Three community foundations provide professional expertise and guidance to Career and Technology students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). These collaborations have provided support for automotive, construction, and information technology programs. Recent ceremonies hosted by the foundations honored outstanding student performance.

Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation (ITF) held a career/awards ceremony at the Lathrop Smith Center. Outstanding ITF student of the year was Sherwood High School student Christopher Hsia, who was awarded a laptop computer. ITF students were recognized for earning nationally recognized information technology CompTIA certifications in A+ Core Hardware, A+ Operating Systems, and Server+ Certifications. Students also were recognized for National Technical Honor Society participation and for awards won at the SkillsUSA competition. Presentations were made by John Q. Porter, MCPS Deputy Superintendent for Information and Organizational Systems, and Allan Udler, CEO and President of Office Pro, Inc.

Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation (CTF) students also celebrated their career/awards day at the Smith Center. CTF President Bryan Whittington, President of Whittington Design/Build, presented a $3,500 DeMattia Continuing Education Award to Damascus High School senior Paul Apolenis. Outstanding students in architectural design, interior/exterior design, and landscape all received monetary awards. The Wheaton Masonic Lodge #28 presented $3,600 in tool kits to the outstanding students in each of the trade areas.

Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) celebrated their career/awards day at Bohrer Park. ATF President Harold Redden, Vice President of Fitzgerald Lakeforest AutoMall, presented a $10,000 Horsman Continuing Education Award to Damascus High School senior Rebecca Balcells and a $5,000 Horsman Continuing Education Award to James Hubert Blake High School senior Todd Gilleland. Outstanding students from each automotive program at Damascus, Gaithersburg, and Seneca Valley high schools and Thomas Edison High School of Technology received tool awards.

For additional information, contact the Montgomery County Students Trades Foundation, Inc., at 301-929-2190.