Best of the Best 2013

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2013 of the B

and the winners are...

Every February, The Norman Transcript publishes the local Best of the Best/Readers Choice awards.

This honor has become a favorite where the community votes for their favorites in food and drink, nightlife, shopping, retail and services, people, culture and more in Norman.

This is how it works.

The Transcript publishes a ballot several times in January encouraging readers to cast votes for their favorites in several categories. This year’s categories included dining,

entertainment, shopping, services health/wellness, & education.

both businesses and individuals are deemed winners.

On a ballot, readers name individuals and businesses in more than 100 sub-categories, which is extensive but by no means inclusive of every aspect of life in Norman.

Then, for the first time ever, we included an online component to the contest. The top three nominees were put head-to-head against one another in a free online voting process. The winner of each category was determined from that process. Over 40,000 digital votes later, Norman had chosen its winners.

Readers return the original (no photocopies are accepted) ballots by the last Friday in January An outside group of individuals tallies results and determines the top 3 nominees based on the most votes in a category. In the event of a tie,

If you ever doubt Oklahomans have strong opinions, you should see the boxes full of ballots (thousands)

divided among a few ballot counters.

Not every business or individual who is named a “Best” chose to purchase a thank you ad in this special advertising highlighting the Best of the Best, and advertising has no bearing on how the list of Norman’s Best of Best was determined.

If there is a business or individual category you would like to include in the 2014 contest, please let us know.

Congratulations to all 2013 Best of the Best winners and thanks to all the voters.

- Debbi Knoll

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2nd - Asian Buffet 3rd - Pei Wei

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Best Bakery Winner: LaBaguette Bakery & Cafe

Best Breakfast Winner: The Diner

2nd - Cafe Plaid & Bakery 3rd - Sugar

2nd - Syrup 3rd - The Waffle House

Best BBQ

Best Burger

Best Asian Food Winner: O Asian Fusion

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BEST DINING, SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

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Winner: Ray’s BBQ 2nd - Rudy’s 3 - Van’s Pig Stand rd

Best Caterer Winner: Abbey Road Catering 2nd - Legend’s Restaurant 3rd - Fancy That

Best Coffee Spot

Winner: O’Connell’s Irish Pub 2nd - Johnnie’s Charcoal Burger 3 - Coach’s Restaurant & Brewery rd

Winner: Starbucks 2nd - Gray Owl Coffee 3 - Michelangelo’s Coffee & Wine Bar rd

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Best Italian Winner: Benvenuti’s Ristorante

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Winner: Penny Hill Subs

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Best Mexican Winner: Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe

Best Seafood Winner: Blu Fine Wine & Food

2nd - Bison Witches 3rd - Midway Deli

2nd - Gaberino’s Homestyle 3rd - Sergio’s Italian Bistro

2nd -Ted’s Cafe Escondido 3rd - Chelino’s

2nd - Red Lobster 3rd - Legend’s Restaurant

Best Home Cookin’

Best Lunch

Best Pizza

Best Steak

Winner: Kendall’s Restaurant 2nd - The Diner 3rd - The Mont

Winner: Sooner Dairy Lunch 2nd - Pink Elephant 3rd - Ozzie’s Diner

Winner: Hideaway Pizza 2nd - Sandro’s Pizza 3rd - Pizza Shuttle

Winner: Charleston’s 2nd - Outback Steakhouse 3 - Coach’s Restaurant & Brewery rd

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Entertainment Best Sushi Winner: O Asian Fusion

Best Vegetarian Winner: The Earth Cafe &Deli

Best New in 2012 Winner: Juan Del Fuego

Best Bar Winner: McNellie’s An Abner Ale House

2nd - Full Moon Sushi 3 - Wright’s Supermarket

2nd - Misal of India Bistro 3rd - Forward Foods

2nd - Local 3rd - Syrup

2nd - Louie’s Bar & Grill 3rd - Blackbird Gastropub

Best Sweet Fix

Best Undiscovered

Best Overall

Best Casino

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Winner: Braum’s 2nd - Sweets & Spurs 3rd - Candy Basket

