2015 FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS
TULSA WORLD
MAY 10, 2015
THE ART OF EXCELLENCE Beth Howard, art teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School in Tulsa, is among those being honored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. tulsaworld.com/excellence2015
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars Rachel Birchfield
Laurin Bixby
Rattan High School Birchfield is president of the senior class and National Honor Society; editor of the yearbook; and secretary of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. A class valedictorian, she plays varsity softball and basketball, and received Oklahoma Fast-Pitch Softball Association All-State honors. Her softball and basketball teams are six-time Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Academic Team State Champions. She coaches youth in basketball and softball. Birchfield plans to major in pre-medicine at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Edmond North High School Bixby is a National Merit Finalist, Student of the Year honoree and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor. She is a Student Council senior senator and philanthropy chair for “Bring Light to Others,” a school campaign to raise $300,000 for local charities. She participates in Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, Odyssey of the Mind and Key Club. Bixby has been named to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Teen Leaders in Philanthropy and has been a Celebration Youth Retreat leader. She plans to major in health sciences at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.
Scholarship sponsor: Steve and Roberta Burrage
Sooraj Boominathan Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Boominathan, of Edmond, is a member of the Oklahoma All-Star Academic Team, and a two-time American Invitational Math Exam qualifier and a U.S. International Math Exam qualifier. He is co-editor of the Lincoln Review and serves as captain of the academic team. Boominathan is co-founder of the local North South Foundation, a nonprofit organization that prepares IndianAmerican students for academic contests. He plans in major in chemical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Scholarship sponsor: AT&T Oklahoma
Scholarship sponsor: Academic All-State Alumni
Jennifer Burleson
Truman Burrage
Colton Calvert
Jenks High School Burleson is a National Merit Commended Student and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. An accomplished cellist, she is a four-year member of the Tulsa Youth Symphony and has twice been selected for the Oklahoma Arts Institute Orchestra. She is a three-time participant in the OK Mozart Music Festival and has competed in regional and state music contests. She has organized music recitals for a local nursing home. Burleson is also active in Student Council and her church youth group. Burleson plans to major in mathematics at the University of Tulsa.
Durant High School Burrage is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors and a four-year honoree in the Choctaw Nation STAR Program. He is vice president and treasurer of his school’s Young Democrats chapter and active in the academic team, National Honor Society and Native American Club. He was named to Track & Field All-State in 2014 and won the state championship last year in the 4x800 meter relay. He served as an Oklahoma Senate Page and was an Oklahoma Boys State delegate. Burrage plans to major in Earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Scholarship sponsor: Jack and Gladys Booker Memorial
Caney Valley High School A varsity football player, Calvert is an Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Academic All-State honoree. His team earned the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. He is senior class president. Calvert is a tutor for AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination – and helped organize a fundraising drive to benefit a pastor with Lou Gehrig ’s disease (ALS). Calvert is also active in his church youth leadership team. He plans to major in biology and chemistry at Southern Nazarene University.
Scholarship sponsor: ONEOK, Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee
Craig Boone
Lindsey Brown
Matthew Brown
Grove High School A class valedictorian, Boone is president of the FIRST Robotics team and drum major for the Grove High School Band. He is a member of the Grove INTEGRIS General Hospital Student Governing Board and active in National Honor Society and Math Club. He is a bassoon section leader who has played in the concert band, marching band and jazz band. He is a volunteer math tutor and active in the Delaware Baptist Church Youth Leadership Team. Boone plans to major in aerospace and mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Laverne High School Brown is a class valedictorian, a Northwest Electric Youth Tour delegate and an Oklahoma Red Carpet Academic Conference Eastern All-Star. She serves as president of National Honor Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Brown is also active in Student Council and a four-year member of the Southwestern Interscholastic Team. She has volunteered for World Vision, the Tapestry Project and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Brown is also a Midwest Junior Youth Camp counselor. She plans to major in sociology at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Jenks High School Brown is an Advanced Placement Scholar and a Distinguished Service Graduate who received the Principal’s Award as part of the state champion football team. He is president of the National Honor Society and active in yearbook, Football Leadership Team, Student Council and Chinese Club. Brown is the recipient of a MidFirst Bank Academic Award. Brown has participated in missions to Guatemala, Jamaica, Houston and Redbird, Ky. He founded Brown-Photo.com, a nonprofit business to support a service project in Estonia. Brown plans to major in economics in college.
Gabrielle Culver
Nhu Dang
Bartlesville High School Culver is an Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar and an Advanced Placement Scholar. She is student body president, captain of the varsity basketball team and active in Student Council, National Honor Society and Young Republicans. Culver is a member of the Kikao Youth Group at Grace Community Church and participates in K-Life Ministries. She is a lifeguard and has volunteered for the Jingle Bell Rock Run, Agape Mission and the Bunny Brawl. Culver plans to major in health and exercise science at the University of Oklahoma.
Putnam City High School Dang is president of National Honor Society and active in Health Occupation Students of America, Book Club and the academic team. She earned Outstanding Accomplishment honors in Pre-AP Chemistry and Pre-AP Spanish III and served as an usher among the Rose Arch Girls, an honor reserved for the top four girls in her junior class. Dang has been a volunteer for the Metropolitan Public Library and for INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. She plans to major in health sciences at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: Pat Evans
Anna-Claire Carlton Edmond Santa Fe High School Carlton is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a Presidential Scholar nominee. She is vice president of the Art Club of Santa Fe and founder of the Equality Club, an organization for LGBT students. She serves on the Teen Advisory Council for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and is active in National Honor Society. An arts enthusiast, she enjoys volunteering for the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. Carlton plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: Bill and Joffa Kerr
Scholarship sponsor: Jari Askins
Scholarship sponsor: ConocoPhillips
Scholarship sponsor: MidFirst Bank
Scholarship sponsor: Bank of Oklahoma
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
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2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars
Tyler Dang
Kaylee Davis
Tori Denny
Jason Draper
Classen School of Advanced Studies Dang is a National Merit Finalist and regional finalist for the CocaCola Scholars Program. He has been named to the 2014-15 U.S. Rowing Scholastic Honor Roll. Dang represents Ward 5 on the Youth Council of Oklahoma City and is active in Student Council, Youth in Government, Key Club and National Honor Society. He plays varsity tennis and placed eighth at Youth Nationals in the rowing in the Lightweight 8+ Division. He participates in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking in Debate Club. Dang plans to major in political science at the University of Oklahoma.
Yukon High School Davis is the recipient of a Good Citizen Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution and a Yale Club Award from Yukon High School. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, she is secretary of the Spanish Club, and active in National Honor Society and SHINE campus ministry. She has served as an Academic-Indian Education Tutor and as a small group leader for middle and high school girls. She has volunteered for Vacation Bible School, Kids’ Camp, reading programs and back-toschool events. She plans to major in education in college.
Ada High School Draper is an Eagle Scout, a class valedictorian and a National Merit Finalist. He is spirit officer for Ada High School Student Council and National Honor Society, and is active in Young Republicans, Philosophy Club and Science Club. A bassoonist, he earned superior ratings at several regional and state competitions and was selected for All-District Band. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and works as an assistant librarian at the Ada Public Library. He plans to major in biochemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: E.L. and Thelma Gaylord
Scholarship sponsor: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
Chattanooga High School Denny is a class valedictorian and Oklahoma Youth Expo Academic All-Stater. She is captain of the academic team, chapter president for Future Farmers of America and active in Student Council. Through FFA, she has won many public speaking honors and livestock exhibition awards showing steers. Denny is active in school and Competitive All-Star cheerleading, ballet and tap. A member of the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, she is a Vacation Bible School Recreation Assistant and nursery assistant. Denny plans to major in animal science at Oklahoma State University.
