EDIEE Awards Program

Edmond Public Schools Foundation presents

April 16, 2024 6:00 p.m.

Aspen Ranch

Welcome ENTERTAINMENT Old Bulldog Band and Edmond Memorial Jazz Band will provide outdoor entertainment from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. As you enter the venue at 7:30 p.m., an Edmond North Orchestra will welcome you. Enjoy a special performance by Edmond Santa Fe performing arts and Edmond Memorial's Act II during the indoor program.

FOOD AND DRINK Dinner will include passed catered hors d’oeuvres outside from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Edmond Public Schools ProStart students will also offer cuisine they have learned to make in their classroom. There are beverage stations and a bar outdoors from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. The indoor bars will be open from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and will serve wine, beer and a signature cocktail (ID required). A tasting menu and dessert will be served indoors at your table during the program.

BID AND SUPPORT As a guest, you are registered on ClickBid to bid on auction items and Fund a Need right from your phone! You can check out from your phone at https://epsf.cbo.io or scan the QR code at your table. The Silent Auction will open a week prior to the event and close shortly after the program begins around 7:30 p.m. on April 16, 2024. The Premiere Auction will close during the live program throughout the evening. You can place your maximum bid on any item and the auction software will bid for you so you can enjoy the evening. Please find a volunteer and provide your bidder number if you need assistance bidding.

Text to Give: Donate on your phone by texting EPSF to 56651.

MEMORIES Are you an alumni, parent, student or educator? What is your favorite memory from Edmond Public Schools or as a student when you were in school? As we celebrate 40 years, we ask that you share your memory by filling out our form at your table. We would love to share this on our social media and let the community know how Edmond Public Schools educators and staff have impacted the community. On the back, you will find information about how you can celebrate that memory by making a donation.

PHOTO OP Visit the red carpet as you arrive, or during the outdoor portion of the event for a photo opportunity. There will also be a backdrop by the stage that will be available after all honorees have had their photo taken. Please see the schedule by the photo stations.

SOCIAL MEDIA Post your photos on social media and tag us at @edmondpsf!

About MISSION Edmond Public Schools Foundation connects the community to advance excellence and enrich student opportunities through Edmond Public Schools.

VISION The Edmond Public Schools Foundation functions as the leading facilitator of community investment in Edmond Public Schools.

EDIEE AWARDS EDIEE is an acronym for Educators and Donors providing Innovative Education in Edmond. Our mission is to connect the community to support Edmond Public Schools, and what better way to do that than to host an event that includes educators and the community!

We are excited to combine the Celebration of Excellence, which recognizes educators, with our Hall of Fame event which recognizes education champions from the community. Our vision is that the community will have the opportunity to see how amazing Edmond Public Schools educators are and educators will feel the support of the community.

By coming together for this red-carpet event, that acknowledges everyone who pours into students to provide them an excellent education, we will celebrate all that is good in public education here in Edmond!

PROGRAMS We are committed to providing programs that serve every student and every school. By focusing primarily on ways to support students district-wide, we can make a larger impact with our limited financial and staff resources.

We serve students through 5 programs: Classroom Support (DonorsChoose); Student Ambassadors; Innovative Programs, (Early College Program); Community Mobilization; and Scholarships and Awards (tonight!)

Learn more about our impact for Edmond Public Schools students on our website www.edmondpsf.org

Presenting Sponsor

"Citizens Bank of Edmond is committed to building our community and supporting our schools by reinvesting local dollars into programs and activities that will have an ever-lasting impact. The opportunity local banks have to make an impact on the community begins with the schools. We are proud to continue our 122-year partnership with Edmond Public Schools and the Edmond Public Schools Foundation and are excited to celebrate the educators and honorees tonight. Congratulations!"

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors David McMullen

Bronze Sponsors Arvest Bank Boldt Build Boldly Brian & Julie Woodard Chisholm Parent Teacher Organization Chris & Laura Mitchel Francis Tuttle Technology Center ImageNet Consulting JHBR Architecture Ken & Gae Rees

Emily Crain

MA+ Architecture Mark Snyder Family Oklahoma Natural Gas QUAD Construction Robbi Kinnaird & Becca Kinkade TTCU University of Central Oklahoma WEOKIE Federal Credit Union Whataburger

