Health Careers Certification Students Participate in State Conference
More than 1,400 students and educators participated in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference which was held April 10-12. Four students from Northwest Tech’s Alva campus participated. The group was accompanied by Tara Thomas, Health Careers Certification Instructor. HOSA is the CareerTech student-led organization associated with health occupations education.
Lara Skaggs, state HOSA advisor, said the health care field is currently facing a shortage of workers as many nurses and medical workers near retirement age. “Students attending the conference found lots of information about career opportunities in the health care field,” she said. “Recruiters from Oklahoma City area hospitals and other health care facilities were also in attendance to offer information about incentives for health occupations students.”
More than 50 different competitive events were held for students to participate in during the conference. Many of the preliminary events were held via online testing through a partnership with the CareerTech Testing Division and their health certification web testing services. “Twenty-six events had online tests where students competed prior to the finals at the state conference,” Thomas said. “This has saved the state and HOSA more than $17,000 in transportation costs, hotel expenses, registration fees and substitute teacher pay.”
The students who participated included: Anna Zeller, Alva High School senior; Leslie Doty, adult student; Lisa Yearout, adult student; and ShiAnn Cook, Alva High School junior. Zeller placed third in the Nursing Assisting event. Doty placed fifth in the Dental Terminology post-secondary event. Yearout and Cook both participated in the Kaisler Test and will be attending the National HOSA Convention in June. Other students competing in round one events included: Cheryl Peace, Amber Jennings, Teirna Altobella, Laura Sissom, Marva Haltom, April Thiesing and Britney Bryant.
Students Win First Place at State Contest
The SkillsUSA State Convention was held April 24-26, 2008, in Tulsa. Participating in the Job Readiness event from Northwest Technology Center, Alva campus were Ray Holcom and Rick Adams. Holcom participated in the Job Readiness Hard Surface Maintenance contest and was awarded first place and a gold medal. Adams participated in the Job Readiness Prepared Speech event and was also awarded first place and a gold medal. Both students were recognized on stage at the awards ceremony Friday evening held at the Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University. Adams was also recognized as a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
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Ray Holcom and Rick Adams are presented with Gold Medals from Tim Lawrence, National Director, Skills USA. |
Students Complete Leadership Program
Northwest Technology Center students who have been involved in the Superintendent’s Leadership Class ended their program in April with a final banquet and completion celebration. The banquet was held in the Ranger Room on the campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Nineteen students from Northwest Technology Center’s Alva and Fairview campuses completed the program along with twelve students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center in Omega.
Dr. Janet Cunningham, President of Northwestern Oklahoma State University was the speaker for the evening. Cunningham reviewed the importance of being a competent leader with a great attitude during her remarks. The remarks were followed by the presentation of a completion award to each student and an opportunity for the students to introduce their guests.
This is the sixth year for Northwest Technology Center to have a leadership program. Students participate in a professional application and interview process. The group members attend monthly meetings with topics such as business and professional etiquette, teambuilding and leadership. The leadership class is sponsored and funding is provided by the Northwest Technology Center Foundation.
Students participating include Karma Sessions and Cindy Howerton of Canton, Brooke Beckner of Aline, and Shelby Yates, Amanda Collins, Robin Burnham, Tyler Wilson, Jodi Simmons, Derick Wilder, Sarahi Wilson and Ashley Fancher all of Fairview, Kelly Whipple, Kalei Nixon, Anna Zeller, Erica Roberts and Terranda Murry all of Alva, Adam Mallard of Waynoka, Cheryl Peace of Burlington, and Laci Davidson of Ringwood.
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| Students from NWTC Fairview attending the Leadership Class Completion Banquet included: (back row l to r) Brooke Beckner, Sarahi Wilson, Derick Wilder and Tyler Wilson; (front row l to r) Jodi Simmons, Robin Burnham, Amanda Collins, Ashley Fancher and Cindy Howerton. |
Students from NWTC Alva who attended the Leadership Class Completion Banquet included: (back row l to r) Kalei Nixon, Kellie Whipple, Laci Davidson, Terranda Murry and Anna Zeller. |
Student Will Simultaneously Graduate from Alva High School and NOC
Until the fall of 2006, Alva High School senior, Kellie Whipple never imagined that she could graduate from high school and college in the same month. However, in May, Kellie will walk across the stage at commencement ceremonies at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology. Kellie will also graduate from Alva High in May 2008.
