Who should be recognized next?
To determine who should be recognized next by the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society (OkNTHS) through the Stars of Excellence program, The Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society members and advisors wish to recognize and honor the accomplishments and extraordinary contributions to the OkNTHS.
In 2006, the OkNTHS Stars of Excellence was established to celebrate individuals who are making significant contributions. Nominations have been extended to April 7th Nominate a deserving person today.
Coming Soon - Inducted 2024
National Technical Honor Society
NTHS Star of Excellence Inductee - To be annouced
Peyton Holland - Inducted 2023
National Technical Honor Society
Peyton Holland serves as the Executive Director of the National Technical Honor Society and has been actively engaged in CTE for over 20 years. Prior to NTHS, he served as the SkillsUSA North Carolina Executive Director for nearly a decade. As a product of CTE and CTSOs, Peyton is incredibly passionate about advocating for and empowering students to pursue the skills needed to build their careers and the global workforce.
He is equally passionate about sharing the importance of CTE in our society while helping bridge education, industry, and communities together to meet our workforce needs. For over two decades, Peyton has shared that message with numerous audiences as a professional speaker and facilitator.
Cynthia Vick – Inducted 2022
OK Department of Career and Technology Education
Cynthia Vick has more than 30 professional years at the Oklahoma CareerTech in Stillwater. She is the administrative assistant for the Counseling and Career Development Division. She became intrigued with CareerTech when a friend talked about her part-time job at what was then called Vo-Tech; Cynthia’s own career exploration process became her own career journey at CareerTech.
Cynthia not only provides support for NTHS, she also provides supports for OkACTE Counseling and Career Development and Educational Services Special Population and served as the chairperson for Oklahoma Association for Minorities of Career and Technology Education Essay Contest from 2019 to 2022.
She has provided support for NTHS for more than five years. Cynthia is delighted to be involved in the honors society and loves seeing how students are honored for their work through CareerTech.
Dr. Gala Lutts – Inducted 2021
Canadian Valley Technology Center
Dr. Gayla Lutts is the superintendent of Canadian Valley Technology Center. Her educational career began as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Del City High School in 1991. While there, she was named the Outstanding First-Year Teacher of the Year for the district, as well as nationally recognized as the Sallie Mae First-Year Teacher. Dr. Lutts moved to the Yukon Public School district in 1997 to take a position as a family and consumer sciences teacher.
In 1999, Dr. Lutts began her tenure at Canadian Valley Technology Center as the hospitality and retail services instructor for the El Reno Campus. She was named 2002-2003 Teacher of the Year. Later she served as an academic center instructor before she joined CV Tech’s administration in 2009 after completing her Master degree. Dr. Lutts was honored as the 2010-2011 Canadian Valley Professional of the Year.
On the eve of becoming the Director for CV Tech’s El Reno Campus in 2013, a tornado destroyed the school. Thus, Dr. Lutts took on not only the duties of a Campus Director, but also those of a project manager as she oversaw the reconstruction of the school. Dr. Lutts was named the Deputy Superintendent of Canadian Valley Technology Center in January 2016. In July 2018, she completed her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and officially became the first female Superintendent of Canadian Valley in August.
Dr. Lutts is an active member of the Canadian County community, serving on the Yukon Chamber Board, Integris Canadian Valley Hospital Board, and as a trustee with the National Technical Honor Society as President-Elect. She was named as one of the 2019 Journal Record, Woman of the Year Award recipients - 50 Making a Difference and this year was honored as one of the The Journal Record’s Power 2021 Education List honorees.
Andrea Verser – Inducted 2020
Canadian Valley Technology Center
Andrea Verser is the instructional math coach at Canadian Valley Technology Center at the Chickasha Campus and is starting her seventh year in this role. To add to this role, she spends her time in the CareerTech programs teaching integrated math, providing students with career readiness skills, providing remedial instruction to students and serving as an advisor for the National Technical Honor Society.
Andrea has served as the OK NTHS Chair and on the OK NTHS State Council. In the spring of 2019, CVTECH’s NTHS chapters were awarded The Silver Star of Excellence from the National Technical Honor Society National office.
Andrea was also named National Advisor of the Month for NTHS in March of 2020. Andrea believes all students can experience success in practicing NTHS’s seven attributes of skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. Andrea is honored to receive the OK NTHS Star of Excellence Award.
Jennie Croslin – Inducted 2019
Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Jennie Croslin is the Instructional Director for the Health Science Center at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. She began her career in 1993 as a science teacher at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City. In 2007, she moved into CareerTech education when the Biosciences and Medicine Academy opened its doors at Francis Tuttle.
