FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  Contact: Megan Fitzgerald
September 10, 2003                                         (703) 683-9312; mfitzgerald@acteonline.org


ALEXANDRIA, VA ? Janet B. Bray, CAE, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) will be awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization. The award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.

The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes those who have gone beyond the valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.

Through her efforts at ACTE, Ms. Bray has worked to accurately represent all aspects of career and technical education, which includes agricultural education. Under her leadership, ACTE is the leading force in advocating career and technical education in Washington, DC. Many agricultural educators have come to rely on ACTE?s efforts as the backbone of advocacy for career and technical education.

According to Ms. Bray, ?I am honored to be receiving this award. FFA is making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.?

Ms. Bray will receive the honor during the 2003 National FFA Convention, in Louisville, Kentucky, held October 29 through November 1.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the national professional association for the field of career and technical education. Now in its 77th year, ACTE?s membership numbers more than 30,000 teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

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September 10, 2003                                         NR#03-024