Board of Ed recognizes Susan Cox for donating kidney to CPHS cheer coach

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Sand Springs Board of Education member Rusty Gun (left) and Charles Page High School Cheer Coach Carrie Schlehueber (center) present Susan Cox (right) with a Pacesetter Award.

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The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a handful of awards at their September meeting.

Susan Cox was presented with a Pacesetter Award for donating a kidney to Head Cheer Coach Carrie Schlehueber. Cox is the Director at DaySpring Villa, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Board of Ed member Rusty Gunn described Cox as “someone who is selfless in their life,” even before donating her kidney.

According to Gunn, Cox heard that Schlehueber was in need of a kidney and went in to find out if she was a match without even being asked. “That kidney was always hers,” said Cox. “I was just holding it for her.”

Schlehueber is expected to return to work on October 1st.

The Charles Page High School Student Council was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for their work prior to the 2018-2019 school year, decorating the hallways and working around the school every day in the week before the year began. The Council consists of Stephanie Ayala, Logan Bateman, Caleb Bundy, Katie Gonzales, Chloe Graves, Savana McCabe, Abigail McGehee, Emily Phifer, and Kristen Taylor.

“When you see these kids that are here tonight, you see that public education works,” said CPHS history/leadership teacher Frank Cooper. “Every one of these kids is a product of public school education and they are competitive, academically motivated, engaged, enthusiastic.”

The Sand Springs Rotary Club was presented with a Sandite Pacesetter Award for helping to provide school supplies to teachers. The Rotary Club also hosted a luncheon recently for new teachers and gave every new teacher $70 worth of gift cards to local restaurants.

Sheila Bright was presented with a Pacesetter Award for offering her facilities at Bright Morning Farm to the school faculty for a conference before the school year began. Not only did Bright provide her facilities for two days free of charge, she also brought in a yoga instructor on day two.

Board of Ed formally approves teacher pay raise schedule, district struggles with recruiting

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The Sand Springs Board of Education formally voted Monday evening to enact a new teacher pay schedule in accordance with House Bill 1023XX. 

In March the Oklahoma legislature approved a historic $447 million tax hike to help fund public school teacher salaries. Salaries for Oklahoma teachers will increase anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 this school year.

State Representative Jadine Nollan used the opportunity to remind the crowd of the many previous pay raise attempts that failed to pass either the legislature or state ballots. "Tonight, for me, is a very special night," said Nollan. 

The Sand Springs Women’s Chamber was presented with a Pacesetter Award in recognition of a $4,500 donation they made to the district. The Women’s Chamber is dedicated to promoting children’s literacy in Sand Springs.

Charles Page High School sophomore Sean Kuehn was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for his involvement in the Technology Student Association. TSA is a student-led organization focused on preparing students for the work force. Kuehn previously won the TSA National Championship in Public Speaking at the National Conference in Atlanta.

Gary Watts was presented with a Coin of Excellence for his work in the district. Watts has worked with SSPS since 1990 and was previously Chief Financial Officer for the district.

Student safety was a large topic of conversation. The district will be assigning Student ID badges for grades 6-12 beginning this school year that will be mandatory at all times. “We’re not atypical, most 6A schools do that,” said Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

Durkee says the district is also working with the Sand Springs Police Department to stage an intruder drill at the high school this year. 

The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding with the police department to help pay for a school resource officer for the upcoming school year.

"That officer will be on district site during the day, all the time," said Durkee. 

SEE RELATED: City Council approves SSPD Resource Officer for Sand Springs Public Schools

Durkee also addressed the continuing statewide teacher shortage. The passage of HB1023XX is intended to help stem the shortage, but thousands of Oklahoma teachers have already left for neighboring states in recent years.

Prior to the pay raise, Oklahoma teachers were at the bottom of the nation in average pay and some Texas school districts have been openly recruiting Oklahoma teachers with billboards in the Oklahoma City metro area. 

Last week the Oklahoma State Department of Education approved 853 emergency teaching certifications, bringing the total number for 2018-2019 to 1,238. Last year they approved a record 1,975. Emergency certifications last for two years and allow schools to employ instructors who aren't traditionally qualified with a state teaching license. 

"Out district today now employs ten emergency certified teachers," said Durkee. "We've struggled a little bit for the first time with hiring teachers and having staff ready to go in August." Specifically two special education positions have remained open until this week. "I think at this point the district is fully staffed, which is a good thing. I was sweating a little bit up until literally today."

The district is also trying to reestablish some positions that were previously eliminated due to budget constraints, state revenue failures, and funding cuts. "Over the course of the last two years, through attrition, we let go of over fifty positions from administration to maintenance, custodial, and paraprofessionals. We are slowly but surely trying to recapture some of those positions," said Durkee. "This year we will be reinstituting two library media specialists, one teacher at Northwoods, a science teacher at Charles Page High School, and a paraprofessional at ECEC."

"I feel like we've made a turn for the better, but caution is always the best way to move forward."

Board of Education approves new wrestling and girls' basketball coaches

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The Sand Springs Public School District Board of Education presented more than twenty awards during their Monday night regularly monthly meeting.

Remington Wagner was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award in recognition of her All-Region Cheer Team achievement. Wagner is signed to cheer at Southwestern Christian University next year and will study Kinesiology. 

Colt Savage was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for his success with the boys' basketball team. Savage concluded his high school career as a four-time All Conference player and was named the 2017-2018 Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year for Region 7. He led his team in scoring for two seasons and averaged 20.58 points per game as a senior. He will play for the University of Central Oklahoma next season. 

Eric Savage was presented with a Pacesetter Award in recognition of his success with the Sandite Basketball Team. Savage wrapped up his fifth season as Head Coach with the first State Tournament appearance for Sand Springs since 1963 and was named the Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He holds a 65-62 record in Sand Springs and a career record of 370-155. After winning three 5A State Titles at Tulsa Memorial High School, he took over a Sandite program that had only won one game the year before. 

Jeff Cooper was presented with a Pacesetter Award. Cooper was awarded the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association "Friends of Basketball" award and was named the Region 7 Junior High Coach of the Year.

Barbie Jackson was presented with a Pacesetter Award for her work with the Sand Springs Education Association during the last legislative session and teacher walkout. "(Jackson) worked tirelessly to keep everyone informed," said Board member Krista Polanski. "Barbie has a big heart and she puts all of her heart into everything she does."

Shawn Beard, Sherry Durkee, Karen Biggs, Laura Hamilton, Ernie Kothe, Angelia Noel, Nancy Ogle, Sean Parker, Sherry Pearson, Renee Plant, Russell Ragland, Danese Tanner, Stan Trout, Kristin Arnold, Rob Miller, and Greg Morris were all presented with Sandite Coins of Excellence for their work during the teacher walkout. 

Superintendent Sherry Durkee spoke on the difficulty the schools are facing regarding the teacher pay raise package passed by the Oklahoma Legislature during the last session. 

The political action group Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite has filed a veto referendum petition to put House Bill 1010xx to a vote of the people. If the petition garners 41,000 signatures by July 18, Oklahoma voters will decide whether to approve or veto the bill, which provides funding for a $6,100 average pay raise for Oklahoma teachers. 

HB1010xx is expected to raise $447 million in revenue by increasing the gross production tax to 5% on all oil wells, increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack, increasing the gasoline tax by three cents, and increasing the diesel tax by six cents. 

If the petition succeeds, the question of whether to approve HB1010xx won't appear on ballots until the November election. With the school year beginning in August, schools are waiting on an Attorney General ruling on whether or not the districts should enact teacher raises for this school year.

If schools enact raises in August and voters reject HB1010xx in November, it would create a massive revenue shortage for districts across the state. Teacher pay raises will cost the Sand Springs district nearly $3 million in the next school year.