She transitioned into administration in 2015 serving as an Assistant Instructional Director then Instructional Director. This role allows her to support both students and instructors as they reach their own professional and personal goals.
Jennie first served on the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society State Council in 2015 as chair-elect. As State Chair the following year, she started sponsorships for the State Leadership Conference allowing the Council to bring in professional speakers. The State Leadership Conference continues to grow exceeding registrations each year.
Jennie holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University. Currently, she is working toward a Doctorate of Education at the University of Oklahoma with the plan to graduate in 2021. She received National Board Certification in 2004 in adolescent/young adult science, chemistry. Additionally, she holds an Oklahoma teaching license, a CareerTech endorsement in Health, an Oklahoma administrator certification and a CareerTech administrator endorsement.
Teresa M. Ray – Inducted 2018
Meridian Technology Center
Teresa M. Ray began her career in the marketing department at Great Plains Technology Center in 1998 and transitioned into the classroom the following year. In 2010, she joined Meridian as the career counselor and student organization coordinator. This role allows her work with students who want to take their time at the tech center to the next level through CareerTech student organizations.
Teresa is a member of the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society coordinating and advisory council. In 2013, she started the OkNTHS T-shirt Design Contest, a statewide student-driven competition. In 2014, Teresa accepted leadership roles at the state level becoming the chair-elect and then the chairperson for the organization.
Teresa has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Oklahoma, a master’s degree in secondary counseling from East Central University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Cameron University. Additionally, Teresa holds an Oklahoma teaching license, a counseling certificate, a CareerTech endorsement and an Oklahoma Administrator certification.
Kent R. Inouye - Inducted 2017
Tulsa Technology Center
Kent R. Inouye, currently Tulsa Tech Owasso Campus Director, earned his B.S. degree from Colorado State University in Industrial Arts Education and a M.S. degree in Administration from Oklahoma State University. In 1974 he began his education career teaching in Colorado. His experience consists of 34 years in education that includes 25 years with Tulsa Tech, several years of private industry experience and numerous years serving on various local, state, and national agency committees and boards.
Kent and his wife of 46 years, Deb, have raised four children and have eight grandchildren. They also have several close “adopted” friends with kids who refer to them as Nana Deb and Papa Kent.
Kent has been a NTHS advisor since 1991 and served on the OkNTHS Coordinating Council from 2000-2004 and again from 2011-2015. He has proudly assisted with sponsoring many charter NTHS chapters as well as supported and participated with the Day at The Capitol, State Leadership Conference, and the State NTHS booth during summer conference.
Kent understands and recognizes the importance of what NTHS stands for and how the experience gives students significant advantage in their chosen career.
Dr. Linda Enlow - Inducted 2016
Central Technology Center
Dr. Linda Enlow began her career as a vocational home economics instructor at Liberty High School and is now the assistant director and high school counselor at Central Technology Center.
Enlow has been a member of the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society Coordinating and Advisory Council since 1996
serving as secretary for two years. She has been involved with the NTHS State Leadership Conference since its inception and with the Day at the Capitol since 2001.
She promotes the Society as she recruits students from Central Tech’s sending schools and encourages students to set their goals high at the very beginning of their experiences to achieve this coveted honor. She writes individual scripts for every member at the Sapulpa Campus NTHS Induction Ceremony to emphasize how great this achievement truly is for each one of them. She says she feels so blessed to have the opportunity to work with CareerTech students in Oklahoma and to serve on the state advisory council.
Enlow graduated from Morris High School and from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics and a doctorate in occupational education with an emphasis on vocational education. She earned a master’s degree in elementary counseling from Northeastern State University.
Mr. Bruce Long - Inducted 2016
Mid-Del Technology Center
Bruce Long is a founding member of the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society, initially serving on the Executive Advisory and Coordinating Council. He served one term as treasurer and two terms as chairperson. In 2000, he represented the Oklahoma NTHS chapter at a national planning meeting at the National Technical Honor Society headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, at which the
national board members discussed the progress and organization of the Oklahoma NTHS Coordinating Council for use as a model in other states.
In Oklahoma, Bruce helped write the NTHS bylaws, plan and implement the NTHS Leadership Training and create the NTHS Day at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.
Bruce has been very involved in student organizations during his 20 years as an instructor, serving as an adviser for NTHS and SkillsUSA. Although he retired in 2015 from Mid-Del Technology Center after 33 years in education, he continues to serve students as secretary of the Oklahoma SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association. He also serves as a state contest chairman and national contest judge and is a former Oklahoma Advisor of the Year for that organization.
