Vantage Career Center Staff Honored with Statewide Career-Tech Excellence Awards
Van Wert, Ohio — Vantage Career Center is proud to announce that two members of its staff have received prestigious statewide recognition from the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE) during the 2026 Career-Tech Excellence Awards.
Health Technology Instructor Audree Markward was named Ohio’s New Career-Technical Education Teacher of the Year, recognizing her outstanding dedication to student success and excellence in career and technical education.
In just her third year at Vantage, Markward has made a significant impact on students by combining 16 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience with engaging, hands-on instruction. A graduate of the Apollo Career Center Practical Nursing Program, she is committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through authentic, real-world learning experiences.
Vantage also celebrates EMIS Coordinator Gail Gillett, who received the Ohio ACTE Ambassador Award in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering commitment to career and technical education.
For 37 years, Gillett has been an integral part of the Vantage Career Center family, serving in multiple leadership support roles while making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Known for her professionalism, welcoming spirit, and dedication to excellence, Gail consistently goes above and beyond to foster a positive school culture, support staff and students, coordinate wellness initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure every visitor experiences the very best of Vantage.
Superintendent Rick Turner praised both recipients for their accomplishments and the example they set for students and colleagues.
“On behalf of the administration, staff, and Board of Education at Vantage Career Center, I want to extend my deepest congratulations to Audree Markward and Gail Gillett on receiving prestigious statewide honors at the 2026 Ohio ACTE Career-Tech Excellence Awards.
To have two of our own recognized at the state level is a monumental achievement, and it speaks volumes about the caliber of professionals we have guiding our school. True excellence in career technical education isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about building community, fostering passion, and driving success. Audree and Gail represent the very best of Vantage, and their statewide recognition is incredibly well-deserved. Their commitment to our students and our mission is unwavering. Audree and Gail make all of us proud to be a part of Vantage Career Center!”
The Ohio ACTE Career-Tech Excellence Awards recognize educators, administrators, counselors, support professionals, and advocates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to career and technical education throughout Ohio.
Vantage Career Center congratulates Audree Markward and Gail Gillett on this well-deserved statewide recognition and thanks them for their continued commitment to empowering students and advancing career and technical education.