Adrianna Elliott
Samuel Flowers
Bethany LeeAnn
Sonali Gattani
Cole Gibson
Mallory Gibson
Tahlequah High School Elliott is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She is president of Health Careers Club. She is vice president of National Honor Society and active in Students Working Against Tobacco, Science Club, Concert Choir and English Club. She will graduate with 32 college credits from Northeastern State University and more than 110 volunteer hours with the Humane Society and Cherokee Food Pantry. Elliott plans to major in chemical engineering at Kansas State University.
Ponca City High School Flowers is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and an Academic Letterman. He is president of Student Council, a member of National Honor Society, and has served as a prosecutor and judge for Ponca City Youth Traffic Court. He is a varsity baseball team member and off-season group leader for underclassmen on the team. Flowers helped organize a Student Council ice bucket challenge, which raised over $4,000 to benefit a teacher suffering from lymphoma. He plans to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Gallaway Stilwell High School Gallaway is an Advanced Placement Scholar who attends the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center in Tahlequah. She is president of the ARVEST Bank Junior Leadership Board and active in National Beta Club, Cherokee Language Club and Indian Heritage Club. She plays Powderpuff Football and is a mentor for the INSPIRE Program. Gallaway also participates in children’s and youth ministry at her church. She plans to study business at the Indian Capital Technology Center.
Jenks High School A National Merit Finalist, Gattani is captain of the academic team and co-captain of the mock trial team. She participates in Key Club, Pre-Med Society, and speech and debate. She has won various honors in debate, qualifying for regional and state competitions. Gattani teaches Hindi and volunteers for the Indian Association of Greater Tulsa. She also plays piano, ice skates and is a tutor for Gideon Math and Reading. She has also volunteered for St. Francis and St. John hospitals. Gattani plans to study psychology in college.
Afton High School Gibson is a class valedictorian and Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar. He is vice president and captain of the Academic Club, president and first chair trumpet player in the Afton High School band, and active in National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Gibson has earned a second-degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. He is active in Lone Star Baptist Church, where he runs the audio-visual equipment. Gibson plans to major in linguistics at the University of Oklahoma.
Vinita High School A class valedictorian, Gibson is secretary of Student Council and chapter secretary of National Honor Society. She has been a state and regional qualifier in speech and debate and also participated in choir competitions and drama. Gibson was a 2014 essay contest winner for the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour. She has coordinated Students Helping Our Community Week and is a Salvation Army volunteer. Gibson plans to major in biology and nursing at the University of Tulsa.
Scholarship sponsor: Jeanette H. Kern
Scholarship sponsor: Phillips 66
Scholarship sponsor: Pioneer Telephone Cooperative
Scholarship sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee
Scholarship sponsor: The Chickasaw Nation — Bill Anoatubby, Governor
Scholarship sponsor: Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation
Virginia Drummond Bartlesville High School Drummond is the recipient of a Scholastic Art Awards National Gold Medal in Digital Art. She is a regional and national qualifier in the Chemistry Olympiad and a former state champion in the physical sciences division at the Oklahoma Science & Engineering Fair. She is a member of the state champion varsity cross country team and marched in Dublin in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She is an illustrator for Bartlesville Magazine. Drummond plans to major in psychology at Stanford University.
Sabrina Early Adair High School Early is a National Merit Finalist and Tulsa University Vision Scholarship recipient. She is captain of the Adair Color Guard and Winter Guard. She is a past member of the academic team and won first place in Oklahoma history at a Connors College academic contest. She enjoys baking and sewing, and serves as a volunteer providing childcare or baking snacks for youth at Northstar Church. Early plans to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Tulsa.
Scholarship sponsor: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Janet and Frederick Drummond
Scholarship sponsor: OPUBCO Communications Group
Scholarship sponsor: Vinita Public Schools Educational Foundation
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars Cassie Goodnight
Madison Granger
Sarah Greenwood
Rachel Hagemeier
Gideon Hallum
Tahlequah High School Goodnight is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar. She serves as president of the senior class, Science Club, English Club, Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and Health Careers Club. She is also active in the Cherokee Challenge Bowl team. Goodnight is captain of the varsity volleyball team and plays varsity tennis. The recipient of a Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Goodnight mentors elementary students through Boys & Girls Club and is a math tutor. She plans to major in biomedical engineering at Yale University.
Newcastle High School Granger is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar and the recipient of a full-tuition scholarship from Oklahoma Baptist University. She is a member of her school and church choirs and active in Robotics Team, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Science Club, Math Club and varsity basketball. She volunteers for Vacation Bible School, community awareness walks and the extended care program at First Baptist Church of Newcastle. She plans to major in biochemistry at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Choctaw High School Greenwood is a class valedictorian and National Merit Commended Scholar. She is a member of National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society and the Senior Student Board. She serves as captain of the Choctaw High School Color Guard and Winter Guard and works on the staff of the middle school Winter Guard program. Greenwood plays first chair flute for the Choctaw High School concert band. She plans to major in English education at the University of Oklahoma.
Edmond Memorial High School An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar, Hagemeier was selected to attend the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute in creative writing. She is drum major for the high school band and serves on the teen boards for Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. Hagemeier attended the Interlochen Bassoon Institute and traveled to Europe with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra in 2013. Hagemeier plans to study bassoon performance and arts management in college.
Muldrow High School Hallum is a 2014 Speech and Debate state champion and class valedictorian. He is captain of the academic team and vice president of the Student Council. A member of the Speech and Debate Leadership Committee, Hallum competed at the national tournament in 2014 and was ranked 16th nationwide. He volunteers for Backpacks for Kids to fight childhood hunger, serves as a volunteer math and reading tutor, and has volunteered for a crisis intervention center that helps domestic abuse victims. Hallum plans to major in microbiology at the University of Oklahoma.
Norman High School A National Merit Finalist, Halterman is a four-time national qualifier in speech and debate and earned second place in national Lincoln-Douglas Debate in 2014. This year, he is a member of the U.S. Debate Team. Halterman is co-president of Young Democrats and active in men’s soccer and cross country. He is a National History Day national qualifier and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor. Halterman volunteers for the University of Oklahoma Center for Social Justice. He plans to major in political science at Oxford University.
Scholarship sponsor: Stroud National Bank
Scholarship sponsor: Republic Bank & Trust
Scholarship sponsor: Lissa and Cy Wagner Foundation of Communities Foundation of Texas
Scholarship sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Co., Newcastle
Scholarship sponsor: H. E. Rainbolt
Scholarship sponsor: Kerr-McGee Corp.
Nicholas Halterman
DeLayna Hensley
Makaylee Hinds
Jacob C. Hooper
Casey Lee House
Macie Hull
Nicole Hutton
Frederick High School Hensley is president of Band Council and drum major for the band. She was selected to play clarinet in the All-State Band her senior year and in AllRegion Band for four years. She is an All-Region Choir member and was selected for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Women’s Choir. She has received superior ratings in band and choir contests. Hensley also participates in jazz band and tutors students in the Frederick Middle School band. Hensley plans to major in instrumental music education at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Classen School of Advanced Studies Hinds spent 2013-14 attending school in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she was president of the Environmental Club, participated in Eco Schools-Biodiversity program, and earned a silver medal in the UK Math Counts Challenge. She also traveled to China to participate in Model United Nations. Hinds is treasurer of her National Honor Society chapter and has participated in Spanish Club and Girl Scouts. She has been involved in service-mission projects in Slidell, La., and Tagleft Village, Morocco. Hinds plans to major in engineering at Texas A&M University.
