To kick off the new school year, RCS Career & Technical Education Department held its inaugural Excellence Awards celebration Wednesday at Oakland High school.
Awards recognize educators, programs, and partners who demonstrate outstanding contributions to CTE across our district. Modeled after the Association for Career and Technical Education Excellence Awards, these honors celebrate individuals and organizations that exemplify high-quality instruction, innovation, and a strong commitment to student success.
PHOTOS: CTE Excellence Awards
PHOTOS: CTE College & Career Ready Awards
Rutherford Works has been named the RCS CTE Partner of the Year in recognition of its outstanding commitment to connecting students, educators, and employers throughout Rutherford County. As a division of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Rutherford Works plays a vital role in strengthening the local talent pipeline and expanding career-connected learning opportunities for students. Under the leadership of Kaitlin Salyer, Senior Vice President of Education and Workforce Development; Marissa Sparschu, Director of Education and Workforce Development; and Ashley L. James, Marketing Director, Rutherford Works supports career exploration, work-based learning, employer engagement, and initiatives that help students better understand the education and skills needed for future careers. Their collaboration, leadership, and continued advocacy have strengthened CTE across Rutherford County Schools and helped prepare students for success in college, careers, and the local workforce.
Dr. John Marshall has been named the RCS CTE Administrator of the Year in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding college and career opportunities for students. During his nine years as principal of Oakland High School, Dr. Marshall has positioned CTE as a central part of the school’s success, helping more than 90% of students participate in CTE, advanced coursework, or dual enrollment. His support helped establish the nationally recognized Mechatronics pathway, a schoolwide associate degree partnership with Motlow State Community College, and Rutherford County’s first dual credit program. A former agriculture teacher, Dr. Marshall brings both classroom and administrative experience to his leadership, advocating for strong programs, innovative partnerships, early postsecondary opportunities, and state-of-the-art learning spaces that prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond.
Dr. Courtney Pruitt has been named the RCS CTE Teacher of the Year in recognition of her outstanding teaching, innovation, and leadership. During her seven years at Smyrna High School, Dr. Pruitt has created an engaging, inclusive classroom where students connect academic learning to authentic health science experiences and prepare for success beyond high school. Her leadership has helped grow the Health Science program from one teacher to three, establish the Sport and Human Performance pathway, expand clinical internship opportunities, and introduce industry-recognized certifications such as CPR, CCMA, PCT, and PTTC. As a department head, PLC leader, CPR instructor, HOSA advisor, and dedicated community partner, Dr. Pruitt has strengthened CTE opportunities for students and educators throughout Rutherford County Schools.
Jennie Kate Pendergrass has been named the RCS CTE New Teacher of the Year in recognition of her dedication, innovation, and commitment to student success. In her fourth year as an agriculture educator at Siegel High School, Mrs. Pendergrass provides engaging, hands-on learning through agriscience investigations, animal science and veterinary experiences, greenhouse production, career-focused projects, and FFA activities. She has helped grow student participation in FFA, introduced students to new competitions and leadership opportunities, and supported multiple top-ten state teams and State FFA Degree recipients. Known for creating a welcoming, structured classroom where every student can find a place to belong, Mrs. Pendergrass connects agriculture to real-world careers while helping students build confidence, leadership skills, and a vision for their future.
Cora Strain Proctor has been named the RCS CTE Mentor of the Year in recognition of her exceptional support of teachers, students, and CTE programs. During her 12 years in education, Mrs. Proctor has become a trusted mentor not only within the Law, Civics, and Public Safety pathway, but across multiple CTE program areas. She has strengthened curriculum alignment, helped establish Rutherford County’s Pre-Law pathway, created shared instructional resources, and provided practical guidance in classroom management, student engagement, and de-escalation. Known for her honesty, dependability, and willingness to help, Mrs. Proctor has supported new teachers, guided students through challenging situations, and built collaborative networks for Law and Public Safety educators across the district and state. Her mentorship is grounded in the belief that no teacher or student should have to navigate difficult work alone.
Mike Messerly has been named the RCS Career Ready Counselor of the Year in recognition of his commitment to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities. During his three years as Career Coach at Smyrna High School, Mr. Messerly has expanded access to job shadowing, internships, employment opportunities, career tours, guest speakers, and college and career fairs. Through strong partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals, he helps students connect classroom learning with real-world expectations while developing essential employability skills. Mr. Messerly is also a trusted partner to teachers, students, and families, providing guidance on CTE pathways, industry certifications, dual credit, and future career options. His advocacy, leadership, and dedication have helped create a stronger bridge between Smyrna High School and the workforce.
Emily Gulledge has been named the RCS CTE Community Service Award recipient in recognition of her commitment to student leadership, service, and authentic career preparation. As a Business and Marketing teacher, DECA advisor, and advisor for the Siegel Store and Siegel Vending enterprises, Mrs. Gulledge engages approximately 75–100 students each year in meaningful service-learning and community outreach. Her students support initiatives such as the MDA Shamrock campaign, Salvation Army service projects, mentoring opportunities, and schoolwide activities while also operating student-led businesses that serve the Siegel High School community. Through these experiences, students develop leadership, teamwork, communication, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills while learning the importance of civic responsibility and giving back.
Steven Picklesimer has been named the RCS CTE Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in recognition of 29 years of exceptional service at Smyrna High School. Throughout his career in Digital Arts and Design, Mr. Picklesimer has provided sustained leadership as a department head, county PLC lead, SkillsUSA advisor, and state technical chair. He has helped grow the Digital Arts pathway into a highly successful program that prepares students through industry-standard software, advanced design and production experiences, Adobe certifications, and authentic client-based projects. Beyond his classroom, he has mentored future educators, supported CTE programs across the district, and built strong connections with industry and postsecondary partners. His impact is reflected in the students that he has prepared not only with technical skills, but also with the confidence, professionalism, and creativity needed to succeed in future endeavors.
Stewarts Creek Audio Visual has been named the RCS CTE Program of the Year in recognition of its excellence in student engagement, innovation, and career preparation. Students operate an authentic media production environment where they produce daily broadcasts, manage live events, create original digital content, and serve the school and community through professional-quality storytelling. The program equips students with industry-standard technical skills while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, project management, and problem-solving abilities. Its investment in emerging technology, including the Pathfinder mobile production lab & LED screen management, keeps learning aligned with the rapidly changing media industry. Through strong partnerships, award-winning student work, and graduates who go on to competitive media programs, this program has become a leading example of strong Career & Technical Education.
College and Career Ready Awards
These recognitions are determined through verified district accountability data and celebrate measurable excellence in expanding student access to college- and career-ready opportunities. They honor the teachers, programs, and schools leading the district in helping students earn industry certifications. Together, these awards reflect our shared commitment to ensuring students graduate prepared for success in the workforce.
Our Career Ready Teacher of Excellence is Sarah Medley from Riverdale High School.
Our Career Ready Program Champion is Blackman Business and Marketing.
Our Career Ready School of Distinction is Riverdale High School, which provided students with 2,599 industry certifications for during the 2025-26 school year.