Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) is a vocational-technical high school, part of Worcester Public Schools district in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It opened on August 28, 2006, replacing the old Worcester Vocational High School (formerly known as Worcester Boys' Trade High School from 1909 to about 1975) at 2 Grove Street.
School history The school was also known for a period as Worcester Vocational Technical High School (WVTHS) beginning around 1975. When the David Hale Fanning Trade School (commonly called "Girls' Trade" or DHFTS) in Worcester closed its Chatham Street premises some years later, the curriculum, staff and student body transferred to WVTHS. Since many new non-technical areas of study were added by the merging of the two schools, the word "Technical" was dropped from the school's name.
When the school moved to Green Hill, the name was once again changed to its current title of Worcester Technical High School.
In 2014, President Barack Obama gave a speech for the school's Commencement Ceremony.
Principals
In 2013, then-principal Sheila Harrity was named National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Kyle Brenner replaced Harrity as Principal in 2014, and he relieved this position in 2020. The school's former principal was Siobahn Petrella. She was the Principal for WTHS for 2 years who later resigned in 2022, The school's current principal is Drew Weymouth who once served as an assistant principal.
Academics
Worcester Technical High School has 23 different trades from which students can choose, from the 4 different Academies – Alden Design and Engineering (Alden), Allied Health and Human Services (A.H./service), Coghlin Construction Academy (construction), Information Technology and Business Service (I.T.)
Students run a restaurant, salon, automotive service center, graphic print shop, and preschool, as well as a veterinary clinic in partnership with Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Students attend academic classes for half the time, and technical classes the other half the time.
Technical Areas Worcester Tech offers 23 trade specialties grouped into 4 academies. Alden Design and Engineering Advanced Manufacturing Auto-Collision Auto-Tech Drafting Robotics WeldingAllied Health and Human Services Allied Health Animal Science Biotechnology Cosmetology Early Education and Care Environmental ScienceCoghlin Construction Technology Carpentry Electrical HVAC/R Painting and Design Plumbing and Pipe FittingInformation Technology & Business Services Culinary Arts Finance and Marketing Graphic Communications Hospitality Management Information Support Services & Networking (ISS&N) Programming and Web Development
Athletics + Varsity sports Season Boys Girls Fall football, golf, cross country, crew, soccer field hockey, volleyball, crew, soccer, cheerleading Winter basketball, ice hockey, swimming, indoor track and field, wrestling, skiing basketball, ice hockey, swimming, indoor track and field, gymnastics, skiing, cheerleading Spring baseball, lacrosse, tennis, crew, outdoor track and field softball, lacrosse, tennis, crew, outdoor track and field
Notable alumni Tim Collins (2003–2007), Major League Baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals Bruno Haas, former Major League Baseball player (Philadelphia Athletics) David Naleski, United States Navy veteran, diesel mechanic, and trade union shop steward Stephen Nedoroscik, artistic gymnast, two-time Olympic medalist
References
External links Worcester Technical High School official site. Massachusetts Department of Education – Worcester Technical High
Further reading
Machining – Worcester Gets Manufacturing Education Right Worcester Telegram & Gazette – Thursday, November 9, 2006 – Vocation students get edge in trades – Unions ease apprentice entry rules