October 01, 2017

CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band to compete in 3rd Annual Southwest Missouri Regional

October 01, 2017/ Staff Reports

The Charles Page High School Marching Band will be competing at the Third Annual Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, Missouri on October 14th. The competition is presented by the Pride of Branson Bands in partnership with US Bands, the largest sanctioning body for scholastic music competition in the United States.

US Bands are part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) which is a non-profit organization based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They are also the parent organization for The Cadets; 10-Time World Champion Drum and Bugle Corps.

The Gold Pride band is one of sixteen bands performing at the SWMO Regional and it should be another year of top-tier performances, a nationally-renown judging panel, detailed feedback and evaluation, and a superb performance venue in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Competition will take place in a Prelims-Finals format with the highest-scoring band from each class continuing on to the Finals, along with the next eight highest-scoring bands regardless of class.

The event is hosted at Branson High School (935 P Rd 65-60, Branson, MO 65616). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from CPHS Band Director Kyle Wright (kyle.wright@sandites.org) prior to the competition. The band would love to have their fans in the stand during this extraordinary competition! Come join us in Branson for a day of exceptional performances!

September 11, 2017

Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration

September 11, 2017/ Scott Emigh

The Rogues Five reunited in their home town to headline the Riverfest celebration.
Click here to view Riverfest photo gallery.

Riverfest appeared to go off without a hitch Saturday in Sand Springs as the community gathered together for an all-day festival celebrating one of the largest park projects in town history. Following a $6.2 million renovation, the former River City Park was officially rededicated as Case Community Park in honor of Mike and Pat Case who donated $2 million to the project.

Fifteen hours worth of festivities provided a little something for everyone this weekend. The party kicked off at sunrise with the launching of three hot air balloons. The balloons returned later that evening and touched down on the Great Lawn, providing spectators with a light show of burning helium.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the nearly two acre Great Lawn was a great parking lot for 119 entries in a car, truck, and motorcycle show. Two vehicles driven by Sand Springs native and World Champion racer Bennie Osborn were also on display.

Representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization unveiled the new Thunder Cares three-on-three half court to much fanfare. Kids were able to shoot hoops with the team mascot, Rumble the Bison. Big Blast Inflatables hosted a kids' zone, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad was also open for business with a brand new playground.

The Sand Springs Pokemon Go! club hid nearly a hundred Pokemon-themed painted rocks throughout the park for a scavenger hunt they hope will become an annual tradition. A chalk-art contest was also held, attracting a few dozen competitors.

There was plenty of food and drink available. Food vendors lined River City Park Road, including Short Bus Sandwiches, Rib Crib, El Jarocha Mexican Street Tacos, Purple People Feeder, Kona Ice, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Kingdom Concessions, and more. Monster Energy gave out free samples of their new soda, and Blue Bell Ice Cream passed out free vanilla cups to everyone.

The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band kicked off a ceremony to dedicate the park, followed by a mini performance of the Oklahoma! musical play. City Councilwoman Patty Dixon footed the bill for the production and starred in the performance alongside Travis Dixon, Mat Govich, Scott McQuade, Josh Westbrook, Shelby Eicher, and Ethan Eicher among others.

Local band The Rogues Five performed after the Oklahoma! production and covered classic hits from the 60s and 70s. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker. The band attained regional prominence during their high school days in the 1960s when they opened for The Doors. Ganem, Ess, and Oldaker have continued in the music industry ever since. Ganem and Ess's sons also performed with the band. Morgan Ganem is considered the sixth Rogue and closed out the night as a solo performer. Ess described his son, Dylan, as a Rogue-in-training.

Morgan Ganem performed a long set of electronic dance music, including both original music and remixes of modern and classic hits. The end of his set coincided with a massive fireworks show performed by Imperial Fireworks, the company that puts on shows for the Tulsa Drillers. The younger Ganem was a hit with the kids and after playing a remix of Justin Bieber's "Despacito," the stage was overflowing with children showing off their wildest dance moves for the rest of the show.