Laura Harrison - Inducted 2015
Kiamichi Technology Center
Laura Harrison has been the student services coordinator for Kiamichi Technology Centers’ Poteau and Spiro campuses since 2001. She is responsible for recruitment and admissions and also represents the Poteau and Spiro campuses on KTC’s Communications and Marketing Team.
She has been the National Technical Honor Society co-adviser since 2001 and has served on the OkNTHS Coordinating Council since 2010. She served as OkNTHS state chairwoman for two terms.
Harrison also served as the Oklahoma Association for Career and Technology Education Guidance Division reporter in 2006-07.
Jeremy L. Zweiacker - Inducted 2015
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Jeremy Zweiacker was first involved with career and technical education as a high school student when he enrolled in the local agriculture education program and FFA. After high school, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in agriculture economics.
Upon graduation, he worked in various capacities before beginning his career in education as an academic recruiter for OSU. In 2006 he joined the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech as the state Tech Prep and Cooperative Alliance coordinator. He is a coordinator in the Innovation, Research and Quality division.
Zweiacker has served as the state liaison to the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society since 2009 and played a key role in establishing the OkNTHS Endowed Scholarship Program and in working with Oklahoma college and universities in offering tuition waivers to NTHS members.
Patricia Poteat - Inducted 2014
National Technical Honor Society
Patricia Poteat is the co-founder and associate director of the National Technical Honor Society. She graduated from Ruby High School and attended Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College. Patricia owned an H & R Block franchise and was a small business account manager for six years. During this time she met and married Jon H. Poteat, an agricultural education teacher.
In 1971, Pat and Jon moved from Ruby, SC to Spartanburg, SC where Jon took the guidance counselor position at the newly opened Swofford Vocational Center. Pat enjoyed her new role as a stay-at-home mom to their three daughters until 1985, when she took on full time duties managing the National Vocational-Technical Honor Society from a spare room in the basement of her home. She continued her education in business administration at Converse College, Blue Ridge Community College and earned a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University.
In the early 90s, Jon was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s (Picks disease) and Patricia found herself balancing the role of caretaker and mother, all the while managing the financial health and stability of NTHS. In 1997, the NTHS Board of Directors voted to name a scholarship fund in honor of Jon, and Patricia added the title of scholarship director to her duties. After Jon passed away in 2000, Patricia was determined to grow a significant scholarship fund and in 2007, NTHS awarded the first Jon H. Poteat Scholarship.
Patricia leads a thriving organization with the same strength, love and dedication she felt 30 years ago when she answered calls, mailed membership packages and created every marketing piece in the basement of her home.
C. Allen Powell - Inducted 2014
National Technical Honor Society
Allen Powell is the co-founder and executive director of the National Technical Honor Society located in Flat Rock, N.C. A native of Union, S.C., Allen graduated from Union High School, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and completed graduate studies at Clemson University.
A career educator in South Carolina for three decades, Allen began his teaching career in Anderson School District 5 at McDuffie High School. He served as a high school agriculture science teacher, coach, principal, career center director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in South Carolina schools.
A career educator in South Carolina for three decades, Allen began his teaching career in Anderson School District 5 at McDuffie High School. He served as a high school agriculture science teacher, coach, principal, career center director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in South Carolina schools.
In 1984, as the director of H.B. Swofford Career Center in Inman, S.C., Allen, Jon H. Poteat and Patricia Poteat founded the National Vocational-Technical Honor Society to promote a stronger image for their school and greater recognition to their students. In 1999, NTHS relocated its offices from Inman, S.C. to the campus of Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C. In 2008, NTHS moved into its new headquarters near the community college.
Today, the society serves more than 3,600 schools and colleges. Through his innovation and determination, Allen has been a guiding force in leading the society from its inception to the national leader in recognition of excellence in career and technical education.
Allen and his wife Polly live in Greenville, S.C. and are the parents of three sons and six grandchildren. Allen enjoys speaking at education conferences, schools, and colleges, and is the published author of numerous education articles and the book, Hog Farm Chronicles, the unthinkable but true stories of a rookie agriculture teacher/coach.
Brenda Cox - Inducted 2013
Central Technology Center
Brenda Cox was an educator for 44 years. She retired as a college and career counselor at Central Technology Center with 13 years of service. She has served as a counselor, business instructor at Utah Technical College, various high schools, and in adult education at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and earned her master's degree in guidance and counseling from Northeastern State University.
