Metro Technology Centers prepares people for successful employment and life in a global society.
Posts tagged high school
Metro Career Academy Awarded LEED Gold Certification
Oct 19th
Metro Technology Centers announced its Metro Career Academy (MCA) has been awarded LEED Gold certification. Established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Metro Tech’s MCA achieved LEED Gold certification for energy use, lighting and water conservation and for using materials found within 500 miles of the site. The facility’s green roof garden and landscaping are made of Oklahoma native vegetation. This is one example of incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, the MCA saves money for businesses, taxpayers and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment for students, employees and the larger community.
“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Metro Career Academy project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”
Another important aspect of the building that produces energy savings is an innovative,
insulated exterior cladding called Outsulation, manufactured by Dryvit Systems. J.W. Mollohan, Dryvit’s strategic marketing manager, said by placing insulation on the outside of the building, air leaks are sealed so the cool or hot air is kept inside the structure, saving on energy costs. “Outsulation breaks the notion that green can’t be beautiful,” Mollohan said. “We’re proud that our product will save Metro Technology Centers a ton of money on energy costs and serve as a warm welcome for visitors and students.”
Cary DeHart, president of the construction management firm, CMSWillowbrook, said the MCA was constructed to meet the needs of a full-service community school while remaining sustainable.
“We knew it was important for the building to provide a superior academic experience while promoting sustainability,” DeHart said. “The building is breathtaking, environmentally friendly and will provide the innovative learning approaches these students need.”
The MCA is a school designed to provide at-risk teenagers with the academic and life skills needed to prevent them from dropping out of high school. Metro Technology Centers’ Superintendent, Dr. James Branscum, said the building will also serve as a learning tool for the students. “While learning skills they’ll use for the rest of their life, these students will also learn ways to make the future greener,” Branscum said. “From concept and design to construction and the final details, every aspect of this building will save on energy costs and help promote a healthy environment.” The MCA is the first LEED-Gold-certified CareerTech building in Oklahoma.
LEED Gold certification of the MCA was based on a number of green designs and construction features that positively impact the project and the broader community. MCA architect, Fred Quinn of Quinn and Associates said designing the MCA had unique challenges. “You must combine beauty and usability while
showcasing energy-savings features. I’m proud to know the building went from a sketch to a tool that will create bright futures for Oklahoma City area students,” said Quinn.
Nick Allen Sings for BPA !
Mar 10th
Nick with recognition plaque and matching Crush soda!
Nickolas (Nick) Allen is a student at Northeast high school and attends Administrative Assistant classes at Metro Tech. He recently won (get ready for it, this is a heck of a title) “Business Professionals of America’s (BPA) Spring Leadership Conference’s (SLC)” spot as a singer. This talented young man sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and represented Metro Tech with great pride. When asked how he started singing, Nick replied, “I was two years-old and I started out in the Cherub Choir at my church; from there on I’ve been singing at family reunions, church musicals, and other local and state events.”
Nick recorded a .mp3 in the Metro Tech media department. “It was cool, not like a real studio set-up but it worked just the same,” Nick said. The recording was sent to judges and a couple weeks later our teacher announced the great news. “Being chosen to sing for BPA was great! God gave me this voice and I’m happy to use it to the fullest!”
Nick is also on our Administrative Support team and competed during the SLC competitions. Him and three other high school students had to produce several documents in a timely manner; following the contest guidelines during the competition.
I can remember our classes first encounter with Nick. When he introduced himself to the class, he mentioned he loved singing so much that he’d rather sing than talk. He actually sang to us and guess what song it was? Star Spangled Banner! Now, the voice on this young man raised the praise from the people in the audience during the conference. We are all so proud of Nick!
~Career Day at Metro Tech~
Dec 2nd
Administrative Assistant Booth
Antiganee, Yessica, Shaiyang, and I all volunteered for Metro Tech’s Career Day….and it was awesome. Our Administrative Assistant booth was in the very front, which was great because it was one of the first booths the high school students went to.
Cool car from Automotive
Our booth featured a brilliant activity, Speed typing. Metro Tech provided us with two lap tops. We download software that we use in class and the students that visited our booth were able to test their typing skills against their friends. They both received candy afterwards,one of the main things that attracted them to the booth, besides my coolness (lie). They loved it. There were a couple of students that really impressed me, one of them typed 94wpm (words per minute). My classmates and I were pretty lucky to come into contact with such good natured young adults.
Aside from our booth, I enjoyed visiting other setups. The Car Repair, Public Safety, and Culinary booths really stood out to me. Car Repair had a very nice car on display, you even had the option of looking under the hood. The Public Safety booth featured video-games and their police car. The Culinary booth had pretzel sticks, covered in caramel and then a coat of chocolate that they had made themselves… I was a bit sadden that I didn’t get the chance to have one.
I was reffing the typing tests
I typed against a few adults from the other booths. One time I tied with my competitor and the rest I won! Which is pretty weird, I’ve never typed that fast in my life! I went up to 78wpm, it had to be the fact that I had competition. Everyone had a great time, and I enjoyed the experience.
