NT AFTON “ATTENDANCE MATTERS!” WINS DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
TRAILBLAZING TOGETHER: BUSINESS STUDENTS LEAD BPA
WELDING THE FUTURE: PEORIA TRIBE SUPPORTS AFTON CAMPUS WITH NEARLY $200,000 GRANT
NEW HVAC PROGRAM PROVIDES HOT OPPORTUNITY FOR A COOL CAREER
4 8 11 6 9 12 16 15 7 10 14 17 OF CONTENTS
FROM THE CLASSROOM AND BACK AGAIN: A NURSE’S JOURNEY FROM STUDENT TO EDUCATOR
CAUDILL STILL ENJOYING CAREER MAKEOVER A DECADE LATER
CODE CATALYSTS: NORTHEAST TECH AND COLCORD PILOT COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
STEM ACADEMY, TANGO FLIGHT REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
CNA-CERTIFIED TEENAGERS TAKING CHARGE
BARNETT TEACHES SWEET SKILLS TO STUDENTS
FROM GRIEF TO GRACE:
REYNOLDS HONORS GRANDMA
POWERING UP: NEW LINEMAN BUILDING SPARKS EXCITEMENT ON CAMPUS
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CELEBRATES FOUR BPA NATIONAL TITLES
18 22 26 19 23 27 20 24
CAREER COMPASS: NEW POSITION GUIDES STUDENTS TOWARD SUCCESS
THE BULLDOG BLEND: BEAUTY, BRAWN, AND BREAKING BARRIERS
HOLMES PIVOTS FROM ASSISTING TO ADVISING
BIS AT GRAND LAKE OPENS DOORS IN GROVE
MCMILLAN DRIVING HISTORY FORWARD IN CHEROKEE COUNTY
SCHOOL BOARD
Rosalie Griffith - Board President, Zone 1
Justin Miller - Board Vice President, Zone 4
Steve Lane - Board Clerk, Zone 5
John Long - Board Member, Zone 3
Sherman Weaver - Board Member, Zone 2
SUPERINTENDENT
Roger Crutchfield
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
Derek Beller
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Dr. Angela Durant-Tyson
CAMPUS DIRECTORS
Afton - Dr. Ravonda Higgins
Claremore - Liberty Shere, Mark Bird
Kansas - Greg Mitchell
Pryor - Paul Hocutt
COMMUNICATIONS
Jennifer Walker, Director of Communications
Brittney Rogers, Multimedia Producer
Kristal Adkinson, Public Relations Coordinator
CRUTCHFIELD TO RETIRE AFTER NEARLY 40-YEAR CAREER
fter a nearly 40-year career in public education and CareerTech, Northeast Tech Superintendent Roger Crutchfield is preparing to transition into retirement in 2025. His journey began in public education, teaching science classes at Claremore Public Schools, Blanchard Public Schools and Oologah-Talala Public Schools. Later he moved into administration as an assistant principal at Miami Public Schools, before returning to Claremore to serve as an assistant principal, and eventually, as the high school principal.
In 2008, Crutchfield was hired as the NT Pryor Campus Adult Education director. After serving in the role for two years, he was promoted to deputy superintendent, where he served for the next 11. The 2024-2025 school year marks his sixth year as superintendent, as well as his final.
Crutchfield sat down for a brief Q&A to reflect over his career, as well as to share his departing thoughts for the district.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career at NT?
A: As a high school administrator, I was quite aware of the value of a CareerTech education for so many of the students I had. I saw students thrive in an environment that was relevant and inspiring to so many. The students who came to Tech blossomed in a way that would not be possible in high school.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of during your time as superintendent?
A: First, as a career educator, I have always been a believer in the indispens-
able value of a motivated, competent and supportive classroom instructor. For that reason, I asked the board to allow me to create an Instructional Services Department. We hired a director and later, four coordinators. The department is essential to onboarding new instructors who know their occupational field, but do not necessarily know the art of teaching.
Second, after only having been the superintendent for seven months, we experienced a worldwide pandemic, the likes of which we had never seen. We tackled that challenge with collaboration, communication and creativity by implementing a hybrid approach to our schedule, resulting in some innovations that we have retained.
Q: How has NT grown over the course of your career?
A: I came to NT in 2008. We didn’t even have a campus in Claremore and our Business and Industry Services Department was very small compared to the team we have now. The number of employees has also grown exponen-
tially. We have also added numerous programs, such as Pre-Engineering, HVAC and Criminal Justice at Claremore. At Pryor we have added the Lineman, Electrical Controls and Instrumentation, and Teacher Prep programs. Pryor and Afton have each added a third Health Careers program. At Kansas, we also added Cosmetology and a second Health Careers position.
Q: How have partnerships with local communities, sending schools and businesses changed or evolved over the course of your tenure?
A: I do believe that our reputation as a valuable alternative to higher education is more readily acknowledged by all community partners, including our educational partners. Our higher education partners see opportunities for collaboration and our public education partners see the advantages students have through their experiences in CareerTech. Additionally, our connection to the business community allows us to be a conduit for all workforce development strategies.
Dear Northeast Tech,
As I reflect on my time here, it’s hard to put into words the gratitude I feel for the opportunity to serve this incredible district.
My journey as superintendent has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and now, as I prepare to step into retirement, I’m filled with both pride and bittersweet emotions.
Over the years, we’ve seen remarkable growth, innovation, and transformation.
Together, we have watched students blossom, equipping themselves with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step boldly into the world and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. This is the heart of what we do—empowering the next generation, not just to find jobs, but to pursue careers that fulfill their dreams and build our communities.
I want to thank our dedicated faculty, staff, and board members.
Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your passion for career and technical education have been the foundation of our district’s success. Each of you has played a critical role in shaping this institution, and your impact on the lives of our students will continue long after we’ve passed the baton.
To our students, both current and former, you are the reason we do what we do.
