Gibson Technical Center Newsletter
Spring 2024
Note from the Director's Desk
This school year has flown by. The students in both SkillsUSA and HOSA competed and represented GTC well in their state level competitions. As we prepare for awards season and graduations, we're also saying goodbye to some amazing students who we know are bound for success in their careers. Everyone here at Gibson Tech is thankful for all of our supporters who help make our jobs so rewarding. We wish all of our graduates the best of luck in the future and we look forward to our next class of students who will be our first round of graduates that complete two years at Table Rock Career Center.
Construction is moving along on schedule and we hope to transition into our new facility in the fall. We will be debuting new programs in our new building. We'll be offering Project Lead The Way Engineering, Healthcare Careers II and during the 2025-2026 school year, we'll be adding a Criminal Justice program. We are excited to see how these new programs will benefit our students. Be sure to stay up-to-date on our social media platforms over the summer for construction updates as we all look forward to moving into the new facility next fall. We are so excited to transition from Gibson Technical Center to Table Rock Career Center!
Mr. Brian Moler
Director- Gibson Tech
GTC March Professionals of the Month
Gibson Technical Center would like to spotlight two students from our Construction Program as our March Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:
Branson High School senior, Skyler Ashford represents what it means to be the ultimate team player. He is always alert and responsive to anyone who needs help. He loves the real-world experience he receives on the construction site. Upon graduation he is looking forward to pursuing a degree in construction management.
Reeds Spring High School junior, Ashton Plumlee does not wait to be asked to complete a task, when he sees something that needs to be done he does it without being asked. He loves how Mr. Young is able to provide the right instruction to the right individual student at the right time. Upon graduation from high school he is looking forward to a career restoring homes.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
RS Works March Intern Showcase
Hailey Camerer
Early Education Intern
Hailey Camerer, a senior at Forsyth, is enrolled in the Early Childhood Careers program at Gibson Technical Center where she is preparing for a future in education or certified childcare. The Forsyth School District is providing this internship experience for Hailey. She is looking forward to gaining "more experience in the field of teaching." Hailey is also looking forward to "learning different teaching techniques and working with different levels of students."
GTC March Staff Members of the Month
Congratulations to our Automotive Technology II instructor, Tom Sears, for being named the March GTC Teacher of the Month. A parent had this to say about Mr. Sears, “He is a great teacher who always takes the time to help and encourage students. His teaching and mechanical skills are first class.” Mr. Sears gains great satisfaction knowing his students are learning skills they will use for their entire life.
Our Employee of the Month is our Administrative Assistant/Placement Coordinator, Cindy Propst. Members of the GTC staff had this to say about how valuable she is, “Whether it is making sure the staff has what they need for their programs, to proofreading documents, she is always someone the staff can depend on.” “Cindy is such a huge part of the success of our building. Her knowledge and experience in the unique world of funding is a huge asset to us.”
Spotlight on Healthcare Careers
The Healthcare Careers students excelled in their on-the-job training at Shepherd of the Hills Living Center. They completed 100 hours at the facility and are now eligible for the CNA state exam. Having completed this portion of their training, they are confident in their skills. It was awesome to see how the students connected with the residents and to see how the residents lit up when they entered the building. It was not only the residents who were attached to the students, but the staff as well. The members of the staff nicknamed the students “the blueberries”, paying tribute to the color of their blue scrub uniforms.
The students are working hard to prepare and pass the Certified Nursing Assistant exam at the end of the month. The exam consists of two sections, a knowledge exam of 75 questions and a hands-on portion where each student will have to successfully complete random job specific tasks essential to being successful in this industry. The students are working hard to be prepared for the exam and all have a high level of confidence that coincides with being ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
The 2024-2025 school year will bring exciting changes to the Healthcare Careers Program. We are excited about the move into the new Table Rock Career Center and we will be adding a Healthcare Careers II class. Students in this new class will have two options for completing the class’ requirements. One, students can complete an internship at an approved healthcare facility. Two, students can take classes through Ozarks Technical College that will serve as a pathway to earning his/her LPN potentially just one year after graduating from high school.
Staff Spotlight: Chris Stober
Gibson Technical Center is excited to spotlighting our Collision Repair instructor Chris Stober. Before beginning his career in education, Mr. Stober had over 25 years of experience working in the collision repair industry. He earned his first industry recognized credential in the collision repair industry from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.
Upon completing his program of study at JCCC, he began his professional journey in the collision center at Jim Clark Motors in Junction City, Kansas. After five years he moved to the Ozarks and spent many years working at Hammer’s Autoworks in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Stober reflected back on his interview at Hammer’s Autoworks to the following question, “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” He answered, “Teaching collision repair in a career center.” He always admired the instructional staff at JCCC and wanted to teach as a tribute to the positive impact his instructors had on him. Little did he know his answer to this interview question was realized when he began teaching at Gibson Technical Center in 2013.
