Nicholas Choitz, a Cheltenham High School senior and a Protective Services student at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) in Willow Grove, has been named ECAT’s November Student of the Month.

From Eastern’s announcement:

Early in high school, Nicholas began exploring potential career paths and decided to learn more about the police force. He contacted his local police department and was invited to visit the station for a firsthand look. The experience was eye-opening and inspired him to enroll in EASTERN’s Protective Services program for his junior and senior years.

At EASTERN, Nicholas serves as a leader in his Protective Services class, having been elected class Lieutenant. He actively fosters positive relationships with his classmates and steps in to mediate when conflicts arise. What he values most about the program is its family-like atmosphere and the mutual understanding among his peers, as they are all career-focused and passionate about being part of the program. He currently serves as the PM President for EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA. Outside of school, Nicholas enjoys volunteering at places such as a local soup kitchen. He is also a Lead Counselor at Future Stars Day Camp where he works with campers ages 6 – 13 in various classroom and outdoor activities.

Through his program, he receives several industry-standard certifications that will help him stand out in the workforce, such as Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations through testing by Bucks County Community College, and CPR, First Aid, and AED through testing by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Students also earn certificates in the National Incident Management Systems. As a junior in the Protective Services program, Nicholas received the Protective Services Achievement Award-Police and the Straight A Awards at EASTERN’s Awards Night.

“Nicholas exudes a positive attitude and a warm, welcoming presence that sets him apart,” said Michael Raggi, EASTERN’s Protective Services Instructor. “These qualities will not only foster strong connections with others but will also serve as invaluable assets throughout his career.”

Through his experiences in Protective Services, he has decided to become an EMT right out of high school and is considering his options to join the Second Alarmers and Police Academy.

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Photo: ECAT