Winner: Blackbird’s Gastropub 2nd - Thai Thai 3 - Asian Cuisine rd

Winner: Charleston’s 2nd - The Mont 3rrd - BJ’s

Winner: Riverwind Casino 2nd - Fire Lake Grand Casino 3rd - Thunderbird Casino

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2nd - HeyDay Family Entertainment Center 3rd - Andy Alligator’s Fun Park

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Best Local Festival Winner: Jazz in June 2nd - Norman Music Festival 3rd - Chocolate Festival

Best Golf Course

23, 2012

Winner: Sooner Theatre

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Best Family Entertainment

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Winner: Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club 2nd - Trails Golf Club 3 - Belmar Golf Course rd

Best Movie Theater Winner: Warren Theaters 2nd - Hollywood Theater Spotlight 14 3rd - Robinson Crossing Starplex 6

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Winner: SNOMNH

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Best Place For A Night Out Winner: Downtown Norman

2nd - Fred Jones Museum of Art 3rd - Jacobson House

2nd - Riverwind Casino 3rd - Outback Steakhouse

Best Place To Host An Event

Best Place For A Kid’s Party

Winner: Embassy Suites 2nd - OU Memorial Union 3rd - NCED Conference Center

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Best Museum

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Winner: Andy Alligator’s Fun Park 2nd - HeyDay Family Entertainment Center 3rd - Sooner Bowling Center

Best Sports Bar Winner: Louie’s 2nd - O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille 3rd - Coach’s Restaurant & Brewery

Shopping Best Antique Store Winner: Antique Garden 2nd - Elusive 3rd - Anderson Furniture

Best Appliance Dealer Winner: Lowe’s 2nd - Danny’s TV & Appliances 3rd - Sears

Best Art Gallery Winner: Firehouse Art Center 2nd - Mainsite Contemporary Art 3rd - Dreamers

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Best Department Store

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Winner: Tulip Tree

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Best Children’s Clothing Store

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Best Furniture Store Winner: Mister Robert’s

Winner: Dillard’s

Mister Robert

Best Home Decor Winner: Hobby Lobby

2nd - Dillard’s 3 - Too Cute Bow-Tique

2nd - Target 3rd - Kohl’s

2nd - Theo’s 3 - Blair Furniture

2nd - Theo’s 3 - Mister Robert’s

Best Consignment Store

Best Flooring Store

Best Garden Store

Best Jewelry Store

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Winner: Two Hip Chicks 2nd - Cindy’s Resale Shop 3rd - The Salvation Army

Winner: David’s Carpet & Tile

DavidÕs

CARPET & TILE

2nd - Mill Creek 3rd - Carpet Center

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Winner: Marcum’s Nursery 2nd - Atwood’s 3rd - K&K Nursery

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Winner: Mitchell’s Jewelry 2nd - Brockhaus Jewelry 3rd - Goodno’s Jewelry

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Winner: Mike’s Lawn Care

Best Mattress Store

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Best Office Supply Store

Winner: Mathis Brothers

Best Outdoor Furniture

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Winner: Thompson Pool & Patio

Winner: Copelin’s

Winner: Blush

Winner: The Melting Pot

2nd - Green Acres Landscape 3rd - Amigos Landscaping

2nd - Norman Mattress & Sleep Center 3rd - Sleep Number

2nd - Office Depot 3rd - Office Max

2nd - Lowe’s 3 - Home Depot

2nd - Cayman’s 3rd - Antique Garden

Best Liquor Store

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Best OU Apparel Store

Best Shoe Store

Best Toy Store

Thanks to all our great customers!

