LEWISTOWN — Cosmetology students at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology are ready to experience the glitz and glamor of the Big Apple.

About 20 students, along with four chaperones, will attend the New York City International Beauty Show from March 4-6. The students’ trip was approved by the Academy’s Operating Committee during its reorganizational and regular monthly meeting Thursday at the school, located at 700 Pitt St., Lewistown.

The cost of the field trip, which includes train fare, will be paid from the cosmetology budget along with fund-raising efforts.

One of the Cosmetology program’s fundraisers will be a Santa’s Beauty Shop from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Boys and girls ages 3 to 12 will be accepted, with the cost being $30 per child prepaid.

Activities at the event include cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar, pictures with Santa, face painting, hair tinsel, Christmas crafts, hairdo’s, makeup and manicures.

To register and pre-pay, call (717) 248-3933 or stop by the school office.

New members and officers

The Operating Committee welcomed new members as Paula Dickson and Diane Stewart joined as, representing the Mifflin County School District Board of Directors. Stewart had previously served as an alternate.

E. Terry Styers of the school board is the new alternate. Fredrick Nickel, who was re-elected to the school board, no longer serves on the committee nor does Noah Wise.

The Operating Committee also reorganized by electing officers for the upcoming calendar year. John Knepp was elected as chair with Mark Baker serving as vice chair. For 2024, committee meetings will continue to be held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. except in July.

Cybersecurity services

The Operating Committee approved the purchase of cybersecurity services from an unidentified firm. The name of the firm was not disclosed for security protocols. Services for the 2023-24 school year would be prorated at a rate of $3,346.50 then would be $6,693.00 for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.

Kohler recognized for FFA achievement

Academy student and Big Valley FFA President Kendra Kohler was recognized for earning her Keystone Degree, the highest honor an FFA member can achieve. She will be receiving her degree at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Jan. 8, 2024. Kohler is one of more than 500 members who will be receiving their degrees on that date. There are more than 15,000 FFA members across Pennsylvania.

Habitat for Humanity project

The building that Academy officials hoped to use to house the projects will need additional work. Engineering designs for making the necessary changes could cost $5,000, according to Academy Administrative Director Barry W. King said. Insulation and ceiling work could reach $30,000 and lighting adding $10,000 to the cost. A grant that the Academy recently received from the Hamer Foundation, of State College, should cover those costs, King added.

Eighth/ninth grade Academy tours

Prospective eighth- and ninth-grade students from the Mifflin and Juniata county school districts toured the Academy’s facilities to learn about the facility. Any students who are interested in enrolling in a specific program can come back for a second tour in January.

Maintenance updates

The Operating Committee heard the following updates:

· Electrical students installed LED lights in the canopy lights in front of the Academy building.

· A heater has been installed in the greenhouse. McClure Co. will be moving the gas lines in January. Cuttings will be arriving in February.

· Changes have been made to the student parking lot to meet township requirements.

· Effective Controls Inc. of New Ringgold has been contacted to address the “smoke eater” system, which are high-performance air cleaners ideal for large spaces, in the Welding department. It was always working at a safe capacity for students.

Updated laptops

The Mifflin County School District has provided all teachers at the Academy with upgraded laptops, at a cost of $12,500.