Meridian Technology Center

There’s no doubt that Kate Houser is a sharp student. Culinary Arts instructor Chef Dustin Charter describes her as a student who always shows up, always wants to volunteer and always works well with her classmates. She also always wants to practice her knife skills. She’s one of the best in the class, he said of the Stillwater student’s cutlery skills. Kate excels outside of the kitchen too. As a first-year student, she took on the role of Vice President for Meridian’s FCC...LA chapter. She was also a member of the Leadership Class and a member of the color guard at her high school. Following a tour of OSU’s Hospitality program, Kate’s plans after Tech now include advanced industry training in college. Audrey Taylor’s greatest asset is her heart, according to Culinary Arts instructor Chef Donna Cantrell. From the first day of class until her final presentation, Audrey gave 100%, Cantrell said. When I look back at the student she was two years ago and the student she is today I’m left speechless. She’s grown so much. I can’t wait to see what she does next. Taylor has recently accepted employment in the hospitality industry.

Culinary Arts instructor Chef Donna Cantrell describes Lora Buntin as a student who walks with intention. She added that the Glencoe student has a lot of drive and will succeed at whatever she attempts. There are students who just know are going to do great things, Cantrell said. Lora is one of those. She’s a hard worker, she’s talented, she’s a great team player and she’s eager to learn. Those attributes will serve Lora well at Oklahoma State University as she builds o...n the foundation she’s built during her time at Tech. When Jazlyn Hancock enrolled at Tech, her instructor, Chef Dustin Charter said there was no doubt that the Guthrie student was determined to prepare for a career in Culinary Arts. You could just see this was her passion, he said, recalling some of their first interactions in the classroom. Charter indicated that throughout the year, Jazlyn became known as the glue that held the class together. Whether she’s helping with a classroom demonstration or working with her classmates, she can assess a situation and anticipate what’s next. She has great institution. That will be a tremendous asset when she’s working in the industry, Charter added. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Jazlyn served as President for Meridian’s FCCLA chapter, providing leadership for both the morning and afternoon members. This summer, Jazlyn will represent Meridian during Odyssey de Culinaire, a fundraising and awareness dinner to benefit the Oklahoma ProStart program that provides curriculum to Meridian’s Culinary Arts program.