This past weekend Waurika and Ryan enjoyed their annual proms. Below are the pictures.
Photo by Curtis Plant
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Photo by Curtis Plant
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Joseph Martin & Abbie Bolin
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Waurika and Ryan Students Enjoy the Prom
Photo by Curtis Plant
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Photo by Curtis Plant
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Joseph Martin & Abbie Bolin
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Waurika Head Start Graduation
Waurika’s Head Start is ready to begin their educational career.
Here are this year’s graduate:
Photo by Curtis Plant
Families can register their grade 7-9 children for free online math tutoring
Students, families can sign up for OSDE’s Math Tutoring Corps through Sept. 1
OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 15, 2022) – The Math Tutoring Corps initiative offered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is encouraging interested Oklahoma families to register their students for free, high-dosage tutoring in mathematics. Beginning in September, trained tutors will work with groups of no more than four students in grades 7, 8 and 9 to reinforce the math processes they are studying in class and prepare them for higher-level coursework.
The tutoring will be done virtually and is designed for students who seek targeted support for growth in grade-level mathematics. Students will attend three 50-minute online tutoring sessions per week.
“Research has shown that students who participate in intensive, high-dosage tutoring improve their grades in math,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “The Math Tutoring Corps will help kids have greater confidence in their math skills and be more college and career ready.”
The OSDE launched a successful pilot program for Math Tutoring Corps in spring 2022, with nearly 400 participants. A post-pilot survey revealed:
- 90% of participants increased their understanding of mathematics.
- 84% of families said participating students were more confident about math.
- 84% of students indicated they would be more likely to persevere after making a mistake.
Students are eligible to participate in one or both of the OSDE’s Math Tutoring Corps sessions during the 2022-23 school year. Each session can accommodate up to 1,500 students. The first runs Sept. 18 through Nov. 19, the second in spring 2023. Families and students can enroll for the upcoming session through this link by Sept. 1. The OSDE will provide any needed technology or internet access, and tutoring schedules will occur during students’ free time outside of the school day.
Additional information is available on the OSDE’s Math Tutoring Corps webpage.
The OSDE is investing $5 million in pandemic relief funding in the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps through summer 2024. Math Tutoring Corps is a component of Ready Together Oklahoma: An Action Plan for Supporting Students Through the Pandemic and Beyond. More information is available in this FAQ document.
To see a video of a student from the Math Tutoring Corps pilot, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtkrnyJI0gQ
Jeffco Nursing Students Graduate From Red River Technology
Nineteen Practical Nursing students from Red River Technology Center recently received their pins and diplomas during a graduation ceremony held June 20, 2019, at the Delbert E. Morrison Health Careers Building Auditorium.
Superintendent Dennis Loafman and Assistant Superintendent Brook Holding delivered the welcome to the crowd of graduates, family and friends. Members of the 44th Practical Nursing class were then honored for their year of hard work with numerous scholarships and other achievement awards.
Red River Technology Center’s counselor, Misty Wade, recognized the graduates who had previously received scholarships and awards from organizations.
The following organizations have previously awarded scholarships: the Duncan Regional Hospital Auxiliary; Hugh H. Cherry VFW 1192 and Auxiliary to Post 1192; John E. Lillard Scholarship; Owl Club of Duncan; Oklahoma Career Tech Foundation; Otha Grimes Scholarship; Jerry Morris Scholarship Committee; The Duncan Breakfast Optimist Organization; Physicians Manpower Training Commission; Martha Overstreet and the Philanthropic Education Organization (BK, EE, FJ, and GS Chapters); Horatio Alger, Rodney Love/Next Step; and Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarships.
Those receiving awards on the night of graduation were:
Saela Sullins and Suzanne Greeson, were voted Outstanding Fellow Classmates by their peers.
Carly Mann received the Award for Outstanding Theory Knowledge and Kristi LaFerr received the Award for Outstanding Clinical Practice. Duncan Regional Hospital received an award for Best Clinical Facility, and Julia Kosechata received the Mountain Mover award.
