BVT’s Lamont receives New Teacher Award
As the Painting & Design instructor at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, Tom Lamont is proud to provide his students with an outstanding vocational-technical education.
That has meant incorporating high-tech training into a visually engaging curriculum for his students who are inspired and trained using a variety of techniques and tools.
Those contributions and his commitment to a career in vocational and technical education have earned recognition from the Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA), as the recipient of their annual New Teacher Award.
“Receiving the MVA New Teacher Award, exemplifies the determination and dedication that Tom Lamont brings to our Painting & Design program,” said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. “We are proud of Tom and his accomplishments, having a talented vocational-technical educator on our team, we all win.”
The MVA New Teacher Award is given to a new teacher that exemplifies excellence in teaching in the vocational high school setting. The award includes $500 for the purchase of new supplies for the shop program. Lamont would like to give each of his students a quality artist brush set and is also exploring the addition of a Virtual Reality Headset to enhance the experience of the Interior Design Program and Freshman Exploratory.
“I love teaching in the vocational high school setting,” said Lamont. “I had a vocational-technical education and have had similar opportunities and experiences that my students now have in front of them. My children have experienced the quality of vocational-technical education at BVT. My son Chad graduated in 2018 and is now an electrical apprentice, and my daughter, Abigail, will graduate from our Culinary Arts program with the Class of 2020.”
“We have an opportunity to do some amazing things every day at BVT,” said Lamont. “We’ve had students compete at SkillsUSA Nationals in Louisville, KY win gold. As the Environmental Club Advisor, we collected and recycled 650 pounds of single-use plastic bags, which earned our students an invitation and recognition at the State House. Multiple national trade magazines have published articles highlighting the efforts and technological advancements of our shop. Through our co-op program, we have placed students in full-time jobs within our trade area. Our students serve our District communities through their work on Eagle Scout projects, Gold Awards, sign production for churches and non-profit organizations, as well as continue to support our veteran groups with painting and sign projects.”
During his relatively short time at BVT, Lamont has managed to volunteer for just about everything, Environmental Club, Ski Club, SkillsUSA, Prom, NTHS, Summer Painting Program, and the list goes on.
Lamont said, “It has taken a significant change in my personal and professional life and a lot of work to get to where I am today. But I get an incredible amount in return, rewarded with amazing students, and supported by a fantastic school community that feels like family.”
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