OKC Friday
People you should know
KELLY KAY
CEO & President Greater OKC YMCA
Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Most of my favorite memories revolve around sports teams I played on, spending time with my brothers and cousins, playing on my grandparents’ farms, fishing, riding horses for hours, and all the family get-togethers.
What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about? My family, golf, and really all sports.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? This is hard to answer. I have been so blessed throughout my lifetime, with family, friends, coaches, teachers and special YMCA mentors who have encouraged and challenged me. I always lovingly and in fun credit my grandmother for my career in the Y, because when I was young, she would continually tell me, I’d better find someone who would pay me to play all the time if I wanted to make it in this life.
What does a perfect day look like? Getting to play golf with my three sons on the weekends, cookouts and See PYSK, Page 14
(405) 606-2727
Revealing a campaign total of $19,533,414, United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) celebrated a milestone evening at its 25th Annual Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
The event brought together nearly 800 donors, partner agencies, volunteers and community leaders to honor outstanding service. The dedication of the 2025 Campaign Co-Chairmen Lee and Suzie Symcox, was highlighted as the 2025 annual fundraising campaign total was revealed, funds which benefit UWCO’s 66 partner agencies. This total reflects contributions to United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Canadian County, United Way of Logan County,
the State Charitable Campaign through state of Oklahoma employees and the Heart of the City Campaign through City of Oklahoma City employees.
The gala highlighted the generosity and commitment of central Oklahomans who make
UWCO’s mission possible.
Guests enjoyed an evening of celebration as UWCO recognized four individuals for their leadership and dedication: • Emerging Leaders Pinnacle See UWCO, Page 3
PC conducts nationwide search for superintendent
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
A nationwide search has been conducted to find the replacement for Dr. Fred Rhodes who is retiring after serving 13 years as Superintendent of Putnam City Schools. Rhodes officially retires after the 2025-2026 school year and completes his contract on July 1.
Dr. Rhodes, who is the district’s 24th superintendent of schools, announced his retirement
OK Contemp to celebrate 2026 Founders Day
By Rose Lane Editor
from the Putnam City superintendency in August.
“The Putnam City School Board has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA) to conduct the nationwide search for the next superintendent for our District,” said AJ Graffeo, public information officer communications for Putnam City Schools. “There are extensive prerequisites, multiple rounds of interviews, detailed back-
Governor Bill Anoatubby, J. Clifford and Leslie Hudson, Randy Marks, G. Patrick Riley and the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation are to be honored during Oklahoma Contemporary’s Founders Day 2026 on Thursday, March 26, at Oklahoma Contemporary.
See FOUNDERS, Page 2
ground checks and more that goes into the process to find the perfect candidate.”
A date to announce the new superintendent has not been announced.
Putnam City is the sixth largest district in Oklahoma and serves just under 19,000 students. Putnam City Schools were founded in 1914 and serves its students at 18 elementary, five middle, three high schools and one academy. The district has 2,500 employees
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week
This 1-year-old great pyrenees-mixed dog came to us last Valentine’s Day after being found as an abandoned puppy.
Since then, our Ralphie has grown into a big boy. He belongs to FRIDAY sports editor Jason and his wife Carly Jewell, and is joined by siblings Ellie, Gracie and Mittens.
Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
with 40 percent of certified teachers having advanced degrees.
Seven Putnam City schools are located in the Fridayland area encompassing far north Oklahoma City, including James Dennis, Ralph Downs, Harvest Hills, Wiley Post and Will Rogers Elementary Schools; Heffner Middle School; and Putnam City North High School.
“The Putnam City Superintendent position is See PC, Page 12
Pictured with the United Way campaign total are, from left: United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Rachel Holt, campaign Co-Chairman Suzie and Lee Symcox and board Chairman Mark Funke. For more photos, see Page 11.
Jim Tolbert receives Crystal Orchid
At right:Jim Tolbert receives the Myriad Garden’s Crystal Orchid Award from OKC Mayor David Holt. Tolbert was also the inaugural honoree of the award in 2002. Below: Myriad Gardens Foundation Executive Board Chairman Larry Nichols, Sally Starling and Collins Peck.
FOUNDERS
From Page 1
The event is 5-7 p.m. in the Te Ata Theater. Oklahoma Contemporary hosts Founders Day an -
and unwavering commitment have helped shape the gardens into the horticultural centerpiece it is today.
nually to recognize the volunteers, artists and educators who help us make the arts accessible to all in our community. This year’s celebration also includes a $75,000 matching gift opportunity, generously provided by a group of Oklahoma Contemporary supporters. Your gift celebrating the 2026 honorees will be matched dollarfor-dollar through March 26, directly supporting exhibitions, education programs and free public access to the arts.
- Photos by Rose Lane
At left: Brooke Haneborg and Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park President & CEO Michelle Furrer. To many, Tolbert is known as the “godfather of the Myriad Gardens.” Since the early 1960s, his vision, leadership
Above: Beth Tolbert and Harry Meister. At right: Linda Haneborg and Annie Bohanon.
FRIDAY in Palm Springs
Whitney Cross, OKC Ballet’s director of development & communications, and Dr. Brian Wolfe, OCU director of development, attended a special screening of Blue Moon, featuring a talk by Ethan Hawke, four-time Academy Award nominee, at the Palm Springs Film Festival. The culture vultures also attended several architectural tours and explored art museums in the region. Be sure to pack your OKC FRIDAY when you travel. Email photos to rose@okcfriday.com.
UWCO
From Page 1
Award presented to Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik, senior asset engineer for Phillips 66, for her exemplary compassion, innovation and community engagement.
