VDOE Honors the FCPS Career and Technical Education Program with Five 2020 Creating Excellence Awards
For Immediate Release
June 22, 2020
Contact: Steve Edwards, Coordinator of Policy and Communications
540-662-3888 ext. 88235
The Virginia Department of Education has recognized Frederick County Public Schools’
Career and Technical Education Program with five 2020 Creating Excellence Awards. The
awards recognize excellence in career and technical education (CTE) at the secondary level.
Frederick County received recognition in all three award categories which include CTE
exemplary programs, CTE advisory committees, and business and industry partnerships.
Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding programs at both the regional and state
levels.
Frederick County Public Schools’ CTE Advisory Committee was recognized with both
the Region IV and Virginia CTE Advisory Committee Creating Excellence Award. The
committee, which includes business and industry leaders from the Winchester/Frederick County
area provides recommendations on current job needs, the relevancy of the CTE programs
offered, and assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of the local CTE plan.
In addition, the committee has played an instrumental role in a number of programs including
the regional career exploration expo, CTE student organization competitions, industry tours,
career café presentations, the Frederick County Fair, career fairs, mock interviews, work-based
learning placements and the Widget Cup® design/build competition.
Frederick County Public Schools Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Mary
Beth Echeverria says, “Our school division and students greatly benefit from the work of the
CTE advisory committee. The committee members utilize their expertise to not only offer
recommendations about our CTE programs, but they also engage in a variety of activities and
initiatives that directly benefit students and raise awareness about the many career
opportunities that are available for students. It’s wonderful to have the committee’s outstanding
work recognized at both the regional and statewide levels.”
The school division’s Work-Based Learning Program was recognized with Region IV and
Virginia CTE Creating Excellence Awards in the Work-Based Learning Program Category.
Frederick County Public Schools’ work-based learning program offers workplace experiences,
from exploratory to preparatory methods, for students in both middle and high school.
The program enables middle school students who are part of CTE student organizations
to participate in service learning projects, supervised agricultural experiences and career
exploration events. High school students participate in job shadowing, mentorships,
apprenticeships, service learning, internships, supervised agricultural experiences, clinical
experiences, cooperative education and group events.
Frederick County Public Schools Work-Based Learning Coordinator Missy McDonald
says, “Our Work-Based Learning Program has a tremendous impact on students as they
contemplate and experience possible career paths thanks to the many opportunities provided to
them by our business partners. There’s no question this program benefits both students and
our community by assisting students with discovering their passion, gaining valuable training
and entering the local workforce or post-secondary training after graduation thanks to the
authentic experiences and networking they receive as part of the Work-Based Learning
Program. This program is possible due to valued partnerships with local business and industry.”
In the Business and Industry Partnership Award Category, Winchester-based American
Woodmark Corporation received the Region IV CTE Creating Excellence Award. Echeverria
says, “Frederick County Public Schools nominated American Woodmark for this prestigious
award due to the outstanding partnership we have built with them over the past several years.
American Woodmark staff members coach both students and teachers on workplace skills and
expectations in the manufacturing sector. Through the High School Connectivity Program,
American Woodmark provides students with individual help in preparing for career and technical
student organization competitions, job interviews, public speaking, business ethics, client
service, sales presentations and emerging business issues. In addition, the company partnered
with Frederick County Public Schools to crate the Teachers in Industry externship offering
teachers a week-long, hands-on program on customer care, human resources, product life
cycle, sales, design and marketing. Their commitment to our students and staff is greatly
appreciated and is most deserving of this recognition.”
Schools Superintendent David Sovine says, “Having Frederick County Public Schools
and one of its business partners receive five of the 20 CTE Creating Excellence Awards
presented this year speaks to the quality of our CTE program. The many students, teachers
and business partners involved in the program should take great pride in these regional and
statewide honors which recognize their hard work and achievements. Their work is directly
linked to our strategic plan, Inspire 2025, and exemplifies the power of combining innovation,
caring relationships and authentic learning in order to inspire all students.”