(left to right) State Representative George N. Peterson Jr., R-Grafton, BVT Culinary Arts Junior Zach Crosby of Upton, and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker were all smiles following a successful taste test of Crosby’s sesame seed chicken.
UPTON –Time is tight when you’re running for governor of Massachusetts, but gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker recently made time to experience a tasty snack, impressive demonstrations, and informative discussions with students of Blackstone Valley Tech.
Following his keynote address at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on November 21, 2013, Baker was accompanied by State Representative George N. Peterson Jr., R-Grafton, on a tour of Valley Tech, where Baker gained a firsthand look at the school’s best practices in vocational and academic education. Along the way, Baker performed a taste test for students in the Culinary Arts program, climbed inside a vehicle for an up-close look at repairs being done by Automotive Technology students, and provided Business Technology students with some real world experience by purchasing an extra-large Valley Tech T-shirt in the student-run store.
A visit with a group of freshman currently exploring enrollment in the BVT Health Services program struck especially close to home for the former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Citing an aging population and continued changes in American healthcare, Baker offered the students an encouraging outlook as they consider a career in healthcare.
“There’s going to be plenty of job opportunities out there for you,” Baker said.
Throughout his visit, Baker took every opportunity to talk with students regarding their future career plans and why they chose to apply to Valley Tech. Students spoke of the appeal of a vocational and academic education as a means of increasing their career opportunities. According to Baker, many of the students said that their passion for their vocational education reinforces the need to also excel in academic areas like math, science, and English.
“So many students here believe they have a purpose and a place,” Baker commented. “They have a good idea of where they’re going and I think that’s a great thing in today’s world and today’s economy.”
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of vigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is http://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.
UPTON DAILY 