The spirit of togetherness is the heart of the Christmas season

As a young child, nothing created more anticipation and excitement for the Christmas holiday than the smell of my mother’s cookies baking in the oven, decorating our tree, and sitting in front of our television, equipped with “rabbit ears,” and watching the many holiday specials, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” were among my family’s favorites.

As an adult, I look back on those memories with fondness and gratitude. I hope my children and grandchildren will look back years from now and feel the same when they recall their holiday memories.

The holiday season is always a particular time to reflect on the previous year and count blessings. I’ve said this every year, but it’s essential to repeat it. Thank you to the faculty and staff of Great Plains Technology Center. Thank you for all you do for our students and the Southwest Oklahoma community. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve with you and to be your superintendent.

Our dedicated Board of Education works diligently to ensure Great Plains Tech remains financially and ethically accountable to our taxpayers. What is best for our students and business clients is the top consideration for every decision we make.

I’m humbled by the many students who choose to attend Great Plains Technology Center. I’m grateful they have entrusted us to prepare them for their future careers or continuing education.

Another blessing is our incredible community and business and industry partners who serve on our Program Advisory Committees. Their service helps keep Great Plains Tech at the forefront of workforce development by ensuring our curriculum, equipment, and training are current, in-demand, and industry-relevant, helping to create a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of local industries and businesses.

Great Plains Technology Center has been fortunate to develop relationships with community business, industry, education, and military partners. These relationships are so important to Great Plains Technology Center because they are critical to our success. I am very grateful for their support to our mission to prepare students for work and life and the Great Plains Technology Center Foundation.

Reflecting on this past year, I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude for my wonderful family and friends. I can’t say enough about how rich my life has been because of them. There has been much to celebrate in 2023, and I look forward to what is in store for 2024.

As 2024 fast approaches, challenges will be ahead for our nation and local communities. These are challenges for me, for you, and for Great Plains Technology Center. But this I know, challenges are also opportunities, and the hope for continued opportunities filled with achievements, learning, and the spirit of togetherness. As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us focus on a renewed sense of purpose. Together, let us look forward to a brighter future, where the warmth of compassion lights our path and the spirit of the season continues to inspire positive change.

The spirit of the season, and the spirit of togetherness. Isn’t that what Christmas is about? As I think back to the many years I’ve watched “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” I’m always moved by Dr. Seuss’s words: “…maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” That little bit more is the heart of the holiday season: family, community, the joy of being together, and most importantly, love. Whether near or far, let’s reach out to those around us. I hope you and yours will have a Christmas filled with the magic of togetherness and the joy of sharing the season with those you hold dear. May this festive season bring you peace and happiness.

Clarence Fortney, Superintendent, Great Plains Technology Center