Building a Bright Future, MNTC Carpentry Student Earns Scholarship to Dartmouth College.
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Ethan Graham has developed a blueprint for success.
It involves building a foundation of resilience, ingenuity, ambition and commitment.
These characteristics have led to achievements for the student at Moore Norman Technology Center, from academic awards to being a two-time national champion in cabinetmaking.
Using the support he’s received from MNTC and knowledge he’s gained, Graham is now designing a new direction for his life that is taking him to Dartmouth College.
The 18-year-old, who graduated in May 2025 from MNTC and Moore High School, credits the technology center and his involvement in the carpentry program for preparing him for this next chapter.
“I found what I want to do in life through carpentry,” Graham said. “I want to study architecture.”
Crafting career dreams
Crafting career dreams
Graham said his interest in carpentry started early when he visited his grandfather as a kid and the two would work on projects.
“Carpentry has always been a big hobby of mine.”
As a teen, when he needed new furniture for his room, he decided to build his own.
Graham then developed the hobby into his own woodshop business to help make extra money, grow his skills as a carpenter and “connect with my community.”
“It’s definitely an art to me,” he said about carpentry. “My favorite process is actually the designing of it — how this thought I had in my head comes into fruition with my own hands.”
Graham said his experiences at MNTC also helped equip him for his career field, from the quality of instruction to being able to work with “the latest and greatest equipment.”
Bill Hardy, MNTC carpentry instructor, said he was impressed with Graham’s work ethic and his team approach in class.
“Ethan is eager, engaged, self-motivated, very intelligent, he works well with others and is always willing to help other students,” Hardy said. “As a student, he excelled in all phases of our curriculum, and was very successful in our cabinetmaking competitions, qualifying to attend national competitions two years in the program.” Graham has the rare distinction of winning first place at SkillsUSA nationals both years!
Leveling up in leadership
Leveling up in leadership
Graham said his time at MNTC also helped him gain leadership skills and deepened a desire to serve his community. Some of the efforts that stand out were when he and other students raised money or donations for nonprofit organizations or for families impacted after severe weather.
Learning to be a leader is something Graham began to develop at a young age. When he was seven years old, his mother passed away. In the years after, he helped raise his two younger siblings.
Graham said the experience taught him about maturity and learning and adapting to challenges in life.
“You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do and what I’ve got to do is my best,” he said.
That ambition and perseverance influenced his decision to apply to Ivy League schools, including Dartmouth College. He was awarded a full scholarship to the university for this fall.
Graham said the support he received from MNTC played a pivotal role in the process.
“So many things on that (application) are because of MNTC,” he said, from the leadership opportunities and recognitions to the assistance from Bonner Slayton, PhD., MNTC Student Success Coach. The two worked on applications and scholarship essays.
Slayton said he believes Graham’s Dartmouth application stood out given his resolve to overcome obstacles and his determination to accomplish goals.
“He is a very hardworking, conscientious student who is willing to do what it takes to move ahead,” Slayton said. “I think Dartmouth sees his passion for his field and for helping others. He will add so much to the Dartmouth community.”
Slayton adds, “Ethan is willing to do what he can to succeed, and I can't wait to see where his passion and purpose will take him.”
Hardy agrees and said he is excited to see the accomplishments and achievements that await Graham.
“Ethan is a tremendous young man with a very promising future ahead of him,” Hardy said. “It is very encouraging to see a young person with such elevated goals and aspirations, and not letting life’s complications stand in the way of attaining those goals.”
As Graham looks ahead, he said he is grateful for his time at MNTC and the instruction, guidance and opportunities that were available to him. Graham encourages other students to learn more about the programs and services offered at the technology center that can help them achieve their goals.
“I think my biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of all the resources that are available,” he said. “If you really take advantage and grab a hold of everything that’s handed to you, there’ll be countless opportunities available.”
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About Moore Norman Technology Center
Established in 1972, Moore Norman Technology Center is viewed as one of the nation's premiere career and technical educational institutions within Oklahoma's globally recognized Career Tech system. Serving the Cleveland County communities of Moore, Norman, and south Oklahoma City, MNTC provides high school and adult students with an innovative technical career education. MNTC also offers customized workforce training to area companies allowing them to upskill their teams and achieve their business goals. Visit mntc.edu to learn more about classes and programs at Moore Norman Technology Center.
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