Season Primer: Sandite Football Kicks Off Friday vs. Sapulpa

SAnd Springs hosts the highway 97 rivalry trophy after a 2022 road victory at sapulpa.

Since 1952, Sand Springs and Sapulpa have been connected by State Highway 97, but since 1922 something else has connected the two Tulsa suburbs.

Blood, sweat, pigskin, and gridiron have been bringing the two communities together for 30 years longer than the rivalry has had a name - and for the 97th time in the past 102 seasons, Sandites and Chieftains will be at each other’s throats on Friday, August 25th at Memorial Stadium

Both Charles Page High School and Sapulpa High School will open their seasons in Zero Week in the American Heritage Bank Highway 97 Rivalry.

The defending 97 Champs? Sand Springs by way of a 35-21 road win that saw now-senior running back Kenneth Page lit up the scoreboard to the tune of 205 yards and five touchdowns.

With their eighth win in the past nine years, the Sandites finally took their first series lead since 1943 at 46-45-5.

Both teams are looking to take a big step this season. After three consecutive seasons with playoff wins, the Sandites aim for their first State Finals berth since 2015. Sapulpa is coming off back-to-back winning seasons and is looking for its first playoff win since 2005.

Both teams will be eager to start the season on the right foot with a win against their chief rivals before a packed house on statewide television.

The Sandites started the year with a 21-7 half-game loss to Choctaw at the Jenks Football Preview on Friday, August 18th. The Yellowjackets took a 14-0 lead before Easton Webb connected with Wyatt Rutledge, the latest in a long line of Rutledge football stars.

“We were a little bit tired towards the end of that scrimmage, which is natural,” said fourth-year head coach Bobby Klinck, who owns a 22-14 record since arriving at Sand Springs.

“You can run and sprint and do all that stuff, but football shape is different. You’ve got to be ready for it. So I thought there were some plays that we left out there, but for the most part, when we watched film and went back and looked at it, I thought we’re a much-improved football team from last year and I look forward to showing that on Friday.”

Klinck isn’t one to gently test the water toes-first. Choctaw was last year’s State Runner-Up, beating the Sandites 48-29 in the quarterfinals. His team will also take on defending 6A-I State Champion Bixby in the second game of the season.

The Sandites’ strength this season will be their offensive line. Six-foot-four sophomore Ryley Kester is already receiving Division I offers, checking in at 270 pounds. 275-pound senior Tyler Smith stands six feet fall, as does 280-pound senior Marcus Sims. At center, State Tournament-placing wrestler Mason Harris will provide six feet and 260 pounds of intensity.

“Combine that with Ali McCoy and Kenneth Page, we’re looking to run the football,” said Klinck. “There’s no doubt we should be able to. I’ve always told the O-line that we’ll go as far as they go.”

Page was the workhorse for the Sandites last year, carrying the ball 210 times for 1022 yards and 17 touchdowns. McCoy also showed off his speed with 53 carries for 297 yards and 7 TDs.

Klinck expects to split the workload pretty evenly between the two this year. “Those guys love it because they understand that when they’re fresh, they’re a lot better."

Also taking advantage of that powerful line will be 6’4” sophomore quarterback Easton Webb, who was 127-of-203 passing last season for 1,564 yards and 13 touchdowns after winning the starting job in week four.

But despite the football hype, Webb’s primary sport is baseball. In fact, he was recruited by and committed to Oklahoma State University as a freshman before he had ever played a varsity minute.

“In the summer, when you’re that type of athlete, you’ve got to juggle your time between baseball and football,” said Klinck. “And he needs to do that because he excels at both. We’re happy now that it’s coming up on fall and we get him full time.”

“His command, his physicality, the way he’s grown physically. Obviously we’re looking for great things from him.”

Webb also shows strong potential as a dual threat, carrying the ball for nearly 200 yards and four touchdowns last year.

“He’s a lot faster than what people think,” said Klinck. “He definitely wants to throw, but he’s not afraid to tuck it down and put his shoulder pads down when he has to. He’s an all-around type of player and we’re looking for him to make major strides this year.”

Untested for the Sandites will be their receiving corps after graduating their top four from last season.

“Wyatt Rutledge has really come on,” said Klinck. “I think (Caleb) Goodman is going to show some things this year. It’s a bunch of guys that are unproven but we feel that they have the talent to get it done. They’ve just got to prove it on Friday night.”

