Quinton GEAR UP students tour OSU–IT
Sophomore and junior GEAR UP students at Quinton High School recently traveled to Okmulgee to tour the campus of Oklahoma State University–Institute of Technology.
Students were greeted by OSU–IT Special Events Coordinator Sable Vasquez. Vasquez informed the students of the various degree programs offered at the institute. Students were divided into two groups to begin their educational journey. Vasquez and Recruiter Aaron Heller conducted the tours.
The School of Culinary Arts was the first destination. OSU–IT Student Service Officer Denise Wise led the group through the center and explained the many classes that must be taken to become a chef. Students learned about the international cuisines being prepared by the students. Wise said the students not only learn about cultural dishes, but also business enterprise management and what it takes to manage and place food orders in a large restaurant. Students were offered a sample of a lemon glazed salmon pistou. Quinton students wanted to know what “pistou” means.
Wise was delighted by their curiosity and explained that it is a garlic and basil sauce. Students were excited to find two Quinton graduates who are students at OSU–IT. The Quinton alumni stressed the importance of taking the ACT. They encouraged the students to study for the test. They also stressed the importance of completing scholarship applications. One of the students suggested they begin filling out the applications in January of their senior year because as of March 1, OSU–IT will have already awarded scholarships.
Students were then taken to the new Chesapeake Energy Center. The Center is a state–of–art 23,920 square foot natural gas compression training facility. School of Energy Technologies Division Chair Roy Achemire met the students. Achemire explained the physics of water and gas compression. Students were reminded of the importance of taking math and science classes as well as learning everything they can in high school, as these rigorous programs are looking for students that can maintain good grades and a high work ethic.
The tour concluded in the campus cafeteria where the students enjoyed lunch. Students loved the buffet with its many dishes from which they could choose.
“Many of the students said the tour was an eye opening experience,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Lori Douglas. “Several were interested in pursuing a career in an area that was mentioned.”
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.
Quinton GEAR UP students recently touring OSU–IT included:
Front Row: Chad Simmons, Dalton Nunley, Bryce Blankenship and Lindsey Burgess.
Row 2: Dylan Bush, Mayson Glynn, Kenzie Few, Novah Glynn, Natalie Knott, Kaleb Bone, Anthony Johnson, Anthony Taylor and Eli Leon.
Back Row: Toby Simco, Tucker Dugan, Bobby Brennan, Garrett Lemons, Andrew Howell, Kyleigh Walker–Hilburn, Madison Ford, Chasten Rogers, Elijah Fitzer, Clayton Lemons, Bryant Wagnon, Jaylen Holieway, Hunter Lane, George Mantooth and Mason Herring.
Culinary Arts—Student Service Officer Denise Wise explains OSU–IT’s Culinary Arts program to Quinton students Anthony Taylor, Dalton Nunley, Clayton Lemons, Chasten Rogers and Bryce Blankenship.
Chasten Rogers—Quinton sophomore Chasten Rogers and Quinton History Teacher Jay Swanson watch a video explaining Chesapeake’s and ONEOK’s donations for the campus energy and production learning facility.
Roy Achemire 2—Chair of the OSU–IT Chesapeake Instructional Center Roy Achemire explains the centrifugal compressors and reciprocating compressors to Quinton GEAR UP students Hunter Lane, Anthony Johnson and Elijah Fitzer.
Scholarship—Quinton GEAR UP students listen as the OSU–IT tour guide and instructors explain the importance of applying for scholarships early. Pictured are: Andrew Howell, Chasten Rogers, Anthony Taylor and Garrett Lemons.
Completing Forms—Quinton GEAR UP students complete forms for the career areas tour and school information during the recent tour of OSU–IT in Okmulgee.