Academy Red

Tinker Federal Credit Union

Educator Table Sponsors Superintendent’s Table | L5 Construction Teacher of the Year Finalists | Citizens Bank of Edmond Support Personnel of the Year Finalists | Oklahoma Roofing Endowed Educator Awards | Brad Reeser Angie Debo Elementary | Dr. Krista Jones & Rev. Dr. Craig Stinson Boulevard Academy | Van & Paula Jones Centennial Elementary | Community Donors Central Middle School | Mike Osburn and Community Donors Charles Haskell Elementary | OG+E and Community Donors Cheyenne Middle School | Oklahoma Natural Gas Chisholm Elementary | Ryan & Alyssa Siler and Chisholm PTO Cimarron Middle School | Scott & Robbi Kinnaird and Becca Kinkade Clegern Elementary | MIDCON Cross Timbers Elementary | Anonymous Donor Frontier Elementary | JHBR & Community Donors Heartland Middle School | Chad & Cassie Niemann Heritage Elementary | In Memory of Steve Barghols Ida Freeman Elementary | Ruthie & Rusty Riggs John Ross Elementary | Stuart Graham & SuSu and Mark Fischer Memorial High School | QUAD Construction North High School | Dowell Pontikos Construction Northern Hills Elementary | McCaleb Homes Orvis Risner Elementary | TADE Engraving L.L.C. Redbud Elementary | Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson Russell Dougherty Elementary | Joe & Sonya Easly and Community Donors Santa Fe High School | Chris & Heather Beard Scissortail Elementary | Langston University Foundation Sequoyah Middle School | Nichols Travel Summit Middle School | OG+E and Community Donors Sunset Elementary | Crossings Community Church Washington Irving Elementary | Dave & Michelle Bird West Field Elementary | Oklahoma ER & Hospital Will Rogers Elementary | Sherry & Tim Siler Virtual Edmond | Chris Palmer

Entertainment OLD BULLDOG BAND Outdoor Stage 6:00 p.m. .

MEMORIAL JAZZ BAND Outdoor Stage 6:45 p.m.

EDMOND NORTH ORCHESTRA Indoor Stage 7:30 p.m.

SANTA FE PERFORMING ARTS Indoor performance 8:00 p.m.

EDMOND MEMORIAL ACT II Indoor Stage 8:25 p.m.

Food & Drink DRINKS

EPS STUDENT CUISINE

French 75, Signature Cocktail Bricktown Brewery Beer Red Wine White Wine Iced Tea Citrus Infused Water

Ricotta Meatballs with Arrabiata Sauce & Fontina Pimento Cheese Ball Cracker Bites Orange Chicken Skewers

HOR D'OEUVRES Pot Roast & Mashed Potato Bites Tomato Bruschetta Candied Pepper Bacon Twists Green Goddess Salad Cups Roasted Rosemary New Potato Skewers Shrimp Cocktail Shooters

PLATED Tasting Menu: Sun-Dried Tomato & Grilled Chicken Pasta Monte Cristo Pinwheels Cheese & Charcuterie Fresh Fruit Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta

DESSERT Mini Trifle Iced Coffee

Dinner will include catered passed hors d’oeuvres outside from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. with tasting plates and dessert at your table when the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Edmond Public Schools ProStart Culinary Students will also offer cuisine they have learned to make in their classroom. There are beverage stations and two bars. ID is required for alcoholic beverages from the bar. The bartender has the right to refuse bar service.

Program OPENING RECEPTION Featuring Edmond Memorial Jazz Band

STAGE PERFORMANCE Edmond North Orchestra

WELCOME 2024 EPSF VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ENDOWED EDUCATOR AWARDS 2024 Rees English Language Arts 2024 Lucile Johnson Peters Excellence in Teaching Math Award

2024 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR STUDENT PERFORMANCE Edmond Santa Fe Performing Arts

2024 HALL OF FAME EDUCATION CHAMPION 2024 EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD STUDENT PERFORMANCE Edmond Memorial Act II

2024 SUPPORT PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR & Recognition of Site Personnel Honorees

2024 TEACHER OF THE YEAR & Recognition of Site Teacher Honorees

CLOSING

Edmond Public Schools Foundation 2024 Hall of Fame

Education Champion The founding Edmond Educational Endowment trustees: Linda Elliot Cindy Howard Bill Grana (posthumously) Mark Snyder (posthumously) Lyn Tatum (posthumously) Ken Rees (previously inducted 2014) As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, we want to thank the original trustees. There were so many people who helped them create the foundation, and many more that came after. As we induct these worthy individuals, we also thank those who were part of the vision and legacy to serve students here in Edmond. We look forward to the next 40 years!