“There are quite a few students who could also pull this off, if they set their mind to it.” said Whipple. “Anyone should do this whether they want to pursue a career in web design, business or accounting or just learn a skill that they can use in college.” The dual graduation was accomplished by enrolling in courses at NOC in conjunction with her high school curriculum. She earned college credit through competencies earned in the Web Development and Graphic Design program at Northwest Technology Center.
According to Whipple, the Associate’s Degree will end up costing her about $1500 which includes books. She will finish the degree in May and will receive her diploma on May 3. Whipple took several core curriculum classes on-line from NOC including Comp I, Comp II, US History Since 1865 and Government. She took a CLEP test for Algebra and also completed a Speech class at Northwestern Oklahoma State.
“I am planning to enroll at Oklahoma State next fall,” stated Whipple, “I will be a junior with 63 hours and I plan to major in Animal Science. I am really looking forward to meeting new people. I am planning to use the skills that I learned at Northwest Technology Center to design websites, so that I can make some money while I am in college and in vet school.”
“My parents are really happy that I am saving time and money on my college education,” continued Whipple. “My instructor, Mrs. Frascht has helped me a lot by encouraging me to do this and helping me to get enrolled. Without her assistance, I’d just be starting college like any other freshman.”
In addition to many other honors, Whipple is an institutional nominee for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) scholarship, a result of her high ACT score. She can use the scholarship to cover her expenses at OSU. Whipple is looking forward to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of Mandy and Alan Whipple of Alva. She is active in the Nazerene Church and is an officer in FFA and in 4-H. At Northwest Technology Center, she has been a member of the Business Professionals of America and the Superintendent’s Leadership Class. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar.
Skills on Wheels Visits Northwest Tech
The Manufacturing Education Training System (METS) Skills On Wheels Mobile Lab recently made a visit to the Manufacturing Technology program at Northwest Technology Center. Current students and those area schools participating in NWTC’s Sophomore Tours were able to tour the unit.
According to Daniel Simmons, Manufacturing Technology instructor at NWTC, “The Skills on Wheels lab has the latest in manufacturing technology. The students eyes were opened to the possibilities of developing a prototype which could save many hours in developing a new part for production.”
The METS mobile skills lab was created by the Business and Industry Services department at Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City. The lab contains a CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, 3D Scanner, Plasma Torch, Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Workstation and many other types of equipment.
Within the mobile lab, designs created with CAD software or loaded from other sources can be downloaded to the mill for production. This allows students to see if their designs and programs really work.
The Skills on Wheels lab was created and is housed at Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City. It has been traveling throughout the state since last summer.
Pictured above are (left to right): Bob White, Alfonso Rojas, John Williams, Wesly Koehn and Doug Martin. Rojas, Martin and Koehn are students in the Service Technology program. White and Williams are enrolled in NWTC’s Manufacturing Technology program.
Sophomores Get a Head Start on Selecting a Career
Did you know what you wanted to do when you graduated from high school? Sophomores from Alva High School had an opportunity to explore career and educational opportunities by touring Northwest Technology Center earlier this week.
“Sophomore Tours are an annual event at Northwest Technology Center,” according to Karen Koehn, Guidance Counselor, “this is an exciting time for our staff, students and perspective students.” During the tours students are given a 20 minute introduction to all of Northwest Technology Center’s daytime programs in the morning. The students are asked to choose two programs to return to for more hands on experience in the afternoon.
According to Dwight Hughes, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent, “We are excited that these students take the time to come and see what we have to offer. Many of our programs offer college credit opportunities to these students at a very low cost and research indicates that career tech graduates add over $2 billion annually to the economy of our state. It makes sense for these students to consider Northwest Tech as an option either next year or after graduating from high school.”
