Amanda Erhardt, Para-Educator, Wendy Chalmers, Teacher from SUN Tech, Micheal Martine, Awardee, Michele Erdman, Transition Coordinator Shikellamy High School, and Lynda Schlegel Culver, PA State Rep. for Northumberland County.

The Northumberland County Transition Council presented Micheal Martine, Sunbury, with the First Place Award for the Andrew Hergan Transition Award. The award is presented to a Northumberland County student who has demonstrated preparation for transitioning to adult life. Each school district can nominate one student who has overcome obstacles and prepared for their futures. Shikellamy High School Transition Coordinator, Michele Erdman, along with SUN Area Technical Institute’s Learning Support Teacher, nominated Micheal Martine for this award. A nominating committee reviews applications for the award and makes decisions based on evidence of achievement and letters of recommendations. Instructors from both Shikellamy School District and SUN Area Technical Institute provided evidence of Micheal’s work ethic, pleasant demeanor, social skills, self-advocacy skills and ability to plan for his future.

Micheal is currently enrolled in the Advanced Wood Products Manufacturing Program at SUN Area Technical Institute. Last year, he completed the Masonry Program at SUN Tech and earned Advanced on the NOCTI (a national occupation skills test). He has nearly perfect attendance and has earned his OSHA certification. He has worked during the summer for the City of Sunbury through the CareerLink summer work program. As first place award winner, Micheal received a Citation from PA Representative Lynda Schlegal Culver, of Northumberland County and a monetary award, presented to him at the Northumberland County Transition Conference held in Shamokin, PA. Micheal is the grandson of Esther H. Stere of Sunbury.

The Northumberland County Transition Council is made up of representatives from area schools and agencies and organizations who are involved in transition-related services for students. The council assists with helping students prepare for their futures through transition related activities. Every other year, the council coordinates and sponsors a transition conference attended by students from the school districts and provides workshops to help students think about their futures; employment, independent living, and further education and training.

SUN Area Technical Institute serves 5 sending districts in a three county area (Snyder, Union, Northumberland); Selinsgrove, Midd-West, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, and Shikellamy. Students may opt to participate in one of 18 programs offered at SUN during their senior year in high school, in order to prepare for their post-school outcomes. Students are prepared to enter the world of work or go onto further education. Visit www.sun-tech.org.

For more information, contact Wendy Chalmers, Learning Support Teacher, SUN Area Technical Institute.