Foundation for Excellence Awards 2016

2016 FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS

TULSA WORLD

MAY 15, 2016

A FOUNDATION FOR

THE FUTURE

Edison High School senior John Unterschuetz is one of 100 students named 2016 Academic All-Staters by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. tulsaworld.com/excellence2016

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

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Foundation to honor top educators, students 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 30th Academic Awards Banquet May 21 in Norman.

“A Foundation for the Future” is the theme of this year’s ceremony, which will feature a keynote address by Yale University professor and constitutional law scholar Akhil Reed Amar. 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.

Oklahoma City attorney Jami Rhoades Antonisse, a member of the irst Academic All-State class of 1987, is chairing this year’s banquet along with a committee that includes many All-State alumni. The foundation is encouraging all its past honorees to attend the gala event.

“What a joy it is to join with other All-State alumni in planning this milestone 30th Academic Awards Banquet and celebrating the outstanding educators and student leaders in Oklahoma’s public schools,” Antonisse said. “The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has truly built a foundation for the future through its support of public education. I hope everyone will join us for a wonderful evening celebrating the foundation’s 30th anniversary and honoring great teachers and students.”

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a nonproit, 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 $4.3 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.

2016 Academic Awards banquet committee Banquet Chair Jami Rhoades Antonisse (AAS 1987), Midwest City

Academic All-State Alumni Coordinators Chair Andrew J. Morris (AAS 2004), Oklahoma City Co-Chair Thomas Owens (AAS 2011), Edmond Drew O’Gwynn (AAS 2005), Oklahoma City Parisa Pilevar (AAS 2011), Tulsa Emily Virgin (AAS 2005), Norman Landon Wright, (AAS 2014), Edmond

Awards Material Coordinator David Postic (AAS 2009), Norman

Crew Coordinator Mary Jane Burton, Choctaw

Decorations Amy Hanselman (AAS 1990), Norman Adam Malak (AAS 2002), Norman

Food Arrangements Chair Ken Busby, Tulsa Becky Miller, Norman Kaye Rhoades, Midwest City David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, joins 2015 Academic All-Staters on stage for the finale of the Academic Awards Banquet. Boren will serve as emcee for the foundation’s 30th Academic Awards Ceremony and Banquet. Courtesy

Foundation for Excellence awards What: The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence 30th Academic Awards Banquet When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21 Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 2501 Conference Drive, Norman Cost: $50 per person Reservations: A reservation form is available online at www.ofe.org. For more information, call (405) 236-0006

Watch the OETA broadcast The Academic Awards Banquet will premiere statewide on public television at 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 28, 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.

The foundation will present its 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence Awards in Teaching to elementary honoree Randy Utt, James L. Dennis Elementary School, Putnam City Schools, Oklahoma City; secondary winner Frank V. Cooper, Charles Page High School, Sand Springs; regional university/community college winner William Caire, professor of biology, University

of Central Oklahoma, Edmond; and research university recipient Garey A. Fox, biosystems engineering professor, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater. The winner of the Medal for Excellence in elementary/ secondary administration is Andrea D. Rains, principal of Skyline Elementary School in Stillwater.

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 Trifo 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 2016 Academic All-State class hails from 75 schools in 68 Oklahoma school districts.

The honorees were selected from 661 nominations in what is described by Boren as “Oklahoma’s most rigorous academic competition.”

Two Oklahoma high schools, Commerce and Ripley, are celebrating their irst Academic All-Staters.

This year’s Academic AllState class also includes the irst second-generation All-Stater.

Hallie Hart, a 2016 All-Stater from Chandler, is the daughter of 1991 All-State alumna Stacy Gardner Hart.

Oklahoma Arts Institute Emily Claudé, Norman Jennifer Hilger, Noble Carson Misner, Oklahoma City

Production Jessi Crino, Oklahoma City Ron Demers, Edmond Bill Perry, Edmond Pam Welch, Edmond

Reception Chairs LeeAnn DeArman (AAS 1992), Edmond Farooq Karim, Norman

Registration Chair Gail Bliss, Carnegie Blossom Crews, Norman Linda Downing, Beaver Taryn Smith (AAS 2006), Edmond

Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Staf 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 Anil V. Gollahalli, President D. Craig Story, PresidentElect Sandy Werner, SecretaryTreasurer Teresa B. Adwan Jami Rhoades Antonisse Jari Askins Randy L. Beutler Steve Burrage Lee Ann DeArman Nance Diamond Jennifer Dickey Vanessa Drummond

Barbara Gabel Sandy Garrett Morgan Harris Jean Hendrickson Mary M. Jenkins Paige L. Johnson Sherrel A. Jones Patti Mellow Sanjay Meshri Ken Miller Linda K. Neal Charles L. Oppenheim Cathryn Render Stewart Ryan Clifton L. Taulbert Susan I. Thurmond

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Foundation celebrating 30 years More than $4.3 million awarded in scholarships, cash Thirty years ago, while serving Oklahoma as a U.S. senator, David L. Boren brought together a group of Oklahoma business and community leaders with the common goal of improving public education in the state.

All agreed that private investment was crucial to the success of public schools in Oklahoma. They also wanted to celebrate the successes of Oklahoma’s public school system by giving statewide public attention to outstanding students and innovative educators. The result was the formation of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, established with the mission of recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools.

Today, the foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization supported by private contributions and led by a 180-member board of trustees composed of leaders in business, education and public service from throughout Oklahoma. To carry out its mission, the foundation focuses on five key programs: Through its Academic Awards Program, the foundation has provided more than $4.3 million in scholarships and cash awards since 1987 to honor outstanding graduating seniors as Academic All-Staters and exceptional educators as Medal for Excellence winners.

Through its Local Education Foundation Outreach Program, the foundation provides free technical support and training to local education foundations across the state and sponsors the Fall Forum for Local Education Foundations and other training and networking events for education foundation volunteers and public school supporters.

Among its Early American History Education initiatives, the Foundation for Excellence coordinates a program to send Oklahoma teachers to the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher In-

Colonial Day participants (from left) Ryan Williams, Taylor Nguyen and Cap Patman from West Field Elementary School in Edmond come face to face with history, meeting Ben Franklin, portrayed

by Stephen Smith of Tulsa. More than 500 ifth-graders participate annually in Colonial Day at the Capitol, co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Courtesy

Fund for Teachers Fellow Kellie Miller, a teacher from Broken Arrow’s Lynn Wood Elementary School, visits Independence Hall in Philadelphia to discover lesser-known stories surrounding the American Revolution can extend history beyond textbooks for her students. Courtesy

stitute each summer and provides subscriptions for schools to receive Colonial Williamsburg Electronic

Field Trips and History Education Resources Online.

The award-winning field trips help students to expe-

rience 18th-century colonial life through live television broadcasts, website activities and direct access to Williamsburg historians. The foundation is co-sponsor of the annual Colonial Day at the Capitol, a fun-filled day of hands-on learning activities for fifth-graders.

During its 20th anniversary in 2006, the foundation launched the David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative to promote the growth and establishment of quality youth mentoring programs throughout Oklahoma. Through the initiative, the foundation is working with school districts, businesses, faith groups and mentoring organizations to promote mentoring as a positive step toward academic success. The foundation sponsors the annual Oklahoma Mentor Day, held at the state capitol, to recognize outstanding youth mentors from throughout the state.

The foundation has teamed up with head football coaches Mike Gundy of Oklahoma

State University and Bob Stoops of the University of Oklahoma to host the Oklahoma Coaches Mentoring Challenge, which recruited 3,821 Oklahomans to mentor young people in their communities in 2015.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence also administers Professional Development Funding for Teachers. With generous support from its partners — including major gifts from the Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation, the Boeing Company, the Cherokee Nation and JPMorgan Chase – the foundation has awarded approximately $928,000 in Teacher Grants for Professional Development since 2003 to help 605 teachers attend national conferences and institutes in their chosen fields. Since 2006, the foundation has partnered with the national Fund for Teachers and the Tulsa Community Foundation to provide grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams of teachers for self-designed summer professional development opportunities in locations around the world.

Some 797 Oklahoma educators have received Fund for Teachers grants totaling $2.8 million.

“Oklahoma is truly fortunate – and unique – because we have an organization dedicated to encouraging academic excellence in our public schools,” said President Anil Gollahalli, a 1993 Academic All-State alumnus and the first alum to serve as foundation president. “As the page turns on the foundation’s 30th year, its mission has never been more important. In the face of budget shortfalls and teacher shortages, it is critical that we continue to forge partnerships and engage in innovative ways to support public education.”

For more information on the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, visit the foundation’s website at www.ofe.org or call (405) 236-0006.

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

Building a foundation for the future

BY DAVID L. BOREN

Founder and Chairman, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence

Next Saturday, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence will host our 30th Academic Awards Banquet and celebrate with pride as our 3,000th Academic All-Stater crosses the stage to be recognized among the best and brightest graduating seniors in Oklahoma’s public schools.

