Mountainland Technical College’s 2025 Students of the Year
LAUREN HOLT - OVERALL, STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Mountainland Technical College proudly awards Lauren Holt as the overall 2025 Student of the Year.
Lauren has always been interested in the medical field. After observing different healthcare occupations, Lauren knew she wanted to be a Radiology Technologist.
Lauren heard about MTECH from friends, family, and coworkers. The focus on helping students acquire all the knowledge needed to provide top-quality care in the job field was a big draw for Lauren to come to MTECH.
Lauren has felt that the teachers and administrators care for her and where she goes after completing the program.
“Passing our test is one thing, but knowing what makes a good radiology technologist is a whole different thing. I loved that MTECH includes both.”
Lauren is passionate about learning and sees herself in interventional radiology or taking contracts as a traveling Radiologic Technologist in the future.
When not in the classroom, you can find her doing one of her many hobbies, including baking, cooking, traveling, crocheting, working out, and so much more!
LILA MILLWARD, SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE
Lila is a Medical Assistant student from Lehi, Utah. During Lila’s junior year of high school, she participated in an internship through Intermountain Health and the Alpine School District, where one of the internship days included a tour of Mountainland Technical College. Lila was immediately drawn to the healthcare programs and felt the passion of the instructors.
“As a high school student, being able to integrate MTECH into my schedule has been an amazing way to maximize my time and get a head start in my career.
Thinking quickly, problem-solving, and adjusting have been essential in this program and will continue to be throughout my life. Being surrounded by other students has also given me the opportunity to learn from their mistakes while growing from my own.”
Lila is continuing her education at Texas Southern University to earn her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science or Kinesiology. Following her undergrad, Lila plans to attend medical school and specialize as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in orthopedics and medicine. Lila knows firsthand how crucial injury prevention and rehabilitation is and wants to help others stay active and healthy.
When Lila isn’t on campus, you will find her playing competitive soccer on the national level for Utah Avalanche’s ECHNL team or spending time with friends and family.
SAM CECIL, SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
Sam Cecil is a part of the Digital Marketing and Analytics program. Sam has always been drawn to how marketing shapes people’s perceptions and connections to brands and products. She appreciates the mix of creativity and strategy that creates a dynamic field of endless opportunities.
“I chose MTECH because it offered an affordable and hands-on education that aligned with my career goals. I love that MTECH provides specialized training in a short amount of time while maintaining high-quality instruction. The flexibility and real-world experience that MTECH offers made it the perfect choice for me.”
Sam is currently a marketing assistant and intern, where she is learning how to apply digital marketing strategies in real-world scenarios. In the future, Sam would like to explore marketing opportunities in a new city and work with different companies to expand her skillset and provide career growth.
Sam is a passionate, driven, and personable individual that loves traveling, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. Whether it’s on a road trip or spontaneous plans, Sam likes to keep life fun and interesting.
BRIDGETTE NIELSON, CLYDE SCHOOL OF TRADES
Bridgette Nielson is an outstanding student in the Diesel Technology program. Bridgette spent over three years learning how to operate heavy equipment and becoming a skilled excavation laborer. During this period, she developed a strong interest in machinery, particularly diesel-oil service, replacing hydraulic hoses, and more.
“It’s been rewarding to see how the skills I developed in the field are connecting with the technical knowledge I’m gaining at school.”
Bridgette has been surrounded by mechanics since childhood. One day she was watching her father repair cars and a couple years later she eventually started working on her own truck. Bridgette is a fifth generation mechanic within her family.
“By continuing my education at MTECH, I aim to gain the skills and knowledge that will not only help me succeed in my own career but also enable me to provide resources for others, particularly those in the deaf community. MTECH offers a wide range of programs and provides excellent support, including resume assistance, job placement help, therapy services, great instructors, and interpreter scheduling. These resources make it an ideal place for anyone seeking both education and career success.”
Bridgette is a resilient, creative, and adventurous individual that enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and journaling.
ALISON BENCH, SCHOOL OF SERVICES
Alison Bench is a part of the Culinary Arts program. Growing up, Alison would switch between watching Disney Channel and the Food Network. Throughout the years, she realized how much she enjoyed being in the kitchen and that she could express creativity in her cooking and baking.
Alison appreciated that she could get an affordable and valuable education and decided to come to Mountainland Technical College to pursue her passion.
Once she started her educational journey, everything just clicked into place and it was life changing to be in an environment where she could thrive and excel.
“The most valuable thing I’ve learned in this program is that you never know until you try; taking risks is an essential part of growth.”
Currently, Alison is working for an event planning company and is able to assist, shadow, and learn from various catering vendors. Her future plans are to work in catering and possibly offer private cooking and baking classes.
Alison was born and raised in Orem, Utah. She has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University and is working on finishing her Culinary certificate. When not in the classroom or working, you can find her reading, singing, watching movies, and listening to Taylor Swift.
ALEC DRESSLER, SCHOOL OF APPRENTICESHIP
Alec Dressler is a second year student of the Electrical Apprenticeship program. Alec knew that to become an electrician that a journeyman license was required to enter into the career field. However, he wanted to gain an education to be best equipped to help and stand out to employers.
Alec had the opportunity to compete in the SkillsUSA competition through MTECH. Through competing, he has learned from others and gained more experiences to push and make him become a better electrician.
“My experience with MTECH has been full of impactful learning. If someone has a desire to learn and grow there’s no place I could recommend more than MTECH.”
In the future, Alec has a goal to become an architect. He is excited to apply his knowledge as an electrician to building a strong foundation within his career path.
Alec and his wife reside in Sandy, Utah. He describes himself as easygoing and always looking for the next adventure. In his free time, you will find him rock climbing, hiking, camping, and playing with his dog.
About Mountainland Technical College
Mountainland Technical College is home to world-class technical education with campuses throughout Utah’s Wasatch Range. As Utah’s largest technical college, serving more than 6,000 students annually across 42 industry-focused programs, Mountainland’s mission is to enhance the employability of individuals through market-driven career and technical education.
Published on: April 1, 2025 at 3:18pm MDT