Watching you grow, challenge yourselves, and achieve your goals has been the greatest reward. I’ve seen firsthand your talent, determination, and resilience, and I am confident that each of you will go on to do extraordinary things.
As I close this chapter of my life, I do so with immense pride and a full heart.
While I may be retiring from my role, my belief in the mission of career and technical education will never fade. I will always be cheering for the district, for our students, and for the bright future that lies ahead.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey. I wish you all continued success, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this remarkable district.
Sincerely
Projects completed under Crutchfield’s tenure:
• The entire campus at Claremore including the additional maintenance and HVAC/Criminal Justice building
• The Fred Probis Building at Pryor
• The Cosmetology buildings at Afton, Pryor and Kansas
• The remodel of the Diesel building at Afton
• The remodel of the kitchen at Pryor and Afton
• The Central Administration building
• The remodel of BIS Mid-America
• The remodel and addition of BIS at Grand Lake
• The Welding building at Afton
• The Multi-Purpose building at Kansas
• The remodel of the Electrical Trades building at Pryor
• The simulation labs at Pryor, Afton and Kansas
DISTRICT CELEBRATES OKACTE WINNERS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:
DR. ANGELA DURANT-TYSON
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of education, Durant-Tyson began her CTE journey at Tulsa Public Schools before accepting a teaching position at Tulsa Tech. There, her career evolved as she took on roles such as instructional coordinator and campus administrator. In 2022, she was named executive director of operations for Northeast Tech where she oversees a broad spectrum of crucial functions, including the Northeast Tech Police Department, Marketing and Communications, Information Technology, Financial Aid, and Professional Development.
An exemplary leader, Durant-Tyson currently serves as president for the Oklahoma Association for Minorities in Career & Technology Education (OAMCTE) and as chair of the Mutual Benevolence Plan. She has also previously served as division president for Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Education (BMITE) and Oklahoma Instructional Materials (OKIM), which provides leadership and support to more than 430 programs across the state of Oklahoma. She has been recognized as an outstanding instructor at the local and regional level while working with Tulsa Tech and represented the BMITE Division as Educator of the Year for 2012. Additionally, she has represented her OkACTE division by serving on its Diversity Action Committee.
NEW TEACHER OF THE YEAR: EVA WOOLMAN
Since joining Northeast Tech, Woolman has been instrumental in establishing the Teacher Prep program at both the Pryor and Afton campuses. She launched the program at Pryor in 2020 and later expanded it to Afton, where she taught until 2024.
Using the Oklahoma State Regents’ Teach Oklahoma curriculum, Woolman crafted an inclusive program aligned with Family and Consumer Sciences National Standards. Her students gained practical experience through internships with mentor teachers and participated in Career and Technical Student Organization events. Woolman also forged a partnership with Northeastern State University, allowing students to earn college credit in Explorations in Teaching. To further enrich the program, she introduced students to Oklahoma’s 23 Accredited Colleges of Education through class trips and guest speakers, leading many to pursue higher education after completing Teacher Prep. In 2024, Woolman transitioned to Instructional Services coordinator at Northeast Tech’s Kansas Campus, supporting other instructors in instructional best practices.
DIVISION WINNERS:
I CODE CATALYSTS: NORTHEAST TECH AND COLCORD PILOT COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
n an effort to serve students beyond the walls of its own classrooms, Northeast Tech has partnered with Colcord Public Schools this fall to pilot a new, on-site Computer Science Essentials program for its high school students.
“Currently, our traditional on-campus programs can only accommodate about 20 percent of the students from our area high schools,” said Roger Crutchfield, NT superintendent. “We have been exploring innovative ways to extend our services to a broader portion of the high school population. To reach more students, we started considering how we could deliver courses directly to them.”
Colcord High School houses the pilot program, which utilizes curriculum from Project Lead the Way. It invites students, mainly sophomores, to learn the foundational skills of computer coding.
“I love that Northeast Tech has given us the ability to teach this class this year, because while we have computer classes, this one makes them think at a higher level,” said Amanda Brazil, program instructor. “We’re teaching foundational skills, so in the future, students will be able to apply their skills to any coding language. This program is giving them such a step ahead, because they will have so many skills that they wouldn’t have had from Colcord otherwise.”
Throughout the course, students will learn how to program robots, code in high-level programming languages such as Python, and build multiple applications.
Colcord student Lauren Hancock said she was originally enrolled in another course before her mother convinced her to take Computer Science Essentials.
“I am so happy she convinced me. This class really has just helped me get a better understanding of things that I never would have known, like Binary code, the ones and zeros,” Hancock said. “Making applications is hard, but extremely fun. I’m enjoying it so much now, just learning how to build an app and how everything functions.”
As part of the pilot program agreement, Northeast Tech sponsored all funding for training, materials and branding, while Colcord supplied the instructor.
“We chose Colcord as the location for this pilot because of the district’s demonstrated commitment to Northeast Tech and their student-centered approach,” Crutchfield said. “Colcord’s leadership is proactive and willing to collaborate. Additionally, the district’s size makes it an ideal candidate for this type of pilot program.”
Colcord High School Principal Terrill Denny said he is “appreciative” to
Northeast Tech leadership for choosing Colcord for the Computer Science Essentials pilot program.
“We’re just appreciative of Northeast Tech for making this happen,” he said. “We see a lot of different opportunities hopefully stemming from this and it really opens the door for other avenues beyond just computer science. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a good team.”
L NT AFTON “ATTENDANCE MATTERS!” WINS DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
eaders from the Northeast Tech Afton Campus were awarded the Oklahoma Association for Career and Technical Education Distinguished Achievement Award in August, which recognized their “Attendance Matters!” initiative and its positive impact on student attendance rates.
“We were honored to go on stage to receive the award. I didn’t accept it for me, but on behalf of the entire campus and all the great work our instructors and support staff do with our students,” said Dr. Ravonda Higgins, NT Afton campus director. “Instructors have expressed that through this initiative they have benefited in student engagement, classroom management and preparing our students for the workforce.”
