May 4, 2017
Rutherford County Schools
Oakland High School’s Mechatronics program is among the best in the nation, based on an award the school earned May 3 in Washington, D.C.
The school’s program received the Excellence in Action award, which recognizes the best Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study across the nation.
Mechatronics was one of 11 programs selected as an “Excellence in Action” award winner based on its track record of providing clear pathways into college and careers, rigorous academic and technical coursework, strong partnerships with industry leaders, and impactful work-based learning experiences that offer opportunities for career exploration and subject-matter mastery.
Oakland High School received the award in the Manufacturing Career Cluster from Advance CTE as a result of their commitment to preparing students in a high-demand sector through real-world, hands-on experiences, nationally recognized credential attainment opportunities and dual enrollment offerings. Last year, all students in the program graduated high school, and nearly all students earned an industry-recognized credential and enrolled in postsecondary education.
John Marshall, Assistant Principal of Oakland High School and Tyra Pilgrim, CTE Coordinator for Rutherford County Schools, accepted the honor at an award luncheon and reception as part of the Advance CTE Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C.
“I am very thankful that we have the full support of our community. An endeavor of this magnitude is only possible by having strong industry partnerships, a supportive School Board and Superintendent, an exceptional instructor, and an Administrative Staff with a vision to take a chance on a new program and a willingness to think outside the box to strive for excellence,” said Tyra Pilgrim, CTE Coordinator.
“I am so proud of these exemplary programs and all they offer learners across the country,” said Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “Boasting impressive graduation and completion rates, credential attainment, and hands-on learning experiences, these programs demonstrate what high-quality CTE has to offer, and its ability to set students up for success across the spectrum of careers.”
Printable profiles of each winner are available on Advance CTE’s website.
PHOTO
From left, Oakland High School Assistant Principal John Marshall and RCS Career and Technical Education Coordinator Tyra Pilgrim pose for the Excellence in Action award with Heather Justice, executive director of the Office of Career and Technical Education for Tennessee. The school won the award for its mechatronics program and received the award in Washington, D.C. on May 3.