Student Success Spotlight: Dean Friend — Building His Future, One Project at a Time

Mooreland High School senior Dean Friend is making his mark in the Construction program at High Plains Technology Center. Known for his strong work ethic and leadership, Dean has proven himself to be a standout student both in and out of the classroom.

Dean’s instructor, Pake Carlson, describes him as “an all-around great kid” who can always be counted on to step up and help wherever he’s needed. Dean is often the first to volunteer for new projects and is quick to lend a hand to his classmates. His leadership qualities extend beyond the shop—Dean has served as a class officer for two years and even ran for state office.

Throughout his time at HPTC, Dean has competed in several contests, including Carpentry and serving as the Team Leader for the Teamworks team at the state competition. These experiences have not only allowed him to showcase his technical skills but also strengthened his communication and teamwork abilities.

When asked how the Construction program has helped him grow, Dean shared,

“Being part of the Construction program has helped me grow personally by learning new skills and professionally by helping me to public speak and interact with professionals in the field.”

After graduation, Dean plans to attend Cowley College, with future goals of earning his real estate license. His drive and determination reflect his readiness to take on new opportunities while continuing to build on the strong foundation he’s developed at HPTC.

Dean offers this advice to younger students considering the Construction program:

“To all the younger kids thinking about joining, I’d say go for it. This class has been one of the best things I have joined.”

He also shared one of the biggest lessons he’s learned:

“Not everything will work the first try—you just have to be patient and try again.”

With his positive attitude, leadership, and commitment to growth, Dean Friend exemplifies what it means to be a CareerTech student—dedicated, hardworking, and ready to build a successful future.