February is Career and Technical Education Month. By enrolling in a CTE course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. 

A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage. 

Six FCPS high schools include academies. A high school academy is a center within an existing high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation. Cassandra Deedy serves as the counselor at Edison Academy. Part of this role is to inform students, parents, and high school counselors about academy offerings. 

Cassandra was selected as an Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee finalist in 2024. The following information is pulled from her nomination packet. 

Cassandra goes far beyond her role as the Edison Academy counselor. She has worked as a school counselor for nearly 30 years, with close to 20 of them spent at Edison High School and Edison Academy. 

“Cassandra’s work is critical to the success of our programs through her outreach to all schools, correspondence with students, families, and staff members, counselor training, and school visits,” said her colleague David Schlemmer, an Edison High School counselor. “While Cassandra is exemplary in her professional obligations, what sets her apart, and worthy of this recognition, is her personal care and attention to students.” 

Cassandra opens her office daily at lunchtime for those with sensory needs. She supports students at academy events and athletic games after school and on weekends. She provides students with emotional support and celebrates their successful life choices by attending one student’s naturalization ceremony and another’s graduation from Navy basic training. 

“Her eagerness to support every facet of school life is evident through her willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed,” said Amanda Burke, principal of Edison High School. 

Cassandra mentors student ambassadors while helping them prepare for their future careers. Her model for the program has been adopted by other schools for their leadership programs. Cassandra created a visitation program that welcomes students and counselors to experience academy classes firsthand. She leads the coordination of elective fairs and academy marketing materials, effectively showcasing the academy's programs and playing a key role in student engagement and enrollment.

Edison Academy is one of seven academies in FCPS and attracts students from 14 feeder high schools. Last year, there were more than 2,000 student applications for 1,200 spots in Edison Academy classes. 

Cassandra’s dedication is not only evident through her interactions with students at her school, she is involved in wellness events for staff and community events. “Her consistent day-to-day approach and the tremendous value she places on supporting the well-being of others reminds us of what is possible in the educational profession, and I continue to be inspired and uplifted by her exuberance,” David said.