THE CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAMS OF SANTA FE COLLEGE AND ALACHUA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HELD ITS 17TH ANNUAL SPRING AWARDS AT THE FINE ARTS HALL APRIL 29.
college and school district collaborate each year with the Alachua Association for Career and Technical Education (AACTE) to recognize over 50 outstanding colleagues, partners and students for their service and successes in career education. John McNeely, the SF Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education and AACTE Board Member, provided the welcome and assisted with presenting awards. We would like to highlight the recipients from SF College who were given special recognition.
AACTE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The AACTE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a long-time educator for extraordinary contributions, service and leadership in Career and Technical Education. This year’s recipient was Billie Monroe who has led a distinguished career as she approaches the completion of 30 years at SF and retirement December 2014. Billie has always used the needs of students as her compass and has a gift for inspiring others as an effective and tireless leader. Since 2008 Billie has served with distinction as the coordinator of SF’s Perkins programs, having been responsible for bringing in over $5 million in Federal funds to enhance Career and Technical programs at the college and the Alachua and Bradford County Consortium. She has never hesitated to take on new challenges and has been a role model for students and professionals here at the college, in the community, in the state, and in the nation. Billie is truly deserving of being honored for Lifetime Achievement.
DANIEL MCKINNON INSPIRATIONAL COLLEAGUE AWARD
Dr. McKinnon was a dedicated educator who influenced countless lives with his passion for career education. He served as Dean of Educational Programs at Santa Fe College in the 90’s before dying of cancer in 2007. This year’s recipient for the Daniel McKinnon Inspirational Colleague Award was given to Arthur Grant from the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program at SF. His leadership with helping students demonstrate service to the community by working on four SF Habitat for Humanity houses and involving business partners in training programs has been exemplary. Mr. Grant was out of town with students during the event, so the Director of Construction and Technical Programs, Jane Parkin, received the award on his behalf.
THE ROOKIE CTE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR award is presented to one SF teacher for demonstrating distinction in the classroom; as well as enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism in delivering quality learning experiences during their first year of teaching or early in their professional careers. This year’s Rookie CTE Educator was Amy Coker, who is the lead didactic and clinical instructor for the Nuclear Medicine Program.
EXEMPLARY CAREER PATHWAYS PARTNERS AND COLLEAGUES SERVING SF COLLEGE provide clinical and internship opportunities, financial support, scholarships, expertise, advisory and supportive services to ensure CTE programs stay current with industry standards and skills. A few who served SF this past year were honored for their support and service to Career and Technical Education.
SF OUTSTANDING CAREER PATHWAYS STUDENTS were selected by their instructors for demonstrating a focused plan for success, excellence in academics, and the skills to prepare for college and a career. Those recognized were Jessica Buckley with the Dental Hygiene program; Christopher Dunmore and Michael Gleisner with Automotive Service Technology; Kelli Grigg and Ruth Kirkpatrick with Zoo Animal Technology; Antoinette Noel with Biotechnology; and Nathsha Seavers with Health Sciences ASN program.
AACTE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT FROM SF
Michael Gleisner, a student in the Automotive Service Technology program, was chosen from a pool of applicants to receive a scholarship of $625 from the Alachua Association for Career and Technical Education (AACTE) to assist with college expenses.
AACTE BOARD 2014-15
Shannon Ritter President, Alachua Co Public Schools
Amy Chadek Past President, SF College
Michele Brothers Secretary, Alachua Co Public Schools
Sheila Lucas Treasurer, SF College
David Edwards Representing Alachua Co Public Schools
John McNeely Representing SF College
Billie Monroe Representing SF College
IN APPRECIATION TO 2014 RETIREES for their leadership and service in Career and Technical Education at SF College:
Linda Asbell – Zoo Animal Technology
Brian Goring – Nuclear Medicine Technology
Mary Jamerson – Early Childhood Education
Daryl Johnston – Institute of Public Safety
Cecelia Mitchell – Health Sciences, TEAM Health
Billie Monroe – Perkins and Career Pathways