Norman, OK

 

Ten Moore Norman Technology Center Automotive Service Technology (AST) students were recently awarded $5,250 in industry-based scholarships. In 1993 the first of the scholarships was awarded and more than 30 have been awarded since. The scholarship committee read through 24 applications the year to select the final ten recipients. Congratulations to all of the well-deserving scholarship recipients!

 

The application process started in December 2023. Students received guidance and support from Lucinda Francis, Yumi Davis, and Michelle Mears, along with their instructors. To be considered for these scholarships each applicant interviewed before a panel of professionals and submitted a resume and essay about their educational and industry goals.

 

The presenters Cathy Walls and the Ballinger Family stated how much they enjoyed meeting all the applicants. Before the announcement, each presenter shared an important story about their son and encouraging messages to all AST students. Cathy Walls reminded students to "Tell those important people in your life that you love them, give them a big hug, and tell them they are important in your life." She gave and received hugs from each scholarship recipient.

 

Mark Ballinger, Nicole Ballinger and Lina McClellan presented the Tristen Ballinger KCRO scholarship. Mr. Ballinger shared the story of his son, Tristen, and the impact that the Automotive Services Technology program had in his life. Their family continues to be actively involved in the selection process.

 

Moore Norman Technology Center has multiple scholarships available to students. These scholarships are funded in part by the Automotive Services Technology advisory board and community supporters.

 

Fueling Dreams Scholarships are funded each year by the local auto industry that make up the Auto Service advisory board at MNTC. Adult student winner of the Fueling Dreams scholarship include adult student Colton Jacobs ($500 scholarship), Moore High School students Trayson Smith and Dylan Hardin ($250 scholarship), and Moore High School student, Noah Jackson also earned this ($1250 scholarship) level.

 

Danny Stevens was an instructional assistant in the AST program from 2000 until his passing in April 2014. Aerospace & Transportation Director 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. This year, Southmoore High School student Reece Drewery and Norman High School student Ryan Starkey earned this scholarship at the $250 level.

 

Tristen Ballinger 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. This scholarship, given in his honor, was earned by adult students Kelly Swift and Zane Brian for $500.

 

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 student wishing to pursue or continue employment in the automotive career field or continued education. Adult student Karina Sutter earned this scholarship for $1000 and adult student Gabriel Angus earned it for $500.

 

 

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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 CareerTech 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. For more information about Moore Norman Technology Center programs and training, visit mntc.edu.