Soulek recieved prestigious state recognition

A Blackwel areal-native, J.D. Soulek, was recently honored for his outstanding service to the community.

The Oklahoma State School Board Association recently honored five school board members from across Oklahoma as this year’s 2023 All-State School Board, recognizing their outstanding service to their communities, school district, and state. JD Soulek, long time board member for Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) is from Zone 2, which is the area near Blackwell, he is a resident of Nardin.

Soulek’s knowledge and experience has been instrumental to the Pioneer Tech Board of Education for 23 years.

After joining the board in 2000, Soulek has helped the district through key improvements and opportunities for growth, including the annexation of Woodland Public Schools into the technology center’s boundaries in 2005 and the addition of a Health Wing, in 2014, that improved health-related programs for current and future students.

“We are thrilled to celebrate JD Soulek and his recognition as a 2023 OSSBA All-State Board Member,” Pioneer Tech Superintendent/CEO Traci Thorpe said.

“Pioneer Technology Center is grateful for Mr. Soulek’s long-time dedication, leadership and commitment to our district. This award is a well-deserved tribute to his efforts as a true champion of education.”

Not only has Soulek helped grow the district programs and opportunities for its students but he has assisted with several building and property acquisitions that have allowed programs such as the Truck Driver and Emergency Services Training to expand.

An employee at Kay Electric since 1999, Soulek also helped break ground in 2020 on a new westward expansion project that updated the Culinary Arts facilities and brought Cosmetology to the main PTC campus.

Pioneer Tech is celebrating 50 years of Enhancing Lives and Securing Futures. For more information about Pioneer Tech’s programs and services visit pioneertech.edu.