Jessica Church, Tiffany Cummings, Tina Riggs and Rickey Wylie represented the top 10 percent of the 2018-2019 Practical Nursing class and were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Outstanding Students for the Practical Nursing Program this year were Ana Gomez, Suzanne Greeson, Charlie Romero and Saela Sullins.
Practical Nursing Director Amanda Churchman, RN, introduced the graduates while Program Director Sylvia Loveday presented diplomas. Practical Nursing instructors Krissy Bohn, RN, and Liz Baxter, RN, presented nursing pins to the graduates, while each graduate was pinned by a member of their family.
The 2018-2019 graduates are: Marissa Beeson, Stephanie Carrasco, Jessica Church, Tiffany Cummings, Ana Gomez, Suzanne Greeson, Kassie Hekia, Ashley Idell, Jonathan Johnson, Melanie Kohler, Kristi LaFerr, Kaylee Land, Carly Mann, Tina Riggs, Charlie Romero, Dane Smith, Amber Spaulding, Saela Sullins, and Rickey Wylie.
Doris Baker Inducted into Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame
Doris Ann Baker of Waurika joined her husband in the Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame.
Baker and her late husband, Henry Baker, shared their love of music ever since marriage.
In 1981 the couple began working with the Texas Playboys and began to perform what has become known as Western Swing Music.
Baker began her foray into the genre by learning every Bob Wills song suggested to her.
In 1982, Gene Crownover took Henry and Doris to Turkey, Texas for Bob Wills Day. He asked Henry to play bass for the outdoor show. Gene predicted they’d never miss this annual event in Turkey again if they only went once.
That prediction came true.
In 1999, Henry and Doris bought the future “Church of Western Swing” (COWS) in Turkey- a 100 year old Assembly of God church-and made it into a music theater known as the “place to be” in Turkey, Texas for Bob Wills music.
In 2011, the COWS was named Music Venue of the Year in Texas by Governor Rick Perry, through the Cowtown Society of Western Music.
With the venue grew the band, The COWS Swing Band.
Over the years Doris and Henry hosted Valentine, Halloween and Christmas parties in addition to organizing seven days of music shows during Turkey’s Bob Wills Days, held the last week of April.
Doris was always the hit of the evening.
Some of the musicians and singers she worked with included her husband Henry Baker, Curly Lewis, Tommy Perkins, Benny Garcia, Eldon Shamblin, Billy Dozier, Gene Thomas, Bob Kiser, Bob Womack, Gene Casaway, Bobby Boatright and Leon Rausch.
Lucas Coody Named 2019 Distinguished Young Pharmacist
When Lucas Coody was young he watched his grandfather make a candy sucker made of cough syrup. It was a way of getting children to take their medicine. That was one of the many instances inspiring him to grow up and become a pharmacist.
This past week, it was if the culmination of inspiration and hard work paid off. He was recognized as the 2019 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of Oklahoma by The Oklahoma Pharmacist Association.
Coody graduated from Waurika in 2008. He says many of the people of this community were gracious to serve as his mentors as over the years.
Among those who served as an inspiration were Biff and Valarie Eck.
Ultimately, he was inspired by grandad’s on both sides of his family who served as pharmacist.
After graduating from Waurika he attended Southwester Oklahoma State University in Weatherford where he earned his pharmacy degree in 2016.
While attending college, part of his rotation was spent at Anderson Pharmacy and Accents in Lawton, Oklahoma.
He chose Anderson’s because of a suggestion made by Dutch Elkins. Eklins knew the Anderson family from their time in Terral.
C.J. and Georgianna Anderson were natives of Terral. They eventually moved to Lawton.
During his rotation, he met a young lady working at Anderson’s as a Pharmacy Tech. Her name was Lauren.
The two of them eventually married.
Today, Lucas and Lauren make their home in Lawton.
Coody says he was surprised to selected for this year’s recognition. Surprised and honored.
Those who know Coody can readily attest to his humility and character. This award is just the beginning of many good things to come.
Waurika Yard of the Week!