•Ray Ackerman Leadership Award awarded to David Westman, chief information officer for BancFirst, honoring decades of service to UWCO’s mission.
• John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award presented to Kari Watkins, president & CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, for her role in preserving history and fostering community healing.
• Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to Robert H. Clements, Richard’s son and executive vice president of Clements Food Co., for his lifelong dedication to volunteering and philanthropy.
“Our United Way team is honored by the continued generosity of our donors,” said Rachel C. Holt, UWCO President & CEO. “This year, more than ever, our Partner Agencies count on United Way funding to provide critical services to our community. Our community showed their compassion through the response to our Fall Food Drive, resulting in over 10,200 food items and over $82,000 being collected and distributed to our Partner Agencies during the three-week drive.”
The evening, hosted by UWCO Board Chairman Mark Funke, also featured recognition of past campaign cochairs from the last 25 years of UWCO’s campaign celebrations, employee campaign coordinators and the Partner Agencies that help achieve UWCO’s mission each year.
“To have a firsthand look at how our community came to-
gether this year in times of great need was an incredible thing to witness,” said Funke. “We celebrate our volunteer award winners and another successful campaign to support our Partner Agencies. The work of United Way is improving lives and having a direct impact on those who need it most.”
Three agencies also received additional recognition with two different grant awards. The Doug Stussi Financial Stewardship Award honored two UWCO partner agencies. Calm Waters received the $5,000 award to continue to provide free-of-charge support groups and in-
dividualized therapy sessions available on a sliding scale for low-income families.
Wings A Special Needs Community also received the financial award to support its members’ work in creating hygiene and care packages for area nonprofits.
The Wharton Family Mental Health Award of $5,000 honored Neighborhood Services Organization for the agency’s work in providing permanent, safe housing to residents.
For more information about UWCO and its network of 66 partner agencies, visit unitedwayokc. org or call (405) 236-8441.
Sports Weekly
Boys Basketball Roundup
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, February 6
Casady at Heritage Hall
U.S. Grant at Deer Creek
Harding Fine Arts at Harding Charter Prep
John Marshall at Ardmore
McGuinness at Newcastle PC North at Bartlesville
Monday, February 9
Capitol Hill at John Marshall
Tuesday, February 10
Community Christian at Casady
Heritage Hall at Crossings Christian Sapulpa at Deer Creek
Harding Charter Prep at Harrah
Heritage Hall at Crossings Christian
McGuinness at Santa Fe South
Tecumseh at Mount St. Mary PC North at Jenks
Note
OKC Friday
Publication No. (USPS 893-600)
PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com
Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.
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Panthers hold off Broken Arrow
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
A pair of runs to open and close the game allowed the PC North boys basketball team to hold off Broken Arrow for a 53-37 victory last Friday night at Panther Fieldhouse.
“Our guys came ready to play,” coach D.J. Lemons said after the game. “We haven’t been playing like a top team lately so we used that for motivation.”
Behind seven points from Mehki Thomas and four from Nate Muriithi, the Panthers (18-1) built a 14-5 lead in the first quarter and extended it to a 20point advantage by halftime.
Broken Arrow made a run in the third quarter to cut PC Norh’s lead to 10 but the Panthers made timely baskets and all six freethrow attempts in the final two minutes to close out the game.
“We knew (Broken Arrow)
would make a run,” the coach told FRIDAY. “We made good adjustments but our guys stayed aggressive and made simple plays.”
Thomas led the way with 14 points and Keaton Murry added 12 points for PC North, while Muriithi scored nine points and Miles Jackson contributed eight points.
The Panthers also cruised to a 70-46 win at Stillwater last week.
PC North hits the road this week, starting Friday at Bartlesville and Tuesday at Jenks.
Knights clobber Community Chr.
Crossings Christian rolled to a pair of dominating wins last week.
The Class 4A No. 3 Knights (14-6) posted a 72-48 triumph at 3A No. 12 Community Christian in Norman, behind 24 points from Bo Barber and 19 from Slade Black.
Three players scored in double figures, as Crossings took a 69-43 victory against OCS. Beckett Buckingham finished with 20 points, while Barber and Black collected 13 points each.
The Knights host Glencoe this Friday and Fridayland rival Heritage Hall on Tuesday.
Irish run over Duncan
Jumping out to an early lead, McGuinness cruised to an 83-40 win at Duncan last Friday night.
Brody Parks paced the Irish (9-9) with 28 points and 12 rebounds and Luke Dooley chipped in 10 points.
McGuinness travels to Newcastle
McGuinness’ Brody Parks scored 28 points and 12 rebounds in helping lead the Irish to an 83-40 victory at Duncan last week.
this Friday and Santa Fe South on Tuesday, before hosting Casady on Wednesday in a makeup game.
Piedmont downs Antlers
Deer Creek fell behind in the first quarter and never recovered in a 76-49 loss at Piedmont last week.
Colin Westfahl notched a team-best 13 points, as Cooper Witte and Jaleel Shyne added nine points each for the Antlers (4-12).
Deer Creek hosts U.S. Grant this Friday and Sapulpa on Tuesday.
Cyclones fall to Crooked Oak
Casady came out on the short end of a 45-43 loss to Crooked Oak last week.
Kuba Malecki collected a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Cyclones (6-12). James Elder
and Sam Edwards chipped in nine points apiece.
Casady visits Heritage Hall this Friday before hosting Community Christian on Tuesday and traveling to McGuinness on Wednesday. Chargers get past Rockets
Heritage Hall earned a pair of close victories last week, including a 59-58 win at Mount St. Mary and a 7267 triumph at Harding Charter Prep. Mount St. Mary also opened the week with an 80-18 win over Harrah. The 3A No. 3 Chargers (15-2) host Casady this Friday and travel to Crossings Christian on Tuesday, while the 4A No. 13 Rockets (12-6) host Jones on Friday and Tecumseh on Tuesday.
