Published: March 26, 2009 01:31 pm      

Challenge Program 'win-win situation' for students, employers

BY BRANDON GDULA

FOREST HILLS SENIOR

On Sept. 30, Forest Hills High School kicked off The Challenge Program.

According to Kathy Holtzman, Community Outreach specialist, The Challenge Program hopes to “bridge the gap between schools and local businesses.”

She told us that Dan Perkins, who initiated the program in 2003, believed that “hard work in school yields to success in the boardroom.”

The Challenge Program started with 10 high schools and now serves as a liaison to more than 4,000 high school students. Its donations exceeded more than $1 million in 2007.

David H. Fyock, CEO of MountainTop Technologies Inc., and his wife, Jean, sponsor Forest Hills High School, and donate more than $3,000 to Forest Hills each year.

In addition, they encourage Challenge Program winners to access a special winner’s circle Web site.

On this site, winners can access information on internships with local businesses and scholarship information.

“These are historic times, with the largest point drop in the Dow, and the protection against economic downswings in education,” David Fyock said.

Rebecca Styles, president of Lockheed Martin Aeroparts in Johnstown, also has a role in the Forest Hills Challenge Program as Lockheed Martin sponsors the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, in addition to Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School.

“We look for the same characteristics in employees as The Challenge Program looks for in their students,” Styles said.

The Challenge Program awards attendance, highest grade-point average, most-improved student and volunteer spirit.

“Students need to be ready for and do whatever it takes,” Styles said.

“The Challenge Program is a win-win situation for students and area employers.”