Mr. Stober’s has a tremendous amount of pride in the students who complete the collision repair program and immediately begin his/her career in this ever-changing industry. Many of these students serve on the Collision Repair Program Advisory Committee. He loves collaborating with the other GTC instructors in an effort to provide the best learning environment for his students. He is excited about moving into the new Table Rock Career Center and learning how to use all of the new state-of-the-art equipment the new shop will be equipped with. He knows this excitement will be shared with his future students who have the opportunity to transition from high school to this exciting career path.
GTC Alumni Spotlight: Dominic Noriega
Gibson Technical Center is proud to feature 2022 Reeds Spring High School graduate Dominic Noriega, not only as the spring alumni spotlight, but for being the first Gibson Tech student to earn a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the United States Department of Labor. Dominic was enrolled in the Marine Technology program where he was able to put his love of small engines, a desire to learn about how boats work and his love of Table Rock Lake into training that has prepared him for a career as a marine technician.
Dominic reflects on how his Marine Technology instructor, Chris Jenkins, played an important role in how he has advanced in his career. “Mr. Jenkins was always very clear in all of his instructions, but most importantly, we always knew why we needed to know what was being taught in class.” Additionally, Dominic now understands why Mr. Jenkins “taught us the basics and forced us to overcome whatever obstacles we encountered on the tasks completed in the shop on our own.”
With the encouragement of Mr. Jenkins, Dominic registered as a youth apprentice and began his on-the-job training at Hughes Marine in Branson, Missouri after he graduated from high school. After completing the required 4,500 hours of training, Dominic went from being the company’s lot manager to one of the company’s most trusted technicians. Dominic will receive his well-earned Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the Department of Labor at the Gibson Technical Center’s Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Welding Program Receives $1,000 from Missouri Technical Institute
Missouri Technical Institute's Springfield, Missouri Campus President, Paul Schaefer presented GTC's Welding instructor, Jordan Lewallen, a check for $1,000 to be used for classroom or lab materials for the Welding program. This generous award was made possible because Galena High School Senior Tray Murphy finished in first place at the MTI Welding Competition on February 24, 2024.
RS Works March Intern Showcase
Colton Evans
Automotive Retail Intern
Colton Evans is a senior at Spokane High School and is enrolled in Gibson Technical Center's Automotive Technology program. Colton is completing his internship on the retail side of the automotive industry with O'Reilly Auto Parts in Branson West. Colton states, "I am always excited to learn about car parts, mixing paint and making hydraulic hoses." On the weekends, Colton serves as the manager on duty and had this to say about this part of his experience, "What surprises me the most is how many professional customers want my advice and help."
EMT Students Advance to HOSA International Competition
Congratulations to the following EMT students who advanced to the International HOSA Competition to be held in Houston, Texas on June 26-29, 2024:
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
First Place (Gold)
Brandon King (Crane High School) and Ashley Carter (Bradleyville High School)
Third Place (Bronze)
Leah Irvin (Reeds Spring High School) and Jacie Foster (Crane High School)
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Second Place (Silver)
Josh Brown (Branson High School) and Gage Moore (Hollister High School)
HOSA is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. HOSA is 100% healthcare!
Gibson Tech Shines at SkillsUSA State Competition
Gibson Technical Center sent several students to compete at the SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership Conference. They qualified for state by first competing at a district competition.
GTC students placed in the top 10 in 12 events. Forsyth High School junior Vinnie Estes earned the gold medal in the category of Information Technology Services.
The welding fabrication team of Talan Gold (Reeds Spring), Jake Toal (Reeds Spring), and Garret Lewallen (Galena) earned the silver medal.
Gibson Tech’s SkillsUSA chapter earned a Silver Chapter of Distinction Award for the fourth year in a row! Out of 85 Chapters in Missouri, only seven received gold, silver, or bronze status.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and businesses working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor as a successful model of employer-driven youth development training.
Article courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools
RS Works April Intern Showcase
Shawn Prater
Construction Intern
Shawn Prater is a senior at Hollister High School and is enrolled in the construction program.. Shawn is completing his internship with Keep Building Life Construction. Shawn is looking forward to "Gaining as much knowledge of the industry before I graduate from high school and before I enter into this trade full-time."
GTC Celebrates 50th Anniversary
RS Works April Intern Showcase
Aaron Ortiz
Graphic Design Intern
Aaron is a senior at Branson High School and is enrolled in Gibson Tech's Graphic Design program. Aaron is completing his internship at Signs Now in Branson. Aaron states, "What surprised me the most was how understanding they are when mistakes are made. This is my first time doing most of the stuff and they are so patient with me and help me work through the mistakes I make rather than just fixing it themselves."
GTC Students Guaranteed Jobs After Graduation
Six Gibson Technical Center students have full-time jobs waiting for them as soon as they graduate. The students are part of RS Works, a new internship and apprenticeship program.
Nineteen GTC students have spent the past semester working at area businesses, receiving salaries while they learn professional skills. Those 19 students came from nine of Gibson Tech’s 11 sending schools. The following students were recognized on Workforce Signing Day:
Kolton Goff of Blue Eye signed with Oakley Auto World
Aiden Oosahwe of Branson signed with Oakley Auto World
Brody Archer of Chadwick signed with Stainless Fabrication, Inc.