Several AHS Sophomores experienced the Auto Collision Technology program first hand by painting fiberglass panels for cars. Pictured above with Jeff Owen, Auto Collision Instructor, are Andrew Rathgeber, Michael Bouziden, Jared Streich, Zach Robison, Ashlee Kilgore, Justin Micholson and Sarah Smithey.
Leadership Class Visits State Capitol
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Members of Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent’s Leadership Class enjoyed a great day touring Oklahoma’s Capitol. The group includes left to right: (front row) Terranda Murray, Shelby Yates, Erica Roberts, Ashley Fancher; (middle row) Jodi Simmons, Kalei Nixon, Laci Davidson, Cindy Howerton, Amanda Collins, Anna Zeller, Kellie Whipple; (back row) Brooke Beckner, Tyler Wilson, Derick Wilder, Sarahi Wilson, and Karma Sessions. |
Many students visit the state capitol in Oklahoma City as a school field trip. However, most don’t combine the trip with a night at the theater, eating at a famous restaurant and touring a mansion. However, this was the day that students in Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent’s Leadership Class experienced. The group joined students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center (CTTC) in Omega for the activities.
The group started the day with a tour of the state capitol. The tour was given by Zach Sproul, Assistant to Representative Hickman. Following photos with area legislators, the group had lunch. The students were joined by Representative Jeff Hickman. While the students enjoyed their meal, Hickman described a typical day on the job, answered questions about economic development and other legislative issues. This was followed by a tour of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion.
The day was wrapped up by the group enjoying an early dinner at Toby Keith’s restaurant in Bricktown.
“This was the first time that I have been to the capitol,” stated Terranda Murry, adult student from Alva in Business and Information Technology at Northwest Technology Center, “I had so much fun and I really learned a lot. Speaking with the legislators was a highlight of the day for me.”
“We have had many great experiences this year. This trip was a fun and educational way to learn about the legislative process and to enjoy some of the cultural activities that are offered right here in our state.” said Kellie Whipple, an AHS student enrolled in Web Development and Graphic Design at Northwest Technology Center.
Students participating include Karma Sessions and Cindy Howerton of Canton, Brooke Beckner of Aline, and Shelby Yates, Amanda Collins, Robin Burnham, Tyler Wilson, Jodi Simmons, Derick Wilder, Sarahi Wilson and Ashley Fancher all of Fairview, Kelly Whipple, Kalei Nixon, Anna Zeller, Erica Roberts and Terranda Murry all of Alva, Adam Mallard of Waynoka, Cheryl Peace of Burlington, and Laci Davidson of Ringwood.
Student Wins Medal at State Contest
Amee Shafer is an adult student in the Service Technology program at Northwest Technology Center Alva Campus. Shafer participated in the Job Readiness contest help in conjunction with the State Skills USA contest help in Stillwater on Friday, March 28. Amee competed in the Child Care Aide contest and was awarded third place. She received a certificate and medal. Amee is the daughter of Judy and David Weaver.
Students Perform Well at State Competitive Events
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Kendal Knabe |
From left: Kayla Shiplet, Margaret Davidson,
Terranda Murray, Susan Parent, and Brenda Coonrod |
Students from Northwest Technology Center competed at the Business Professionals of America 2008 State Conference. Several students who are enrolled in the Business and Information Technology program and the Web Development and Graphic Design program placed in their respective contests.
Kendal Knabe, who is a secondary student from Alva, placed first in the Fundamentals of XHTML. Kayla Shiplet placed second in the Fundamentals of Accounting and placed in the top 10 in Spreadsheet Applications and Analysis. Susan Parent placed in the top 10 in the Fundamentals of Word Processing. Terranda Murray placed in the top 10 in Basic Office Systems and Procedures. Brenda Coonrod placed in the top 10 in the Fundamentals of Word Processing. Margaret Davidson placed fourth in Presentation Management. Shiplet, Parent, Murray, Coonrod and Davidson are all post-secondary students.
