WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith talks to students at a Sanderson High School Career Day. |
One of the guiding principles that Ken Smith was taught as a youngster in his native Virgin Islands is… “Always give back!” So it’s no surprise that he is always among the news staff that is willing to volunteer and work on any community projects that come up.
One of his primary volunteer missions is with the Wake County Public School System. As a weekend Anchor-Reporter, his time is at a premium, but that doesn’t stop him from always seeking opportunities to work with the kids… tutoring, advising, and just being a role model.
His efforts were always recognized and appreciated locally by the school system; now they have been given national attention. He will be one of two recipients of the ACTE Image Award.
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the nation’s largest non-profit education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. Founded in 1926, ACTE has more than 29,000 members including teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.
Jamie Bennett, Special Projects Administrator at ACTE writes, ”In, 1997 ACTE created the ACTE Image Award to honor celebrity individuals who are bringing positive attention to career and technical education as well as giving back to their communities. Recipients of the award must be widely recognized in supporting career and technical education through their actions and/or statements. We believe that Mr. Smith fits this description to a tee. He has contributed significantly through his volunteer efforts with Wake County Public School System, as well as in other ways, and we would like to recognize Mr. Smith as one of our two inaugural recipients.”
Ms. Bennett further stated,” We feel as though Mr. Smith would be an excellent keynote speaker, and we would like to recognize him for his efforts and accomplishments in highlighting the importance of career and technical education. We admire his passion and excitement in encouraging students, inside and outside of the classroom, to explore their passion.”
The WCPSS’s Career and Technical Education Department nominated Smith for the honor. He will be accepting the award at the ACTE National Policy Seminar to be held in Washington, D.C. in March.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Clarence Williams for this capcom story
& to Sanderson High School for this capcom photo.