August 17, 2017

Meet The Sandites Thursday at 7:00, pregame tailgating at 5:30

August 17, 2017/ Scott Emigh

The Charles Page High School football season is soon to kick off, and with it comes the local traditions of Meet the Sandites and pregame tailgaiting.

Every year the season kicks off with Meet the Sandites, a preseason celebration of Sand Springs athletes. Sandite fans will be introduced to the Sand Springs football, softball, cross country, and volleyball teams, plus the cheer and dance squads. Not just the varsity teams either. The Sand Springs Youth Football and Cheer teams from elementary on up will get to storm the turf with the big kids in a preview of their future high school careers.

Prior to each football game, the award-winning Holy Smokers from Church That Matters host a tailgate cookout event with hot dogs, burgers, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser for the various Sandite athletic programs. The fundraisers routinely generate as much as $10,000 every season.

The first fundraiser will be held on Thursday, August 17, prior to Meet the Sandites. Proceeds will go to benefit the football program.

On Friday, September 1 the Sandites will host Pulaski Academy from Little Rock, Arkansas. That tailgate will help fund the volleyball program.

On Friday, September 8, the Sandites will host Choctaw and the tailgate funds will go to the cheer team.

On Friday, October 13, the Sandites will host Muskogee for Homecoming. The wrestling team will receive that tailgate's proceeds.

On Friday, October 27, the Sandites will host Bartlesville and the boys' basketball team will be the fundraiser recipient.

The last tailgate will be on Senior Night before the Bixby game. The dance team will receive those funds.

The tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m. and costs $5. Meet the Sandites will officially begin at 7:00 p.m. Student athletes are asked to arrive early and begin lining up at 6:35.

July 11, 2017

Sand Springs Board of Education approves hiring of new baseball coach

July 11, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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.

June 30, 2017

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

June 30, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May 16, 2017

CPHS junior model Rianne Ross walks in Flaunt Fashion Show

May 16, 2017/ Staff Reports

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."

May 14, 2017

Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017

May 14, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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

May 10, 2017

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

May 10, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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.

May 02, 2017

This Week in Sand Springs

May 02, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Monday

8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys Golf Regionals - Bailey Ranch Golf Course, Owasso
8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls Tennis Regionals - Yukon High School
6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting - Case Community Center
7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting - CPHS Fine Arts Building

Tuesday

7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Spring Concert - CBMS Auditorium

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club

Thursday

9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club
11:30 a.m. CPHS Baseball vs Jenks - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Winner plays at 4:30, Loser plays at 6:30

Friday

100 Mile Yard Sale
8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Possible games at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on Thursday results

Saturday

100 Mile Yard Sale
7:30 a.m. OKUSA Wrestling East Regional Tournament - Sapulpa High School
8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
9:30 a.m. Track and Field 6A Regional Championship - Claremore High School
10:30 a.m. Chandler Park Lost City Climbing Competition
- Click here for more information.
1:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Depending on Thursday and Friday results

May 02, 2017

Sand Springs Board of Education approves 5-year Strategic Improvement Plan

May 02, 2017/ Scott Emigh

The Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) team was recognized for their work in developing the 5-year plan for SSPS.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a plethora of awards at their regular monthly meeting Monday evening and discussed the strategic plan for the next five school years.

Brock Smith received the Sandite Spirit Award for making the 2017 Academic All State team, Charles Page High School Head Baseball Coach Bill Hutson received a Coin of Excellence, and the team behind the new Strategic Plan received the Sandite Pacesetter Award and were recognized both individually and as a group.

The official mission for SSPS going forward will be to "empower every child to maximize their potential for responsible productive citizenship in the 21st century." The strategy identifies four pillars for success.

Empower Students with successful learning and behaviors.
Empower Teachers and Staff through successful recruitment, training, mentoring, school culture, and climate.
Empower Families and Community with successful community and family engagement.
Empower Resource Innovation through successful integration of technology, environments for learning, and financial support and resources.

