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Health & Fitness

South Tech Runs in the Family

South Tech offers one Affton family a place to work and learn through the early childhood, nursing and welding programs

When Mimi Wren (Siegel) was attending Bayless High in the late 90s, she lacked enthusiasm.  Like so many high school students, Mimi hadn’t found a connection between her academic courses and her own interests.  “I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a little girl,” said Wren.  Fortunately, she found out about a program South Tech offered called Early Childhood Education and her choice to apply became the foundation of a South Tech legacy.

The Wren/Siegel family has now been a part of South Tech for 15 years, since Mimi first set foot on campus in 1997.  She did well in her chosen program and was hired as a student worker in the pre-school.  After graduating from South Tech in 1999, Wren went on to Meramec Community College where she completed her Associate’s degree in Applied Science.  Wren then worked as an elderly care giver and in other childcare centers, her favorite being at St. Louis Children’ Hospital.

In 2005, Wren was hired to join the teaching staff at her alma mater, South Tech, and has been enjoying being a teacher ever since.  She is most proud of how well she works with her teenaged students and their admiration and respect for her is evident.  Beyond her own love of the job, Wren thinks the educational opportunities for the preschoolers are phenomenal.  “There are so many campus field trips we can take the kids on.  This year they have been to visit our firefighting, dental and cosmetology programs, and so many others,” she said.  Wren’s own daughters, Madison, 5, and Alexis, 3, attend the school with mom each day.  Both began attending at age 2 and Wren believes they are getting the best pre-school education available in South County.

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Myrtle Siegel, Wren’s sister-in-law, agrees.  “The teachers are so personable.  It feels like family, like I am taking my kids to auntie’s or grandma’s for the day.  You can tell how much they care,” she said.  Siegel began bringing her children to the school when she attended the LPN program taught through Applied Technology Services in 2007.  Siegel had been taking classes at Forest Park Community College and was on a waiting list to begin the nursing program when Wren let her know about the adult education LPN course offered on South Tech’s campus.  Siegel said, “I had always thought South Tech didn’t get enough credit for the things they teach” and when she saw the LPN program, she confirmed it offered exactly what she needed.  Upon graduation, Siegel began working at Lemay Community Care Center, thanks in part to her newly attained nursing license.

In 2012, two more members of the Wren/Siegel family joined us.  Matt Wren, Mimi’s husband, began taking welding courses through Applied Technology Services in February.  Matt Wren works as a plumber for Lenz & Company Plumbing and considers welding a passion.  The additional certifications will enhance his skill set in his current job and open other opportunities for advancement.

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And beginning with the new school year in the fall, the latest addition from the family will start his Tech experience when Peter Siegel, Wren’s nephew and Siegel’s son, will begin his studies in Welding.  Peter is currently a sophomore at Affton High and has known about Tech for years thanks to his family’s connections.  Peter chose his class at Tech based on the interests he hopes to pursue in college and in a possible military career. “I wanted to start learning in a career that could keep me going,” said Peter.   His family has great expectations for him. His father and uncles are tradesmen and are pleased Peter has been drawn to a career path he will enjoy.  And his mother hopes he will not only be successful, but that he will be “proud of the skills he learns and proud of where he learned them.”

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