Vinal Tech HVAC 11th and 12th grade students and staff attenddc the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As part of the trip, they also attended trade classes offered by the association and competed in a three-tier oil/service competition.

The competition is comprised of a three-tier event with each tier requiring a higher degree of skill. The first tier is primarily a hands on event for entry-level students and strictly a timed event. The second tier is a written test where the highest scoring group’s school will receive a prize of equipment and money. The third and last tier is for more advanced students like apprentices and post secondary technical schools. Attendees are from the New England, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania area with schools from all levels including post secondary school such as Baron’s Institute from New York.

The students personally funded this trip with the help of a $1000 donation from the local NAOHSM chapter. Besides attending the convention, the students also were able to take in some history by visiting the nearby Gettysburg National Park. HVAC Department Kurt Paskiewicz summed up the trip, "I thought that by attending the convention, the students will understand that their education will not stop after high school. It is a life-long process."