Student Places at National Competition

Cody Watson and Jeff Owen during the SkillsUSA National Competition.   Watson placed tenth at the National Competition.   Owen is the instructor for Northwest Technology Center's Auto Collision Technology program.

Cody Watson, a 2007 graduate of Freedom High School, placed 10 th in the Auto Collision portion of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 25-29 in Kansas City.

Competing in a nearly eight-hour competition featuring events ranging from body painting and welding to frame damage analysis and dent repair, Watson beat out nearly 70 other competitors to capture a top-10 finish.

Accompanying Watson to Kansas City for the week-long event was Jeff Owen, Auto Collision Technology Instructor at Northwest Technology Center.

“Cody did really, really well,” Owen said. “We had no idea what to expect at this competition, and Cody was nervous at first, but once he got going he did really well. I was very proud of him.”

Watson reiterated those sentiments.

“In the days leading up to contest, I wasn’t nervous,” Watson said. “But when got on the floor of the convention center in Kansas City and saw how things were set up, it really set in how big an event this was.”

Watson said he felt he was good enough to place in the top 10, but he wasn’t certain when he saw the level of competition he’d be up against.

“I was really hoping to place in the top 10,” Watson said. “I felt I was good enough to compete at that level, but of course you can never be sure.”

Watson earned the opportunity to compete in the national competition by winning his state competition earlier in the semester. Watson was one of just two auto collision students who advanced to represent Oklahoma at the SkillsUSA national conference.

Watson is first NWTC Auto Collision Technology student to win the state competition and advance to nationals.

Watson knew early on that the national competition would include a whole different set of challenges he did not encounter at the state competition.

“At the state competition you can always expect some good competitors and some that aren’t so good,” Watson said. “The national competition isn’t like that. Everyone here is good. This is the best of the best.”

All told, more than 5,000 high school and postsecondary students competed in 87 contests, including 57 in the skilled trades. Including industry volunteers, judges and friends and family, about 14,000 people were in Kansas City for the event, making it Kansas City’s largest annual convention.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. This national organization serves trade, industrial, technical and health occupations students in public high schools, career and technical centers and schools and two-year colleges. SkillsUSA has more than 284,000 student members annually, organized into more than 19,200 sections in 54 state and territorial associations, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Students Open Business

Northwest Technology Center students Shayla Watkins and Jamie Mathis are shown in the photo above celebrating the opening day of their massage therapy business. The business owned by Watkins and Mathis is called Redbud Bodyworks Therapeutic Massage and is located in Cherokee, Oklahoma. They opened their business in May 2007. The pair has completed the 500 hours of instruction needed to receive National Massage Therapy certification and will continue their training at Northwest Tech in order to complete the Health Careers Certification program.

Shirley Recognized With Honors From Northwest Technology Center

Kent Shirley was recognized recently as an honorary member of the National Technical Honor Society at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview. The award was presented recently at Northwest Technology Center’s annual honor society induction. Shirley selected by the Technology Center’s faculty and staff.

General comments about Shirley from the staff included: “ Kent continues work with our business and industry services and serves on our school advisory board. He is a great supporter of Northwest Technology Center”.

Shirley was nominated by Amy McClure, Web Development and Graphic Design Instructor and Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent at Northwest Technology Center. “What a fabulous partner we have in Kent. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping our students.” said Bowen.

“Working with Northwest Technology Center has been inspiring. I want to learn more and they have challenged me to increase my knowledge base so that I can share more with the instructors and students.” stated Shirley.

Shirley and his wife, Shirley live in Cleo Springs. They have been the owners of Picture This, a photography studio in Fairview for the past 15 years. The couple has three children and three grandchildren. Shirley grew up in Duncan and came to Fairview after retiring from the Air Force.

In addition to owning his own business, Shirley teaches digital photography for Affiliate Schools under the Professional Photographers of America.

Fairview Campus Presents Student Awards

	Students with perfect attendance for the 2006-2007 school year during Northwest Technology Center's daytime programs include Back row (l-r): Terry Copenhaver and Jason Miller; Front row (l-r): Josh Kluckner, Sarahi Wilson, and Levi Dobbs; Not pictured is Jason Wallace.
	Recognized as Outstanding Students in their respective Northwest Technology Center programs during the morning session included (Back row l-r): Josh Terry, Automotive Technology; Tyler Ward, Manufacturing Technology; Derick Wilder, Web Development and Graphic Design (Front row l-r): Claudia Brawner, Health Careers Certification; Lisa Watson, Business and Information Technology; Alissa Vasquez, Service Technology.
	Recognized as Outstanding Students in their respective programs at Northwest Technology Center during the afternoon session included (Back row l-r): Alejandraa Waldon, Service Technology; Rolando Aguilar, Automotive Technology; and Russel Pheatt, Manufacturing Technology; (Front row l-r): Amber Carter, Health Careers Certification; Cindy Howerton, Web Development and Graphic Design and Aubrey Denton, Business and Information Technology.

Auto Collision Student Wins State Contest

Cody Watson (center), a Senior at Freedom High School, will represent not only the Northwest Technology Center Auto Collision Technology program but the state of Oklahoma at the National SkillsUSA Conference.

