The vending machine repair program in Philadelphia, Pa. sent a student to the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) annual convention this year for the first time in 15, years thanks to the financial support from the program’s advisory committee members.
Accompanying the student, Jancarlos Rosario, to the OneShow in Las Vegas was Darryl Overton, principal of Randolph Technical High School, which houses the program, and Jim Clark, program instructor.
Clark was delighted that the school principal showed enough interest to attend the OneShow since it strengthened his commitment to the program. The program has struggled in recent years to sustain the Philadelphia school district’s support.
"Since you make the trip possible for Jancarlos and myself, the school principal Mr. Overton decided to come along, at his own expense, and quite frankly I’m not sure which of the two newcomers were more amazed and enlightened,” Clark noted in an email to the program advisory committee.
The advisory committee members agreed to cover the expenses for the students’ air fare, lodging, meals, and show costs.
“Everyone we met at the show conveyed the warmth and hospitality to Mr. Overton, and Jancarlos that our industry has been providing to me for the past 23 years,” Clark wrote. “I am truly blessed to be a part of such a great industry.”