Attendance Matters!, now in its third year, was the result of a collaboration between instructors and administration. It is a comprehensive incentive program to recognize and reward students for their dedication to regularly attending class.
Through initiatives such as awarding $5
in “NT Bucks” for perfect attendance to spend in the snack bar or swag room, prize drawings entries, and exclusive privileges for year-long perfect attendance achievers, the program encourages attendance and creates a sense of motivation among students.
“Attendance is crucial. We stress that our instructors grade students on employability, and 80 percent of success is showing up,” said Amy Kreutz, student advisor. “We have put a lot of effort into this, with partnerships and donations that allow our students to earn real money, so it is very rewarding to see when it literally ‘pays off.’”
In the 2023-2024 school year, campus administrators rewarded students with NT Bucks totalling $5,615. In the first month of the 20242025 school year alone, students have been rewarded over $1,550.
At a time when many schools are struggling
nationally with student attendance, NT Afton has seen its average attendance rates make small gains over the last three years, going from 92.5 percent to 94 percent by the end of its second year.
This year, Higgins hopes to see another .75 percent increase overall.
“We want our students to understand that we aren’t an extension of their high school. We are a workforce training facility,” she said. “Anytime our instructors talk to their advisory council or members in the community that employ our students, they say that the number one thing they need is attendance. Attendance matters to them, so therefore, it matters to us.”
TRAILBLAZING TOGETHER: BUSINESS STUDENTS LEAD BPA
Two students at the Northeast Tech Afton Campus are making history this year as the first NT students to serve in state officer leadership roles for Business Professionals of America, the nation’s leading CareerTech Student Organization (CTSO).
Business Communications students
Nancy Gilbert and Dylan Cook are currently serving one-year terms as BPA president and vice-president, respectively.
“They are the first two state officers from the Afton Campus in its 51year history, as well as the first two to run for a state officer position,” said Meredith Simerly, Business Communications instructor. “They are also the first two BPA state officers from the Northeast Tech district as a whole. Not only that, but for the two of them to be from the same chapter and from Northeast Tech, that also puts us on the map.”
The decision to apply and campaign for state office started with Cook.
“I’ve been in different CTSOs, and the main thing that I’ve noticed is that I wanted to be a state officer,” he said. “Every time that I see them on that stage, it’s been something that I wanted to do. So when I saw the state officers on stage at the Fall Leadership Conference last year, it really inspired me to take that leap.”
Running for a state officer position is no easy task, requiring applicants to fill out 26 pages of paperwork, take a screening test and have endorsements from their sending schools and NT. They must also run their own campaigns at the BPA Oklahoma State Leadership Conference.
I say that if I hadn’t joined Northeast Tech, I would have dropped out of high school.
It was when Cook was filling out his paperwork that Gilbert overheard the conversation.
“Dylan had been talking to Mrs. Simerly about the paperwork, which is a very thick stack of paperwork, and I eavesdropped a little bit,” she laughed. “I told Dylan that I thought he’d be a really good fit for the position and he told me that he would do it if I did. And I said, ‘Okay!’ He thought I was joking, but I was being serious.”
As BPA state officers, Gilbert and Cook are charged with promoting the organization to other students, including holding a Quality Chapter Tour event in October at the Afton Campus for current and prospective BPA students.
“I actually had somebody message me after the event just to tell me
that they feel 100 percent more engaged in BPA after our event, because they’re remembering what it’s about and they’re remembering how fun it is. I think it’s just really important to remind them of how fun the organization is and all the benefits of it,” Gilbert said.
It was also an opportunity for each of them to reflect on the importance of their position, especially for Cook.
“I say that if I hadn’t joined Northeast Tech, I would have dropped out of high school,” he said. “That’s how much coming here really turned my love for education and building my personal skills around, having these opportunities like with BPA. It’s forced me to step outside my comfort zone, and to live uncomfortably. I think that’s really propelled my life forward.”
This project is an incredible chance for our students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of STEM.
STEM ACADEMY, TANGO FLIGHT REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Northeast Tech Afton’s STEM Academy is soaring to new heights this year, partnering with aviation company Tango Flight to give students the unique opportunity to build an aircraft meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
Guided by STEM Instructor Trishia Masterson, and alongside Tango Flight representatives and local aviation mentors, students will work collaboratively over the next two years to build the aircraft.
“This project is an incredible chance for our students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of STEM,” Masterson said. “Building an aircraft from scratch will not only solidify their understanding of engineering and aerodynamics, but also ignite their passion for innovation and problem-solving. It’s a transformative experience that will pave the way for their future careers in STEM fields.”
Representatives from Tango Flight delivered the plane’s vertical stabilizer to the Afton Campus in July 2024. As a culminating event, a representative from Tango Flight will pilot the completed aircraft in May 2026.
During the building process, students will learn engineering, aerodynamics, and electronics principles. Practical skills will also be utilized including learning how to rivet, weld and wire electrical components. Additionally, students will gain valuable insights into the regulatory requirements and safety standards necessary for aviation.
Reagan Rudd, a senior from Ketchum High School, has been enrolled in the STEM Academy for three years and is “excited” about the opportunity that Tango Flight has brought to campus.
“There’s a real sense of accomplishment in the shop whenever we finish a part because we’re building this plane. How many kids our age can say that? It’s just so rewarding to see it all come
together,” said Rudd. “We’ve learned so much already, and every day I’m excited to get here and learn more.”
Dr. Ravonda Higgins hopes the project inspires students to pursue an aviation career.
“The Tango Flight curriculum is a perfect fit in our STEM program and will not only provide a hands-on approach to learning about aerospace engineering through the building of an airplane, but will also inspire students to pursue careers in aviation,” said Higgins. “We continue to strive to find real-world, hands-on practical applications of the knowledge and skills that are being taught in our programs.”