Previous Inductees 2014 Late Captain Steven Farley Randall Rayburn Ken Rees

2017 Dr. J. Patrick Evans Steve Riggs Reggie Smith, Jr.

2020 Hal French Dr. Sheron House Caleb McCaleb

2015 Dr. David Goin Davis Hudson Shannon Miller

2018 Missy Attebery Kyle Harper Brad Reeser

2021-2022 Linda Slawson Tom Snider Bret Towne

2016 Mike de la Garza Charles Lamb Bart McDonough

2019 Dr. Brenda Lyons Lt. Col. Oren Peters Kelly, Kent & Kevin Ogle

2023 Mitzi Hancuff Judy Pendergraft

2024 Edmond Public Schools

Teacher of the Year Finalists

AMANDA BURKHART SUMMIT, DRAMA

SYDNEY CRUTCHFIELD CHEYENNE, 6TH GRADE MATH

MADELINE ROMANO WASHINGTON IRVING, MUSIC

“I am honored to be named as a teacher of the year finalist for doing what I am passionate about. I hope I can bring light to the importance and impact of fine arts education in our schools.”

“It is truly a validation of the hard work and dedication I put into my role as an educator.

This recognition means a lot to me and motivates me to continue to strive for excellence in my career.”

“I am so honored to be named a finalist. I graduated from Edmond and am so proud to represent a district that has meant so much to me as an educator and as a student. “

JESSICA TATE CHISHOLM, MUSIC “Teaching, at its core, is a work of the heart. Some days fill it.

Other days drain it. This honor has been like a fire hose of fuel refilling my heart and invigorating me as an educator.

I love what I do!”

JENNIFER VAN HUSS REDBUD, 3RD GRADE “I am so grateful to live and work in a community that places such a high value on public education. It is truly an honor to be nominated as a district finalist.”

TRACY WILMES HEARTLAND, ART “Receiving such heartfelt appreciation from Heartland Middle School for being the Teacher of the Year fills me with joy and gratitude. Thank you for believing in my abilities.”

The Teacher of the Year Award was endowed in 2023 by community supporters and the Edmond Public Schools Foundation Student Ambassadors.

2024 Edmond Public Schools

Site Teachers of the Year ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL Tatum Wilkerson, Angie Debo Sarah Johnston, Central Michael Coffman, Centennial Sydney Crutchfield, Cheyenne Sarah Shackford, Charles Haskell Natalie Iver, Cimarron Jessica Tate, Chisholm Tracy Wilmes, Heartland Bonnie Stradal, Clegern/EEEC Janice Ragan, Sequoyah Leah Hedger, Cross Timbers Amanda Burkhart, Summit Jenna Garrett, Frontier Gena Schuck, Heritage HIGH SCHOOL Su Mathews, Ida Freeman Mary Johnson, Memorial Namia Nixon, John Ross Ezequiel Madrigal, North Kristi Linder, Northern Hills Stephanie Lewis, Santa Fe Alicia Dodd, Orvis Risner Elisha Herndon, Boulevard Academy Jennifer Van Huss, Redbud Sarah Wilson, Russell Dougherty VIRTUAL Katherine Giles, Scissortail Natalie Ryan, Virtual Edmond Lauren Wheeler, Sunset Madeline Romano, Washington Irving Lisa Campbell, West Field Alicia James, Will Rogers It has been the honor of a lifetime to be Edmond's District Teacher of the Year! This role is truly a gift. Over the past year, I have been gifted numerous once in a lifetime opportunities that have left me feeling so celebrated and encouraged. Likewise, I have also been blessed with new responsibilities and platforms from which I have gotten to advocate for Edmond Public School's administrators, teachers, and students. It has been so sweet to spend this year advocating for the district that has given me so much!

Lauren Dile, 2023 Edmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year

2024 Edmond Public Schools

Support Personnel of the Year Finalists

BRI AKINS HEARTLAND, CAII

JESSICA DUNCAN ANGIE DEBO, PARA II

ASHA HINDS IDA FREEMAN, PARA

"Middle school was a challenging time for me growing up. Working in middle school now has led me to become the adult I needed as a child, and the person my students need today, transforming my healing into both passion and purpose.“

“I truly do love my job, and every time I come into work I feel like I have a family here.

This is the first time that I have had a job where it doesn’t feel like work.

I felt overjoyed, loved, seen, and happy to know that my peers nominated me.”

“It means the world to me to be a Support Employee of The Year Finalist. I feel incredibly supported and honored to be in this position and I would not want to be representing any other school!”

