Central Valley high school tech-ed program honored; senior wins Jerome Bettis leadership award

The Central Valley Board of Education on Nov. 12 heard a presentation highlighting the district's technology-education program and recognized a senior for regional leadership.

Bill Fiedler, the high school tech-ed instructor, told the board the district has participated in the BOTS IQ program since 2007 and "we've been involved for 19 years," an industry-sponsored competition aimed at promoting STEM and manufacturing careers. Fiedler said primary sponsors such as Schroeder Industries and local firms provide grants, materials and internships; he estimated roughly $70,000 in donations and in-kind support over the program's history and said students have gone on to careers at local manufacturers and in engineering fields.

Fiedler described program elements — machining, water-jetting, wire EDM and documentation of designs — and emphasized hands-on leadership skills: "the kids are kinda running the show and, making sure that the we have a 3 ring binder. It's our engineering documentation binder," he said. Board members praised the program for giving students employable skills and cited alumni placements at apprenticeship programs and engineering jobs.

Separately, a district staff member announced senior athlete Adam Schrodz was selected as one of 11 recipients of the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award. The presenter said Schrodz will be honored at a Pittsburgh Steelers home game and the award includes a $1,000 donation to the school's football program and social-media recognition.

The board offered congratulations to Fiedler, his students and Schrodz. The items were presented as part of the meeting's recognition and reports; no formal board action on these presentations was recorded during the session.

The board proceeded to routine business after the presentations and later adjourned.