Harding Charter Prep (11-7) visits Harrah this Tuesday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
- Photo by Lance Payne,
Antlers finish 6th at Big 4+4 tournament
With six athletes finishing fifth or better, the Deer Creek wrestling team finished sixth at the Big 4+4 Classic in Blackwell.
Graeden Demario paced the Antlers with a runner-up trophy at 175 pounds. Demario lost to Grant Rowe from host Blackwell in the championship match.
Nash Neeley fell 4-1 to Tuttle’s Cooper Jackson to claim fourth at 126 pounds.
Four others garnered fifth place finishes at in the Big 4+4 tournament, including Easton Witters at 120 pounds, Cole Storozyszyn at 132 pounds, Grady Kaiser at 138 pounds and Hayes McNeill at 150 pounds.
Dylan Hamilton (144 pounds), Blake McDown (157) and Ethan Frasier (285) placed sixth, while Crew Lowe (106) and Cayden Cook (113) finished sev-
enth for Deer Creek.
The Antlers ended their season last Tuesday with a dual against Piedmont.
Chargers, Irish medal at Chickasha
A pair of Heritage Hall wrestlers joined another from McGuinness on the podium last weekend at the Chickasha Classic.
Heritage Hall’s Canon Bronson endured a close 2-1 loss to Sulphur’s Michael Morris in the 215-pound championship match to claim second place.
Teammate Gannon Sanders cruised to a 20-4 technical fall victory against Korben Torrez from Duncan for third place at 157 pounds.
McGuinness’ Gavin Brazil also took third place for the Irish, pinning Carl Albert’s Josh Sutterfield in the consolation final.
Teammates Chris Petromilli (113 pounds), Robert Pedroza (120) and Peter
Swimming Roundup
Hudges (144) also grabbed sixth place at Chickasha.
Heritage Hall hosted McGuinness and Tulsa-Bishop Kelley last Thursday in the final dual of the season.
Knights place at Hub City Classic
A pair of Crossings Christian wrestlers scored fifth or better at the Hub City Classic last weekend in Clinton.
Konrad Kosanke continued his strong season with a runner-up finish at 126 pounds. Kosanke lost to Hobart’s Zayde Holmes in the championship match.
Teammate Easton Rouse posted a technical fall win against Michael Forester of Elk City in the consolation final to claim fifth place for the Knights.
Crossings traveled to OCS in Edmond last Tuesday to end the regular season. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Regionals set for Saturday
Eight Fridayland schools embark on their journeys toward a state swimming championship as they compete in regionals this Saturday.
Deer Creek and PC North take part in the Class 6A West regional, starting at 10 a.m. at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center.
Six schools participate in the 5A regional in Edmond, including Casady, Crossings Christian, Harding Charter Prep, Heritage Hall, McGuinness and Mount St. Mary.
The meet opens at 5 p.m. Both 5A and 6A state championships are set for Feb. 20-21 at Edmond Aquatic Center.
McGuinness’ AceLynn Tucker recorded a teamhigh 25 points as the Irish cruised to a 70-28 victory at Duncan last week.
Panthers rout Broken Arrow
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Using suffocating defense and an 11-0 run in the opening three minutes, the PC North girls basketball team cruised to a 62-27 victory over Broken Arrow last Friday night at Panthers Fieldhouse.
The defending Class 6A state champion Panthers (19-1) built a 21-4 lead after the first quarter and held the Tigers to just 10 points by halftime in the rout.
“It’s always our plan to start stronger and set the tone early,” said coach Logan Martin after the game. “We challenge our players to be aggressive and get to the basket.”
PC North connected on eight of nine free throws attempts in just the first quarter, as Jayla Constant, Kiana Gray and Paige Williams made two each from the charity stripe.
Constant scored a team-best 16 points, with Da’Nae Jefferson and Makiya Moore collecting nine points each and Williams nabbed seven points. The Panthers, which also posted a 56-43 win at Stillwater last week, travel to Bartlesville this Friday and Jenks on Tuesday.
Irish run over Duncan
Jumping out to an early lead, McGuinness rolled to a dominating 70-25 triumph at Duncan last Friday night.
AceLynn Tucker finished with 25 points and Kashlynn Cooper added 17 points for the Irish (14-4). Molly Milligan also contributed seven points.
McGuinness hits the road to Newcastle this Friday and Santa Fe South on Tuesday before hosting Casady on Wednesday in a makeup game.
Chargers hold off Rockets
In a weathershortened week, Heritage Hall held off Fridayland rival Mount St. Mary for a 43-32 road victory last week.
Mount St. Mary opened the week with a 46-34 loss to 4A No. 9 Harrah.
The Chargers (98) host arch rival Casady this Friday and travel to Fridayland rival Crossings Christian on Tuesday, while the Rockets (3-15) entertain Jones on Friday and Tecumseh on Tuesday.
Cyclones top Crooked Oak
Casady ended a short 2-game losing streak with a 42-32 win over Crooked Oak last week. The Cyclones (413) visit rival Heritage Hall this Friday and host Community Christian on Tuesday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
- Photo by Lance Payne, thephotograb.com
CONCERTS
Feb. 27– 8 •
Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles Classical Mystery Tour captures the spirit, sound, and style that made the Beatles a global phenomenon. Enjoy the unforgettable music of the Beatles with one of the greatest Beatles tribute bands with the OKC Philharmonic symphony orchestra. Visit okcciviccenter. com for tickets.
