The Career and Technical Education Spring Awards honor and showcase the many achievements and partnerships of career and technical education in Alachua County Public Schools and at Santa Fe College.
Last month, more than 175 students, parents, educators, and partners were able to tour table displays representing 12 high school career academies and nine college career programs, followed by an awards program.
The awards program included four $300 student scholarships; 20 Career Pathways partner awards; 30 Career Pathways student awards; four AACTE student scholarship awards, and five educator awards.
Beth Treese of Hawthorne High School and Catina Wilson of Newberry High School were honored as CTE Rookie Teachers of the Year. Santa Fe’s Scott Fortner was awarded the W. Travis Loften Service Award. The Daniel McKinnon Inspirational Colleague Award went to Chef Billie DeNunzio of the Culinary Arts Program at Eastside High School.
Congratulations, all!
Event’s program with the names of the students – PDF
Scott Fortner’s Santa Fe career
This is from the bio read at the awards ceremony:
Scott began work at Santa Fe College’s Health Sciences Counseling office in 1997. Prior to Santa Fe, he worked for Suwannee River AHEC as an outreach specialist. During his years at Santa Fe, Scott has served as the lead recruiter and advisor for the Health Sciences programs. His work on campus also includes membership on several committees as well as serving as a co-leader for the Santa Fe United Way campaign.
Scott extensively works to promote Santa Fe and Health Sciences programs to the community. He is routinely recognized as the “face” of Health Sciences. It’s not uncommon for prospective students to approach Scott in the local stores and engage him in conversation about their interest in applying to a program.
Additionally, Scott’s work in the school districts is well known. He is a feature presenter at high school and middle school events. He conducts tours of the innovative Health Sciences classrooms and labs for health academy students. He works closely with guidance counselors and faculty and serves as an advisory board member for the Academy of Health Professions. He also serves as board member for Suwannee River AHEC and works in partnership with their staff to provide educational opportunities to rural north Florida communities.
Scott’s commitment to career and technical education and the community made him a natural choice for leadership with AACTE. In 2009, Scott was elected as President of the association.