Moore Norman Technology Center students Madeline Poynter and Cory Salazar were selected as January Students of the Month for the Norman Kiwanis and Moore Rotary Clubs.

Poynter is a Norman High School senior and Veterinary Assistant student. She is the Moore Rotary Club selection. She is a member of the Future Health Professionals (HOSA) and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) student organizations. She is also a member of the National Honor Society (NHS).

Poynter said she chose MNTC has a part of her school day because she rides horses and has an interest in, and experience with animals that she wanted to pursue as preparation for college.

“Originally, I wanted to gain a better understanding of veterinary science and improve on social skills but when I graduate, I will leave with a veterinary assisting certification and a solid foundation for my future veterinary science career. I’ll also have leadership and time-management skills and professional resources to lean on,” said Poynter.

She said because of her time at MNTC she has learned what it takes to work in the veterinary setting and now has a higher level of confidence in working with animals. She said attending this program was perfect for her because she wanted to be challenged and now has skills and education that set her apart from her peer group.

After graduation in May, Poynter plans to continue her education at Oklahoma State University this fall and will focus on biochemistry and biomolecular sciences. She looks to have a career in theriogenology, the study of veterinary obstetrics and the diseases and physiology of animal reproductive systems.

Cory Salazar is an adult student in the Graphic Design program and is the Norman Kiwanis Club selection for January. He’s an active member of SkillsUSA, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and has earned the Adobe Illustrator certification. In spring last year, he placed first in the district SkillsUSA Job Skills Demo and Advertising Layout Design competitions before events shut down due to Covid, disabling him from attending state competitions and potentially qualifying for nationals. He recently competed in the 2021 district skills competition.

“I saw the Graphic Design program at MNTC as another outlet for creativity and I want to learn more. We get to work with real clients and have deadlines; this program really prepares us for the industry we hope to get into,” said Salazar.

He said his confidence as a designer has increased over the past semesters and with the in-class design competitions he believes he has truly grown and developed in the craft. He said being an adult in a class blended with local high school students has also given him the opportunity to watch them grow into young adults, as well.

Salazar graduates from the program in May and is working toward an Adobe Illustrator certification. He said he feels lucky to be able to attend one of MNTC’s high-demand programs and that the school is great with supportive staff who helped him each step of the way.

To learn more about MNTC’s Graphic Design or Veterinary Assistant programs visit here or call 405-801-5000.