We will also celebrate special milestones in our history, including the first Academic All-State alumnus to serve as president of our foundation, Anil Gollahalli (Class of ’93), and the first second-generation honoree, 2016 All-Stater Hallie Hart of Chandler, Boren whose mother, educator Stacy Gardner Hart, was honored as an Academic All-Stater in 1991. These achievements help demonstrate the lasting, generational impact of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and give us hope for our future.

Fittingly, the theme for our 30th

banquet is “A Foundation for the Future,” recognizing the strong foundation we have built in our first 30 years as a statewide charitable organization committed to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in our public schools. In creating the foundation, our founding trustees wanted to honor and support Oklahoma’s public school teachers for the critical role they play in shaping young hearts and minds. We also understood the importance of strengthening public education for the future of our children, the growth of our economy and the quality of life in our communities. We believed, as founding father Benjamin Franklin once said, that “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Since our first Academic Awards banquet in 1987, the foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in merit-based scholarships and awards to recognize outstanding students and innovative educators.

The foundation also invests in public education year-round through programs that support the growth of public school foundations, provide quality professional development opportunities for teachers, strengthen American history teaching and

promote youth mentoring as a positive step toward academic achievement. Cumulatively, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, together with its partners, has awarded more than $10.1 million in scholarships, awards and grants directly benefiting Oklahoma’s students and teachers!

The historic growth and impact of our programs would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, foundations, corporations and trustees who believe in our mission and the importance of strengthening – and preserving – public education in our state. As we honor our Academic All-Staters, we particularly want to thank those individuals and businesses, often from student’s hometowns, who have stepped forward to serve as All-State Scholarship Partners.

To help us celebrate this milestone year, we are excited to welcome renowned U.S. constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar, who serves as Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. Through his many books, such as “America’s Constitution: A Biography,” Professor Amar tells an in-depth, yet accessible story of America’s most revered doctrine of governance – a docu-

Yale professor to deliver keynote address OKLAHOMA CITY – Yale University professor and constitutional law scholar Akhil Reed Amar 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 May 21 in Norman.

Amar, a constitutional law scholar and a Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, has been honored by the American Bar Association and the Federalist Society. He regularly testifies before Congress and has been cited by Supreme Court justices in more than 30 cases. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a recipient of Yale’s highest award for teaching excellence, the DeVane Medal.

He has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic and Slate. His work has also been featured on such television shows as “The Colbert Report” and “Charlie Rose,” and he was a consultant on the Emmy Award-winning show “The West Wing.”

Amar is the author of “America’s Constitution: A Biography;” “The Law of the Land: A Grand Tour of our Constitutional Republic;” and “America’s Unwritten Constitution: The Precedents and Principles We Live By.” His next book, “The Constitution on Deadline: Real-Time Essays on the Issues of Our Era” will be available later this year.

Graduating summa cum laude from Yale College, Amar earned a law degree from Yale Law School and was editor of the Yale Law Journal.

Yale University professor and constitutional law scholar Akhil Reed Amar 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 May 21 in Norman. Courtesy

ment that in itself, laid a “foundation for the future.” Professor Amar, who has been honored for excellence in undergraduate teaching, will bring a great depth of knowledge and timely insights to our gala celebration.

While we celebrate the many great achievements in our public schools, we are ever mindful of the crisis facing public education in our state, from budget shortfalls that have forced many schools to go to four-day school weeks to an unprecedented shortage of certified teachers. Each of us who cares about quality of public schools must work to increase state funding for our schools. Investing in public education is critical to economic growth and creating jobs. We must work to increase teacher pay to the regional average and establish policies to keep the best and brightest teacher graduates in Oklahoma.

As it has for the past 30 years, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence will continue to be part of the solution by providing private support for teacher grants and other programs that strengthen public schools and by celebrating the achievements of our state’s exceptional educators and student leaders.

They are the promise of our future.

Selection criteria for Academic All-State Scholars • Participants must be Oklahoma public high school seniors and must be nominated by their principals or superintendents.

• To be nominated for Academic AllState, students must meet one of the following criteria: an American College Test (ACT) composite score of at least 30; a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) combined critical reading and math score of at least 1340; or be selected as a semi-finalist for a National Merit, National Achievement (African American) or National Hispanic Scholarship.

• Once nominated, recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership experience, extracurricular activities and community involvement, as well as an essay submitted by each nominee.

• The selection committee, chaired by retired Tulsa attorney Teresa B. Adwan, works independently of all other foundation activities. The committee members are a diverse group of business, education and civic leaders, as well as Academic All-State alumni and former Medal for Excellence-winning educators.

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Educators of excellence 5 educators to receive Medal for Excellence Awards

T

he Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence will present its 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence awards to ive outstanding educators in Oklahoma’s public schools during its 30th Academic Awards Banquet on May 21 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Norman.

Each of the ive 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 Trifo of Oklahoma City. Medals are awarded annually to outstanding Oklahoma teachers, one each at the elementary, 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.

“We know that education is the best investment Oklahoma can make in its future,” said David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a non-proit

organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in the state’s public schools. “By honoring these exceptional educators, we are sending a message that Oklahomans deeply value excellence in public schools and the professionals who have given so much of themselves to enrich the lives of our children.”

Randy Utt, elementary education winner, Putnam City Schools

Frank V. Cooper, secondary education winner, Charles Page High School, Sand Springs

Utt is a 32-year veteran educator who has spent the last nine years as the PEAK Gifted Education specialist at James L. Dennis Elementary School in the Putnam City Schools district of Oklahoma City.

She works with gifted and talented students in irst- through ifth-grade, providing innovative learning adventures that span a variety of subject areas.

“I believe she is an extraordinary teacher because she is a life-long learner herself, continually seeking out new avenues to grow and enhance the learning of students,” said Principal Renita White. “She engages all students as she hooks them Randy Utt with hands-on activities, enriched vocabulary, technology and other materials causing them to deeply learn.”

For a lesson on biographies, Utt’s students interview their grandparents and create iMovie biography videos to premiere at a formal tea honoring grandparents. Her students have also written to Dust Bowl survivors, receiving hand-written accounts – and even personal visits – describing Black Sunday and the hardships of life during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Through elaborate colonial American history events, Utt’s students have met historical char-

A social studies teacher, Cooper gave up a lucrative career as an attorney in 1993 to take on what he considers the most fulilling profession there is: teaching.

“From the core of his heart, Mr. Cooper believes that building relationships holds the key to changing our students’ lives,” said Superintendent Lloyd Snow. “He promotes core values of kindness, respect, honesty and airmation so convincingly with students that he has fundamentally changed the entire culture of Charles Page High School.”

Cooper, who is student council adviser, has been described as the “heart and soul” of Charles Page.

He leads the school spirit assemblies, clad in tights and a gold cape, as Captain Sandite. He enthusiastically welcomes students at the front door each morning and regularly sends postcards to students recognizing their strengths. He begins each class with a school chant and ends every period reminding students, “You are important, you are loved, and remember the joy of life is in the journey.” Cooper believes when students experience kindness and airmation, they acquire the motivation to immerse themselves in learning. As an academic leader, Cooper’s courses are in high demand.

“He enriches classes with guest speakers, creative media and passionate personal testimony,” said Principal Stan Trout. In each class, Cooper engages students in discussions that relate the lesson to the events in their lives. He has led many school-wide initiatives, from teaching a Saturday morning college test-prep course and launching a peer mentoring program to leading a 10,000-book reading challenge.

acters such as Paul Revere, danced a minuet, played colonial games and created their own colonial trade shop.

For the Junior Science Olympiad, Utt’s students engineer balsa wood bridges, build model planes, create a levitating car and test chemical reactions of “mystery powders.”

Utt also hosts a before-school “Girls are SMART” science club, providing hands-on science and engineering activities and opportunities to learn about famous women scientists. Through her eforts to involve students in OU’s Future Health Sciences Partnership, Utt has inspired many of her former students to pursue careers in medicine.

Christopher Sterling, who has had two children in Utt’s classes, said, “From day one, I saw the same look in my daughter’s eyes with Mrs. Utt that I saw in my son’s: eyes wide open with fascination and wonder of ‘Wow’ and ‘What next?’” The recipient of many district and state teaching honors, Utt is praised for the positive relationships she builds with students and colleagues alike.

“For Randy, teaching is a habit of the heart,” White said. “She sets the bar each day for us with her enthusiasm, kindness and strength of character.”

Frank V. Cooper

Most important, Cooper has led a “counter-revolution of kindness that has transformed Sand Springs,” Trout said. Nowhere is his connection with students more apparent than at graduation, where Cooper annually delivers the “Final Lesson” message to teary-eyed students and family members.

“Mr. Cooper made sure that every single student was reminded they are loved,” recalls alumna Haley Anderson. “The lives he has touched will go out in the world and do great things as a result of his inspiration.”

