Wildcat Speaker Series Welcomes Tony DePaolantonio (WT Class of '94)

Tony DePaolantonio (WT Class of ‘94) and Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz. (Photo courtesy of Whittier Tech)

Yesterday, Grade 9 students in the Vocational Exploratory program attended the first session in the new Wildcat Speaker Series! The Wildcat Speaker Series will be a focal point of this year’s Grade 9 Exploratory Program. 

Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz said, “The purpose of this series is to bring Whittier Tech alums to talk to the grade 9 students about what they learned at Whittier and how they apply it to their career. Learning a trade is so important and the hope is that this shows our students firsthand what a solid vocational education can do.” 

During yesterday’s session, Whittier Tech Electronics/Robotics Alum Anthony “Tony” DePaolantonio shared his road from Whittier, to the Marines, a stop at Apple, and to his current home at Tesla. 

Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz introduces Tony DePaolantonio. (Photo courtesy of Whittier Tech)

Tony DePaolantonio graduated from Whittier Tech as a member of the Class of 1994. While at Whittier, DePaolantonio was the captain of the Wrestling team, a member of Peer Leadership, and Student Government, and worked on the school paper during his Senior year. He grew up in Haverhill before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps brought him outside of New England. 

DePaolantonio is a Manager Test Engineer at Tesla. He shared photos of the instrumentation and imaging on Tesla cars. He explained how Tesla tests vehicles in crash studies in order to make sure their products are safe. Tesla prides itself on safety. DePaolantonio showed a preview of where they are taking the safety features of Tesla. 

Following his presentation on Tesla, DePaolantonio asked for any audience questions. Students and Staff were able to ask various questions regarding Tesla, his experiences, and what his vocational education means to him. When asked how Whittier helped guide his journey, DePaolantonio told the students “having that baseline in the technical skills helped guide my journey. Hands-on learning is where I excel and the Whittier Tech environment is conducive to learning.”

Tony DePaolantonio did not come empty-handed. Every student left with an exclusive Hot Wheels Tesla and a Tesla sticker. The student who asked the best questions during the Q&A session also received a free t-shirt.

To return the favor, Whittier Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing shop, behind Instructor Bruce Boisselle, gifted a key chain to DePaolantonio that had the Tesla logo on one side and the WT logo on the other. They gave DePaolantonio a second key chain with the directive that this one is for Tesla CEO and Founder Elon Musk. 

Following DePaolantonio’s presentation, Mr. Moskevitz gave DePaolantonio and his family a tour of the school with DePaolantonio’s son even asking if they could move back here so he could come to Whittier!

Thank you, Tony, for coming in to speak to our students about your experiences in the trades. Whittier Tech is proud of the accomplishments you have already made and will continue to make. If you have any questions or if you are interested in being a guest speaker in the Wildcat Speaker Series, please reach out to Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz at 978.373.4101 x267 or pmoskevitz@whittiertech.org .