Lawton High School An Oklahoma Academic Decathalon and Quiz Bowl captain, Hooper earned the highest individual scores in the 201213 and 2014-15 Oklahoma Academic Decathalon. He is student body treasurer, past vice president of Key Club and active in National Honor Society. He has participated in Junior Leadership Lawton and been a volunteer for Find a Grave and Wreathes Across America. He placed second in the Daughters of the American Revolution Poetry Contest. Hooper plans to major in computer engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
McAlester High School House is a class valedictorian and an Oklahoma Baptist University Scholar. An Eagle Scout, he is a troop guide and senior patrol leader for Boy Scout Troop 499. He is active in Student Council, Native American Club and YoungLife. House plays trumpet and euphonium in the band and has been a marching band section leader. He is a certified life guard, a worship band painist and has travled to Haiti on a medical missions trip. He also tutors for AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination. House plans to study biochemistry on Oklahoma Baptist University.
Luther High School Hull is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and a member of National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She is a four-year member of the varsity basketball team and participates in competitive dance, Book Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is a member of the Servant Leadership Team at Waterloo Road Baptist Church, where she has been involved in Vacation Bible School, homeless ministry and other volunteer activities. Hull plans to major in industrial engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Southmoore High School Hutton is a class valedictorian, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Oklahoma Girls State delegate. She serves as a Student Council senator, and a Model United Nations delegate. She is also active in Link Crew, National Honor Society and varsity tennis. Hutton has participated in summer engineering camps at the University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M University. She is a Vacation Bible School volunteer for Southern Hills Baptist Church. Hutton plans to major in computer engineering at Texas A&M University.
Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. James M. Sturdivant
Scholarship sponsor: Ann Simmons Alspaugh
Scholarship sponsor: Linda and Larry Neal
Scholarship sponsor: The Bank N.A., McAlester
Scholarship sponsor: Jan Barrick
Scholarship sponsor: Ruth Nelson
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
PAGE 13
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars
Sung Hyun Hwang
G. Eli Jergensen
J. Ben Johnson
AlexandraKaste
Christian Keenan
Zane King
Enid High School Hwang is a class valedictorian and Advanced Placement Scholar. He is senior class secretary and a member of National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. He is a member of the varsity tennis team and is first-chair oboist in the concert band. He has also been a first-chair oboist at Red Carpet for six consecutive years. He has volunteered for Platinum E, a community service organization, and has been a volunteer tennis instructor for the Enid Joint Recreation Triad program. Hwang plans to major in chemistry and pre-pharmacy.
Classen School of Advanced Studies Jergensen is a class valedictorian and National Merit Finalist. An Eagle Scout, he served as a chaplain’s aide and assistant patrol leader in Boy Scouts. He is president of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and active in Botball, Kids’ Club, Outpost, National Honor Society and the German-American Partnership Program. He plays piano and is active in his church choir and youth group. Jergensen plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in physics.
Eisenhower High School Johnson is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, who earned the national Most Viable Design Award in the Real World Design Challenge. He was awarded best business in Project Dream, a program to develop entrepreneurs. Johnson has participated in the Lawton Mayor’s Youth Summit, the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and Junior Leadership Lawton. A homecoming king, he also performs in the EHS marching, symphonic and jazz bands. Johnson plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Jenks High School Kaste is a senior representative and honor thespian in the Thespian Society and participates in high school and community theatre productions, as well as the International Thespian Festival. She is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and winner of the Scholastic Writing Silver Key Award. She also participates in Jenks Show Choir, the varsity academic team and National Honor Society. Kaste is a member of Believers Church, where she is a missions volunteer. She plans to major in English literature at the University of Tulsa.
Piedmont High School Keenan is the Oklahoma National Guard Youth of the Year, a President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient and an Oklahoma City Youth Leadership Exchange delegate. He is drum major for the state champion PRIDE of Piedmont Band and president of National Honor Society. He participates in robotics and rocketry clubs and drama productions. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Keenan also volunteers at several summer camps and ropes courses. He plans to major in chemistry and biology at the University of Oklahoma.
Claremore High School King is a U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate and a National Merit Finalist. An Eagle Scout, he has served as junior assistant scoutmaster and chaplain’s aide, and has organized and participated in numerous service projects. He is president of the Math Club and vice president of the Chemistry Club. He is a member of the 2014 state runner-up Academic Bowl team and was a part of the junior varsity team that was a runner-up in the national competition. King plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in chemical engineering.
Natalia Kisanga
Katherine Kramer
Tristan LaCombe
Hannah Lankford
Tram Le
Bryan Hao-Jie Lee
Edmond North High School As a volunteer with TOP Soccer, Kisanga coaches, referees and works with children with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. She also volunteers as a counselor at Camp DaKaNi and spends time at the Bradford Village Retirement Community. She is a National Merit finalist, a U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. Kisanga also received the National Academy of Future Science and Technology Leaders Award of Excellence. Kisanga plans to major in computer science or computer engineering.
Bixby High School Kramer, a valedictorian, is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. She was a Girls State delegate and served as a page at the State Capitol. She is National Honor Society president, senior class treasurer and vice president of the Junior Optimist Octagon International Club. She also served as committee chair for the Oklahoma Association of Student Councils’ state convention. Kramer plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biomedical engineering.
Tahlequah High School A licensed private pilot and model aircraft hobbyist, LaCombe is founder and team captain of the high school Aerospace Club. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a National Finalist Elks Most Valuable Student. He is a member of the state academic team, president of Business Professionals of America and vice president of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He is a graduate of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics regional center. LaCombe plans to major in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University.
Deer Creek High School Lankford is a member of the cross country team and received the team’s Ranger for Life Award for Character and Excellence. A Girls State delegate, Lankford was elected to the Governor’s Cabinet as secretary of transportation. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor. Lankford serves as a Spanish Multicultural Club council member. She is active in Peer Assistance and Leadership, participates in mission work, mentors five girls and works as a private tutor. Lankford plans to major in international studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Broken Arrow High School Le serves as CEO and team leader of the school’s Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, which received a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to invent a low-cost, sustainable fish food for developing countries. A National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Le is Senior Executive Board president, senior class president and a member of the National Honor Society. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and St. Francis Hospital South. Le plans to attend Baylor University, majoring in biomedical engineering.
Bixby High School Lee is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, a twotime individual state champion in the backstroke and butterfly, and a member of the state championship swim team. He is a representative of the Oklahoma Swimming House of Delegates and co-captain of the varsity swim team. He is a senior class valedictorian. A member of the Spartan Post News Broadcast Club, Lee serves as producer, director and reporter. He is a lector at St. Clement Church. Lee intends to major in business at Washington University in St. Louis.
Scholarship sponsor: The Meinders Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Bert and Janice Mackie
Scholarship sponsor: Sarkeys Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Terry K. Bell Charitable Trust
Scholarship sponsor: American Bank & Trust Co.
Scholarship sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: The John and Donnie Brock Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Scholarship sponsor: Mr. Richard L. Sias
Scholarship sponsor: Mary M. Jenkins
Scholarship sponsor: Frank C. and Ludmila Robson
Scholarship sponsor: Mabrey Bank
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars Cooper Little
Joshua Long
Jordan Madden
Hayden Mahaney
Brandon Marler
Andrew McDowell
Plainview High School As a junior ambassador and advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Little was chosen to represent Oklahoma at the national conference in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Class of 2014 and senior class valedictorian. Little is president of Beta Club and a member of Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the state championship golf team. He volunteers at the Ardmore Soup Kitchen and has participated in mission trips to Ecuador and Honduras. Little plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biology.
Claremore High School Long is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor. A member of the state championship academic team, he is also active in Math Club and National Honor Society, and serves as treasurer of the Chemistry Club. He has earned outstanding honors in several classes, including algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, sociology and pre-calculus. Long intends to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Morrison High School An active member of Business Professionals of America, Madden has served as president, vice president and historian. The Yale Science and Engineering Association recognized him for the Most Outstanding Exhibit in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Chemistry at the Central Oklahoma Regional Science Fair. He is also a member of Future Farmers of America and SkillsUSA. A dedicated Tae Kwon Do martial artist, he mentors younger Tae Kwon Do students. Madden plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in chemical engineering.
