FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: Megan Fitzgerald
September 23, 2003                                        (703) 683-9312; mfitzgerald@acteonline.org


ALEXANDRIA, VA ? The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announces that Lena Perez of El Reno, Oklahoma has been selected as the winner of the first annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Week Logo Design contest.

After working as a supervisor in a shipping and invoicing office for 11 years, Ms. Perez went back to school to make herself more employable. She began classes at the Canadian Valley Technology Center in her hometown of El Reno last year with the intention of becoming an accountant. When her accounting class was full, Ms. Perez enrolled in Interactive Media Technologies. In this class she learned of ACTE?s logo contest and decided to enter to test her skills.

Ms. Perez found that her skills were up to par. ?I entered the contest for reassurance to see if I was in the right field, or at least headed in the right direction. I can?t tell you how much encouragement winning has given me,? comments Ms. Perez.

She recently received her certification as a Web Designer and is now going for her certification in 2D/3D Animation. Ms. Perez told ACTE, ?I never imagined that I would have a career that was so enjoyable!?

Ms. Perez?s design was selected from numerous entries submitted by students from across the country. Her design, which incorporates this year?s theme ?Career Tech: The Path to Success,? will showcase national CTE Week, February 8-14, 2004. Her design will be featured on thousands of 2004 CTE Week promotional products which are ordered by schools from around the country.

For more information on CTE Week, the CTE Week Logo Design contest, or to order products from the CTE Week Product Guide visit http://www.acteonline.org/career_tech/tech_week/index.cfm. You may also contact Megan Fitzgerald by email at mfitzgerald@acteonline.org, or by phone at (703) 683-9312.

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 23, 2003                                          NR#03-027