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Travis Jett

Then: A Laverne High School student in agricultural education and active in his local FFA chapter. Through the skills learned in FFA, Travis has

• Served the Oklahoma FFA Association twice as a state officer

• Found his true passion in life – agriculture

• Worked toward his goal of one day managing the family ranch

Now: A junior in agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University, he leads the 490,017 members of the FFA as national FFA president. 

Then: A company making $3,000 in yearly sales.  Metro Technology Center has helped Meridian Tool and Hardware

• Make key contacts in the Army Air Force Exchange System

• Develop a business plan

• Modify package designs for new products

Now: In just 2 ½ years, the company has grossed $350,000 in annual sales.

Then: Edna Hennessy dreamed up aloe vera products in her 1948 kitchen. For 31 years, Great Plains Technology Center has provided the company with

• Safety training, technical training and professional development for employees

• Consulting services for technical writing

• Assistance in setting up the company art department and printing services

Now: Cosmetic Specialty Labs, Inc. serves more than 10,000 clients in all 50 states and 23 foreign countries, including Guatemala and Honduras. 

Patricia Barrera

Then: An Early Childhood Education student at Kiamichi Technology Center in Hugo. This program gave Patricia

• Insight to early childhood developmentally appropriate practices

• Hands-on experience that provided optimal levels of professional training

• A foundation that led to future professional growth and development

Now: Director of the Marine Corps Base Child Development Center in Camp Pendleton over the past12 years, Patricia manages 40 employees and 122 children.

Andrew Willoughby

Then: A sophomore at Edmond Santa Fe High School and in the Pre-Engineering Academy at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. That program armed Andrew with

• A better understanding of the many choices in an engineering profession

• Realistic expectations about earning a degree in engineering

• Hands on application of math, the sciences and product design and fabrication.

Now: A freshmen at Oklahoma State University in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, working to fulfill his lifelong dream to design roller coasters.

Then: A Jenks High School student actively involved in CareerTech student organizations affiliated with Marketing Education and Family and Consumer Sciences Education programs.  Through these programs Jennifer

• Actively participated in DECA state competitive events

• Learned leadership skills as president of the Jenks FCCLA chapter

• Gained communication skills essential to being successful in life

Now: This future elementary school teacher and reigning Miss Oklahoma, was recently crowned Miss America 2006. She will travel more than 20,000 miles a month carrying the message of intolerance to drunk driving and underage drinking.