Bristow High School Mahaney is a valedictorian with distinction, Advanced Placement Distinguished Scholar and an Oklahoma Academic Scholar. She is a member of Community Bank’s Student Board of Directors, tutors elementary students and volunteers as a youth group leader at Bristow Presbyterian Church. She is president of the senior class. She is also a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams and enjoys scuba diving. Mahaney plans to study business at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Scholarship sponsor: The Williams Foundation
Mannford High School A class valedictorian, Marler earned second place in physics at the University of Oklahoma Engineering Day. He is a four-year Student Council representative and a member of the National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented program, and Spanish Club. Marler has been concurrently enrolled at Oklahoma State University since his junior year. He also volunteers at the elementary school and with the Mannford Parent Teacher Organization. Marler plans to continue his education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in chemical engineering.
Miami High School McDowell earned the Rotary Academic Excellence Award and was named the Masonic Student of Today. As president of National Honor Society, he has helped organize the school’s Veterans Day assembly and the annual Red Cross blood drive. He also volunteers with the Salvation Army. He is a member of Key Club, and as a member of Future Farmers of America, he was top clay shooter for three years. McDowell is passionate about genetics and plans to major in biology at the University of Oklahoma.
Russ Messenger
Erin Michael
Calvin Miller
Colby Moates
Levi Muller
Alan Murphey
Guymon High School Messenger is an Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar and a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. In September, he was named Rotary Boy by the local chapter. He is a section leader and four-year member of Guymon High School’s band, the Pride of the Panhandle. He volunteers in his church operating the video system for Vacation Bible School. Messenger intends to major in engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Fort Gibson High School Michael turned an internship at local radio station Okie Country into a job hosting a weekend show and continues to serve as editor of the high school newspaper. She is a member of the Class 4A state championship marching band and participates on the indoor drumline. A member of the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society, she serves as secretary of the Native American Student Association and sergeant at arms for the National Honor Society. Michael plans to major in psychology and media production at Drury University in Springfield, Mo.
Westmoore High School Miller serves as president of Student Council, which received the state association’s Gold Chapter Award. He is a threetime Masonic Award winner and a member of Senior Council and National Honor Society. Miller participates in track and field, finishing as runner up in the Class 6A State 800 meter run, and he is a member of the cross country team. He was a tornado relief volunteer following the May 20, 2013, tornado in Moore. Miller plans to major in chemical engineering in college.
Moore High School Moates is an Award of Excellence Scholar and was named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. He is captain of the wrestling team and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team. Moates has volunteered as a counselor aide and counselor with Campfire USA and as a counselor at Camp DaKaNi. A member of Highland Baptist Church, he assisted with tornado cleanup in 2013 and helps with the Christmas basket mission. Moates intends to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Navajo High School Muller received the United States Achievement Academy’s National Mathematics Award and the AllAmerican Scholar Award. Selected as Mr. Navajo High School, he serves as president of the National Honor Society and Student Council. He is Academic Quiz Bowl team captain and chief senior editor of the yearbook. Muller volunteers as a peer tutor for special education students and participated in a mission trip to Africa. He plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University, majoring in pharmacy.
Kingfisher High School A National Merit Scholar Finalist, Murphey was selected as Chisholm Trail Technology Center Student of the Year. He is a member of the soccer, cross country and track teams, and was named Oklahoma Athlete of the Week. Murphey is captain of the policy debate team and a member of the National Honor Society, scholastic team and National Forensics League. He plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: The Meinig Family Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Jasmine and Melvin Moran
Scholarship sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Howard and Billie Barnett
Scholarship sponsor: Teresa and Alex Adwan
Scholarship sponsor: Home Creations
Scholarship sponsor: Polly and Larry Nichols
Scholarship sponsor: The Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: The Leverett Family
Scholarship sponsor: Anchor Stone Co.
Scholarship sponsor: Devon Energy Corp.
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
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2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars
Sarah Oliver
Rogelio Paredes
Kiana Prather
Natasha Prentiss
Joshua Rancourt
Justin Reinking
Ardmore High School Oliver is a National Merit Commended Scholar and Advance Placement Scholar with Honor. She participates in “Knita-Square” to knit and crochet blankets for South African AIDS orphans and has served as a dental volunteer at a Honduran orphanage. Oliver is president of Student Council and Leaflets Service Organization, and a member of the National Honor Society. She is also active in community theater. Oliver plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in biochemistry.
Thomas A. Edison Preparatory High School Paredes is a cadet in the JROTC program and earned the Marine Corps League Silver Distinguished Citizen Medal. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and American Legion Scholastic Award winner, Paredes participated in the Junior Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. He serves as secretary and treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and is a member of the Academic Bowl team and National Honor Society. He volunteers at Floral Haven Cemetery on Memorial Day. Paredes intends to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Tulsa.
Mooreland High School An award-winning artist, Prather earned Best of Show at the Paul Laune Art Contest at Plains Indian and Pioneer Museum. She finished first at the 2014 Oklahoma State University High School Math competition. Prather is National Honor Society secretary, Student Council president and an academic team member. She is active in the First United Methodist Church youth group and is an assistant teacher in the children’s class. She is a member of the softball team and cheerleading squad. Prather plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biology.
Cache High School Prentiss is a recipient of the Girl Scouts Silver and Bronze awards. A member of the academic team, she was a state qualifier for the Tournament of Champions. She is an Oklahoma State University institutional nominee to the Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholars Program. Prentiss is vice president of Beta Club. As a member of the high school choir, she received a superior rating at regional solo and ensemble contest and was named to the All-Region Honor Choir. Prentiss plans to major in animal science at Oklahoma State University.
Eisenhower High School Rancourt is a National Merit Scholar Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar. The founder of the Youth in Government chapter, he serves as chapter treasurer. He is a delegate for Key Club and National Honor Society, volunteers at Flower Mound Elementary School and was chosen to serve as the school physics laboratory technician. He is also a member of the golf and tennis teams. Rancourt plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Jenks High School Reinking, vice president of the Debate Club, is a two-time qualifier for the Debate Tournament of Champions and champion of the University of Texas Summer Tournament. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and was named Outstanding Citizen by the Sons of the American Revolution. As project manager for Youth Philanthropy Initiative, Reinking created REV, a revolution focused on increasing teen volunteerism, and manages funds provided by the Schusterman Family Foundation.
Scholarship sponsor: The Meshri Family
Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Heyman
Avraham Revah
Todd Riddle
Joshua Ridgway
Lutie Rodriguez
Emilee F. Romero
Dominique Ropp
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics A National Merit Finalist, Revah is a member of the American Computer Science League and earned second place in the Western Division. Revah, of Edmond, is active in United Synagogue Youth, serving as Regional Israeli Affairs vice president of the Southwest Region and co-chair of the fall convention. He earned the National Forensic League Award of Distinction and competed nationally with TEAM+S: Tests of Engineering, Aptitude, Mathematics and Science. He volunteers as a physics tutor and enjoys fencing. Revah plans to major in physics.
Roland High School Riddle is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar and a class valedictorian. Vice president of the Technology Student Association, he is a TSA state champion in eight events and a national finalist. He is a four-year member of the Quiz Bowl team and serves as co-captain. Riddle also volunteers at the Ft. Smith Museum of History, and, through TSA, he has participated in Toys for Tots and collected donations for Relay for Life. He is president of National Honor Society, Honor Club and the senior class. Riddle plans to study computer engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Wayne High School Ridgway, a valedictorian, is Student Council senior class representative and serves on the Principal’s Leadership Council. He is a member of the jazz band and was named Outstanding Sophomore Band Member. Ridgway is also a student at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center. A member of National Honor Society, Ridgway served on the Rosedale First Baptist Church youth mission team and volunteers for Bountiful Baskets. He plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in applied mathematics.
