Lee County High Tech Central

Terry Ogilby, PhD, MSN, MPH, RN started her education in the medical field at High Tech Central in the Practical Nursing program during 1978-79 with instructors Lynne Arya and Sharon Till. She continued her education at Edison College, University of South Florida, and Capella University. She served as the Nursing Director for the Public Health Department in Desoto County for 7 years. Currently Dr. Ogilby is a Professor of Nursing and the Program Director at Nova Southeastern University.

Dave Miller, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Sun Tech Plumbing, has worked in the plumbing industry for over 27 years. He completed the Plumbing Technology program at High Tech Central in 1980 with instructor Van Franey. Dave is still very involved at HTC – serving on the advisory committee and judging SkillsUSA contests. He has also served on the local Plumbing Apprenticeship Board.

Ted Land completed the Automotive Service Technology program in 1996. Following graduation he became a technician at Fort Myers Toyota. He then climbed to Team Leader where he mentored one of High Tech Central’s AYES students. Ted was promoted to Shop Foreman and the AYES student was promoted to Team Leader. According to Marc Michaud, “Ted not only shows leadership skills but also shares that skill with his employees. The proof is that my former student, Zach McClure became a Team Leader trained by Ted.”

Gabriel Orengo is employed as a Building Designer at Eric Brown Design Group Inc. Gabe completed the Architectural Drafting program at HTC in 1995 while still attending high school. According to his instructor, Gary Christiano, “Gabe is an outstanding individual who is very professional, motivated, and detail-oriented.” He currently serves on the Architectural Drafting advisory committee and is currently writing a book on roof plan layout and design.

Erasmo Contreras completed the Plumbing Technology program in 1985 and has worked in the plumbing trade for over 24 years. He has continued his training in the field by attending the Plumbing Apprentice program. He has served on the program’s advisory committee for several years and volunteers his time to speak to students in the program.

Marie Brown, Human Resource Counselor III at the Lee County Health Department completed the Administrative Assistant program at High Tech Central in 1992.

John Repullo worked for years as a baker before training for a new career in Architectural Drafting at High Tech Central in 1993. He started as an apprentice with a local designer and then moved to R.G. Designs, an award-winning firm with an outstanding reputation for innovative and exclusive designs, where he is now an Architectural CAD Designer. According to his instructor, Gary Christiano, “John is an outstanding example of success in this career field.”

Michael Singer completed 2 programs at High Tech Central: Electronic Technology in 1995 and Web Design in 2003. Mike now owns SpiderSights, a Web design company, in LaBelle.

Patricia Patino, RN, BSN, MSN completed the Practical Nursing program in 1992. She is preparing to take the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner exam

Brian Ciastko, a hair designer for The Rock for Hair and Nails completed the Cosmetology program in 2003

Johnny W. Streets Jr Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny W. Streets Jr. attended High Tech Central's (Lee Vo-Tech) automotive program the first year it opened (1967). He returned in 1973 to attend the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy. Mr. Streets retired from the City of Fort Myers Police Department with 26 years of service. After retirement he continued to serve the public through both the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers and Lee County Housing Authority.

Bill Murray After finishing the Electronic Technology program, Bill Murray worked in various fields relating to electronics and eventually started his own alarms business - Monitored Alarm Services, Inc. Since 20 he has been employed by the School District of Lee County maintaining alarm systems at over ??? schools and departments. According to Charles Ryder, the current Electronic Technology instructor, “Bill has become a valuable asset to the Electronic Technology program as an advisory member and he has provided the program with a wealth of useful information and feedback on how to improve the program.”

Carol Murphy, owner of Carol's Beauty Salon Inc., always knew she wanted to become a cosmetologist.  As a young child she admired an aunt who was a hairdresser. Carol was one of the first completers of the Cosmetology program at High Tech Central (Lee Vo-Tech) in 1969. "It's something I always wanted to do. The school was excellent." commented Carol. She worked as a cosmetologist for 10 years before taking 20 years off to raise her 4 children. After the children were grown, Carol opened her own salon and has been in business for over 10 years.