A.W. Beattie celebrates its 264 seniors

A.W. Beattie Career Center recently celebrated its 264 graduating seniors at a Senior Recognition Night, which was held at North Hills Middle School.

Of A.W. Beattie's seniors, 64 percent plan to continue their education and 34 percent plan to work full-time out of high school. 

"We are proud of our seniors as they go on to college, the work force and the military," A.W. Beattie Director Eric Heasley said. "Our goal is to prepare them to be career and college ready."

Valedictorian Maddie Abramowicz detailed her time at A.W. Beattie in a speech to hundreds in attendance. Maddie is a third-year Automotive Technology student from Northgate and played on her school's basketball, volleyball and softball teams. Maddie was also on National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society, Peer 2 Peer, student council and Beattie Ambassadors.

"We are all prepared to move on and take on whatever challenges come next," Maddie said. "My fellow graduates, I want you to know what great a gift we've been given to be as prepared as we are. Not everyone is offered or takes advantage of the opportunities that we have.Whether you further your education or work now, you have benefited from this opportunity and are one step ahead because of all that you have learned."

Salutatorian's Victoria Compernolle from Early Childhood Education and Fallon Persinger from Advertising Design joined Maddie on stage.

Victoria's speech focused on how the career center had an impact on her.

"What I didn't know was not only would A.W. Beattie change my life, it would also save it," Victoria said. "When the preschoolers walked through the door on my first day, I knew where I needed to be. They became my passion. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Victoria was also on National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society and Beattie Ambassadors. She competed in SkillsUSA and FCCLA.

Fallon was on National Honors Society and National Technical Honors Society. She competed in SkillsUSA.