Thomas A. Edison Preparatory High School An accomplished musician, Rodriguez is a member of the National Association for Music Education Honor Orchestra, the University of Tulsa symphony and various chamber ensembles. As a cellist, she participated in the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Rodriguez volunteers as a peer tutor for the middle school orchestra and plays the cello in her youth worship band. She is a National Hispanic Scholar and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. Rodriguez plans to study biology and music at Texas Christian University or the University of Tulsa.
Mustang High School Romero is a class valedictorian, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. As a member of National Honor Society, she has served Christmas dinner for National Guard members and volunteered at the Regional Food Bank. She is treasurer of Spanish Honor Society and tutors other Spanish students. She is a member of the cross country and track teams and participated in Relay for Life. Romero plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in engineering.
Charles Page High School After facing a medical crisis, Ropp became focused on researching a cure for autoimmune diseases and plans to help others through the use of chemistry. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar and a Sandite Distinguished Scholar. She also received a Certificate of Merit in chemistry. Ropp is blood drive chairman for the National Honor Society and volunteers at the local hospital. A middle and elementary school tutor, she is a member of the academic team. Ropp plans to major in chemistry at the University of Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Koch Industries, Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Scholarship sponsor: Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Beth and Carey Johnson
Scholarship sponsor: Kirkpatrick Foundation, Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Roblyer
Scholarship sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Co., Oklahoma City
Scholarship sponsor: The Oxley Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: Sand Springs Education Foundation, Inc.
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars Allyson Rowe
Margrethe Ruding
Mason Russell
Kate Sander
Dillon R. Seals
Paige Sorrell
Inola High School Rowe is a Presidential Scholar candidate and an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar. A volunteer mentor, she founded the Strengthening the Herd mentoring program. She is a member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Choir and the academic team, and serves as Spanish Club secretary. Rowe is Student Council vice president and was a delegate at the OASC Advanced Leadership Workshop. She also volunteers with local dog rescues and animal shelters. Rowe plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Tulsa.
Enid High School A senior company member of Starfire Dance Company, Ruding is a member of the varsity pom squad, the All-State Dance Team and the AllAmerican Dance Team. She volunteers for the Special Olympics, Our Daily Bread soup kitchen and Platinum E, a group of students who serve at events such as food drives, fundraisers and toy drives. She is active at the First United Methodist Church. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and attends the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center. Ruding plans to major in chemical engineering.
Cushing High School A two-time president of Oklahoma Business Professionals of America, Russell currently serves as National Secondary vice president. He is the academic team captain. He is a Boys State delegate. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar and earned a Blue and Gold nomination for outstanding perseverance during sea trials. Russell volunteers with Special Olympics and participated in a donation drive for the Tulsa Ronald McDonald House. Russell plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in management information systems.
Cheyenne High School Captain of the varsity basketball team, Sander was selected Most Valuable Player and an Academic All-Star at the 5 County Basketball Tournament. Sander, a class valedictorian, is president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Cheyenne Principal’s Leadership Council. She is Future Farmers of America secretary and a member of the state FFA chorus. She is active in Cheyenne First Baptist Church, participating in the praise band and serving as music director of Vacation Bible School. Sander plans to major in pre-medicine at Oklahoma State University.
Ponca City High School Seals volunteers as a tutor twice a week at the Marland Children’s Home and works with the Friendship Feast program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to prepare and serve dinner once a month. A four-year member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, he was appointed to the Governor’s Cabinet at Boys State. He is vice president of the National Honor Society and academic team captain. He is also a four-year member of the school’s swim team, serving as captain during his junior year. Seals plans to study biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Guthrie High School Sorrell began designing and making shoes when she was 12 years old, and her work has been featured in a museum exhibit. She was a featured artist in the “Expressing the Rural West – Into the Future” Exhibit at Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nev. A Lion’s Club Student of the Month, she is active in dance and theater, and enjoys reading to children. She is senior class president and a member of the National Honor Society, English Club and Art Club. Sorrell plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma, majoring in anthropology.
Austin James Stottlemyre
Amber Strange
Kaitlyn Trail
Dat Truong
Heath Vann
Elgin High School Strange is senior class president and a valedictorian. As a member of Student Council, she chairs the committees organizing the annual holiday dinner and American Education Week. She is active in Key Club and National Honor Society. She is also a member of IAMNDN Native DrugFree Nations Coalition and attended the National Youth Leadership Initiative Conference. She participates in the Comanche County Memorial Hospital’s Volunteen program, assisting staff and patients throughout the hospital. Strange plans to attend Duke University.
Weatherford High School A National Merit Scholar, Trail is a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the academic team. She serves as secretary of Key Club and has completed more than 140 volunteer hours. She has mentored in the Early Bird Reading Program since 2011. She is also secretary of Spanish Club, History Club and Book Club. As a member of the band, she was named to the Small School All-State, All-Region and Shortgrass honor bands. Trail intends to major in chemistry at the University of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Truong, of Oklahoma City, is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award. As a teen volunteer at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Truong accumulated more than 250 hours of volunteer service. He volunteered at the Manos Juntas Medical Clinic, a churchsponsored medical clinic providing accessible healthcare to underprivileged individuals. He has earned a first-degree black belt in karate. Truong plans to study biochemistry in college.
Charles Page High School Vann is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Calculus League champion. A member of the Indian Honor Roll and Indian Education Program, he was named Indian Student of the Year. Vann is a member of the National Honor Society, the Gifted and Talented program and the academic team. He also plays for the Sandite baseball team, volunteers as a tutor and is active in the Olivet Baptist Church youth group. Vann plans to major in engineering physics at the University of Oklahoma.
Scholarship sponsor: RCB Bank, Inola
Brady Sorrels Byng High School Sorrels is a member of the Oklahoma Indian Honor Society and the National Honor Society. He is president of Native Voices and a member of the statequalifying Academic Bowl team. A Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, Sorrels is active in mission opportunities in his community and internationally. He and other youth organized a program providing meals, fellowship and a Bible study for residents in local apartment complexes. He participated in a mission trip to Nicaragua. Sorrels plans to attend East Central University, majoring in pre-medicine.
Scholarship sponsor: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Scholarship sponsor: NBC Oklahoma
Kingston High School Stottlemyre, a class valedictorian, is executive council vice president of parliamentary law for the state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. An Oklahoma Academic Scholar and member of National Society for High School Scholars, he was inducted into Youth Leadership Oklahoma. He is co-captain of the Quiz Bowl team and Student Council president. Stottlemyre volunteers monthly at the Bread of Life soup kitchen. Stottlemyre plans to major in aerospace engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Scholarship sponsor: Steve and Pam Holton
Scholarship sponsor: RCB Bank, Cushing
Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship
Scholarship sponsor: Security State Bank
Scholarship sponsor: Mrs. John W. Nichols
Scholarship sponsor: Phillips 66
Scholarship sponsor: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Endowment Fund
Scholarship sponsor: Sand Springs Education Foundation, Inc.
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars Simon A. Vigil
Cannon M. Vogel
Christopher Wang
Christian Weeks
Abigale White
Madison Whiteley
Norman High School Vigil is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Presidential Scholarship nominee. He volunteers as a member of Kiwanis Key Club and as co-president of the Young Democrats. He serves as senior representative in the Chinese Club and is active in National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He is captain of the swim team and finished in the top 16 in the 100 breaststroke and 100 freestyle. Vigil plans to study mechanical engineering in college.
