Student of the Month | September 2020

High School Student of the Month

Tri County Tech student, Preston Willis, was recently named the Downtown Kiwanis Club’s High School Student of the Month for September. Willis, a Bartlesville High School senior, is currently enrolled in the Pre-Engineering program and will graduate May 2021.

“My favorite part about the Pre-Engineering program is the hands-on projects we get to do,” Willis said. “I am a very tactile learner, so being able to see things come to fruition off of drawings or 3D models is always very exciting.”

Willis said that his interest in the engineering field could be traced back to when he was a child playing with legos. Building and creating things, regardless if it is strictly for art or for solving real world problems is one of Willis’ passions.

In addition to the Pre-Engineering program, Willis is involved in a multitude of school and extracurricular activities. Willis should also be commended for the active participation he plays within his community through volunteer and outreach opportunities.

“Preston is a great student, and person,” said Kendall Baker, TCT Pre-Engineering Instructor. “He is always respectful when anyone comes into the classroom and wants to talk to him about the program. His work is always excellent, and usually above and beyond what I asked for.”

Upon graduation, Willis would like to attend college and pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, with the hopes of swimming on a collegiate swim team. His dream is to work for NASA, or another similar space organization.

Adult Student of the Month

Tri County Tech student, Miriah Hagebusch, was recently named the Downtown Kiwanis Club’s Adult Student of the Month for September. Hagebusch, a Delaware resident, is currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing program and will graduate May 2021.

“My favorite part about this program so far are the instructors,” Hagebusch said. “They all have this open door policy. You can text, you can call, and they welcome any question or feedback you may have to improve the program.”

Hagebusch said the reason she chose the Practical Nursing program is due to her daughter having special health care needs. Hagebusch said joining this program is the quickest way for her to personally be able to assist her daughter, and help others.

In addition to the Practical Nursing program, Hagebusch enjoys giving back to her community. Hagebusch and her son recently hosted the First Annual First Responder Dinner, and she is a contact for the National Organization for Rare Disorders registry for parents of children with spinocerebellar ataxia-42.

“Miriah is a very hardworking, caring and giving student,” said Dava Dye, Director of Practical Nursing at Tri County Tech. “I have witnessed her on more occasions than I can count assisting students with assignments, questions, and materials without being asked.”

Upon graduation, Hagebusch plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

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