PGT Trucking Inc., The Challenge Program surprise A.W. Beattie students with $2,000 in awards

PGT Trucking Inc, in a partnership with The Challenge Program, gave $2,000 in awards in October to 10 A.W. Beattie students.

Based in Aliquippa, PGT Trucking Inc. is a leader in flatbed transportation and gave $1,000 in awards to five students last spring. The Challenge Program is a nonprofit organization that connects education and business by developing a skilled and motivated future workforce.

“The Challenge Program is important, because we do connect business with education, and we challenge students in our five award categories,” TCP Workforce Development Manager Myra Bernhart said. “They have an opportunity to win $200 for attendance, academic improvement, academic excellence, STEM and community service. Without the support of PGT Trucking, we would not be able to do that.”

North Allegheny senior Stephen Shaw, an Advanced Computer Programming student, didn't expect to hear his named called.

"I was very surprised," Shaw said. "I didn't think that was going to happen at all, so it's pretty exciting. I'm just trying to do my best."

PGT Trucking Inc. Chief Administrative Officer Gerry Hickly said it’s important for career center’s like A.W. Beattie to work with students to develop disciplines that translate into the workforce and that lead to productive careers.

“From PGT Trucking’s standpoint, it gives us great delight to be able to motivate and encourage student to be their absolute best,” Hickly said. “To see their eyes open wide and to see them smile just tells us we’re making a connection and hopefully made a difference in their life today.”