Four Moore Norman Technology Center students were selected as October and November 2020 Students of the Month for the Norman Kiwanis and Moore Rotary Clubs.

Norman North High School junior and MNTC Pre-Engineering student Jackson Annesley is the October Moore Rotary Club selection. He is a member of the Technology Student Association student organization. At NNHS he is involved in the Astronomy Club and Spud Week.

“I chose Pre-Engineering at MNTC because I believe it will give me more critical-thinking skills and prior knowledge that I can apply when I major in engineering in college. I’ve gained so much knowledge in not just math and science, but in the field as a whole; it makes me want to continue” Annesley said.

He said his experiences at MNTC have boosted his confidence in engineering and his potential to have a career in the industry. He plans to apply for internships and use his experiences at MNTC to excel in college.

“I feel prepared for college because of this program; I know now that technology centers are not just a place to learn a trade but can also be used to further your studies in college,” said Annesley.

Taryn Dodson-Evey is a recent graduate of the evening, adult-only Cosmetology program and was selected as the October Norman Kiwanis Club selection. She was a member of the SkillsUSA student organization and completed the program with an Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology license and is certified in eyebrow tinting, derma planning, eyelash lifts and tints. She worked as a receptionist at a local salon while in the program and secured a position there as an assistant manager just after graduation.

“Attending MNTC has given me to many opportunities to succeed; my instructors and substitute instructors were amazing and helped me feel confident as a cosmetologist walking right out of the program,” Dodson-Evey said.

Dodson-Evey said she and her family knew of MNTC prior to her attending, as her mother and grandmother took education classes at MNTC and she attended the now-closed MNTC Childcare Center as a toddler.

“If it wasn’t for Moore Norman I wouldn’t be where I am today. My instructors continually encouraged me to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles I was facing throughout that time.

“I was always met with love, patience, understanding and hope by my classmates and instructors. I cannot picture myself having gone through this program at a better place,” said Dodson-Evey.

MNTC Carpentry student Lucas Berrett is the Norman Kiwanis selection for November. He is finishing his second year in the program utilizing the MNTC Tuition Waiver after taking the first year during his senior year while at Moore High School. He is an active member of SkilsUSA, a national student organization and has earned the OSHA 10 and Forklift Safety certifications.  

“I chose Moore Norman while I was in high school because it was free to attend and the training will give me lucrative opportunities in the construction industry that can help me pay for college,” said Berrett.

Berrett said he is glad he chose to attend MNTC as it has already given him employability skills that he can use at any time. He also said that today he feels confident while working with all types of woodworking tools and in being able to frame homes, erect walls, manage repairs and build furniture. Berrett also spoke highly of MNTC’s Career & College Connection team and the assistance he’s received through their team.

“Students are helped in building a resume and we can list the skills and certifications we have and this helps us when applying for jobs. They also connect us with local businesses looking to hire. We even receive help developing our writing skills so we can write essays for scholarship applications,” said Berrett.

He’s taking courses at Oklahoma City Community College in the social services field and after MNTC graduation this May he plans to continue his studies at a university.

Southmoore and MNTC Digital Cinema & TV Production student Abrielle Pham is the Moore Rotary Club selection for November. She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as president, is involved with the Multicultural Club, the Race, Religion and Rights Club and Moore Schools's Social Justice & Equity Committee. She started the MNTC program as a junior and will graduate this May. She's working toward an AVID Media Composer Certification.

Pham said, "I was expecting to learn how to use a film camera but was so wrong. We have learned so much within the film field like learning how to use various film equipment and the art, style and science behind making a film."

She held a broadcasting internship and has also held positions in marketing and advertising.

After graduation she hopes to take the skills she's learned in her program in the marketing and advertising industries.

"MNTC prepares students no matter what age or experience they have. The study materials, hands-on learning and the personal care from instructors create an amazing learning environment for each student," said Pham.

To learn more about MNTC’s full-time career programs visit here or call 405-801-5000.