The aerospace and defense industry is the second-largest and fastest growing industry in Oklahoma, with over 206,000 jobs and a total of $44 billion in annual statewide economic activity, according to the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
WELDING THE FUTURE: PEORIA TRIBE SUPPORTS AFTON CAMPUS WITH $200,000 GRANT
TThe Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is committed to sparking opportunity and shaping futures. From early childhood programs to college scholarships and workforce training, the tribe’s dedication to supporting its members and the broader community lays a foundation for lasting success.
In partnership with Northeast Tech, The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma recently provided students at the Afton Campus with state-ofthe-art welding and metal fabrication tools, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities grant. Nearly $200,000 in funding was used to purchase a hydraulic shear, plate roll and press brake, enhancing hands-on learning and equipping students with valuable skills for careers in the welding industry.
The addition of this advanced equipment significantly enhances the program’s capabilities. Students can now precisely cut, shape, and form metal using the hydraulic shear and hydraulic press brake.
“Our goal has always been to invest in the education of our members and the community so they have the tools and knowledge needed for today’s job market,” said Chief Craig Harper of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. “We are proud to support Northeast Tech. Students who complete this program are welding-ready and have the skills to create their own career path.”
Beyond the equipment, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is opening the doors to their Henley facility, offering Northeast Tech students the opportunity to intern in the field of fabrication. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting,
gaining invaluable skills and professional insights.
Afton Campus Director Dr. Ravonda Higgins shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “This partnership with the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma not only strengthens our welding program but also creates pathways to real-world career opportunities for our students. It’s a prime example of what can be achieved when educational institutions and local organizations work together.”
The Welding and Metal Fabrication program at the Afton Campus is a two-year course led by instructor Corey Winesburg. This high-demand program combines technical training, classroom learning, and hands-on experience, preparing students for a variety of roles in the welding and metal fabrication industries.
To learn more about the program, visit netech.edu or call 918-257-8324.
NEW HVAC PROGRAM PROVIDES HOT OPPORTUNITY FOR A COOL CAREER
The next generation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning professionals started their journey this fall by becoming the first class to enroll in Northeast Tech’s HVAC program, the newest program addition to the NT Claremore Campus.
“HVAC is such a growing industry and it’s continuing to evolve. Everybody needs HVAC,” said Brian Williams, HVAC instructor.
Williams is also new to NT this year, having worked for over 18 years as an industry professional and business owner before making the switch to teaching.
“I’m a builder, and I love the opportu-
nity that I have to build this program with these students. It’s a humbling thought to be a part of,” he said. “It’s also great that I come from industry because I can teach them what the book says, but I can also teach based on my experience out in the field. They’re going to get little tips and tricks along the way that they can use as they keep going.”
The HVAC program is certified by the State of Oklahoma Construction Industries Board and is a one-year program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to test for a journeyman’s license after meeting the required on-the-job work experience.
“My students are going to learn a lot with me in this one year,” Williams
said. “We’re going to go over safety, how every machine operates, how voltage and wattage work, how to install units, how to figure out why something’s broken and how to fix it. You need a mechanical mindset for this program. It’s learning the fundamentals today, so that you have the skills tomorrow.”
The facility Williams is teaching in is also new, having opened in January 2024. It boasts 4,000 square feet of shop space as well as 1,000 square feet of classroom space.
“We are committed to providing cutting-edge facilities that enhance the learning experience for our students,” said Roger Crutchfield, NT superintendent. “This new building
You need a mechanical mindset for this program. It’s learning the fundamentals today, so that you have the skills tomorrow.
introduces the exciting addition of our HVAC program, furthering our mission to prepare students for successful careers.”
By the time students leave his program, Williams hopes they have also learned a work ethic and integrity that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.
“I want them to be able to go and put in an honest day’s work,” he said. “I’m trying to raise up a generation of people who know the fundamentals of how to do customer service. I want them to do the right thing, not because somebody’s watching them, but because nobody’s watching them. That’s just their character. I’m trying to grow character in students as well.”
CNA-CERTIFIED TEENAGERS TAKING CHARGE
While many teenagers are still unsure about their future careers, a number of high school juniors and seniors in the Health Careers program at Northeast Tech Claremore are already stepping into the workforce.
Emerald Care Center Claremore has hired 25 certified nursing assistants from Instructor Nancy Harris’s classes in the past year, according to Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Amy Van Brunt.
“I started here two years ago as the administrator with some major staffing shortages,” she said. “It has helped us tremendously to be able to fill these staffing shortages and get staffing under control with this partnership we have established with Northeast Tech.”
The partnership was the result of Harris looking for new sites for her students to complete their clinical
requirements to earn their CNA credentials, which are set by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
“You can be 16-years-old in the state of Oklahoma and become a CNA,” Harris explained. “Emerald Care saw the value in hiring 17-year-olds and 18-year-olds, so they have happily hired many of my students. They see them as a good fit for their facility
It helps my students gain valuable skills for becoming more experienced nurses down the road.
and it helps my students gain valuable skills for becoming more experienced nurses down the road.”
The opportunity to enter the workforce early has also created a greater sense of responsibility for students, according to Harris.
“This is way different than working at McDonald’s after school. This is taking care of human lives for eight hour shifts in the evenings, after school, on the weekends, during the daytime, when they could be hanging out with friends,” said Harris. “They’re making lots of money, and they’re getting great benefits. Some are even getting paid time off.”
For Van Brunt, she continually finds herself impressed with the quality of NT’s students.
“It’s just amazing to see what they can do. They’re here on time and they’re hard workers,” she said. “It’s a very serious job that they’re doing, taking care of the elderly, from helping them eat, to giving showers, and socializing with them so they don’t get depressed. They play a vital role in what we do. I’m very grateful for each one of them.”
It’s pretty surreal that I’m now working with the instructors that taught me.