Under her leadership, more than 1,000 students were inducted into National Technical Honor Society. She served on the Oklahoma NTHS coordinating council executive committee and in various capacities including assisting with the State Leadership Conference, Day at the Capitol and the NTHS booth at summer conference. Brenda initiated a national NTHS membership change in policy whereby when a student qualified to be a National member, the national headquarters now sends a letter of recommendation to each new inductee as part of their original membership.
Brenda feels it has been an honor and privilege to work with NTHS for the State of Oklahoma. She was quoted as saying, “We have outstanding students and I couldn’t be more proud to assist them in any way I could. Students are the most important asset in education.”
Rep. Skye McNiel - Inducted 2012
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Rep. Skye McNiel is a product of CareerTech education. A fifth-generation Oklahoman who graduated from Bristow Public Schools, she was a proud FFA member active in leadership activities, speeches and showing and won the State Star in Agribusiness.
After high school, Skye attended Oklahoma State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in both agriculture communications and animal science. Upon graduation, she returned home to work in the family business, Mid America stockyards.
In 2006, at the age of 27, Skye was elected to represent the 29th District. She continues to work at her family’s livestock auction in Bristow. Skye is a strong supporter of NTHS and has served as speaker for the NTHS Day at the Capitol several years, most recently in 2012.
Christy Morris - Inducted 2012
Pontotoc Technology Center
Christy Morris has been an educator for 11 years and started her career as a math and science teacher, as well as a basketball and softball coach. She has spent six of those years as the information technology instructor at Pontotoc Technology Center where she is an advisor for both Business Professionals of America and National Technical Honor Society.
She is a member of the NTHS coordinating and advisory council and her students have had the honor of implementing ideas and designing the t-shirts for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 State Leadership Conference.
Christy earned her bachelor's degree in education at East Central University and is the owner/operator of three small businesses in Ada and Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Sen. Josh Brecheen - Inducted 2011
Oklahoma State Senate
Sen. Josh Brecheen is a product of the Oklahoma CareerTech System and strong supporter of the National Technical Honor Society. Josh served as the keynote speaker for the 2006 and 2008 NTHS State Leadership Conferences, inspiring students to strive for excellence.
Josh served the Oklahoma FFA Association as Southeast District vice-president in 1997 and elected as state FFA president in 1998. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he earned a dual degree in agricultural communications and animal science in 2002.
Josh was elected to the state Senate in November 2010 and represents 6th District. Prior to his election to the Oklahoma legislature, Josh served almost six years as a field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.
Becky Trent - Inducted 2011
Western Technology Center
Becky Trent has been an educator and mentor for 33 years. Beginning her career in elementary education, Becky eventually turned her attention to the field of career education where she is still helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. She has been employed for the past 20 years at Western Technology Center.
In her capacity at Western Technology Center, Becky served 10 years as the equity coordinator at the WTC/Burns Flat campus before focusing her skills as the student services counselor at WTC/ Sayre. Becky earned both her bachelor and master's degrees in education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Becky has been the chapter advisor of the Western Technology Center/ Sayre NTHS chapter since 2001 and served as chair of the Oklahoma NTHS coordinating and advisory council from 2008- 2009. She was instrumental in establishing the NTHS state leadership conference and has served on many planning committees for state NTHS events. Becky is proud to be associated with such a dynamic group of students and colleagues and encourages all to remember “You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal”.
Phil Berkenbile - Inducted 2010
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Phil Berkenbile, Ph.D. began his career as an agricultural education instructor. He joined the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech in 1988 as the agricultural education northwest district supervisor and curriculum specialist and served as the agricultural education assistant state supervisor. Berkenbile left the agency to become the superintendent of schools in Morrison and returned in 1999. He has served as the associate state director of educational services, chief of staff, interim state director and was named state director on Jan. 6, 2004.
Phil was the first state NTHS liaison and has been involved with the Oklahoma NTHS since 2002. As director of the state’s CareerTech System, he continues to be committed to its mission of promoting educational excellence and enhancing career opportunities.
Jeanne McClish - Inducted 2010
Moore Norman Technology Center
Jeanne McClish has been a CareerTech educator for more than 21 years. McClish began in the Moore Norman Technology Center academic resource center as the coordinator of pre-vocational training as the Language Specialist. Since 2005, she has served as the MNTC student organizations coordinator.
Jeanne has been involved with the Oklahoma NTHS coordinating and advisory council since the 2001 school year, serving as chair during the 2003 and 2007 school years. She has been involved with the NTHS Day at the Capitol since 2001, and has been involved with the NTHS state leadership conference since its inception, serving as the host school and on the planning committee.
