Dr. Penny Schwinn
The Cleveland City Schools Career and Technical Education Department honored 106 of the year’s most outstanding students, faculty and staff during the Annual Spring Awards Banquet on April 27. Guests gathered in a socially distant ceremony at Cleveland High School and Cleveland Middle School to recognize the hard work and dedication of students for the 2020-2021 school year. Students and families attended along with teachers, administrators, school board members and local industry partners. Dr.
Russell Dyer, director of Cleveland City Schools, stated during his opening remarks that Cleveland City Schools is a very innovative district and thanked everyone in the CTE department for their hard work this school year.
Mr. Renny Whittenbarger, supervisor of Career and Technical Education, welcomed the audience highlighting his gratitude to the Cleveland City Schools CTE staff, as well as the students, for their perseverance and success during a challenging school year.
CTE instructors were able to nominate students in their program for various awards. Students in each of the career clusters were recognized for their display of leadership, competition wins and academic achievements.
The CTE Student of the Year award recognized one student from Cleveland Middle School, Anna Melton, and one student from Cleveland High School, Kael Kinney. These students demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their program and dedication to the improvement of industry skills.
Derek Morris was recognized as the 2020-2021 Cleveland City Schools CTE Teacher of the Year from the Cleveland Middle School. Leia Talley was recognized as the 2020-2021 Cleveland City Schools CTE Teacher of the Year from Cleveland High School. This award provides an opportunity to recognize teachers who motivate, challenge and inspire excellence; who are respected by students and peers; who are dedicated professionals that help nurture hidden talents and abilities; who are creative and caring individuals; who take teaching beyond textbooks; and who are exceptional teachers helping to redefine American education. Maranda Reffner, CTE administrative assistant, was recognized for her wisdom, creative thinking, kindness, talent, warm smile and never-ending patience.
Dr. Penny Schwinn, Tennessee commissioner of education, gave the keynote address. She spoke highly of Cleveland City Schools Career and Technical Education Department. Dr. Schwinn spoke about the value of the various opportunities students have in Career and Technical Education courses. She stated that Cleveland City Schools’ relationship with industry and community is a shining example of what is possible.
"We thank Dr. Schwinn for her support to Cleveland
City Schools CTE Department," officials said.