FROM THE CLASSROOM AND BACK AGAIN: A NURSE’S
JOURNEY FROM STUDENT TO EDUCATOR
Laura Headrick is the newest practical nursing instructor at the Northeast Tech Claremore Campus, but before teaching students, she was also an NT student herself.
“It’s pretty surreal that I’m now working with the instructors that taught me,” Headrick said. “I think I had just gone through my life checking off goals, but I don’t think I realized the magnitude of how far I’ve come from being a student to being an instructor. We’re now peers and co-workers and I’m seeing how I can help somebody else reach their goals. It’s pretty amazing.”
Headrick originally became interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field after a personal tragedy changed her trajectory.
“I had a full-term stillborn in 2011, a little boy. I always say it was the best, worst thing that ever happened to me because it changed my perspective and started me on a different path,” she said. “To distract myself, I started helping my aunt with her schoolwork at Tulsa Community College. That’s when I realized I had settled in a job and didn’t know about all the opportunities where I could work and still go to school. My aunt saw that and encouraged me to go back.”
After completing the Certified Nurse Aide program at TCC, Headrick immediately wanted to continue her education in a licensed practical nursing program.
It was a decision that would ultimately lead her to Northeast Tech’s LPN program.
“I was going to have to wait a year to get into the program at TCC, and I didn’t want to wait,” she said. “I started researching for my future and found Northeast Tech. I realized I could get in pretty quickly with my college credits, so I jumped right into it at the Pryor Campus. I completed the program in a year, had my son during the program, and graduated in 2015.”
After graduating, Headrick went on to serve patients in labor and delivery and those going through dialysis at various clinics and hospitals while also earning her registered nurse degree.
By the time an instructor position opened at NT, Headrick had earned her bachelor’s of nursing and was ready to take the next step of her journey.
“I had always seen myself in a role like this because I have always loved teaching patients things, but openings here don’t come around often. I think it was God’s timing with a lot of things and how I
ended up here. I’m very grateful and thankful that I have this opportunity,” Headrick said.
Now as an instructor, Headrick hopes her experience will encourage other students to keep pursuing their own goals.
“Since I’ve been a student, I’m able to relate to my students and what they’re going through. This isn’t an easy program. I learned the most skills I’ve ever learned as a nurse through Northeast Tech and I want to give that back to my students,” she said. “I also hope that me being here and the students knowing that I’ve come through this program as well gives them a certain drive to accomplish their goals. It’s taken me 10 years from when I graduated to get here, but it was worth it.”
CAUDILL STILL ENJOYING CAREER MAKEOVER A DECADE LATER
Adecade after beginning her career at Northeast Tech, Cosmetology Instructor Melissa Caudill continues to have no regrets about putting retirement on hold in order to begin her teaching career.
“I owned my own salon for 26 years before I became a teacher,” Caudill said. “I was actually selling my salon when I was hired at Northeast Tech. This is my retirement. I retired to be a teacher.”
Caudill has always been passionate about the Cosmetology industry and wants her students to know the numerous opportunities that await them.
“I’ve had a passion for cosmetology all my life and as a former salon own-
er, I want my students to know they can also own their own salon if that’s what they choose. There’s also a lot of different fields that my students can go to when they complete our program. I just want them to know the future is theirs,” she said.
Caudill’s commitment to her students has not gone unnoticed during her tenure. For the 2023-2024 school year, she was named the NT Kansas Campus Teacher of the Year.
“Playing a part in the success of a student touches my heart, so it’s exciting that I would be chosen for that, for our campus,” Caudill said at the time. “It’s exciting that my co-workers and my students think I’m deserving.”
When students graduate from her
program, she hopes they confidently step into the workforce.
“I love seeing that ‘Aha!’ moment when students are faced with a problem, but they work hard and they push themselves and accomplish something,” Caudill said. “When a student graduates my program, I hope that they take with them the confidence that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.”
Caudill’s biggest joy is hearing about the success of her former students.
“The students, when they are successful, they love to let me know where they are,” she said. “I love getting phone calls telling me that they’re making a good living doing what they love to do.”
Playing a part in the success of a student touches my heart.
Baking is for everybody, and every age.
BARNETT TEACHES SWEET SKILLS TO STUDENTS
Students looking to gain bakery decorating skills can do so through the Northeast Tech Adult Education Decorating Basics course with Cyndi Barnett at the Kansas Campus.
Barnett has been teaching the evening course for over eight years, while also working as lead culinarian on campus during the day. She found her love for cooking and baking early on, crediting her mother for the discovery.
“My mother took a cake decorating class at night and she had all the stuff, but she wasn’t interested in continuing it,” she said. “So I asked her if I could
take it when it came around again and I loved it. I was in the eighth grade at the time and the only kid in the class! I’ve stuck with it all these years and I enjoy teaching it. It’s the best job I’ve ever had!”
Students who take Barnett’s class will have the opportunity to decorate cakes, cupcakes or cookies depending on the course topic.
“I show students how to fill a bag with my buttercream and vanilla icing and give them a whole set of decorating tips. They learn how to put them on and how to do the different techniques,” she said. “There’s
no right or wrong way to do it because everybody decorates differently. I love the way students get so excited about how it turns out. It’s just a really fun class. ”
Barnett also emphasizes that her class is for everyone.
“Baking is for everybody, and every age,” she said. “My grandkids love to decorate cookies, the girls and the boys. I’ve had a grandpa bring his granddaughters. I love it when I have men in my class because they have just as much fun as the girls do. Anyone can learn!”
FROM GRIEF TO GRACE: REYNOLDS HONORS GRANDMA
Nearly a year to the day of her grandmother’s passing, Northeast Tech employee Blaine Reynolds became a part-time, certified nursing assistant at Circle of Life Hospice in her honor.
“My grandparents raised me and all of my siblings. We moved in with them when I was about seven years old,” Reynolds said. “My grandma’s name was Bobbie Davis and she was more like a mother figure to me than an actual grandma. Raising a bunch of young kids is very stressful, so she loved to escape to her garden.”