A 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year inalist, Cooper has been honored twice as Charles Page Teacher of the Year and received the University of Tulsa Secondary School Award Teacher Prize for Inspiration. He was also the subject of Bob Dotson’s American Story segment on the Today Show.

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Educators of excellence William Caire, regional university/community college winner, University of Central Oklahoma

Andrea D. Rains, elementary/secondary administration winner, Stillwater

A 40-year teaching veteran, Caire is a professor of biology. Whether he is teaching biology for non-majors or a mammalogy lab for upper classmen, Caire’s objective is to leave students transformed.

“I want to ‘epigenetically’ pass my curiosity down to my students so they will be lifelong learners,” he said. Caire uses inquiry-based learning and hands-on research to help students critically question and evaluate what they see and hear. Through small-group research projects, for example, his students recently compared the brain volumes of male and female bats, studied the diversity of road-killed animals on urban vs. rural roads, and studied diferences in male and female gopher burrow systems. Many of Caire’s students have shared their discoveries as coauthors of scientiic journal articles.

Afectionately known as “Batman,” Caire is a leading authority on Oklahoma’s bat populations and has led students on legendary ield trips to the Selman bat caves of northwestern Oklahoma.

“The students net, measure and band bats. They collect data and learn how to ask relevant questions.

They get cold, wet and dirty – and they love it!” said colleague Jenna Hellack.

Because of Caire’s love and stewardship of the bat caves, the Selman family donated the caves and 320 surrounding acres in 1998 to help establish the Selman Learning Lab. Caire, who served as lab director till 2013, pursued grant funding and

Rains is principal of Stillwater’s Among her strategies, Rains also Skyline Elementary School, a Title implemented Data Boards to analyze 1 school serving more than 500 stu- student data in reading and math and dents. led monthly grade-level meetings with As the self-described “lead learner” faculty to plan interventions for strugat Skyline, Rains has led a transforma- gling students and push all students to tion in school culture, instructional higher learning levels. She hired readpractices and student performance, ing tutors and established peer mentaking the school’s Academic Perfor- toring programs. When Rains irst mance Index from a D when she ar- arrived at Skyline, the upper grade rived in 2010 to an A+ by 2014. playground consisted of one swing set “Andrea never made and a basketball goal. excuses for our school Through community not succeeding,” said partnerships, the PTA PTA member and and grants, the school nominator Sherri Bunhas added a itness tin. “Instead, she made zone, musical instruit a top priority to ind ment gazebo, a 30-perinnovative ways to son play-scape, and make our school excompleted a $30,000 cel.” revitalization of their Rains’ irst priority outdoor classroom and was building trusting amphitheater. relationships with inAs the school’s Lead dividual students, parLearner, Rains has ents, staf and teachimplemented the Priners. She met with each cipal’s Award for stuteacher to learn their Andrea D. Rains dents who meet math, strengths and weakreading and other acanesses, and boldly demic goals. Through shifted staf into positions where their the “Principal’s Gift of Words Progifts and skills could be maximized to gram,” she purchases a book for every beneit students. Rains also provided irst and second-grader in the school meaningful professional development and reads the book to the students, reopportunities to help teachers im- minding them about her own passion prove instruction. for reading.

“I appreciate Mrs. Rains’ willing“Mrs. Rains has worked diligently ness to take risks and push us to ques- over the past six years to change our tion the status quo,” said teacher Julie thinking about student performance Farrington. “She is not satisied with and success,” Farrington added. “As a ‘good enough’ and would never allow result, we are now a top-performing her teachers to be either.” school!”

William Caire

oversaw the construction of classrooms, lodging and an observatory.

The facility has beneited students and community groups of all ages and helped preserve the fragile ecosystem for thousands of bats.

“It is fair to say the Selman Living Lab will have a far-reaching impact on students and the community for years to come,” said Wei Chen, interim dean of the UCO College of Mathematics and Science.

Former student Monte Thies, a biology professor at Sam Houston State University, said Caire has inluenced his own teaching and made him who he is today. “I learned a great deal from him about what it really means to be a scientist, a biologist and a person who simply never wanted to stop learning and asking questions.”

Garey A. Fox, research university winner, Oklahoma State University Fox is professor and Buchanan Endowed Chair of Biosystems Engineering at OSU, where he has taught freshman engineering and upperlevel hydrology and water quality courses.

Fox grew up in the rural community of Godley, Texas, and was the irst in his family to leave the farm and attend college. Generous Future Farmers of America scholarships gave him the opportunity to pursue his math and science interests through agricultural engineering and to discover his passion for water research as an undergraduate.

Today, Fox mentors many irst-generation college students and incorporates research and real-world ap-

plications into his teaching.

“I get excited each day about interacting with students, teaching them the theories and concepts of engineering and science, and chalGarey A. Fox lenging them to extrapolate their learning to new problems and issues,” Fox said.

In the classroom, Fox engages students through thought experiments, applications to real-world scenarios and lively class discussion. Alumna Maria Chu, now a professor at the

University of Illinois, described Fox as a “tough” teacher with a gift for explaining complex theories and principles in a simpliied way and following up with real-world examples.

“His courses, quizzes, homework and exams were intense, but upon completing them you get this ‘feelgood’ feeling that you have accomplished something extraordinary,” she said.

Fox often pairs freshman groups with upper-class mentors to work on design projects. His hydrology students visit the National Weather Service, Severe Storms Lab and Mesonet to learn practical applications to their studies. Fox founded OSU’s annual Student Water Conference for under-

graduate and graduate students from throughout the country to present their research and receive feedback.

“Dr. Fox projects a deep respect for students, and they return that respect by producing results,” said Associate Dean Cynda Clary, describing his work with undergraduate research scholars. “He treats students as partners and helps them understand it’s all about the discovery.”

In the past 10 years, he has mentored 22 undergraduate researchers, all of whom received competitively awarded funding to accomplish their research. Colleague Daniel Thomas said, “Dr. Fox expects excellence from everyone – including himself – and sets the bar extraordinarily high.”

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2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Devon Montague Alcorn Meeker High School A Graduate of Distinction in pre-engineering from Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Alcorn served on the Chairman’s Presentation Team for the technology center’s robotics team, explaining the incorporation of community service in the schools’ program.

He is a member of the Meeker FTC Robotics team, a STEM Regional Scholar and competed in SkillsUSA technical math competitions. Alcorn plans to study electrical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Richard James Family Foundation

Emily Battershell Dale High School Battershell has spent more than 400 hours volunteering as a St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital junior volunteer, Oklahoma City Zoo junior curator and library aide in the elementary section. A class valedictorian, she is National Honor Society president, an Oklahoma Honor Society member and BancFirst Student Board member. She is editor and layout designer of the yearbook, and Dale Student Council treasurer and chief donation oicer. Battershell is active in the Book Club and enjoys running, quilting and sewing. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: BancFirst Corp.

Rebecca J. Atherton

Mohamed Aly

Shianne Andrew

Camille Archer

Booker T. Washington High School Aly is a National Merit inalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and an Eagle Scout. He serves as cofacilitator for the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, chair of the Islamic Society of Tulsa’s Youth Committee and a member of the Tulsa Mayor’s Youth Council.

He is captain of the school’s state champion academic team. Aly is captain and co-founder of his school’s Ultimate Frisbee team. Aly plans to major in computer science and strategic management at the University of Pennsylvania. Scholarship Sponsor: Oklahoma Natural Gas, A Division of ONE Gas

Purcell High School A member of the band leadership team, Andrew is a seven-year member of the Southwestern Oklahoma Band Directors Association Honor Band and also earned a superior as a solo trombonist at district contest and an excellent rating at state contest. She serves as color guard captain and president of the National Honor Society and the senior class. She is a student leader in the First Baptist Church youth group and volunteers for community service through her church and school. Andrew plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in psychology. Scholarship Sponsor: First United Bank and Trust Co.

Enid High School Archer is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and class valedictorian. She volunteers with Platinum E Community Service Club, Kids-R-Us and Enid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She serves as president of the Student Council and Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and captain of the varsity soccer team. Archer served as an Oklahoma representative for the Congressional Summit in Washington, D.C. She plans to major in psychology and minor in literature at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Scholarship Sponsor: The Chickasaw Nation — Bill Anoatubby, Governor

Christa Nicole Bellack

Mercy Bhakta

Riley Bick

Montrey Bond

Alison Booth

Shattuck High School A member of Future Farmers of America, Bhakta earned third place in the Agriscience Fair at the national FFA Convention.

She is captain of the Academic Bowl team, receiving multiple Academic Bowl East All-Star honors.