Scholarship sponsor: Crawley Family Foundation
Collinsville High School Vogel has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and serves as a Boy Scouts senior patrol leader. A National Merit Finalist and trigonometry state champion, he serves as team captain of the Quiz Bowl team, which placed third in national competition. He is Technology Student Association treasurer and SkillsUSA team captain. He volunteers as a FIRST Lego League mentor and tutors with the Indian Education Foundation. As a junior, Vogel conducted nanofluid-based research at the University of Tulsa. He plans to study physics and math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics An Edmond resident, Wang is a senior representative on Student Council and a founding member and editor of The Lincoln Review, a student-published scientific journal. As vice captain of TEAM+S, he led the team to second place at the state level and competed at the national level. Wang spent the summer conducting computer science research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is an Eagle Scout, National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar. Wang plans to major in computer science at MIT.
Idabel High School A Boys State Delegate, Weeks received the American Legion’s Chauncey Witcraft Award for Academic Excellence. He has accumulated more than 900 hours of volunteer service through the Idabel Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Idabel Junior Main Street organization. He serves as a counselor for the Museum of the Red River Explorer’s Camp and Dino Camp. He is captain of the Idabel High academic team. Weeks plans to major in computer science at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.
Deer Creek High School White, who volunteered as a caregiver at China Care Home in Beijing, is founder and president of China Care Club, an organization that raises awareness of the needs of orphans in China and funds to support the China Care Home. She is a member of the academic team that won the Oklahoma Science Bowl Competition and represented the state at the National Science Bowl. She is a Vanderbilt Chancellor’s Scholar and Presidential Scholar candidate. White plans to study engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
Coweta High School Whiteley is captain of the varsity basketball team and co-captain of the cheerleading squad. She was also named AllAmerican Cheerleader. She is president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Throughout high school, she has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and was named Student of the Month. She is an avid reader and enjoys four-wheeler racing. Whiteley plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in mechanical engineering.
Patrick Wilson
Rylie Winn
Wen Yin
Kevie Yu
Booker T. Washington High School Wilson earned fourth place in extemporaneous speaking at the Harvard National Tournament and is a member of the two-time state championship team in speech and debate. He is co-captain of the tennis team, which earned consecutive academic state champion titles, and competed in Missouri Valley tennis. Wilson is a member of the Booker T. Washington Teen Advisory Board. He is a member of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative and served as the committee chair of the REV project, which encourages volunteerism among teenagers.
Eisenhower High School An Advanced Placement Scholar, Winn is president of Upward Bound and a member of the Quiz Bowl and archery teams. She volunteers as a tutor in algebra, geometry and biology. Winn is active in the Lawton community, volunteering at the Lawton International Festival, participating in the Luther King Jr. Day of Service and shelving food at the local food bank. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, studying chemical engineering and pre-medicine.
Norman North High School A violinist in the high school orchestra and Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, Yin is a threetime Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-Stater and participated in the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain. She is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar and American Invitational Mathematics Examination qualifier. She volunteers at Norman Regional Hospital. She also teaches an English writing class for fifth through seventh graders. Yin intends to study math in college. Scholarship sponsor: OGE Energy Corp. Scholarship sponsor: OGE Energy Corp.
Edmond Santa Fe High School Yu is a three-year All-State Orchestra concertmaster, co-president of the Orchestra Council and a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA. Yu is active in her church, serving as a worship leader for the English youth service and pianist for the Chinese service. She is a member of the National Association of Speech and Debate and the National Honor Society. A member of Youth Leadership Exchange, she volunteers at the City Rescue Mission and has participated in Mission Arlington. Yu plans to major in cognitive science in college. Scholarship sponsor: BancFirst Corp.
Scholarship sponsor: Verizon
Scholarship sponsor: J. and M. Gaberino Family Charitable Fund, Tulsa
Scholarship sponsor: Dr. and Mrs. Mark Harris Mellow
Scholarship sponsor: Kirti and Satish Kumar
Scholarship sponsor: Idabel Foundation for Academic Excellence
Scholarship sponsor: Ann Graves
Scholarship sponsor: SONIC, America’s Drive-In
John Nieto painting selected for commemorative poster “Feather Dancer,” an acrylic on canvas painting by Southwestern artist John Nieto, has been selected for the commemorative poster for the 29th annual Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Nieto Awards Banquet and Ceremony. Nieto was born in Denver in 1936 and raised in Roswell, New Mexico, near the Apache reservation. After high school, he studied art at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then moved to France. In Paris, he studied the work of Ingres, David and Picasso. He was particularly drawn to the French Fauve painters like
“Feather Dancer,” an acrylic on canvas painting by Southwestern artist John Nieto. Henri Matisse, who were known for their bold use of color. Nieto’s experience in France clarified his artistic goals and eventually inspired his return to New Mexico. “I paint Native American themes so I can step back in time and shine some light on those people – that culture,” he said.
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
Educators, students cited for excellence Foundation hosts awards ceremony
OKLAHOMA CITY – Five outstanding Oklahoma educators will be honored along with 100 of the state’s top public high school seniors when the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence hosts its 29th Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Renaissance Tulsa Convention Center, 6808 S. 107th East Ave. “Mission Possible!” is the theme of this year’s ceremony, which will feature a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Brandeis University Professor David Hackett Fischer, author of such books as “Washington’s Crossing.” David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, will serve as emcee for the statewide tribute honoring “the best of the best” in Oklahoma’s public schools. The gala event, which is attended by nearly 1,000 people, will also feature musical entertainment by the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra. Admission is $50 per person. Reservations can be made online at www.ofe.org. This year’s Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony is being chaired by a former honoree, 1988 Academic All-State alumna Deanne Dutton Hughes of Tulsa. “Being a part of this event allows me to come full circle and impact the lives of this year’s honorees as I was once recognized,” Hughes said. “This banquet has been called the ‘Academy Awards’ of public education in Oklahoma because of the way we celebrate outstanding teachers and students. “Dr. Fischer’s keynote address will draw parallels between early American history and our current day,” Hughes added. “His address will highlight that passion, an education and hard work truly make achieving success a Mission Possible – the theme of this year’s
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2015 Academic Awards Banquet Committee Banquet Chair Deanne Dutton Hughes, Tulsa
Academic All-State Alumni Coordinator
Andrew J. Morris, Oklahoma City
Awards Material Coordinator Maria Veronica Felzke, Tulsa
Crew Coordinator John Points, Tulsa
Food Arrangements Chair Claudia Holdridge Bartlett, Sapulpa
Oklahoma Arts Institute
Emily Claudé, Norman Stephanie Currey, Oklahoma City Jennifer Fletcher, Noble
Production
David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, will serve as emcee for the foundation’s 29th Academic Awards Ceremony and Banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Renaissance Tulsa Convention Center.
event. David Boren always inspires the attendees, and his comments celebrate the students’ accomplishments. I invite everyone to make reservations and join us May 16.” The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1985 by then-U.S. Sen. Boren to recognize and encourage academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. Through its Academic Awards Program, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million in merit-based scholarships and cash awards to honor outstanding graduating seniors as Academic All-Staters and exceptional educators as Medal for Excellence winners. The foundation will present its 2015 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence Awards in Teaching to elementary honoree Beth Howard, Mark Twain Elementary School, Tulsa; secondary winner Jason S. Proctor, Tahlequah High School; regional university/community college winner Tim Hubin, professor of chemistry, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford; and research university recipient Dr. Steve M. Blevins, associate professor of medicine, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City. The winner of the Medal for Excellence in elementary/secondary administration is Lloyd W.
