EXCELLENCE acknowledged. Each year, OYE recognizes administrators who provide outstanding support of junior agricultural programs within their representive school districts across the state of Oklahoma. Administrators are nominated through an essay application by student and teacher representatives. It is of the utmost importance
to the future of agriculture, to the Oklahoma Youth Expo, but most importantly to the young people of our state’s agricultural programs to have the support of administrators and their school as a whole. The Oklahoma Youth Expo is proud to present this year’s recipients of the Chairman’s Award.
Mr. Jeff Daugherty | Superintendent From the Beckham County Fall Fair to the local labor auction, Mr Daugherty supports the 4-H and FFA students at Merritt Public Schools. Though he has a busy schedule, he still makes time to attend events like the Oklahoma Youth Expo and the Tulsa State Fair. Mr. Daugherty worked closely with the Merritt School Board to plan the construction of a new 4-H and FFA livestock show barn. They purchased 15 acres of land west of the football field for the location of the new barn. The new showbarn facility is a great addition to the Merritt agriculture program and is easily accessible for all students to use. Mr. Daugherty truly values students involvement with the agricultural industry. He sets the tone for the importance of 4-H and FFA programs and students’ involvement. Mrs. Sayra Bryant | High School Principal Working with students has been an ongoing passion for Mrs. Bryant as she approaches her 25th year as an educator and 7th year as an administrator. Her work ethic shows through the long hours of commitment she makes to Barnsdall Public Schools. Mrs. Bryant saw the need for agriculture education to enhance the minds of students. Without hesitation, she jumped on the opportunity to start a brand new FFA program in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Mrs. Bryant didn’t care what it took to get the program going, she was willing to do it. From purchasing technology to getting the right curriculum for students, Mrs. Bryant went above and beyond to make sure the program had everything it needed. Mentor, advisor, confidant, support, and motivator are the words that embody Mrs. Sayra Bryant. Mr. Scott Parks | Superintendent Mr. Scott Parks has been the superintendent at Howe Public Schools for 20 years, improving the district one step, one leap at a time. Mr. Parks is very invested in the school, improving facilities and building new ones, never afraid to do the work himself. Mr. Parks has been at the forefront of building and funding the new agriculture program. In the last five years, Howe has built a new agriculture building and shop, and has started an 11-acre outdoor learning center with land, high-tech greenhouse including aquaponics, school farm, and improving on much of the supporting equipment. This has all been possible with multiple grants, community support, and district commitments Mr. Parks has led. Mr. Parks is a great agriculture and student advocate. He is the standard other administrators should measure themselves against.
