The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) recently announced that Nicole Zernick, Career & Technology Education Coordinator for the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center, is the recipient of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.

“Nicole is a dedicated volunteer with Middle States who has provided critical support to numerous schools undergoing the accreditation process,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., interim president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “Nicole recognizes how powerful it is for schools to work with leaders in education like her, to share information and tips for success, and to support each other.”

Presented annually, the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so all students receive the highest quality education possible. Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards designed to reflect best practices in education. Nicklas served as the executive director of the Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 2002 to 2005 and was a member of the staff since 1993. She remains a dedicated educator, who views accreditation as one of the most effective forms of evaluation available to schools. 

Mrs. Zernick has led teams of Middle States volunteers on visits to a number of career and technical schools throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. 

Zernick award

(Pictured: Dr. Glen Mort, Vice President, Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and Nicole Zernick, CTE Coordinator, GACTC)

“I am grateful to Middle States for this honor, and for providing me with the opportunity to meet and work with educators from a variety of school communities,” said Zernick. “It is gratifying to be part of an accreditation process that provides tangible benefits to schools and school systems, and to be able to make a lasting difference in students’ lives.” 

The GACTC has institutional accreditation through the Middle States  Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.  Middle States has more than 2,500 accredited schools and school systems in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and in over 110 countries. For more information about Middle States Association, please visit www.msa-cess.org.