Eight Moore Norman Technology Center Automotive Service Technology (AST) students were recently awarded $4,000 in industry-based scholarships.

Fueling Dreams Scholarships

AST students who earned a Fueling Dreams Scholarship are Jorge Garcia, $1,250. He is employed with Fowler Volkswagen of Norman. Jonathan Russell earned a $500 scholarship and is employed with Eskridge Honda in Oklahoma City. Moore High School senior Trenton Parsons earned $250 and Southmoore High School senior Alejandro Rodriguez earned $250. Fueling Dreams Scholarships are funded each year by the local auto industry.

Danny Stevens Scholarship

Evan Labombarde earned $250 through the Danny Stevens Scholarship. Labombarde works at Tio Chuy's Auto Sales and Hibdon Tires. Danny Stevens was an instructional assistant in the AST program from 2000 until his passing in April 2014. AST Instructor Lee Dow said, "Danny had a positive impact on all students and made a difference in their lives every day." The scholarship was set up in Stevens' memory by an AST graduate.

Tristen Ballinger KCRO Scholarship 

Joshua Eden, who works at Fowler Honda of Norman, earned $500 through the Tristen Ballinger KCRO Scholarship. Mark and Nicole Ballinger, parents of Tristen, presented the scholarship to Parker. Tristen was diagnosed with ALD (Adrenoleukodystrophy) in June of 2017. He graduated from Westmoore High School in May 2018 and passed away in August 2018. He was active in MNTC's AST program and enjoyed the time he was able to spend there. His passion was cars, specifically his 1969 Chevy Nova and he worked as a race official at Thunder Valley for close to four years.

Michael Walls Scholarships

Cathy Walls, the mother of the late Michael Walls, and Lindsi Walls, the niece of the late Michael Walls, presented two Michael Walls Scholarships totaling $1,000 to Brenden Parker, $500, and Jace Wales, $500. Parker is employed with Fowler Toyota of Norman and Wales is employed with Fowler Volkswagen of Norman. Michael Walls was an MNTC Auto Service Technology graduate who passed away in December of 1991. His family and friends established this scholarship in his honor. This scholarship is awarded to a high school student wishing to pursue or continue employment in the automotive career field or continued education. 

To be considered for these scholarships each applicant interviewed before a panel of professionals and submitted a resume and an essay about their educational and industry goals.

Learn more about MNTC’s Auto Service Technology program or explore all MNTC career programs.