COMMUNITY ACHIEVERS

Band honor

Alexa Smith, of Choctaw, is one of seven Emporia State University students chosen to be part of a virtual band performance during the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

The virtual Intercollegiate Marching Band performance of "End of Time" by Beyonce was the brainchild of the College Band Directors National Association and a group of industry professionals. The group asked member schools to nominate up to five students who play instruments, plus five students in other marching band roles, including color guard and dance teams. Nominated students then submitted videos to audition for their spots.

Smith, a freshman biochemistry and molecular biology major, is in the color guard.

Tech center official certified

Henry Dumas, Moore Norman Technology Center Small Business Management coordinator, has earned the Master Certified Coach (MCC) title through the International Coaching Federation.

Dumas has worked with business owners, developed teams and coached individuals for eight years at Moore Norman Technology Center. He said the MCC is a certification that only 4% of business coaches hold worldwide. There are now 30,079 coaches in 130 countries and territories who hold one of three International Coaching Federation credentials, and of that number, 1,235 are MCCs.

Peace Officer Academy

Moore Norman Technology Center's first Basic Peace Officer Academy class recently graduated during a socially distanced ceremony. Each of the six graduates already has employment secured with law enforcement agencies. MNTC Basic Police Officer Academy 2020 graduates are: Stephen Flanagan, Benjamin Hoffman, Wesley Ivy, Sarah Sladek, Demetrius Smith and Joshua Winkler.

Robert Wasoski, MNTC Basic Police Officer Academy instructor, said four graduates will be certified deputies for Cleveland County, one was offered a job with the Comanche Police Department and one recently completed a final interview with Lighthorse Tribal Police.

The second academy class began in January and has 18 students enrolled.

To begin the application process for MNTC's Basic Peace Officer Academy, those interested must start by participating in a free orientation. The next orientation sessions are available either March 1 or March 6. To learn more, go to mntc.edu/ bpoc or call 405-801-5000.