Defensively, the Sandites will be returning only a handful of their top guys from last season, but Klinck expects big things nonetheless.

“This is a group that they’ve been in the system for a minute and they’re playing fast. We’re going to be aggressive this year. We think that’s kind of our mentality and our nature.”

Gatlin Gunn, Keagan Gilman, Dallas Elifrits, Waylon Jeffers, and Alex Dudley are all expected to make a big impact as some of the top returning tacklers from last season.

As for the leadership this season, the team captains will be Harris, Sims, Dudley, and Gillman.

“We vote team captains. I allow the players to do that,” said Klinck. “They’ve done an unbelievable job. When it’s hot, when guys want to get testy, they’re the ones stepping in saying ‘we can’t be doing this, we’re on the same team.’”

“At the end of practice Alex Dudley’s telling all the scouting guys ‘thank you so much for helping us, it’s a big deal what you’re doing.’ It’s the old adage, ‘when players lead, those are the best teams.’ They’re doing it right now; it’s exciting.”

Sand Springs is hoping to #Sellout97 in what would be the first sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium since it was expanded to a 6,700-seat capacity in 2007. Fans who don’t like crowds will be able to tune in on Yurview (Cox Channel 3). The game will start late at 8:00 p.m. to help dodge the sun.

CPHS Wrestling: Sandites win fifth-straight dual 52-27 against Sapulpa - presented by Inkwell Printing

The Class 6A No. 10 ranked Charles Page High School wrestling team (9-5) won their fifth-straight dual Tuesday afternoon at Clyde Boyd Middle School, 52-27 against Sapulpa (2-4) in the second round of the District Dual tournament. The Sandites are in search of their fifth-straight District title and will take on Muskogee (1-2) in the finals.

Coverage of the tournament is sponsored by Inkwell Printing, the official provider of Sand Springs spirit wear. Inkwell is currently taking orders for team jerseys for the Spring baseball/softball seasons. Inkwell offers customizable Under Armour and Nike, as well as full-color sublimated jerseys, with fast turnaround and no art or set-up fees.

Inkwell Printing
1 West 41st Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 508-3634

Harley Newberry received a forfeit at 113 to start the dual and the Sandites never trailed. Colton Luker pinned Zaltana Keener in 0:28 to make it 12-0 before the Chieftains got on the board with Parker Lecoq’s pin against Ethan Norton. JJ Long followed it with a pin of Hunter Hilger to tie it up.

Blake Jones put the home team out front again with a pin of Dallas Wilson in 0:48, Preston Medlin won an 11-1 major decision against Luke Young, and the home team would hold onto the lead for the duration.

Simon Young got a pin against Chase White for the visitors, but Chris Kirby and Dakota Taylor both received forfeits to make it 34-18. K’Den Stepp scored last in an 11-10 shootout with Sango Whitehorn.

Josh Fincannon and Robbie Parrish received forfeits, then Cayden Miller ended the dual with a pin of Shane Wolf at 106.

Sand Springs City Council names new commercial development

Vice-Mayor Patty Dixon presents Chamber of Commerce President Kristin Cepak with a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday.

Mannford Mayor Tyler Buttram thanks the Sand Springs City Council for their gift of a retired 1990 Fire Ladder Truck.

The Sand Springs City Council voted on the naming of the new commercial development on the site of the former Sheffield Steel Mill at their regular Monday meeting. The City has been prepping the 18-acre development for the past year since purchasing the land from OmniTRAX, and decided Monday to name the area Sheffield Plaza.

The commercial development was initially begun by OmniTRAX, who intended to spearhead the construction of a shopping center by the name of Sheffield Crossing. The company later decided to focus on the railroad and industrial development, but agreed to sell 18 acres of Highway 97 frontage to the City.

Because OmniTRAX owns the name Sheffield Crossing, and is still using it to refer to their operations immediately behind the development, the City had to find a new name. They were, however, given permission to use the word “Sheffield.” In a 5-1 vote, Council decided on Sheffield Plaza. Brian Jackson, Phil Nollan, Mike Burdge, Nancy Riley, and Patty Dixon were in favor, and Beau Wilson dissented. Mayor Jim Spoon was absent from the meeting.

Other names considered included “Sheffield Landing,” “Mill Landing,” “Mill Road Plaza,” “Mill Plaza,” and the “Shoppes at Sheffield Crossing.” “The Shoppes at Sheffield Crossing” was deemed inappropriate because the City is primarily hoping to attract a large box store, which wouldn’t leave much room for smaller shops. 

