Local Robotics Team Earns a Top Spot at Regional FIRST Robotics Tournament
Fort Cobb, Oklahoma – Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center’'s robotics team, “The Crickets”, made an impressive showing at the regional FIRST Robotics Tournament, ranking 7th out of 48 teams. Competing in the highly anticipated 2025 competition, the team demonstrated outstanding skill and teamwork in this year's challenging game, Reefscape. The tournament saw teams from across the country and two international teams come together for an exciting weekend of robotics, engineering, and innovation. The Crickets successful play earned them the title of “Alliance Captain” for the 5th seeded playoff alliance, where they competed alongside Team Obsidian of Bentonville, Arkansas and Team Kuhnights of Sedalia, Missouri.
The Reefscape challenge required teams to design and build robots capable of completing complex tasks related to an underwater ecosystem theme. Robots had to navigate obstacles, pick up and place objects, and work collaboratively with other robots on the field. The competition tested the participants' ability to adapt to a dynamic game environment, showcase strategic thinking, and execute precise engineering solutions.
The Crickets, although based out of Fort Cobb, is made up of high school students from multiple rural public schools in Caddo County and the surrounding area. They performed exceptionally well, securing a top spot in the highly competitive field. With fierce competition from both national and international teams, their 7th-place finish highlights the dedication, innovation, and expertise of the students, mentors, and volunteers who support the program.
"We are incredibly proud of our team's performance at this year's regional tournament," said Reed Allen, the head coach of the Crickets. "The work that went into preparing for Reefscape was intense, but it was all worth it. Our success wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of everyone involved, from the students to our mentors and sponsors. We’ve learned so much, and we’re excited to carry this momentum forward." Allen, a Fort Cobb native, also credited his predecessors, Rhett Morgan and Marcia Harmon, for the Crickets’ continued success.
The Crickets have gained recognition not only for their performance this season, but also for their impressive showing in last year’s regional competition that earned them a ticket to the World Championship in Houston. However, what the program’s leaders are most proud of is their spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm for STEM education. FIRST Robotics offers students invaluable opportunities to develop real-world skills in engineering, programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while fostering an environment of inclusivity and inspiration.
As the team looks ahead to future competitions, they are more determined than ever to continue pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve. The team's next goal is to further refine their robot design and continue their path of excellence as they prepare for upcoming games, the rules and objectives of which change yearly.
For more information about Caddo Kiowa Technology Center's Pre-Engineering program, or to
learn about how you can support the Crickets by volunteering or through a financial
sponsorship, please contact Reed Allen at rallen@cktc.edu.
About FIRST Robotics: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is
a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to become science and
technology leaders. Through hands-on competitions like the FIRST Robotics Competition,
students develop skills in engineering, programming, and problem-solving, all while learning the
values of teamwork and community engagement.
About Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center: Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center is a Career Tech
educational institution in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, dedicated to providing students with a
well-rounded education that emphasizes innovation, creativity, and real-world learning
experiences. The school's Pre-Engineering program is committed to fostering STEM education
and preparing students for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics.




🎈HAPPY BIRTHDAY🎈 to all of our CKTC employees who have birthdays in April!
#HappyBirthday | #AprilBirthdays | #MakingADifference

Students from the CKTC lineman class recently toured the facilities at Cotton Electric Cooperative in Walters, Oklahoma. The comprehensive tour provided valuable insights into the inner workings of a rural electric cooperative and the various career opportunities available in the industry.
During their visit, students received detailed information about the transformer and metering shops, learning how these departments ensure all equipment meets strict specifications before deployment in the field. The tour also covered other essential aspects of the cooperative, including:
- Construction teams
- Mechanics shop
- Warehouse operations
- Dispatch center
This hands-on experience allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles within a rural electric cooperative. The group expressed their appreciation for the educational tour and the opportunity to learn about potential career paths in the industry.
The CKTC lineman class extends its gratitude to Cotton Electric Cooperative for hosting this informative tour and providing complimentary hats to the students.
This experience has undoubtedly enhanced the students' understanding of the electrical industry and its vital role in rural communities.
#CKTC | #LinemanTraining | #CottonElectricCooperative





On Tuesday April 1, the CKTC lineman class visited CESI in Walters, Oklahoma. The students were treated to an informative tour of the testing facility, complete with several live demonstrations. This experience provided invaluable insights into the meticulous care and attention to detail involved in ensuring the proper testing of safety gear.
Throughout the visit, students gained a deep appreciation for the rigorous processes that guarantee their protective equipment keeps them safe in the field. The hands-on approach of the tour allowed students to witness firsthand the importance of thorough safety gear testing in their future profession.
We extend our sincere gratitude to CESI for hosting this enlightening tour providing and complimentary hats to the students.
Their commitment to safety and education has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on our future linemen, reinforcing the critical role of proper equipment testing in the electrical industry.
#CKTC | #LinemanTraining | #CESI






