Cynthia Celaya Oder                                                                                                            January 12, 2008

I first met Ted when I was in high school. He was my teacher for several vocational education classes and my advisor for Skills USA, a skills developing organization. As a teacher, Ted would never let his students settle for anything but the best. Ted made sure that all his students knew that education is important and his commitment to education was never vague, we always knew what he believed. Ted has always stood up for education and his commitment to improving Arizona ’s educational system is evident from his many years in the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona both as a member and as an executive officer.  

Ted was an amazing mentor, being a first-generation college bound student; he inspired me to achieve the success that many had not mentioned to me. He never let me be second best with many skills he taught me. He encouraged me to continue my education and become an engineer so that I can help solve society’s problems. Ted showed me that both soft skills and hard skills are necessary to be successful. Ted believed in me when some didn’t, he has really made a difference in my life. Thanks to the encouragement and education that Ted gave me, I am now an electrical engineer. I am now one of his many success stories.

Thanks Mr. Maish.