GEARY – Geary SkillsUSA instructor Cody McPherson left with some hardware after attending the Oklahoma Summit conference in Oklahoma City.
The conference, hosted by the Oklahoma Association for Career & Technical Education, drew educators from throughout the state. While there, McPherson won the Oklahoma ACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award and was named a state finalist for the STEM New Teacher of the Year.
The STEM New Teacher of the Year award “recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs,” McPherson explained on Facebook, “and shown a professional commitment early in their careers.”
The Community Service Award “recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.”
Having won the statewide Community Service Award, McPherson now advances to Region 4 and will be recognized alongside educators from other states.
McPherson said he is “humbled and honored” to receive the awards. His Geary SkillsUSA chapter has drawn national recognition and captured several national gold medals in various competitions, including this past spring.
In 2020, McPherson was named the SkillsUSA Region 4 National Advisor of the Year.