Bhakta serves as Student Council vice president and chair of the Engineering Notebook Committee for BEST Robotics. She is active in speech and drama, and participates in the school’s theatre productions. Bhakta plans to major in computer science at Reed College in Portland, Ore. Scholarship Sponsor: Sarkeys Foundation

Jenks High School Bick is a builder for the school’s Odyssey of the Mind team, which inished irst at regional and state competition and in the top 25 at World Finals. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and top 10 in the Oklahoma Math League. Bick is a captain of the varsity swim team, project manager for the Engineering Club and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Chinese Club and Key Club. Bick plans to study engineering at John Cabot University in Rome, and the University of Southern California.

Scholarship Sponsor: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Prague High School President of the speech and debate team and a member of the academic team, Bond competes in Lincoln Douglas Debate and works with underclassmen to help strengthen their debate skills. She is a Girls State delegate and a National Merit inalist. Bond has attended seminars on human traicking in New York and Washington, D.C., and makes presentations to area organizations about the issue. She is active in the Prague United Methodist Church and volunteers with Youth Force. Bond plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in pre-medicine.

Scholarship Sponsor: Stroud National Bank

Mustang High School Booth, a class valedictorian, is captain of the POM Squad, which was named 2014 state champion, and a four-time member of the Academic All-State POM Team. She is a member of Student Council and the Leadership Council for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

She serves as treasurer of the National Honor Society and as a member of the Mustang Public Schools Beautiication Committee. Active in her local church, Booth has spent a week each summer since seventh grade volunteering on mission trips. Booth plans to major in nonproit management at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: NBC Oklahoma

Newcastle High School Bellack is a member of the National Honor Society and the Oklahoma High School Honor Society.

She is secretary of Student Council and a LinkCrew leader. She is a member of the Robotics Club and volunteers with Special Olympics.

Bellack is active in the Newcastle First Baptist Church, serving as a youth leader and participating in mission trips to New Orleans and Nicaragua. She also performs with FootWorks Dance Company. Bellack plans to study biology and pre-medicine at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Mrs. John W. Nichols

Broken Arrow High School An active participant in Boy Scouts, she has served as a head quarter master, crew guide and trainer for Boy Scouts National Youth Leadership Training and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience.

She has also served as administrative vice president and secretary of the Boy Scouts Venture Crew. She is a National Merit inalist, competitive tap dancer, soccer and player. Atherton began volunteering at Safari’s Wildlife Sanctuary at age 12. She plans to study physiology and pre-medicine at Oklahoma State University.

Scholarship Sponsor: Flint Family Foundation

Barry Bachman Deer Creek-Lamont High School Bachman, a class valedictorian and member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, is National Honor Society president, senior class treasurer and a member of Future Farmers of America. A member of the basketball team and captain of the Academic Bowl team, Bachman is a multi-year honoree for the Cherokee Strip Academic All-Conference in basketball and Academic Bowl. He participates in football and track, and volunteers at the Deer Creek food pantry.

Bachman plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in civil engineering. Scholarship Sponsor: Pat Evans

Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Rylan Brown

Evan Bruner

Albert Cai

Walters High School Brown is a co-valedictorian and member of the National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars.

He is historian for the Spanish Club and a member of Future Farmers of America and the academic team.

Brown also performs with the varsity choir.

He is active in SMILE (Students Making Important Life Eforts) and volunteers at the Walters Community Food Pantry. Brown plans to attend Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Kenneth R. & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Fund

Watonga High School A Boys State delegate, Bruner is a valedictorian of distinction and was named to the All-State Cross Country team. He is senior class president, and a member of Student Council and the track and basketball teams. He has volunteered nearly 400 hours with his church’s children’s program, Vacation Bible School, Kiwanis youth basketball camp and the Watonga Community Theatre. Bruner plans to dually attend Ozark Christian College and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, majoring in theology and pre-medicine. Scholarship Sponsor: Dr. and Mrs. Mark Harris Mellow

Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics Cai is a National Merit Scholar and a member of the American Mathematics Competitions 12 Honor Roll. He is TEAM+S captain and co-editor of the Lincoln Journal, a student-run research publication.

He has participated in a research mentorship and his school’s Investigative Research Scholars Program, conducting biomedical research at the University of Oklahoma.

Cai is a pianist who also volunteers with the El Sistema music program, City Rescue Mission and Payne County Democrats. He plans to study biomedical engineering in college. Scholarship Sponsor: Academic AllState Alumni

Thatcher Chonka

Bailey Reid Covell

McKenzie Cowlbeck

Bartlesville High School An accomplished percussionist, Covell was named to All-State and AllDistrict bands and participated in the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. She is a section leader and leadership team member of the high school band, and she participates in the percussion ensemble and steel band. Covell is a National Merit Commended Student and Presidential Scholar’s Program nominee. She is captain of the varsity girls’ tennis team. Covell plans to study chemical engineering at Rice University. Scholarship Sponsor: ConocoPhillips

Plainview High School Cowlbeck has earned numerous Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, including a Gold Key and two Silver Keys. She studied photography during the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and has been named to the University of Oklahoma Presidential Leadership Class.

Cowlbeck is Beta Club president, senior class vice president and Quiz Bowl captain. She volunteers at Mercy Memorial Hospital and works with Plainview Elementary gifted and talented students. Cowlbeck plans to attend the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation

Jenks High School Chonka is a National Merit inalist, Advanced Placement Scholar and a three-time American Invitational Mathematics Examination qualiier. He is academic team captain, Engineering Club president and senior class treasurer.

Chonka is a member of the varsity baseball team and plays piano.

A small group leader at church, he has participated in mission trips to Belize and Guatemala.

Chonka plans to major in inance at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: The Oxley Foundation

Sydney Rae Cannon

Micah Cash

Allen Chen

Booker T. Washington High School Cash is a National Merit inalist, Presidential Scholar nominee and Tulsa Public Schools’ Student of the Year. A state champion and national semiinalist in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, he serves as speech and debate team captain and varsity tennis captain.

He is president of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization and is active in his community, working with a local foundation to develop afordable housing in urban neighborhoods and volunteering at the synagogue.

Cash plans to major in philosophy at Stanford University. Scholarship Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. James M. Sturdivant

Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics An Edmond resident, Chen is a a National Merit inalist and an active volunteer at the Stephenson Cancer Center, receiving the Most Valuable Teen Volunteer Award and the Gold Level Presidential Service Award. He is TEAM+S co-captain and a member of the 2014 Academic Bowl state championship team. He interns at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in Oklahoma City and enjoys ballroom dancing and playing the guitar. Chen plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Scholarship Sponsor: The McCasland Foundation

Morghan Cyr

Erich Eden

Katy Felkner

Owasso High School A National Merit Commended Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Cyr was named a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen. She is a drum major for the Pride of Owasso Band, president of the Band Council and bassoon section leader. She is president of the Students Teaching AIDS to Youth (STAY) program, captain of the Mock Trial team and a Student Council member-at-large.

Cyr plans to major in international comparative studies and Arabic at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Scholarship Sponsor: Home Creations

Harrah High School A four-year starter and captain of the varsity soccer team, Eden volunteers with Special Olympics and serves as a TOP Soccer coach and buddy.

He is a National Merit Scholar and was named to Academic Bowl AllState. He is Scholars Club president, senior class boys’ representative, and vice president of the Chemistry Club and Mu Alpha Theta.

A car enthusiast, Eden is restoring a 1968 Mercury Cougar. He also spent a summer studying in Germany.

Eden plans to major in aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Scholarship Sponsor: Jasmine and Melvin Moran

Norman North High School Felkner, a two-time member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Band, participates in band, symphonic orchestra and pit orchestra. She is a National Merit inalist, Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and a Presidential Scholar candidate. Felkner is vice president of GEMs Club.

President of the Latin Club, she is a member of Junior Classical League.

She has volunteered for local, national and international mission trips. Felkner plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in engineering physics and classics. Scholarship Sponsor: Academic AllState Alumni

Newcastle High School Cannon is a Distinguished Young Women of Oklahoma academic winner and was named a cross country academic state champion. She is president of the local Future Farmers of America chapter and received the State FFA Degree given to the top members in the state. Cannon is color guard captain in the marching band and a member of the Student Council. She is active in Woodland Hills Baptist Church, serving weekly meals. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in biosystems and agricultural engineering.

Scholarship Sponsor: Kathy Turner

Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

PAGE 13

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Aaron Foreman

Lucas Freeman

Jack Fronheiser

Midwest City High School A National Merit inalist and class valedictorian, Foreman was named a Gates Millennium Scholar inalist.

He volunteers raising money for the Make-aWish Foundation and is active in National Honor Society, Rotary Club and Key Club. He is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, Leadership Club and Student Council, and he serves as president of the senior class. He also participates in the Holiday Lights Show at Midwest City Regional Park. Foreman plans to major in engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: H. E. Rainbolt

Commerce High School Freeman, a 2015 Boys State delegate, is state region reporter for the Technology Student Association and has also served as Eastern region reporter. He is a valedictorian and a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. He is Student Council president and the public relations oficer for National Honor Society. He participates in Art Club and enjoys running and reading to his mother’s third grade class. Freeman plans to attend Oklahoma City University, majoring in history and political science. Scholarship Sponsor: Cherokee Nation Businesses

Norman High School Fronheiser is a National Merit Commended Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.