Two students enrolled in Northwest Technology Center’s Auto Collision Technology program recently competed at the state SkillsUSA Competition held on the campus of OSU Okmulgee.   The students were Cody Watson, a senior at Freedom High School and Alesi Streich, a senior at Alva High School.

Watson placed first in the secondary competition.   He is now headed to the national competition in Kansas City, Missouri in late June.  

“I am so proud of Cody,” stated Jeff Owen, Auto Collision Instructor at Northwest Technology Center. “He is a focused student with very high level skills in this area.” 

Parker and Hamilton Honored as Friends of Northwest Tech

Larry Parker and Mary Hamilton were honored as the recipients of the “Friends of Northwest Tech” Award given by Northwest Technology Center. The award was presented at Northwest Technology Center’s annual Awards Assembly in May. Parker and Hamilton were selected by the technology center’s faculty and staff.

Parker was nominated by Andrea Long who said that Parker has been a huge asset to Northwest Tech. He is a cheerleader for our students and school, and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He is a great role model for our students because of his friendly smile and positive attitude. He has taught adult education classes and continues to provide support to students of all ages.

Hamilton was nominated by Traci Schwerdtfeger, Tami Frascht and Andrea Long. The group stated that Hamilton’s cup is always overflowing with compassion and enthusiasm for the students. She has taught numerous adult education classes, served on the Business Information Technology Advisory Committee and assisted with Mock Interviews. This semester she also brought her 7 th and 8 th grade students to visit the Web Design Program.

“The award was such a surprise.” said Hamilton, “I am so proud and it is an awesome honor. I learned all of my computer skills at the tech center, and without those skills, I don’t know where I would be today. Northwest Tech is a place where students can go and get an education in so many areas and then pursue college or go into the working world. The training can also lead you into numerous occupations. I have learned Quickbooks which helps me with my husband’s business.”

“I think a lot of what is done at Northwest Tech. It helps lots of students who need technical training in order to get a job. I was so surprised and honored.” stated Parker.

The “Friends of Northwest Tech” award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the instructors, students and staff of Northwest Technology Center. The award is presented annually to deserving recipients.

Parker and his wife Charla, have lived in Alva since 1971 They have three children and nine grandchildren. Parker is retiring from Alva Public Schools this year after teaching and coaching for the past 30 years. He has 39 years of experience in education.

Hamilton and her husband Randy, are long time Alva residents. The couple has three children, two grandchildren and a third grandchild on the way. Hamilton is a teacher at Alva Middle School.

Schwerdtfeger Named KNID Teacher of Year

Traci Schwerdtfeger, Academic Career Center Coordinator at Northwest Technology Center Alva Campus was selected as the Teacher of the Year in KNID-FM's Teacher Appreciation Contest.   Ballot boxes for the promotion were located throughout Northwest Oklahoma and KNID listeners were asked to vote for their favorite teacher.    Schwerdtfeger received a $500 savings bond sponsored by Alva State Bank.  Pictured are (left to right):   Suzie Lakin, Promotions Director at KNID, Schwerdtfeger and Tommi Ely, Account Representative at KNID.

State’s Top CareerTech Students Compete in Auto Skills Competition at OSU-Okmulgee

The automotive industry is always looking for the best students studying to be service technicians and the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is one way to bring those students into the spotlight. Once again, Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee was host for this statewide contest. Many of the CareerTech students are already cooperatively enrolled at their local Technology Center and at OSU-Okmulgee, earning college credit before they graduate from high school.

This year’s contest brought together 20 juniors and seniors from 10 technology centers across Oklahoma. First place winner was Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne. Students Allen Johnson from Pauls Valley and Jesse Cobb from Wayne were the winning team. Their instructor is Randy Henderson from Pauls Valley.

AAA Oklahoma and Ford Motor Company sponsor the competition to encourage technically-minded young people to pursue careers in the automotive service industry. Participants vie for scholarships, prizes and letters of recommendation to future employers. The 10 teams of two students each worked in a timed event, trying to find and fix the “bugs” on identical 2007 Ford Motor Company sedans. The bugs or automotive problems were installed on the cars prior to the contest. As each team finds and fixes all the problems, they start the car and drive it across the finish line. Each car is then inspected for quality and accuracy of work.

“Our goal is to make sure our members can find good qualified automotive technicians when their cars need service,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “As the technology used in vehicles continues to evolve and increases in complexity, young people who want to excel as automotive technicians need the best training possible. Mai said the educational combination of Oklahoma’s Career Technology Centers and OSU-Okmulgee produces extremely competent technicians that serve the auto industry well.

Second place in the contest went to the Moore-Norman Technology Center in Norman. Third place went to Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw. The first place winners will represent the state in the National Hands-on Finals at Ford Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan on June 26.

Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee is known for its hands-on technical education, world-class equipment and active partnerships with industry. Degree programs are developed according to emerging educational and labor market needs. Seventeen programs of study lead to Associate in Applied Science degrees, three programs of study lead to Associate in Science transfer degrees, and three programs lead to Bachelor of Technology degrees - Information Assurance and Forensics, Instrumentation Engineering Technology and Civil Engineering Technology. Through frequent advisory board meetings, corporate partners make significant contributions to curriculum, faculty improvement, equipment acquisition, internship experiences for students and employment opportunities for graduates. OSU-Okmulgee also promotes economic development among small Oklahoma firms by providing training and assistance with technology deployment, financing, bidding and purchasing procedures.

