Passing on the Value of Education

Growing up, Johnny McCharen’s parents were strong proponents of education. As a board of education employee, his mother witnessed firsthand the value in a good school and quality education. As they grew, Mrs. McCharen insisted her children attend Harding Junior Senior High School where they received one of the few public college preparatory educations available in Oklahoma City.

“Harding was an excellent place to learn and fostered a culture of dedicated alumni, so when I heard they were starting Harding to what I went through at Harding, and it is very effective.”

The first freshman class of Harding Charter Preparatory High School was barely in the doors before Johnny became involved. Working alongside an old classmate, he helped form the Harding High School Alumni Association, becoming the organization’s first president and a member of the school’s Board of Governance, a role in which he continues to take pride.

In 2010, Johnny and his wife, Cindy, decided they wanted to take their support of Harding’s students one step further.

“I was already familiar with the Oklahoma City Community Charter Prep, I was excited,” Johnny said. “It has a similar model

Foundation and the good work they do in the community, so I knew they could help me support my alma mater,” Johnny said.

The couple established the June Mitchell McCharen Scholarship in honor of his mother to support Harding Charter Preparatory High School graduating seniors. Over the past decade, they have taken advantage of match opportunities and investment return to grow their fund, annually awarding $2,500 scholarships to two deserving Harding Charter Preparatory High School graduating seniors.

Photo Caption: Harding Charter Preparatory High School advocates, Cindy and Johnny McCharen (left) join Bill and Kris Frankfurt (right) at the school’s annual fundraiser where Johnny and Bill were honored for their hard work and contributions to the school.