Snow, superintendent, Sand Springs Public Schools. Each medal recipient will receive a $5,000 cash award as well as a glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture, created by the late Oklahoma artist Ron Roberts and produced by Jim Triffo of Oklahoma City. With support from scholarship sponsors, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence will also present merit-based Academic All-State Scholarships of $1,000 each and medallions to 100 Academic All-State Scholars. The 2015 Academic All-State class hails from 74 schools in 66 Oklahoma school districts. The honorees were selected from 558 nominations in what is described by Boren as “Oklahoma’s most rigorous academic competition.” Two Oklahoma high schools, Luther and Rattan, are celebrating their first Academic AllStaters. The Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony will premiere statewide on public television at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23, on OETA. Subsequent airings will be shown on OETA’s OKLA digital channel. For digital broadcast listings, visit the station’s website at www.oeta.tv. For more information on the Academic Awards Banquet, visit the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence website at www.ofe.org or call (405) 236-0006.
ON THE COVER DESIGN BY STEVEN RECKINGER / PHOTO BY JOHN CLANTON
Jessi Crino, Oklahoma City Ron Demers, Edmond Micki Smith, Oklahoma City Pam Welch, Edmond Reception Chair Ken Busby, Tulsa Registration Chair Sam Cotter, Tulsa
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Staff
Emily Stratton, Executive Director Rachel Webber, Executive Assistant Brenda Wheelock, Director, Development & Communications Dayna Rowe, Communications Specialist Karen Rose, Director, Local Education Foundation Outreach Beverly Woodrome, Director, David & Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee David L. Boren, Chairman Linda K. Neal, President Anil V. Gollahalli, President-Elect Sandy Werner, Secretary-Treasurer Teresa B. Adwan Jami Rhoades Antonisse Jari Askins Leah M. Barby Lee Ann DeArman Jennifer Dickey Vanessa Drummond Barbara Gabel Sandy Garrett Caroline Gist Morgan Harris Jean Hendrickson Deanne Dutton Hughes Dow R. Hughes Paige L. Johnson Sherrel A. Jones Patti Mellow Ken Miller Charles L. Oppenheim Cathryn Render Les Risser Stewart Ryan Neil P. Schemmer D. Craig Story Susan I. Thurmond
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
Teacher, storyteller Speaker to focus on Washington’s leadership
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Brandeis University Professor David Hackett Fischer will help honor Oklahoma’s outstanding public school students and educators when he gives the keynote address at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony May 16 at the Renaissance Tulsa Convention Center.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Brandeis University Professor David Hackett Fischer will help honor Oklahoma’s outstanding public school students and educators when he gives the keynote address at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony Saturday, May 16, at the Renaissance Tulsa Convention Center. Fischer’s address is titled “Mission Possible: A Revolutionary Model” and will focus on George Washington’s leadership and his relevance in our time. Fischer is University Professor and Earl Warren Professor of History at Brandeis University, where he has taught since 1962. Fischer once told the Waltham, Massachusetts, Daily News Tribune that he used to think of himself as a professor and historian, but that now he would like to think of himself as a “teacher and a storyteller.” He teaches courses on American history and comparative history and is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Carnegie Prize as Massachusetts Professor of the Year and the Kidger Prize for Teaching and Scholarship, presented by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Fischer is the author of 15 major publications, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Washington’s Crossing,” and such award-winners as “Albion’s Seed: Four British Folkways in America,” “Paul Revere’s Ride,” and “Champlain’s Dream.” He has three more books in progress, including one on AfroEuropean folkways in America. A native of Baltimore, Fischer earned degrees from Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University. He has been a visiting lecturer or professor at Harvard and Oxford Universities and was a Fulbright Distinguished Lecturer at five New Zealand universities. Fischer and his wife, Judith, reside in Wayland, Massachusetts, and have two children and two grandchildren.
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
Educators of excellence 5 to receive medals, cash prizes, sculptures
T
he Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has announced the winners of its Oklahoma Medal for Excellence awards honoring five outstanding educators in Oklahoma’s public schools. Each of the five winners will receive a $5,000
cash prize and a glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture, designed by the late Oklahoma artist Ron Roberts and produced by Jim Triffo of Oklahoma City. Medals are awarded annually to outstanding Oklahoma teachers, one each at the elementary,
Elementary education: Tulsan promotes learning through arts Beth Howard, winner of the Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Elementary Education, has taught visual art for 15 years at Tulsa’s Mark Twain Elementary School, a Title 1 school that serves many students living in poverty. A National Board Certified educator, Howard began her career as an art therapist but found that she flourished best in the classroom, where she sets high expectations for student success, with an emphasis on cross-curriculum arts integration, service learning and character development. “Together, my students and I defy the belief that children in poverty will fall behind. … I teach not only an integrated curriculum in my visual arts classroom, but I teach students how to suc-
ceed in the world around them,” she said. Howard works with classroom teachers to integrate art into math, literature, science and social studies. As a graduate of the Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon teacher institutes, she has become a national presenter on teaching history through art. Inspired by the French artist JeanAntoine Houdon, Howard’s students sculpt busts of America’s founding fathers and mothers and research their historical importance. Howard’s passion for American history led her to co-found Revolutionary Day on the Hill, which annually brings together 600 fifth-graders, dressed in Colonial American attire, for a day of hands-on learning and presen-
tations by historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Martha Washington from Williamsburg and Mount Vernon. Howard is also the founder and director of Mark Twain’s Art Ambassadors, a service-learning program that engages students in community service while promoting arts in the community. Her students paint faces at festivals, make art with preschoolers and create murals for local nonprofits. They also travel with Howard to state and national conferences where they help present sessions to teachers. Mark Twain alumna Bibiana Perez, 13, said Ms. Howard has helped shape her into the person she is today. “Every time I’m with her, I learn something new, like how to wash a paint brush properly or how to eat with so many spoons and forks at a fancy restaurant. More important, she taught me to help others and to be caring,” Perez said.
Administration: Snow learns names of all students, staff The winner of the Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration is Lloyd W. Snow, superintendent of Sand Springs Public Schools. Snow began his career in 1973 as a special education teacher at Western Heights Public Schools and moved into school administration in 1976. He served as superintendent in Wanette, Elgin and Sulphur public schools before taking the helm at Sand Springs in 2000. Throughout his career, Snow said he has been “pas-
sionate about interacting with kids, helping students learn, and encouraging families and communities to be the best possible.” Under Snow’s leadership, Sand Springs has passed six bond issues by an average of 83 percent, completing over $100 million in improvements. Major achievements included the construction of an Early Childhood Center that serves 400 children and implementing full-day Kindergarten. The district transformed one of its high-poverty el-
secondary, community college/regional university and research university levels. In addition, the foundation presents a Medal for Excellence to an exceptional administrator from the elementary or secondary level.
ementary schools into the Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, established the Page Alternative Academy, and constructed a new fine arts center and athletic facilities. Snow implemented a
continuous improvement model, STAR (Sandites Teaming for Academic/ Activity Results) and created Partners for Progress, a patron organization that meets monthly to discuss district goals and progress. Last year, Snow worked with families to launch Parent Action-Advocate Teams to better inform families about education policies and funding. “Lloyd Snow has consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for public education and has championed thousands of students for four decades,” said Robert Franklin, associate superintendent of Tulsa Technology Center. Snow not only attends
student performances and competitions, but regularly sends personal handwritten notes to students to commend their progress, Franklin said. Snow makes a point to know all 5,300 students, teachers and support staff by name. “The school children of this community are his children,” said Sand Springs parent Scott Thompson. “He has high hopes and expectations for each of them and works tirelessly for their success every day. He stands up on their behalf whether from a hearing room at the State Capitol or from the bleachers at Memorial Stadium on a fourthand-goal drive.”
