FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Georgia Retired Instructor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Cheronie Blunt, Retired Instructor, as the 2025 ACTE Region II Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Cheronie Blunt is a retired educator with an impressive career spanning over 18 years in Criminal Justice education. Most recently, she served as an instructor for Dual Enrollment at the Houston County College & Career Academy (HCCA), where she taught the Criminal Justice Program at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) in Warner Robins, Georgia. Her passion for teaching is evident in her diverse teaching experience, which includes three years as an Adjunct Instructor at Middle Georgia Technical College, four years at Columbus State University, and 12 years as a full-time Criminal Justice Instructor at CGTC. Known for her team-oriented approach, Cheronie is committed to expanding her skills and knowledge to better serve her students.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, she was honored as the 2023 Georgia Association of Career & Technical Education (GACTE) Post-Secondary Professional of the Year. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for HCCA and as a manuscript reviewer for the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia’s “The Pursuit” Journal, evaluating scholarly articles. During her tenure at HCCA, she held leadership roles such as Dual Enrollment Lead Teacher, SkillsUSA Advisor, and Team Leader for the Harbor Freight Grant Writing Committee and Partners Club. She also played a key role in the 2021 TCSG-GaDOE curriculum alignment review for Criminal Justice courses.
Cheronie’s influence extends beyond the classroom, with students under her mentorship achieving significant milestones. One of her students served as State SkillsUSA Vice President, and another was named Lieutenant Governor’s College and Career Academy Student of the Year. Her accomplishments include being named HCCA’s Teacher of the Year and the Houston County School District’s Exceptional Teacher of the Year in 2018-19. Additionally, she was a nominee for the 2021 and 2022 Rick Perkins Teacher of the Year awards and the recipient of the 2013-2014 CGTC Innovation Mini Grant. She has also collaborated with the Georgia Bar Association and volunteer attorneys to provide students opportunities to participate in Georgia Mock Trial Competitions, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within her community.
Blunt is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
