Kim Callahan-AECA & WBL Employability Skills Contest Winner
Congratulations to Kim Callahan, Ware County, for winning the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association Employability Skills Contest in the Work Based Learning Category. She was a lucky winner of $1,000.00 for her employability skills lesson on implementing virtual job interviews.
Kim Callahan Recognized by Local Development Authority
Educator of the Year Award: Deana Harper
Deana Harper, a lifelong resident of North Georgia, currently serves as the CTAE Administrator and Career Specialist at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree from the American College of Education. Her original degree was Business Education, but she worked in industry for 10 years before beginning her teaching career. This year will complete 22 years of teaching, all at North Hall High School.
Deana is most passionate about providing experiences for students to help them identify/solidify their future career goals while coaching them on the value of a strong work ethic. She works tirelessly to assist young people in making Classroom to Real World “connections.” She is dedicated to making a difference not only in her community, but throughout the State of Georgia. She has served on the Work-Based Learning State Executive Board since 2012, where she served as State President (2015-2016).
As Career Specialist, she coordinates the Work-Based Learning program which includes career education for grades K-12, implementing employability skill training initiatives, arranging career awareness activities for individual students and entire classes, and implementing career guidance materials for advisement groups (9-12 grades) to include interest inventories, career education and career planning.
Deana and her husband Corbett reside in Clermont. They have three adult children and are expecting their first grandchild any day.
Because of her dedication in providing hands-on relevant learning for her students, Deana Harper is the 2019 Educator of the Year for Junior Achievement of Northeast Georgia.
Sponsored by Abit and Kayenne Massey
GACTE Teacher of the Year, Dr. Larry Tripp - WBL Affiliate
Dr. Larry Tripp, Dalton Public Schools work-based learning coordinator, was among 35 career and technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) educators who were honored by the Georgia Association for Career & Technical Education (GACTE) during its annual summer conference, which met July 15-17, 2018 at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia.
Tripp is the district work-based learning coordinator and is based at Dalton High School. An educator for more than 24 years, and beginning his sixth year with Dalton Public Schools, he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Georgia, Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and his Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida.
Dalton High School Principal Steve Bartoo said Tripp is a tremendous resource for students. "Not only has he established great relationships with our students, he has established great relationships with our local businesses, too," he said. "Larry also does a wonderful job coaching our WBL students to be great employees."
Dr. Tripp also serves as the treasure for the Georgia WBL Executive Board. Featured with Larry are Tim Vinson, GACTE President and Matthew Gambill, Executive Director, GACTE.
2018 WBL AWARD RECIPIENTS
Work Based Learning Student of the Year | |
| East Central Region: | Ericka Grant, Paulding County, Coordinator-Monica Aydza |
| Northwest Region: | LaDasha Shinholster, Wilkinson County, Coordinator-Chiquita Jackson |
| West Central Region: | Nyla Graham, Northside High School, Coordinator-Courtney Freels |
| Northeast Region | Catherine Reisinger, Rockdale Career Academy, Coordinator-Tammy Maddox |
| Southwest Region | Aysianna Carter, Tift County High School, Coordinator-Cassandra Thomas |
| Southeast Region: | Lauren Callahan, Ware County High School, Coordinator-Kim Callahan |
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| Northwest Region: | Marissa Bowyer, Gilmer High School, Coordinator-Janet Davis |
| West Central Region: | Kevin Yonker, Muscogee County School District, Coordinator-Tim Vinson |
| Northeast Region: | Anthony Johnson, Henry County High School and the Academy for Advanced Studies, Coordinator-Mickey Drew |
| Southeast Region: | Ashley Rentz, Brantley County High School, Coordinator-Dr. Andrea Tanner |
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| East Central Region: | Textron Specialized Vehicles (E-Z-GO), Coordinator-Angel Little |
| Northwest Region: | Delta Community Credit Union, Coordinator-Angela Kovachi Sparks |
| West Central Region: | Delta Community Credit Union, Coordinator-Virginia Gibbs |
| Northeast Region: | Georgia United Credit Union, Coordinator-Christina Hinz |
| Southwest Region: | Senior Life Insurance, Coordinator-Michelle Ausley |
| Southeast Region: | Dot Foods, Coordinator-Donna Collins |
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| East Central Region: | Chiquita Jackson, Wilkinson County |
| Northwest Region: | Monica Rydza, Paulding County |
| West Central Region: | Tim Vinson, Muscogee County School System |
| Northeast Region: | Debra Lary, Newton County Schools |
| Southwest Region: | Jenny Pitts, Cook County |
| Southeast Region: | Judy Beaver, Wayne County |