In other news:

Charles Page High School will host a new interior design program in partnership with Tulsa Tech during the next school year. 

Superintendent Durkee said she's pleased with the applicant pool the district recently had for several high profile positions. The District recently began accepting applications for Head Girls' Basketball Coach, Head Wrestling Coach, Head Volleyball Coach, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. 

The Board approved the hiring of new Head Coaches for Wrestling and Girls' Basketball.

Tobey Nightingale will take over the Lady Sandite Basketball team after coaching Hennessey High School to a 9-16 record at the 3A level last season. The Lady Sandites are coming off an 18-8 season and back-to-back State Tournament appearances. 

Jarrod Patterson will take over a Sandite Wrestling program that placed third in the State Tournament in 2018 and won State and Dual State titles in 2017. The Sandites finished last season with a 13-4 dual record and won 25-straight duals over two seasons. 

Ryan Skaggs, owner/operator of Precision Outdoor Services, spoke regarding the bidding process for lawncare services in the school district. According to Skaggs, his company underbid the existing provider by $6,000, but his competitor was allowed to rebid to undercut Precision. Skaggs called on the district to go to a sealed bidding process in the future. 

The district is in the process of implementing "Crisis Go," an emergency system that alerts staff, students, parents, and law enforcement of any potential threat on campus. Durkee expects to have the system fully online by the next school year. 

Assistant Superintendent Rob Miller is in his last month with the Sand Springs district and will be taking over as Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools on June 1st. 

The Charles Page Class of 2018 graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center.

Board of Education meeting focuses on teacher walkout and school closures

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The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening and spent most of the session discussing the ongoing Oklahoma teacher walkout.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee discussed HB1010xx, HB3705 and other pieces of legislation from the current session. The Oklahoma legislature recently passed bills generating teacher pay raises averaging $6,100, but failed to satisfy Oklahoma Educators' Association demands for general classroom funding.

A majority of the Sand Springs teaching staff is participating in a statewide walkout at press time and Thursday will mark the fourth day of school closures due to understaffing. Many district employees are lobbying at the Capitol and scores of supporters have been occupying street corners at major intersections in Sand Springs, holding signs in support of the walkout. 

"I think that we have a great set of staff that love kids and are trying really hard to do the right thing and make it better for our kids," said Durkee.

The district has two unused "snow days" left, so students can miss school till Tuesday without having to extend the school year. If the strike lasts past that point, the district may add additional days to the school year, and could add extra time to the school day. Teachers will have to make up each missed day in professional development even after the students are dismissed for the summer, regardless of snow days.

The Board also presented four Sandite Spirit Awards and two Pacesetter Awards.

Mason Turgeon received a Sandite Spirit Award for building a set of wooden stairs for an elementary school ball pit as part of his Eagle Scout project. 

Jacelyn Smith, Juliana Shipman, and Erin Smith received Sandite Spirit Awards for helping a fellow student. The girls noticed one of their classmates' shoes were falling apart so they purchased a brand new pair of shoes from their own money. 

Andrea Bays, Caroline Brown, and Janet Thompson were presented with Pacesetter Awards. The three teachers head up the Charles Page High School Business Professionals of America and helped raise $750 for Sandite Special Olympics at their annual fundraiser.

Sand Springs School District considers building new Ninth Grade Center

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One of the oldest buildings in Sand Springs, Central Ninth Grade center could be replaced in the coming years.

The Sand Springs Board of Education held a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building. The board discussed potential early-out days in the coming school year, an upcoming bond election, and the possibility of moving freshmen to the high school campus.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee is hoping to add several short school days to the upcoming school year to allow for professional development sessions for the staff and teachers. According to Durkee, several districts already have days with late starts or early outs to allow time for teachers to focus on development.

Sand Springs is leaning towards letting students out early as opposed to starting school late because many parents already drop their children off earlier than schools are supposed to open. 

Board member Bo Naugle expressed concern that shorter school days could cause many teachers to have "blow-off" days without real instruction or homework. "Every time we have a short school week, it's a free week. My kids come home and tell me we watched a movie, or we didn't do anything." He also raised the issue of economic hardship in Sand Springs and the difficulty it could put on parents who have to leave work early or pay for additional after-school childcare. 

Board President Rusty Gunn wants to see consistency with the early-out days, such as the first Friday of every month. 

Durkee also discussed the possibility of building a new freshman center on the grounds of the High School. Currently freshmen attend Central Ninth Grade Center in downtown. The building was previously the home of Sand Springs High School prior to the construction of CPHS in 1959. 

If approved, the new facilities would likely be built in phases, says Durkee. "We can't bond out $56 million like some of our neighbors." 

Naugle was reluctant to the idea, saying "we have them separate for a reason." Durkee responded by pointing out that the Sixth Grade Center and Clyde Boyd Middle School buildings are adjacent but have little mixing of students. Additionally, many athletic and fine arts programs combine ninth grade students with upperclassmen, so lots of time is spent busing kids back and forth between the two campuses. 

According to Durkee, the Ninth Grade Center currently needs at least a $7 million remodel to bring it up to code, and further inspections have yet to be completed. The district is tentatively planning on a bond election late next year. 

In other news, the district is almost to $80,000 in fundraising efforts for Project Lead The Way. Durkee hopes to add BioMed 2 and Engineering 2 to Charles Page, as well as a Computer Science program at CNGC. 

The Sand Springs Education Foundation delivered $70,000 in grants to teachers and schools shortly before Thanksgiving. "I had the pleasure of having Montie Box in my car," said Durkee. "He is amazing. He's passionate about children, he was in tears at one point. We need to name something after him, he's just really amazing."

High School History and Leadership teacher Frank Cooper was recently the subject of a Folgers Coffee "Share A Cup" commercial produced by Verge Videos where he was surprised by former students he has impacted over his 25 years of teaching. The video has been viewed more than 25,000 times and led to a Siloam Springs teacher contacting Cooper. The teacher, who is already trained in Project Lead The Way curriculum, reached out to Cooper after hearing about the positive things happening in Sand Springs. She recently accepted an offer from school administrators. 

The board also approved a one-time $350 stipend for all Sand Springs teachers at a cost of approximately $250,000 to the district. 

CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band earns Fourth Place at prestigious Branson tournament

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Photos courtesy of Todd Hunt.

This past weekend, the Charles Page High School Marching Band competed at the 3rd Annual Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, MO and brought home several awards.  On October 14th, the Gold Pride band was one of 14 bands performing at the SWMO Regional.  During the preliminary round of judging, CPHS band was awarded 1st place in Class and Best Music, Best Percussion & Best Overall Effect!  For the finals, the Gold Pride was awarded 4th place overall and Best in Class!

Sand Springs Board of Education approves hiring of new baseball coach

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Northwoods principal Laura Hamilton is presented with a Coin of Excellence by Board of Education Chairman Rusty Gunn.

The Sand Springs Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Sandite Performing Arts Building. 

Northwoods Fine Arts Academy principal Laura Hamilton was presented with a Coin of Excellence. "Under pressure, this girl is amazing," said Superintendent Sherry Durkee in reference to a high-speed police pursuit and shooting that occurred on school grounds last year. Prior to being promoted to Principal, Hamilton was also the site teacher of the year for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Sand Springs Pilot Club and Sand Springs Women's Chamber were also presented with special recognitions for their contributions to the school district. 

Superintendent Durkee discussed the school partnership with Daybreak for mental health services. "They've been a really healthy partner...we have a councilor in every building." She also talked about Sandites Teaming for Academic Results (STAR). School administrators will hold more frequent meetings with site representatives throughout the year.

According to Assistant Superintendent Kristin Arnold, the district doesn't expect to receive the results from Spring testing till October, while A-F report cards won't be received till March.