323 W. Boyd St. (405) 321-1772 antiquegardenstyle.com

2nd - Fan Outfitters 3rd - OU Bookstore

2nd - Brown’s Shoe Fit 3rd - Shoetopia

M A N NO R C R I P T S N A TR

S D R A AW S D ER R EA O I C E C H

EAT, SHOP and ENJOY NORMAN’S BEST SHOPPING AREA

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES AS Best Burger and Best Sports Bar

YOU’RE INVITED ST. PAT’S PARTY All Day

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2nd - Toys R’ Us 3rd - Target

CAMPUS CORNER

Sun. March 17th

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2nd - Jos. A. Banks 3rd - The Buckle

Winner: Metro Shoe Warehouse

Winner: Balfour of Norman

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Best Chiropractor Winner: Sparks Clinic 2nd - Spaulding Chiropractic 3rd - Childs Chiropractor

Best Assisted Living

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2nd - Joe’s Place 3rd - Spiritz & Wine Warehouse 4th - Thunderbird Liquor

Winner: Dillard’s

Best Health & Wellness

2nd - Occasions 3rd - Moonstruck

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Winner: The Spirit Shop

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Best Unique Gift

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Winner: The Gardens at Rivermont

Best Dance Studio Winner: Massay’s Dance Productions

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Best Lawncare

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CAMPUS CORNER THANK YOU! FROM ALL THE MERCHANTS OF CAMPUS CORNER

2nd - Arbor House 3rd - Rambling Oaks

2nd - Modern Dance Academy 3rd - Julia’s Academy of Dance

Winner: Mike’s Lawn Care

Best Mattress Store

Wed, Feb 27

Best Office Supply Store

Winner: Mathis Brothers

Best Outdoor Furniture

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Winner: Thompson Pool & Patio

Winner: Copelin’s

Winner: Blush

Winner: The Melting Pot

2nd - Green Acres Landscape 3rd - Amigos Landscaping

2nd - Norman Mattress & Sleep Center 3rd - Sleep Number

2nd - Office Depot 3rd - Office Max

2nd - Lowe’s 3 - Home Depot

2nd - Cayman’s 3rd - Antique Garden

Best Liquor Store

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Best OU Apparel Store

Best Shoe Store

Best Toy Store

Thanks to all our great customers!

323 W. Boyd St. (405) 321-1772 antiquegardenstyle.com

2nd - Fan Outfitters 3rd - OU Bookstore

2nd - Brown’s Shoe Fit 3rd - Shoetopia

M A N NO R C R I P T S N A TR

S D R A AW S D ER R EA O I C E C H

EAT, SHOP and ENJOY NORMAN’S BEST SHOPPING AREA

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES AS Best Burger and Best Sports Bar

YOU’RE INVITED ST. PAT’S PARTY All Day

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2nd - Toys R’ Us 3rd - Target

CAMPUS CORNER

Sun. March 17th

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Winner: Kidoodles

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2nd - Jos. A. Banks 3rd - The Buckle

Winner: Metro Shoe Warehouse

Winner: Balfour of Norman

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Best Chiropractor Winner: Sparks Clinic 2nd - Spaulding Chiropractic 3rd - Childs Chiropractor

Best Assisted Living

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2nd - Joe’s Place 3rd - Spiritz & Wine Warehouse 4th - Thunderbird Liquor

Winner: Dillard’s

Best Health & Wellness

2nd - Occasions 3rd - Moonstruck

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Winner: The Spirit Shop

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Best Unique Gift

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Winner: The Gardens at Rivermont

Best Dance Studio Winner: Massay’s Dance Productions

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CAMPUS CORNER THANK YOU! FROM ALL THE MERCHANTS OF CAMPUS CORNER

2nd - Arbor House 3rd - Rambling Oaks

2nd - Modern Dance Academy 3rd - Julia’s Academy of Dance

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Winner: Dr. Pepper Martin Norman Vision Clinic

Norman Vision Source

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Best Hair Salon/Barber Winner: Salon Zen

salon zen DOWNTOWN NORMAN

Best Hospice Winner: Loving Care

2nd - Dental Lodge 3 - Dental Design Studio

2nd - Dr. Adam Geurkink - Norman Eye Assoc.