April 24 • Hotel California
The Original Eagles Tribute
Experience the legendary sound, harmonies, and spirit of the Eagles brought to life on stage in a stunning live concert event at OCCC. Hotel Califor‐nia faithfully recreates the iconic music that defined a generation — from “Take It Easy” and “Desperado” to “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Hotel California.” This is more than a concert — it’s a journey back to one of the greatest eras in rock history. Visit occc.ticketsage.net/ for details.
ROUTE 66
Feb. 12 • Impact Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial
Join us as we celebrate a century of America’s most iconic highway. Discover the history, stories, and
Calendar / Booster
Feb. 14 • The Fire of Love
Let passion take center stage as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents The Fire of Love: Romeo and Juliet on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 pm at the Civic Center Music Hall, a Valentine’s Day concert filled with sweeping emotion, dramatic storytelling, and timeless romance. The program features lush, evocative works by Chausson, Tchaikovsky, and more – each pieced carefully selected to stir the soul and captivate the heart. Together, orchestra and soloist weave a rich musical tapestry that captures the intensity and vulnerability of Shakespeare’s legendary lovers. Tickets start at just $24 at okcphil.org/concerts/thefireoflove or call the OKCPHIL Box Office at (405) 8425387.
cultural impact of the “Mother Road,” which has connected communities, inspired travelers, and shaped our state. Please mark your calendar for this enjoyable, free event at the Edmond History Museum from 4 – 6 pm. Email Admin@ ImpactOk.org for help to register. Visit impactok.org for details.
THIS WEEKEND
Feb. 5–7 • Jr. High Wrestling
The mission of the Junior High Allstate Wrestling Tournament is to bring together junior high wrestlers from across the state to compete in Oklahoma’s toughest wrestling tournament for a chance to be named the best wrestler in Oklahoma. Three day event at the State Fair Park OG&E Coliseum. Visit okcfairpark.com for the schedule.
Feb. 6 •
Paseo First Friday
The Paseo Arts Association is hosting three new exhibitions this February. The next exhibits will open at the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center, 3024
Paseo on Friday, Feb. 6, during First Friday Gallery Walk, 6 – 9 pm. Shows include Daydream Diaries in Gallery I, The PAA Members’ Show in Gallery II and Who and Where We Are in Gallery III.
OKC THUNDER
Super Bowl Sunday
It’s finally here. The biggest show on television. Super Bowl LX featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Every year, the NFL Championship Game draws more American viewers than any other game, competition, drama, or series finale. Last year the game between the Eagles and the Chiefs attracted 127.7 million viewers. The year before, the Chiefs and Niners drew in 123.7 million people. As a comparison, the 2025 Kentucky Derby pulled in 21.8 million and the highest rated scripted show on broadcast television, Tracker (CBS), attracted 17.4 million viewers, according to Variety. The Super Bowl is huge. Because of its size, the Super Bowl charges the most money for television commercials and sponsorships. This year, the reported cost for a :30 second spot averages $8 million dollars. Some spots are going for as high as $10 million, according to Ad Week and USA Today. Those costs are only for the media time. That does not include the production of the spot or the endorsement fee for the big-name star.
Oklahoman to perform at the Super Bowl. She sang in the halftime show in 1971 along with Up With People and the Southeast Missouri State Marching Band. After that auspicious beginning, the halftime show featured a mind-boggling variety of entertainers alongside marching bands, including Carol Channing Dorothy Hamill George Burns, and the Rockettes. The most popular early guests were Up With People, who performed on the main stage in 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1986.
Michael Jackson changed all of that. His 1993 halftime performance was so legendary, it catapulted the halftime show itself into the stratosphere. That is when the show started attracting the biggest stars from America and beyond (Rolling Stones, The Who Paul McCartney) to America’s biggest stage. If you want to see a tour of America’s biggest pop, rock, and rap artists over the past couple of decades, go to YouTube and type in Super Bowl Half Time performances.
Feb. 20 • Brooklyn Nets 7:00 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Celebrate Founder’s Day at Science Museum Oklahoma with any donation in lieu of admission on Feb. 9.
Science Museum Oklahoma will celebrate Founder’s Day on Sunday, Feb. 9, honoring the philanthropic legacy of John E. Kirkpatrick, whose vision and generosity established the museum and created its permanent home at the Kirkpatrick Center. This year, the museum is celebrating the day as an opportunity to both honor its founder and educate the com-
munity about the museum’s nonprofit status. In lieu of regular admission throughout the day, Science Museum Oklahoma will take donations to support its mission and provide hands-on science learning for the community.
Science Museum Oklahoma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no city or state funding, relying on admissions, memberships, and charitable donations to make it possible for the museum to serve families, schools, and learners across Oklahoma.
“ John E. Kirkpatrick be-
Some of the greatest advertisements of all time premiered on the Super Bowl. Coca-Cola’s 1980 ad “Hey Kid, Catch,” starring Mean Joe Greene, is at the top of most lists online. So are Apple’s “1984,” McDonald’s “The Showdown,” starring Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, and Volkswagen’s Star Wars themed “The Force.” In researching these ads online, I discovered the website www.superbowl-ads.com. It is the best place to see ads from all the Super Bowl broadcasts throughout the years.
The size of the audience also makes the Super Bowl a big draw for performers. Several great Oklahomans have performed the Star-Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl: Garth Brooks in 1993, Carrie Underwood in 2010, and Reba McEntire in 2024.
Anita Bryant was the first
Apr. 2
Feimster
Other Events/Shows/Awards: Orchid Exhibit Jan. 16Mar. 1 Chocolate Decadence Feb. 5
This year’s featured performer is the Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny has been the top global streaming artist in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025. He was the top Spotify artist last year with 19.8 billion streams. Taylor Swift is the only one to knock him off the top slot this decade in 2023 and 2024.