Allison Potts, Angelia Noel, Brian Jackson, Catrina Edgar, Claudia Smith, Christina Abbott, Dick Ford, Emily Glaser, Jay Rotert, Jennifer Smith, JJ Smith, Kami McCabe, Karen Biggs, Liz Binger, Megan Morrow, Michael Bynum, Mikael Howard, Mindy Roley, Renee McFarland, Rusty Gunn, Sarah Lattie, Stan Trout, Sylvia Fooshee, Vicki Harbaugh, Sharon Dean, Sharon Wilbur, and Stephanie Hyder were all a part of the Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) team.

The Board approved three out-of-state trips for the CPHS Volleyball team. The Lady Sandite varsity squad will head to camp in Branson, Missouri, while the 7th Grade, 8th Grade, JV, and Freshman teams will make two trips to a camp in Fayetteville, Arkansas. All three trips will be held in July. The trips are funded in full by the Booster Club.

The Lady Sandites celebrated their best season in school history last year and Head Coach Janna Green was named the Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year. The volleyball season will begin in August, possibly up to a week before the school year actually begins.

The Board rescinded an agreement passed last month with Oklahoma LED, then passed the same agreement but along a lease-own option rather than outright purchase.

The Board authorized the use of $55,449.50 to hire American Demolition to raze the former Twin Cities Elementary building. The school intends to retain the property with expectations of district growth in the foreseeable future, but the currently building would be too costly to renovate.

The Board authorized a $0.05 increase in the price of student lunches, as recommended by the Director of Child Nutrition.

The Board voted in favor of shortening the 2016-2017 school year by one day, thanks to a number of unused snow days. The last day of school for students will be Thursday, May 25th, allowing teachers to use the 26th as a professional day without having to return after Memorial Day Weekend.

The Board approved a $35,240 contract with Sports Unlimited for a partial floor replacement in the Ed Dubie Field House. The plan also includes a $5,000 contingency. The floor became warped on one side of the court, within the three-point line, during basketball season. The Lady Sandite Conference Champion team had to give up their right to host a Regional Tournament because of it.

The Sand Springs Board of Education meets on the first Monday of every month in the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public with opportunities for public questions, concerns, and comments.

April 24, 2017

Thirteen CPHS Band members receive Superior ratings at State

April 24, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Click here to view CPHS Band Spring Concert photos.

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.

April 24, 2017

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

April 24, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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

April 20, 2017

CPHS graduate and NASA engineer Tim Wright speaks to Sand Springs elementary students

April 20, 2017/ Scott Emigh

CPHS Class of 1988 graduate and soon-to-be Hall of Fame inductee Tim Wright speaks to Pratt Elementary students. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

"It seems like yesterday that I was right next door at Clyde Boyd (Middle School)," said Tim Wright to a packed gym full of Pratt Elementary students.

In fact, it was nearly thirty years ago that the Charles Page High School alumni attended Sand Springs Public Schools.

Since graduating in 1988, Wright has moved on to bigger and better things than many people dare to dream of.

From graduating the Florida Institute of Technology, to seeing his handiwork travel across the solar system, Wright has quite literally reached for the stars throughout his career. He is one of three Sand Springs alumni who will be recognized for their accomplishments Thursday evening at the 28th Annual Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame banquet at the CPHS Ed Dubie Field House.

Wright, who currently resides in Florida, returned to his hometown a few days before the banquet in order to speak to Sand Springs students about his journey and the future of engineering and space travel.

"I was an okay student," said Wright. "But if you said when I was your age that I was gonna be a rocket scientist, my friends would have said 'no way!' One day in high school I was working a construction job and I saw a jet fighter fly over. I was like, 'how does that go so fast?' So I got interested in that and talked to my CPHS councilors, who told me I should look into engineering."

Wright piqued the students' interest with talk of hover-boards, YETI tumblers, and LEGOs. After asking who liked to build their own creations with LEGOs without any instructions, nearly every hand in the building went up. "You just qualified to be engineers," he said. "You think outside of the box."