Varsity football captain and letterman, Fronheiser volunteers as a youth baseball coach and spends time teaching Spanish at a local elementary school. He is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He also serves as a Student Council senator and Young Life leader. Fronheiser plans to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Republic Bank & Trust

Kanaan Creg Hardaway

Michael Tyler Harmon

Hallie Hart

Poteau High School Hardaway is a member of the varsity basketball team and the Class 4A state champion soccer team. A member of the National Honor Society, he is a National Merit inalist, Advanced Placement Scholar, Academic Bowl captain and Student Council class secretary. He is active in the First United Methodist Church, participating in the youth group and volunteering in mission projects with Youth Force. Hardaway plans to attend the University of Arkansas, majoring in engineering. Scholarship Sponsor: Steve and Pam Holton

Chisholm High School Harmon was the youngest competitor in the 2015 Chattanooga Ironman, completing a 2.5-mile swim, 116-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. A United States Tennis Association competitor, he is a member of the varsity tennis team and a state champion.

Harmon, a class valedicatorian, is president of Student Council. He volunteers at the Enid Community Medical Clinic and enjoys scuba diving and lifeguarding. Harmon plans to major in public health at Washington University in St. Louis. Scholarship Sponsor: Kerr-McGee Corp.

Chandler High School Hart serves as the announcer for junior high football games and other games, ceremonies and assemblies.

She is a member of Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Women’s Chorus and the East Central Oklahoma Choral Directors Association Honor Choir.

She is president of the senior class, high school choir and Thespian Troupe #1825. She volunteered for a children’s theatre workshop production. Hart, whose mother was a 1991 Academic All-Stater, plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in sports media with a minor in marketing. Scholarship Sponsor: REES Associates Inc.

Zachary Wyatt Gassaway

Claire Grimmett

Haley Hampton

Pauls Valley High School A member of track, cross country, basketball, tennis and cheerleading teams, Grimmett is an Oklahoma Region 5 Scholar Athlete of the Year and an Academic All-State Cheerleader. A two-time class president, she serves as Student Council president. Grimmett is also a member of the National Honor Society and Art Club. She is a Girls State delegate and participated in the College Horizons program at Stanford University.

She volunteers with the Angel Tree Project, Samaritan Food Drive.

Grimmett plans to study biology or bio-chemistry at Yale University. Scholarship Sponsor: Beth and Carey Johnson

Elgin High School Hampton, a class valedictorian, is a National Merit inalist and a member of the Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class XV. She is Student Council reporter, class treasurer and a member of the National Honor Society and Link Crew. She has served as both vice president and secretary of the local Key Club chapter. Hampton is captain of the varsity volleyball team and the academic team. She also enjoys volunteering in the church nursery.

Hampton plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in communication sciences and disorders. Scholarship Sponsor: Kenneth R. & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Fund

Ryan Hazlett

Mason Holley

Connor Hopper

Ponca City High School A Boys State delegate, Hazlett is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and received his school’s Outstanding Junior Student Award.

He is a pianist and violinist, earning superior ratings at the district and state levels.

As a member of the high school orchestra, he serves as treasurer of the Orchestra Council. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Safe School Committee.

He also volunteers with the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department.

Hazlett plans to major in astrophysics at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Phillips 66

Dickson High School Holley, a brass section leader in the high school band, is a member of the South Eastern Oklahoma Band Directors Association Honor Band and a two-time member of the Oklahoma Small Schools Band Director’s Association All-State Honor Band. He is a Boys State delegate and a member of the Oklahoma Indian Honor Society. Holley is captain of the Academic Bowl team and a member of Student Council. He volunteers at the local library and with March of Dimes.

Holley plans to major in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship Sponsor: Cherokee Nation Businesses

Blanchard High School Hopper, band president and saxophone section leader, is a member of the Oklahoma Small Schools Band Directors Association All-State Honor Band. He is captain of the academic team and a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society. Active in his church and community, he serves as treasurer of the First United Methodist Church Youth Council and volunteers with Vacation Bible School and Lions Club. Hopper plans to study architecture at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Co., Chickasha

Hilldale High School A valedictorian, Gassaway is a National Merit Commended Student.

Captain of the varsity football team, he was named an Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association All-Star in football, and he participates in powerlifting, soccer and track. Gassaway is Student Council executive vice president and a representative for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Tahlequah/Stilwell Regional Center “A Team.”

Gassaway plans to study chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Cherokee Nation Businesses

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Sydney Skye Hutchison

Breckin Horton

Chapman Howard

Spiro High School A class valedictorian, Horton is a National Merit inalist and was elected lieutenant governor at Girls State.

She is president of Future Farmers of America and Business Professionals of America and Student Senate representative. She has volunteered on several mission trips, including service trips to Bulgaria, Honduras and Guatemala. She will intern this summer with The Pearl House, an organization founded to empower Ghanaian young women. Horton plans to major in biochemistry at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. Scholarship Sponsor: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Jenks High School An assistant taekwondo instructor, Howard is a third-degree black belt and a seven-time national taekwondo champion. He is a 6-star Honor Thespian, president of the Thespian Club and has participated in the International Thespian Festival since 2013. A National Merit inalist, Howard is Engineering Club publicity oicer and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. He serves as lay reader at Trinity Episcopal Church and as a church camp counselor. Howard plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in mechanical engineering, math and physics. Scholarship Sponsor: Howard and Billie Barnett

Derrick Jochmans

Hannah Ledford

Chelsea Lee

Jenks High School Ledford is a Chemistry Olympiad inalist, National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.

She is Latin Club consul, Engineering Club project manager and a member of the National Honor Society. She is a four-year member of the high school swim team and the Trojan Swim Club, competing in the breaststroke, butterly, medley relay and freestyle relay. Ledford plans to study planetary sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Scholarship Sponsor: Bill Lobeck and Kathy Taylor

Okmulgee High School As founder and president of the Art Club, Lee develops lessons and projects to expand students’ knowledge of various art forms, including digital art.

She is a U.S. Presidential Scholar Program nominee, National Merit Commended Student and Advanced Placement Scholar. Lee is captain of the academic team and a member of the Leadership program.

She also volunteers for the Okmulgee Public Library Summer Reading Program. Lee intends to major in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University.

Scholarship Sponsor: Jan Barrick — Alpha Plus Systems

Claremore High School As president of Students Participating Across Rogers Kounty (SPARK), Jochmans leads in service projects throughout the community. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a Boys State delegate. He is a member of the Chemistry Club and the Pre-Engineering Program. Jochmans is also a member of the cross country and track teams, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels.

Jochman will be majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Scholarship Sponsor: Frank C. and Ludmila Robson

Fairview High School Hutchison is the Oklahoma Coaches Association Region I Scholar Athlete of the Year and cocaptain of the Class 2A basketball state championship team.

She is co-captain of the fast-pitch softball team, captain of the cross country team and a state qualiier in track. A class valedictorian, Hutchison is drum major of the Pride of Fairview band.

She tutors students and volunteers with American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Hutchison plans to major in mathematics and secondary education at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Bert and Janice Mackie

Brandon Ingram Oologah High School Ingram is a National Merit inalist and a semiinalist in the national Fountainhead Essay Contest.

He is section leader in band and a threetime member of both the Northeast Band Directors Association and Oklahoma Small Schools Band Directors Association honor bands. Active in his church, Ingram plays the organ and volunteers in the food pantry. He is academic team captain and FIRST Robotics team co-captain. Ingram plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in computer science.

Scholarship Sponsor: The John and Donnie Brock Foundation

Arkam Muhammad Javed

Isha Jhingan

Union High School World Languages Student of the Year, Javed is a National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. He is founder and president of the Union Cricket Club, Chess Club president and youth event coordinator for the Islamic Society of Tulsa. He volunteers with an elementary school’s Global Gardening program. Javed plans to study neurobiology at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

Scholarship Sponsor: J. and M. Gaberino Family Charitable Fund, Tulsa Community Foundation

Edmond Memorial High School Jhingan has served as class president since her sophomore year and is a member of Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class XV. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, she is senate chaplain of Youth in Government and a member of Student Council and Teen Board. She is a member of Future Health Scientists Partnership Program and volunteers at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, the Hindu Temple and Children’s Miracle Network. Jhingan plans to study biology or chemistry at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: OGE Energy Corp.

Ibikari Legg-Jack

Nicole Leon

Eden Letzkus

Classen School of Advanced Studies A University of Oklahoma National Awards recipient, Legg-Jack is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society.

He serves as treasurer of his school’s Mu Alpha Theta chapter, representative for Student Council and Key Club member. An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Teen Leader in Philanthropy, he tutors at Cleveland Elementary School and is vice president of Serious About Science, tutoring students who need help with science. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Mr. Richard L. Sias

Putnam City High School Leon is captain of the debate team and was a state inalist in the Humorous Duet category.