The Support Personnel of the Year Award was endowed in 2022 by the DeSpain family in honor of Kathi DeSpain who was an Edmond Public Schools support employee for 26 years BECKY RUTHERFORD CIMMARON, CAII

DEBBIE SMITH EPS ADMIN. CENTER, ACCOUNTANT

“It's with heartfelt gratitude that I would like to thank our community, community donors, and Edmond Public Schools. This unforgettable night will be one that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.”

“ I could not do my job without the help and encouragement I receive from the incredible EPS employees with whom I interact each day. I am grateful to be part of the EPS family and community.”

2024 Edmond Public Schools

Site Support Personnel of the Year ELEMENTARY Jessica Duncan, Angie Debo Susan Boydstun, Centennial Ben Plemons, Charles Haskell Tammy Unruh, Chisholm Angie Fuller, Clegern/Clyde Howell Kirsten Priest, Cross Timbers Jeay Johnson, Frontier Courtney Ruessler, Heritage Asha Hinds, Ida Freeman Patricia Anderson, John Ross Carol Fletcher, Orvis Risner Emily Schock, Northern Hills Jennifer Williams, Redbud Caitlynne Miller, Russell Doughty Jenny McQueen, Scissortail Anistyn Sublett, Sunset Johnnie Campbell, Washington Irving Anne Harris, West Field Nathan Winters, Will Rogers

MIDDLE SCHOOL Wanda Stein, Central Dana Whitmarsh, Cheyenne Becky Rutherford, Cimarron Bri Akins, Heartland Maria Mendoza, Sequoyah Glennette Hutchinson, Summit HIGH SCHOOL Jan Hall, Boulevard Bill Emrich, Memorial Alicia Schenk, North Chelsey Ezell, Santa Fe DISTRICT Debbie Smith, EPSAC Shae Purvis, Special Services Jennifer Scoles, Transportation

“What an honor it has been serving as the EPS Support Employee of the year and representing the vital role support staff plays in the district. Serving as an Advisory member of the Foundation Board, speaking to the Student Ambassadors about support roles and my daily duties, plus sharing the great gift cards and treats with my family and friends has made this such a special and memorable year.

Thank you, EPSF!” - Robbi Kinnaird, 2023 Support Personnel of the Year

Excellence in Leadership KIMBERLY FRANK Principal Heritage Elementary “It is my team that makes it all come together. They are the feet on the ground and I am here to support them in what they are passionate about doing.

To be the first person to have the opportunity to receive this award is really special and I have so many colleagues who are more than deserving and I can’t wait for them to be honored too. Thank you!”

We are thrilled to announce the establishment of a new endowed award as we celebrate our 40th anniversary! This prestigious award is given to a district leader who embodies the core values of both the district and the foundation, namely: belonging, collaboration, and innovation.

Kimberly initiated Belong Week to celebrate differences at Heritage Elementary several years ago, with a particular focus on enhancing the inclusion of special needs students. Belonging Week features activities designed to foster understanding among students about the challenges faced by their peers. Inspired by Kimberly's initiative, several other elementary schools have adopted this program at their own sites.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our generous donor who recognized the significance of strong leadership within Edmond Public Schools. If you wish to make a lasting impact and leave a legacy, please don't hesitate to reach out to our offices to schedule a visit!

Rookie Teacher of the Year EMILY MURAWSKY Cimarron Middle School 8th Grade English Language Arts “This award means so much to me that I feel like it's some reassurance and some validation that I'm in the right place. It validates my choice to change career paths and come in to teaching. I'm just so grateful because I see how many other wonderful teachers there are in this building, not to mention other schools, so it's incredibly humbling. I'm where I meant to be.”

This endowed award was established in 2021 by former Superintendent Bret Towne to recognize new teachers and their dedication to teaching.

Volunteer of the Year JAN HARRIS Jan comes in to volunteer in the Edmond Public Schools Foundation office on a regular basis. You will usually find her in the front writing personal handwritten notes to donors and other volunteers. She values the personal touch and relationships with those who support students through the Foundation.

“I have a deep love for Edmond Public Schools, and giving back is something I'm passionate about. I chose to give back to EPSF because the staff is truly a pleasure to work with.”

Other Endowed Awards

KRYSTIN KINSUAL

SHAE MARTIN

KYLE NGUYEN

Rees English Language Arts Award

Lucile Johnson Peters Teaching in Math Award

James T. Rohan Scholarship

The Blake Burgess Winning 10 Scholarship is also awarded each school year in memory of Blake Burgess.

A new scholarship, Ruth Zumwalt STEM Education Scholarship, will be awarded in 2025.

