ACTE Announces South Carolina Firefighting Instructor as National Award Finalist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2019
Contact: Megan Kmiotek
mkmiotek@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces South Carolina Firefighting Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Luke Riddle, Firefighting Instructor at the Anderson I & II Career and Technology Center in Williamston, South Carolina, as the 2020 ACTE Region II Teacher of the Year. 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.
After completing his degree at North Greenville University, Luke Riddle received his first job as a career firefighter at the Anderson City Fire Department. While working full-time as a firefighter, Riddle obtained his National Registry EMT Basic and Intermediate certifications. He worked part-time for several EMS agencies and eventually began working as a part-time firefighter at the Belton Fire Department, where Riddle currently still serves as a Captain. In 2010, he accepted the Firefighting Instructor position at the Anderson I & II Career and Technology Center. Riddle took the brand new program and worked with the South Carolina Fire Academy to create a high school curriculum that allows CTE students the opportunity to receive the same industry certifications offered at the 8 week Fire Academy Recruit School making ACTC Firefighting students’ job ready when they graduate high school. Over the past 10 years, Riddle has helped place over 50 former students into full-time career Fire/EMS jobs. 2015, Riddle also enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard as a 09S (Officer Candidate). He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through the Palmetto Military Academy. Riddle is currently assigned as Executive Officer of Bravo Battery in the 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
Riddle 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 Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, CareerSafe, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
###
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.