Council also voted unanimously on “Huskey Boulevard” as the street name for the Highway 97 entrance to the development. The name is in honor of former Assistant Chief of Police Jesse Huskey, who is the only Sand Springs Police Officer to ever lose his life in the line of duty. The entrance to the development is expected to be completed by November 30th.

Other names submitted included “Steel Mill Road,” “Mill Avenue,” “Sheffield Street,” “River Road,” and “Armco Avenue.” Those names will remain on the table for additional roads that will likely be constructed within the development in the future.

Sand Springs is hoping to attract a lumber/hardware store to Sheffield Plaza, but is open to any prospective businesses. The property is in the most highly-trafficked section of Sand Springs, with visibility from both Highway 97 and Highway 412.

Council also unanimously approved an amended agreement with Axon for police video services. The agreement will see a $40,950 increase to an existing contract over a four-year period, and will allow the Police Department to store all body camera and dashboard camera footage indefinitely. While the department does flag video for indefinite storage in cases where they expect there may be need of it, the bulk of the department’s video is deleted after six months.

“I think what’s very important is to at least keep (all footage) for two years, because that’s the statute of limitations on bringing a claim in federal court against the City if someone were to feel something we’ve done is wrong,” said Police Chief Mike Carter.

Carter painted a hypothetical scenario in which a parent or guardian might not become aware of a law enforcement interaction with their child until months after the fact, such as a minor traffic stop. He also pointed to a recent DUI case that the City lost in court due to footage that was automatically deleted.

“In this case that we lost, it happened that the person didn’t show up for court, there was a warrant out for awhile. It was a simple first offense DUI…the video got deleted because it wasn’t something that rose to the level that the officer felt that he needed to retain it.”

“That being said, that wasn’t the biggest reason that we wanted to do this,” said Carter. “We want the truth on every case to be shown. We don’t want people to feel that we’re ever not being open or transparent. In my estimation, video is one the of the great things that has happened in law enforcement.”

In other news:

Vice-Mayor Patty Dixon presented a Mayoral Proclamation to the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, proclaiming November 30th, 2019 as Small Business Saturday in Sand Springs. Small Business Saturday is a national movement encouraging holiday shoppers to visit small, locally owned operations on the weekend of Black Friday in order to stimulate the local economy. Chamber President Kristin Cepak received the proclamation.

Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement gifting a 1990 E-One Stratosphere Quint Fire Ladder Truck to the neighboring town of Mannford. Sand Springs recently purchased a new ladder truck and no longer has regular need for the 30-year old model. The agreement also allows for Sand Springs to request the truck in the event that extra help is needed. “I can’t thank you guys enough on behalf of the City of Mannford,” said visiting Mayor Tyler Buttram.

Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for an election in Wards 3 and 4. Those seats are currently occupied by Burdge and Riley, respectively. The filing period will be from December 2-4 and candidates can file their declaration of candidacy with the City Clerk between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.  – 5:00 p.m.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of 20 Motorola APX 900 Portable Radios for the Parks and Public Works departments, at a cost of $39,992.65.

Council unanimously approved a Utility Easement Encroachment Agreement with the Villas at Stone Creek Estates. McGuire Brothers Construction recently completed the installation of 1,447 linear feet of 8-inch SDR-35 PVC and 81 linear feet of 8-inch C-900 PVC sanitary sewer pipe at a cost of $103,429.

Council unanimously approved a Specific Use Permit to allow a Medical Marijuana Processing facility at an existing dispensary. Harvest Health Dispensary opened at 1104 West Wekiwa Road in April of 2019 and has been working toward processing in-house.

Council unanimously approved the Sand Springs Pogue Airport 5-year Capital Improvement Projects Plan, which is submitted annually to the Federal Aviation Administration and Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

Council unanimously approved the City Council 2020 Meeting Schedule.

Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming dilapidation public nuisance administrative hearing findings and authorizing the demolition of a vacant residential building at 213 ½ North Industrial Avenue. The City has been working with property owners since February of 2018 to have the secondary building repaired, but work has not progressed. It is currently deemed unfit for human occupancy, and due to its location, is at risk of being occupied by vagrants.

Council unanimously approved an ordinance switching the collection of hotel/motel tax from City staff to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The City currently levies a 7% excise tax on hotel/motel gross receipts for the purpose of promoting economic development, cultural enhancement, and tourism. The OTC will assume responsibility for collecting the taxes on behalf of the city.

