Below is a press release from the Shawsheen Tech:
BILLERICA, MA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School’s (Shawsheen Tech) “Summer at Shawsheen” program marked its 10th anniversary by setting a new attendance record with 650 students participating in a variety of offerings that included vocational-technical courses, STEM classes, sports clinics, and academic enrichment courses.
“The popularity of our offerings is off the charts,” said Summer Programming Coordinator, Kevin Bloom. “We opened registration in February, and we sold out many of classes and sports clinics within a few hours. The demand speaks to the passion and talent of our teachers and coaches who develop exceptional programs and activities.”
During the school year, middle school students can experience a variety of Shawsheen Tech’s vocational-technical through the “Project Explore” program. In the summer, students are provided a more in-depth experience through 4-day, 12-hour courses to maximize student exposure and understanding. Courses such as Cupcake & Cookie Decorating, Digital Imagery, Intermediate Basics, Intermediate Drawing, Introduction to Cosmetology, Introduction to Design & Visual Communications, Introduction to Programming & Web, Middle School Drawing, and Video Game Development drew large participation. Enrichment activities such as Beginner Crochet, Guitar Basics, Summer Adventure Club, and Drama provided unique learning experiences for students to try in a supportive environment.
“We have students of all ages here in the summer, but the focus for every class is to provide hands-on, experiential learning,” explained Bloom, who noted that his staff includes 32 teachers/coaches to go along with more than 100 Shawsheen Tech students. “At Shawsheen Tech, students learn by doing. That philosophy is just as important to our summer activities. Students create charcoal and multi-medium artistry, develop video game characters and software apps, braid and style hair, perform a live drama production, produce digital artwork, bring home decorated desserts to share with family members, and so much more.”
The Shawsheen Tech athletic program has enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years, and that success has translated to tremendous interest in the Summer Sports Clinics. Nine different sport clinics drew a combined total of 459 participants focused on baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, girls softball, girls volleyball, and cheering.
“Shawsheen Tech sports teams have earned numerous State Vocational championships and league titles, won a Super Bowl, earned a Div. 1 State title in Wrestling, and had many student athletes recruited to compete at the collegiate level,” added Bloom. “To watch the enthusiasm and passion the coaches of these highly successful programs bring to the summer clinics is incredible. Their ability to break down instruction in a positive, age-appropriate manner is a unique skill set and inspiring to watch. You then add in the many Shawsheen Tech student athletes who also help with the clinics, and you have an environment where youngsters thrive and develop.”
‘Summer at Shawsheen’ extends beyond Shawsheen Tech’s five district towns – Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington – welcoming participants on a first-come-first serve basis. This year, the program welcomed students from twenty-six different towns, highlighting its widespread appeal. For example, the always sold-out College Application and Essay Prep course drew students from nine different communities.
To learn more about Shawsheen Tech, visit https://www.shawsheentech.org/.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 