The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has recognized Kebi Allen, Practical Nursing Instructor at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, ��������, as the 2025 Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This prestigious award honors outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators who have demonstrated exceptional innovation in their classrooms, a deep commitment to their students, and a strong dedication to advancing CTE in their schools and communities.

Kebi Allen has been a Registered Nurse for 13 years. She has served in nursing education for the last 11 years. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing, with an emphasis on Nursing Education and advanced certification as a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing.

As an educator in career and technical education (CTE), Kebi has significantly contributed to the nursing profession through her innovative teaching methodologies, commitment to student success, and leadership in curriculum development. Her goal is to equip her students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to pursue a career in nursing and positively impact the lives of future patients.

Tri County Tech is driven by a vision to inspire success through life-changing learning experiences and a mission to provide superior training. TCT educators are guided by the core values—Authentic, Fiery, Honor, Principled, and Excellent—which drive their commitment to student success across Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties. These values are the foundation of how the organization serves and supports its community.

Find out more about Tri County Tech visit TriCountyTech.edu

About �������� CareerTech

is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The �������� Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide career and technology education system. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 60 campuses, 391 PK-12 school districts, 17 Skills Centers campuses, including three juvenile facilities, and 32 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

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The Arvest Foundation recently announced a $10,000 donation to the Tri County Tech Foundation to support scholarships for young adults in the area.

Arvest Bank local president David Nickel and Arvest Wealth Management trust officer Eric Cook presented the check to Kim Smith, Chief Administrative Officer & Tri County Tech Foundation Executive Director, and Champagne Kane, Foundation Coordinator.

The mission of the Tri County Tech Foundation is to remove barriers to success for all Tri County Tech students, ensuring all students have access to quality training today for a skilled tomorrow. The gift from the Arvest Foundation will contribute toward this goal and students’ pursuits of obtaining a technical degree.

*Article Credit: and

About The Arvest Foundation:
The Arvest Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others. Major areas of focus include: K-12 education, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Arvest footprint. Learn more at .

About The Tri County Tech Foundation:
The Tri County Tech Foundation was established in 1969 to support students at Tri County Tech. Tri County Tech is ��������’s first CareerTech district with a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development. Tri County Tech has locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, ��������. Foundation assistance is available to qualifying students in three critical areas: Tuition Assistance, Emergency Aid, and Food Assistance.

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The Tri County Tech FIRST Robotics Team 2165, better known as The Bison Bots, made a lasting impression at the Green Country FIRST Robotics Regional this past weekend. Competing against 42 teams, The Bison Bots finished the qualification matches in 23rd place and were selected by the Number 6 alliance to compete in the finals.

The alliance won their first match, but despite a strong effort, an unfortunate mechanical issue with one of its robots impacted their subsequent performances, leading to elimination. However, The Bison Bots had much to celebrate. With just three dedicated team members, their robot performed flawlessly throughout the competition, and their perseverance and ingenuity earned them the prestigious Judges’ Award.

During the award ceremony, the judges remarked: “Though this herd is small, their efforts and their robot left a mighty impression across the field. They used their team’s innovation to create new ways to corral falling algae. They gained points by adjusting their design to increase the scope of their robot and took their areas of opportunity by the horns using Microsoft Power BI. They used their knowledge of pneumatics to roll up algae like tumbleweeds, stampeding through the competition. Congratulations to Team 2165, The Bison Bots!”

Under the guidance of their dedicated mentors—Mr. George Halkiades, Mr. Joshua Stewart, and Mr. Kendall Baker—the team worked together for months to build and refine their 120 lb robot from scratch. The students plan, design, construct, and program their robot to tackle challenges like soccer, basketball, frisbee, tennis, and more. FIRST Robotics competitions allow students to develop real-world engineering skills and pave the way for STEM careers.

Tri County Tech congratulates Yasmina Bruton, Jadon Walton, and Colbie Woods for their dedication and outstanding performance. Their hard work and teamwork exemplify the true spirit of FIRST Robotics! Students interested in STEM careers won’t want to miss joining the Tri County Tech Robotics Team. They’ll learn first-hand about science, math, engineering, and technology while getting hands-on experience and working as a team to resolve problems.

For more information about FIRST Robotics, visit .

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The Tri County Tech Foundation is pleased to announce a generous donation from the Jane Phillips Society, which will directly benefit students facing unexpected challenges. This contribution reflects a shared commitment to empowering students and helping them stay focused on their educational goals.

The funds will be used to provide essential support such as groceries, fuel, dental care, and eyeglasses for students who might otherwise struggle to continue their education. By easing these burdens, the Jane Phillips Society is helping to ensure that students can overcome obstacles and complete their education.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Jane Phillips Society for their support,” said Champagne Kane, Foundation Coordinator for Tri County Tech. “Their generosity not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a beacon of hope for our students. This partnership reaffirms our belief that, together, we can build a brighter future for our community.”

The Tri County Tech Foundation remains dedicated to making high-quality education accessible to all students, regardless of financial circumstances. Support from partners like the Jane Phillips Society is vital to sustaining these efforts.

