ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2020
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Oklahoma Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Kristal McCathern, Cosmetology Instructor at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma, as the recipient of the 2020 ACTE Region IV Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have used career and technical education (CTE) to make a significant impact in their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.
Being a 25-year veteran within the cosmetology industry, Kristal McCathern currently serves as a cosmetology instructor at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, OK. One of McCathern’s most robust qualities consists of providing her students with real world scenarios, which prepares them for careers in CTE. In the past five years, ninety percent of McCathern’s students are now salon owners or working in the industry. McCathern received her Masters degree in 2019 in Educational Leadership and is currently obtaining a dual Master degree in School Counseling. She continues to work with the community and industry leaders to provide the best educational and professional opportunities for all students. McCathern actively serves as the chairperson for the law enforcement/veteran motorcycle club, which is a non-profit charity and benefit committee. She currently donates hours to the Ardmore Soup Kitchen as well additional various organizations within the community.
McCathern is one of five finalists for the 2021 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 Thursday, December 3, during ACTE’s Virtual CareerTech VISION 2020. The Virtual Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, CareerSafe, 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.