Exploring Future Careers at Wes Watkins Technology Center

Exploring Future Careers at Wes Watkins Technology Center

An inside look at the Sophomore Showcase, where students discover opportunities, explore career paths, and help inspire the next generation.

WEWOKA, OKLAHOMA — What does the future hold for today’s high school sophomores? For students attending the annual Sophomore Showcase at Wes Watkins Technology Center, the answer may begin with a visit to a classroom, a conversation with an instructor, or an opportunity to experience a career firsthand.

During a recent YCCUON on-location podcast visit, Jerry Riley had an opportunity to experience the excitement surrounding the showcase, visit with students, and learn more about the programs helping prepare young people for their futures.

The visit began with MeridaTomb, who explained that sophomores from area partner schools were invited to explore two programs of particular interest to them.

Rather than simply hearing about career opportunities, students were encouraged to step into classrooms, meet instructors, interact with currently enrolled students, and participate in hands-on activities.

Tomb explained that the experience helps students make informed decisions about programs they may wish to pursue during their junior or senior years.

She also pointed out an important benefit of career and technical education: sometimes discovering what you don’t want to do is just as valuable as discovering what you do.

Students attending Wes Watkins can also earn high school elective credits, with some programs offering additional credits toward graduation requirements.

Meeting the Gold Star Ambassadors

One of the highlights of the visit was meeting several Gold Star Ambassadors, student leaders who help welcome visitors and introduce prospective students to the technology center.

Caitlin King shared how she attended the Sophomore Showcase two years earlier, later completed the nursing assistant program, and is now studying phlebotomy.

Today, she’s helping other students experience the same opportunities that helped shape her own educational journey.

“Just make them feel comfortable and let them know like, hey, you’re welcome here,” King explained when describing her responsibilities as an ambassador.

Another ambassador, Tony Wolf, a junior at Moss High School, recalled attending the showcase as a sophomore.

Wolf explained that he already had an idea of what interested him, but seeing the program firsthand helped confirm his decision.

His experience demonstrated how valuable it can be for students to explore career opportunities before making a commitment.

The visit also included a conversation with Austin, a junior from Holdenville High School who represented the welding department.

Austin shared that his interest in welding began because he enjoyed working with it. Now in his first year at Wes Watkins, he is helping introduce other students to the program.

And, of course, the conversation couldn’t end without a little hometown enthusiasm. When the subject turned to Holdenville football, Austin proudly joined in with a “Go Wolverines!”

More Than Just a Campus Visit

What stood out throughout the visit was not simply the variety of educational opportunities, but the enthusiasm of the students who are already participating in them.

The Gold Star Ambassadors weren’t just showing visitors around. They were sharing their own experiences, answering questions, and helping younger students feel welcome.

For many of the visiting sophomores, the showcase could be the first step toward discovering a career they had never seriously considered.

And for students like Caitlin, Tony, and Austin, it was an opportunity to give something back by helping others follow a similar path.

The visit offered a reminder that career and technical education is about more than learning a trade or earning credits. It’s about discovering possibilities, building confidence, and helping young people find a direction for their future.

Watch the accompanying YCCUON video for conversations with Merida Tomb and the Gold Star Ambassadors, along with a closer look at the Wes Watkins Sophomore Showcase.