Story and photo provided by Meridian Technology Center
For students attending Meridian Technology Center, the last two years haven’t just been about what they get from coming to class. It’s also been about what they give.
As part of the school’s Citizenship-Ready endorsement, students at Meridian have an opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the community. During their time at Tech more than 120 students documented more than 4,000 community service hours.
“When students attend Meridian, we want to help them be prepared for life,” said Jeanie Zagar, Executive Director, Career Planning/Career Development. “We focus on the academic success that will prepare them to enter the workforce or college through Career-Ready and College-Ready Credentials, and we also emphasize the difference they can make in the community through service.”
Stillwater graduate Jakob Lavicky is one of the students who received the Citizenship-Ready endorsement this year. During his time at Tech, he helped volunteer and raise money for Special Olympics, worked at Our Daily Bread, and contributed time through a mission trip.
“I volunteer because, to me, the most valuable currency in the world is the ability to positively impact the lives of others,” he said of his volunteer time. “I believe volunteering is an incredible opportunity to make a difference.”
Some of the agencies that have benefited from Meridian student volunteers include Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Turning Point Therapeutic Horse Ranch, and the Oklahoma Blood Institute.
Meridian Technology Center has been a driver of economic development since 1975. With a mission to educate, enrich lives and secure economic futures, Meridian offers full-time career training programs, short courses, Business and Industry services and entrepreneurial support to residents from the Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater school districts.
For more information or to enroll visit www.meridiantech.edu or contact a career counselor by phone at (405) 377-3333 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.
