The Big 3 event is almost here. If your child is interested in attending the livestock judging workout and contest, please contact Mr. Riffel. The group will return to Okeene each afternoon. Deadline to sign-up to attend is by Thursday, July 11th.
THE POWER OF AN EDUCATION AND A SPECIAL TEACHER!!!
If you ever doubted the importance of an education, a special teacher, or that Okeene turns out some outstanding graduates, look no further than the story of Lieu Smith that appeared in STATE magazine, Oklahoma State’s Alumni publication. This is a touching story about a self described “poor farm boy from Okeene” who was inspired by his fourth grade English teacher and would go on to an engineering degree from Oklahoma State. That education afforded Smith the opportunity to help design the rocket test facilities at the Stennis Space Center for the Saturn V rocket that would later take astronauts to the moon. He would also help design the Space Shuttle Launch Pad Complex. His education led him to a life of purpose and meaning. Lieu has recognized the huge impact that his education has had on his life and since has made sizable contributions to Oklahoma State to start a series of scholarships to honor his favorite Okeene teacher and member of the Cherokee Nation, Kathryn Lorene Whiteturkey. Below you will find three articles that tells his story.
https://news.okstate.edu/magazines/agriculture/cowboy-journal/articles/2023/osu-agricultural-engineering-grad-makes-his-mark.html
https://news.okstate.edu/magazines/state-magazine/articles/2021/fall/osu_college_of_osteopathic_medicine-cherokee_nation_donor_honors_native_american_teacher.html
https://estategifts.osugiving.com/supporters-like-you/lieu-smith
Reminder: JH Boys Summer Pride Session will start @ 8:20am for July.
Parents and Students: Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with the information regarding the new House Bill 3958. Our Okeene-approved platforms will be posted this week, so continue to watch for more updates in the coming days.
All students entering 7th grade are required by the State of Oklahoma to have their tDap immunization before the beginning of the school year. 💉
The last day of summer school was spent at Alabaster Caverns last week. Students with excellent attendance were rewarded with a day in the cave.
The summertime OSSAA dead week period is June 29 - July 7, 2024.
• Secondary-level students enrolled or pre-enrolled students may not use any member school's athletic facilities during the dead period in connection with any athletic activity governed by the OSSAA.
• Member school coaches, assistant coaches, and sponsors may not have any contact with secondary-level enrolled or pre-enrolled students in that member school in any athletic activity governed by the OSSAA for the purpose of coaching, training or instructing.
Have a great break!
‼️Attention 8th-11th grade students & parents: The deadline for the Oklahoma's Promise scholarship program is approaching July 1st‼️
Oklahoma's Promise offers qualified Oklahoma students an opportunity to earn a scholarship for college tuition. 🎓
REQUIREMENTS ⤵️
▪️Must be an Oklahoma resident.
▪️Must enroll in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
▪️Must be a student whose parents' federal adjusted gross income does not exceed:
$60,000 with 1 or 2 dependent children,
$70,000 with 3 or 4 dependent children or
$80,000 with 5 or more dependent children.
📝Parents may apply online: https://secure.okcollegestart.org/applications/Oklahoma_Promise/introduction.asp?application_id=3544
Big Blue basketball camp starts Monday! Print off a form and bring it with you or there will be some available Monday morning. 🏀
Summer school students with excellent attendance were rewarded with a field trip last week. They went to Roman Nose State Park where they learned about our environment, painted rocks, and swam.
Time is running out to order all your Whippet football gear and receive the items before the season starts! Click the link to get started: https://midwestteamsports.chipply.com/OkeeneFootball/
Three Okeene High School seniors recently attended the 50th Cadet Lawman Academy held at Conner's State College in Warner, OK. Jordan Releford, Zoe Clester and Joshua Johnson joined cadets from around the state for the week long Academy. Cadet Lawman Academy gives selected students a first hand taste of what it takes to be a Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol . The students experience training in precision driving, traffic and boating law enforcement, firearm instruction, self-defense, and law enforcement history conducted by
Troopers, Police Officers, Dispatchers, and other law enforcement and medical personnel.
FFA MEMBERS: Attached is the fireworks sign up. Please consider signing up as it is a big fundraiser for our trip to National Convention. There are still several slots available that need to be filled. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Riffel. https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050B49A8AA2CA0FF2-49705910-fireworks
Our HS basketball girls traveled to Mountain View for summer league this week! 🏀⛹️♀️
There will be NO SUMMER SCHOOL tomorrow, June 11th, 2024 due to many staff attending the funeral of Mr. Feely’s father, Joe Feely. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Feely family during this time.
Five Okeene High School students attended the 84th session of Oklahoma American Legion Boys State at Rogers State University May 25- June 1, 2024. It was a historic year with the largest population attending. Delegates conducted local government elections while sheltering from an F-3 tornado which struck Claremore and the surrounding communities late in the evening on the day of their arrival. Reportedly, the 320 delegates and 100 staff/volunteers were safely in the underground tornado shelter within 6 minutes of the first alarm. Luckily, the university was not in the path of destruction but was without power intermittently throughout the week from the storm. Despite the challenges, programs continued as delegates studied the government process through classes and simulations of government in action including mock legislature, state executive offices, court system, and emergency management. Delegates also participated in teambuilding activities competing in basketball, combat soccer, marksmanship, volleyball, flickerball, eSports, and an Academic Bowl. Congratulations to Diego Lopez, Destry Swaim, Edan Chasteen, Meade Brickman, and Wyatt Graham for representing Okeene High School at this year’s Boys State.
JH & HS Physicals are today, Thursday June 6th from 3:00-5:00. 🩺 There are forms at the HS and in the Activity Center.
Summer school kicked off today. They didn't let the weather spoil the fun. Students engaged in balloon and bubble activities at the Okeene Public Library.
The Okeene Whippet Football team is hosting a team store for the upcoming season! 🏈 Order all your Whippet gear and receive the items before the season starts! Click the link to get started: https://midwestteamsports.chipply.com/OkeeneFootball/
On May 8th, the Elementary TAG (Talented and Gifted) students traveled to Jenks to the Oklahoma Aquarium for their end of the year trip.
