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Durant Middle School Choir performed at the December meeting of Bryan County Retired Educators. Photo provided
December’s meeting of Bryan County Retired Educators focused on celebrating the Christmas holidays and ringing out 2023. Members hosted “carolers” from the Durant Middle School Choir under the direction of Heather McNeill. The singers delighted with a Christmas medley of “All That Holiday Stuff,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Dashing Through the Snow,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Silent Night.”
The Retired Educators made a fifty-dollar donation to the DMS choir program.
Lane Jackson, Director of Kiamichi Technology Center, informed the group about the myriad of courses offered to area students. Jackson explained that the Technology Center fills a special niche for high school students, graduates, and adults. People with a General Educational Development (GED) may also apply for classes. The Tech Center’s sole purpose is employment for its students. Graduates of many programs may earn an average salary of $23.00 per hour.
Students might enroll for a full-time education plan or for short term specialized training. Financial aid is available through Kiamichi Technology Center scholarships, veterans’ benefits, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), and Pell Grants. The most recent addition to the program is the Work Force Enrollment Center for adults.
Jackson hopes to form even more partnerships with local businesses and organizations. For example, Durant’s Commercial Metals Company (CMC) joined with the school for their employees to experience further training through a two-month class. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) officers had further training in narcotics. Aeronautical education focused on building airplane harnesses. Other short-term opportunities have included baking and art classes. Kiamichi Technology Center is able to adapt to any training needed to enrich students and employers.
Jackson encourages everyone to follow the school on Facebook or their website to be aware of classes to enhance their career or to learn a new skill. Perhaps your business or organization would like to schedule specific training for employees.
Christmas bingo concluded the meeting with many festive prizes emceed and provided by Brenda Calahan, OREA Southeast State Membership Chair.
If you are a retired teacher from Bryan County, Oklahoma, or any other state, consider joining Bryan County Educators. Annual dues are $10.00. You may want to also join Oklahoma Retired Educators. Annual dues are $42.00. In Oklahoma, 60,000 retired teachers are currently receiving pension benefits. OREA, founded in 1952, provides pension protection, access to quality insurance, and social opportunities.
Bryan County Educators meet every third Friday. Optional lunch begins at 11 a.m. and the meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. at Roma Italian Restaurant.