PIQUA — Jeff Bertke, Electrical Trades Instructor and Skills USA adviser at the Upper Valley Career Center, has been named the Region III Adviser of the Year. This honor places him among five finalists for the 2018 National Adviser of the Year Award. In the spring of 2017, he was named the State of Ohio Adviser of the Year, which placed him in the running for this award.

SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. This organization works to form partnership with students, faculty, and industry to ensure that America has a skilled workforce.

Locally, the Career Center has over 500 student members of SkillsUSA, encompassing 14 of the 24 career tech programs at the school. Bertke is a co-adviser alongside Sara Plozay. Together they oversee the local chapter, helping students accomplish personal and career goals, and grow as leaders on local, regional, and national levels.

Bertke was nominated for this honor by Plozay, which received resounding support from administration, faculty and staff.

“The students understand and value the opportunities SkillsUSA membership provides them because Jeff models his sincere belief in the meaning and purpose of the organization …. Year after year our students share with our Board of Education the impact that SkillsUSA involvement has had on their lives,” said Superintendent Dr. Nancy Luce. “Frequent themes are increasing their self-confidence, understanding the value of community service, experiencing a world outside of their own, and learning to advocate for their beliefs.”

Bertke is a tireless servant, utilizing his skills and that of his students, to better the community around him, she said.

In June, Bertke will attend the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, to be recognized for the honor.