Northwest Technology Center Alva Campus Auto Technology students placed 5th at the state Auto Skills Competition. Pictured above (Left to Right): T. J. Province from Freedom; Shawn Lehr from Alva; Mr. Ron Rader, Auto Technology Instructor from Alva; Mr. Preston Covey, Field Service Engineer with Ford Motor Company.

Fairview Campus Inducts Students into National Technical Honor Society

Fifteen Northwest Technology Center students from the Fairview Campus were inducted into the 2007 National Technical Honor Society. Both secondary and post-secondary students who meet the requirements and are enrolled in Daytime Programs are eligible for membership in the organization.

Front Row (left to right) includes: Josh Terry, Kevin Garner, Amber Carter, Lisa Drapala, Alissa Vasquez, Cindy Howerton, and Sarahi Wilson. Back Row (left to right) includes: Rolando Agular, Logan Neufeld, Lisa Watson, Derick Wilder, Levi Dobbs, Terry Copenhaver, Karma Sessions, and Brandi Lowder.

View the Photo Gallery of the Fairview Campus 2007 National Honor Society.

Students Inducted into National Technical Honor Society

Thirty-eight Northwest Technology Center students from the Alva Campus were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on the evening of April 17th. The induction ceremony took place in the Seminar Room. Karen Koehn, Guidance Counselor; Traci Schwerdtfeger, Academic Career Center Coordinator; and Dwight Hughes, Assistant Superintendent are the group's current sponsors. Both secondary and post-secondary students who meet the requirements and are enrolled in Daytime Programs are eligible for membership in the organization.

Eleven students from the Alva Campus were recognized as returning members of NHS (two students were not pictured).

Twenty-seven students from the Alva Campus were inducted as new members into the National Technical Honor Society on April 17th.

View the 2007 National Technical Honor Society Alva Campus Photo Gallery.

2007 SLC Banquet Held at Fairview

The Superintendent's Leadership Class for 2006-2007 was recognized on April 19 for their accomplishments for the year. The celebration was held at the First United Methodist Church of Fairview. Lt. Governor Jari Askins served as the keynote speaker.

Fairview Campus SLC members include (left to right): Josh Klunkner, Logan Neufeld, Assistant Superintendent Jane Bowen, Aubrey Denton, Lisa Knudtson, Dee Spence, Brendan Bryant, Rolondo Aguilar, and Taft Bozarth.

Alva Campus SLC members include (left to right): Cayenne Towns, Morgan Neilson, Pagni Nickerson, Kasey Barnes, Joe Stanley, Garrett Goodrich and Brooke Johnson.

View the 2007 Banquet Photo Gallery.

Students Participate in Community Service Projects

The Health Careers Certification class at Northwest Technology Center has been busy this semester. The student organization, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), has played a huge role in community services. HOSA has organized a couple of fundraisers to benefit the HOSA National Service Project, Autism Speaks. The students were able to turn in their donations of $632.00 at the "Walk for Autism Research" on March 31st at Stars and Stripes park in OKC.

Several students went that extra mile in attending and participating at the State Leadership Conference in OKC April 11-13th. Samantha McDonald honored NWTC by singing the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies in front of approximately 1500 HOSA members and affiliates. Samantha was also recognized with second place in Speaking Skills competition as well as the highest honor of the Merit Award for the National Service Project Recognition. These honors intitle her to participate in the National Leadership Conference in Orlando Florida in June of this year. Also recognized at the conference was Amber Carter for her achievements with the National Recognition Program. This honor intitles her to participate at the national conference as well. Cassandra Bisel received an honorable mention for her great efforts in the competition of Job Seaking Skills.

HOSA Students attending SLC (left to right): Jennifer Roberts, Samantha McDonald, Ashley Womack, Amber Carter, and Cassandra Bisel.

The statewide campaign for trash off day was recognized by the HOSA student on April 20th. The students collected a total of 30 trash bags along the two mile stretch on Highway 60 that runs along the south of the tech center. The students, along with their advisor Debra Button, participate in this community service twice a year.

Instructor Wins Regional Award

Two Northwest Technology Center instructors received recognition at the Region IV Association of Career and Technology Educators. Tara Thomas was named the Region IV New Teacher of the Year. Tami Frascht, Web Development and Graphic Design was a top five finalist for the Region IV Teacher of the Year. The awards were presented by Region IV Vice President and Northwest Technology Center Guidance Counselor Karen Koehn. Region IV covers Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Pictured are (l to r) Frascht, Koehn and Thomas.

Tara Thomas, Health Careers Certification Instructor at Northwest Technology Center in Alva was named as the Region IV New Career Tech Teacher of the Year at the Association of Career and Technology Educators Annual Region IV Conference held last week in Oklahoma City. Thomas was named as Oklahoma’s New Career Tech Teacher of the Year in August of 2006. To be eligible for this award, instructors need to have taught at least three years, but not more than five in the career tech system.