The Municipal Authority meeting convened following City Council. Trustees approved an amendment to an agreement for engineering services with Tetra Tech for the design and construction services for a second One Way Surge Tank in the Skiatook Raw Water Conveyance System. Sand Springs will fund 60% of the $31,500 contract, with Sapulpa funding 40%. Trustees approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of five new easements to aid the Municipal Authority raw water line.

Trustees unanimously voted to award a $1,039,000 bid to GH2 Architects for renovations at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course clubhouse. The funding was approved by voters in a 2018 general obligation bond election. GH2 had the lowest of six bids.

Trustees also awarded a $570,402.84 bid to Heckenkemper Golf Course Design for the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge course improvements. Heckenkemper had the lowest of two bids. The funding for the project will also come from a 2018 GO Bond.

Sand Springs woman opening free health clinic in Sapulpa

A Sand Springs woman is working to open a new free clinic for individuals who do not have insurance. Dr. Rachel Ray is one of the directors of the upcoming CURA For the World - Sapulpa clinic that will be opening to the public Tuesday, July 23rd.

CURA For the World is headquartered in Tulsa and was founded by Lebanese emigrant Dr. Jawad Trad in September of 2016. Since then, CURA has partnered with organizations in seven different countries to provide medical aid and food security to the impoverished. Dr. Ray and her partner, Dr. Zach Fowler, attended medical school with Trad.

The Sapulpa location is the organization’s first clinic in the United States under Project USA. They will be holding an Open House Sunday, July 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a ribbon cutting that Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Doors will open for patient check-in Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

More than 27 million Americans are without health insurance, and the Sapulpa clinic is CURA’s first step in a larger plan to help that demographic. According to CURA, 17.4% of Sapulpans live below the poverty line, with the largest affected demographic being Females between the ages of 25-34.

“There are many uninsured people in our communities that are unable to secure health insurance and I see how this negatively effects the wellbeing of the patients and the health of our community,” says Ray. There are free clinics in Tulsa but the free resources on the west side of Tulsa and especially Creek county is very limited. There is currently no free standing free health clinic in all of Creek County.”

The clinic will offer free services to individuals with limited incomes, no health insurance, or who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. They will also help those who only have catastrophic care coverage, or individuals who have insurance, but can’t afford their high deductibles.

CURA will offer treatment for both routine illnesses and chronic conditions, as well as a limited range of medical testing, prescription drug assistance, women’s health care, and free child therapy sessions. They will not, however, be providing pregnancy testing, Pap smears, or STD testing, stimulants, controlled substances, or care for chronic pain patients.

Dr. Ray is a graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Oklahoma - Tulsa campus and currently resides in Sand Springs.

“I always knew I wanted a career in which I could help to make a positive and meaningful difference in the life of someone else,” says Ray. “Throughout my early education years, I was intrigued by the complexity of the sciences and the human body. I love to learn new things and medicine allows me to always be aware of the changes and advances in science and healthcare. The most special part of being a physician is the trust that we receive from our patients and the opportunity to help make their lives better.”

The clinic is completely volunteer based and will be open Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is first-come first-served and expects to be able to handle about sixteen patients per week. The team anticipates being able to expand their hours in the future.

“We plan to utilize our clinic to help bring more services to our community. We are partnering with different organizations so that we can provide lab work, diagnostic imaging and specialist evaluations to our patients. We will also bring in community education programs to help educate on nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. We are working to bring counselors for therapy services through partnering with Improving Lives Counseling Services. We are also developing a partnership with a local Sapulpa pharmacy to be able to provide reduced cost medications. We are not currently able to provide well woman exams or childhood immunizations, but we do hope to provide these services in the future.”

CURA Medical Clinic
1012 West Taft Street
Sapulpa, OK 74066

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Paperwork Placing Five Additional State Questions on November Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin signed election proclamations Monday that place five additional state questions on the November 8 general election ballot.

The paperwork signed by the governor placed these issues on the ballot:

• State Question (SQ) 779, which would increase the state sales tax by 1 percent to fund teacher pay raises and other education causes.

• SQ 780, which reclassifies some criminal offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, as misdemeanors instead of felonies.

• SQ 781, which would take money saved from implementing SQ 780 and allow counties to fund community rehabilitation programs.

