if her application gets accepted. She doesn’t care if she doesn’t get into the first one she chose because they have two great programs for her. Shaffer feels that it would take time to get use to the half a day at GACTC and the other half at TAHS, but she’ll eventually get it together.

December 1st, 2011 there will be an open house at the GACTC from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Everyone and anyone are eligible to attend. Attending this open house can increase your chances of getting in, because it shows you are being responsible and want to do your best.

If you want to sign up to go to the GACTC next fall, you can stop at the guidance office and pick up your application today. Applications are due by Groundhog’s Day.

For more information visit http://www.gactc.edu/index.asp or speak to Mrs. Johannides.