Davis suffered from dementia, and after taking a fall in her nursing home on July 4, 2023, was transferred to Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark.
“I stayed with her there and the care that she received was amazing. And not only the care that she received, but that we received,” Reynolds said. “After she passed on July 11, I told Circle of Life that in one form or another, I’d be back. And a year later, I decided to take a CNA class.”
Reynolds also works full-time as the NT Kansas Adult Education administrative assistant and has seen countless students go through the CNA program.
“I never thought of nursing as a position for me. Having that experience with my grandma really made me feel like it was something that I wanted to do,” she said. “Once I told my supervisor Michelle Ferranti, she was very supportive. I promised I wasn’t leaving. I just needed to feel like I was giving back. Working in Adult Education, helping people go to nursing school and watching them succeed is amazing, but this time, I was having my turn.”
Reynolds reached out again to Circle of Life Hospice four weeks into her fiveweek course.
“I said, ‘I’m a new CNA. I’ve never worked in healthcare, but this is my story with my grandmother. I really want to work here and be a part of this team.’ Immediately they said, ‘yes, we want you to work for us.’ So I passed my certification exam on July 7, 2024 and that same day signed my contract with them. It was almost exactly a year after my grandma passed.”
While at NT during the week, Reynolds now spends a portion of her weekend at Circle of Life as a hospice aide, assisting patients and families through the end-oflife process.
“The team at Circle is incredible, the way they take care of their patients and the patients’ families. And for some of the patients that don’t have families at all, it’s
I think my grandma would be really proud.
rewarding to be there in those last few hours, getting to love them and care for them, letting them know that they’re not alone. It’s the best feeling in the world. I think my grandma would be really proud.”
THE BULLDOG BLEND: BEAUTY, BRAWN, AND BREAKING BARRIERS
Madison King and Kenadee Thomas are seniors in the Cosmetology program at Northeast Tech Kansas with busy schedules this fall, juggling scissors as students and singlets as wrestlers for the Jay High School Bulldogs.
“I think this is a good example of showing people that you can be more than one thing,” said Thomas. “It takes my family members by surprise that I wrestle because they only expect me to be a girly-girl. Wrestling isn’t really the girliest sport there is and they think it’s only for boys, but I think anybody can wrestle.”
In fact, Thomas has been wrestling for over a decade.
“My mom signed me up when I was little because my brothers were doing it and I’ve been doing it since,” she said. “I’m a competitive person. It’s also exciting to watch wrestling. It’s intense and sometimes there’s quick moves, so you don’t know what’s going on until it’s over. It’s fun.”
As for King, she is fairly new to the sport
and has only been wrestling since her sophomore year.
“My coaches told me I needed to do it because it would help me in my running, since I also do cross country. I love wrestling now,” she said. “I’m still learning as I go, but it’s fun to do something different and I’ve enjoyed making new friends.”
In addition to combating stereotypes about beauty and strength, both ladies are also changing the narrative that attending Tech means you can’t be an athlete.
“You can definitely go to Tech and do a sport,” said Thomas. “It has actually helped with my time management. While it can sometimes be stressful, my instructor Mrs. Caudill has been so helpful. No matter what, she will take time out of her day to make sure you’re taken care of.”
Last season Thomas and King both competed for state wrestling titles in Class 5A. While they didn’t walk away victorious, both Bulldogs have the chance this year for redemption arcs.
“I made it to state and that was an achieve-
ment that I made from the previous year. Now my goal this year is to place at state,” said King. “It would be nice to place this year, especially for it being only my third year competing, and my last year of wrestling.”
After high school, Thomas said she plans to continue her wrestling journey.
“I want to wrestle in college and learn about the medical field. Last year I placed first at regionals, but I got injured and was beat out of state. It was sad, but now I think I want to be a physical therapist when I’m older.”
While wrestling hasn’t changed the trajectory of King’s career, as she has future plans to open a salon with her grandmother, she is still appreciative of the opportunity.
“Anything new that I’ve ever tried to do, I’ve always been nervous, but I’ve tried it anyways, including wrestling and coming to Tech,” she said. “You’ll never know if you like something until you try it and once you do, you’ll most likely love it, like I have. Don’t be nervous, just go for it!”
Photos Courtesy of Jay Wrestling Club
Kenadee Thomas
Madison King
POWERING UP: NEW LINEMAN BUILDING SPARKS EXCITEMENT ON CAMPUS
More than a year after its groundbreaking, the Electrical Lineman program at Northeast Tech Pryor Campus finally opened the doors this fall to its new state-of-the-art, 4,900-square-foot training facility.
“Our new Lineman building is a testament to Northeast Tech’s commitment to providing industry-relevant, hands-on training for our students,” said Roger Crutchfield, NT superintendent. “While our pole yard provides students with hands-on training, this facility enhances their learning expe-
rience in the classroom to prepare for real-world challenges in a modern and efficient space.”
The facility sits next to the program’s pole yard. It boasts ample classroom and instructional space, a large locker area for storing climbing gear, an entryway washroom with hydrants for cleaning boots and an expanded break area.
It also ushers in a new era for the Electrical Lineman program by providing a dedicated space to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the high-demand field of electrical line work. Graduates are trained in
safety protocols, climbing techniques and electrical systems, ensuring they are ready to fill a critical gap in Oklahoma’s energy and utility sectors.
“We’ve been on campus since 2020, but had sort of moved into a building that wasn’t in use. It wasn’t dedicated to our program and didn’t really suit our needs,” said Jeff Floyd, Electrical Lineman instructor. “By having this building closer to our pole yard, it cuts down on the time back and forth between the class and the pole yard. That in itself has made things much more efficient in our day to day activities.”
Floyd has been involved with the process since its initial stages, providing input after researching other facilities around Oklahoma.