She is active in theater, serving as student director and stage manager for various productions, and was selected for the Class 6A One Act All-State Cast. Leon is a National Hispanic Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is cocaptain of the academic team and volunteers at her church, Templo De Alabanza and at Friends of the Library Booksale in Oklahoma City. Leon plans to study theater at Columbia University in New York. Scholarship Sponsor: Bank of Oklahoma

Owasso High School An accomplished clarinetist and bass clarinet section leader, Letzkus is a six-year member of the AllRegion band and a threeyear member of the All-State band. Each week she mentors several clarinet students, who have achieved excellence ratings on solos. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Equality Club and Computer Science Club. She also volunteers as a math tutor and is the leader of a toddler room at First Church. Letzkus plans to major in business at Cornell University. Scholarship Sponsor: Anchor Stone Co.

Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

PAGE 15

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Nathan Levit

Christina Li

Jaden Lynx Love

Rynel Luo

Erica Luong

Adrian Macias

Booker T. Washington High School Levit participated in the U.S. Senate Youth Program spending a week in Washington, D.C. He has managed or volunteered for numerous political campaigns, ranging from a school board seat to the U.S. presidential campaign. A National Merit inalist, Levit is founder and president of Youth in Action, an organization created to give youth a voice in local government. He is co-captain of the golf team. He is chapter president and regional vice president for B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. Levit plans to major in public policy at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. Scholarship Sponsor: Jari Askins

Edmond North High School An accomplished violinist, Li serves as Oklahoma Youth Orchestra concertmaster.

She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar. Li serves as Student Council vice president, Robotics Club treasurer and president of the National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society. She serves as a Special Care Teen board member and participates in Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Teen Leaders in Philanthropy.

Li plans to major in biomedical engineering at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Scholarship Sponsor: Bill and Jofa Kerr

Lone Grove High School Love is president of Student Council; irst vice president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and secretary of the senior class. He is also senior representative for National Honor Society and entertainment chairman for Shriners. A Boys State delegate, Love is an Eagle Scout and a Master Mason in Freemasons. He is a volunteer tutor and has been drum line captain in the band.

Love plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: The Merrick Foundation

Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics A National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Luo is president of OSSM Student Council and past class president of Edmond Santa Fe High School. Luo is the creator of DailyLookBooks.com, a website that works with ethical fashion companies to promote socially conscious choices among fashion lovers.

She is a youth worship leader for Oklahoma City Chinese Baptist Church. Luo plans to study business at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Scholarship Sponsor: Ann Simmons Alspaugh

Midwest City High School Luong is a National Merit inalist, a 2015 Chemistry Olympiad semiinalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is German Club vice president, Science Club secretary and National Honor Society historian.

Luong also participates in Key Club; the academic team; robotics club; and advanced jazz, wind ensemble and marching bands. Luong is an Academic Letter Jacket Recipient and a volunteer middle school and high school tutor.

She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in chemical engineering. Scholarship Sponsor: A. Max Weitzenhofer Jr.

Western Heights High School Macias is an Oklahoma State Regents Distinguished Scholar and a University of Tulsa Vision Scholarship recipient.

He is captain of the Western Heights wrestling team and a 2016 5A wrestling state qualiier.

He is active in SkillsUSA; Mu Alpha Theta math honor society; National Honor Society; and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Macias, who is bilingual, also participates in Francis Tuttle’s Pre-Engineering Academy and Quiz Bowl. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation

Joey Maher

John Martinez

Emily McAfee

Bartlesville High School A National Hispanic Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Martinez has been an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair inalist.

He is active in band, percussion ensemble and steel band, as well as many drama and musical productions. An accomplished pianist, he was selected as irst runner-up for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall Martinez has also been active in Chemistry Club and the Oklahoma Soccer Association. Martinez plans to major in piano performance and physics at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Phillips 66

Choctaw High School McAfee serves as co-captain of Choctaw’s varsity academic team, president of National Honor Society and vice president of Health Occupations Students of America. She is preparing for a health science career by completing her Certiied Nursing Assistant training and participating in Choctaw’s four-year biomedical science program.

McAfee is an Advanced Placement Scholar. She has been a camp counselor and participated in a medical and dental mission trip to Nicaragua. She plans to pursue degrees in biology and medicine. Scholarship Sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee

Evan Hunt McKinnis

William Montgomery

Clay D. Moyer

Harding Charter Preparatory High School An Oklahoma City resident, Maher is an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Fleming Scholar, a Boys State delegate and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.

He is senior class president, a junior Rotarian and active in National Forensics League. Maher is a member of Harding’s archery team and an octet member and viola section leader in orchestra. He volunteers for the Regional Food Bank and is a math tutor. Maher plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in biochemistry. Scholarship Sponsor: The Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation

Classen School of Advanced Studies A National Merit inalist, McKinnis is an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Fleming Scholar. McKinnis is co-founder and president of Classen SAS Beautiful!, which raised more than $40,000 for campus improvements.

A long-distance runner, he is president of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, president of Business Professionals of America and vice president of his school’s Parent, Teacher, Student Association. McKinnis plans to attend Columbia University, majoring in history or economics.

Scholarship Sponsor: MidFirst Bank

Muldrow High School Montgomery is copresident of Muldrow High’s Math Club, senior representative for Spanish Club and active in Beta Club, Science Club and Chess Club. He is a four-year member of the football and track teams and has volunteered as a youth league basketball coach. Montgomery is a Vacation Bible School volunteer for First Presbyterian Church and has volunteered for the Sallisaw Main Street Beautiication Program.

Montgomery plans to attend the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

Fargo High School An Eagle Scout, Moyer is state and local president for National Beta Club, treasurer and four-time state award winner in Business Professionals of America and captain of the Academic Quiz Bowl team.

He is captain of the baseball and basketball teams and received the Conference Basketball Scholar/Athlete Award.

He was also named Red Carpet Conference Academic Bowl MVP. Moyer is co-chairman for the annual Fargo Town Clean Up. He also spends many hours working on his family ranch. He plans to attend the University of Tulsa.

Scholarship Sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Grant Naberhaus

Jackie Nguyen

Eisenhower High School Naberhaus is vice president of Youth and Government Club, a Student Council senator and a member of the 2015-16 Leadership Class.

He is a National Merit inalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. As captain of Eisenhower’s tennis team, he has played both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles. He is a member of Junior Leadership of Lawton and volunteers as a tennis coach and counselor for a camp serving children with kidney and mobility issues. Naberhaus plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Terry K. Bell Charitable Trust

Broken Bow High School Nguyen is captain and robot driver for his FIRST Robotics team and copresident of his SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team.

He is coleader of the Savage Black Hole, a student spirit organization. An Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, Nguyen placed irst in state for physics and second in trigonometry in the Oklahoma Association of Academic Competition Tournament of Champions.

He participates in the pre-engineering program at Kiamichi Technology Center Nguyen plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

Raghavendra Pai

Yiwei Pan

Edmond Memorial High School Pai is state vice chair of High School Democrats and was named Youth Governor of Oklahoma through Youth and Government.

He is the 2015 state champion in public forum debate and a CocaCola Scholar, as well as a National Merit semiinalist and Advanced Placement Scholar.

Pai is co-captain of his academic team. He is a lab intern at the OU Health Sciences Center.

He also plays violin and is a second degree black belt. He plans to study chemical engineering and international afairs in college. Scholarship Sponsor: The Oklahoman Media Co.

Deer Creek High School A founding member of her school’s Youth and Government program, Pan was named National Outstanding Trial Court Attorney at Youth and Government’s national judicial competition. Pan is a National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is senior class president. She has been a Link Crew mentor and is active in the Environmental Science Fair. Pan is a kennel technician at an animal hospital and volunteers for the Metropolitan Library and the Oklahoma Blood Institute. She plans to major in human biology and biomedical engineering.

Scholarship Sponsor: Mary M. Jenkins

Connor Brock Pearson

Veena Muraleetharan

Elizabeth Mussett

Norman North High School Muraleetharan is the recipient of the State Superintendent’s Award for Arts Excellence in Acting and is vice president of the competitive acting/ debate team. A National Merit inalist, she is a National Advanced Placement Scholar and a four-year participant in Model United Nations. Muraleetharan is co-founder and treasurer of Feminism Club.

She is active in United Way’s Teen Advisers of Norman. Muraleetharan plans to study biomedical engineering at Yale University in New Haven, Ct. Scholarship Sponsor: Teresa and Alex Adwan

Valliant High School An Advanced Placement Scholar, Mussett is president of Student Council, president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and vice president of National Honor Society. She is co-captain of the girls’ varsity basketball team and earned the Oklahoma National Guard Outstanding Student Athlete Award in 2015. Mussett is active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and participates in many community volunteer projects. She is a mentor for Runner Girls Youth Ministry. Mussett plans to major in psychology at Oklahoma Christian University. Scholarship Sponsor: Steve and Roberta Burrage

Brandon Ong Westmoore High School A cross country runner, Ong has been honored as Class 6A Cross Country Academic State Champion and earned All-Conference honors in soccer.

