Sefonias Gomez is presented with the Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award at Senior Recognition Night 2025.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Academic Center is Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s full-day option for students who want to integrate academic studies with their career and technical training.

One of this year’s two Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award winners is Sefonias Gomez, a William Allen High School student in LCTI’s Advertising Design/Commercial Art program. Academic Center Principal Michael Strohl honored Sefonias, nicknamed “Sefi,” on Thursday (May 29, 2025) at PPL Center during the school’s annual Senior Recognition Night. The prestigious, schoolwide award was one of five presented at the ceremony. Academic Center English teacher Lori Cassidy joined Sefi on stage for the award presentation.

Sefi’s school counselor, Brieann Murray, describes him as a kind student with a collaborative spirit that makes tackling projects like the Academic Center yearbook a joy. Advertising Design teacher, Nicole DeVincenzo, noted that Sefi has been the sole student designer of LCTI’s Academic Center yearbook for the past two years. “This showcases his creativity, reliability, and ability to thrive under pressure,” she said.

Sefi is a National Technical Honor Society member who earned a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate for scoring advanced on the NOCTI. In addition to getting excellent grades, he leads by showing up to class each day with a positive energy that adds to the Academic Center’s sense of community, Mr. Strohl said. “He helps make our learning environment fun and welcoming.”

LCTI’s Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award is presented annually to two full-day seniors who perform at a high academic level and demonstrate the ability to build relationships with their peers and staff while consistently exhibiting professionalism and leadership in the Academic Center.

Congratulations, Sefi! This is how we achieve! #weachieve