3rd - Dr. Jake Smith - Classic Vision

2nd - Mystique Salon 3rd - Payneless Images

2nd - Heartland Hospice 3rd - Good Shepherd

Best Dental Hygienist

Best Gym

Best Home Health

Best Massage

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Winner: Stacy Sneed Dr. Potts 2nd - Dixie Thompson - Dental Lodge 3 - Barbara Huston - Dental Design Studio rd

Best Eye Care

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Winner: Dr. Geoff Potts

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Best Dentist

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Winner: YMCA 2nd - The Health Club 3rd - Downtown Fitness

Winner: Loving Care 2nd - Doctor’s Park Home Health 3rd - Carter Home Health Care

Winner: Ultimate Realm of Serenity 2nd - Elements Therapeutic Massage 3rd - Crews & Co.

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Winner: Joe’s Nails

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Best Nail Salon

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Best Pharmacy Winner: Doctor’s Park Pharmacy

Best Tanning Salon Winner: At the Beach

Best Bank Winner: Republic Bank & Trust

2nd - VIP Nails 3rd - LA Nails

2nd - P&S Pharmacy 3 - Dave’s Healthmart Pharmacy

2nd - Beach Club 3 - Sandy Beaches

2nd - First American Bank 3rd - Arvest Bank th 4 - Valliance Bank

Best Nurse

Best Podiatrist

Best Veterinarian

Best Banker

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Winner: Pam Levy Norman Clinic

Winner: Dr. Scott Hosler

2nd - Blakely Hamit - HPX Nursery - Cindy Nelson

2nd - Dr. Allen Rhode 3 - Dr. Charles Anderson

Best OBGYN

Best Retirement Community

Winner: Dr. Carol Anderson

DR. SCOTT HOSLER

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Winner: Rivermont Retirement

2nd - Dr. Nicole Jarvis 3rd - Dr. David Porter 4th - Dr. Shelba Bethel

2nd - Rambling Oaks 3rd - Savannah House

Best Pet Care Facility

Best Skin Care

Winner: Annie’s Ruff House

Winner: Eileen’s Face & Body

Eileen’s

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Winner: Dr. John Otto

Winner: Andy Sherrer Republic

2nd - Dr. Beverly Fritzler 3rd - Dr. David Biles

2nd - Cindy Zumwalt - First American 3rd - Matt Clouse, Valliance

Best Car Wash

Best Services Best Abstract Company Winner: Cleveland County Abstract

Winner: Fast Lane 2nd - Auto Valet 3rd - Boomerang

Best Construction Company Winner: Precision Builders

2nd - TopDog Pet Resort 3rd - Fur Night & Day

2nd - Merle Norman 3rd - Crews & Co.

2nd - First American Title 3rd - Old Republic Title

2nd - Landmark Construction 3rd - C.A. McCarty

Best Pet Grooming

Best Spa

Best Apartment Complex

Best CPA

Winner: TopDog Grooming 2nd - Steve’s All Breed Grooming 3rd - PetSmart

Winner: Le Visage Day Spa

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2nd - Ultimate Realm of Serenity 3rd - Ihloff Salon & Spa

Winner: The Links at Norman

Winner: Robert Castleberry

2nd - Crimson Park 3rd - The Port at The Trails

2nd - Gray, Blodgett & Company 3rd - Eide Bailly

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Winner: Walden’s Cleaners

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Best Dry Cleaners

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Best Home Builder Winner: C.A. McCarty

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Best Lawyer Winner: Rita Flagler

