Metro Tech Receives Honors and Awards at 59th Annual Oklahoma ACTE Summit

Metro Tech received top honors at the 59th Annual Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) Summit in Tulsa this week, recognizing the district and its employees for excellence in education and leadership.

The OkACTE Summit Conference brings together more than 5,000 education professionals for one of Oklahoma’s largest networking events. The conference provides networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities for career and technical education professionals.

As a district, Metro Tech earned the OkACTE Gold Star Award for the 25th consecutive year. The award honors Oklahoma CareerTech districts with exemplary programs that demonstrate innovation, impact, and a strong commitment to meeting the diverse needs of their communities.

Metro Tech employees receiving individual honors and recognition included:

• Phil Carlton, Marketing & Communications Manager — Marketing & Communications Award
• Dr. Brandi Castle, Practical Nursing Instructor and Coordinator — Carl Perkins Community Service Award, Health Careers Education Division
• Tamara Chandler, Cosmetology Instructor — Teacher Educator of the Year Award, Trade & Industry Division
• Taiseka Moore-Adams, Entrepreneurship Instructor — Carl Perkins Community Service Award, Business, Marketing & Information Technology Education Division
• Jeremy Gibbs, Basic Peace Officer Coordinator and Instructor — Post-Secondary Professional of the Year Award, Trade & Industry Division
• Leslie Cooksey, Counselor — Dennis Portis Rising Star Award
• Crystal Woodard, Operations Office Manager — Dennis Portis Rising Star Award
• Jason Lankford, STEM Assistant Site Director — OkACTE Fellowship Program graduate
• Jakela Johnson, Aviation Campus Administrative Specialist — OkACTE Fellowship Program graduate
• Donta Stepeny, Southeast High School Aerospace Extension Instructor — Incoming President, Trade & Industry Division

“These honors, along with receiving the Gold Star Award for the 25th consecutive year, speak to the talent, passion, and consistency of the career and technical education professionals who serve our district,” said Superintendent and CEO David Martin. “We are proud to enter the new school year as One Metro Tech, united by a shared purpose and ready to create even more opportunities that help every student to succeed.”