CHICKASHA - Sixteen Canadian Valley Technology Center students were honored recently for their involvement in this year's Student Ambassador Program. In a banquet-style setting, the ambassadors were presented with appreciation plaques and addressed by guest speaker Josh Brecheen, field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn.

Brecheen spoke to the ambassadors about making good decisions and keeping a positive self image. CVTC Foundation board member, John Grote also spoke on behalf of the Foundation, in which the ambassador program is funded.

Students honored were Brittany Blakley, Health Careers, Am-Po HS; Cody Bogle, Precision Machining, Chickasha HS; Whitney Brown, Early Care & Education, Chickasha HS; Whitney Clarkson, Business Office Technology, Alex HS; Josh Davis, Auto Service Technology, Ninnekah; Rachel Edge, Interactive Media, Chickasha HS; Andy Fancher, Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Alex HS; Elizabeth Moelling, Graphic Design, Chickasha HS; Carl Moore, Precision Machining, Am-Po HS; Megan Riley, Health Careers, Am-Po HS; Tyler Steelman, Auto Collision Tech, Tuttle HS; and Bradley Thorne, Computer Information Systems, Am-Po HS. Second- year ambassadors honored were Lily Gonzalez, Interactive Media, Chickasha HS; Kamber Miller, Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Tuttle HS; Cheyenne Sanders, Graphic Design, Alex HS; and Alphonso Scallion, Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Chickasha HS.

Also recognized at the banquet were the ambassador's instructors at CVTC for their support and dedication to the Student Ambassador Program. CVTC Instructors honored were Ronnie Bogle, Precision Machining; Mary Beth Carver, Early Care & Education; Loyd Conner, Auto Collision Tech; Clint Ellis, Auto Service Tech; Janie Harris, Health Careers; Jallane Link, Business Office Tech; Sheila McMurry, Interactive Media; Michael Meloy, Computer Information Systems; Traci McNeff, Graphic Design; Steve Patterson, Computer Aided Drafting & Design; Mike Sutterfield, Mathematics; and Andrea Verser, Mathematics.

The Student Ambassador Program began at CVTC in 2002. The program provides leadership and character development opportunities to students who are selected to participate in the program. Throughout the school year, the ambassadors have participated in a variety of training activities involving public speaking, personal accountability, leadership, and teamwork. They also had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol where they met local and state legislators and attended legislative sessions. In addition, the ambassadors played a major role in recruitment for CVTC earlier this year.