AUGUSTA, ME — On Tuesday, March 11, Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, and Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston presented a legislative sentiment to Robert Callahan of Gorham, Director of the Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC), in recognition of his being named the 2024 Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year by the Maine Association of Career Technical Education.

“The work Rob has done for the students of Lewiston and surrounding communities is so important,” said Sen. Rotundo. “LRTC provides valuable experience that students will use in the classroom, in college and in their careers after high school. This award is a testament to the hard work he has put in, and how much value he adds to Lewiston’s educational curriculum. I cannot thank him enough for the effort he puts into educating our future generations.”

Callahan was nominated by his peers at the Technical Center on the Lewiston High School campus. Following the nomination, the executive committee of the Maine Association of Career Technical Education voted for him to receive the award. 

“It was a pleasure to welcome Mr. Callahan to the Maine Senate,” said Sen. Brenner. “Career and technical education equips students with hands-on skills needed to succeed both in the classroom and in the future workforce.”

The LRTC is a part of the national Career and Technical Education program. LRTC provides hands-on, immersive education opportunities that prepare Lewiston High School students for a variety of careers and college.

Callahan has been an active participant in policy discussion about Career and Technical Education centers at both the state and national level. He has also contributed to educational forums and shared best practices with fellow educators. Callahan has been credited with influencing positive changes in CTE policies and funding, which have been beneficial to students and educators across the state.

The CTE Excellence Awards are administered through Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education and the Maine Association for Career and Technical Education. Callahan will now advance to the regional level of recognition for a chance to progress to the national level through the national Association of Career and Technical Education.

Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, (left) and Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, (right) with Robert Callahan (center).