11/7/25 HCC Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/07/25 (08:32 AM)

News From the Hart

Davis H. Hart Career Center

November 7, 2025

HCC Student of the Week: Grant Wilt, Diesel Technology Junior of Mexico High School

Grant Wilt drives the tractor into the Diesel technology shop.

Diesel Technology teacher Mr. Brian Witherspoon wrote, "Grant Wilt demonstrates attentiveness and willingness to learn with a great attitude and outlook on life. He is a great role model to fellow students.

Grant is a very well mannered young man. His participation is exemplary, all around a great human being."

Career in Focus: Diesel Technology

The Diesel Mechanics Program at Hart Career Center is one of the many hard working, manual labor programs that is offered. For all of those students that love anything ranging from tractors, diesel engines, forklifts, and more, this program is for you. Not only do you learn the basic components and fundamentals of a diesel engine, but you also develop many skills that help you in life. Skills like patience, teamwork, and proactiveness are taught. Stephen Brown is a student at Fulton High School. Brown enjoys the Diesel Mechanics Program at Hart Career Center, saying “this program helps you to develop your skills as well as your passions.” Brown also said “there are countless career opportunities that are available for diesel mechanics.”

Michael Lipka is a student at Montgomery R-2. Lipka also enjoys this amazing program at Hart Career Center. Lipka says, “this program helps students learn how to deal with ‘bumps in the road’ and will certainly help anyone going into the workforce after high school.” Both students informed me that they enjoy the class competitions they do, as well as the students and peers that are working with them in the class. Not only does this program set students up for success in the workforce, but students can also become certified in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). So, if you’re looking for a fun, career developing program, the Diesel Mechanics Program at Hart Career Center is the perfect program for you!

Michael Lipka works on a tractor engine.

The Diesel Mechanics program has a new teacher, Mr. David Witherspoon. He brings 29 years of experience from the diesel, agriculture, and automotive industry. His famous line in class is, "What's the point of working if you aint trying." David Witherspoon is a great teacher and enjoys working with and helping his students, informing them, and teaching them the basic fundamentals of diesel mechanics. Student Hunter Love says about Mr. Witherspoon, “He brings to the class a laid back, but tough teaching style. While the class focuses on diesel mechanics it doesn't stop him from giving real life lessons.” Fulton student Shyann Segerson commented about her teacher, “Mr. Witherspoon brings the light of diesel mechanics to life.”

Mr. David Witherspoon in class working on a truck.

Upcoming Events

12/01/25 Bingo's Biscuits will have Holiday themed biscuits available to order.

11/14/25 SKILLSUSA Leadership Event will be held at Moberly Area Technical Center.

Career exploration activity

Pre-Engineering PLTW students visit the campus of University of Missouri Science & Technology

November 5, 2025

All HCC pre-engineering students take time for a photo together after eating.

Mr. Phil Long decided he would like to show his PLTW students the opportunities available in Missouri if they want to further their education in Engineering. So on Wednesday, November 5th the Pre-Engineering students travelled to Rolla and toured the campus of University of Missouri Science & Technology. This was also National STEM Day so the campus was buzzing.

While on the campus tour, Mr. Wilbur’s group of students were able to engage in an environmental engineering activity with professors and graduate assistants within the Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering building. The day ended with hands-on learning led by current UM Science & Technology students in the Kummer Design Center.

905 North Wade • Mexico, MO • 573-581-5684