Edmond Life and Leisure - April 24, 2025

Francis Tuttle laud top honor students

Some of the many Francis Tuttle Tech Center students being inducted into the school’s honor society.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center celebrated the induction of 352 high school and adult students at the annual National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Induction Ceremony earlier this month.

NTHS’ mission is “to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership.” Students are nominated by their instructors based on academics and character.

“We are so proud of these students and all they have achieved,” said Dr. Jaared Scott, deputy superintendent and COO. “They are destined for great things.”

The 2024-25 NTHS officer team conducted the ceremony, which was held at Council Road Baptist Church. Current NTHS members La’Nae JohnsonWhite and Sophia Gregory Fu spoke to the newest inductees.

“It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop,” said Johnson-White, a computeraided design and drafting student. “Let us not forget the treasure at the end of the road. Let us move forward with patience and persistence. Every step, no matter how demanding, brings us closer to the person we are meant to be.”

Gregory Fu, a biosciences and medicine academy student, encouraged her peers “to reflect on the hard work you put in to get through such a rigorous program.”

While many NTHS members also thrived at their high schools, for some, Francis Tuttle is the place they fit in best, said Brian Eccellente, assistant director of trade and industrial programs and 2024-25 NTHS advisor. For those students, being part of NTHS is often the first time they have had the opportunity to be part of an honor society.

“A lot of students express how excited they are because they haven’t had this experience before,” Eccellente said. “The parents and guardians who have supported them and see the happiness and the students excelling are equally as excited. They see a change in that student they hadn’t seen, and you can see the pride that beams through every part of them. It’s really cool to see people experience that.”

Each year, NTHS completes a service project. The current officer team chose two recipients: OK Kids Korral and Pivot. According to the organizations’ websites, OK Kids Korral “is a haven for the entire family as a child with cancer receives treatment,” while Pivot supports young people ages 12 to 24 “who are often homeless or couch-homeless, disconnected or otherwise at-risk.” NTHS accepted donations for both organizations, with the drive ending at the induction ceremony.