One of the Best
Amy Kuhns recognized as one of the top CTE counselors in the country
The Association for Career & Technical Education ( ACTE ) honored Crowley ISD employee Amy Kuhns as a national finalist for the Career Guidance Award at an awards banquet in Las Vegas in late November .
Kuhns was one of just five finalists nationwide for the award and represented Region IV , a four-state area that includes Texas , Mississippi , Oklahoma and Arkansas .
Written by Megan Middleton
“ I felt incredibly honored to be in the company of so many talented professionals who share our vision and commitment to the overwhelming benefits of quality CTE programs for our students and for our community ,” Kuhns said . “ It was surreal to be holding that plaque and see my very own name inscribed . It ’ s hard to describe the emotions , except to say I am just feel so very honored to represent Crowley ISD .”
Several Crowley ISD administrators joined her at the ceremony , including Superintendent Dr . Dan Powell , College and Career Readiness Director Annette Duvall , Coordinator of Counseling Services Theresa Paschall and Bill R . Johnson CTE Principal Kady Donaghey .
“ Having each of these incredible colleagues with me filled my heart with joy and the night would not have been the same without a single one of them ,” she said , noting how each has positively impacted her and the students at Crowley ISD .
ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals , including educators , administrators , researchers , guidance counselors and others at all levels of education .
The organization honored teachers , administrators , business leaders and others from across the country at its awards banquet Nov . 30 . Kuhns was one of just two Texans honored .
“ Seeing professionals from all over the country , 35 to be exact , to be national finalists in their field , and to see only two names from Texas just brought the point home to me that we are doing something really special ,” she said . “ We have more to do , don ’ t get me wrong . But , what an awesome opportunity , and what a great responsibility we have to move forward with purpose , with passion and with drive to provide quality programs to all of our students .”
Amy Kuhns with Crowley ISD superintendent Dan Powell .
The Career and Technology Association of Texas ( CTAT ) also previously honored Kuhns with its award for career guidance as has the North Texas association .
She said she won these awards because of the great work happening at the CTE Center in Crowley ISD .
“ I can genuinely say that when I go into the interviews I just start talking about Crowley and what we truly do here and just how exciting it ’ s been ,” she said . “ We ’ ve got so many new things , and CTE is a symptom of a much bigger movement going on . That ’ s what speaks . They ’ re seeing that we are recognizing the value of CTE and what it does for kids but that our district is supporting it .”
Kuhns began her education career in Crowley ISD in 1995 as a teacher at Crowley High School and later at Crowley Middle School . Her family moved to Stephenville for eight years but returned to Crowley in 2012 , when she began her work as a counselor for the Bill R . Johnson Career and Technology Education ( CTE ) Center . She started a new role in CISD in the 2016-17 school year , now serving as coordinator for the Special Services Department .
Donaghey said Kuhns worked hard in her role as a CTE counselor to ensure that students were on the right pathway for their career field , guiding them through the college and scholarship application process and planning career-focused trips for students .
“ Amy is one of the most genuinely caring individuals that goes above and beyond to make students ’ futures and dreams come true ,” Donaghey said .
4 CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS | Winter 2016