The district is working towards having enough chrome books to follow students from grade to grade.

Durkee also discussed the possibility of having a new sound system installed at the Ed Dubie Field House. The court was recently repaired and new LED lights are soon to be installed. "It's our premier 6A facility for three sports," said Durkee.

The Lady Sandite basketball team won a conference title and made the State Semifinals this past season while the wrestling team won both State and Dual State titles. The Boys' Basketball team fell a few games short of a winning season, but is demonstrating consistent growth and improvement under fifth-year head coach Eric Savage. The Volleyball team also had one of their best seasons in school history under Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year Janna Green. 

The high school is without full-time security officers on staff for the first time in years and administration doesn't have any immediate plans to hire new officers. According to Durkee, the school has gotten by fine in the past year while the previous officer missed substantial workdays due to health issues. The Sand Springs Police Department will continue to assist with security during sporting events, but for the time being the district will consider the potential cost-savings of eliminating the position for the foreseeable future.

The Board unanimously approved the filling of twenty-two positions, including that of Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach. Former Edmond Memorial Head Coach James Garrison will take over the reigns from retiring coach Bill Hutson. He will be joined by new pitching coach Matt Brown, also from Edmond Memorial.

James was an assistant coach at Union for two State Championship seasons. He spent one year at Edmond Memorial and amassed a 14-19 record. His contract was terminated after the season.

City of Sand Springs accepts $2 million donation, sets date for upcoming bond election

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Nine-time State Champion Cheyenne Walden receives the "Heart of the City" award at Monday night's City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday night at the City Municipal Building. 

Mayor Mike Burdge presented recent Charles Page High School graduate Cheyenne Walden with a Mayoral Proclamation and the first-ever Heart of the City award for her accomplishments in competitive running. She is the most decorated athlete in school history and will run for Oklahoma State University in the fall.

SEE RELATED: Cheyenne Walden receives "Heart of the City" award from Mayor Mike Burdge

The City formally accepted a $2 million check from Mike and Pat Case. The Cases pledged the donation last year to help with the River City Park renovation. The park will be renamed Case Community Park at its grand re-opening this fall.

Click HERE to view recent photos of the park construction.

Human Resources Director Amy Fairchild gave a brief educational presentation regarding her department. According to Fairchild, the City has 199 full-time, thirteen part-time, five seasonal and one contractual employee. There are currently seven vacant positions, including three in the police department.

Click HERE to view open positions in the City of Sand Springs.

The Council unanimously approved the use of $99,474.00 to purchase four police pursuit units. The department will purchase two Ford Police Interceptor SUVs and two Dodge Chargers.

Council unanimously voted to approve the Parks Advisory Board's recommendation to terminate the Use Agreement with the Sand Springs Round Up Club. They also declared the rodeo grounds as surplus, allowing them to auction off valuables and demolish what's left.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Round Up Club petition hopes to reverse eviction from City park

Council unanimously approved a Deed of Dedication by the Sand Springs Home, officially dedicating South Lincoln Avenue as a public road. The City has been maintaining the road for a number of years under the assumption that it was a public road.

Council approved a new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) in the amount of $49,368. 

Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a complete update to the City Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 2002.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs approves new comprehensive plan for next fifteen years

Council unanimously approved the renaming of two park sites. The City Garden Park will be renamed the Inez Kirk Garden Park in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk. The Inez Kirk Soccer Complex will also be renamed. City Officials are waiting to announce the new name pending the notification of the namesake's family.

Council unanimous approved a resolution adopting the 2017 Sand Springs Police Department Policing Plan.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

Council unanimously approved a resolution creating a new fireworks discharge permit classification. Previously the City only allowed the use of Class 1.3G (large professional) fireworks by organizations, and the use of Class of 1.4G (small consumer) fireworks by private individuals at a residential address. The new permit allows for organizations to hold public fireworks shows with 1.4G fireworks. The Class 1.4G individual use permit is $20, the Class 1.4G entity use permit is $40, and the Class 1.3G use permit is $100.

Council approved November 14, 2017 as the date for the 2017 General Obligation Bond election. The State of Oklahoma is already holding a Special Election that date to fill legislative vacancies.

SEE RELATED: City Council prepares for upcoming bond election, discusses new roads and economic incentives

The Sand Springs Municipal Authority met immediately following the Council meeting and approved the use of $58,770 to purchase a Ford F550 pickup for use in the Water Maintenance & Operations department.

Several citizens were appointed to various advisory boards. All positions are three-year terms with the exception of the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board, which is a one-year term.

  • Nancy Riley was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment by unanimous vote.
  • Troy Cox was reappointed to the Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Joe Shelton was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Jason Mikles was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Mary Eubanks was appointed to the Economic Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Ronald G. Cloud was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Elizabeth Gray was appointed as an alternate to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. William Tom Campbell, Jr. was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Robert J. Flennor was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. Mark Manahan was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.

CPHS junior model Rianne Ross walks in Flaunt Fashion Show

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Left to right: Jaclyn Swanson, Morgan Miller, and Brooke Anthony prepare Rianne Ross before the show.

Charles Page High School junior Rianne Ross walked in the Flaunt Fashion Show Saturday night at the She Theater and Lounge in downtown Tulsa. The Flaunt Fashion show was put on by the Future Professionals (students) of Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa as a fundraiser for ten different charities that they support. The Tulsa school has raised more than $25,000 in the past few months for various charitable organizations.

Ross got into modeling in March of 2016 when her friend put on an Anti-Bullying fundraiser fashion show. She knew a bit about modeling because of her participation in beauty pageants and an acting role that required her to do a bit of modeling. When she took on that acting role, she realized that she loved modeling. She has been competing in pageants and acting since she was 10 years old. 

When asked if she was planning to make a career of modeling, Ross responded, "I joke that modeling is making a career out of me, because before I even realized what was happening I was getting more and more jobs and I don't regret a single day of it." The Flaunt Fashion Show was the fifth show for the freelance model. She also mentioned that, "The Flaunt Fashion Show was amazing, it was my first fashion show that was wild hair and makeup and I loved it and would do it again."

Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017

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Charles Page High School and Page Academy graduated a combined 392 seniors Saturday evening at the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center, pending a final check of grades and credits, as Principal Stan Trout always reminds them.

Though their actual diplomas will be picked up this summer at the high school, the empty frame they are presented at the Mabee Center each year is the ceremonial pay dirt they've been working toward for their entire lives. 

Trout has been with them on this journey for as long as most of them can remember, in his tenth year as the school principal. It has been forty years since he walked across that stage, and he has seen many great Sandites follow in his footsteps. But he made sure to note that "never in the life of our school has there been a senior class that has distinguished itself more or shined a more positive light on its community."

"This is an unusually talented class, and here is some statistical evidence to back that up," said Trout. 83 seniors are members of the National Honor Society. 67 attained Honor Graduate status by maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 23 were Oklahoma Academic Scholars, meaning they maintained a 3.7 unweighted GPA and scored a 27 or higher on the ACT.

Charles Page doesn't recognize a single Valedictorian, but if they did it might be National Merit Commended Scholars Josh Taber or Elijah Warren. Or maybe Oklahoma All-State Scholar Brock Smith, who was among the top 100 high school seniors in all of Oklahoma. 

The Class of 2017 saw a number of remarkable achievements. The Sandites won their first State wrestling Championship since 1971 and their first Dual State title in school history. They made the State Semifinals in football and girls' basketball, the latter of which won a Frontier Valley Conference Championship. The band won the first Winter Percussion State Championship in school history. Daton Fix, Beau Bratcher, and Jack Karstetter won wrestling State titles. Fix went undefeated in high school with four titles. Delvin Jordan, Jr. was a wrestling State Runner-Up. Cheyenne Walden won four Cross Country State titles and five track State titles. 

