November 11, 2005

Gechter chosen as October Student of the Month

Growing up in a musical family, Megan Gechter has always loved to sing. Gechter, a pre-dentistry major, attended a clinic in Dodge City that was conducted by Cowley College Director of Vocal Music, Connie Donatelli, and became interested in coming to Cowley.

The Scott City sophomore came to Arkansas City to try out for the choir and has been a staple of the campus ever since.

Gechter, the daughter of Mick and Lori Gechter, has been named Cowley’s October Student of the Month. Gechter has a twin brother, Clinton, that is a sophomore at the University of Kansas, and a brother, Ethan, that is a sophomore at Scott City High School. Grandparents are Norma Gechter and the late Jim Gechter, and Doris Phelps and the late Jim Phelps.

Gechter, who was involved in choir at Scott City High School, and was the stage manager for the musicals all four years of high school, knew she wanted to continue singing in college.

“It’s always been a part of my life since I was little,” Gechter said. “I was in choir when I was little and have always enjoyed singing.”

She was the stage manager for last year’s musical production of How to Succeed in Business, and was the assistant director/assistant choreographer for the musical Oliver.

She is involved in the CC Singers, is the vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and is involved in the Math and Science Club.

“I am definitely going to miss Cowley,” Gechter said. “I will have to come back and watch all the concerts and musicals. Connie (Donatelli) has been amazing, I wouldn’t trade the experience of working with her for the world.”

Gechter was glad to be named Student of the Month for October, after missing out on the honor in September.

“I was really happy,” Gechter said. “I was kind of disappointed when I didn’t get it the first time, so I was really excited when I got it this second time.”

Family has always been an important part of Gechter’s life, and she considers her grandmother, Doris Phelps, to be one of her biggest inspirations.

“My parents have always pushed us to get a good education,” Gechter said. “My grandma (Doris) Phelps was the head librarian in Cimarron and when my grandpa passed away she also took over running the farm, so I admire her for that.”

Next year, Gechter plans to transfer to the University of Kansas, where she will get to spend more time with her twin brother, Clinton.

When she is not busy with her school activities, Gechter enjoys hanging out with friends.
After KU, Gechter plans to attend the University of Missouri Kansas City to obtain her orthodontics degree.

She worked for an orthodontics practice in Garden City over the summer, and hopes to one day own her own practice in orthodontics.

She is looking forward to the next chapter in her life, but will also miss her time spent at Cowley.
“I will miss the close relationships I have made with my friends and teachers,” Gechter said.