Andrea Long is the instructor for NWTC’s Business and Information Technology program. Tami Frascht is the instructor for NWTC’s Web Development and Graphic Design program.
Students Participate in Regional Contest
Students from the Service Technology program at Northwest Technology Center in Alva who placed at the recent regional competition include: (l to r) Rick Adams, first place in Job Skill Demonstration; Jeremy Speaker, fourth place in Low Speed Buffing; Ray Holcom, first place in Hard Surface Maintenance; Cecil Vickery, second place in Cake Decorating; Amee Shafer, first place in Child Care. Adams and Holcom will compete at the state competition in Tulsa in April. Shafer will compete in the state competition.
Advisory Committee Meetings Held
The Northwest Technology Center, Fairview Campus, hosted its annual Advisory Committee Meeting on Friday, February 8, 2008. Each program at the Technology Center organizes an Advisory Council of five to ten patrons. Staff members collect feedback on their respective program from the committee members both at the meeting and at other times throughout the year. Approximately 70 community members attended the event.
“The input that these community members have in our programs is very important.” stated Debra Button, Health Careers Certification Instructor at Northwest Technology Center. “Every year I have received great suggestions and I am looking forward to implementing some of the suggestions into my program.”
According to Bobby Watson, Automotive Technology Instructor at Northwest Technology Center, “My Advisory Committee made several suggestions which I will implement to improve my program. I really enjoyed the great brainstorming efforts and look forward to seeing the positive results of their recommendations.”
These include current and former students, parents, business people and other educators. These volunteers served on committees for daytime and evening programs, business and industry and service-oriented programs.
The program included introductions and a presentation by Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent. Bowen highlighted the high number of enrollments at the technology center.
Each program gives a short, informal presentation and then asks for feedback from its Advisory Committee. Northwest Technology Center uses the feedback from the meetings to ensure that each program and service it offers is meeting the needs of business, industry and students.
“We are so appreciative of the interest these community members have in Northwest Technology Center.” said Bowen. “The information we gain from these meetings will prove helpful to us in providing programs and services for the communities which we serve.”
Four NWTC students were recognized with scholarships from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation. Barbara Wedel, Jodi Simmons, Brandi Lowder and Kara Finchum were the recipients for the 2007-2008 school year.
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Jodi Simmons, an adult student in the Business and Information Technology program receives a scholarship from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation. Simmons is pictured with Jane Bowen, NWTC's Assistant Superintendent and Garen Ewbank, NWTC Foundation Board Member. |
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Judy Kirtley, Garen Ewbank and Jane Bowen present the Kirtley Scholarship to Brandi Lowder. Kirtley is a former NWTC Instructor. This scholarship was established in her name upon her retirement from Northwest Technology Center. Lowder is a student in the Web Development and Graphic Design program. |
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Garen Ewbank, Freelin Roberts and Jane Bowen present the Roberts Scholarship to Kara Finchum. Finchum is a student in the Health Careers Certification program at Northwest Technology Center. This is the first presentation of this endowed scholarship established by Roberts and his wife, Doris. |
Auto Collision Students Participate in SkillsUSA Contest
Four Auto Collision Technology Students from the the Alva Campus placed at the District SkillsUSA Auto Collision Contest held February 6 at Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno. The students were accompanied to the contest by their instructor, Mr. Jeff Owen.
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Displayed above are morning students of Auto Collision Technology. Ben Kreiman (left) placed First in the Auto Collision Secondary Division and Zachary Chaffin (right) placed Second in the Secondary Paint and Refinishing event. Ben also qualified for the State SkillsUSA Contest. |
Displayed above are afternoon students of the Auto Collision Technology. Dakota Nusser placed 3rd in the Paint and Refinishing event of the Secondary Division and Jeff Rohrer placed 2nd in the Post-Secondary Auto Collision event. Jeff also qualified for the State SkillsUSA Contest. |
Auto Technology Students Host SkillsUSA Contest
Mr. Ron Rader, Auto Technology Program instructor, and his Auto Technology class hosted the Region I SkillsUSA contest.