At the Grammy Awards last Sunday, Bad Bunny won Best Album for his latest set Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, which translates in English as “I should have taken more photos.” It is the first Spanish language album to win the top prize at the Grammys.
As a super fan of Heritage Hall Charger Wes Welker, I’m tempted to root for New England. But I’m also a long-time Steve Largent fan, so I may end up cheering for Seattle. Either way, there are plenty of things to enjoy about the Super Bowl, no matter who wins.
lieved deeply in the power of curiosity and access to learning,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick President and CEO of Science Museum Oklahoma. “Founder’s Day is a meaningful way to honor his generosity while inviting our community to be part of that legacy. Every donation helps us expand outreach programs, support camps and special events, and continue building new exhibits that inspire future scientists.”
Donations made on Founder’s Day help fund initiatives including school and
community outreach, educational camps, accessible programming, special events for underserved families, as well as the development of ongoing new exhibits. These programs ensure that science learning remains available to children and families to have hands-on educational experiences. Founder’s Day donations will be accepted in lieu of admission for the full day on Feb. 9. Guests may give any amount they choose, reinforcing the spirit of giving that defined the museum’s beginnings and continues to shape its future.
Sanctuary is a private enclave of 14 single family homes of exceptional quality that adjoin the 65-acre Grand Boulevard Park. The development is adjacent to Nichols Hills Plaza and many multi-million dollar homes along Grand Boulevard.
A new Sanctuary going up in Nichols Hills
Site development and construction have begun on the Sanctuary community in Nichols Hills.
The developers are Charlie Givens, Nolan Coyle, Tony Say and Jay and Craig Johnston. The developers all have strong ties to the Nichols Hills community.
Sanctuary is a private enclave of 14 single-family homes of exceptional quality that adjoin the 65-acre Grand Boulevard Park. The development is adjacent to Nichols Hills Plaza and many multimillion dollar homes along Grand Boulevard.
This is the last and best
site in Nichols Hills. The location, design and construction of the homes at Sanctuary combine to make this limited offering "Forever Real Estate" that will last for generations. Sanctuary offers a muchneeded, new lifestyle option for Nichols Hills that has never been available.
The exterior of the homes are to have a consistent architectural thread of cast stone, masonry, plaster and natural stone. All homes and common areas will have lush landscaping and elegant lighting overlooking a gracious fountain.
The interior of the homes features open living areas
with 10-, 12- and 16-foot ceilings (some with formal dining room and study), elegant primary suites and bathrooms, abundant windows for natural light and generous outdoor living space.
Homes range in size from 3,300 square feet to 4,900 square feet. Most homes are single story which is rare for Nichols Hills. Prices range from $1,975,000 to $3,500,000. All homes are being constructed simultaneously with completion expected in the next 36 months.
Bockus and Payne is the project architectural firm.
Legal Notices & Classifieds
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026 ; Friday, February 13, 2026 ; Friday, February 20, 2026)
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION No. FD-2026-181
In the District Court within and for said County and State.
State of Oklahoma, } } ss. Oklahoma County }
Corey Elizabeth Cason, Plaintiff vs. Richard Patrick Cason Sr., Defendant
The State of Oklahoma to the said Defendant, Greeting:
You, the said defendant, will take notice that you have been sued in the above named Court in the above named and numbered cause for a divorce on the grounds of incompatibility and you must answer Plaintiff’s petition filed herein on or before the 18 day of March 2026, or said petition will be taken as true and judgment for said Plaintiff will be rendered against you according to prayer of Plaintiff’s petition.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Bill Young, Deputy Clerk (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026 ; Friday, February 13, 2026)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PB-2025-195
IN THE MATTER OF THE ) ESTATE OF )
GARY S. CHAPMAN, )
NOTICE FOR HEARING PETITION FOR FINAL DECREE AND DISTRIBUTION
Notice is hereby given that a hearing on the Petition for Final Decree and Distribution of the above Estate will be heard on the 25 day of February, 2026, before Judge Martha Oakes at 2:00 o’clock p.m., in Courtroom No. 217 in the County Courthouse at Oklahoma City and all persons interested in said Estate are notified then and there to appear and show cause, if any they have, why said account should not be settled and allowed, and said
Estate distributed. Dated this 29 day of January, 2026.
MARTHA OAKES
JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Misty Zaragoza Deputy
NAME CHANGE
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-254
In Re: The Name of: ) Paige Hall )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Paige Johns Hall has petitioned to change his/her name to Paige Ann Lewallen.
A Hearing on said petition is set for 10:00 o’clock A.M. on the 13 day of March, 2026 before Judge Dishman at 10:00 o’clock in courtroom 315 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-234
In Re: The Name of: ) Hector Manuel Jurado )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Hector Manuel Jurado has petitioned to change his/her name to Hector Manuel Perez.
A Hearing on said petition is set for 10:00 o’clock A.M. on the 13 day of March, 2026 before Judge Dishman at 10:00 o’clock in courtroom 315 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-233
IN RE: The Name of: ) Anna Louise Thie )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Anna Louise Thie has petitioned to change his/her name to Anna Thie Louise Alianelli.
Duit Construction Co., Inc.
Seeking 5 Assistant Project Managers in Edmond, OK.
Must have a Bach’s deg in project mgmt. Employer will accept a 3 or 4 yr US or foreign deg.