KARSON EVANS

BENNETT BICKLE

Shelby Hudson Scholarship

Shelby Hudson Scholarship

Premiere Auction Items #1 Sunset Memories at Carlton Landing Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at Carlton Landing situated on expansive Lake Eufaula, the largest lake in Oklahoma. 2 nights in accommodations that sleep 8 is the perfect place to make family memories.

Donated by: Julie and Brian Woodard & Carlton Landing

# 2 Private Dinner for 10 Take the night off! Host a fabulous dinner party without all of the cooking and preparation. The chef and servers will prepare everything for a private dinner party and beer tasting for 10 at Bricktown Brewery while you spend time with your guests.

Donated by: Bricktown Brewery and Charles Stout

# 3 Get Away to the Beach 7 days at Rosemary Beach, FL at this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Kelly Sturges designed beach cottage with huge porches to sip your sweet tea. Two master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. This cottage sleeps 13. Carillon is a private, gated and security-guarded community.

Donated by: Steve and Kelly Sturges

#4 The Mountains are Calling Visit Granby, Colorado and be minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park! Perfect mountain family getaway with Hot Tub & Fire Pit - Ski, Bike, Fish, Golf!

1807 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and sleeps 8 in Grandby Ranch. 5 days, 4 nights.

Donated by: Kenneth Wohl

#5 Mini Golden Doodle Mini Golden Doodle!

Cypress and Fraser are expecting. The first pick of this litter expected to be under 35 lbs. and a red/apricot color! Due the 1st week of May and ready to take home in July.

Donated by: The Doodle Grove

Premiere Auction items 1-5 will close throughout the program. Closing times will be announced on stage and bidding will take place using the bidding platform on your phone. This will take the place of the live auction.

The Golden Ticket will close during the program and a winner will be announced.

The Student Ambassador painting is part of the silent auction and will close with all of the Silent Auction items.

Silent Auction will close shortly after the program begins at 7:30.

#6 Golden Ticket $500 Hideaway Gift Card! Ticket sales will conclude at the end of the program.

1 ticket $10 3 tickets $25 Donated by: Hideaway Pizza

#7 Teacher Appreciation Week Basket $200 each Unlimited available! Purchase this for a teacher and we will deliver it to them during Teacher Appreciation Week! Includes: $100 DonorsChoose for their classroom, $25 Starbucks gift card, &classroom goodies!

#8 Student Ambassador Painting This beautiful piece of art was created by our EPSF Student Ambassadors to help raise money for EPS educator DonorsChoose projects! These projects will support mental health, basic needs, and food security.

Donated by: EPSF Student Ambassadors

Silent Auction Auction photos and more info on ClickBid https://epsf.cbo.io # 9 FORE the Kids! Rose Creek and Top Golf # 10 Pizza-palooza Ooni pizza oven and more! # 11 Garden Party All the items for a spring garden party # 12 Good Hair Day Shark FlexStyle® Air Styling & Drying System #13 In a Barbie World Michael Kors cross body and more pink items # 14 Gourmet Goodies Gourmet Gallery basket # 15 Your Kids are Gonna Love This Games and pizza! # 16 Adult Lunchables Charcuterie boards and fixins # 17 Air Fryer Fun Sur la Table air fryer and more # 18 Nonesuch for 4 America’s best new restaurant 2018, Nonesuch for 4 & wine pairings # 19 Thunder Up! Signed memorabilia for the collector and game club tickets # 20 Spring Has Sprung Simple Modern for your spring activities # 21 Heat it Up! Solo Stove and S’Mores # 22 LEGO My Eggo Coveted Legos and Waffle Champion # 23 Beats & Bites! JBL speaker and gift cards # 24 Super Swiftie Taylor Swift collectibles and music (check out item #29!)

# 25 Teacher’s Treat (1) DonorsChoose gift certificate and goodies for a teacher # 26 Teacher’s Treat (2) DonorsChoose gift certificate and goodies for a teacher # 27 Throwback Time! Throwback concert and throwback basket! # 28 Hair Harmony Blo Blow Dry Bar $50 and basket # 29 You Spin Me Round & Round Record player and Guestroom Records # 30 Whataburger for a Year! 52 weeks of Whataburger and all the fixins # 31 Home For the Holidays $50 Hobby Lobby & Christmas decor to get started early # 32 You Deserve It! Massage, nails and self-care # 33 Lucky Lotto! It’s your lucky day with these lottery tickets # 34 Grilling Guru Blackstone griddle and griddle kit # 35 Fit & Fabulous Hot Worx and Sling Bungee # 36 Summer Staycation! $200 Hyatt gift card, local eats & local activities! # 37 Happiest Place on Earth For the Disney lover # 38 Organize it! $100 Container Store gift card and organizing items # 39 Mother’s Day Basket

