Nine MNTC Automotive Service Students Earn $4,250 in Scholarships

Nine Moore Norman Technology Center Automotive Service Technology (AST) students were recently awarded $4,250 in industry-based scholarships.

Fueling Dreams Scholarships

Fueling Dreams Scholarships are funded each year by the local auto industry that make up the Auto Service advisory board at MNTC. Fueling Dreams Scholarship winners are Moore High School senior Christian Urmie, $1,250. He is employed with AutoMax Hyundai of Norman. Jacob Keupen earned a $500 scholarship and is employed with Landers Chevrolet of Norman. Jesse Bottoms earned a $250 scholarship and is employed with Fowler Honda in Norman. Westmoore High School senior Camber Fergeson earned a $250 scholarship.

Danny Stevens Scholarship

Moore High School senior Tzel Morgan earned a $250 scholarship and is employed with Fowler Honda in Norman. Westmoore High School senior Daniel Bishop eared a $250 scholarship. 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.

Tristen Ballinger KCRO Scholarship 

Brayden Martin, who works at Auto Valet 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 Norman High School senior Colton Fleming, $500, and Southmoore High School senior Valerie Pence, $500. Fleming is employed with Fowler Honda 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.