Thomas was required to submit a dossier and participate in a series of interviews during the selection process for the award. “I am so honored by this award and I look forward to representing the state of Oklahoma, Region IV and Northwest Technology Center in the at the upcoming National ACTE events.” said Thomas.

“We are so proud of Tara,” stated Freelin Roberts, Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent. “She has an innovative program and the achievements of her students after completing the program are a testament to its difficulty and effectiveness.”

Thomas joined the staff at Northwest Technology Center in 2001 as the Health Careers Certification Instructor. Thomas helped to develop the curriculum for and piloted the Health Careers Certification Program for the state of Oklahoma. Since that time, the Health Careers program at Northwest Technology Center has been in high demand and has a waiting list each fall for students interested in its areas of emphasis including: massage therapy, dental assisting and many others. She was one of the state’s honorees in 2002 with the Distinguished Achievement Award for her work in the development of the Health Careers program.

Thomas is a graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University and received her Masters Degree from The University of Central Oklahoma. She is also a product of the Career Tech System, as she took her first courses in nursing through a technology center.

Health Careers Students Place at State Contest

Five Health Careers Certification (HCC) students from the Alva Campus participated in the state Health Occucaptions Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference held in Oklahoma City in April. All five students brought back awards.

Students competed in more than 50 different competitive events during the three-day conference held April 11-13 at the Meridian Convention center. All told, nearly 2,000 students and educators from across the state participated in the event.

Those placing at the competition were Anna Zeller, top 20 in Nurse Assistant; Daniella Smart, 4th in Dental Assisting; Krista Haltom, 2nd in Nurse Assisting; McKenzie Scott, 4th in Nurse Assisting; and Robin Garcia, 2nd in Dental Spelling.

By placing in the top three, Haltom and Garcia qualify to attend the National HOSA Leadership Conference to be held in June in Orlando, Florida.

Pictured above (left to right) are Mrs. Tara Thomas, HCC instructor; Anna Zeller, top 20 in Nurse Assistant; Daniella Smart, 4th in Dental Assisting; Krista Haltom, 2nd in Nurse Assisting; McKenzie Scott, 4th in Nurse Assisting; and Robin Garcia, 2nd Place in Dental Spelling.

Area Sophomores Get Head Start on Careers

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.

“I really enjoyed the business class,” stated Desiree Dyer, AHS Sophomore, “I am planning to attend the tech center.”

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.”

Northwest Technology Center has seven programs on its Alva campus. These include: Auto Collision Technology, Auto Service Technology, Business and Information Technology, Computer Repair and Networking, Health Careers Certification, Service Technology and Web Development and Graphic Design. All of these programs are open to high school students and to post secondary students as well.

Approximately, 80 Alva and Freedom High School sophomores participated in the tours one day and sophomores from Burlington, Cherokee and Waynoka will tour the campus another day.

	AHS Sophomore Josh Kietel learns more about the Auto Collision Technology program at Northwest Technology Center during the Sophomore Tours event which exposes area sophomores to the programs offered by the technology center.
	Bridget Harkin, AHS Sophomore works with NWTC student Kasey Barnes on creating a t-shirt. Harkin was one of approximately 80 AHS sophomores who toured NWTC earlier this week.
	During a tour of NWTC’s Health Careers Certification program, Jaren Moorman experiences the technique of facial massage as HCC instructor, Tara Thomas explains. Looking on are Sarah Bramlett, Lauren Heaton, Roy Henson and Jessica Koppitz.
	AHS Sophomores Daniel Winters, John Cropp, Shadow Hendrichs, Shay Lehr and Jacob Gould get a first hand look at the Web Development and Graphic Design program at Northwest Technology Center. The program is taught by Tami Frascht.

Service Technology Students Compete at Contest

Three students from the Alva Campus Service Technology program competed at the State SkillsUSA contest at Stillwater in April. Wendi Beason placed third in Child Care and was awarded a medal and a certificate. Rick Adams competed in Financial Fitness. Margaret Cox competed in Laundry Folding. Their instructor is Margaret Goss.

Automobile Donated to Fairview Program

A 1999 Oldsmobile Alero was donated by the GM ASEP program at Okmulgee to Northwest Technology Center's Automotive Technology program. The car was recieved earlier this month. Pictured in front of the car (left to right) is Daniel Adair, Zach Choate, Josh Stockton, TJ Scollard, Samie Biggs; behind the car (left to right) is Brady Newton, Josh Kluckner, Tony Kliewer, and Bobby Watson, Automotive Technology Instructor.