Kendra Scott earrings, bracelet and jewelry box

# 40 Pickleball Party Who doesn’t love pickleball? Get your game on! # 41 Bed & Breakfast Bradford House, Neighborhood Jam, & a Kindle # 42 Go Huskies! Original Husky art by an Jaley Hunt, EPSF Student Ambassador! # 43 Go Wolves! Original Wolf art by an Jaley Hunt, EPSF Student Ambassador! # 44 Go Bulldogs! Original Bulldog art by an Jaley Hunt, EPSF Student Ambassador!

Didn’t win your item?

Donate from your phone

TEXT

EPSF to 56651

Fund a Need EPS staff give $50,000 annually to the EPS Foundation to support the needs of students.

The average gift is $100 or $10 a month. Will you match them www.edmondpsf.org/give?

Your donation could support programs like these:

#101 Match Educators $5,000 - Early College program for an underserved student $1,000 - One year of Early College program for 1 student $750 - Graphing calculators for a classroom $500 - Purchase food for a school food pantry $250 - Art supplies for a classroom $100 - Kickstart a classroom DonorsChoose project $50 - Leadership training for one student ambassador $25 - Personalized thank you cards by students for educators!

When the Edmond Educational Endowment was established in 1984, then Superintendent Dr. George Rowley went to a group of parents asking for help with classroom support and donated the first $500. Now EPSF continues Dr. Rowleys vision of classroom support through DonorsChoose classroom projects. Since launching DonorsChose in 2021, over $1.5 million has gone to Edmond Public Schools classrooms!

We are grateful for the vision of those who started it all 40 years ago.

Impact Highlights 2020 - 2024 $1.5 million to EPS classrooms 30,000 student experiences

Eliminate lunch debt for all EPS students

198 Student Ambassadors 100% increase in knowledge of leadership, philanthropy and advocacy 3 new district-wide projects

6 new endowed awards and scholarships

Innovative programs including: Art in Schools, tutoring, internet access and Early College Program

$535,000 for mental health

bid at https://epsf.cbo.io

Student Ambassadors Leadership, Advocacy, Philanthropy Maira Arshad Sara Ashford Cooper Bortmess David Boyd Caraline Boyle Sarah Burnham Jack Colby Marceline Conkin Lauren Crandall Ayla Cuthbertson Will Dockum Adam Easton Abby Evans Gavin Ferguson Lynnley Grindstaff Delaney Grubbs Sara Hassan Kate Hawthorne Cameron Higdon Alayna Hoggatt

Alexa Hoggatt Jaley Hunt Victoria Juneau Ryan Kent Maddy Kinder Allie Kinkade Kate Kinney Addison Kramer Lauren Krise Adrianna Lee Lynx Lucas Dana Manuel Savannah Manuel Addison Martin Kyler McCormack Logan Miranda Mia Miranda Meredith Mitchel Jack Moler Rett Morris

In addition to volunteering tonight at the EDDIE Awards, these students work year-round to support needs in the schools. This year’s projects focus on addressing the need to keep school food pantries full, raising money for teacher DonorsChoose projects that address basic needs, and being advocates in the community. Applications are open for the 2024-2025 school year and close June 1st.

Ryan Morris Peyton Moskalski Rihana Murphy Amira Newsom Kyle Nguyen Shelia Nkuranga Reese Odom Adya Ohri Grant Parker Clara Pierce Ashlynn Price Madeline Reid Taran Richardson Kenzie Richner Olivia Romanson Jada Smith Josie Vincent Gabrielle Whitfield Caroline Wofford

Application closes June 1st

Participants PRESENTERS Dr. Angela Grunewald, Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Randy Decker, Edmond Public Schools Associate Superintendent Human Resources Dr. Tony Rose, Edmond Public Schools Executive Director Curriculum Ruthie Riggs, Edmond Public Schools Foundation President Julie Woodard, Edmond Public Schools Foundation Board Member Heather Gardner, Edmond Public Schools Foundation Board Member Deanna Boston, Edmond Public Schools Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Rosko, 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year Robbi Kinnaird, 2023 Support Personnel of the Year Lauren Dile, 2023 Teacher of the Year Carrie Higdon, 2023 Volunteer of the Year WORK-BASED LEARNING STUDENT INTERNS Holli Chang, Edmond Sanata Fe Jayla Bennett, Edmond Santa Fe EPSF STUDENT AMBASSADOR SPEAKERS David Crew Boyd Gavin Ferguson Sara Hassan Jaley Hunt Alayna Hoggatt Lynnley Grindstaff Delaney Grubbs

