No stranger to inspiring students, a member of Penn College's plastics technology faculty (and two-time Excellence in Teaching awardee) recently took that helpfulness beyond campus – and, along the way, encouraged a team of high schoolers in their quest for gold.
Professor Kirk M. Cantor was attending last weekend's conference for the Pennsylvania delegation of the Technology Student Association at Seven Springs Resort with plastics instructor Adam C. Barilla when he was approached on behalf of an entry from Harriton High School in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County.
Competing in the On Demand Video category, Sam Ferenchick and teammate Julia Paulet had 36 hours to produce a 60-second promotional film that would showcase their skills, tools and communication processes.
"While looking for stuff to include in the video, we noticed that Pennsylvania College of Technology had a stand at the conference," said Ferenchick, a high school freshman who has been a member of the TSA Club for four years. "Dr. Cantor and I started talking about 3D printing and the college. After our conversation was over, Julia said, 'Sam, we should interview him for our video.' So we went up to Dr. Cantor and I asked him if we could interview him. He was glad to."
Cantor shared why he was at the conference and what makes TSA so great, explained Ferenchick, who edited the video that night and submitted it for review by the judges – admittedly nervous since they were going against nine larger teams of juniors and seniors.
The team initially was called to the stage for placing in the top 10, then listened as the third- and second-place winners were revealed.
"Finally, the announcer said, 'In first place, we have the team from Harriton High School.' This was a very exciting moment for us," Ferenchick said, "and I would like to thank Dr. Cantor for helping us win this event!"
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