Amid a sea of many colors of caps and gowns representing several area schools, 142 students recently received diplomas for completing programs at Canadian Valley Technology Center.
 Top honorees included a trio of students who each received $1,000 scholarships.
 Mitchell Parker, an adult Welding graduate, and Baylan Byrd, Precision Machining graduate from Alex High School, were honored as the CV Tech Foundation Outstanding Scholars.
 Parker’s instructor said his work ethic was a fine example for other Welding students. He was a member of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Parker obtained a Mig 3G certification and plans to start his career with Cimarron Trailers of Chickasha.
 Byrd, of Alex, is referred to by his Precision Machining instructor as a highly dedicated, detailed professional who knows how to motivate those around him. He just won a gold medal in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming at the state SkillsUSA contest, earning him a trip this summer to compete in Atlanta, Georgia, at nationals.
 The Foundation is a non-profit organization which supports CV Tech’s mission to prepare students for success in the workplace.
 Chickasha home school student Logan VanSchuyver, a Computer Aided Drafting and Design graduating senior, also took home $1,000 courtesy of a gift from Camino Natural Resources. His instructor said VanSchuyver demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to learning. He was the SkillsUSA state treasurer, was a member of NTHS and was part of the CV Tech Student Ambassador leadership group.
 Camino is an independent oil and natural gas company, which is operating in the core of the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (or SCOOP) shale play within Grady County and four adjacent counties within the state’s Anadarko Basin.
Other scholarship recipients:
 • Superintendent’s Meritorious Award, $250; Joyce Ryans, Ninnekah, Business and Medical Administration
 • Camino Natural Resources Scholarships, $250; Kylee Schat, Chickasha Health Careers
 • Justin Roberts, Chickasha, Computer Information Systems
 • Anthony Contreras, Amber-Pocasset, Auto Collision Technology
 • Damyin Allmond, Tuttle, Pre-Engineering