Darin Virag, a highly esteemed Fire and EMT instructor at the Putnam Career and Technical Center, has been honored with one of SkillsUSA's highest accolades: the Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Award. This prestigious award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions to career and technical education (CTE) and have shown exceptional dedication to their students and the SkillsUSA organization.

Mr. Virag's achievement underscores his impactful teaching methods and unwavering commitment to student safety and education. Known for his dynamic and practical fire safety demonstrations, Mr. Virag engages students with real-world scenarios that vividly illustrate fire hazards and the importance of proper safety measures. His demonstrations are particularly noted for their relevance and immediacy, providing students with a tangible understanding of fire risks.

One of Mr. Virag's standout demonstrations involves highlighting the dangers of deep-frying a turkey too close to a home. This dramatic and effective demonstration showcases the rapid escalation and potential devastation of a grease fire, emphasizing the need for caution and proper technique when cooking with hot oil. Another powerful demonstration compares how quickly real and fake Christmas trees can ignite. This visual comparison helps students grasp the importance of maintaining safe practices during the holiday season, such as keeping trees watered and away from heat sources.

Mr. Virag is dedicated to equipping students with practical firefighting skills. He trains various student groups, including those in the ProStart culinary program, on the effective use of fire extinguishers. He ensures that students not only know how to operate extinguishers but also understand which types are appropriate for different classes of fires, such as grease, electrical, or chemical fires.

SkillsUSA offers a wide array of awards for its students and advisors, highlighting its commitment to promoting excellence and leadership in career and technical education. These awards range from distinguished personal honors like the Advisor of the Year to collective achievements like the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Such recognition underscores the dedication, skill, and community spirit that define SkillsUSA.

The SkillsUSA Outstanding Educator Award, which Mr. Virag has received, specifically honors educators who have demonstrated a profound commitment to student success and made significant contributions to CTE at the local, state, and national levels. Eligible educators must have at least three years of teaching experience and be registered professional members of SkillsUSA. Nominations are reviewed by a committee from the SkillsUSA Board of Directors, who select recipients based on their proven commitment to student success, contributions to CTE, and significant educational positions held.

Mr. Virag's award reflects his outstanding contributions to CTE and his unwavering dedication to his students. Through his innovative teaching methods and commitment to safety education. His recognition by SkillsUSA is well-deserved and highlights the profound impact that passionate and skilled educators can have on their students and communities.