The West Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (WV ACTE) is proud to announce the recipients of its State Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding professionals for their dedication and contributions to career and technical education (CTE) in West Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in multiple aspects of CTE, making a lasting impact on current students and the future workforce.
This year’s WV ACTE State Excellence winners are:
WV ACTE Administrator of the Year:Â C.D. Caldwell, Director at Putnam Career and Technical Center. This award recognizes CTE administrators that demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing technical education.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award that showcases the dedication and determination of our staff and students,” said Caldwell.
WV ACTE Counseling & Career Development Professional of the Year: Melanie Knutsen, Career Development Counselor at Marshall County Schools. This award honors individuals’ dedication to guiding students toward successful career pathways.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition and want to thank WV ACTE for their commitment to supporting CTE educators and counselors across the state. This award is a testament to the incredible students, colleagues, and mentors who inspire me every day,” said Knutsen. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and support students in their career and personal growth, and I look forward to continuing this important work. Thank you!”Â
WV ACTE Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award: Deborah Chapman, retired from Cabell County Schools and WV ACTE President. WV ACTE’s Lifetime Achievement award celebrates those that have provided lifelong contributions and unwavering commitment to CTE.Â
“WV ACTE has been a part of my professional career for over forty years. Thank you, I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award,” said Chapman. “Career Technical Education is vital for our growth. It is an honor to be recognized for my efforts to create more opportunities for our students, ensuring they are set for success in every way possible.”
WV ACTE Teacher Educator of the Year:Â Donna Van Metre, CTE Learning & Development Coordinator at Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative. This award recognizes individuals who contribute innovative approaches in educator training and development.Â
“I believe that if someone isn’t directly working with students, their role should be to support, nurture and empower those who do. For me, this means actively engaging with teachers through their professional journeys—acknowledging their achievements and offering meaningful support,” said Van Metre. “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with our new CTE teachers as they impart their career skills to our CTE students.”
WV ACTE Teacher of the Year:Â Jonathon Clingerman, Instructor for Millwork & Cabinetmaking at Randolph Technical Center. Teacher of the Year recognizes excellence in teaching and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.Â
“Being selected as WVACTE Teacher of the Year is an honor that reflects the dedication of every Career & Technical Education educator striving to build skilled leaders for the future,” said Clingerman. “Teaching in CTE isn’t just about craftsmanship—it’s about shaping character, work ethic, and a passion for lifelong learning.”
WV ACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award:Â Clinton Burch, Assistant Superintendent at the West Virginia Department of Education. The Carl Perkins Community Service Award honors individuals for outstanding efforts in strengthening community partnerships and enhancing CTE opportunities.Â
“Career Technical Education forms the foundation of service learning, integrating technical skills with practical experience,” said Burch. “It inspires students to make meaningful contributions to society, cultivating a continuous cycle of growth and service that strengthens both students and their communities.”
West Virginia’s award winners will be honored at the upcoming ACTE Region I Leadership Conference, held March 26-28 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The winners will also be recognized at WV ACTE’s Annual Conference, which will take place June 4-5 in Huntington, West Virginia.
For more information about WV ACTE and its programs, please visit www.wvacte.org.
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