Coy Page of Crane signed with Jimmy Michel Motors
Logan Noriega of Reeds Spring signed with Hughes Marine
Colton Evans of Spokane signed with O’Reilly Auto Parts
“The students who participated in this internship program not only gained invaluable hands-on experience but also engaged in a strategic pathway toward securing a full-time career by bridging the gap between the technical skills learned at Gibson Tech and the practical application found in the workplace,” said RS Works Coordinator Rachel Pryor.
Article courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools
GTC April Professionals of the Month
We would like to spotlight four students from our Automotive Technology Program as our April Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:
Blue Eye High School senior, Dominic Pavelka is a leader in his program of study due to his willingness to tackle challenging projects in the lab. Dominic is looking forward to attending State Technical College of Missouri in the fall to continue his studies in automotive technology with the goal of one day owning his own repair shop.
Bradleyville High School junior, Hunter Rogers followed in the footsteps of his father when he decided to study Automotive Technology at GTC. He enjoys learning in the collaborative environment where he enjoys learning from Mr. Lasiter’s classroom and lab instruction and from his peers. He is excited about using the skills he is learning for the rest of his life.
Reeds Spring High School senior Sandi Sullivan has made the most of her opportunity at GTC because of her passion for learning new things about the automotive industry. She began her journey at GTC wanting to know how engines work and now she will continue her education at Ozarks Technical College studying automotive technology in the fall.
Reeds Spring High School junior Waylon Bell loves cars and appreciates how his instructor, Mr. Lasiter, empowers him to take the lead on some vehicles in the lab. He enjoys the hands-on learning he is receiving at GTC and is looking forward to the new challenges that await him when he transitions to Automotive Technology II next year.
Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our GTC Professionals of the Month!
GTC April Staff Members of the Month
Congratulations to our Collision Repair instructor, Chris Stober, for being named the April GTC Teacher of the Month. One of his colleagues had this to say about Mr. Stober’s impact on students, “He works hard every day making sure students are exceeding the expectations of industry. His expectations do not just rest on meeting the needs of industry, but also making sure students are maximizing his/her academic potential. His former students currently working in the collision repair industry are a tribute to his success in the classroom.”
Our Employee of the Month is one of our paraprofessionals, Stephen Stewart. Coach Stewart is always a person who leads by example. He is always looking for ways to help students and staff. Many times he is there to lend a hand before students or staff realize they are in need of a little help. His positive attitude and energy in the classroom is contagious and as a result, his impact on the Marine Technology program has been instrumental in the growth of many students who are always excited to come to school every day.
Focus on Collision Repair
The GTC Collision Repair Program is having a great year! It’s hard to believe we are about to wrap 2023-2024 school year. The Collision Repair students have been busy learning and applying repair & refinish skills in the classroom and on our many customer projects in the lab.
This year’s academic focus is on non-structural repair. Students have been learning and applying skills and techniques to repair damaged sheet metal, body filler application and body filler finishing. Before they could put all that knowledge to use, they learned about all the tools and materials used during the non-structural repair process. All of these repairs have to be refinished and these students are also getting experience in the refinishing process. Students are currently getting hands-on experience in plastic repair techniques and collision related welding.
The students have completed several customer projects this year with a few larger projects still in the non-structural repair process. They completed a collision project on a Hyundai Elantra that struck a deer, refinished a couple vehicles with peeling paint and are in the process of a complete restoration of a 1989 Jeep Cherokee that will be ready to paint next school year.
A Reeds Spring senior and a couple of his classmates are bound and determined to restore a 1979 F-150 bed that has definitely seen better days. This project requires patch panel welding, metal fabrication and at least two gallons of body filler. Mr. Stober confident that these hard working students will meet their goal and have the bed painted by graduation!
Through this program of study, students have the opportunity to obtain entry-level positions in the Collision Repair Industry. Students also have the opportunity to receive up to 15 hours of articulated credit through Ozarks Technical College and potentially other post-secondary institutions in the Missouri.
Did You Know?
Students with career and technical education are more likely to succeed
- 80% of CTE students met college and career readiness goals. Only 63% of students who just enrolled in college prep met these goals.
- There is a 90% CTE student high school graduation rate versus a 75% average nationwide graduation rate.
- If students with a low–risk profile enroll in a CTE program, they are eight to ten times less likely to drop out of school in the 11th and 12th grades.
- 79% of CTE concentrators enrolled in postsecondary education within 2 years of high school graduation.
- According to experts, there will be 47 million job openings in the next 10 years. One-third will require an associate's degree or certificate, and nearly all of them will require real-world abilities that can be learned through CTE.
Source: California Department of Education
Gibson Technical Center
Reeds Spring, Missouri 65737
Email: bmoler@wolves.k12.mo.us
Website: https://www.rs-wolves.com/o/gtc
Phone: (417) 272-3271
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibsontechnicalcenter
Twitter: @gibson_tech