The Blackstone Valley

Blackstone Valley Tech Superintendent's Dinner Popular Fundraiser

UPTON — The students of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School work daily to refine and strengthen sophisticated 21st century skills and talents. Each year the system highlights the efforts of several vocational technical programs, in particular Culinary Arts and Painting & Design Technologies, by hosting the Superintendent's Dinner.

The 18th annual dinner at Blackstone Valley Tech, a highly successful fundraiser, will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012. The evening commences with an elaborate reception at 5 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner at 6 p.m. All beverages are served by volunteer alumni and staff. Tickets to this popular event are $125 per person or $1,150 for a table of ten. Tickets can be purchased by calling Diana Pedersen at 508-529-7758, extension 3033 or via email at dpederse@valleytech.k12.ma.us. Contributions are partially tax deductible. The seven-course gourmet dinner and reception is one avenue the system uses to generate financial support for a variety of initiatives and programs to benefit student learning and additional educational experiences.

"A great number of our students, staff and alumni devote a tremendous amount of time toward making this event a success," said Chef Matt Williams, Culinary Arts Team Leader. "Planning and preparing everything associated with a seven-course gourmet dinner in a relaxed, fine-dining atmosphere is a challenge, but the students raise the bar every year."

The theme for this year's special evening is "A Culinary Journey through Italy." The menu will include a variety of homemade meats, seafood, and pasta featuring regional Italian ingredients. Students from the Painting & Design program, with the help of other programs such as Carpentry, will transform the school cafeteria into a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All senior students in the Culinary Arts program work diligently throughout the year to coordinate the dinner and play important roles under the leadership of elected senior classmates who serve on the event's Executive Board. This year's Executive Board includes, General Manager, Marissa Bunnewith; Executive Chefs, Liam MacLeod and Hannah Green; Banquet Managers, James Shaner and Paige Heckman; Emcee, Alysa Mello; Beverage Manager, Bryan Laskey; Decorations Managers, Glenna Magowan and Danni Fraine; Breads and Desserts, Cassie Otto and Pat Duggan; Garde Mangers, Amber Itse and Nick Trudeau; Photographer and Blogger, Amanda Konowitz; and Sous Chefs, Ryan Callahan and Christy Scharnagle.

"The dependable, long-term support of the Valley Tech community is extremely appreciated, especially in what have been challenging economic times for a great many people in the Commonwealth," Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick said. "Our students and staff make this an evening reflecting the potential and return on investment of quality vocational technical education while raising matching FY13 budget funds for our stakeholders."

Stay up to date on this event by following the official Superintendent's Dinner blog at bvtdinner.blogspot.com.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.

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About the Chamber

The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.