(ROUND ROCK, TX)– This past weekend, Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31) held his Inaugural Congressional Achievement Award in for Outstanding Students in Career and Technical Education ceremony at TSTC in Hutto, announcing the five outstanding students from central Texas that are pursuing studies in Career and Technical Education.

“These young people are exceptional examples of the promise of CTE.  I'm excited to salute these innovators with an award that recognizes their achievements,” said Rep. Carter. “In order to bridge the gap between our workforce and employers, I believe promoting Career and Technical Education and the many opportunities it presents should begin at the local level. Across Texas, we have many businesses searching for qualified talent to work in plumbing, roofing, mechanical, heating and air conditioning, as well as other technical and trades careers. We need to do a better job at promoting and educating our young people on available jobs and careers in these fields that are often good paying, stable, and provide opportunities to grow.”

This year’s winners include Bell County students: Chloe Bush from Belton High School; Selena Perez, Killeen Career Center; Deandre Johnson, Killeen Career Center. Williamson County was represented by: Sunitha Konatham, Cedar Ridge High School; and Preston Cummings, Georgetown High School.

Rep Carter introduced the Congressional Achievement Award for Outstanding Students in Career and Technical Education to promote and acknowledge success within the trades for local high school students within Texas’ 31^st Congressional District.

The Congressional Achievement Award is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the exceptional efforts of students studying Career and Technical Education skills within the 31^st Congressional District of Texas. Nominated students are well-rounded individuals demonstrating a thorough knowledge of their chosen trade. Students were nominated by their teachers or other educators and the winners are chosen by a diverse Board of representatives from academia, and the private sector.

For more information on Rep. Carter’s Congressional Achievement Award for Outstanding TX31 Students in CTE, please visit: https://carter.house.gov/career-technical-education-award/career-technical-education-award/

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.