Honor Graduates Chase Burris and Katie McInnis gave brief speeches.

"At the end of the day, all that matters is what makes you happy," said Burris. "Not what makes your parents happy, not what makes your friends happy, not what makes your girlfriend or boyfriend happy." He concluded his speech by quoting Chance the Rapper. "Don't forget the happy thoughts. All you need are happy thoughts."

Former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist Kendra Roulet gave the farewell address for the faculty, and it was a special class for her. This was the last class she taught and the first class she counseled. "Don't settle for anything less than extraordinary," she told them. "Follow your passion, find your place."

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave her first graduation address since succeeding Lloyd Snow last year.

Board of Education President Rusty Gunn's speech paralleled Roulet's. "Find what is is that you're on the planet for, and don't stop short of fulfilling your purpose."

Principal Trout continued his tradition of presenting a jar of sand and water to the graduating class, collected from the sandy springs from which the town draws its name. "Take a little bit of Sand Springs with you into everything you do in life, and you will never fail."

Following the presentation of "diplomas," Oklahoma Medal for Excellence recipient Frank Cooper gave his notorious reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, filled with personal anecdotes about CPHS students. 

The CPHS band, Stage Choir, and Senior Quartet all gave performances and Class President Katilynn Godown led her classmates in the turning of the tassles and the throwing of the caps.

Though they still have eleven days left before their high school days officially come to an end, Saturday night symbolically marked the ending of an era for 392 young adults who will now take their first steps into a new world. 

Honor Graduates

Dawson Randall Clarke Allen
Anna Marie Andrews
Christian Joseph Barnard
Madilyn Grace Barron
Shayla Brooke Blair
Carley Elizabeth Boyd
Alexis Victoria Branson
Beau Andrew Bratcher
Christel Denise Burgoon
Chase Aaron Burris
Nia Marae Byrd
Dustin Beau Cagle
Katherine Dayne Campfield
Michael Lloyd Carper
Zachary Ryan Carter
Taylor Rene Cartwright
Kalie Paden Chatham
Tyler Rain Cutnose
James Trey Lawrence Dacus
Alexis Jordan Davis
Megan Marie Deshazo
Makenzie Shae Dewitt
Brooklyn Paige Evans
Daton Duain Fix
Kaitlynn M Godown
Colson Robert Guinn
Cody Alan Gurley
Leah Nicole Hancock
Keartlin Marie Hilligoss
Dharma Loren Hopkins
Gabriel Taylor Jeffus
Nathaniel Logan Jeffus
Madison Emily Keiper
Madison Leigh Kinard

Jasmine Rain Longoria
Makenzie Grace Massey
Madline Diane McFarland
Katheryn Riley McInnis
Connor Lynn McKeaigg
Reid Eugene Meadows
Dakota Gage Mitchell
Dalton Hunter Morgan
Cassandra Lee Owens
Sydney Jae Pennington
Ashton McGregor Persons
Hope Elizabeth Pollard
Marc Sidney Reeves
Daniel Lee Ropp
Shelby Starr Rotramel
Konner Gordon Rugg
Allison Taylor Sellers
Joelie Shaye Simmons
Brock Raymond Smith
Clayton Mickeul Smith
Michael Owen Som de Cerff
Jacob Alexander Steel
Rebekah Ann Sutterfield
Joshua Chance Taber
Elizabeth Kaylan Tate
Gracen Aileen Taylor
Mackenzie Ryan Thompson
Brooklyn Nicole Turner
Shiloh Nicole Wallace
Colton Lane Washington
Brendan Michael Williams
Hunter Edwin Willis
Nikolay Pavlovich Yakovlev

Oklahoma Academic Scholars

Christian Barnard
Madilyn Barron
Shayla Blair
Carley Boyd
Beau Bratcher
Nia Byrd
Dustin Cagle
Evan Clary

Alina Gavrilov
Kaitlyn Godown
Kearstin Hilligoss
Madison Keper
Madison Kinard
Katheryn McInnis
Reid Meadows
Eric Newman

Joelie Simmons
Brock Smith
Jacob Steel
Joshua Taber
Elizabeth Tate
Shiloh Wallace
Hunter Willis

National Honor Society

Dawson Allen
Anna Andrews
Kasey Bales
Madilyn Barron
Rachel Blair
Shayla Blair
Carley Boyd
Alexis Branson
Beau Bratcher
Jasmine Brown
Christel Burgoon
Chase Burris
Nia Byrd
Dustin Cagle
Dayne Campfield
Zachary Carter
Taylor Cartwright
Paden Catham
James Dacus
Alexis Davis
Shawn Dean
Megan Deshazo
Makenzie Dewitt
Brooklyn Evans
Kristian Fairchild
Daton Fix
Melina Flores
Alina Gavrilov
 

Katie Godown
Carlos Gomez-Valero
Amari Grant
Colson Guinn
Cody Gurley
Leah Hancock
Kearstlin Hilligoss
Dharma Hopkins
John Houston
Gabriel Jeffus
Logan Jeffus
Alexis Keeling
Madison Keiper
Madison Kinard
Julia Lewis
Jasmine Longoria
Makenzie Massey
Madeline McFarland
Ketheryn McInnis
Reid Meadows
Dakota Mitchell
Dalton Morgan
Baylee Mudd
Shannon O'Meilia
Sydney Pennington
Ashton Persons
Hope Pollard
Samantha Ramirez
 

Marc Reeves
Daniel Ropp
Shelby Rotramel
Allison Sellers
Joelie Simmons
Blake Simpson
Brock Smith
Clayton Smith
Savannah Snyder
Michael Som de Cerff
Rebekah Sutterfield
James Taber
Joshua Taber
Elizabeth Tate
Gracen Taylor
Jake Terry
Mack Thompson
Brooklyn Turner
Shiloh Wallace
Cassie Ward
Colton Washington
Faith Wecker
Sybil West
Brendan Williams
Hunter Willis
Spencer Wright
Nikolay Yakovlev