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Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
Educators of Excellence
Secondary teaching: Tahlequah’s Proctor takes fear out of math Jason Scott Proctor, winner of the Medal for Excellence in Secondary Teaching, teaches Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Advanced Placement Calculus at Tahlequah High School. Proctor’s approach is to make complex subjects simple and to “take the fear out” of learning math. “I go out of my way to reassure students that there is nothing too complex for them and that together we can find a simple way of understanding,” said Proctor, a National Board Certified teacher who is also Oklahoma’s 2015 Teacher of the Year. Proctor begins the school year by describing the idea of fixed vs. growth mindset, inspired by Carol Dweck’s book “Mindset,” to show students how they may be inad-
vertently holding themselves back from achievement – in math and in other parts of their life – because of their attitudes and
mindset. “Together we discuss the lessons we can learn from failure and agree to join in a nine-month journey to become better,” he said. Proctor creates a nontraditional environment, offering hands-on experiences and a variety of problem-solving strategies to help students succeed. Students do collaborative group work, use geometry software to understand angle relationships, learn linear function modeling using spaghetti and pennies, or find the height of the school
Regional university: Hubin immerses students in research Tim Hubin, Bernhardt Professor of Chemistry at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is the recipient of the Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Regional University/Community College. Hubin, who has taught at SWOSU for 10 years, believes students learn best by doing. “If you immerse willing undergraduate students, with proper guidance, in cutting-edge, world-class research, they will respond with extraordinary personal growth,” he said. Hubin’s current research has applications in treating AIDS and cancer. Hubin said he breaks large-scale, long-term research into mini projects, allowing each student to have novel, achievable goals and opportunities to write and present results. His undergraduate students have had
articles published in numerous scientific journals and presented at national conferences. “ Wo r k i n g on my own research project with Dr. Hubin really made me grow as a chemist,” said James McClain II, now a graduate teaching assistant at OU. “It taught me real-world lessons that research is not always perfect the first time, and sometimes you have to try alternatives to reach your goal. I came to graduate school with a skill set that allowed me to start complicated research right away.” Department Chair William Kelly said Hubin is also a pioneer in incorporating scientific research into his class work. “His Inorganic Chemistry
flagpole using trigonometry. Math Department Chair Chuck Pack said students are the centerpiece in Proctor’s classes, playing an active and enthusiastic role in learning. “He continually searches for ways to grab, keep and reignite his students’ interests,” Pack said. Student Amy Hembree said the games and exercises Proctor employs have made her calculus class understandable and fun. “He challenged me to not only understand the objectives … but to also consider the application beyond the classroom and pursue a deeper understanding of the concepts I found interesting.” Hembree, who also has Proctor as her track coach, said he emphasizes two values in coaching that embody everything he does: excellence and character. “Coach Proctor’s efforts made it possible for me to be successful both as a student and an athlete, as well as grow as a person,” she said. Lab has become a projectbased course in which each student is given a molecule to synthesize, purify and characterize as part of a larger project,” Kelly said. To complete the course, students must prepare a research paper for a fictitious chemistry journal and present research talks to their peers. “This course has become a student favorite,” Kelly said. “It is challenging yet motivating, encouraging the majority of students to pursue further studies in graduate or professional schools.” Among his contributions to SWOSU’s chemistry department, Hubin has overseen curriculum development, adding innovative courses and making a more rigorous required senior capstone project. He has also developed a Chemistry Help Room to provide tutoring. Hubin is a winner of SWOSU’s highest teaching award, the Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award, and recipient of the national Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, among other honors.
Research university: Blevins revolutionized way medicine is taught at OU The winner of the Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Research University is Dr. Steve M. Blevins, associate professor of medicine and assistant dean for curriculum development at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. A 20-year teaching veteran, Blevins has revolutionized the way medicine is taught at OU, designing and teaching courses that better help students apply scientific knowledge with clinical practice. Traditionally, medical education has consisted of two years of basic science followed by two years of clinical science, in which students learn to interview, examine, diagnose and treat patients. “By separating the introduction of science concepts from their application – often by years – important concepts are uprooted and swept away,” Blevins said. “The solution, in my view, is timely reinforcement and assimilation of knowledge.” To that end, Blevins designed and teaches a 10-week Clinical Transitions course, which uses 350 tutorials – all written by Blevins – to help students meld basic and clinical principles using case studies. Blevins also designed a capstone course which students take at the end of clinical rotations to provide a comprehensive overview of their learning experiences. Students praised Blevins for going the extra mile, whether dropping in on study sessions to see if they had questions to taking students
on “field trips” to radiology, pathology or microbiology labs to give them a deeper understanding of clinical disorders. Student Brandon Humble said he could “wax poetic” about the many scientific lessons he learned from Blevins, but it was Blevins’ kindness toward an elderly patient which left the greatest impression. “He met the patient where he was, in terms the patient could understand. He wasn’t pretentious or high-minded… He was the consummate physician. He was the kind of physician that I want to be someday.” Blevins is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the student-nominated Stanton L. Young Master Teacher Award. College of Medicine Executive Dean Dewayne Andrews said Blevins constantly seeks new and better ways to excite students in lifelong learning. “Few teachers work harder, have as much passion and have as much impact on learners as does Dr. Steve Blevins.”
Tulsa World • May 10, 2015
PAGE 9
2015 Oklahoma Academic All-State Scholars
Ashley Anderson
Forster Barnes
Robert Beem
Peter Beierle
Hayden Benge
Austin Bennett
Durant High School Anderson is a National Merit Semifinalist and active in Calculus Club and Fish Club. An accomplished trumpet player, she is section leader in the high school band, a member of the jazz band and has been selected for All-District and All-State Band. She has earned a 1 in District Solo for three years and has earned two gold letters and one silver letter in band competition. She volunteers as a tutor. Anderson plans to major in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma Christian University.
Gore High School Barnes is a class valedictorian, Student Council member and serves as secretary/treasurer of his senior class. He is active in the academic team, the Oklahoma Indian Honor Society and the Cherokee Challenge Bowl. Barnes is a percussion section leader in the high school band and earned the Outstanding Section Award and a John Philip Sousa Award. He received a superior rating in the state percussion ensemble competition. Barnes plans to major in engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Stillwater High School Beam is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Oklahoma’s delegate to the National Judicial Competition. He is Chess Club treasurer and active in Youth in Government, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and the academic team. A member of the varsity swim team, he was a Class 5A State Swim Meet qualifier. He plays piano and plays cello his school orchestra. He plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Edmond Memorial High School Beierle is a class valedictorian, a National Merit Finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. He is captain of his SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team, which earned first in state and second in national competition in 2014. He is programming leader for his FIRST Robotics team and a varsity member of his school’s nationally qualifying academic team. He has served as a teacher’s assistant at the Francis Tuttle Summer Quest. Beierle, plans to study computer science in college.
Berryhill High School Benge is a 2014 Girls State delegate and recipient of a Women in Engineering Award. She is editor of the yearbook and active in National Honor Society, Student Council and Leadership Class. She has been active in volleyball and golf, and served as a basketball camp coach. Benge is a People to People Student Ambassador alumna and traveled to Haiti in 2014 on a mission trip. She enjoys multimedia and filmmaking and plans to major in integrated marketing communications at the University of Mississippi.
Putnam City North High School A class valedictorian, Bennett is captain of the BEST Robotics team and the Francis Tuttle FIRST Robotics team, where he leads computer aided design. He is a member of the SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team, which earned the 2014 state championship and second place in Nationals. Bennett was a preengineering instructor for Summer Quest Camp. He plans to major in aerospace and mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Scholarship sponsor: John Massey
Scholarship sponsor: The McCasland Foundation
Scholarship sponsor: T.D. Williamson Inc.
Scholarship sponsor: Mustang Fuel Corp.
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Scholarship sponsor: American Heritage Bank
Scholarship sponsor: The Mervin Bovaird Foundation