The buzz in State Farm Arena last June was electric. Students, teachers, and industry professionals had gathered for the SkillsUSA Opening Session, but one award had everyone on the edge of their seats — the Advisor of the Year, the national honor that goes to the most outstanding instructor of the year. As the national officers led the session, a hush fell over the crowd. “This year’s SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year goes to a great leader, mentor and inspiration to hundreds of students, Angel Mead!”
The arena erupted in applause. Students from New York leaped to their feet, cheering for the woman who had shaped so many futures. Mead, always humble, smiled as stood on the large stage to receive her award, with many memories flashing through her mind of late nights preparing students for career competitions, of the pride in her students’ eyes when they mastered a new skill, and of the countless young professionals she had helped launch into successful careers.
Her journey had started decades ago as a young student herself, guided by her teacher, Vivian Lateer. That encouragement ignited a passion in Mead — one that never faded. From her early days as a Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) member to leading SkillsUSA chapters, mentoring students and even shaping industry standards, Mead never just taught cosmetology — she empowered her students and supported their futures.
A work-based learning coordinator and adult cosmetology instructor at Broome Tioga BOCES in Binghamton, N.Y., Mead was introduced to SkillsUSA in 1980 when it was the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). After graduation, her former instructor asked her to judge the cosmetology contests at both the regional and state levels. Once Mead started working for BOCES, she became a VICA advisor and later took over as the lead advisor role in 1992. Working in many different roles during her teaching career, she has been a judge at the regional, state and national levels, cosmetology contest chair at both the regional and state levels, cluster manager at the state level, and Area 2 secretary.
Becoming a state officer advisor was one of her most rewarding roles. In that role, she was able to not only work closely with her own students but meet and work with other young leaders and their advisors from across New York. Mead is a licensed hairstylist and teacher, has owned her own salon and is a New York state board site supervisor for both cosmetology and nail examinations. Mead says the beliefs of the SkillsUSA organization, the SkillsUSA Framework and the Essential Elements are the beliefs she lives by. She says, “Our goal as educators should be to lead by example and teach our students how to become ethical, adaptable and forward-thinking employees.” Mead is married with two adult children, two daughters-in-law and a granddaughter.
Mead isn’t just another teacher. She has been a legacy builder and a mentor who has left an indelible mark on the world of career and technical education. As she stood on stage on June 25, 2024 and held the Advisor of the Year award in her hands, Mead knew one thing for sure — her greatest achievement wasn’t a trophy. It was the students whose lives she had forever changed.
Meet the Regional Advisors of the Year
Allison Terry | Region 2, South Carolina
Allison Terry, an electrical instructor and program coordinator for building construction trades at York Technical College in Rock Hill, S.C., is dedicated to cultivating a learning environment that imparts technical skills and nurtures the growth of confident, capable leaders ready to make their mark in the industry. Growing up in Houma, La., Terry’s journey with electricity and SkillsUSA started at Louis Miller Terrebonne Career and Technical High School where she took a class in electricity and served as SkillsUSA state treasurer during the 2002-03 school year. As a state officer, she had the opportunity to attend the SkillsUSA national competition where she had a life-changing informal interview with Wayne J. Griffin Electric representatives. The day she turned 18, she received a call from them inviting her to visit their main office in Holliston, Mass., where she met Wayne Griffin himself and was hired. Terry completed a four-year apprenticeship program, marking a significant milestone as the first female to complete the NCCER program for Griffin Electric in Charlotte, N.C. She became a licensed electrician, NCCER master electrical trainer, foreperson and project engineer. Leading the inaugural SkillsUSA chapter at York Technical College has been her most gratifying aspect of her journey so far. Terry says, “This role has provided me with immense fulfillment. By incorporating the Essential Elements into hands-on learning experiences, mentorship initiatives and projects, I provide students with opportunities to acquire technical expertise and develop the leadership skills and personal qualities essential for success.”
Tiffany Beard | Region 3, Illinois
Tiffany Beard, a career and technical education and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering instructor at Morton (Ill.) High School, has nearly two decades of experience in intermediate and secondary education. After 14 years teaching middle school science and PLTW classes, Beard began her tenure at Morton High School, where she teaches five courses in the PLTW engineering pathway, including computer integrated manufacturing, CAD engineering design, civil engineering and architecture and aerospace engineering. As a SkillsUSA advisor, her efforts have seen the chapter’s Program of Work significantly increase, expanded the number of training programs that are active with SkillsUSA, and her recruitment and engagement efforts have more than doubled the number of active chapter members. In her five years at Morton High School, she has proven to be a dedicated educator who is passionate about empowering her students to achieve success in their academic and career paths. Beard is committed to providing her students with real-world experiences, preparing them to become skilled and employable individuals in their respective fields. What sets her apart from other educators is her dedication to her student’s holistic development. She not only focuses on their academic progress, but also on their personal growth. She is a mentor and a role model, guiding her students toward becoming well-rounded individuals and her approach has helped students develop self-confidence, leadership skills and a strong work ethic. She says, “Cultivating the Essential Elements within students is critical, serving as a foundation for preparing for the demands of their future employment.”
Benjamin Applegate | Region 4, Iowa
Benjamin Applegate is a SkillsUSA advisor and an industrial technology instructor at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa. Applegate is in his fifth year of teaching in Waverly after spending his first two years in a different school district in Iowa. He believes that career and technical education is invaluable in developing people to meet the needs of the modern workforce and that it bridges the gap between academic learning and the practical skills needed for success in the real world. He also believes that developing the Essential Elements of the SkillsUSA Framework in students is paramount for their holistic growth and future success. “These elements, compassing Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills, form the foundation for thriving in both career and life,” he says. “We make sure to use the SkillsUSA Framework in all of our chapter activities.” He added SkillsUSA to the industrial technology program two years ago after seeing firsthand the benefits of student organizations and the growth potential for students. In the first year, there were five students interested and in the second year, there were 16. This year, the chapter grew to more than 80 students. “Every student has bought into the SkillsUSA Framework and the potential in SkillsUSA,” he says. Applegate has also been nominated for Ag Teacher of the Year in Iowa as well as the Northeast Iowa STEM Educator of the Year. He also serves on the SkillsUSA Iowa Board of Directors. When not working, he likes spending time with his wife, Kristen, and their two pets — Winston, a pug and Campbell, a fluffy orange cat.
Joshua Ronstadt | Region 5, Arizona
Joshua Ronstadt has been a SkillsUSA advisor and construction technologies and architectural drawing instructor at Canyon del Oro High School in Oro Valley, Ariz. for eight years. He holds a CTE teaching certificate and is a 20-year Master Craftsman, and NCCER Certified Craft instructor. Ronstadt has a passion for designing and building and believes it is a gift to be able to use your mind and your hands to create something from raw materials, starting with an idea, then a two-dimensional drawing and becoming finally a three-dimensional object. Ronstadt’s family owned a pizza restaurant where he worked starting at age 13. As a young adult, he found a job with a high-end acoustic guitar company and was trained in guitar manufacturing and repair. In 2016, he found his calling in teaching young people the value of craftsmanship, integrity and a good work ethic. He says teaching is an extreme sport. “There are lots of obstacles to face, but in the end, successfully completing the challenge is very rewarding. There is nothing like making a difference in a young person’s life.” Ronstadt says he is honored to teach professionalism, work ethic, collaboration, resume building and more. “These are life skills that students can take with them for building character, problem solving and adding value to who they are as contributing members of society.” The SkillsUSA Essential Elements align perfectly with his class philosophy. In his free time, Ronstadt enjoys spending time with his wife of 29 years, his two children and three grandchildren.