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Les Corr and Jeff Rohrer are shown above with their instructor, Mr. Rader. They were the winners of the Local SkillsUSA Auto Technology Contest for the morning session. |
Cody Green and Tyler Nighswonger are show above with their instructor, Mr. Rader. They were the winners of the Local SkillsUSA Auto Technology Contest for the afternoon session. |
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Tyler Nighswonger is shown
helping during the contest. |
A photo gallery of the Auto Service Technology District Contest is available for your viewing.
Share Medical Center Partners with Northwest Tech
Healthcare facilities are faced with a multitude of challenges each day. The leadership and staff work hard to keep patient satisfaction high and look for more efficient ways to make the facility run more smoothly. Share Medical Center works hard to accomplish these goals.
In 2006, Northwest Technology Center partnered with Share Medical Center as it entered into a three-year training agreement that focused on strategic planning, customer service, leadership and employee accountability. The training is entitled “Service Excellence Initiative” and it is a part of the Custom Learning Process. Each year, Northwest Technology Center has assisted Share Medical Center by applying for a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education’s Training for Existing Industry Initiative. During the duration of the initiative, SMC has received $34,582. Share Medical Center will soon be embarking on year three of the program.
According to Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center’s Business and Industry Services Director, “We have enjoyed being a part of this initiative with Share Medical Center. Service excellence in the healthcare industry will enhance Alva and the surrounding communities.”
According to Share Medical Center’s CEO, Barb Oestmann, “Having Northwest Technology Center partner with us has allowed Share Medical Center to take full advantage of Custom Learning. The partnership with Northwest Technology Center has greatly benefited us. Change is difficult but this three-year program will completely change the culture and atmosphere for employees and customers.”
The Service Excellence Initiative is a three-year transformational training and implementation process that educates and empowers hospitals and healthcare organizations to achieve significant improvements in patient, employee and physician satisfaction.
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Share Medical Center CEO Barb Oestmann and NWTC's Superintendent Freelin Roberts discuss plans for year three of SMC's Service Excellence Initiative. |
Corder Receives Award
During the December 2007 Association for Career and Technical Education Conference in Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Corder, Project HOPE Coordinator at Northwest Technology Center in Alva, OK, received the Career Technical Education Equity Council’s Life Membership Award.
Corder has served as the Treasurer of the Career and Technical Education Equity Council since 2000 and has participated in many committees at both the state and national level. Her dedication to equity in career and technical education and her service to her professional association has distinguished her from many others to receive this honor. As an educator and volunteer, Corder has been a role model to others and has been key to promoting the continued growth of the Career Technical Education Equity Council. The Career Technical Education Equity Council, an affiliate organization of the Association for Career and Technical Education, an organization of over 30,000 educators, provides national leadership in promoting equal opportunity in career and technical education
The Career Technical Education Equity Council is proud to recognize Sharon Corder as the 2007 winner of the CTEEC Life Membership Award and applaud her accomplishments as a professional educator working towards ensuring the success of all the students at Northwest Technology Center.
Students Learn Dining Etiquette
Have you ever been “stumped” when it came time to sit down for a formal meal or a meal with that important client and there were several different forks at your place on the table? Do you know why the drinking glasses are placed on the right hand side of the plate or why you place your napkin on your lap during a meal? Proper table etiquette can either make or break that important business deal and can make a good or bad impression on family and friends.
Students participating in the Superintendent’s Leadership Class at Northwest Technology Center learned the answers to these and many other etiquette dilemmas last week during a “Business and Professional Etiquette” seminar held at Northwest Technology Center in Alva. The seminar was attended by students from both the Alva and Fairview campuses. The group was joined by students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center(CTTC) in Omega for the day’s activities.
