FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces New Mexico High School Counselor Lead District Secondary Counselor as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Merrilee Saige-Alvarez, High School Counselor Lead District Secondary Counselor at Las Cruces Public Schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the 2023 ACTE Region IV Counseling and Career Development Professional. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary 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.
Merrilee Saige-Alvarez is in her 10th year as a High School Counselor at Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She also serves as the Las Cruces Public Schools Lead Secondary Counselor for the district. Upon completion of her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Counseling and Guidance, she has taken on a variety of teaching and leadership positions at the local and state levels by creating strong relationships and advocating for students. In her 24 years in education, she has taught 1st, 2nd, and 6th grade, as well as working as a Middle and High School Counselor. In her current positions, she is able to work with school staff in her building as well as CTE District staff and Industry to help foster and bridge opportunities for her students. She continues to grow as a professional as NMACTE Board Member for Counseling and Career Division, member of the first Cohort of the ACTE Region IV Fellows Program, and now serves as the Fellows Advisor for the first Cohort of the NMACTE Fellows Program. She was named the NMACTE Counselor of the Year for 2022-2023.
Saige-Alvarez is one of five finalists for the 2024 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 November 29, 2023, 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.
