TALIHINA, Okla. – The second class of the Oklahoma Auctioneering School (OAS) at Kiamichi Tech - Talihina held a fundraising auction benefiting San Bois CASA on June 11. The live auction had more than 90 items, 78 registered bidders, and raised $19,000. Eighteen students completing the Oklahoma Auctioneering School were the bid callers for the auction, after nine days of intensive training.
“These students have been learning and developing their auction skills all week,” said Justin Kennedy, Campus Director at Kiamichi Tech - Talihina. “Auction night was meant to showcase what they have learned, while benefiting a great cause and bringing our community together.”
OAS is offered through the Workforce and Economic Development Division of Kiamichi Tech. The comprehensive, 92-hour program is designed to teach students the skills and abilities needed for a career in auctioneering, including how to conduct auctions and operate an auction company. Award-winning instructors from around the region taught throughout the week.
“Our students are getting the experience to meet exceptional auction industry leaders and learn from them,” said Kennedy. “Each instructor is highly qualified, passionate, and invested in the future of the auction industry.”
Students leave the program as professional auctioneers ready to go to work. Each student will become part of a professional network of auctioneers as members of the Arkansas & Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association.
“The Oklahoma Auctioneering School at Kiamichi Tech is about these students finding their voices in the auctioneering industry,” said Tony Wisely, program instructor. “Tonight’s auction, the work of these students, and the support from this community is special, because the money raised here is also helping give voices to children in this area through the work of San Bois CASA.”
Community members, the Chamber of Commerce, legislators and students’ families attended the auction to show support for San Bois CASA and the class two cohort of the auctioneering school.
To learn more about OAS or to sign up for future classes, visit oas.ktc.edu or contact Angie Lawson, Workforce & Economic Development Coordinator, at alawson@ktc.edu.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