• SQ 790, which would remove a section of the Oklahoma Constitution prohibiting use of state resources for religious purposes.  

• SQ 792, which would allow wine and full-strength beer to be sold in grocery stores and convenience stores.

The deadline for the governor to sign election proclamations for state questions to be placed on the November 8 general election ballot is Friday.

Two other state questions already are on the ballot. SQ 776 would declare that the death penalty is not cruel or unusual punishment and would allow the Legislature to designate any method of execution if a current method is declared unconstitutional. SQ 777 would prevent lawmakers from passing legislation to regulate agriculture unless there is a compelling state interest.

Pokémon Go! Sapulpa's Davis Park

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

If you're a Pokémon Go! addict like me, you're always looking for the best new places to gather supplies, battle for gyms, and catch the elusive monsters needed to complete your Pokédex. 

Follow along with my Pokémon Go! series to discover the communities around you and save yourself the trouble of visiting useless hunting grounds.

Today I visited Davis Park in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Located on the corner of Taft and Maple Street, this fifteen acre neighborhood park boasts four Pokéstops and one gym. The quaint, semi-wooded, walking trail is a winding and enjoyable venture with lots of cute friendly squirrels and ample seating.

I counted no less than a dozen benches and picnic tables throughout the park, as well as two pavilions, an old-school playground, a beautiful creek, and a full basketball court. There is also a baseball field, but it's not cut short enough and would be rough to play on. The playground features classic equipment that we all know and love; not the newfangled contraptions that look like they belong on the set of 50 Shades of Grey. 

While this would be an excellent park for a family outing or afternoon walk, it is NOT a good hunting ground for Pokémon trainers. Throughout my pleasant walk along the half-mile paved trail, I encountered only a single Pidgey and nothing else. You do have to walk the entire trail to reach all the Pokestops, and there is no overlap.  

So leave the phone in the car for this one and just enjoy the outdoors! 

Senate approves ‘Stolen Valor’ legislation

SUBMITTED

The full Senate approved a measure by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Representative James Leewright that is aimed at ending the practice of “stolen valor.”  The bill was approved 44 to 2.

House Bill 2450, by Bingman and Leewright, increases the fine for an act of “stolen valor,” which involves impersonating a member of the Armed Forces by wearing any decoration or medals awarded to members of the Armed Forces. The fine would be increased from $100 to $1,000 under HB 2450.

“‘Stolen valor’ is a serious offense and is demeaning to those who have served and those who are serving in the military. Increasing the fine for impersonating a veteran should discourage anyone from engaging in this despicable practice. This measure helps protect the integrity and honor that comes with serving in our nation’s Armed Forces. We value that service, our veterans and their families and this measure is one way we can express our gratitude to them,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

The Senate leader noted it was just a week ago that lawmakers met in a special joint session to honor the 45th Infantry and the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Medals were awarded to men and women who exemplify the courage, dedication, patriotism and professionalism that is a hallmark of those who wear a uniform,” Bingman said.  “Those who fraudulently display those medals and decorations will face even stronger penalties once this legislation becomes law.”

Leewright thanked the Senate for their support of the measure.

“It’s incredibly important that we protect the legacy of our veterans from misuse.  I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill has received and look forward to it being signed into law,” said Leewright, R-Bristow.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Alley LeGrand is headed to HOSA Nationals, and needs your help

STAFF REPORTS

Charles Page High School and Tulsa Tech junior Alley LeGrand recently placed third in her event at the Oklahoma State HOSA competitions this week, qualifying to compete at Nationals this summer in Nashville, Tennessee. The only problem is, only the first place winners get the trip paid for by HOSA. 

The Health Occupations Students of America's mission is "to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill, and leadership development of all heal science education students, therefore, helping the student meet the needs of the health care community."

Despite being a National Technology Honors Society student with perfect attendance at both Tech and CPHS, LeGrand will have to forfeit her spot if she can't come up the money by April 13th. 

LeGrand has already been accepted to her second year at Tulsa Tech for the Dental Assistant program, and is hoping to represent Sand Springs on the national stage and potentially win a scholarship. She's already raised $215 in the first 14 hours, but needs to reach $1,600 by April 13. If you would like to contribute you can donate to her campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/ctxux8rg

Bill & Ruth's is Sand Springs's best kept secret

View fullsize

By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Whenever I walk into a restaurant, I fully prepare myself for the possibility of not being able to find something to eat there. I have multiple food allergies and they make eating outside of my home nearly impossible sometimes. When I walked into Bill and Ruth's, I was completely prepared to have to walk away and find somewhere else to eat, but that was not the case.

