CTE Students Recognized at Optimist Club COVOTRA Program

The Optimist Club of Alexandria recognized outstanding cooperative education students from T.C. Williams High School at their annual COVOTRA luncheon at Belle Haven Country Club on Wednesday, May 23.

Pictured, left to right, are Sheila Purce, Alexandria Optimist Club President Carolyn Miller and Kiara Turner.

Business student Kiara Turner received recognition for her work experience at Giant. Her cooperative education teacher is Sandra Merrill-Casey. Marketing student Portia Greene worked at Harris Teeter in Potomac Yards, where she was supervised by Ed Davis. Her cooperative education instructor is Teresa Chavis. Family Consumer Science student Sheila Purce gained experience at Hopkins House, where she was supervised by Ms. Melissa and Ms. Sarah. Kimberly Archer is her cooperative education instructor.

The students enjoyed a luncheon at Belle Haven Country Club with their teachers, family members, ACPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator Sherri Chapman and Optimist Club members. Each student received a framed Optimist Creed and a check for $50.

The COVOTRA program started in the late 1970s/early 1980s by Floyd Mason, former T.C. Williams Industrial Cooperative Training (ICT) program coordinator. He proposed that the outstanding students in the various cooperative education programs be recognized by the club in cooperation with their immediate supervisors on the job and the CTE cooperative coordinators from the high school. Two other former T.C. Williams ICT coordinators, Fred Gunn and Wilbur Harris, also Optimist Club members, joined and supported the effort.