We seek a student who demonstrates the selfless attitude that Chris is best remembered for. Each year several candidates are considered for The Christopher Laroche Memorial Award. The monetary award is presented to a deserving high school student from the culinary arts and/or electrical technology programs at EASTERN Center for Arts and Technology.

2015 Award Recipient - John JJ Kett
JJ is a Culinary Arts student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Springfield Township High School.

JJ is a SkillsUSA member 2013 – 2015. SkillsUSA is EASTERN’s student leadership organization as well as a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. JJ assisted with events such as the Abington High School Fundraiser Dinner 2015, EASTERN’s Fundraiser Dinner 2015, and Kiwanis’ Pancake Breakfast 2013. He is employed as a cashier at Ruth’s Bakery, and as a Cashier at Giant Food Stores.

Pictured left to right: Brenda Laroche, John JJ Kent, Gilles Laroche

2014 Award Recipient - Felicia Quiles
Felicia Quiles is a Culinary Arts student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Abington Township High School.

In terms of always helping people,she is that type of person. She volunteers on EASTERN’s Social Media club and is always willing to help out other students in her Culinary Arts program. She is employed as a front end associate at Giant Food Stores.

Pictured left to right: Crystal Peterman, Felicia Quiles,
Brenda Laroche, Jeremy Laroche

2013 Award Recipient - Stephen Woerner
Stephen Woerner is a Culinary Arts student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Abington Township High School.

Stephen is also a member of SkillsUSA 2011 – Present. SkillsUSA is EASTERN’s student leadership organization as well as a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. He is employed as a busser at Roman Delight.

Pictured left to right: Stephen Woerner, Brenda Laroche,
Jeremy Laroche, and Gil Laroche

2012 Award Recipient - Jillian Plum
Jillian Plum is a Culinary Arts student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Abington Township High School.

Jillian is also the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Officer for 2011 – 2012. SkillsUSA is EASTERN’s student leadership organization as well as a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. In October, Jillian was named EASTERN’s Student of the Month. At Abington High School, Jillian is a member of the Key Club and is a Cheerleader. She is employed as a store clerk and cake decorator at Weinrich’s Bakery, and as a waitress at the Italian Village Bistro.

Jillian will be living and working in Germany for one year after graduation on a work study program. She was accepted to and offered a scholarship for Penn College of Technology’s Hospitality Management program, all of which has been graciously deferred for one year.

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Pictured left to right: Crystal Peterman, Jeremy Laroche,
Jillian Plum, Brenda Laroche, and Gil Laroche

2011 Award Recipient - Erin Cain
Erin’s interest in Culinary Arts began when she started working at Bredenbeck’s Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor in Chestnut Hill. Through Abington High School, she was provided information about EASTERN and the Culinary Arts program offered. She visited the program, and decided to give it a try.

At Abington, Erin is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is involved in both the Sea Scouts and Girl Scouts. In the fall, Erin will be attending Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island for Baking and Pastry Arts. Ultimately she would like to work for a hotel chain or a small bakery decorating cakes.

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Patch.com Spotlights 2011 Award Recipient

Pictured: Erin Cain

2010 Award Recipient - Jayme Bayer
Jayme Bayer, an EASTERN Electrical Technology student and senior at Abington High School, was selected for the 2009 – 2010 Christopher Laroche Memorial Award. He has been a Straight A Honor Student at EASTERN for the past two years, and achieved perfect attendance this year. He is the EASTERN Occupational Advisory Electrical Technology student representative for 2009 – 2010 in which he volunteers his time to help enhance the curriculum and provide a student point-of-view. Bayer is a hard worker with a positive attitude.

Pictured left to right: Jayme Bayer and Crystal Peterman

2009 Award Recipient - Daniel Cooper
Daniel Cooper was chosen from the culinary arts program and was a senior at Upper Dublin High School. He was known throughout EASTERN for his positive attitude and willingness to volunteer for school events that require many after-school hours. 

Pictured left to right: Patrick Laroche, Daniel Cooper,
Jeremy Laroche, and Crystal Peterman