80% trvl to Love & Payne counties, may incl. overnight stays for days/wks at a time. Mail res to: ATTN: M. Lipps, 6250 N Industrial Blvd, Edmond, OK, 73034
A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 30 day of March, 2026, before Judge Bonner in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/A. Ward BY DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 6, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-255
In Re: The Name of: ) Stephanie Annette Aplet )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Stephanie Annette Aplet has petitioned to change his/her name to Alexandria A Aplet.
A Hearing on said petition is set for 10:30 o’clock A.M. on the 7 day of April, 2026, before Judge Andrews at 10:30 o’clock in courtroom 359 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
Nearly 8,000 fans supported The Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS)’s License Plate Contest and voted “Elephant” by Oklahoma artist, Rick Sinnett, as the official design for the OKC Zoo’s new specialty license plate. OZS and the OKC Zoo are grateful to everyone who voted in the contest and want to give a special thanks to artists, Rick Sinnett and Rhys Riley, for sharing their creative talents and passion for wildlife through their unique designs. Their artwork made for a wild week of voting!
Wildlife fans can pre-order an OKC Zoo plate today. A minimum of 100 prepaid applications must be secured and on file by May 1, 2026, with Service Oklahoma to ensure production. The cost for an OKC Zoo specialty plate is $35, plus a $6.60 mail-in fee, for a total of $41.60 at initial purchase. After the initial purchase, the specialty plate is $10 per renewal, added to your regular vehicle registration. $10 from each plate goes directly back to the OKC Zoo, including every time you renew after the initial plate purchase. Funds support conservation initiatives, education programs, and general Zoo operations.
The Odd Couple gets a hilarious new spin
Get ready for mismatched mayhem as The Odd Couple hits the Pollard stage with a fresh spin.
In this hilarious female version of Neil Simon’s beloved classic, neat freak Florence and free spirit Olive find themselves sharing an apartment—and driving each other crazy.
With sharp wit, big laughs, and an unforgettable cast of characters, this timeless story of unlikely friendship proves that even the biggest differences can lead to the best relationships.
Performed at Guthrie’s historic Pollard Theatre, March 6 – 28. Visit thepollard.org for tickets or call 405-282-2800.
The Dodo’s true story finally takes flight
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History invites visitors to explore two remarkable chapters in the story of life on Earth—one focused on a crossroads of dinosaur evolution, and the other set on a remote island, home to one of the most famous examples of humandriven extinction. Together, these exhibitions offer an immersive look at species that shaped our understanding of life, adaptation, and the everchanging natural world.
Exploring Extinction: The Dodo transports visitors to the Indian Ocean during the great Age of Exploration, where the now-iconic dodo bird once lived on the island of Mauritius. Long imagined to be clumsy animals destined for an inevitable extinction, the dodo’s true story is far more complex.
“The idea that dodos were especially simple and illsuited for survival is a mischaracterization of a unique species that I wish we still had around,” said Dr. André Moncrieff, Assistant Curator of Ornithology at the Sam Noble Museum. “We’re talking about a two-foot-tall flightless mega-pigeon––That’s pretty cool!”
Dr. Moncrieff notes that the dodo evolved in an island ecosystem without mammalian predators, where flightlessness was not a disadvantage but an energysaving adaptation. “Large flight muscles are often not worth the energetic cost on small islands,” he explained. “Natural selection has repeatedly led to loss of flight in totally unrelated groups of island birds—including some
very unique ones that still exist today, like the kiwis of New Zealand.”
The exhibition, produced by Silver Plume Exhibitions LLC, features original artwork by Julius Csotonyi, Alexandra Lefort, Gary Staab, and William Stout. Hands-on activities and historical storytelling invite visitors to “nest like a dodo” or “explore like a sailor” while learning how the species lived, why it vanished, and what its story can teach us about conservation today.
“One key lesson from the dodo,” Moncrieff added, “is that island species often evolve in the absence of certain predators or diseases, which can make them more vulnerable to extinction— especially when combined with small population sizes.”
He also emphasizes that extinction is not just a historical issue. “Human-caused extinctions of birds are still occurring, mostly through habitat alteration or introduction of invasive species. But there are success stories. Whooping Cranes were near extinction in the mid-1900s, and now we can see small groups of them regularly here in Oklahoma during migration.”
In addition to Exploring Extinction, the museum will feature a second temporary exhibition during the same time period, which also focuses on an extinct avian from the distant past. Dinosaurs Take Flight explores one of paleontology’s most famous discoveries. Since its first appearance in 1861, Archaeopteryx has stood at the crossroads of science and
imagination, illuminating the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
The exhibition showcases the work of six renowned paleo-artists—Mark Hallett, Luis V. Rey, Julius Csotonyi, William Stout, Gary Staab, and Dennis J. Wilson—whose paintings, sculptures, and reconstructions bring this pivotal species to life. Visitors can explore more than 50 original artworks, large-scale murals, detailed sculptures, research-grade replicas, Solnhofen lagoon fossils, video interviews, and interactive components that reveal how art and science work together to interpret ancient life.
“With Dinosaurs Take Flight, I’m excited for people to think about how much modern birds have in common with other dinosaurs,” said Moncrieff. “Birds and their extinct dinosaur relatives share features including egg-laying, nests, and in many cases, feathers and flight. It may sound strange to call birds dinosaurs, but after visiting this exhibit, that idea should feel much more intuitive.”
Together, these exhibitions provide a rare opportunity to examine extinction from two very different vantage points—one through the lens of prehistoric evolution, the other through the human history that shaped how we understand the loss of species. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience both stories, reflect on the lessons they offer, and discover how science, art, and history come together to illuminate the world around us.
