Don Gamble Award: CO-Op Coordinator of the year

I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Tracy Stritch, Cooperative Education Teacher at Carlisle High School, for the 2024 Cooperative Education Coordinator of the Year Award. Tracy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to enhancing the cooperative education experience for students, making her an ideal candidate for this recognition.

With over five years of experience in cooperative education, Tracy is a key figure in creating meaningful work-based learning opportunities. Her collaborative approach is evident in the wide range of programs she has developed, always ensuring technical teachers, school counselors, and community partners are involved in creating out-of-classroom experiences. Not only does Tracy foster strong communication skills in her students, but she also builds lasting partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, ensuring a wide array of opportunities for her students to explore diverse career paths.

Tracy has spearheaded numerous impactful programs, including:

• USA Spares Inc. Precision Machining Trade School Sponsorship Program - Students learn industrial engineering and manufacturing skills, including mold making, graphite milling, welding, and CNC machining, beginning as early as their junior year.
• BELCO Community Credit Union Work-Based Learning Experience - Students gain real-world experience in the banking sector as entry-level branch tellers.
• CPARC, the Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties Career Internship - Students develop essential skills while working with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Central PA Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Pre-apprenticeship Program - Students engage in electrical industry theory and hands-on learning with an electrical employer.
• Architecture-Construction-Engineering (ACE} Program - This after-school program exposes students to careers in architecture, construction management, and engineering.
• Emergency Medical Services Academy- In partnership with Cumberland Goodwill Emergency Services, students can become certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
• Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center and UPMC Health Care Exploration Programs - Tracy has built strong partnerships with local hospitals, enabling students to complete exploratory medical science programs.
• Non-Profit Career Internship Program - This program, in collaboration with the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and local nonprofits, helps students explore career pathways in the nonprofit sector.

In addition, Tracy's efforts to connect students with PA Career Link Equus and our Diversified Occupations program have opened the doors for students to work in fields such as logistics, hospitality, and retail. She has also created targeted career exploration programs in manufacturing, art, and other industries, helping students gain hands-on experience and clarify their career interests.

Tracy's dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has worked closely with the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce to establish partnerships that benefit both students and the local business community. By fostering these relationships, Tracy ensures her students not only gain valuable work experience but also contribute to the local economy.

It is without hesitation that I nominate Tracy Stritch for this prestigious award. Her commitment to cooperative education, her innovative approach to creating career pathways, and her passion for student success make her truly deserving of this honor.

Albert Parrillo III, PH.D.

Director of Careers and Technology 

2024-2025:  Tracy Stritch, Carlisle High School

2023-2024:  Gigi Warner, York County School of Technology

2022-2023:   Joanne Custer, Dauphin County Technical School

2021-2022:   Pamela Swoyer, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

2020-2021:   Phillip Harris Berks CTC 

2019-2020:   Joanne Vano A.W. Beattie Career Center 

2018-2019:   Walt Hansell, Bucks County Technical HS

2017-2018:   Connie Muschko, Bethlehem AVTS 

2016-2017:   Marilyn Reese, Upper Bucks County Technical School  

2015-2016:   Esther Grana, Bedford County TC  

2014-2015:   Ron Martino, Bucks County Technical HS  

2013-2014:   Shelly  Ishler, State College Area HS  

1993-1994:  Joseph Czarneckl, Wilkes Barre AVTS

1992-1993:  Carol Jean Fry, Indiana County AVTS

1991-1992:  James Gialanella, Tunkhannock Area High School

1990-1991:  Jack Massielo, Harry S Truman High School  

1989-1990:  Joanne Dietz, Governor Mifflin Senior High School 

1988-1989:  Joanne Dietz, Governor Mifflin Senior High School