“The NTHS is an outstanding tool used in honoring our students in their academics and skill areas within the Career Tech System,” McClish said. “I am glad to have had the opportunity to work in the Career Tech System in Oklahoma and to be a part of the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society state advisory council.”
Sally Madden - Inducted 2009
Western Technology Center
Sally Madden has been employed at Western Technology Center for 17 years as the business technology instructor. She earned both a bachelor and master's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She is a national board certified teacher.
Sally has been the advisor of Western Technology Center’s NTHS chapter since 1996. She has been the NTHS state Oklahoma advisory and coordinating council secretary since 2003. Sally is also very active in planning and implementing state NTHS activities each year.
Lanette Armentrout - Inducted 2009
Chisholm Trail Technology Center
Lanette Armentrout has been the chapter advisor of the Chisholm Trail Technology Center chapter since 1997. She has served two terms as state coordinating council chair, and has also served as a chapter advisor to the national student NTHS chair.
Lanette has been the counselor and director of student services at Chisholm Trail for the past 12 years. In 1996-97, she served as president of Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education.
Lanette has also served as president of the family and consumer sciences division and the guidance division, as well as holding multiple additional positions in the state and national organization.
Patricia Kline - Inducted 2008
Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center
Patricia served as co-chair and was a founding member of the original Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society Executive-Advisory and Coordinating Council. Patricia also attended a national planning meeting for the NTHS in 1998.
Patricia was a part of the planning and implementation of the NTHS leadership ropes course/group activity and NTHS Day at the Capitol. Patricia retired from Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in 2004 after teaching 14 years and being in the education profession for a total of 30 years.
Jana Gaddis - Inducted 2008
Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center
Jana served as co-chair and was a founding member of the original Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society Executive-Advisory and Coordinating Council. She was a part of the planning and implementation of the NTHS leadership ropes course/group activity and NTHS Day at the Capitol.
Jana has been at Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center for 18 years and continues to chair a strong NTHS program at her school. She has held all offices throughout her tenure with the NTHS executive council. She has also helped plan the NTHS state conference each year since its inception in 2007.
Sandy Wachtstetter - Inducted 2007
Moore-Norman Technology Center
Sandy Wachtstetter was honored for her outstanding contributions to the success of the NTHS organization in the Oklahoma Career Tech System. In 1996, Sandy was instrumental in developing, planning and implementing the first NTHS Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma City. In February 2007, the 11th Annual NTHS Day at the Capitol was held. Sandy also served many years on the OK NTHS advisory and coordinating council, serving as the first chair when the council was formed.
Sandy worked at Moore Norman Technology Center for 21 years as the floral design Instructor and as a business and industry services evening supervisor.
Frank Coulter - Inducted 2006
Moore Norman Technology Center
Frank Coulter served as superintendent of Moore Norman Technology Center from 1979 to 2003.
While superintendent, Frank was involved in improving education through serving as president of the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers, as a trustee of the Oklahoma Teacher’s Retirement System, the Oklahoma Curriculum Improvement Council and president of the Oklahoma CareerTech Superintendents Association.
Frank served on the Oklahoma National Technical Honor Society Advisory Council when the council was established in 1996 through 2003. He served in the capacity of administration on the Oklahoma advisory board, as a NTHS national board member, then as an ex-officio national board member. Moore Norman Technology Center chartered with NTHS (formerly the NVTHS) in 1991. He continued to be a strong supporter of NTHS on the state level and also on the national level until his retirement in 2003. He also helped with the start of the NTHS Day at the Capitol, seeing the importance of the NTHS being a face for the excellence in Career Tech Education.
Greg Winters - Inducted 2006
Kiamichi Technology Center
Greg Winters has been a career educator for 36 years serving the past 24 years as superintendent of three technology center districts across Oklahoma.
Greg served as superintendent at Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw for 18 years, served three years as superintendent of Kiamichi Technology Center and is currently in his third year as superintendent of Canadian Valley Technology Center.
While serving as assistant superintendent at EOC he established the first chapter of National Technical Honor Society in Oklahoma in 1985. Greg was called to serve on the national board of directors in 1987 and still serves as the historian for the national board of directors. During his tenure on the national board of directors Greg has served as national president for the organization in 1991-1992 and again in 1997-1998.
Greg has a tremendous passion for the NTHS organization. He has seen firsthand the impact of the organization in the lives of students across America. He understands the power of lifting up and honoring students for a job well done. Without NTHS, thousands of deserving students would go unnoticed as they take their technical skills and move forward to help build a strong nation.