Debbie South
Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077
Full Circle Bookstore
1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club
2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822
boutiqueone.store
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415
learningtreeokc.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square
The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404
nancyfarha.com
23rd Street Antiques
3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Antiques23.com
Coyle Law Firm
125 Park Ave. No.100
Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468
Gulfportseafoods.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622
Bancfirst.bank
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300, Okla. City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 | fnbok.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS
4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 NW 63 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 N. MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek
Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494 navigatingmedicare.com
First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com
Robert Don Gifford GIFFORD LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 2682 Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (405)778-4647 giffordlawyer.com Robert.Gifford@ GiffordLawyer.com
Cross Timbers Arborist 3500 S. Brunson St. Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (405) 682-4777 crosstimbersarborist.com
As the legislature begins, readings of bills important
By Joe Dorman President & CEO Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
I told someone the other day that this time of year is when I am most optimistic for our state to see better, but that I am also highly concerned about what direction Oklahoma will go through policy.
On Monday, Feb. 2, Oklahoma saw the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature commence. Lawmakers convened to officially begin business for 2026 by conducting the “first reading” of bills by announcing the bill number associated with the filed legislation.
This term is spelled out in Oklahoma’s Constitution, requiring each bill to have three readings, with one only occurring every 24 hours. This is a protection for the people allowing them to mobilize should a bill be controversial, rallying support or opposition before reaching the desk of the governor.
“Readings” of a bill are called such because the bill’s title, number, and content in earlier days were read aloud to the legislative body, a tradition originating before widespread literacy and the ability to photocopy bills. Now, a motion is submitted stating the bills are considered as read thanks to improvements in both those areas.
On Tuesday, legislators will hear the “second reading” of the bills filed, announcing to which committee bills are assigned for consideration. Once bills pass out of committee and go to a hearing in the full
house of origin (House bills in the House of Representatives, Senate bills in the Senate), then they will reach the “third reading” and be up for passage by the entire membership of the body.
The process is then repeated in the opposite body. If agreement cannot be reached between the bodies, it goes to further negotiation in a conference committee later in the session. The bill will be considered on a “fourth reading,” and it cannot be amended but simply passed or sent back for further conference.
So, the quickest a bill can pass is five calendar days due to three readings with 24 hours in each of the two bodies, with the third reading in the first house overlapping with the first reading in the other. I will say that it rarely happens for something to pass that quickly.
I was pleased with several bills which were submitted that align with our Children’s Legislative Agenda as built by attendees to our annual Fall Forum conference and through the efforts of our board members to provide ideas for policymakers, lawmakers, and state agencies, to improve conditions for the youth of Oklahoma. We have had our team going through the submissions by lawmakers and with those bills which carried over from the previous session, which is allowed only over a two-year period in the first and second sessions of each Legislature.
In total, there are more than 350 bills which have been submitted that we have on our tracking list, with almost that many carrying over from last year.
Dear Wise Elder: Dad and Mom divorced long ago and since then he has lived alone, most recently in an independent living community. He’s an hour from my sister and 10 hours from me. But the separation is more than miles. Now that his health has cratered, caring for him is extremely difficult. His finances are a mess. He has five bank accounts. He pays for long-term care insurance but doesn’t know what it covers. He doesn’t understand that we are helping, supporting, making sure
he is safe because it is the right thing to do – just like HE TAUGHT US long ago. But at this stage it is hard to do when you have to force…. I don’t want to do that to my kids. Being estranged. Alone. Being stubbornly independent. Dear Independent: Good. Now, write down and talk about the picture of your life and relationship in 10 years. Talk about these with your children; tell them what you want. Keep the relationship.
Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637
Snowflake Gala
Above: Jeff and Sally Starling and Hillary and Peter Farrell. During the gala, it was announced that United Way’s Annual Campaign had raise more then $19.5 million for its partner agencies.
Above: OMRF President and CEO Dr. Andrew Weyrich and his wife, Amy. At left: Peggy Burris and Kris Hopper braved the cold to cheer on the United Way.
OKC FRIDAY joins Dr. Natalie E. Hugos in celebration of her graduation from South College with a doctorate in physical therapy. Sharing the joy are, from left: Back row, Jack Markun, Natalie, Wiley (Smith) Hugos, Chris Kiener, Bonnie (Smith) Black and Weezie (Black) Kiener; and front, Elie Kiener and Christopher Kiener.
The United Way of Central Oklahoma revealed the total of its 2025 Campaign during the 25th Annual Snowflake Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. At right: John and Ashlee Symcox attend to celebrate the accomplishment of his parents, CoChairmen Suzie and Less Symcox.
- Photos by Rose Lane
A legacy of commitment to a healthier and better community
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City remains committed to strengthening individuals and communities across Central and Western Oklahoma.
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States of America. Throughout its history, the organization has been putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City was formed just three weeks after the land run in the back room of a shack that was serving as the post office, a few yards from the railroad station in what is now downtown Oklahoma City.
“Our organization has been strengthening our communities for over 137 years, stated Kelly Kay, CEO and president of the Greater Oklahoma
PYSK
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fun with family. Especially holidays where we now get to host our family along with our parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins who all now have grown and young children and grandchildren and continuing special family traditions.
How do you define success differently today than when you were younger? Definitely looking back, pushing so hard to grow professionally. I can also be very competitive to a fault. Now with my grandkids doing sports and programs, plus years of
After serving 13 years as superintendent of PC Schools, Dr. Fred Rhodes is officially retiring at the end of this school year.
City YMCA. With the support of our strong community leaders, employees, donors, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers, we now serve 250,000 members across central and western Oklahoma.”
It remains one of the few organizations that serve people through every stage of their lives.