CPHS Class of 2017 Graduates

Lincoln Burnell Adams
Madelin Renee Adams
Kimberly Ruth Aguilar Henriques
Austin Cole Salexander
Dawson Randal Clarke Allen
Sabra Kay Almayahi
Mariela Alvarez
Jarod Ryan Anderson
Anna Marie Andrews
Braden Michael Ashlock
Ryker Cole Ashlock
Deidra Vee Asmus
Camilla Mae Austin
Joshua Elijah Lee Avery
Cameron Mirza Baig
Ian Andrew Baker
Connor Erik Baldridge
Kasey Alex Bales
Joe David Banther
Sarah Mae Barlow
Christian Joseph Barnard
Isaac James Barretto
Isabella Jacqueline Barretto
Madilyn Grace Barron
Zane Bourhan Basma
Caitlin Anna Beard
Mikeale Ostis Becraft
Trey Austin Belding
Jeremy Alexander Benninghoven
Malany Jo Benton
Aaron Michael Bertrand
Jacob Dwayne Bettis
Blayne Averie Bittencourt
Christopher Jacob Blackwell
Rachel Amariah Blair
Shayl Brooke Blair
Megan Renay Bledsoe
Emily Dorothy Blimm
Bailey Nicole Boaz
Chauncy Tyrek Bogans
Carley Elizabeth Boyd
Kinsey Rayshell Braden
Michael Edward Bramlett
Alexis Victoria Branson
Aubrey Kaitlyn Brashier
Beau Andrew Bratcher
Kelli Rochelle Bridges
Cameron Wayne Britton
Jasmine Rene Brown
Caitlin Joy Bruce
Mason Andrew Bruton
Christel Denise Burgoon
Michael Daniel Burns
Chasearon Burris
Matthew David Burton
Makenzie Lea Butler
Nia Marae Byrd
Lauren Elizabeth Cady
Dustin Beau Cagle
Baylee Noelle Campbell
Collin Christopher Cambell
Katherine Dayne Campfield
Kameron Seth Carpenter
Michael Lloyd Carper
Timothy David Carroll
Emily Danielle Carter
Zachary Ryan Carter
Taylor Rene Cartwright
Brian Wayne Catlett
Marissa Lachon Catlett
Kalie Paden Chatham
Evan Williams Reles Clary
Deanna Lee Cody
Haley Lauren Coffey
Alexander Bryce Collins
Cydney Jaymes Collins
Jacob Alexander Collins
Jessica McKenzie Collins
Ericka Dawn Colson
Megan Savella Jo Conley
Luis Antonio Contreras
Jacob Lee Cooper-Garbey
Joshua Andrew Cordell
Erin Bayley Cox
Sidnee Rachelle Crase-Owens
Erendira Betsabe Cuevas Gomez
Tyler Rain Cutnose
James Trey Lawrence Davus, III
Treyce Bradley Dahlem
Kenneth Lee William Daniel
Alexis Jordan Davis
Austin Daniel DAvis
Derek Martin Davis
Jordan Katharine Davis
Megan Sue Davis
Mikala Brianna Davis
Shawn Linley Dean
Eston David DeLozier
Richard Tyler Delozier
Megan Marie Deshazo
Makenzie Shae Dewitt
Cody Dean Dillion
Jessicca Darlene Dover
Tyler Ray Dressler
Paige Nichole Duvall
Jasmine Raine Eastman
Joshua Colton Eddington
Amanda Jean Ellis
Brooklyn Paige Evans
Anthony Dylan Fairchild
Kristian Taylor Fairchild
Angela Grace Firey
Austin Tyler Fisher
Daton Duain Fix
Melina Joseline Flores
Dante Chase Foote
Allison Rose Ford
Simona Elizabeth Forsyth
Ashley Nicole Foster
Michaela Brooke Fox
Brett Ray Freeman
Robert Wayne Freeman
Shyanne Marie Fullerton
Gavin Joseph Garcia
Ignacio Garcia
Alina Vasilisa Gavrilov
Kayla Nicole Genn
Kaitlynn Michelle Godown
Carlos Mateo Gomez-Valero
Alexis Paige Goodman
Nicole Dawn Goodman
Amari Rashon Grant
Joshua Dean Gray
Cody D'Alan Grayson
Hunter Alexander Greathouse
Anthony Michael Green
Caleb Lynn Gregory
Tyler Lane Grewe
Anna Marie Griffith
Graci Renee Guard
Colson Robert Guinn
Cody Alan Gurley
Austin Alan Gaegely
Jason Floyd Hall
Nathan James Hall
Sarah Kaylyn Hall
Alec Dwayne Haller
Leah Nicole Hancock
Tiffany Marie Handley
Patrick William Hardesty
Vernon Eugene Harris, IV
Danielle Allysa Hays
Kaitlynn Nicole Henson
Alejandro Jose Hernandez
Mary Elizabeth Higgins
Kearstin Marie Hilligoss
Clayton Dean Hillsberry
Katelyn Nicole Hinkle
Michala Colleen Hinton
Megan Michelle Holloway
Taylor Erin Holloway
Dharma Loren Hopkins
Megan Christine Hopson
Shane Brian Horn
John Thomas Houston
Ashlee Paige Howard
Samuel Ryan Huff
Noel Brigitte Hughes
Jesse Keith James
Jaden Joel Jarret
Seth Taylor Jason
Gabriel Taylor Jeffus
Nathaniel Logan Jeffus
Bailey Lynn Jetton
Johnathan Luis Jiminez
Maxwell Cannon Johnson
Ally McKenzie Joiner
Daniel Gregory Jones
Nicholas Logan Jones
Nolan Ray Jones
Delvin Jerome Jordan, Jr.
Ashanti Iman Jordon
Manuel Alejandro Julio-Gomez
Jack Cole Karstetter
Alexis Jordan Keeling
Kyle Alan Keener
Madison Emily Keiper
Kohlton Neal Keller
Terrell Donta Kendricks
Madison Leigh Kinard
Kody Lane Krehbiel
Cassidy Leigh Ann Kupiec
Zackary Tyler Kupiec
Jacob Andrew Lamb
Robert Charles Larkin, Jr.
Aurora Bluejacket Lee
 

Alley Nichole Legrand
Rose Lee Leslie
Julia Ann Lewis
Karsen Taylor Lewis
Jasmine Rain Longoria
Eugenio Davila Lopez, Jr.
Kandi Branee Lovins
William Baily Makaula
Dalton Parker Manor
Zora Renee Marriott
Mike Martinez
Makenzie Grace Massey
Wyatt Jac Mathena
Cody Andrew Mathis
Jacob Christian Mauck
Shaina Grace Mayhue
Sydney Virginia Mayhugh
Elisha Nathanael McBride
Austin Eugene McCaskey
Tatum Marie McEntire
Madeline Diane McFarland
Kierra Desiree McGee
Tristan Allen McGinnis
Katheryn Riley McInnis
Zoe Renee McIntosh
Connor Lynn McKeaigg
William Jared McNally
Reid Eugene Meadows
Cody Lane Mendenhall
Destany Cheyanne Mendenhall
Taylor Sky Mendenhall
Caleb Bryce Merriman
Shelton Steven Metcalfe
Arial Marie Mickish
Amista Marie Miller
Dakota Gage Mitchell
Elissa Page Mitchem
Houston Scott Moore
Michaela Maye Morehead
Dalton Hunter Morgan
Cody Richard Motes
Ezra Paul Mowery
Baylee Jo Mudd
Audrina Adele Myers
Victoria Paulette Napier
Ausitn Roger Garrett Newman
Eric Andrew Newman
Samantha Corine Newman
Annah Marie Nichols
Logan James Nicklas
Jackson Alastair Scott Noble
Katessa Elise Noble
Makenna Rashea Norris
Derek Odysseus
Shannon Mae O'Meilia
Maileah Marina Ontiveros
Erin Taylor Orf
Cassandra Lee Owens
Dillon Dakota Owens
Brian Keith Palmer
Tanner Evan Pardue
Isaac Adan Pelayo
Sydney Jae PEnnington
Ashton McGregor Persons
Ryan James Phyllips
Larami D'Nae Pickle
Perry Wayne Pittman
Jordan Micahel Pizzimenti
Justin Plummer
Kayleigh Ann Polasek
Hope Elizabeth Pollard
Sheridan Mae Pool
Jennifer Lee Powell
Jaden Q. Puckett
Grace Emmalouise Rainey
Rosa Isela Ramirez
Samantha Nicole Ramirez
Bryanna Rose Ramsey
Mark Signey Reeves
Michael Williams Ritchey
Brandon Charles Roberson
Zachary Ryan Roberson
Taylor Morgan Roberts
Kyleigh Jean Brooke Robertson
Kristin Marie Rogers
Daniel Lee Ropp
Logan Tate Rotramel
Shelby Starr Rotramel
Konner Gordon Rugg
Jake Christian Ryals
Mary Mackenzie Sanders
Benjamin Michael Scantling
Pablo James Schinnerer
Kyler Jaymez Schnieder
Allison Taylor Sellers
Chance Ray Shadwick
Cody Austin Shafer
Christopher Richard Shain
Invyi Unique Shaw
Jacob Benjamin Sheppard
Joelie Shaye Simmons
Nathan Armstrong Simonton
Blake Neil Simpson
Zachary David Sims
Clay Ashton Skelly
Brooklyn Grace Slabby
Griffin Michael Slane
Kyler Michael Smidt
Alexandra Nicole Smith
Amanda Kay Smith
Brock Raymond Smith
Clayton Mickeul Smith
Jusin Dean Smith
Kearra Marie Smith
Nathan Michael Smith
Shelbie Deann Smith
Savannah Joyce Snyder
Edgar Adrian Soberano
Michael Owen Som de Cerff
Samantha Jo Sorrels
Garrett Ryan Spence
Alec Mitchell Spencer
Emilee Ann Spencer
Anthony James Spliedt
Skyler Christopher Staab
Jacob Alexander Steel
Keri Leann Steelman
Joshua Kalen Stevens
Charles Riley Stewart
Hunter Rae Stewart
Joshua Dylan Stowell
Tyler David Strong
Rebekah Ann Sutterfield
James Sebastian Taber
Joshua Chance Taber
Richard Maxwell Tankersley
Makayla Marie Tapia
Elizabeth Kaylan Tate
Gracen Aileen Taylor
Michael Jacob Terry
Brendan Edgar
Sarah Jo Thomas
Mackenzie Ryan Thompson
Nicholas Benjamin Thompson
Marissa Elaine Thornburg
Tylor Reed Tiblow
Aaron Treyce Tolbert
Joshua Robin Towery
Jay William Tribble
Vanessa Michelle Tucker
Brooklyn Nicole Turner
Zakkary Hunter Turnham
Cammy Jo Tyer
Henry Thomas Vindiver
Luis Antonio Villafuerte
Jonathan Emmanuel Vital
Kevin Ray Vreeland
Cheyenne Nicole Walden
Devon Michael Walker
Race Lenndon Walker
Shiloh Nicole Wallace
Cassie Gwynn Ward
Nicholas Colton Ward
Tanner Reid Ward
Darian Lavell Warren
Elijah Cale Warren
Caleb Amir Wash
Colton Lane Washington
John Anthony Waters
Sierra Dawn WAters
Faith Leeann Wecker
C-Jay Michelle Weiesnbach
Bradley Michael West
Erin Nicole West
Sybil Maria West
Jeffrey Daniel Whinery
Jordon Wayne Whittington
Ryan David Whittington
Ian Gregory Wiggs
Tristen Jonathan Wiley
Raven Ranger Wilkens
Andrew Henry Willhite
Brendan Michael Williams
Cole Mason Williams
Hunter Glen Williams
Trevor Davis Williams
Hunter Edwin Willis
Noah Wylie Wilson
Quintin Max Wimer
Kaylee Grace Wolbert
Phillip Julian Womack
Adam Houston Wood
Kaileeann Marie Worthington
Spencer Allen Wright
Nikolay Pavlovich Yakovlev
Kyndal Marie Zicker
 

