The Central Tech Foundation celebrated a milestone during its 20th annual Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament, raising more than $41,000. The Foundation supports students facing financial hardships while pursuing career training at Central Tech. Held Sept. 21 at Buffalo Rock Golf & Venue in Cushing, the event welcomed 33 teams and 130 golfers from across the region who came together to invest in student success.

Funds raised through the tournament help remove barriers that can stand between students and graduation. The Foundation provides assistance for tuition, required program supplies, transportation, professional clothing, medical needs, and other unexpected expenses that can threaten a student's ability to complete training.

The need continues to grow. Over the past year, the Foundation distributed more than $58,000 in assistance to 191 students representing 34 communities across Central Tech's district. For many students, that support provided the help they needed to remain enrolled, finish their training, and move one step closer to a rewarding career.

"The generosity of our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners is an investment in our students and their futures," said Central Tech Superintendent Kent Burris. "Their support helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for students to stay focused on their education, build valuable skills and pursue the goals they have for themselves and their families."

As the Foundation's only fundraising event, the Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament plays a vital role in helping students overcome financial obstacles and achieve their career goals. Every dollar raised helps ensure that unexpected hardships do not prevent students from completing the education and training needed to enter Oklahoma's workforce.

Tournament Results

AM Flight

• A Flight 1st Place: Payne County Bank

• A Flight 2nd Place: Ellefson Machine Repair

• B Flight 1st Place (tie): Holt Truck Centers and MV Purchasing #1

• Closest to the Hole on 11: John Thorpe

• Closest to the Line on 9: Men’s winner is Shane Thomas

Payne County Bank (L-R): Brent Demuth, Derek Epps, Nick Tanner, Chris Petermann

Ellefson Machine Repair (L-R): Brad Ashley, Jimmy Ellefson, Shane Smith, Natty Leka

Holt Truck Centers (L-R): Paul Harris, Adam Markou, David Carney, Earl Elliott

MV Purchasing #1 (L-R): Ken Reasnor, Roger Thomas, Rod Taylor, Terry Shockley

PM Flight

• A Flight 1st Place: Tanner

• A Flight 2nd Place: Tedford #2 (Drumright)

• B Flight 1st Place: RCB Bank

• B Flight 2nd Place: Crown Auto World

• Closest to the Hole on 11: Aaron Waltman

• Closest to the Line on 9: Women’s winner is Franki Keeler; Men’s winner is Larry VanWinkle

Tanner (L-R): Derek Epps, Nick Tanner, Dakota Lee, Brad Reinecke

Tedford #2 (Drumright) (L-R): Tyler Callaham, James Gear, Charles Carroll, Bret Flewellen

RCB Bank (L-R): Kenny Myers, James Coffelt, Dick Terry

Crown Auto World (L-R): Robbie Jones, Brett Jones, Russell Ryker, Jadon Scroggs

For more information on how to support the Central Tech Foundation or participate in future events, please contact Jennifer Arnold at 918-352-2552.