“Our administration came to me and asked what I needed for a facility to train these students adequately. They asked for my input on pretty much every aspect of this building, from
location to design,” he said.
Floyd, along with Director of Facilities Jimmy Sanders and Deputy Director of Facilities Carey Backward, worked with GH2 Architects to design the facility. Ellingson Contracting served as the project’s construction manager.
“I would like to thank the administration from NT, our board for being
Our new Lineman building is a testament to Northeast Tech’s commitment to providing industry-relevant, hands-on training for our students.
supportive, and also Ellingson Contracting for doing such a great job managing the project,” said Floyd. “This new facility really gives the program a good look. We’re excited for any potential students to come out and take a look and see what we offer.”
HOLMES PIVOTS FROM ASSISTING TO ADVISING
For Anna Holmes, Northeast Tech Pryor’s new student advisor, pursuing a career in dental assisting was the spark she needed to realize that her real passion was teaching and advising students.
“I originally started off at Ca -
was going to involve a little bit more than what I wanted to commit to,” she said. “I liked educating patients and came to realize that was more of my gift.”
While Holmes is new to NT this year, she has a long history of working within education and in the
hired at a CareerTech facility as an academic specialist, working with students in the classroom. Then I slid over into a counseling role about six years ago,” she said. “That was really helpful in learning how to go out to the schools and work with them to be able to share how CareerTech can help grow a great career.”
“I was in public education, teaching high school for 10 years before I was
I feel really blessed to be here and I look forward to a wonderful future with Northeast Tech.
At NT, Holmes is tasked with career planning, student engagement and recruitment.
“I truly love working with students,” she said. “I want to know what their goals are, short-term, long-term. I want to know what sort of challenges that they have in front of them, what sort of career paths they’re looking for, and just be there to support them every day and make sure they’re successful in their program. I also go out and build relationships with schools and our partners to bring in students and shine a little bit of light and excitement on what we do here.”
While the task is big, Holmes is motivated by her passion for students.
“I know that’s something that you hear a lot, but they’re so full of passion and excitement about their future and that really motivates me,” she said. “The idea of me helping maybe five students today, and maybe five students tomorrow, every day over the grand scheme of the whole year… That motivates me, knowing I’ve impacted a lot of students. It lets me know that this is really where I want to be. I feel really blessed to be here and I look forward to a wonderful future with Northeast Tech.”
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CELEBRATES FOUR BPA NATIONAL TITLES
Northeast Tech Pryor’s Visual Communications program earned an impressive four national championship trophies for digital media production and podcasting categories at the Business Professionals of America National Conference held in Chicago this past May.
“The podcast team, to the video production team, to the individual events, our students developed and created some amazing work and their presentations were awesome. Honestly, as each of them won, it was a little surreal that we just kept getting first place in all of these events,” said Jeff Faulconer, Visual Communications instructor.
BPA is the nation’s leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, finance, accounting office administration, and other business-related career fields.
Students must first compete at the state level before advancing to compete at nationals, often moving through several rounds of demonstrations and presentations to a panel of judges.
In the Secondary Podcast Production Team category, students Ethan Harrington, Tyler Kik, Elisabeth McNeil and Richard Rafferty were crowned national champions for their podcast discussing the use of artificial intelligence in education.
“The biggest strength our team had was definitely our confidence. I feel like that’s why we were a national winner,” Kik said. “From the get go, when we were doing our practice presentations, I’d tell all the judges, ‘we’re gonna win’.
So just having that mindset, to actually being up on stage, standing in the first place mark... It just felt great. Be confident in your work!”
In the Post-Secondary Podcast Production Team category, students Roman Chalice, Jessica Copenhaver and Gavin Morrow were also crowned national winners for their podcast discussing the use of artificial intelligence, but in the workforce.
“Even after we won state with our presentation, we made a lot of improvements that really helped during nationals. I think it prepared us and gave the judges a really good product that they wanted to actually vote for,” said Copenhaver. “It was really fun and overall an amazing experience.”
In the Secondary Video Production Team category, students Kobe Ball, Jeremiah Green, Jimmy Pruitt and Teddy Stern were crowned national champions.
In the Post-Secondary Digital Media Production Team category, Green was crowned national champion again, this time for his individual work.
Green is now a back-to-back national BPA winner, having also won a national Digital Media Production championship for Pryor Visual Communications in 2023. His video for that project profiled the history of the famous Blue Whale of Catoosa.
Faulconer said he was “proud” of each team and their efforts.
“I was super proud of their ability to work together as a team and overcome different obstacles throughout the process. Several times they had to reschedule, but they all seem to have a great attitude and got the job done,” he said. “It makes me proud to be a part of a great organization like Northeast Tech.”
Photos
Courtesy of Jeff Faulconer
This location will allow us to meet several needs within our communities.
BIS AT GRAND LAKE OPENS DOORS IN GROVE
This summer, Northeast Tech Business and Industry Services opened the doors to BIS at Grand Lake, a new 5,465-square-foot facility serving as a hub for business training, conferences, and an incubator program for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“This expansion reflects our district’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses, and providing valuable resources for business development in the Grand Lake area,” said Roger Crutchfield, NT superintendent.
The facility, located at 8705 US Hwy 59 North in Grove, Okla., was designed by GH2 Architects and overseen by Ellingson Contracting. It represents a significant $1.7 million investment in the Grand Lake
area and will serve all of Northeast Oklahoma.
It features six offices for BIS employees, a large classroom, and two smaller conference rooms available to the public.
“This location will allow us to meet several needs within our communities,” said Troy Steidley, NT BIS director. “We’ll be able to offer onsite classes and training, as well as the opportunity to host small community meetings and events. It will
Photos Courtesy of Ellingson Contracting
also be home to our new business incubator that will allow up to five entrepreneurs or businesses to have 24/7 office access.”
The need for a business incubator became apparent immediately following the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to Steidley.
