NEW: Langevin Announces RI’s Career & Technical Education Advisor of the Year
Friday, March 30, 2012
Lori Velino, a guidance counselor at the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center, has won the 2012 SkillsUSA Rhode Island Advisor of the Year Award for her extraordinary contributions to career and technical education (CTE) while leading her school’s SkillsUSA programs. Joined by SkillsUSA RI Executive Director Josh Klemp, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) presented Velino with the award today in front of students and instructors at Cranston High School West’s auditorium as part of his Rhode Island Skilled Economy (“RISE”) Tour.
“The purpose of this tour is to highlight the initiatives that are needed for Rhode Island to build the skilled workforce required to excel in the 21st century economy,” said Langevin, who co-chairs the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus. “But we must also recognize that the resources and programs to achieve this goal are only as effective as the dedicated students and teachers who take part in them.
“Lori Velino is a shining example of the passion and enthusiasm necessary to better prepare students for successful careers. I am proud to have this chance to thank her and honor her commitment and leadership, which have provided tremendous opportunities for our next generation.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn selecting her as the Advisor of the Year, SkillsUSA Rhode Island noted Velino’s passion for community service and for leading her students in projects and activities that help the community. Velino had previously been recognized by SkillsUSA for her commitment to community service and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at last year’s National SkillsUSA Conference. Holding a Masters of Arts degree in teaching and a certification in guidance counseling, she began her involvement with SkillsUSA seven years ago by helping with leadership competitions.
“Lori is an outstanding role model for the students of SkillsUSA RI because of her strong work ethic,” said Klemp. “She goes above and beyond her duties as an advisor. We appreciate the time and talent she lends to the SkillsUSA RI organization.”
The national SkillsUSA State Directors Association created the Advisor of the Year award to recognize and honor dedicated career and technical education instructors who serve as SkillsUSA advisors. Rhode Island’s selection was chosen based on nominations from the career and technical education community. One state winner will be recognized as the National Advisor of the Year at a conference in June. Klemp took the lead in administering the state’s process.
“I commend Josh Klemp for his work to recognize the outstanding Rhode Island educators who are leading the way in a critical area of workforce development,” said Langevin. “We must improve the job training our students receive to better align with the needs of growing industries, and it is important to highlight effective models. The programs with which Lori is involved in Cranston can help schools throughout the state offer the most beneficial career and technical education.”
Earlier this month, Langevin kicked off his RISE Tour at Coventry High School’s Regional Career and Technical Center, where he held a discussion with students and instructors about the benefits of their CTE programs and toured their facilities. Along with his fellow co-chair of the CTE Caucus, Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Langevin is leading a bipartisan effort in Congress to restore funding to the Perkins Act, which gives career and technical students nationwide access to the latest technology, equipment, and training to prepare them for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand job fields.