"I graduated Charles Page, and I was a proud Sandite. I was in my first day in engineering school and the teacher said to look at the person on my left and look at the person on my right. 'By the end of the year, one, if not both, will not be here. It will be hard,' said the instructor. I was from Oklahoma, and I was not gonna let that happen."

After graduating FIT with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Wright got his first job at Cape Canaveral building launch pads for unmanned rockets.

Wright has spend most of his career at the Kennedy Space Center, working with the Space Shuttle program. His job primarily involves reentry operations and returning astronauts safely to Earth. His contributions to that effort earned him the NASA Silver Snoopy Award in 2015 for his work on developing heat shields.

In 2006 Wright worked as the Thermal Protection System Facility Engineering Manager with United Space Alliance and helped to develop the BRI-18 tile. The Boeing Replacement Insulation tile is now utilized around main landing gear doors, external tank doors, and nose landing gear doors. It was first installed on the Discovery shuttle, which was retired in 2011.

"I'm a thermal protection engineer. I deal with heat and cold and trying to protect things. We launched 135 shuttles during that program and lost two. One of those I was there for, and that was the Columbia accident. That was probably the worst day of my career."

"At NASA, often things don't go as you planned. You can choose to give up, or you can choose to say 'I'm gonna fight back and I'm gonna make things better.' We spend the next two years making new parts that were stronger, new cameras that could go around the shuttle after launch and look for damage. After that day we made space flight safer and better than it's ever been."

In December of 2014, Wright's team celebrated a successful mission by the unmanned Orion capsule they had developed. Orion slingshotted around the Earth to become the farthest-traveling space capsule since the Apollo era, then safely returned to the planet. The Orion is scheduled to make another unmanned flight on September 30, 2018, then will hold its first crew by 2021.

"Every day I go to work and I get to look at that NASA emblem and that American flag, and I get reminded of what my job is," said Wright. "Rockets are very dangerous and it's up to engineers to limit that danger."

"No one ever thought these things would be done, and they're happening every day out there. Right now the goal at NASA is to go to Mars in the year 2030. If you're ten years old now, you'll likely be finishing college when we reach Mars. If you do good in math, if you do good in science, and you go to college and get a degree in engineering or some kind of science, then you can be the ones to go to Mars."

Wright is the second Sandite to be named to the Hall of Fame for working with NASA. Colonel William R. Pogue was inducted in the inaugural Class of 1990 after participating in the Apollo 7, 11, and 14 missions in 1966.

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.

April 19, 2017

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

April 19, 2017/ Scott Emigh

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.

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.

April 17, 2017

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

April 17, 2017/ Scott Emigh

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

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 1967 graduate Larry Hurst is one of three Sandites who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

Hurst was a fullback on the 1966 2A State Champion football team, which holds the only State Championship in Sand Springs football history. The '66 Sandites finished the season undefeated at 12-0 in the second-largest class of competition. Hurst scored the winning touchdown on a 10-yard run to help his team defeat El Reno 14-7 at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City. He continued his athletic career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College where he competed on the Golden Norseman football and track teams and helped the football team to a NJCAA National Championship in 1967.

Hurst graduated the University of Central Oklahoma with a Master's degree in Education, then attained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He returned to football as a coach. He worked as an assistant at Del City, then took the head coaching position in Blackwell from 1978 through 1981 and held an 11-28 career coaching record.

After a brief stint as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma, Hurst returned to education as the Assistant Principal at Edmond Memorial High School.

In 1998 Hurst was hired as the Principal of Sheridan Junior High in Wyoming. He then transitioned to the High School as an Assistant Principal until his retirement in 2013. During his time with Sheridan he also worked as an assistant varsity football coach, freshman coach, and junior varsity coach.

Hurst passed away on May 31, 2014 at the age of 65 after being struck by an intoxicated driver while bicycling with his wife, Sara. Hannah Terry was convicted of aggravated homicide with a vehicle and sentenced to eight to twenty years in a State penitentiary. Larry and Sara were one year shy of their thirtieth anniversary. Sara maintains a legal practice in Sheridan.

April 10, 2017