The first portion of the seminar was entitled “Dress for Success and Workplace Etiquette” and was lead by DiAnna Waldschmidt, former Business and Industry Health Coordinator at Northwest Technology Center in Alva. Waldschmidt discussed the use of cell phones and e-mail in the workplace, as well as, handshakes and interviews. A session on Dining Etiquette was also led by Waldschmidt. The staff of Chartwells on the campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University prepared the five course meal. A tour of the NWOSU campus followed the luncheon.
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Learning the finer points of eating a shrimp cocktail are (l to r) Terranda Freeman, Kalei Nixon and Kelly Whipple. |
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DiAnna Waldschmidt leads the dining etiquette portion of the Business and Professional Etiquette seminar for the Superintendent's Leadership Class at Northwest Technology Center. |
Students Visit ROPES Course
Northwest Technology Center Superintendent's Leadership Class students visited the ROPES Course at Canadian Valley Technology Center in Chickasha earlier this month. The ROPES Course focuses on building teamwork and building trust within the group. The students were joined by students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center (CTTC) in Omega for the activities. 
The group started the day with on the low course. The activities on this course involve icebreakers, group games and teambuilding activities where students are given tasks that they must complete as a team.
After lunch, the group moved on to the high course. After a session on course safety and how to use the equipment the students took to the air. Each student up on the high course had a partner on the ground who helped them complete the course and then the students switched places. A highlight of the day for several students was riding the zip line at the end of the course.
“I thought that this was a great opportunity to meet and talk to other students and to get to know something about them.” stated Laci Davidson of Ringwood. “We learned so much about teamwork. It was so much fun!?”
This is the sixth year for Northwest Technology Center to have a leadership program. Students participate in a professional application and interview process. The group members attend monthly meetings with topics such as business and professional etiquette, teambuilding and leadership. The students will end the year in May at a final banquet. The Leadership Class is sponsored and funding is provided by the Northwest Technology Center Foundation.
Students participating in the 2007-2008 Leadership Class include: Travis Martin of Longdale, Karma Sessions and Cindy Howerton of Canton, Brooke Beckner of Aline, and Shelby Yates, Amanda Collins, Robin Burnham, Tyler Wilson, Jodi Simmons, Derick Wilder, Sarahi Wilson and Ashley Fancher all of Fairview, Kelly Whipple, Nicole Kelley, Laine Fry, Kalei Nixon, Anna Zeller, Erica Roberts and Terranda Freeman all of Alva, Adam Mallard of Waynoka, Cheryl Peace of Burlington, and Laci Davidson of Ringwood.
BPA Officers Attend Fall Leadership Conference
Students serving as officers for the Business Professionals of America (BPA) student organization at the Alva Campus attended the Fall Leadership Conference held on the campus of Oklahoma City University. The theme of the conference was "Transforming Today's Students Into Tomorrow's Leaders".
Students attended workshops that offered guidance on the office they hold with BPA. The keynote speaker for the conference was Randy Earhart, CEO of Taco Mayo.
Pictured above are (left to right): Front Row--Jessica Cunningham, A.M. Representative; Nicole Kelley, A.M. President; Laine Fry, P.M. President; Susan Parent, P.M. Secretary/Reporter; Kristy Stephens, P.M. Vice President; Back Row--Kalei Nixon, A.M. Secretary/Reporter; Margaret Davidson, P.M. Class Representative; Brenda Coonrod, A.M. Vice President; Morgan Neilson, P.M. Class Representative; and Jason Corder, A.M. Class Representative.
Students Make Centennial Cake
Students in the Service Technology program at the Alva Campus made a cake in celebration of the Oklahoma Centennial celebration. They served the cake to the student body on Thursday, November 15.
Students pictured above with cake are (left to right): Ray Holcom, Brandon Johnson, Seth Haltom, Brady Williams, and Rick Adams. Not pictured is their instructor, Mrs. Margaret Goss.
New Curriculum Implemented
Last spring, Jon Buller had two problems in his Service Technology classroom at Northwest Technology Center. His dishwasher was on its last leg, and his conventional kitchen sink needed to be replaced and updated with a much larger three bowl sink to teach current sanitation practices. The new dishwasher and sink were much larger than the existing equipment. The question was how to get all of that equipment in place without doing a major renovation on the classroom.