For more information about the Tri County Tech Foundation or how to support its mission, please visit tricountytech.edu/Foundation/Giving or contact us at Foundation@TriCountyTech.edu.

About The Tri County Tech Foundation: The Tri County Tech Foundation was established in 1969 to support students at Tri County Tech. Tri County Tech is ��������’s first CareerTech district with a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development. Tri County Tech has locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, ��������. Foundation assistance is available to qualifying students in three critical areas: Tuition Assistance, Emergency Aid, and Food Assistance.

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The Tri County Tech Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the John G. and Georgalee Sawyer Scholarship Fund, which will leave a lasting impact on students for generations to come.

John Gordan Sawyer, a civil engineer, and U.S. military veteran passed away on June 1, 2022, at the age of 92. His wife, Georgalee Sawyer, who passed away on April 16, 2024, just shy of her 100th birthday, was deeply involved in the community. Both John and Georgalee lived in Bartlesville, where they dedicated their careers to Phillips Petroleum.

In recognition of their lifelong commitment to education and service, the Sawyers designated the Tri County Tech Foundation as a beneficiary of their trusts. A portion of their estate will support capital improvements, while the John G. and Georgalee Sawyer Scholarship will be awarded annually in perpetuity, providing financial support to Tri County Tech students pursuing their dreams.

Planned gifts, such as bequests in a will, are one of the simplest ways to leave a lasting legacy. By specifying a set amount or percentage of an estate, donors can reduce their taxable estate, potentially increasing the funds available for loved ones and ensuring their legacy lives on. Gifts like the John G. and Georgalee Sawyer Scholarship are essential to the Foundation’s growth and sustainability, helping provide high-quality education for the leaders of tomorrow.

For more information on planned giving or contributing to the Tri County Tech Foundation, please visit tricountytech.edu/legacy or contact us at Foundation@TriCountyTech.edu or 918.331.3214.

About The Tri County Tech Foundation: The Tri County Tech Foundation was established in 1969 to support students at Tri County Tech. Tri County Tech is ��������’s first CareerTech district with a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development. Tri County Tech has locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, ��������. Foundation assistance is available to qualifying students in three critical areas: Tuition Assistance, Emergency Aid, and Food Assistance.

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Truity Credit Union’s program continues to make a meaningful difference in supporting education and creating opportunity. A recent disbursement of $4,200 to the Tri County Tech Foundation helps empower Tri County Tech students in Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties by providing essential support for their educational journey.

Every purchase made with your Tri County Tech debit card raises money without costing you a dime. Since 2010, Truity Credit Union has contributed approximately $21,600 to Tri County Tech through the use of spirit cards, providing essential support for tuition assistance, emergency aid, and food security programs that help students achieve their career goals.

The Tri County Tech Foundation encourages community members to join the Spirit card program, a meaningful opportunity to directly impact the lives of Tri County Tech students. Your support helps empower students with the education and skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers, creating brighter futures and building a stronger community.

To learn more about how you can support the Tri County Tech Foundation, visit TriCountyTech.edu/giving or contact us at Foundation@TriCountyTech.edu or 918.331.3214. You can also sign up for the and start supporting students today.

Pictured Left to Right: Kim Smith, Tri County Tech Chief Administrative Officer & Foundation Executive Director; Champagne Kane, Tri County Tech Foundation Coordinator; Aaron Beldner, Truity Credit Union President & CEO; and Sara Freeman, Truity Credit Union VP Business Development.

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Tri County Tech is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the prestigious PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Program for Continuing Education (PCE) scholarship: Shelby Sturgeon and Angela Wooten, both students in TCT’s Practical Nursing program.

Shelby and Angela were nominated for this opportunity by their instructor and selected through a rigorous application process that is submitted to PEO International for approval. The PCE scholarship is awarded to women working to complete a degree or certification that will improve or enhance their skills, helping them secure meaningful employment. The scholarship is open to students in a wide range of fields of study, though careers in the medical field—particularly nursing—remain among the most popular choices for applicants.

Since its inception, the scholarship has helped countless women nationwide pursue their academic and professional goals. Tri County Tech has been a proud partner in this initiative, with 63 women from its Practical Nursing program receiving the PCE scholarship since 1999. Take Kathryn, a recent graduate of the school’s eleven-month Practical Nursing program. Kathryn, a single mother of three, came to Tri County Tech with a $13,000 debt from a private technical college and a low-paying pharmacy tech job. “I came from poverty and was going to be stuck there,” she shared.

Kathryn was able to graduate debt-free and is now a Licensed Practical Nurse, earning $48,000 a year. Kathryn’s success story highlights the transformative power of education, showing how support for women in vocational careers—like nursing—can break cycles of poverty and uplift entire communities. In total, PEO has contributed a total of $135,951 to support nursing students at Tri County Tech.

Tri County Tech has a long history of producing skilled healthcare professionals. Established in 1967, the school’s Practical Nursing program has graduated over 1,000 students, many of whom now serve their communities by working in clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and care facilities across the region. The PEO scholarship is integral in helping these students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Based in Bartlesville, Tri County Tech serves students from Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties. Find out more about Tri County Tech’s Practical Nursing program.