Mia Miranda Rihana Murphy Shelia Nkuranga Adya Ohri Clara Pierce Olivia Romanson Josie Vincent

STUDENT VIDEO VOICEOVERS

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Keely Crawford, Edmond North Megan Janzen, Edmond North

Ethan Pourtorkan, Edmond North

STUDENT CUISINE ProStart Culinary Art Students from: Edmond North, Edmond Memorial, and Edmond Santa Fe ProStart Culinary Art Instructors: Cindy Conant, Kristen Ellis, Kristen Harris STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT Edmond North Orchestra, Justin Pourtorkan, Director of Orchestras Edmond Memorial Act II, Wes Singleton, Choir Director Edmond Memorial Jazz Band, Tanner Morgan, Director of Bands Edmond Santa Fe Performaning Arts, Marisa Skube Carr, Director of Theatre Arts

Supporters Thank you to our generous donors who provided the auction and other in-kind items for honorees. We appreciate you being a partner for public education!

Kyle and Deanna Boston Linda and Troy Brasuell B.C. Clark Bradford House Bricktown Brewery and Charles Stout Central Middle School PTO Centennial Elementary PTO Chisholm Elementary School PTO Kyle Copeland EPS Foundation Student Ambassadors Evoke Coffee Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Frontier Elementary PTO Delaney Grubbs Guest Room Records Heartland PTO Heritage Elementary PTO Hideaway Pizza Hyatt HOTWORX Jaley Hunt In a Pickle Kendra Scott Sarah Lucas, Rob Sullivan, and Lynx Lucas Robbi Kinnaird Live Well 360 Beauty & Wellness Center Gourmet Gallery/Cindy Utecht 2 Eco Chicks of Edmond Blo Blow Dry Bar Nail Box Nail Salon Bluebird Books A Good Egg Dining Group

Harvey Bakery Flower Child/ Fox Restaurant Concepts Nonesuch Northern Hills Elementary PTO North Parent Group OKC Thunder Old Bulldog Band Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic Chance Pearson Brad Reeser Russell Dougherty Elementary PTO Sequoyah Parent Organization Sign Gypsies Edmond SimpleModern Sling Bungee Fitness Steve and Kelly Sturges Summit Parent Club TFCU The Doodle Grove Top Golf Washington Irving Elementary School Whataburger Kenneth Wohl Julie and Brian Woodard Will Rogers PTO Rose Creek Golf Club The Mule Three Dog Bakery Rumble Boxing CycleBar Woodward Pizza Engraving by Russell Nowland Dave’s Hot Chicken

And numerous community donors who donated through the Amazon wishlist!

Thank you to all of our volunteers!

Leave a Legacy 40 for 40 As we celebrate 40 years of serving Edmond Public Schools Students, we invite you to leave a legacy for future Edmond Public Schools generations. www.edmondpsf.org/legacy

“The endowment will be a permanent educational foundation for enriching the quality of education in Edmond Public Schools.”

Lyn Tatum, 1984, Founding Board Member of Edmond Public Schools Foundation (formerly Edmond Educational Endowment)

Legacy Funds Edmond Public Schools Foundation Endowment, est. 1989 James T. Rohan Scholarship, est. 1993 Rees Organizational Fund, est. 2005 Shelby Hudson Memorial Scholarship, est. 2005 Rees English Language Award, est. 2008 Lucile Johnson Peters Math Award, est. 2019 Ruth Zumwalt Education Scholarship, est. 2020 Rookie Teacher of the Year, est. 2021 Blake Burgess Winning 10 Scholarship, est. 2021 Support Employee of the Year in honor of Kathi DeSpain, est. 2022 Teacher of the Year, est. 2022 Excellence in Leadership, est. 2024

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ruthie Riggs, President Ryan Siler, Vice President Austin Fugitt, Treasurer Cassie Niemann, Secretary Julie Woodard, Past President

Dr. Angela Grunewald, EPS Superintendent Courtney Hobgood EPS Board Member Darrell Davis, Mayor, City of Edmond Lauren Dile, EPS Teacher of the Year Jason Hays, EPS School Administrator Robbi Kinnaird, EPS Support Personnel Sarah Lucas, EPS Parent Jaley Hunt, EPS Student

