LANE GROGAN

Tahlequah High School

From the first tee to the last putt on the final hole of each round of golf, Lane Grogan understands the need to not only have all fourteen clubs in his bag but also be ready to make the right shot. The same holds true for the Tahlequah High School senior to master the challenges while making heating, ventilation and air conditioning repairs as part of his participation in the HVAC program at Indian Capital Technology Center.

“There are a lot of things that could be causing a problem with the unit. You just have to be able to isolate and diagnose the problem and then have the knowledge and confidence to complete the task,” said Grogan. “But that’s what I like most, the competitive challenge; working hands on and cutting things open in order to learn how and why things work.”

Grogan’s confidence and skills are the result of the training he received through the HVAC program at ICTC.

“The curriculum and skills training allows our students to use logical thinking in order to troubleshoot and repair advanced residential and commercial systems,” explained Joel Sherrill, instructor of the HVAC program in Tahlequah. “They also learn to interpret blueprints, electric wiring and operational sequences as well as refrigerant charging to EPA guidelines.”

The two-year program also includes the required “how to” knowledge needed for plumbing copper lines, plastic drain lines and steel gas pipes while on HVAC jobs.

“By completing this course, our students are ready to go to work,” said Sherrill. “With their certifications, they’re ready to set for their journeyman’s license test which will provide better job opportunities at higher wage levels.”

Sherrill notes that Grogan is on the right path to a very bright future.

“Lane is very sharp, a capable student that always get his work completed and has earned respect of his classmates because of his willingness to help everyone that may need help with a particular skill as part of an assignment.”

In addition to golf, Grogan is an accomplished fisherman and will compete on the college level on scholarship at Northeastern State University.

“The bite and setting the hook is what makes fishing so exciting,” proclaimed Grogan while also making note of completing the assigned tasks in the HVAC program including making repairs at his own home. “When I can complete the process, push the button and everything works like it should, I get the same feeling. And, the fact that I saved mom and dad a lot of money on repairs was a good feeling too, thanks to my training at ICTC.”