FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Technology Engineering Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cody McPherson, Technology Engineering Instructor at Geary Middle & High School in Geary, Oklahoma, as the 2022 ACTE Region IV Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators 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.
Cody W. McPherson is a Technology Engineering Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor to both Geary Middle School and High School. He has been a career and technical education employee and instructor for ten years. Mr. McPherson started the SkillsUSA Chapter at Geary three years ago and has had eight district officers, three state officer candidates, twenty-four state medalists, and his chapter has won the Champion Chapter Model of Excellence in Workplace Skills at the SkillsUSA National Skill and Leadership Conference in June 2019.
Cody is a passionate SkillsUSA Advisor and sees it as a way to pay it forward. He was a welding student during high school where he served as an Oklahoma State and National Officer. Cody earned his American Degree and was a three-time state champion. McPherson is a third generation SkillsUSA Alumni with both his grandfather and Father being VICA Alumni.
Cody serves on the OKACTE STEM Board of Directors and is a Northwest District Advisor. Drawing on his experience as a past officer this tireless advisor trains and mentors the team. Mr. McPherson serves on the SkillsUSA Oklahoma Alumni Board and was a co-founder of the SkillsUSA Oklahoma Alumni and Friends.
Other recognitions that McPherson has earned include being named a Newman Civic Fellow for his community service work. Cody was recently named one of the NextGen Oklahomans 30 under 30 for his accomplishments.
Cody is an active member in the Geary community where his fiancée Melissa, son Clem and he moved in 2017. He is a volunteer firefighter and medic with Geary Fire and Rescue and volunteers as the City Emergency Manager. Cody McPherson volunteers to respond to emergencies in his community so when his students and or their families are in crisis, there is a familiar face there to help.
McPherson is one of five finalists for the 2023 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 November 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox 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.