ONE Gas gifts $5,000 grant to Sand Springs Education Foundation

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Left to right: Dick Ford, Kristin Arnold, Christopher Phillips, Sylvia Fooshee, Lou Pinkerton, Sherry Durkee.

The Sand Springs Education Foundation received a $5,000 grant from ONE Gas, Inc. Monday afternoon that will be used to fund new technology for a Sand Springs elementary school.

The money will be used to purchase a Nureva Span system for use at the newly remodeled Garfield STEAM Academy in north Sand Springs. 

The cloud-based program utilizes a solid-state illumination projector to create a panoramic canvas up to ten feet wide with ten simultaneous touch points so multiple individuals can work at the same time. Students will also be able to work on personal devices and add their work to the shared canvas in real-time. Students are also able to hold video chats with other classrooms across the world with Nureva systems. 

The Sand Springs School District is one of the first in the nation to utilize this ground-breaking technology, and already has two units at Charles Page High School.

Pictured, ONE Gas Community Relations Manager Christopher Phillips presents Foundation Director Sylvia Fooshee with a $5,000 grant. Left of Phillips is Foundation Trustee Dick Ford and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Kristin Arnold. Right of Fooshee is Foundation Trustee Lou Pinkerton and Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

Thirteen CPHS Band members receive Superior ratings at State

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The Charles Page High School band traveled to Oklahoma State University last Thursday for the Solo and Ensemble State Instrumentals and came away with several Superior and Excellent ratings.

Tim Carroll received a Superior rating in his Marimba and Xylophone solo.

The Clarinet Trio, Flute Trio, and Saxophone Quartet all received Superior ratings.

Dawson Allen received a Superior rating for his Tuba solo.

Jake Thompson received a Superior rating for his French Horn solo.

Carter Nance received an Excellent rating in his Snare Drum solo. 

 

Charles Page High School Band raises $9,835 through mattress fundraiser

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Charles Page High School Band Director Kyle Wright was recently presented with a check for $9,835 from Dennis Gentry of Custom Fundraising Solutions at the band's Spring Concert.

The money was raised through the First Annual Sand Springs Band Mattress Fundraiser.

Click here to view our photo gallery from the concert.

CPHS Spring Concert Program

Adrift - Andrew Markworth
(Winter Drum Line)

Concerto No. 2 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(Jake Thompson, Horn. Pam Eubanks, Piano.)

Andante & Rondo - Antonio Capuzzi
(Dawson Allen Tuba. Pam Eubanks, Piano.)

Cole Minor Blues - Jeff Jarvis
(Jazz Band II, feat. Jacob Collins.)

What a Wonderful World - Rick Stitzel
(Jazz Band II, feat. Ethan Beard, Hannah Farias.)

Four - John Berry
(Jazz Band II, feat. Nathan Hall.)

Modulation - Jeff Queen
(Carter Nance, Snare Drum.)

A Cricket Sang & Set the Sun - Blake Tyson
(Tim Carroll, Marimba.)

C'Mon Back - Lennie Neihaus
(Jazz Band I, feat. Nathan Hall and Matthew Burton.)

Jamie - Sammy Nestico
(Jazz Band I, feat. Angela Firey.)

Confusion - Lennie Niehaus
(Jazz Band I, feat. Jacob Collins, Savanna Darland.)

Ecossaise - JN Hummel
(Mikeale Becraft, Kira McDonald, Rebekah Sutterfield.)

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child - Rick Hirsch
(Matthew Burton, Joshua Stukey, Spencer Wright, Colby Neace.)

American Overture for Band - Joseph Willcox Jenkins
(CPHS Concert Band)

Black Horse Troop - JP Sousa
(CPHS Concert Band)

Exaltation - James Swearingen
(CPHS Concert Band, feat. Matthew Burton.)

NBDA Honor Band Members:
Josh Stuckey
Andrew Willhite
Jake Thompson

All-State 2nd Round
Josh Stuckey
Andrew Willhite
Jake Thompson

All-State
ake Thompson

State Solo & Ensemble
Bailey Delay
Emily Finnegan
Jillian Landers
Mikeale Becraft
Kira McDonald
Rebekah Sutterfield
Matthew Burton
Josh Stuckey
Spencer Wright
Colby Neace
Jake Thompson
Carter Nance

Concert Band

Flute
Victoria Baker
Kallie Cox
Bailey Delay
Emily Finnegan
Ben Hunt
Jillian Landers
Klaire Pinson
Haley Stuckey

Oboe
Stephanie Ayala

Bassoon
Elie Summar

Clarinet
Mikeale Becraft
Jamey Dorris
Kaylee Looney
Mira McDonald
Kayla Simms
Rebekah Sutterfield
Deanna Whitney
Breanna Wright

Bass Clarinet
Rebekah Schuler

Alto Saxophone
Dylan Bruton
Matthew Burton
Jordan Dirck
Xavier Kilgore
Zak Kizer
Brandi Sigala
Mason Singleton
Alexus Stevens
Amberly Watson
Elizabeth Whittington

