CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Unionville High School senior Gina Gallo is charting her own course toward a future that blends agriculture and special education, thanks to the flexible learning opportunities offered by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).
Gallo is completing her fourth year in the Veterinary Science program at the Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge campus, where she gains hands-on experience in animal care and agricultural science. The program, combined with her leadership role in the campus FFA Chapter, has allowed her to develop both technical skills and confidence.
“Gina is a very outgoing student who is willing to try new things,” said Sarah Martin, Veterinary Science instructor. “She is active in the TCHS Pennock’s Bridge FFA Chapter and attends field trips and leadership events to enhance her educational experience.”
In the afternoons, Gallo participates in the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA), which provides classroom experience and leadership development for students interested in education careers. A summer volunteer role at Camp Geronimo, a program for children with disabilities, solidified her interest in special education. She now hopes to combine her passion for agriculture with a future in teaching.
Gallo also takes an online English course through Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA), enabling her to balance a demanding schedule. “Without BVA, I wouldn’t have an English class — and I need four years of English to graduate,” she said. “It’s been so helpful to be able to do it online instead of trying to fit another class into my already busy schedule.”
Dr. Jeanne McCarthy, BVA director, noted that CCIU integrates online and in-person programs to remove scheduling barriers. “BVA and TCHS have worked hard to ensure that all students who want to pursue career and technical pathways can do so through a personalized combination of courses,” she said.
Ryan Thompson, TLA instructor, praised Gallo’s determination to merge her interests. “Too often, students are told that plans outside the ‘normal’ aren’t possible,” he said. “Gina found a way to make her passion for agriculture work with her interest in education.”
Alongside her CCIU programs, Gallo is taking dual enrollment courses at Delaware County Community College, earning college credits before graduation.
As she prepares to graduate this spring, Gallo says the support of CCIU has been pivotal. “The CCIU has really helped me customize my learning experience to fit what I want to do. Here at TCHS, I’m doing what I enjoy, and I’ve noticed that I get better grades and I’m a lot happier. It also is preparing me for the future.”
Her story highlights how CCIU’s blend of technical education, leadership training, and academic support creates individualized pathways that prepare students for meaningful futures.
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