Norman Kiwanis Club Honors Students of the Month

Ethan McGill is a second-year student in the Entrepreneurship program and a senior at Norman High School. He serves as president of MNTC’s DECA student organization chapter, and was vice president last year. He recently learned that he and two fellow students helped their school business venture, The Backroom Clothing Company, achieve a Gold Level Certification from the School Based Enterprise organization. He’ll be recognized at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Ga., April 26-29.

“I’ve learned what it takes to make a store ADA accessible and about what it means to help the community. We’ve done so much community work, and I’ve learned about myself in the process. It’s my second year of the class, and I’m grateful for all Mrs. Holt has taught me,” said McGill. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall and has already received his acceptance letter. He will study at the OSU School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

McGill’s instructor, Nancy Holt, said, “Ethan has a true servant’s heart. He is one of the kindest and most considerate people I have ever met. He truly understands what it means to treat the customer correctly.”

 
Adult student Rachelle Lagunes a student in MNTC’s Accounting program. She is a member of the Business Professionals of America student organization, and recently competed in a district contest where she placed fourth in the Accounting division. She is earning 12 hours of college credit toward an associate degree at Oklahoma City Community College through a cooperative alliance agreement. She graduates from MNTC in May.

She found out about the program through her mother who had been enrolled previously. “I had finished high school and wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in terms of a career. I went with my mom to her Accounting class one day to see what it was like and came away knowing I had to enroll,” she said. While in school, Lagunes works in the customer service department at Wal-Mart doing financial aspects of the department. “I love keeping records, books and doing the accounting portion of my work - I always have. That’s why I knew this was the program I would be successful in,” she said.

She plans to enroll at OCCC for classes starting this fall, and after completing an associate degree, looks to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, hopefully at the University of Oklahoma. “Before this class I wasn’t as confident in myself, but in here I’ve learned how to try my hardest and my best. I’m excited about school and about learning every day, and I encourage all of my friends and family to do the same,” she said. Lagunes’ Accounting Instructor, Charlotte Burnham, said, “Rachelle is motivated, pleasant and very hard-working student who enjoys learning and is a pleasure to have in class,” said Burnham.

For more information about Entrepreneurship, Accounting, or any other of MNTC’s full time programs, visit www.mntechnology.com or call 364-5763, ext. 7260.