In the meantime, Buller attended a meeting where he was introduced to the ProStart curriculum for food service professionals. Buller had an idea that he could increase the amount of “culinary arts” instruction in his program and implement the ProStart curriculum. He decided to “pitch” the idea for a kitchen update and the implementation of new curriculum to Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent on NWTC’s Fairview campus.
Bowen embraced the idea of adding a new aspect of training for NWTC’s students. Bowen, Buller and Bruce Lowder, the school’s maintenance director went to work of updating the program’s curriculum and classroom.
As a result, the Service Technology program gained a new commercial dishwasher, a three bowl commercial sink, a commercial convection six burner oven, two new ergonomically correct work tables and a steamer table for serving.
The ProStart curriculum allows students to train for a food service or culinary occupation at any level. It also prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to attend a trade school or to prepare them for training in the food service industry.
“After finishing the ProStart curriculum, students can receive two nationally recognized certifications, the ServSafe food service credential and the ProStart certification,” stated Buller.
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Colleen Ponce, a Fairview High School senior works with the ProStart Curriculum in Northwest Technology Center's Service Technology program. |
Fairview High School junior, Heather Bryant is working toward the ServSafe Certification in the Service Technology program at Northwest Technology Center. Bryant is pictured with Jon Buller, Service Technology instructor. |
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Students Elected to State Officer Team
 Two Northwest Technology Center students enrolled in the Health Careers Certification program were recently elected to serve as state officers in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) student organization. Lisa Yearout, an adult student and graduate of South Barber High School who now lives in Alva, and ShiAnne Cook, a junior at Alva High School, were selected as the Northwest Post-Secondary representative and Northwest Secondary Representative, respectively.
Cook and Yearout were elected by approximately 1,200 health careers students and advisors at the 2007 HOSA Fall Leadership Conference on October 16 in Oklahoma City. The conference included officer training workshops, guest speakers and the election of the 2007-2008 HOSA State Officer Team.
At the conference, the current State Officer Team led local HOSA officers in training for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, historians, reporters, chaplains and parliamentarians. Keynote speaker, Mr. Bryan Fiese delivered a dynamic address and got the students excited about the upcoming year and the opportunity to work as a team with the new state officers.
With over 4,400 members, Oklahoma HOSA is the only Oklahoma vocational student organization designed to exclusively serve the needs of students in health career programs. HOSA is an integral part of the health careers education division within the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. HOSA’s mission is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality healthcare by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all Health Science students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the health care community. HOSA is a student-led organization.
To qualify for state office, each student was required to present a memorized speech, read from a script, give an impromptu monologue, interview with HOSA officials, recite the HOSA creed and pass a written test. Cook and Yearout will attend all state HOSA meetings, CareerTech Training Camp, the HOSA National Convention and next fall’s Officer Training.
Cook is studying pre-nursing and cross-training in massage therapy and Yearout is studying massage therapy. “I am proud of them.” stated Tara Thomas, Health Careers Certification instructor at Northwest Technology Center. “They did a good job on their speeches. They both take pride in their work and don’t settle for anything less than the best.”
HOSA Off to a Busy Start
The Northwest Technology Center Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is off to a busy start this year. On October 4 th, the hosted a blood drive. The drive exceeded all previous ones at a total of 38 units of blood donated. HOSA will host another blood drive in the spring. Thank you to those who donated and participated in the blood drive. It was greatly appreciated.
On October 15 th, HOSA members volunteered their time to pick up trash along their adopted highway, a 2 mile section along highway 60 west of Fairview. They collected 23 bags of trash in efforts to keep our land grand.
The HOSA elected officers for the 2007-08 school year attended fall conference in Oklahoma City with 1500 other officers from across the state on October 16 th. This conference is to teach the officers about the office for which they were elected to better prepare them for their duties. HOSA will have a joint officer installment with other organizations from Northwest Technology Center in the fall.
