CMTHS Distinguished Alumni Association inducts three PWHS graduates
CMTHS Distinguished Alumni Association inducts three PWHS graduates
CMTHS Distinguished Alumni Association recently inducted five new members, including Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Alumni Dr. Mikael Garabedian, Salvatore Giannone, and Christopher Myers.
Dr. Mikael Garabedian
Class of 2005
Mikael Garabedian graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and the Allied Health program at Central Montco Technical High School in 2005. He was an exceptional student, deeply committed to his schoolwork, and always brought a sense of fun and energy into the room.
He was also a dedicated member of HOSA—Health Occupations Students of America—and one of his most cherished memories was winning the state HOSA exams alongside his classmates. He recalls the camaraderie of the Allied Health students fondly, and credits that environment of support and challenge for helping shape his journey.
Since graduating from PWHS and CMTHS, Mikael earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Drexel and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Brandeis University. He is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and an awardee of the prestigious NIH K99/R00 Mosaic Scholar Award. His research at the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering is nothing short of groundbreaking—his work has been published in Nature Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nature Chemical Biology, and more.
He's invented and patented new tools for future medical applications and is in the process of starting his own laboratory focused on developing innovative biomedical technologies.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Garabedian is a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. He’s served on equity and diversity committees, taught high school teachers and graduate students, and organized outreach events to inspire the next generation of scientists. He embodies not only brilliance in science, but also the heart of an educator and the soul of a compassionate healthcare professional.
Salvatore Giannone
Class of 2003
A proud graduate of Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School and CMTHS, Sal took his creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he sharpened his art enthusiasm and found his purpose—to create art with hair.
Today, Sal is a Pennsylvania State Licensed Barber & Barber Manager and the powerhouse behind Sal’s Barbershop, a thriving franchise of eight locations built from the ground up since 2015.
He is a 40-time competition award-winning barber, the 2022 Barber Grammy Entrepreneur of the Year, and a recognized face across magazines, newspapers, radio, and even TV—most notably appearing in the opening of Game 4 of the 2022 World Series on the MLB Network.
But his success goes far beyond the chair and clippers. Sal is a one-man force for good—spearheading charity drives and fundraisers that have raised close to one million dollars for communities in crisis, from hurricane relief in Puerto Rico, Houston, and Florida to year-round support for local families. He has personally helped over 1,000 households provide gifts for their children during the holidays and has donated time and haircuts to children in domestic abuse shelters like The Laurel House.
His ongoing dedication to service includes his roles as a board member and Secretary of Correspondence at the Holy Saviour Club and as the Tech School Liaison for the Colonial School District Educational Foundation. Sal also has an integral part as an Occupational Advisory Committee member in the design and build of the new CMTHS Barbering program which is scheduled to open in the 25-26 school year.
Sal’s journey is one of resilience and relentless drive—a testament to what happens when skill meets soul. His story inspires our students to see past limitations and believe in the power of hard work, heart, and community.
Christopher Myers
Class of 1999
Christopher Myers’ journey is a remarkable testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of mentorship. As a student with learning disabilities enrolled in the Special Education program from grades 2 through 12, Chris faced significant academic and social challenges. But everything began to change when a few key people saw his potential and believed in him — and that belief became the turning point.
Encouraged by his mentor and counselor at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Chris enrolled at Central Montco Technical High School—a decision he now calls the best he ever made. Starting in the C-wing Trades Program (Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, and Masonry), Chris quickly stood out. In 10th grade, he was selected to compete in the VICA (now SkillsUSA) competition. By 11th grade, he was serving as Vice President of the VICA committee—a major accomplishment for a student who had once doubted his academic path.
Support from mentors like Mr. Hyser, Mr. Schram, and Mr. Nesensohn played a pivotal role in shaping his confidence and career. Their guidance inspired Chris to continue his education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he graduated with honors and served as class president both years.
Today, Chris is the proud owner of JCM Contracting LLC, a successful business serving Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. His company manages up to 15 projects per month, supported by four employees and more than 24 subcontractors. From kitchen renovations to large commercial projects, Chris’s work is grounded in quality, trust, and a deep commitment to community.
Just as others once believed in him, Chris now pays it forward. He has mentored his own son through the trades and into the same college path he once walked. JCM Contracting actively supports causes including the Central Montco Education Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Eagles Autism Foundation, youth sports leagues, and local food and homeless shelters.
Chris credits his journey to the many people who never gave up on him—especially his teachers, family, friends, wife, and four children. His story is a profound reminder that success isn’t defined by how you start, but by the people who help you keep going.
The event also honored Tania Watson, a 2007 Norristown Area High School graduate and owner of the catering company Flavaz, LCC, and Chris Suloff, a 1999 Pathways High School graduate who also works in the culinary arts.