“The incubator just started as a need that we recognized after COVID. A lot of people didn’t go back to work, but they had a wonderful idea or a product, they just weren’t sure how to operate to make it a successful business. So as that need came to fruition, our superintendent and our school board saw that and this is their solution to help fill that need. It’s an opportunity to come in and grow and try to be successful,” he said.
The incubator itself features five office spaces to rent for a monthly or daily fee.
A $20 “Day Pass” includes amenities such as access to wireless internet, a
shared breakroom space with coffee, and access to a printer, scanner and copier.
For $150 per month, the “Hot Desk” includes the lower tier package, but adds the ability to reserve conference rooms, be assigned a physical address for package deliveries, and month-to-month access with no long-term commitment.
A “Dedicated Desk” package for $250 a month includes all aforementioned amenities, but also adds 24/7 access to the building and a reserved desk.
However, Steidley says the best deal
entrepreneurs and businesses will find in the building are the NT experts occupying the new facility.
“The best benefit for our clients is the access that they will have to our business development team and the services that they offer, such as helping write a business plan, insurance, training in Excel and QuickBooks, payroll, marketing and other key components to help a new business. This incubator is meant to give the entrepreneur that takes advantage of our program a greater chance at success, and if we can help them grow, then we’re also successful.”
Photos Courtesy of Ellingson
This new position will work with the student and what they feel will fit their needs and situation, while removing barriers.
CAREER COMPASS: NEW POSITION GUIDES STUDENTS TOWARD SUCCESS
Students without a career plan post-high school now have a place to turn for guidance with the newly created director of Career Advisement position within Northeast Tech Business and Industry Services.
“It is very important that we give students every opportunity to be successful, whether that is to help them get a job, gain credentials through short-term training for a new career or pursue higher education. This new position will work with the student and what they feel will fit their needs and situation, while removing barriers,” said Troy Steidley, NT BIS director.
The decision to house the position within the BIS department was purposeful, according to NT Superintendent Roger Crutchfield.
“Housing this position in our Business and Industry department ensures that the position has immediate access to our workforce development team, enabling them to provide relevant and timely guidance in career planning,” he said.
Taylar Odle has been selected as the first ever director of Career Advisement. She has previously served as a university re-
cruiter, high school counselor and, most recently, for several years as the NT Pryor Campus student advisor.
“In my previous advisor role, we had 12 sending high schools where I would guide students into our full-time programs. In this new role, I can make an even bigger impact,” Odle said. “I’m a liaison for the entire NT district, whether that’s our full-time programs, Adult Education courses, BIS services. I’m also here to offer opportunities outside of Tech, including in higher education or the military. The goal is to put people to work and I’m making sure that those opportunities are being presented.”
This year Odle has been asked by NT administration to work closely with Colcord High School to create a basis for future development of the Career Advisement department.
“Taylar has been instrumental in our goal of knowing where every senior is going to be after they graduate in May,” said Terrill Denny, Colcord High School principal. “She’s been helping students set up college visits, finding scholarship information, meeting admission deadlines. She’s even provided some students with access to driving
lessons, changing their lives in just one day. I think we’ll see the benefits of Taylar’s work and this collaboration for years to come.”
Odle said she has already received feedback from students and is “honored” to serve those who would otherwise be without a plan.
“I’ve already received feedback from a couple of the students that I’ve met with this year, just a simple email saying, ‘thank you, Mrs. Odle. I really appreciate your support and your help.’ That feels great,” she said. “I feel honored to be able to serve our communities in this way. I want to say thank you to all of our leadership for believing in me and helping me through this process.”
MCMILLAN DRIVING HISTORY FORWARD IN CHEROKEE COUNTY
Morgan McMillan is a Northeast Tech graduate already making history at just 21 years old.
In November 2023, she became the first ever female Commercial Driver’s License holder to drive for the Cherokee County Commissioners in Tahlequah, Okla.
“I didn’t know for a fact until I started that I was the first. That carries a lot of weight, but I had always wanted to drive a truck, since you don’t see many females doing it,” McMillan said. “I definitely found what I was meant to do. I love it and I’m glad that I went to Northeast Tech to get my license.”
McMillan is no stranger to operating trucks and machinery, having grown up on a farm.
She also earned her heavy equipment operator certification while still in high school. After graduating, she enrolled at Northeastern State University, but struggled to find a career major that held her interest.
It was that struggle that led her to Northeast Tech’s Truck Driver Training program.
“I never found any majors that really interested me, so after I decided to leave NSU, I found Northeast Tech had a CDL course and I was all about it,” she said. “I have not regretted my decision to enroll and I never will. The skills you learn at Tech stay with you for a lifetime and they will always be in high demand. It doesn’t matter what you look like. Just go do it!”
McMillan credits District 1 Commissioner Bobby “Cub” Whitewater with giving her the opportunity to put her
skills to use after graduating from NT.
“He’s a great boss and I’m so thankful for the opportunity that he gave me,” she said. “He didn’t just give me the job, I had to really show the skills I had.”
Most drivers for the county are Class B CDL drivers, but McMillan is a certified Class A driver. Coupled with her heavy equipment operating certification, it makes her one of a select few working for the county that can operate or haul any piece of equipment in the barn.
“We mainly haul rock and pull equipment, which I do if they need me to,” she said. “My favorite days though are when we lay asphalt. You have to make sure you aren’t rolling too far away from the machine, or asphalt is going to spill everywhere. It’s hot, thousands of degrees. You have to get out and shovel anything that piles up, so it actually takes a lot of skill.”
Now over a year into her new role, McMillan continues to learn while earning the respect of her co-workers.
“I’ve learned so much in the past year that I never thought I would know now,” she said. “I was so nervous when I first started because I thought that if there was something I couldn’t do, then my male co-workers would give me a hard time about it. But I’ve really learned so much working here and they’re so supportive. It feels good to earn their respect. They know I’m not just here for fun, but to do a job.”
The skills you learn at Tech stay with you for a lifetime.