The first Yard of the Week award for 2020 was presented to Eric and Jessica Thompson for their beautiful yard at the corner of Pine and C Streets in Waurika. The award was presented by Chamber representatives Roy Bartling and Sharon Duncan. Pictured above ar Roy Bartling, Eric Thompson, Addison Thompson, Jessica Thompson, Griffin Thompson, Evan Davis and Sharon Duncan.
The Thompsons moved into the house three years ago and the yard has been a work in progress. When asked how they kept their yard so well manicured, Jessica replied, “have a husband who likes to be outside all the time.”
“We thank the Thompsons for taking such pride in our community and congratulate them on their well-deserved award,” Roy Bartling stated. “Next week we will honor another Waurikan for taking pride in our community. If you have a suggestion for a Yard of the Week award recipient, please call me at 580.313.0161.”
Waurika Ranch Rodeo
Veale Ranch/Carco Creek was the Champion Team for this year’s Ranch Rodeo.
2nd place – Burns Ranch, 3rd Place – Thompson Ranch,
4th Place – McPhail Land & Cattle Company.
Top Horse, Robert Forst from Stuart Ranch here in Waurika.
Zane Davis (left) was this year’s Top Hand from Bonds Ranch.
Zane is pictured with Carl Gholson.
Jefferson County 4H News
Saturday, December 8 – Waurika Christmas Parade (Jefferson County 4-H will decorate our float Monday, November 26; Tuesday, November 27 and Wednesday, November 28). We will begin at 4 p.m. each day.
Saturday, December 15 – Share-the-Fun will begin at 2 p.m. at Ryan Public School. Please register by November 30 to Jefferson County OSU Extension Office – 580-228-2332.
Monday, December 17 – “4-H Kids Cooking in the Kitchen” (Holiday Sweets) – 4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m. at Jefferson County OSU Extension Office.
Wednesday, March 6 – Saturday, March 9 – Jefferson County Jr. Livestock Show
Saturday, April 6 – Jefferson County Communication Contest (speeches, Illustrated Talks, Demonstrations) 1 p.m. at Jefferson County OSU Extension Office.
Saturday, May 11 – Jefferson County Cupcake Wars – 11:00 a.m. at Jefferson County OSU Extension office.
REMINDER:
To participate in 4-H events and activities, including showing livestock, you must be enrolled in the 2018-2019 enrollment period which began September 1. Enrollment is completed online by the family at ok.4honline.com There is a state 4-H program fee; there is no charge for Adult volunteers.
If you need assistance, contact Jefferson County OSU Extension office at 580-228-2332.
We are looking for adult volunteers for 4-H Clubs! We have youth interested in joining 4-H and need adults to be leaders. Call 580-228-2332 for more information.
CLOVER BOWL TRIVIA QUESTION: In what city did 4-H first begin in Oklahoma?
Answer: Tishomingo
New Elementary Principal Ready for New Year
Waurika’s New Elementary Principal, Meaghan Johnson, is excited and ready for the upcoming school year.
The Central native enjoys the close knit family atmosphere of Waurika’s rural setting because it reminds her of her own upbringing. Johnson was born, raised and educated in Central. It’s the place she calls home till this day.
After graduating from Central High School, Johnson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cameron University, then later went back and acquired her Master’s degree in Education Administration.
Johnson served 7 years as a teacher at Central. She only left to serve in Lawton as an Elementary principal to gain experience as an administrator. Her heart’s desire has always and continues to be able to serve in a rural school setting.
After leaving Lawton, Johnson spent a year teaching for Epic. She believes this experience will serve her well in the upcoming years because of the experience she gained while teaching in a virtual environment.
She enjoys being an advocate for her students and teachers. She longs to give her teachers the tools they need to better educate students.
In her spare time she loves spending time with her family. She and her husband Aron have a plumbing company and raise cattle. When the opportunity arrises, they like to go camping as a family. The Johnsons have three children, Brock – 13, Jake – 8, Hank – 4 years old.
We welcome Principal Meaghan Johnson to the community.
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