Media Release
Information Technology students Aiden Dartlon, Dillon Henry, Ernest Harden and Gabriel Belford won first place in the Network Design Team contest at the recent National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas.
The contest required students to analyze existing and planned business environments and develop a strategy for implementing a network infrastructure that addresses the needs of a business in a provided scenario.
Other Meridian students who placed at the national contest include Guthrie student Devin Alcantara and Stillwater students Anthony DeArmond, Haylie Williamson, Jacob Ford, Joceyln Meridith, Megan Ameigh and Noah Shannon. Dillon Henry also won an award for an individual contest.
Full-time adult and high school students attending Meridian can join one of several CareerTech Student Organizations (CTSOs) related to their field of study: Business Professionals of America; HOSA – Future Health Professionals; or SkillsUSA.
These organizations allow students to gain leadership skills and ultimately compete against other technology center students from across the state and nation. During each round of competition, students develop and demonstrate skills that include public speaking, presenting, working together as a team, interviewing and technical skills related to their area of study.
Over the recent months, 161 high school students and adults competed in CTSO state skills contests. Of those, 55 won first place, earning the chance to advance and compete at the national level. In addition, 71 students placed in the Top 10 of their contests.
Business Professionals of America
BPA exists to develop and empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world by creating unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth and service.
Students enrolled in Business Technology, Digital Media, Health Informatics and Information Technology are eligible to join BPA. Meridian pays the membership fee for students to join their CTSO. The Meridian BPA chapter has 146 members and seven instructors who serve as advisors.
As a co-curricular organization, BPA can enhance student participation in professional, civic, service and social endeavors. Members participate in these activities to accomplish their self-improvement goals, leadership development, professionalism, community service, career development, public relations, student cooperation, safety and health.
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, workforce and economic development assistance and entrepreneurial support to residents from the Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater school districts. The school has locations in Stillwater and Guthrie. Meridian is one of 29 schools within Oklahoma’s CareerTech system.
For more information or to enroll, visit meridiantech.edu or contact a career counselor by phone at (405) 377-3333 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.