SkillsUSA NYS Advisor of the Year
Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Automotive Technology instructor John Stratton was recently announced as the 2020-2021 SkillsUSA New York State Advisor of the Year.
This statewide award recognizes Stratton’s outstanding dedication to SkillsUSA and his commitment to his students and fellow staff members. Stratton was previously named as the SkillsUSA Area 2 Advisor of the Year, an honor which made him a candidate for the state award.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals working together to offer leadership and citizenship development to complement students’ career and technical education (CTE) skills training. Chapters and their members are also able to participate in local, state and national SkillsUSA competitions.
The SkillsUSA New York State Advisor of the Year award is traditionally presented to the recipient during the New York State SkillsUSA Conference in April, however, this year’s Conference was cancelled due to the ongoing global health crisis. New York State SkillsUSA plans to honor Stratton at its upcoming Fall Leadership Conference in November.
Prior to becoming an instructor in 2003, Stratton worked in the automotive industry for 27 years as a technician, shop foreman and service manager. He is an ASE certified master automotive technician and advanced engine performance specialist, as well as a member of the North American Council of Automotive Teachers and the National Auto Service Task Force. In 2018, Stratton received the North American Council of Automotive Teachers Education Foundation SEMA Award.
Under his guidance, the OHM BOCES Automotive Technology program has received international recognition. Tomorrow's Technician magazine named the program as a top 20 school in both 2017 and 2018, and recognized the program as a top 4 school and #1 in the Northeast in 2019.
“Mr. Stratton is a student advocate who demonstrates tireless effort to engage students throughout our school,” said David Stayton, OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education Principal. “He is always willing to go the extra mile to support student participation and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.”