He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a PSAT Letter of Commendation recipient. Ong is senior technologist for Student Council and active in Asian American Society, Senior Council and National Honor Society.

He plays in the marching and concert bands.

Ong enjoys computer programming. He plans to major in engineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Mustang Fuel Corp.

Berryhill High School A class valedictorian, Pearson was a Boys State delegate and Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference representative.

Pearson is a Henderson Scholar and has been named to the University of Oklahoma President’s Leadership Class. A National Honor Society senior representative, he has been an academic team regional and state champion. He plays basketball and piano and is a volunteer coordinator for his church youth group. Pearson plans to major in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: American Heritage Bank

Kevin Minhuy Nguyen Southmoore High School An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Nguyen has earned irst place at the Oklahoma Science and Engineering Fair and is the recipient of the Adams Biomedical Engineering Award. He was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. Nguyen is captain of his academic team, president and historian of Multicultural Club and a leader for the Gay Straight Alliance. He volunteers as a Moore Public Schools tutor. He plans to major in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: The Meinders Foundation

Nasser Odetallah Deer Creek High School Odetallah is a National Hispanic Scholar inalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a U.S. Presidential Scholars nominee.

He is active in the Deer Creek band and percussion ensemble and has been selected for AllState Honor Band. Odetallah also participates in Youth in Government, Model United Nations, National Honor Society and the academic team.

He is a volunteer for the Metropolitan Library System. Odetallah plans to major in biology at Yale University in New Haven, Ct. Scholarship Sponsor: AT&T Oklahoma

Rob Penney

Kaitlin Ragosta

Coalgate High School Penney is a class valedictorian, National Merit inalist and Indian Honor Society inductee. He is active in many Choctaw Nation activities, including Health and Wellness Camp, Leadership Camp and Athletic Camp. Penney is president of Student Council.

An avid athlete, he plays football, basketball and golf. He is active in First United Methodist Church and has volunteered for the Methodist Food Bank, Community Cleanup and Operation Christmas. Penney plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Jenks High School Ragosta is a Distinguished Service Graduate candidate, a National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.

She is president of History International Club, class delegate for the Technology Student Association and a member of Key Club and the Science Olympiad team.

She is a senior member of In His Service Dance Company and a member of the Tulsa Figure Skating Club. Ragosta has volunteered for Saint Francis Hospital and is a volunteer tutor. She plans to study physics in college. Scholarship Sponsor: The Mervin Bovaird Foundation

Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

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2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Nicholas Rinehart

Thomas Robison

Darci Sander

Molly Sanders

Erhan Sarica

Emily Sebastian

Ripley High School Robison is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar and has been honored as Student of the Semester at Central Technology Center, where he takes Emergency Medical Technician courses. Robison is president of National Honor Society and active in National Technical Honor Society. He is a member of the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department and enjoys welding, hunting and ishing.

He is active in Mehan Union Church youth group. Robison plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in ire protection safety technology. Scholarship Sponsor: Oklahoma State University

Seiling High School Sander is a National Beta Club Scholar semiinalist, a National Merit inalist and recipient of a State Superintendent’s Award for Arts Excellence. She is editor of her school yearbook; captain of the academic team; and president of Student Council, Beta Club and Business Professionals of America.

She has been a volunteer tutor and participated in Warmth 4 Winter, Little Olympics and the Beta Believe Project. Sander enjoys playing guitar and piano, singing and reading. She plans to major in engineering physics at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Seiling State Bank

Morrison High School A Girls State delegate, Sanders is a two-time state champion for National History Day and a threetime state qualiier with her academic team, for which she serves as captain. Sanders is president of 4-H and Student Council. She is a section leader in band and an American Legion Auxiliary Junior Member. She is a religious education teacher for St. Rose of Lima Church and volunteers with the 4-H Community Service Committee, Relay for Life and M2AD Week.

Sanders plans to study political science, history and law at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: SONIC, America’s Drive-In

Union High School Sarica is a Technology Academy Collaborative Mentor at the University of Tulsa and a class valedictorian.

He is a National Merit inalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and National Honor Society member. Sarica is captain of the varsity academic team and a member of the Tulsa Union Medical Society, Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He enjoys playing piano and listening to TED Talks. He is a Tulsa Food Bank volunteer.

Sarica plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Tulsa.

Scholarship Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Heyman

Frederick High School Sebastian is captain of her academic team, class representative for Student Council, and active in robotics, yearbook and choir.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society and has placed in several events at the Southwestern Interscholastic Meet.

She is taking concurrent college courses at Western Oklahoma State College. Sebastian has volunteered for Tillman County Food Bank, the Children’s Summer Feeding Program, Hackberry Flats Day and Salvation Army. She plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Pioneer Telephone Cooperative

Travian Semrad

Ryan Solomon

Hanna Stanton

Joshua Sylvester

Bixby High School Solomon is a class valedictorian, Advanced Placement Scholar and 2016 Youth Leadership Award winner.

He participates in STEM Academy at Tulsa Technology Center and has competed on the academic team. He is senior class presient and active in National Honor Society, Student Council and National Technical Honor Society. He participates in community service through Rotary Interact and tutors students for the ACT. He enjoys swimming and playing video games.

Solomon plans to major in chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Mabrey Bank

Lawton High School Stanton is a Lion’s Club of Oklahoma Youth Speech Contest state champion and Cotton Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Essay winner. She is also a Girls State delegate and recipient of the 2016 Good Citizen Award from the Lawton Daughters of the American Revolution.

An Advanced Placement Scholar, Stanton is senior class president.

She participates in varsity choir and varsity volleyball and has been a student trainer for track and field. She is a volunteer for Brookdale Assisted Living facility.

Stanton plans to major in pre-medicine at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Linda and Larry Neal

Miranda Stonebraker

Katherine Stroh

Pond Creek-Hunter High School Semrad is an All-State tuba player and member of National Honor Society. He is president of his senior class; vice president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and treasurer of Student Council. A participant in academic team and track and ield, he plays piano and has been named outstanding musician in band.

Semrad is the winner of the Cooperative Youth Essay Contest. He plans to major in English at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Scholarship Sponsor: The James C. and Teresa K. Day Foundation

Piedmont High School Stroh is treasurer for National Honor Society and a member of the American Sign Language Club and Key Club. A National Merit inalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, she is a class valedictorian. She is a member of the varsity basketball team and volunteers weekly with Piedmont First United Methodist Church. She also serves on the DUCK Week Committee, which raises funds for individuals in Piedmont with life-threatening illnesses.

Stroh plans to major in neuroscience at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee

Drumright High School Sylvester performs as a rapper by the name of “Sillyvester” and has written over 20 rap songs, including “math raps.”

He is a Wendy’s High School Heisman state finalist and two-time 2A State Cross Country qualiier.

He is president of the senior class and Student Council and is captain of the golf and cross country teams. He is a member of the Food Allergy Research and Education Teen Advisory Group, providing mentoring to teens with food allergies. He plans to study computer science at Southern Methodist University. Scholarship Sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee

El Reno High School A class valedictorian, Rinehart is a member of Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class XV and was recognized among the top academic achievers at Boys State. He is a four-year starter for the tennis team and active in Student Council, academic team and choir. He volunteers for Refuge Fellowship homeless shelter and Oklahoma Cleats for Kids Teen Board. He has done mission work at schools in Jamaica and is a volunteer tutor. Rinehart plans to major in biology/pre-medicine at Texas Christian University. Scholarship Sponsor: Lissa Wagner

Tuttle High School Stonebraker has been recognized 15 times as top student in various subject areas during high school.

She is editor of the high school yearbook and active in National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society. She runs cross country and enjoys training for marathons and competing in charity races. She is also a manager for the Tuttle High School wrestling team.

Stonebraker has been accepted to the Honors College at Oklahoma State University, where she plans to major in merchandising. Scholarship Sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Co., Chickasha

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Ann Elizabeth Tebow

BRandy Thomas

Ariel Thorson

Piedmont High School Tebow is the national president and international committee chair of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association and has shown quarter horses on a national level. She is the recipient of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Association Sportsmanship Award and Volunteer of the Year Award. She is a member of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Equestrian Team and volunteers for Special Olympics. She plans to major in biomedical sciences and minor in Spanish at Texas A&M University. Scholarship Sponsor: Fred Jones Family Foundation

Elk City High School Thomas is a Questbridge College Prep Scholar, a Girls State delegate and a Rotary Student of the Month.

She is president of the senior class, Key Club and the academic team and editor of the yearbook. In addition, she is senior representative to Rotary Interact and a member of National Honor Society and the Dream Team collegeprep program. She is also manager of the wrestling team and a volunteer tutor. Thomas is active in Eastside Baptist Church and has done mission work in Africa. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biology. Scholarship Sponsor: E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation

Bethany High School Thorson is a Horatio Alger Trott Family Scholar, a Presidential Scholar nominee and an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar.

