Capital Area Technical Center in Augusta has announced its January Professionals of the Month.

Phillip Allen of Vassalboro is a senior from Erskine Academy in South China enrolled in the Machine Tool with Welding program. His current project in class is a C-clamp, which he constructed on a milling machine and is now making the threads on a lathe. He has enjoyed being able to apply himself and work hard in the program. When he is not in school, Allen can be fly fishing or working on his truck. He just completed installing new fuel injectors on his truck, according to a news release from the technical center.

His instructor, Darryl Nadeau, said, “Phil does good work, he asks good questions, and is here every day. I couldn’t ask for a better student.”

Allen has been accepted at the University of Maine’s Mechanical Engineering program. He hopes to pursue a career in the field of diesel and hydraulics.

Evan Hasenfus of Monmouth is a senior from Monmouth Academy enrolled for the second year in the Culinary Arts program. He has enjoyed learning how to make good food, as well as make it visually appealing. He also has been able to try new foods thru the class, like Beef Wellington and is looking forward to making and trying Sushi.

His instructor, Chef Heidi Parent, said, “Evan is a natural leader in the kitchen. I can confidently call upon him to act as my sous chef. Evan’s patience and humility is perfect for working with inexperienced first year students. I can always count on Evan to be positive, dependable and focused no matter what the challenge. Students like Evan never settle for good, they want to be the best,” according to the release. Hasenfus also likes to practice his cooking at home.

He has been accepted to both Johnson & Wales and Southern Maine Community College. He will study Baking and Pastry Arts. He hopes to one day own his own food establishment.