DIRECTORS Emily Crain Jeff DeSpain Michael Grafton Dr. Ruth Jackson Darin Kent Carrie Kyger Cassie Niemann Chris Mitchel Chris Rodriguez Mark Taylor Devona Whitfield Brett Windsor Christi Woodworth

EDIEE Awards Committee Julie Woodard Heather Gardner Mark Taylor Ryan Siler Ruthie Riggs Sarah Lucas Eddie Hudson

LEADERSHIP EDMOND INTERNS Luis Mendoza Maci Majors

Staff Deanna Boston, Chief Executive Officer Anita Nash, Programs and Operations Manager Halle McMullen, Community Development Coordinator Ann Thaxton, Community Mobilization Coordinator Holli Chang, EPS Work-Based Learning Intern Jayla Bennett, EPS Work-Based Learning Intern

Join Us!

Tonight's event is sold out! We invite you to join us as a Corporate Partner and receive early access to all of our events. Find out more about being a Corporate Partner, other events, or volunteering on our website www.edmondpsf.org or contact us at (405) 340-2819.

40 Years In 1984, Edmond’s schools faced a funding crisis. The fall of Penn Square Bank two years before marked the beginning of the Great Oil Bust. By 1984 its effect on the state budget was devastating. Due to the peculiar formula for allocating state funds to districts, Edmond was already in the bottom ten districts for per student funding. Yet the Edmond schools’ reputation for superior public education was producing strong growth in enrollment. This only magnified the problem, since those new students weren’t considered in the state allocation until the year after they appeared in the classrooms. The district was beginning to consider cuts in programming, and those rumors added stress to the lives of teachers already struggling with higher class sizes.

With two young children in Edmond schools I, like many other parents, had begun to despair about the future of the most significant factor that brought me back to Edmond – the quality of its schools. Searching for possible relief I noticed that Edmond had become much more prosperous than the small town I left in 1960. I wondered whether Edmond’s relative prosperity could be tapped to help alleviate the crisis in public funding. About this time, I heard from a friend living in Deer Creek about the foundation he had helped establish to raise funds for the growing Deer Creek public schools. It seemed like the perfect vehicle to help Edmond. I spoke with Superintendent George Rowley, and he encouraged me to pursue the idea, mentioning a few patrons who had recently approached him with similar ideas. I also contacted some friends whom I thought had the skills and motivation to help create a foundation for Edmond schools.

Early in 1984, we gathered about a dozen of these people to work out plans for launching the foundation.

We copied the general form of the Deer Creek Foundation. Our plan called for an aggressive effort to raise money from Edmond families and businesses. Half of each year’s contributions would be spent in the coming year depending on priorities set by a committee of parents and teachers. The other half would be invested for the longer term to create an endowment from which annual earnings could help fund projects.

Because of the endowment feature we named the new foundation the Edmond Educational Endowment, or EEE. Knowing that the annual grants we could make for school projects could be only a fraction of the total school budget, we set as our slogan the “Margin of Excellence for Edmond’s Schools”. Since the sports and music programs already had active patron booster clubs, we determined that EEE would be a “classroom booster club”. Teachers were encouraged to use their creativity to propose projects for their classrooms.

Soon we added a grant category to fund training resources based on teacher proposals. Next EEE began to organize an annual “Celebration of Excellence” event to recognize outstanding teachers.

Our dreams were large. We hoped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and quickly build an endowment fund exceeding $1 million. The initial results fell short of these dreams, for we had much to learn about effective fundraising, and it took time for community awareness to build the support we needed.

Yet even with modest results, we launched the teacher grant program, and almost immediately we began to hear from teachers about how even these early efforts had begun to restore some confidence that Edmond is a community that values education and offers more than lip service to back up their support.

Those of us among the founding group were encouraged to see growth after that first year. In time we found others willing to take our places and add their creative ideas to build toward those early dreams. As I reflect on what these successor leaders have achieved I can only say that you have been the leaders who should get the credit for realizing our dreams and then some. I urge you to continue to dream big and to raise up new generations of leaders to propel the Edmond Public Schools Foundation beyond the margin of excellence as you undertake essential efforts like the current mental health initiative. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to enjoy reflecting on these memories and share them with you. I will enjoy continuing to follow your progress in taking our long-ago dreams to places we never envisioned.

Ken Rees, 2024, Founding Board Member, Edmond Public Schools Foundation (formerly Edmond Educational Endowment)

Thank you!

www.edmondpsf.org (405) 340-2819 P.O. Box 30837 Edmond, OK 73003

Text to give: Donate on your phone by texting EPSF to 56651 Post your photos on social media and tag us @edmondpsf!