She is also a Canadian Valley Ambassador and active in Key Club, Broncho Bogs FIRST Robotics Team and the Society of Environmental Science.

Thorson volunteers in the intensive care unit at Canadian Valley Integris Hospital and tutors for the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League.

She is a mentor/tutor for Saturday Morning Kids Reading Program.

She plans to major in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University.

Scholarship Sponsor: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

Rutvick Velaga

Julia Waldman

Madison Wallace

Norman North High School A National Merit inalist, Velaga is director of business partnerships for Norman North DECA. He enjoys stock trading and earned first place in the business finance category at the DECA State Career Development Conference. Velaga is co-captain of the advanced robotics team and active in Rotary Club. He is a website designer for the Hindu Temple of Oklahoma City and a Norman Public Library volunteer. He also plays cricket. Velaga plans to major in business at the University of Texas at Dallas. Scholarship Sponsor: Kirti and Satish Kumar

Bixby High School Waldman is woodwind captain for the Pride of Bixby High School Band and is a six-time All-District Band member.

She has been recognized as a student leader by the Optimist Club and is a class valedictorian and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is captain of the academic team and active in National Honor Society and Interact. She is a member of Starlight Band’s Junior Board and her church youth group.

Waldman plans to major in chemistry and education at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship Sponsor: The University of Tulsa

Woodward High School Wallace is a National Merit inalist and has been named best debater at Model Congress. She enjoys world travel and was a People to People Student Ambassador to Europe. She is a section leader for the Woodward Boomer Band and was named a Red Carpet Honor Band Member.

Wallace is Key Club historian and Academic Bowl team captain.

Wallace has participated in community theater productions and the Humanities Storytelling Festival. Wallace plans to major in international business at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook — The Stock Exchange Bank

Michael Vallejo

Ethan Veenker

Edmond Santa Fe High School Vallejo is a senior patrol leader, bugler, chaplain’s aid and junior scout master in Boy Scouts.

He is a National Merit inalist, National Hispanic Scholar, class valedictorian and Mercy Community Champion Award winner. An All-Region Honor Band member, Vallejo is principal trumpet player and section leader for the Edmond Santa Fe Band. He is active in Youth Leadership Edmond and plays in the St. Monica Youth Orchestra.

Vallejo plans to major in applied mathematics at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Scholarship Sponsor: Dr. Leon Unger and Kristina Lindstrom

Charles Page High School Veenker is a member of the varsity debate team and serves as co-treasurer for National Honor Society and a section leader for the Charles Page Band. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and a National Merit Commended student. He is an amateur musician, a vinyl enthusiast and music reviewer. He also works as a pharmacy clerk. A creative writer, Veenker plans to major in English at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship Sponsor: Sand Springs Education Foundation

Kylin Wang

Gabriel West

Bryce Wolters

Stillwater High School Wang is concertmaster for the Stillwater High School Symphony Orchestra, president of National Honor Society, and president and captain of the academic team. She has served two years as a class oicer. Wang is a National Merit inalist and received the WONDERtorium Children’s Museum’s Outstanding Volunteer Award and a Stillwater Medical Center Breedlove Externship. She participates in Youth and Government and dance classes at Showstoppers Dance Studio. Wang plans to study biochemistry at Columbia University in New York. Scholarship Sponsor: Virginia Kopelman, M.D.

Bixby High School West is an instructor at Family Karate School and holds a seconddegree black belt. He is vice president of his SkillsUSA chapter and has earned several first-place awards in SkillsUSA speech contests. He is treasurer for Spanish Club and active in National Honor Society and Student Council. West is a class valedictorian, National Merit Commended student and an Advanced Placement Scholar. He is a youth ministry intern and volunteers for Bixby Outreach Center. He plans to major in screenwriting at Oral Roberts University. Scholarship Sponsor: Red Rock Video Services

Clinton High School Wolters is a valedictorian and an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar.

He is senior class president, National Honor Society president and captain of the Clinton academic team.

He is the recipient of a Rotary Youth Leadership Award and participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine in 2014.

Wolters is a member of the tennis team and a volleyball trainer. He is active in First Baptist Church youth group and has volunteered for the church’s free medical clinic. Wolters plans to major in pharmacy at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Scholarship Sponsor: Koch Industries, Inc.

John Unterschuetz Thomas A. Edison Preparatory High School Unterschuetz is a National Merit Commended student, an Advanced Placement Scholar and a valectorian candidate. He is active in Eagle Theatre Company and Student Council. He is a Boston Avenue United Methodist Church Youth Leader in Training. He was a Top 5 inalist in Tulsa Opera’s 2015 Shakespeare Monologue Contest.

His hobbies include playing theremin and clarinet and maintaining salt-water aquariums.

Unterschuetz plans to major in botany at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: The Meshri Family

Tulsa World • May 15, 2016

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2016 OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE SCHOLARS Brad Woolery

Tiannan Wu

Simona Yaneva

Alice Zhang

Owasso High School Woolery is the founder, network designer and website designer for Pixel Lan, an organization that hosts computer gaming events. A National Merit inalist, he is a Distinguished Member of National Technical Honor Society.

He plays bassoon and is a four-year member of the Pride of Owasso Band and the wind ensemble. He is a bassist for the Silver Creek Church worship band and active in the church youth group. He also enjoys woodworking.

Woolery plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship Sponsor: Polly and Larry Nichols

Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics A Norman resident, Wu is a National Merit inalist, a Presidential Scholar Candidate and the recipient of a President’s Volunteer Service Award. She is a traditional Chinese dance teacher and also dances for Norman Ballet Company. She is a member of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, All-State Honor Orchestra. She plays piano and also participates in TEAM+S, which is Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science competitions. Wu plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Scholarship Sponsor: Kirkpatrick Foundation

Broken Arrow High School Yaneva serves on the board of directors of World Language Club and is active in Key Club, National Honor Society and Future Medical Professionals.

She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor who has been named Chemistry Student of the Year and Spanish Student of the Year. She plays basketball and is a teen leader for Broken Arrow Pathinder Club.

She works at Pizza Hut and volunteers her spare time at animal shelters and with her church.

Yaneva plans to major in chemical and computer engineering at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship Sponsor: Mrs. Walt Helmerich III

Norman High School Zhang served as a summer research intern at the University of Oklahoma, where she studied the efects of antibiotics on two strains of bacteria.

She is a National Merit inalist and U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidate. A member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, Zhang has participated in Rocketry Club. She has studied dance for 13 years at Modern Dance Arts and is principal violinist for the Norman High symphony. She plans to major in biology at the University of Oklahoma.

Scholarship Sponsor: Crawley Family Foundation

MAESTRO

Matthew Mailman, professor of conducting in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University, will conduct the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet on May 21. Mailman is music director for the Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company and conductor of OCU’s Wind Philharmonic. Courtesy

Robert Taylor painting selected for poster

“Mutual Respect,” an acrylic painting by Native American artist Robert Taylor, is featured on the commemorative poster for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence 2016 Academic Awards Banquet. Posters can be purchased by contacting the foundation.

“Mutual Respect,” an acrylic on canvas painting by Native American artist Robert Taylor, has been selected for the commemorative poster for the 30th annual Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet.

“Each year, the foundation creates a poster featuring a Native American-themed painting to present to its Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence winners,” said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

“We are grateful to Robert Taylor for sharing his beautiful artwork for our poster.

The powerful imagery of his painting ‘Mutual Respect’ fits beautifully with our banquet theme, ‘A Foundation for the Future.’”

As a boy, the Tulsa native was introduced to art by his

uncle, wildlife artist Wallace Hughes. Taylor began to study art techniques when he was in the military and was painting in earnest by the age of 24. Taylor said his philosophy of art is a synthesis of the wisest teachings of the various cultures of his Blackfeet, Cherokee, Crow, Osage, Scottish and Black Dutch ancestors.

“My art reflects my own spiritual journey and it gives me the ability to make peace with the physical world,” he said. “We all have that feeling that something is missing, a part of the puzzle we haven’t yet found and so we make our place in this world by adding art to express our Inner Being.”

To Taylor, art is what makes people human. Art is humanity’s only unique endeavor. He sees creativity as a gift from

the Creator, a significant biological power that sparks the entire history of humanity.

Today, Taylor’s works can be seen in collections across the country, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the Native American in Washington, D.C., and the Trail of Tears State Park in Jackson, Mo. His paintings are also featured at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman.

The 2016 Academic Awards Banquet commemorative poster, designed by Daren Shepherd of Southwestern Printing, will be available at the Academic Awards Banquet or can be purchased for $20 each, including shipping, by contacting the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence at (405) 236-0006.

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Tulsa World • May 15, 2016