🚨 JELLY MAKING CLASS at #CKTC!
📆 Tues. April 15, 2025
🕚 5:30pm to 8:30pm
📍 Caddo Kiowa Technology Center, Bldg 400
🔗 https://cktc.axstudent.com/#/category/G3/course/VKk
#CKTC | #ShortTermClass

⭐️ DIFFERENCE MAKER ⭐️ at CKTC!
Shawn Adams is the Small Business Management Coordinator at CKTC and has worked at CKTC for a little over 2 years now.
Thank you Mr. Adams for #MakingADifference!
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

Working together with OSU Extension educators and Drey Hawkins flying the drone, CKTC gathered trial spraying data to put together a CEU meeting at the Carnegie Cotton Gin to provide continuing education units for local applicators and farmers. Clinton Middle School's eigth grade STEM class also attended and were happy to assit!
#CKTC | #OSU |



CKTC Cosmetology students recently took part in a community service project by going to the nursing home in Carnegie and provided manicures for the residents.
#CKTC | #Cosmetology | #MakingADifference






CKTC Cosmetology students recently made homemade eye shadow as an activity to learn about makeup. The students had a great time and decided to gift the eye shadow to a few people on campus. It was definitely a learning experience!
#CKTC | #Cosmetology | #MakingADifference






⭐️ DIFFERENCE MAKER ⭐️ at CKTC!
Ronee Finch is an Early Care and Education Assistant at CKTC and has worked at CKTC for just under a year now.
Thank you Ms. Finch for #MakingADifference!
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

⭐️ DIFFERENCE MAKER ⭐️ at CKTC!
Reed Allen is the Pre-Engineering Instructor at CKTC and has worked at CKTC for 6 years now.
Thank you Mr. Allen for #MakingADifference!
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

⭐️CKTC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY⭐️
Shelton Willis is the Pre-Engineering (PM) representative for the 2024-2025 CKTC Leadership Academy!
#CKTC | #LeadershipAcademy | #PreEngineering

CKTC Lineman Program students and HVAC students hard at work!
#CKTC | #LinemanTrainingProgram | #HVAC | #MakingADifference





CKTC employees (L to R) Zertie Johnson, Felix Leonard, John Noel, Mike Newell, Jennie Nunn and Debbie Cochran recently help support the Carnegie Chamber of Commerce by catering their annual Chamber banquet.
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

The Oklahoma Department of Career Technology offers a training program for current financial services staff called TechCent$. The purpose of the program is to provide attendees with opportunities to learn about technology center financial processes and systems. This year, Cassi Hendricks completed the program. Congratulations Cassi!

🌮 AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Join us for an immersive cooking experience where you’ll discover the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Mexican food. The class is designed for food lovers of all skill levels, whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef.
Throughout the course, you will explore classic recipes, techniques, and the cultural significance behind each dish. You’ll learn to make staples like fresh salsas, homemade enchiladas, all while gaining insight into the regional diversity that defines Mexican
cuisine.
The engaging lesson includes hands-on cooking, tips on selecting authentic ingredients, and the history behind the dish, giving you the confidence to recreate these flavors in your own kitchen.
Come ready to enjoy delicious food in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Let’s celebrate the art of cooking together!
Call 405.643.322 and/or visit cktc.axstudent.com for more info and SIGN UP TODAY!
#CKTC | #AuthenticMexicanFood | #MakingADifference

Students in CKTC's Cosmetology program are learning how to do proper facials and had a spa day to incorporate the esthetic of how facials are done in real life after becoming licensed. Real life experience is the best experience, after all!
#CKTC | #Cosmetology | #SpaDay | #MakingADifference





⭐️ DIFFERENCE MAKER ⭐️ at CKTC!
Crystal Nation is the Academic Integration Instructor at CKTC and has worked at CKTC for just shy of 20 years now.
Thank you Mrs. Nation, for #MakingADifference!
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

Several CKTC employees from the Early Care and Education department recently volunteered to help serve food at the Fort Cobb-Broxton Little League baseball fundraiser dinner.
#CKTC | #MakingADifference

Congratulations to the Cyril Lady Pirates, who won their 1st state championship in basketball on Saturday March 8, 20225!
The Lady Pirates defeated Caddo by the score of 47-34.
We are proud of you!
#CyrilLadyPirates | #ParnerSchool | #StateChamps | #MakingADifference