 

Tenor Saxophone
Addison Baker
Josh Stuckey
Spencer Wright

Bari. Saxophone
Colby Neace
Tonja Pipes

Trumpet
Natalie Anderson
Erika Baker
Jacob Collins
Dathan Conder
Megan Conley
Bailee Dotson
Kristyn Fields
Nathan Hall
Jackson Noble
Miguel Palma
Kallie Rice
Chris Spellings
Ben Stowell
Jacelyn Trotter
Stephen West
Andrew Willhite

French Horn
Ethan Beard
Jake Thompson
Alexis White
Clayton Wright

Trombone
Chandler Blake
Hannah Farias
Garrett Lincoln
Montana Pitre
Lindsey Prince
Carson Scantling
Gabriel Wakefield
Anabeth Wiebe

Euphonium
Lauryn Barnes
Jasmine Schneider
Brian Scott
Luca Vaca

Tuba
Dawson Allen
Tyree Baker
Kristen Bolte
Sam Keiper
Laura Loomis
Griffin Slane

Percussion
Andrew Berryman
Stormi Blevens
Timothy Carroll
James Collins
Korbyn Cowan
Savanna Darland
Steven Dorris
Angela Firey
Zach Gougler
Jason Hall
Kellie Johnson
Evan Krall
Chrystian Marshall
Danny Murray
Carter Nance
Hanna Nelson
Nikole Sandberg
Izzy Smith
Blakely Staton
Erin West
Hallie West

Winter Drum Line Members

Front Ensemble
Angela Firey
Zach Gougler
Sara Nance
Quinn Paden
Kellie Johnson
Izzy Smith
Hannah Nelson
James Collins
Bryce Gregory
Elie Summar
Erin West
Steven Dorris
Korbyn Cowan
Meghan Charles
DJ Harper

Battery
Tim Carroll
Savanna Darland
Carter Nance
Blakely Staton
Chrystian Marshall
Nikole Sandberg
Danny Murray
Hallie West
Evan Krall
Jason Hall
Stormi Blevins
Jake Thompson
Clayton Wright
Jackson Noble

Winter Guard Members

Lauren Barkdull
Hannah Callahan
Kenzie Cypert
Trininty Dobson

Holle Keith
Rebekah Schuler
Adrianna Tapp
Ashley Tate

Jazz Band One

Natalie Anderson
Adison Baker
Lauryn Barnes
Jordan Dirck
Sam Keiper
Tonja Pipes
Blakely Staton
Luca Vaca
Ethan Beard
Jacob Collins

Jamey Dorris
Hannah Farias
Angela Firey
Nathan Hall
Braden Kizer
Samantha Pidcock
Brian Scott
Chris Spellings
Rebekah Sutterfield

Jazz Band Two

Chandler Blake
Haley Stuckey
Elizabeth Whittington
Dawson Allen
Matthew Burton
Tim Carroll
Jacob Collins
Savanna Darland
Angela Firey
Jason Hall
Nathan Hall

Chrystian Marshall
Colby Neace
Jackson Noble
Lindsey Prince
Griffin Slane
Josh Stuckey
Jake Thompson
Gabe Wakefield
Andrew Willhite
Clayton Wright
Spencer Wright

CPHS Class of 1985 graduate Dr. Stacey Butterfield to be inducted into Sandite Hall of Fame

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Superintendent of Jenks Public Schools, Dr. Stacey Butterfield is one of three CPHS alumni being inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame this Thursday.

The Sand Springs Education Foundation will be holding its 28th Annual Hall of Fame banquet this Thursday evening at the Charles Page High School Ed Dubie Field House.

CPHS Class of 1985 graduate Dr. Stacey Ford Butterfield is one of three Sandites who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

SEE RELATED: CPHS Class of 1967 graduate Larry Hurst to be inducted into Sandite Hall of Fame

After graduating from Sand Springs, Butterfield studied at Oklahoma State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She then attained her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Oklahoma. 

While working on her own education, Butterfield spent her summers as a teacher aid at the now defunct Hissom Memorial Center which closed in 1994. She also worked as a substitute teacher for the Sand Springs Public School District.

Upon graduating college, Butterfield began her career with the Jenks Public School District, where she has remained ever since. 

Butterfield was initially hired as a first-grade teacher at Jenks East Elementary in 1989, and later served as a Building Principal, Communications Director, Human Resources Supervisor, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent before being named the Superintendent of the school district in 2013. 

As Superintendent, Butterfield oversees all operations of the district, which includes nearly 12,000 students and 1,500 staff members. She also serves on Governor Mary Fallin's Education Advisory Committee and State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister's Advisory Council.

Butterfield was named one of the 21 Women of Distinction for 2013 by the Tulsa Business Journal, and was featured in The Journal Record as one of "50 Making a Difference" in 2014.

The Hall of Fame banquet will be catered by Rib Crib and will feature a silent auction and music by the CPHS Jazz Band. Sand Springs Teacher of the Year Janet Johnson will also be recognized at the event.

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission - regular monthly meeting
  • 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Oklahoma Blood Institute blood drive
    • Sand Springs Church of Christ. 4301 S. 113th W. Ave, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment - regular monthly meeting was CANCELED
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Bartlesville High School. 500 S Madison Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006

Tuesday

  • State and Federal Taxes are due
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Union Tournament
    • Lafortune Park. 5501 S. Yale Ave. Tulsa OK 74135
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - road game
    • Union Intermediate High School. 7616 S. Garnett Rd. Tulsa OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - home game
    • Sandite Baseball Complex. 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority - regular monthly meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Band Booster Club - meeting and elections
    • Charles Page High School. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
    • Positions up for election: President, Vice President, Secretary, Co-Treasurer, CPHS Representative. Appointed coordinator positions also open.
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Development Authority - regular monthly meeting

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - 6A State Preview
    • Karsten Creek Golf Club. 1800 S. Memorial Dr. Stillwater OK 74074
  • 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Guns n' Hoses Community Challenge Blood Drive
  • 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Cascia Hall. 2520 S. Yorktown Ave. Tulsa OK 74114
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - double header road games
    • Jenks High School. 1561 N. Birch St. Jenks OK 74037
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame dinner
    • Ed Dubie Field House. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Friday

  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Choir Trip - Branson "Music in the Park" Choir Contest
  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Track and Field - Muskogee Track Meet
    • 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee OK 74403
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Saturday

  • 9:00 a.m. 28th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival
  • 10:00 a.m. Sand Springs OKUSA Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School. 305 W. 35th St. Sand Springs OK 74063

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game
    • 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs OK 74063

Tuesday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bishop Kelley Tournament
    • Lafortune Park Golf Course - 5501 S. Yale Ave, Tulsa OK 74135
  • 4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis duel
    • Edison High School, 2906 E. 41st St, Tulsa OK 74105
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game
    • Union High School, 6636 S. Mingo Rd, Tulsa OK 74133
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Jenks Festival
    • 1610 N. Birch, Jenks OK 74037
    • 10:00 a.m. vs Broken Arrow
    • 12:30 p.m. vs Southmoore

Wednesday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Sapulpa Tournament
    • 1200 W. Dewey Ave, Sapulpa OK 74066
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Tennis duel - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 10:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Thursday

  • 8:00 CPHS Girls' Golf - Del City Tournament
    • Trosper GC, 2301 SE 29th St, Oklahoma City OK 73129
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Road game
    • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr, Bixby, OK 74008
  • 6:30 p.m. Estate Planning Seminar by Monica L. Maple
    • Green Tree Assisted Living, 4402 S. 129th W. Ave. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:30 p.m. CPHS Band Spring Concert
    • Ed Dubie Field House, 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063

Friday

  • 2:30 p.m. CPHS Track and Field - Booker T. Washington Track Meet
    • 1514 E. Zion St, Tulsa OK 74106
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Road game
    • Westmoore High School, 12613 S. Western Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73170
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Road game
    • Westmoore High School, 12613 S. Western Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73170

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Case Community Park River Run
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Frontier Valley Conference Tournament
    • Indian Springs GC, 16006 E. 131st St. S. Broken Arrow OK 74011
  • 10:00 a.m. Maxx Roofing 4th Annual Special Needs Bass Tournament
    • Mannford Lake Prairie View Boat Ramp
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Prom

Jake Thompson receives Sandite Spirit Award, Board of Ed discusses curriculum/facilities

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All State Band member Jake Thompson is presented with the Sandite Spirit Award. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening and discussed budget cuts, facility renovations, and the future of High School education in Sand Springs. They also presented Jake Thompson with a Sandite Spirit Award.

