Eastern Student of the Month

Zachary Matteo is the April 2011 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology () in Willow Grove.

Matteo is in his second year of Eastern’s Construction Technology program and a senior at Upper Moreland High School.

The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by Eastern’s faculty, Joint Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.

At Eastern, Matteo was part of the team that received a silver medal during the Team Works competition at the SkillsUSA District Competition in February.

SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence.

Matteo is currently the student representative for the Construction Technology Occupational Advisory Committee. Matteo also assisted in the Construction Technology program during  and Career Expo visitations, providing demonstrations to potential students. 

At Awards Night in May 2010, Matteo received the Straight A award.

At , Matteo is consistently an honor roll student.  Outside of school, Matteo works as a carpenter’s assistant for Jones Construction and as a barista at Starbucks. He has also volunteered his time to the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and a hockey school camp.

“Zach is a great student who possesses drive and motivation,” said Jeffrey Pakula, Eastern’s Construction Technology Instructor.  “He works hard and has the leadership qualities necessary to lead a crew.”

Matteo plans to attend Drexel’s Construction Management Co-op program. Ultimately, he plans to own his own construction company.

Information courtesy of