Business Professionals of America Students Perform Well at State Contest

Pictured above are Fairview BPA Students: (L-R)  Brent Murray, Karma Sessions, Sarahi Wilson, Brandi Lowder, Taft Bozarth, Cindy Howerton, and Maggie Williams

Several students in the Fairview Web Development and Graphic Design and Business and Information Technology programs placed at the Oklahoma BPA conference, including winning first place in three events! Brandi Lowder and Cindy Howerton won first place in the Post-Secondary Web Site Development Team Competition. Brandi Lowder also won first place in the Extemporaneous Speech and Parliamentary Procedure Concepts events. Other national qualifiers include the team of Brent Murray, Karma Sessions and Taft Bozarth finishing second in the Administrative Support Team event. Top Ten winners included Sarahi Wilson in Prepared Speech, Cindy Howerton in Desktop Publishing, and Maggie Williams in Interviewing Skills. Brandi Lowder received a $12,000 scholarship to OCU; Cindy Howerton received a $4,000 scholarship to OCU; Brent Murray, Karma Sessions, and Taft Bozarth each received a $3,000 scholarship to OCU. Mrs. Amy McClure and Mrs. Lisa Fuller are their instructors.

Pictured above are Alva BPA Students enrolled in the Business and Information Technology program: (L-R)  Laine Fry, Kayla Shiplet, and Patricia Dauphin.

Three students from the Alva Campus Business and Information Technology program achieved Top 10 finishes at the BPA State Conference.    Kayla Shiplet, a post-secondary student placed in Fundamental Accounting and Spreadsheet Applications and Analysis.   Laine Fry, also a post-secondary student placed in Integrated Office Applications and Fundamental Word Processing Skills.   Patricia Dauphin a high school student from Freedom placed in the Administrative Support Concepts. Mrs. Andrea Long is their instructor. 

Alva Campus Computer Repair and Networking student Ted Rock was a finalist in the Computer Network Technology Concepts event at the state BPA contest. Ted received a medal and trophy for his accomplishments.  Mrs. Shaylyn Weder is his instructor.

Student Receives Industry Certification

Tim Bradley, a Northwest Technology Center student enrolled in Computer Repair and Networking, has completed exams to become A+ Certified. CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. The certification is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

Bradley entered the Computer Repair and Networking program while attending Alva High School as a Junior. Tim has continued to complete the computer repair program as a post-secondary student and is currently studying the Cisco Wireless Fundamentals curriculum.

Auto Students Place at District Contest

Students from Northwest Technology Center’s Auto Service Technology program competed at the District SkillsUSA competition held at High Plains Technology Center in Woodward in February 2007. Students were required to perform a variety of automotive tasks during the competition. The students took a written test and had to perform practical applications of the skills. The Auto Service Technology program is taught by Ron Rader.

Competing in the high school category were Tyler Nighswonger, T.J. Province and Shawn Lehr. Nighswonger placed fifth, Province placed seventh and Lehr placed first. Lehr will represent NWTC at the state contest later this spring. Jeff Rohrer competed in the post-secondary competition and placed fourth.

The main areas of focus in the Auto Service Technology program are to help students to learn and diagnose problems in six areas of ASE certification. These include: engine repair, engine performance, HVAC, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical systems. Learning the scientific concepts behind components and learning diagnostic and repair procedures are reinforced through classroom and lab instruction. The goal of the program is for students to master all aspects of modern, computer based vehicle repair and diagnosis and to train for entry level ASE Certification.

Jeff Rohrer received a 4^th place award in the post-secondary District SkillsUSA competition held at High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) in Woodward. Rohrer was one of four Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) students to earn honors at the automotive competition. Pictured with Rohrer are NWTC Automotive Services instructor Ron Rader (left) and HPTC Automotive Technology instructor Vic Terbush.

Tyler Nighswonger, an Automotive Services student at Northwest Technology Center (NWTC), took 5^th place honors in the secondary catagory recently at the District SkillsUSA competition. The competition, held at High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) in Woodward, required students to take a written test and perform a variety of automotive tasks designed to showcase the practical application of automotive skills.  Pictured with Nighswonger are NWTC Automotive Services instructor Ron Rader (left) and HPTC Automotive Technology instructor Vic Terbush.

Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) Automotive Services student Shawn Lehr receives a first place award in the secondary category at the District SkillsUSA competition held recently at High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) in Woodward. In the competition, students took written tests and performed a variety of automotive skills. With the win, Lehr advances to represent NWTC in state competition later this spring.  Pictured with Lehr are NWTC Automotive Services instructor Ron Rader (left) and HPTC Automotive Technology instructor Vic Terbush.

Auto Collision Technology Students Host Contest

The Alva Campus Auto Collision Technology Students and Instructor (Mr. Jeff Owen) hosted the Region V SkillsUSA Vica Auto Collision Contest on Wednesday, February 7. Students and advisors from four Oklahoma technology centers participated. Schools attending included: Autry Technology Center of Enid, Canadian Valley Technology Center of El Reno, Francis Tuttle Technology Center of Oklahoma City, and Pioneer Technology Center of Ponca City.

Photo galleries are available for viewing!

Cody Watson from Freedom High School and Alesi Streich from Alva High School will be representing the Northwest Technology Center at the state contest. They will be accompanied by their instructor, Mr. Jeff Owen.

Manufacturing Technology Students Attend Skills Contest

Three first year students who are enrolled in the Manufacturing Technology program at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview competed in the SkillsUSA welding competition for first year students held at Autry Technology Center in Enid. The contest featured over 30 competitors from seven area schools.