As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted with genuine enthusiasm by the owner, Walid Mustafa. He then asked us what we would be eating, and I told him of my predicament. That did not phase Mustafa in any way though. He immediately began making suggestions and actively trying to find things that I would be able to eat. He offered to make a dish in an alternative way to avoid using an ingredient that I couldn't eat. It ended up being the perfect solution, and we decided that the grilled catfish with steamed vegetables was a meal that I could safely eat!

After we paid and went to sit down, Mustafa began personally preparing our food. He got all of it out very quickly and it was wonderful. The food was plated very well, and the portions were large. I ended up taking more than half of it home! Finally, the restaurant was very clean and welcoming. It was a completely positive experience for me. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

I would highly recommend anyone to visit this restaurant, there is a wide variety of foods and the service is always excellent. Bill and Ruth's is located at 351 East 2nd Street, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm, and closed Sunday. If you would like to make a to-go order you can call the restaurant at 918-245-3782.

March 22nd is officially Frank Cooper Day in Tulsa County, here's how you can celebrate

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County declared today, March 22nd, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day, in honor of the Charles Page High School social studies and leadership teacher Frank Cooper. 

Cooper has been a public school teacher for the past 23 years, after giving up a promising legal career to instead pursue a more fulfilling path. The proclamation reads what we all know, that "Mr. Cooper promotes core values of kindness, respect, honesty and affirmation so convincingly with students changing the entire culture of Charles Page High School."

Cooper has a long resume of recognition, including the 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence and the University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Award for Inspiration. He was a 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist and was the subject of an American Story segment with Bob Dotson on NBC's Today show.

So how does one celebrate Frank Cooper Day?

Unfortunately there's no parade planned, but there are ways you can celebrate on your own.

Firstly, say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag. Cooper begins every day by leading his class in the pledge, a practice that is more and more uncommon in schools today.

Then, circle up with your fellow Sandites and sing the Alma Mater. 

Charles Page High forever, and true to her we'll be
for to our Alma Mater we owe our loyalty.
Our love is always with thee
as onward we will go.
Charles Page High forever, may she live eternally.

Then, turn this up full volume, and sing along as loud as you can. Get your whole workplace involved if you can. Sweet Caroline has been an anthem for the Charles Page students for years and is frequently played at sporting events and performed by the band. This arose from Cooper frequently playing it in class with full participation. 

If you're looking to make a Frank Cooper playlist for the day, be sure and include Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice, Baby," Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," and as much Elvis as you can get your hands on.

Finally, spend the duration of the day giving positive affirmation to everyone you encounter, especially to those who you normally wouldn't. Be kind to everyone, strangers included, and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. If you like, you can email Cooper at frank.cooper@Sandites.org and let him know the impact he's made on your life or your student's life. 

Three ways to get involved on Monday

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

There's no shortage of opportunities to make a difference in a small town. It's tough if you don't know where to look, though. Here's what's going on in your town today:

The City of Sand Springs is inviting anyone and everyone to join the council Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. at City Hall for the annual City Budget Fair. "(The event) is a great opportunity to give input on the 2017 Fiscal Year Budget and get educated on the budget process," says the City Facebook page.

A Facebook post from Charles Page High School teacher and basketball coach Dustin Morrow is currently circulating the web, asking for community involvement in the future of our athletics programs. The message is as follows...

"Parents of Athletes and concerned members of the community:

Rod Sitton, the assistant principal at the high school, is hosting a meeting Monday, January 25th at 6 PM in the high school library to gauge the interest in forming a Sand Springs Athletics Foundation. With budget cuts heading our way, it is imperative that we as a community are proactive in facing the challenges to come. Sand Springs Athletics is having one of the greatest years in our history. It is impossible to continue this success unless we invest in the future of our athletic programs. PLEASE spread the word and make plans to attend this very important meeting. THANK YOU AND GO SANDITES!!!"

Another way you can help our schools is to visit the Book Fair fundraiser being held in the performing arts building at CPHS on the upper level. The fundraiser will directly benefit Senior Celebration, an annual post-graduation lock-in held at Case Community Center to provide a safe drug/alcohol-free environment for our graduates to celebrate in. The sale will take place from 3-6 p.m. Monday afternoon, and 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Tuesday.