ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Finalist

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

ACTE Announces Oklahoma Counselor as National Award Finalist

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Gay Pettit, Career Development Counselor, at Canadian Valley Technology Center – Chickasha
 as the recipient of the 2018 ACTE Region IV Career Guidance Award. This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students.

Working collaboratively with program instructors, fellow counselors, administration and partners from industry, Pettit creates an environment where students are engaged, passionate and committed to accomplishing their career goals. Through Pettit’s innovation and pioneering spirit, the Mentor Match program was created in 2014, with aspirations to reach and teach and develop a program that serves all students in all programs, including non-traditional students.

Pettit sought out and garnered exceptional mentors from business and industry that best matched student interest, forging relationships and inspiring support in the process. Instructors nominate students to participate in Mentor Match based on student persistence, initiative and performance. Prior to pairing, Pettit developed and organizes a training for mentors and mentees.

The development of personal and work self-efficacy has led to mentees adopting and committing to more challenging goals. The Mentor Match program helps students with low self-efficacy eliminate doubt, fear and avoidance, giving students the courage to excel and fulfill their greatest potential.

Pettit is one of 5 finalists for the 2019 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Banquet, a dinner and award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on Wednesday evening, November 28, during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, TX. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, the US Army, 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.