A large group of citizens from around the Northwest Technology Center service area were invited on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to come to the Alva site, enjoy a free meal and offer advice on how the education center could do its job.

After opening remarks by Assistant Superintendent Daren Slater, and a welcome wave from Superintendent Dr. Gerald Harris, the group broke up into the following sections:

• Auto Collision: Instructor Jeff Owen; participants Josh Anderson, Mike Bowden, Zach Chaffin, Kolton Howard

• Auto Technology: Instructor Ron Rader; participants Marty Appleton, Jay Hoover, Mark Lehl

• Business and Computer Technology: Instructor Andrea Long; participants Patricia Beeler, Lindsey Ferguson, Leeta Grimsley, Tara Hannaford, Jodee Kelln, Stephanie Marteney

• BioMed: Math Instructor Lane Prewett and BioMed instructors Jennifer Shaw and Thure Tolson; participants Kandice Allen, Damon Hawkins, Adam Jordan, Tim Starkey; and P.A. Niki Wyatt

• Business and Industry Sciences, and Adult Training and Development: Business and Industry Director Charlotte Hadwiger, Safety Coordinator Len Haight, BIS/ACD/Administratve Professional Jessica Kreigh, Ag Business Coordinator Allan Poe, Sonja Williams of WCEDC; participants Joe Don Dunham, Troy Eshelman, Jeremy Hickman, Alex Mantz, Janice Melson, Bryan Miller, Ronnie Pitts, Chelsey Shipley

• Construction Trades: Instructor Dennis Bushman; participants Mitch Judd, Darrell Kline, Coy Trout

• Digital Design: Instructor Tami Frascht; participants Kandee Almgren, Greg McClure, Katie Strehl

• Marketing: Director of Communications and Marketing Melinda Barton; participants Craig Killman, Lynn Martin

• Practical Nursing/Health Services: PN Director/Instructor Diane Duffy, PN Instructor Tara Thomas, PN Secretary/Administrative Professional Kate Nickel, Health Careers Instructor Brooke Meyer, BIS Health Instructor Tammy Mustard, BIS Health Instructor Alicia Smith; participants Jesus Arizmendi, Carol Ann Bolson, Jodell Durkee, Rita Goodrich, Marty Graham, Mishelle Gribble, Anna Hopper, Michelle Huskabee, Collin Jones, Dayna Jordan, Jentry Lancaster, Dr. Michael Lawrence, Peggy Mitchell, Chandra Murrow, Christy Willyard, Robin Wilson, Cassie Vickers

• Project Hope: Coordinator Sharon Corder, Co-Coordinator – High Plains Campus Denise Whitehead; participants

Ashley Carriger, Jazqulene Fishburn, Sandra Holcombe, Hope Ingraham, Chelsea Moore, Kerri Pierce

• Student Services: Counselor Karen Koehn, Career Center Counselor Amy McClure; participants Karlee Dietz, Gracelyn McClure, Grant Ritter, Lane Scarbrough, Isaac Thompson

Support staff in attendance included:

Shaylyn Weder-Network Manager

Jessica Kreigh-BIS.ACD/Admin Professional

Scott Sibley-Maintenance

Liz Bittle-Assistant Financial Officer

Kate Nickle-Administrative Professional

Angie Flynt-Administrative Professional

Gary Murrow-Maintenance

John McGinnis-Maintenance (1:30)

Braylyn Graybill-Night Registrar

Each group had an agenda which included a tour of the school, completing a community survey, and open comments on discussions. The community survey explored such topics as how courses could be improved and what additional courses might be desired.