Thompson was recently named to the All State Band for French Horn, and was also a member of the Winter Percussion unit that won their first State Championship this past weekend.

Thompson spent seven months practicing more than an hour a day in preparation for Districts to earn his way to the All-State competition. From there he was among a hundred musicians who competed for the twenty positions on the All-State Band. 

"In Northeast Oklahoma we have some of the best competitors in the country," said Charles Page High School Band Director Kyle Wright. 

Additionally, Thompson learned how to play symbols this past year for the Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma competitions. 

Charles Page staff gave a presentation regarding the school's transition to a career-pathway style of teaching. In the coming years the school will be providing classes structured around different career paths with unique curriculum for each student. The presentation discussed trying to build a career-preparatory culture at CPHS with enhanced college and career counseling. The school expects all students to graduate academically prepared for either college or a career.

Part of the career-pathway presentation addressed "redefining the senior year" and allowing seniors to earn credit hours through part-time jobs, internships, or apprentice ships. Students who maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher with good attendance will be able to participate in the High Schools that Work pilot program. Students who participate will have to turn in weekly pay stubs and take a biweekly class tied into their on-the-job learning.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave an update on the SSPS facilities, including the former Twin Cities Elementary building and the Ed Dubie Field House. 

Twin Cities was listed for sale by owner last year, but has had little market interest. According to Durkee, the building is deteriorating and has substantial problems including mold. After consulting with Montie Box of Montie Box Realtors, they concluded the building's last appraisal was overly generous, and it's not worth the cost of restoration. Durkee believes the District's best option is to demolish the building and retain the property for future growth in that area. The Indian Education facility located next to Central Ninth Grade Center is also in rough shape and expected to be demolished in the future.

The Ed Dubie Field House has been without a playable basketball court for more than a month now after moisture cause the floor to warp. The CPHS Girls' Basketball team earned the right to host a Regional Playoff this year, but had to move to Broken Arrow after the damage was uncovered. The current floor was installed in 1978, making it about time for replacement anyways. Comparably, the National Basketball Association requires its teams to replace their floors every ten years. Hardwood installation typically takes about six weeks for a basketball court, and the district is hoping to remodel by July when volleyball practice begins. 

The Board approved a contract with Oklahoma LED for a $445,596 project to replace the entire district's lighting fixtures with LED strip lights. The LED lights are expected to result in major energy savings for the district in the future. Oklahoma LED projects electric savings of up to 80% in the first month.

CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship in first season of competition

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SUBMITTED.

The Charles Page High School marching band competed in Winter Guard and Percussion for the first time this season and capped their debut with a State Championship win. 

The Color Guard started the season in February with a fourth place finish out of ten teams in the Scholastic Regional B classification at Broken Arrow. They placed second in Equipment Analysis, third in Movement Analysis, fifth in Design Analysis, and fourth in general effect with an overall score of 58.020. The Percussion team was the only team in their category, receiving a 68.250.

The following week saw the Guard taking fifth place out of ten teams at Sapulpa. They placed third in Equipment, fourth in Movement, seventh in Design, and fourth in general effect with a total score of 51.940. This time the Percussion unit had a competitor and handily topped Royal Regiment 71.550 to 67.950 with top marks in Music and Music Effect.

The Guard placed sixth of seven teams at Catoosa. They placed third in Equipment, seventh in Movement, fifth in Design, and fifth in general effect with a cumulative score of 51.240. The Percussion team was alone in their category and scored a 76.500.

The season wrapped up with the Championship competition at Mustang High School. The Guard took thirteenth out of sixteen teams in Scholastic Regional B with a season-high score of 60.180. Percussion also recorded their highest score of the season at 79.100, beating Royal Regiment with 76.650 for the Scholastic Marching A title. The Sandites took first in Music, Visual, and Musical effect. 

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Golf - McAlester tournament
    • McAlester Country Club, 1500 Country Club Rd. McAlester, OK 74501
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Tennis - Bartlesville tournament
    • Hillcrest Country Club, 1901 Price Rd. Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 5:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - road game
    • Muskogee High School, 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Softball - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • Sandite Softball Complex, 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 5:30 p.m. Charles Page High School  Baseball - home game
    • Sandite Baseball Complex, 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium, 500 North Adams Rd. Sand Springs, OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium, 500 North Adams Rd. Sand Springs, OK 74063

Wednesday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Golf - Sapulpa Tournament
    • Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course, 1200 W. Dewey Ave, Sapulpa OK 74066
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
    • Adams Municipal Golf Course, 5801 Tuxedo Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74006

Thursday

  • 1:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 2:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Track Meet
    • Moore High School, 300 N. Eastern Ave. Moore OK 73160
  • 3:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Softball - road game (double-header)
    • Berryhill High School, 2901 S. 65th W. Ave. Tulsa OK 74107

Friday

  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Soccer - road game
    • Putnam City North High School, 11800 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73162
  • 7:00 p.m. Chillin 'n' Grillin' Festival
    • Pogue Airport, 101 John Hess Dr. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:00 p.m. Unity Praise 2017: Pathway to Greatness
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Soccer - road game
    • Putnam City North High School, 11800 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73162

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Golf - Owasso Tournament
    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course, 10105 Larkin Bailey Blvd. Owasso OK 74055
  • 10:00 a.m. Chillin' 'n' Grillin' Festival + Harper's Hut Classic Car Show
  • Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • 11:00 a.m. Fifth-Place Game
      • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
    • 1:00 a.m. Seventh-Place Game
      • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr. Bixby, OK 7400
    • 1:30 p.m. Championship Game
      • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr. Bixby, OK 7400
    • 1:30 p.m. Third-Place Game
      • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012

Free community events are free to list and advertise with Sandite Pride. 
Submit information below, or email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com to send posters

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - road game
    • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr., Bixby OK 74008
  • 7:00 p.m. Regular Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday

  • 9:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Boys Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. 1801 N. McKinley Rd., Sand Springs 
  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs
  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Varsity Soccer - road game
    • Booker T. Washington High School. 1514 E. Zion St. Tulsa OK 74106
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Varsity Soccer - road game
    • Booker T. Washington High School. 1514 E. Zion St. Tulsa OK 74106

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Girls Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. 1801 N. McKinley Rd., Sand Springs
  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - road game
    • Broken Arrow High School. 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Friday

  • 4:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Track and Field
    • Stillwater High School. 1224 N. Husband St. Stillwater, OK 74075
  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Girls' Soccer - road game
    • Enid High School. 611 W. Wabash Ave. Enid, OK 73701
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Boys' Soccer - road game
  • Enid High School. 611 W. Wabash Ave. Enid, OK 73701

Saturday

  • 12:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs

Free community events are free to list and advertise with Sandite Pride.
Submit posters and information to SanditePrideNews@gmail.com