Pictured (l to r) are Daniel Simmons, Manufacturing Technology Instructor, Tyler Pembrook, who is a Fairview High School junior and the son of James and Sherry Pembrook, Randy Masters who is a Fairview High School sophomore and the son of Randy and Shelly Masters, and Jake Severson, who is the son of Michael and Deana Severson and is a home school sophomore. Pembrook placed second in the competition and Severson took third place.

Students Earn Foundation Scholarships

Eight students who attend Northwest Technology Center’s (NWTC) Alva campus were presented with scholarships at NWTC’s Advisory Committee luncheon held Tuesday. Dwight Hughes, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent on the Alva campus and Freelin Roberts, NWTC’s Superintendent presented several of the scholarships on behalf of the Northwest Technology Center Foundation Board of Trustees.

A scholarship in memory of Dr. Dan Shorter who was a member of the NWTC Board of Education for more than 30 years was awarded for the first time. The scholarship was presented by Mrs. Margery Shorter and her daughter, Edana Caldwell. The recipient of this award is Daniella Smart, a Dental Assisting student from Alva.

Also awarded was a scholarship in memory of Aline R. Littlefield Sargent and George W. Littlefield, Jr. The recipient of the Littlefield-Sargent Scholarship was Cayenne Towns a student in the Massage Therapy program from Alva.

The Alva Antique Car Club scholarship was awarded to Matthew Swonger of Kiowa who is enrolled in the Auto Collision Technology program. Krista Haltom, a pre-nursing student from Alva, received the Medical Explores scholarship given by Woods Country Medical Explorers last fall, but was recognized at the event.

Robin Garcia, a dental assisting student from Hooker and Sagan Cornett, a pre-nursing student from Alva received Health Careers Certification scholarships. Thomas Washington, a Web & Graphic Design student from Alva and Francis Martinez, a Massage Therapy student from Alva received Northwest Technology Center Foundation scholarships.

Two students from Northwest Technology Center's Fairview campus also received scholarships from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation. They are Kala Richards and Brent Murray.

“This year, our foundation awarded over $3000 to students on the Alva and the Fairview campuses. We were able to assist many students with scholarships and we are looking forward to seeing the dollar figure increase.” stated Hughes.

The NWTC Foundation was revitalized in early 2003. The Northwest Technology Center Foundation Board of Trustees include Cindy Gottsch, President, Connie Garrison, Secretary/Treasurer, Garen Ewbank, Pat Nida, Chris Thomas, Bob Van Meter, and Tom Russell. Ex-officio members include Freelin Roberts, Superintendent, Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent-Fairview and Dwight Hughes, Assistant Superintendent-Alva.

The foundation has two major areas of focus, leadership development and student scholarships. Scholarships may be endowed and named for a minimum donation of $2500.

Health Careers Student Awarded Rotary Club Scholarship

McKenzi Scott, an Alva High School senior and Northwest Technology Center student enrolled in the Health Careers Certification program, has been awarded a prestigious H.W. Almen Scholarship.

Scott received notification of her award in a recent letter from the West OKC Rotary Club and the Trustees of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

The fund for the H.W. Almen West OKC Rotary Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2004. According to the letter, Mr. Almen encouraged good effort, and applauded and rewarded success. The scholarship was created as a way for worthy Oklahoma students to emulate his life.

Scott is the first Northwest Technology Center student to receive the $4,000 scholarship, which will be paid in equal installments at the beginning of each semester during the 2007-2008 school year.

Scott is the daughter of Stacy Scott of Oklahoma City and Danny Scott of Alva. She plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University and major in Nursing.

Alva Campus Hosts Annual Advisory Committee Meeting

Northwest Technology Center, Alva Campus, hosted its annual Advisory Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. 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 85 community members attended the event.

“The input that these community members have in our programs is very important.” stated Tami Frascht, Web Development and Graphic Design 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 Margaret Goss, Service 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.”

Those attending include current and former students, parents, business people and other educators. The volunteers served on committees for daytime and evening programs, business and industry and service-oriented programs.

The program included introductions and a presentation by Dwight Hughes, Assistant Superintendent. Hughes highlighted the Northwest Technology Center Foundation and introduced eight students who received Northwest Technology Center Foundation scholarships.

Each instructor or coordinator 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 that these community members have in Northwest Technology Center and the time that they spent away from their businesses to help keep our programs on the cutting edge.” said Hughes. “The information we gain from these meetings will prove helpful to us in providing programs and services for the communities which we serve.”

Judy Meek of Waynoka and Andrea Ellis of Alva meet with Shaylyn Weder, Computer Repair and Networking Instructor during the Advisory Committee meetings held at Northwest Technology Center.

Members of the Advisory Committee for the Automotive Service Technology program visit with Instructor Ron Rader about the program needs.   Pictured include (l to r)  Don Rader, Clay Decker, Marty Appleton, Jeff Rohrer and Ron Rader.

Beadles Nursing Home Benefits From NWTC Training

More than 30 Beadles Nursing Home employees have received additional career training in the past weeks thanks to a new partnership with Northwest Technology Center (NWTC).

Tammy Mustard, Business and Industry Services Health Trainer at NWTC, has directed five sessions of Clint Maun training at Beadles since the beginning of the year, and will conduct seven more sessions in the coming months.