About Philanthropic Educational Organization: The PEO Sisterhood is a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 125,000* women pursue educational goals by providing more than $432 million* in educational assistance, making a difference in women’s lives through six philanthropies and a foundation. PEO was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This circle of kindred spirits, bonded by friendship and their enthusiasm for educational opportunities for women, eventually expanded to include women off-campus as well. Through membership, the PEO Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education.

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The Bartlesville Rotary Club has awarded a $1,000 grant to Tri County Tech’s FIRST Robotics Team 2165, supporting the team’s innovative approach to inspiring students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

FIRST Robotics Team 2165 unites students from Bartlesville �������� and Tri County Tech to tackle hands-on engineering challenges, including designing, building, and programming a competitive robot from the ground up. This transformative program equips students with technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a collaborative mindset that prepares them for success in both education and future careers.

The $1,000 grant will help cover essential costs such as materials, tools, and travel expenses, ensuring that Team 2165 can participate in competitions that challenge them to push the boundaries of creativity and engineering. This contribution from the Rotary Club is a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities that build stronger communities.

The partnership between the Bartlesville Rotary Club and Team 2165 highlights a shared vision of empowering young people to excel in high-demand STEM fields, contributing to the growth and success of the Bartlesville area and beyond.

Pictured with the check: Joshua Stewart, TCT Computer Repair & Networking Instructor; Dr. Dennis Grover, TCT Instructional Director; and Laura Jensen, George Halkiades, and Daniel Manning from the Bartlesville Rotary Club.

For more information about how you can support the Tri County Tech Foundation, please visit our giving page or contact us at Foundation@TriCountyTech.edu or 918.331.3214.

About The Tri County Tech Foundation: The Tri County Tech Foundation was established in 1969 to support students at Tri County Tech. Tri County Tech is ��������’s first CareerTech district with a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development. Tri County Tech has locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, ��������. Foundation assistance is available to qualifying students in three critical areas: Tuition Assistance, Emergency Aid, and Food Assistance.

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The Bartlesville Community Foundation has generously awarded a $5,000 Service League Fund Grant to Tri County Tech’s FIRST Robotics Team 2165, supporting their mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

The FIRST Robotics program provides high school students with hands-on opportunities to design, build, and program robots, fostering innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills. Team 2165 brings together students from Bartlesville �������� and Tri County Tech, offering participants an immersive learning experience that bridges the gap between technical education and competitive excellence.

The funding will be used to purchase materials, tools, and competition registration fees, enabling the team to participate in regional and national tournaments. The program plays a vital role in nurturing critical thinking and preparing students for high-demand careers while fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

The Bartlesville Community Foundation’s Service League Fund Grant exemplifies the power of community partnerships in creating opportunities for young people to thrive and succeed in STEM fields. The Foundation’s investment in programs like FIRST Robotics underscores their commitment to building a stronger future for Bartlesville and beyond.

* Pictured Left to Right:Champagne Kane, Foundation Coordinator and Laura Jensen, Bartlesville Community Foundation Executive Director

For more information about how you can support the Tri County Tech Foundation, please visit our giving page or contact us at Foundation@TriCountyTech.edu or 918.331.3214.

About The Tri County Tech Foundation: The Tri County Tech Foundation was established in 1969 to support students at Tri County Tech. Tri County Tech is ��������’s first CareerTech district with a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development. Tri County Tech has locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, ��������. Foundation assistance is available to qualifying students in three critical areas: Tuition Assistance, Emergency Aid, and Food Assistance.

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The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has recognized Wyatt Gerth, Creative Marketing Communications Instructor at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, ��������, as the 2025 New Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award honors outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators who have demonstrated exceptional innovation in their classrooms, a deep commitment to their students, and a strong dedication to advancing CTE in their schools and communities.

Wyatt, known as “Mr. G” to his students, began his teaching career in 2019 at Tri County Tech, stepping into a pivotal role after the retirement of a long-time instructor of the school’s Graphics Communication program. Wyatt took the opportunity to revitalize the program by merging the existing curriculum with his own creative vision. This resulted in the creation of the Creative Marketing Communications program, which has since become a standout opportunity for students with a creative drive, offering them a pathway to explore marketing, communications, and design at Tri County Tech.

Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Wyatt plays a vital role in his local community. He actively serves on various boards and committees. His steadfast dedication to ongoing professional development, combined with his passion for mentoring students and contributing to the community, highlights his profound impact in the classroom and beyond.

Tri County Tech also congratulates Teacher of the Year, April Blackwell from Northeast Tech. Based in Bartlesville, Tri County Tech is driven by a vision to inspire success through life-changing learning experiences and a mission to provide superior training. Guided by their core values; authentic, fiery, honor, principled, and excellent, they define who they are as an organization serving students from Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties.

Based in Bartlesville, Tri County Tech serves students from Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties. Find out more about Tri County Tech’s high school programs here.

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