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Berks Technical Institute Honors Graduates in 2009 Fall Ceremony

Valedictorian Jill J. Palatucci offers classmates inspiring words.

Reading, Pa., October 29, 2009 … Handshakes, hugs and smiling faces were on display Friday evening, October 23, as Berks Technical Institute held its fall graduation at the majestic Scottish Rite Cathedral in West Reading. While the graduating class of 105 walked down the aisle, two bagpipers from the Washington Memorial Pipe Band of Philadelphia heralded their arrival. All graduating students wore a Stole of Gratitude around their necks, which they usually give to someone who has been helpful in their quest of a degree.

BTI President Joe Reichard welcomed the crowd of nearly 1,000 family members and friends who were on hand for the event that culminated two years of hard work and sacrifice. The keynote speaker for the evening was Mr. Joseph A. Kennedy, Vice Chairman of Delta Career Education Corporation, the parent company of BTI. Kennedy congratulated the students on their academic achievement because it “signifies a positive change in each of their lives.” Kennedy also recognized family and friends, as well as the faculty and staff at BTI, for all the support and encouragement they provided each of the graduates.

Addressing the graduating class was Valedictorian Jill Palatucci of Exeter, who earned an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting. In addition to being a class leader, Jill maintained a 4.0 GPA, and has already accepted a position with Premier Immediate Medical Care in Douglasville.

Jill, a wife and mother of three sons, reminded her classmates that they are all sitting together in their caps and gowns due to hard work, a commitment to education and the ability to overcome obstacles. She captured the spirit of the evening by explaining to her classmates, “Tonight we are here to celebrate our accomplishments and start a new chapter in our lives.”

In conclusion, Jill challenged her classmates to “… put your hard work and dedication to good use to help others, make a positive difference in this world and fulfill your career goals whatever they may be.”

As the students came forward to receive their diplomas, Cheryl Garman, director of education, gave them a commemorative medallion, attached to a Kelly green and blue ribbon, with an etching of the school. BTI Student Council gave each graduate a carnation and presented special awards to the four active council members from the class, including the president and secretary of the organization.

This year BTI confirmed associate degrees in Specialized Business and Specialized Technology disciplines. It also awarded diplomas in Massage Therapy. Over the last two years, the school has placed more than 250 graduates into positions in the greater Berks County area in a variety of occupations – from Business Administration Management and Criminal Justice to Internet Network Engineering and Graphic Design.

Berks Technical Institute (BTI), a private, two-year college, is located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, occupying a 50,00 square-foot facility on an eight-acre campus. BTI offers 11 majors and annually awards more than $85,000 in merit-based scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

The school’s goal is to prepare students to compete and succeed in today's job market. BTI is managed by a for-profit company in Virginia and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).