“The YMCA continues to help people find their ‘why’ and a greater sense of purpose by connecting them with others to improve their health and to be in a position to support young people, make new friends, and contribute to a stronger and more cohesive community for all. There truly is no place like this place,” Mr. Kelly
seeing the impact of Y programs on kids and families, just appreciating a close, loving family, all the things we have been able to experience together and seeing my family and many that we serve grow and achieve their God-given potential. What’s number one on your bucket list? I don’t really have a bucket list, but I would love an opportunity to do some special things with my wife. She has been the best wife, mom, and Nana, and always puts others first. I have also dreamed of the opportunity to play golf with my boys at some historic, iconic golf course, such as St.
continued.
“The YMCA is one of the few remaining places that brings people together from all walks of life, creating strong kids, strong families, and strong connected communities. A hub of community where all feel safe and welcome. A beacon of hope and health where people come to improve their personal health and wellbeing, remain involved in important enrichment activities, strengthen family relationships, make new friends and give back and support their neighbors,” he said.
In 2025, over 77,000 children, youth and teens participated in important programs such as swim lessons, youth sports, after school, summer
Andrews, Pebble Beach, etc.
What would you like people to remember about you?
I know I have many faults and don’t ever show people enough how much they mean to me, but hopefully, I have been an encouragement, made life fun and loved, served and cared for others. Professionally, it is humbling to serve in this role in an organization that has shaped generations since before statehood. I hope to be remembered as someone who has honored those who came before me, lived up to our strong Christian mission and heritage, and served and helped sustain our YMCA and
day camp, overnight camp at Camp Classen, teen leadership programs such as, Youth and Government, Y Achievers, Teen Job training, that help young people find a path for their future and build the next generation of servant leaders and changemakers.
The YMCA has also helped over 41,000 active older adults maintain or reclaim their health through many exercise and chronic disease prevention programs. The organization has helped them to create important social connections to stay fully engaged in their community.
For those who have a little higher level of needs, there is also no social stigma when receiving those services at the Y through one of their partners. As a key hub of community, the YMCA provided over 250,000 out-ofschool-time meals and snacks, and pro-
strengthen our communities during a very difficult time in our history (although I am reminded that this isn’t the first pandemic our YMCA has been through and helped protect our community), and helped position our YMCA to be what our kids, families and communities need for future generations. The Y is an incredible association of people and so much bigger than any one person, and it has been so special to be part of that legacy and impact.
When I was a kid, I wanted to…. Be a college/professional baseball player or whatever sport was in season, but baseball was my
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vided over $3 million in financial assistance to over 25,000 children and families to participate in membership and programs who otherwise may not have been able to afford to attend during the past year. 50,000+ participated in the Y’s many free community outreach programs, such as the Military Welcome Center, Livestrong for Cancer Survivors, Y Clubhouse in partnership with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, Getting Ahead family stability program in partnership with United Way.
“The YMCA has 1,800 employees.
Nearly 50% are young people getting their first job experiences as a camp counselor, sports official, lifeguard, swim instructor or as a professional leading a Y program. Another 250 employees are leading our organization and community YMCAs serving alongside over 5,000
first love! Did you have any sports heroes when you were growing up? Why was he/she your hero? This will date me, but I was a huge Pete Rose and Johnny Bench fan. Just how hard they played and loved the game. Also, every Dallas Cowboy, but especially Roger Staubach and Drew Pearson. However, my true heroes were Bob Rose, my best friend Hank’s dad, who started coaching me in t-ball, Coach Scroggins, my first football coach, my high school football and baseball coaches, Pee Wee Park, Rudy Mayfield, and David Atterberry. I was scared to death
a highly soughtafter position,” said Graffeo. “We are an innovative district with a lot of growth, dedicated longtime employees, high-profile alumni and award-winning/ championship extracurriculars.”
The Putnam City School Board of Education, together with OSSBA, conducted a stakeholder survey to identify characteristics of the new superintendent. The outcomes of that survey are confidential to the school board.
“I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and the entire Putnam City Community,” said Dr. Rhodes in his Letter of Appreciation to the school
volunteers who are supported by 2,200 donors. We have 300 governance volunteers serving on our Board of Directors, YMCA Advisory Councils and many committees and task forces who lead, guide and resource our YMCA, along with over 4,700 who serve with our staff to deliver important community programs such as mentoring teens, serving meals, and tutoring in our afterschool programs and so much more,” stated Kelly.
“I’ve been so blessed professionally and personally in my 36-year career with the YMCA,” he said. “Our Y has been so fortunate to have strong mission-driven staff leaders at every level that I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside. My internal staff and network of community teammates continue to help me attempt to provide as much joy to others as my family has given me.”
of those guys, but I would do anything not let them down and looked up to them so much. Those relationships, even long after I went as far as I could in sports, continued to support and encourage me, and shaped how I coach, good and bad, what I say to kids I coach. Nothing builds community around kids like sports, and sports are what really drew me to the Y. Like those coaches and my Y mentor Bill Rogers, as driven and competitive as they were, the Y cares more about how the ball impacts the child and their development, than how the child impacts the ball.
board. “I was professionally born in Putnam City when I started as a student teacher at Wiley Post Elementary in January 1976.”
Dr. Rhodes’ career in education spans 50 years, beginning as a grade 5-6 teacher at Wiley Post, followed by serving as assistant principal at Wiley Post and Dennis Elementary. He was the inaugural principal of Will Rogers Elementary where he stayed for 22 years.
“After 29 years with Putnam City, he became an assistant superintendent with Yukon Schools and, after eight years ‘came home’ to serve as Putnam City’s 24th superintendent,” said Graffeo. “When he retires in July, his 13 years will be one of the longest tenures of superintendents in the district’s 112-year history.”
