LEWISTOWN — There’s a certain kind of buzz that settles over the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown when students are getting ready to show what they can do — not the nervous kind, but the charged, purposeful kind that comes from knowing the work is real.

That’s the atmosphere building ahead of the 2026 Celebrate Career and Technology Education event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, a night designed to put the Academy’s talent, local partnerships and hands-on learning on full display.

For one evening, 700 Pitt St. will become a living snapshot of what career and technical education means to this region: skill, pride and a future being built by students who are already proving they’re ready for it.

A tour that shows the heartbeat of CTE

The evening begins with an Academy program tour from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., giving guests a chance to step directly into the classrooms, labs and shops where students spend their days mastering the work that keeps communities running.

Welding sparks fly in one room. Health professions students practice clinical skills in another. Agricultural science students talk about the latest in harvesting while electricians troubleshoot circuitry.

Everywhere, there’s motion, focus and the unmistakable confidence that comes from learning by doing.

For many visitors, the tour is a reminder that today’s CTE programs are modern, technical and deeply aligned with industry expectations. These aren’t simulations. They’re the real thing. Students are preparing for careers that matter, and the work they do each day reflects the standards of the industries they plan to enter.

A dinner that tells the story of the Academy

At 5:30 p.m., the spotlight shifts to the Culinary Arts program, where students will serve a plated three-course dinner entirely designed and executed by them. The theme, “The Taste of Juniata,” is more than a creative flourish — every ingredient on the menu is processed, produced, grown or made in Juniata County.

It’s a tribute to the farmers, makers and producers who define the region’s identity, and a way for students to honor the community that supports them.

The menu is student-built from the ground up, echoing the same techniques they’ll take to the upcoming ProStart Competition. But for this event, the students aren’t just cooking — they’re running the entire operation. Menu creation, prep, setup, front-of-house service and cleanup all fall to them. They’re transforming their school into a full-service dining room for an evening, serving dignitaries and community partners who will carry the story of their excellence far beyond the walls of the Academy.

Administrator Laura Hicks sees the significance clearly. “We’re asking these students to take on every part of the experience — planning the menu, prepping the food, setting the room, serving guests and closing down afterward — and they’re doing it with the professionalism you’d expect in a real restaurant,” she said. “They may be inside our building, but they’re delivering a full three-course dining experience to community leaders who will walk away understanding just how exceptional our culinary program, our Academy and CTE education truly are.”

Celebration of readiness and real-world learning

That readiness is the hallmark of CTE. Students graduate with certifications, portfolios and real experience that employers recognize and value. They leave with professionalism, confidence and a sense of direction that comes from mastering real-world tasks. In a region that depends on skilled trades, healthcare workers, technicians, designers and culinary professionals, CTE isn’t just an educational pathway — it’s a cornerstone of the local economy.

The Celebrate CTE event also highlights the partnerships that make this work possible. Local businesses mentor students, offer internships and help shape curriculum. Industry professionals open their doors and share their expertise.

Families and community members champion the value of skilled education. The dinner itself is a perfect example of that collaboration — students working with local producers, instructors guiding them through industry-level expectations and the community gathering to witness the results.

A night that reflects the region’s future

After dinner, the celebration continues with a program recognizing student achievements, spotlighting program successes and honoring the educators who guide students through demanding, transformative work. It’s a moment to reflect on how far CTE has come and how essential it remains to the region’s future. But for the students, the night is something even more personal. It’s a chance to stand in front of their community and say: Look at what we can do. Look at what we’ve learned. Look at what we’re ready for.

In a world that often talks about workforce shortages and the need for skilled professionals, the Celebrate CTE event offers something refreshingly hopeful: a room full of young people already stepping into those roles with pride and purpose. They are the welders, chefs, technicians, caregivers, designers and innovators of tomorrow — and they’re already proving what they’re capable of.

Guests are asked to RSVP to LDH56@mcsk12.org. What they’ll experience is more than a meal or a tour. It’s a celebration of the students who will shape the future of the Juniata River Valley — and a reminder of why CTE matters now more than ever.