Clint Maun is a Certified Speaking Professional nationally recognized for his innovative leadership in healthcare consulting, speaking and research. Since 1984, he has concentrated on innovative ideas and techniques to improve the "people business" of the healthcare profession.

Mustard says focusing on the “people business” or customer service aspect of healthcare is very important, particularly in long-term care facilities such as Beadles.

“This training is very customer service oriented,” Mustard said. “Employees learn skills that allow them to provide better customer service not only to residents, but to their families as well.”

Training topics thus far have ranged from being a ‘Prepared Professional’ to lessons answering the question ‘Who are our customers?’ After each session employees are given different assignments to further their understanding of the training. In one assignment, employees created their own name badges they now wear while working. In another, they developed and designed advertisements for Beadles--the best of which appeared in the Alva Review Courier.

Mustard says projects like creating name badges and nursing home advertisements has significantly improved employee performance and attitude, particularly in how employees feel about themselves, the services they provide daily, and the nursing home itself.

Beadles Administrator Emma Jordan echoed those sentiments highlighting the fact that her employee turnover rate has dropped dramatically since the beginning of the Clint Maun training. A business with a turnover rate once as high as 40% to 60% has had just a single employee leave in the past two months.

Having pride in themselves and their work is one thing Mustard stresses in her training, and she says that Beadles employees have responded well.

"I've seen and heard many good points on how the staff polices itself, promotes the home, and has taken ownership," Mustard said.

The entire Beadles staff has taken advantage of the training opportunity.

"We've been very pleased with the turnout," Mustard said. "We usually have 30 to 40 employees at each training session, and that includes all areas of the staff, from nursing, to dietary, to administration."

Fairview Campus Hosts Advisory Committee Meetings

The Northwest Technology Center Fairview Campus hosted its annual Advisory Committee Meeting on Friday, February 9. 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 75 community members attended the event. A photo gallery is available for viewing.

“The input that these community members have in our programs is very important.” stated Amy McClure, Web Development and Graphic Design 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 Jon Buller, Service 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.

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.”

The program included introductions and a presentation by Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent. Bowen highlighted the high number of enrollments at the technology center. Those attending the event also received a tour of the newly opened building addition. Bowen noted that an open house is planned for April 19.

Two Northwest Tech students were presented with scholarships from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation. Kala Richards and Brent Murray were the Fairview Campus recipients for the 2006-2007 school year.

Brent Murray of Canton was recognized as a recipient of a Northwest Technology Center Foundation Scholarship at the Advisory Committee Meeting.   Murray is shown above with Superintendent Freelin Roberts and Assistant Superintendent Jane Bowen.

Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent and Freelin Roberts, Superintendent present Kala Richards with a scholarship from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation at the Advisory Committee meetings.

Club Med Students Visit St. Mary's Hospital

Students in the “Club Med” Medical Explorers group braved the snowy weather and visited St. Mary's Hospital in Enid the end of January. The students are from Fairview High School, Canton High School and Northwest Technology Center and are interested in learning more about careers in the healthcare industry.

The event was entitled “A Day In The Life” and was designed to have students “shadow” a healthcare professional to find out more about specific job responsibilities and the skills that they use when conducting their jobs. Nineteen students participated in the day's activities.

	FHS Senior, Amber Carter identifies the heart on an X-ray in the ER Dept.  A Day in the Life of an RN.  Amber is planning to attend NWOSU and obtain her BSN.   She is currently enrolled in HCC and working on her CNA.
	Corey Cofer, FHS Senior, followed an RN in PCCU at ST. Mary's during "A Day in the Life".  He is using a pulseoximeter.  This is new technology used for taking vital signs.

“Club Med” is sponsored by Troy Hutchison, Sue Hull and Debra Button. This is the fourth year for the organization in Fairview and is designed to introduce students to occupations related to the healthcare fields. Most youth identify with nurses and doctors, but there is a vast variety of jobs to choose from, such as radiology, laboratory, rehabilitation therapist, or nutritionist to name a few. For more information on “Club Med”, contact Troy Hutchison at Fairview High School, 580.227.4446 or Debra Button at Northwest Technology Center 580.227.3708.

School Board Has Five Decades of Experience

The Northwest Technology Center Board includes (standing l to r) Dennis Bushman, Stan Kline (seated l to r) Tom Russell, Dean Meyer and Bob Van Meter.

The Northwest Technology Center Board of Education has over fifty years of combined service. Its longest serving member has been on the board for twenty-nine years, with one member who has just served for a year and a half. Northwest Technology Center 's Board includes: Tom Russell of Freedom, Stan Kline and Dennis Bushman of Alva, Dean Meyer of Cleo Springs and Bob Van Meter of Fairview .

Northwest Technology Center 's Board of Education held its first organizational meeting on April 8, 1969 at Miller's Café in Waynoka. At that time, the school was called the Major-Woods Counties Area Vocational-Technical School . Those serving on the initial board included: Harold Wilkerson, Dick Brunsteter, Charles Loomis, George Barkett and J.W. Martin.