Students enrolled in the afternoon class in Health Careers Certification at the Fairview Campus are (from left to right): Kayla Garner, Kala Richards, Amanda Collins, Brooke Beckner, Zach Classen, Robin Burnham, and Brittany Major.
Alva BPA Members Help Spread "Goldbug Fever"
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Washington Elementary School students "stand up and holler" to show their "Goldbug Pride" and receive their "Goldbug Fever" button. |
The AM BPA Members made Goldbug Fever Buttons for all Alva School Elementary Students for AHS Homecoming. All morning students created a Goldbug Fever button design. Three designs were selected by the Officer Team. Each of the three elementary schools had their own unique button design. The students made the buttons and then presented them to all the Alva Elementary School students on Thursday, October 11.
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Jessica Cunningham hands out "Goldbug Fever" buttons to elementary school students. |
Business Professionals of America (BPA) Members Elect Officers
The Alva Campus BPA Members elected officers for the 2007-2008 school year.
2007 - 2008 AM Session Officers
Nicole Kelley |
President |
Brenda Coonrod |
Vice - President |
Kalei Nixon |
Secretary/Reporter |
Jessica Cunningham |
Class Representative - Business & Information Tech |
Jason Corder |
Class Representative - Web Development & Graphic Design |
2007 - 2008 PM Session Officers
Laine Fry |
President |
Kristy Stephens |
Vice - President |
Susan Parent |
Secretary/Reporter |
Morgan Neilson |
Class Representative - Business & Information Tech |
Margaret Davidson |
Class Representative - Web Development & Graphic Design |
The BPA Officers attended the Oklahoma BPA Fall Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City. They will be in charge of BPA meetings and Community Service Projects during the year.
2007-2008 Alva Campus Skills USA Officers
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Alva Campus AM Officers (l to r):
Luis Baeza, President;
Zach Chaffin, Vice President;
Robert Rutledge, Reporter; and
Adam Mallard, Secretary. |
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Alva Campus PM Officers (l to r):
Rick Adams, President;
Luis Baeza, Reporter;
Devin Coulter, Secretary; and
Jeff Rohrer, Vice-President. |
Foundation Receives Oklahoma Initiative Fund Grants
OIF Funds Total $56,000 for Statewide Grants
Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) Foundation has been awarded a $2,000 Oklahoma Initiative Fund grant from Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. One of three northwest Oklahoma organizations to receive a grant, NWTC Foundation will use these funds to add new scholarships for students.
During the past year, the NWTC Foundation awarded over $3,000 in scholarships at both the Alva and Fairview campuses. This grant, to be matched by the NWTC Foundation, will be used to fill specific student needs in emergency situations as chosen by a committee.
“We are thrilled about this great chance for our foundation to establish a fund which will assist students with academic needs in emergency situations.” stated Cindy Gottsch, NWTC Foundation Board president. “We have had a great relationship with the Communities Foundation for the past four years and we really appreciate the opportunity that this grant provides for our students and our foundation.”
The Oklahoma Initiative Fund is an unrestricted fund that addresses a broad range of current and future needs across the state as determined each year by the CFO Grants Committee. Members of the CFO Grants Committee include April Stobbe, Shawnee; Malinda Berry Fischer, Stillwater; Leslie Rainbolt-Forbes, Oklahoma City; Jim Howard, Tahlequah; Monica McCasland, Duncan; Jeannine Rainbolt, Oklahoma City; and Richard Ryerson, Alva.
Communities Foundation of Oklahoma is a statewide community foundation with the mission of serving donors and charities of non-metropolitan area communities. Managed by Foundation Management, CFO manages over 240 funds including 18 community funds and Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust.
For more information on Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, visit www.cfok.org.
Freelin Roberts, Superintendent of Northwest Technology Center, receives the $2,000 Oklahoma Initiative Fund grant from Richard Ryerson, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Trustee Chair.
Fairview Fellowship Home a "Partner in Progress" |
