NOC students were recognized at an Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges event on April 7.Ìý Pictured (L-R):Ìý Julie Henning, Addyson Durbin, NOC President Diana Morris, Jose Sosa Martinez, Joey Wyrick.Ìý (courtesy photo).

NOC scholars recognized at OACC in Oklahoma City

ÌýOKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Four 91³ÉÈË students were recognized at the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges All-Oklahoma Academic Team and President’s Tuition Waiver Award Ceremony at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City April 7.

Recognized from NOC for the All-Academic Team were Joey Wyrick, Hennessey; Jose Sosa Martinez, Laverne; and Julie Henning, Ponca City; while Addyson Durbin, Tonkawa, received a Tuition Waiver Award.

The All-Oklahoma Academic Team Program provides statewide recognition to outstanding two-year college students.

To be eligible, students must be nominated by their college president to the All-USA Academic Team.Ìý Nominees must be eligible to graduate during the 2026 academic year and hold a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0 on all college-level coursework completed in the past five years.

Oklahoma is one of 39 states participating in the All-USA Academic Team Program. The State Academic Teams were introduced in 1994 to provide scholastic recognition to community college students, while promoting excellence at two-year colleges.

Also, each year Presidents of Oklahoma Community Colleges select deserving students from across the State of Oklahoma to receive a $1,000 tuition waiver, which may be applied to tuition for the upcoming 2026-27 academic school year at $500 per semester.

The President’s nominees are selected for their outstanding academic achievement, their record in the classroom and their leadership ability. Nominees must be a graduating high school senior or attend a community college. Certificates will be presented to all of the tuition waiver students.

91³ÉÈË, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.Ìý Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about 91³ÉÈË please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at .

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Ft. WORTH, Texas — Three NOC students in the Spring 2025 Sheep Production Class were able to make the trip to Ft Worth for the FWSSR Open Sheep Show.  Tanner Otto, Ponca City, OK; Abigail Barnhart, Perkins, OK and Chloe Corbin, Guymon, OK, prepped and exhibited the NOC Sheep Center exhibit consisting of 11 head of Dorset and Hampshire sheep raised by the sheep center.

NOC 24015 Dorset Ram earned Champion Ram honors while a flushmate, NOC 24034, earned the Champion Dorset Ewe honors in the Dorset division. NOC was also named the Champion Flock at the FWSSR.

In the Hampshire division, NOC 24064 was selected as the Champion Hampshire Ram and NOC also earned the Champion Flock honors as well.

In all, the exhibit posted top two finishes with all but two of their 11 entries.  It was a very successful outing for the NOC Sheep Center Team.  We also want to thank our alumni that helped with getting them exhibited, Aaron Mahan and the work of our students at the Sheep Center, Kinzie Bell, Colton Tripp, Shelby Harland, Paige Burns and Adi Sheets.

Tanner, Abigail, Chloe and the other 15 students unable to make FWSSR will be traveling to Houston in March to exhibit the show flock at the HLSR.

The Maverick, 5-1

Career opportunities in the Agriculture field are endless. NOC offers a number of degree options in agriculture, including ag business, ag communications, plant and soil sciences, and pre-veterinarian. NOC has transfer agreements with many universities, allowing students to continue their education and pursue their career goals. Whether you are interested in crops, livestock, food production, sales, administration or research, NOC can help you find your place in the diverse and growing agriculture industry.

If ACT/SAT scores are more than 5 years old or below a 19 in any subject area you have the option to enrolled based on the original ACT score or challenge that score by taking a Challenge Exam for ACT in that specific subject area for placement into courses. Challenge Exams for ACT is $18 per subject area per attempt.Ìý There is a 3 day waiting period between attempts to allow for test prep to take place. Extended time is offered to everyone on each Challenge Exam for ACT. A legible, valid and acceptable photo ID.

All students (including Concurrent) may challenge any ACT sub-score below 19 by taking a Challenge Exam for ACT in that specific subject area (cannot be used for PLC at this time).

Miss NOC Tonkawa Emma Valgora’s year-long reign comes to end Oct. 25 when the new Miss NOC Tonkawa will be crowned.

It’s been quite a ride, said the sophomore elementary education/music theatre major from Ponca City.

“It’s been so much fun and I hate to see it end. It’s kind of sad,” she said.  “I have had so much fun and been able to meet so many amazing people.”

Valgora participated in pageants previous to Miss NOC but never dreamed she would be selected.

“You’re on stage with so many talented young women and when I was selected, I was stunned,” she said.  “It was definitely a surreal moment and one that I will never forget.”

Among the many highlights of her year was to participate in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant.

“That was so amazing to be in Tulsa with so many talented women from all across the state,” she said.  “Just to be on stage was an amazing experience.”

Valgora would like a return to the Miss Oklahoma pageant, to qualify she must win a sanctioned competition this year.

“I would love to go back,” she said.

Valgora’s impact statement during her year was Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, a subject she feels strongly.  During Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Week at NOC, Valgora spoke during a fine arts performance at NOC Tonkawa.

“It was a great way to talk about things that are so important but people don’t want to talk about,” she said.  “I hope that bringing these things out in the public will make a difference.”

During her year, Valgora spoke to many groups and rode in various parades among her duties.

“It’s a lot of fun to talk to people and be in a position where I can be a role model for others,” she said.  “You never know when you have an opportunity to make a difference.”

She had special thanks for Miss NOC coordinator Shannon Varner who helped during her Miss NOC Tonkawa year.

“There is a reason Shannon was named director of the year (with NOC Enid’s Terri Sunderland) last year,” Valgora said.  “She is amazing and I appreciate her so much for all she has done for me.  I consider her a great friend for life.  I could not have done this without her.”

Valgora is uncertain of her future plans but does plan to continue music theatre at a university.

“I love it so much, I’ve loved it since my mom put me in voice lessons and I started doing productions in Ponca City,” she said.   “It’s a lot of hard work but it is so rewarding.  I can’t imagine not performing.”

Even though her year is up, Valgora is excited to see the new Miss NOC Tonkawa on Tuesday.

What advice does Valgora have for the Miss NOC that will be selected on Oct. 25?

“Do the best you can to make the most of your year,” she said.  “It only comes around once and the year goes by really fast so enjoy it.”

2-25, What’s Happening

The Maverick Feb.16