ACTE Announces Oklahoma Marketing Education Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Nikki Melius, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, at Faulkton Area Schools 24-4 in Faulkton, SD as the 2026 ACTE Region V Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Nikki Melius, a dedicated family and consumer science teacher at Faulkton High School, has spent 28 years shaping the lives of students through career and technical education, including 25 years at Faulkton. She teaches students in grades 6–12 within the Human Services and Education Career Clusters and holds National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education. Melius also advises the school’s FCCLA chapter, guiding students in leadership, service, and career development.
In her classroom, Melius provides a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for both higher education and the workforce. Her approach combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experiences, helping students develop technical skills, critical thinking, and real-world knowledge.
Through strong connections with local businesses and organizations, Melius ensures her students gain workplace experience and a clear understanding of industry expectations. She has coordinated internships across nearly every career cluster, offering students opportunities to explore career pathways, build professional networks, and even secure potential job placements. Many graduates return to mentor current students, providing powerful testimony to the program’s impact.
Beyond the classroom, Melius equips students with leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through FCCLA and other opportunities. She also emphasizes certifications, technology integration, and alignment with industry standards to keep instruction relevant and impactful.
Melius sees her role as vital not only for individual student success but also for the long-term vitality of her rural community. By preparing students to return with academic or trade training, build careers, and raise their families locally, she is helping sustain a skilled workforce and a thriving future for Faulk County.
Through her dedication to student achievement, community partnerships, and workforce development, Nikki Melius continues to inspire the next generation of leaders while advancing the mission of career and technical education.
Melius is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