Best Oil Change Winner: Hibdon Tires

lagler & lagler

2nd - Today’s Cleaners 3 - Country Club Cleaners

2nd - Landmark Homes 3rd - Muirfield Homes

2nd - Don G. Pope & Associates 3rd - William Velie

2nd - Fast Lane 3rd - Kwik Kar

Best Florist

Best Insurance Agent

Best Loan Officer

Best Photographer

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Winner: Betty Lou’s

Winner: Cindy Nashert

Winner: Cindy Zumwalt, First American

Winner: Shevaun Williams

2nd - Earl’s Flowers 3rd - Design 2000

2nd - Julia Chew 3rd - Jim Chowins

2nd - Sherry Brown, Republic 3rd - Brandon Hooper, Valliance

2nd - Main Street Photo 3rd - Jackson Laizure

Best Funeral Home

Best Insurance Agency

Best Mechanic

Best Plumber

Winner: Havenbrook

Winner: State Farm, Julia Chew

Winner: Leon Pierce Auto Body

Winner: Bob Usry & Sons

USRY BOB

& Sons

2nd - Primrose Funeral Services 3rd - John Ireland Funeral Home

2nd - State Farm, Cindy Nashert 3rd - State Farm, Jim Chowins

2nd - Reynolds Lincoln Mercury 3rd - L&M Mechanic

2nd - Len’s Plumbing 3rd - MDS Plumbing

Best Funeral Director

Best Investment Firm

Best New Business in 2012

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner: Chad Vice

Winner: Republic Investment Services

Winner: Dillard Group

Winner: Syrup

2nd - John Davenport 3rd - Shane Vice

2nd - Investment Counseling Serivces 3rd - Investment Centers of America

2nd - Threads 3 - Mathis Brothers

2nd - Don Cies 3 - Keller Williams

Best Heating & Air Service

Best Law Firm

Best New Car Dealer

Best Realtor

Winner: Lashar Home Comfort 2nd - Waggoners’ Heating & Air 3rd - Kelso Heating & Air

Winner: Cain & Cain 2nd - Blake Virgin Law Office 3rd - William Velie

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Winner: Fowler VW of Norman 2nd - Reynolds Ford 3 - Bob Moore Nissan rd

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Winner: Wally Kerr Kerr Team

405-321-8326

2nd - Tom McAuliffe, Don Cies 3 - Darlene Bowline, Dillard Group 4th - Barry Hurley, Dillard Group rd

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Winner: AAA Travel Agency

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Best Service Department Winner: Hibdon Tire

2nd - Norman Tag Agency 3rd - Sooner Tag Agency

2nd - Journey House Travel 3 - University American Travel

2nd - Big Red Auto

Best Teller

Best RV Dealer

Best Tire Dealer

4th - Seth Wadley Ford

Winner: Hibdon Tires 2nd - Brookhaven Goodyear 3rd - Direct Tires

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2nd - RV General Store 3 - Rainbow RV & Auto rd

2nd - Fowler VW of Norman 3rd - Ricky Stapleton Autos

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2nd - Sharon McCoy, First American 3rd - Millie Stewart, Arvest

Winner: Floyd’s RV

Winner: Ferguson Buick GMC

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Winner: Matt Loflin Republic

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Best Used Car Dealer

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Winner: Fuson Tag Agency

Best Travel Agent

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Best Tag Agency

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Best Elementary School Teacher

Best Pre-School Teacher Winner: Skye Diers Gingerbread 2nd - Sari Coggburn, Truman Primary 3rd - Beth Stacey, St. Joseph’s ECDC

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Best Education

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Winner: Diana Schroeder

Best High School Teacher Winner: Tracy Floor, Norman High

Best Principal Winner: Scott Beck Norman High

2nd - Katie Mosely, Wilson 3rd - Jane Dickinson, Jackson

2nd - Randi Lewis, Norman High 3 - Donna Queen, Norman North

2nd - Kathy Taber, Jefferson Elementary 3rd - Bryan Young, Norman North

Best Middle School Teacher

Best Private School Teacher

Best After School Program

Winner: Traci Argo Alcott 2nd - Michell Underhill 3 - Margaret Wadkeigh, Irving rd

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Winner: Dottie Morris All Saints

Winner: CASP 2nd - Kids Club, All Saints 3rd - Truman Primary

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