Others serving on the school's board over the past three decades include: The Honorable A.L. “Lute” Murrow of Dacoma, Glen Deweese of Waynoka, Boyd Hughes of Freedom, Louis Folks, Connie Garrison, Dr. Dan Shorter and Earl Geis of Alva, Chuck Drechsler from the Aline area and Vinton Baker and Marvin Martens of Fairview.

A couple of highlights in the board's history included the selection of Louis Folks as the OSSBA Distinguished Achievement Award winner in August of 2003. Folks served on the technology center board from 1972 until his retirement in 2002. This past fall, the late Dr. Dan Shorter was named to Oklahoma 's All State School Board in recognition of his 30 plus years of service to the students of Northwest Oklahoma . Dr. Shorter served as a board member from March of 1975 until his death in August of 2005.

“We appreciate all of our board members and their efforts on our behalf.” stated Freelin Roberts, NWTC's Superintendent. “We look forward to working with our current board members and thank our current and past board members for their time and dedication to our school.”

NWTC Automotive Technology Program Receives National Certification

The Automotive Service Technology program at Northwest Technology Center in Alva has received an updated certification by NATEF and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Northwest Technology Center 's automotive program has been certified in the following areas: Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair and Suspension and Steering. The program must go through the certification process every five years. Northwest Technology Center 's Automotive Service program has been ASE certified since 1991. Ron Rader has been the instructor for the past eight years.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the school's automotive training program underwent a rigorous evaluation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used.

“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Donald Seyfer, NATEF Chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that Northwest Technology Center 's graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by Automotive Service Technology program at Northwest Technology Center , the public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.” Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that Northwest Technology Center be certified by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE is a national non-profit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to certifying automotive training programs.

Student Groups Team Up To Help New Beginnings

	Morning students at Northwest Technology Center pose with the decorated Christmas Trees which were delivered to the families at New Beginnings.   The student groups decorated and raised money to purchase the trees.
	Just moments before the trees were loaded into a trailer for delivery to a family at New Beginnings, the afternoon students at Northwest Technology Center pose for a photograph.

With the opening of New Beginnings, women's shelter for victims of domestic violence, Northwest Technology Center's staff and students felt that these families could use help bringing the holiday spirit alive. Business Professionals of America (BPA), Skills USA/VICA and Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) donated five 6' decorated Christmas trees to each of the families; while the administration/faculty/staff purchased presents for each of the families.

According to Andrea Long, Business and Information Technology instructor, "This great community service project evolved at our last faculty meeting. We collaborated on a school wide project for the holiday season. Our assistant superintendent Dwight Hughes visited with Julia Bays to assess the needs of the center and they were excited about this project. Business Professionals of America (BPA), Skills USA/VICA and Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) took care of providing five trees. Each tree was 6' tall with a 3" girth and came with a tree stand. The items which were used to decorate each tree included: a topper, a skirt, lights (colored), garland, ornaments, and an extension cord.  NWTC's Service Technology program assembled the five trees.   Each student organization sponsor organized money collection and tree decorating for their respective tree.  The assembled trees were on display in the student break area at NWTC and were decorated during the week following Thanksgiving Break.    

On Friday, December 1, the decorated trees were delivered to the families.  Money was collected from the administration, faculty, and staff to purchase a present for each child and mother.  Allyson's Attic worked in cooperation with NWTC to provide gifts for the mothers and the children were able to select something special from the store's inventory.

Share Medical Center & Northwest Technology Center Partner for Training Initiative

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.

Northwest Technology Center has partnered with Share Medical Center as it entered into a three-year training agreement that will focus on strategic planning, customer service, leadership and employee accountability. The training is entitled “Service Excellence Initiative” and it is a part of the Brian Lee Healthcare Service Excellence Initiative, also called the Custom Learning Process. A portion of the training for year one will be paid for with a $13,500 from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education with possible renewal for year two and year three activities. Share Medical Center is also required to match a portion of the training grant.

According to Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center's Business and Industry Services Director, “Around sixty Share Medical Center employees will be trained during year one of the agreement. The training will upgrade skills for supervisors and front line managers and will also train existing workers who move to new positions.”

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 the opportunity offered by the Custom Learning process. The Custom Learning process will allow Share Medical Center to compete with other healthcare facilities for many years to come.”

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. The Service Excellence Initiative hosts an annual conference on healthcare customer service and professional development.

Five Share Medical Center employees attended this introductory portion of the training the Program Leadership College held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in May. Those attending included Kristi Moorman, Melissa Headlee, Barb Oestmann, Christy Willyard and Regina Wilson. Also, the group will attend the annual Service Excellence Initiative held in San Diego in November. Other training sessions will be held for Share Medical Center employees either on site or at Northwest Technology Center.

Front Row (L to R): Kristi Moorman, Share Medical Center Director of Human Resources; Christy Willyard, RN, Share Memorial Hospital Director of Nurses; and Diana Waldschmidt, Northwest Technology Center Business and Industry Health Services Coordinator. Back Row (L to R) Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center Business and Industry Services Director; Barbara Oestmann, Share Medical Center CEO, Regina Wilson, RN, Director of Home Health/Hospice; Melissa Headlee, RN, Share Convalescent Home Director of Nurses.