RECOGNITION Outstanding Career and Technical Educators Continued Hal Casey Hal Casey serves as the director of SkillsUSA Maine, but he's been a true champion for career and technical education on a variety of levels over many years. Currently an instructor and department chair for computer systems technology at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), Casey also spent 20 years teaching on the secondary level. Among his many honors include being named as SkillsUSA Maine's Advisor of the Year, earning a YMCA Volunteer of the Year award and receiving his certification as a Maine Conditionally Certified Principal. Casey's education philosophy is that all students must be provided equal and appropriate - but not necessarily identical - educational opportunities to allow them to achieve at levels that match their abilities. " All students must be given the chance to learn in an environment which allows them to develop positive attitudes toward themselves and respect for others, " he says. " While I might have been involved with a lot of different aspects of teaching and leadership during my career, none of it even compares to the joy you get when you see a former student years later who not only is a fine young adult, but a hardworking, caring, and compassionate member of their community. " Casey has truly been a great role model in that regard. 34 2022 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION