STANDARD
THE SOIRÉE
Hey Day Expands
Hey Pickle Pickle
Sooner Women’s Basketball
Sweet Season
Moore High Choir The Magic of Music
Cover photo by: Mark Doescher
On May 29, Moore Public School Foundation will celebrate an important milestone - 30 years of support for students, educators and schools across the district.
What began three decades ago as a grassroots effort led by parents and community leaders has grown into a vital force to enhance learning opportunities for students across Moore Public Schools.
“They wanted to see more happen in our schools,” shared Lizzy Bozarth, executive director of the foundation.
Since its founding, the foundation has infused local classrooms with grants for enrichment programs, instructional materials, visiting instructors and speakers, field trips, safety enhancements and more, benefiting all 25,000 students in the district.
“Every school has been impacted by a grant in some form or fashion,” Bozarth added.
Since 2015 alone, the foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants.
“We have helped fund everything from sensory rooms and outdoor classrooms to new book sets, art supplies, drones, 3D printers; the list goes on and on,” Bozarth explained. “Teachers are so intentional when requesting these grants. If we can do it, we will make it happen.”
Grants are awarded each spring and fall semester, typically totaling between $70,000 and $90,000 annually.
“We wouldn’t be here without the help of our donors and sponsors. The community is so generous and quick to support our schools,” Bozarth said.
BUILDING BRIDGES
In 2022, the foundation embarked on its most ambitious project to date: raising nearly $4 million to launch Bridges of Moore, a nonprofit ded-
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
icated to supporting high school students experiencing family crises.
“This has been uncharted territory for us and will probably be a key turning point,” Bozarth said. “It has been a daunting task, but it has opened our horizons to what our community will support.”
Earlier this year, the foundation broke ground on the Bridges of Moore Village, a campus that will include 10 duplexes, resident advisor housing and a student center. The village is expected to open to students in the fall.
Support for the project began with students themselves. Through Moore Love, the district’s annual student-led philanthropic initiative, MPS students raised $280,000 to kick off the campaign.
“Having students step up and say this is a cause they want to support was a huge highlight for us,” Bozarth said.
The foundation has raised more than 60% of its funding goal. To learn how to donate to the Building Bridges campaign, visit mooreschoolsfoundation.org/buildingbridges.
THE SOIRÉE
On May 29, the foundation invites the community to celebrate its 30th anniversary at a tropical, casino-themed party at OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City. The event will include live entertainment, a casino experience, cocktails and food and the first-ever MPSF Hall of Fame induction.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary and the people who make the work of the foundation possible,” Bozarth said. “(The Soirée) will be a vibrant look forward.”
Tickets start at $150 and proceeds will benefit classroom grants and other foundation programs. Resort cocktail attire is encouraged. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit mooreschoolsfoundation.org/thesoiree.– SMS
THE MAGIC OF MUSIC
Moore High
School
Choir
Highlights Oklahoma Connections, Sings at Carnegie Hall
Arecent student trip highlights the far-reaching effect of music and the arts on the lives of young Oklahomans. In April, Moore High School Choir Director Lynn Herbel led a group of 40 audition choir high school students to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Jake Runestad, an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated composer and conductor.
Organized through National Concerts, a company dedicated to coordinating performance opportunities and artistic guidance, the trip included intensive rehearsals before a Saturday night concert. Herbel also chose to participate, singing in Carnegie Hall alongside her students. The student trip came about because of Herbel’s peer relationship with Dr. Tracey Gregg-Boothby, professor of music at Rose State College. A member of Oklahoma’s Wichita tribe, she has worked with Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate to transcribe and conserve tribal music, as well as perform it in Carnegie Hall through National Concerts. Gregg-Boothby invited distinct Oklahoma organizations to partic-
ipate. Although COVID postponed the trip, Herbel’s dream for her students finally came true.
Herbel also became aware of a 2013 Westmoore alum, Preston Taylor, who made his Broadway debut in the current production of “The Great Gatsby.” The group had dinner with him and later attended the show to cheer him on.
The four-day trip was an opportunity to broaden students’ horizons and connect with others over what Herbel calls “the magic of music.”
“We’re not just singing from A to the end. We are discovering where the magic happens in that piece, small details that matter,” said Hebel. “Teaching them those little parts is like teaching them a foreign language. Music is a whole new set of code they can learn and take anywhere in the world.“
Hebel graduated with her vocal music education degree in 1996 from Oklahoma Christian University. She has been at Moore High School for 12 years but started in the district 18 years ago, first at Winding Creek Elementary.
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
Moore Norman Honors KREF for Workforce Collaboration
The Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers and the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education recently hosted a banquet to recognize businesses that partner with technology centers to cultivate career opportunities for Oklahoma students.
Moore Norman Technology Center selected KREF, a locally owned media company, as their honoree for this year. KREF operates a sports radio station and live streams of high school sports, also publishing Boyd Street and South Metro Standard magazines.
As KREF expanded coverage with live streams of high school sports, the company turned to Moore Norman to recruit camera operators from their Digital Cinema and TV Production (DCTP) program, allowing students to gain professional experience while still in school with the added benefit of paid positions.
“This partnership is mutually beneficial,” said Perry Spencer, director of KREFSports.tv. “Students gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting, and we can meet the growing demand for local sports coverage.”
Owen Nooner began working with KREF while enrolled at Moore Norman and continued after grad-
uating. He credits the opportunity with helping him take his craft seriously, providing him with real-world experience important for career advancement.
KREF has established similar partnerships with other career technology centers in Oklahoma, further supporting the development of young media professionals in the state.- SMS
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
KREF staff were also honored by the Oklahoma Broadcasters Association, earning awards for:
• Station Image Promotion
• Video Streaming Sports
• Personality of the Year
*all in the Non-Metro Radio Division
Local businesses interested in supporting student internships and student-athletes, while also promoting their brand, should contact Perry Spencer at perry@kref.com.
Left to right: ODCTE Director Brent Haken, MNTC instructors Amy Smith and Ben Hlavaty, KREF team members Lindsay Cuomo, Perry Spencer and Casey Vinyard, MNTC Communication & Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Royse, MNTC Program Director Jennifer Tupper, MNTC IDD Director Christa Simmons and OKACTE Executive Director Skye McNiel.
SUMMER BEATS & EATS
Fun, Food & Live Music
Get ready to soak up some sun and sounds at the 5th annual Summer Beats & Eats event on June 6 at Central Park from 6 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by the City of Moore, Summer Beats & Eats is designed to be a laid-back, come-and-go event that’s fun for all ages. Yard games and inflatables will keep kids busy while adults relax and enjoy a live concert by RedLand, a five-piece band from Oklahoma known for their high-energy blend of 90s-to-now country music with a dash of classic rock, according to Kasey Dean, the event’s coordinator.
Dean invites the community to “come out to the park, grab dinner and listen to some good music.”
Several food trucks will be serving up crowd favorites, including Coits and Some Like It Tot. Local brews from Anthem Brewing will also be available for the 21 and up crowd. Guests are welcome to bring their own food.
Admission and parking are free. While some seating is
A FULL LINE-UP OF SUMMER FUN
The City of Moore has a full slate of free summer events to keep the good times rolling:
• Movie in the Park featuring Moana 2 on May 16
• Memorial Day Celebration at Veterans Park on May 26
• Kid’s Fishing Derby at Buck Thomas Park on June 7
• Movie in the Park featuring Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on June 13
Career Dreams Began at MNTC for Uncle-Niece Duo FAMILY CONNECTION
Sienna Rosales, a graduating cosmetology student, and her uncle, Kandro Brown, a senior quality engineer at Toyota Motor North America, share more than just a commitment to their careers — they also share a family bond and a meaningful connection to Moore Norman Technology Center.
Both credit the technology center with equipping them with the skills, knowledge and industry exposure necessary to succeed in their respective fields. For Rosales and Brown, MNTC served as a pivotal step on their professional journeys.
Rosales, who graduates this month from the center’s cosmetology program, is Brown’s niece. She plans to continue her education and pursue a career in dermatology.
“I first applied for cosmetology because I loved braiding my dad’s and brother’s hair and wanted to go pro. Instead, I was placed in the esthetics program, where I discovered a passion for skincare,” Rosales said. “That foundation led me to nail care this year, building on what I learned last year.”
That initial exposure sparked a deeper interest in the beauty industry. She said she values the experiences she’s gained, and the career preparation offered through MNTC’s hands-on curriculum.
“In my program, industry professionals visited, we watched live demonstrations and completed assignments that involved networking with potential employers,” she said. “We even toured salons, one of which led to my job. And that’s all on top of our regular curriculum.”
After graduation, Rosales plans to attend college to study cosmetic chemistry. She said MNTC has prepared her to continue working part time in the field while pursuing her degree.
“Thanks to MNTC, I can use my skills and licenses to do nails part-time, while pursuing my ultimate goal of becoming a dermatologist,” she said.
Brown also credits the technology center for being a springboard into his career as a senior quality engineer for Toyota Motor North America Inc. in Plano, Texas.
Brown’s interest in engineering led him to check out the technology center’s Computerized Numerical Controls (CNC) Machining program where students learn to program and control advanced industrial machines used in manufacturing industries.
Brown, who attended the center from 2011 to 2013, said lessons he learned in the program influence his job today.
Brown went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in industrial and systems engineering and has worked for Toyota for seven years.
“I enjoy that every day is a new challenge and opportunity,” he said.
Brown said Moore Norman Technology Center provided him with skills, knowledge and insight that has enhanced his work as an engineer.
“I think Moore Norman Technology Center is a wonderful place,” Brown said. “The center allows you to see outside of a traditional classroom what career fields are available to you.”
Nearly 800 students will graduate from Moore Norman Technology Center on May 14 at the Lloyd Noble Center at the University of Oklahoma. According to the center, 96% of graduates are employed or will continue their education after completing their programs. Starting wages for MNTC graduates average $20 per hour, with some earning as much as $50 per hour.– SMS
SWEET SEASON
Sooner Women’s Basketball Season Recap
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BY: CHRIS PLANK
As the Sooner women’s basketball season came to a close, it was easier to put aside any frustration thanks to the incredible excitement for what lay ahead. Under the strong leadership of head coach Jennie Baranczyk, the future remains bright for this flourishing program.
The Sooners wrapped up the season winning 11 of their last 13 games, capping off with a trip to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. The only two losses during the final stretch came at the hands of the eventual National Champion and runner-up.
Oklahoma earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the highest since its Final Four run in 2010 and had the Lloyd Noble Center rocking during its 34-point win over Iowa. In their first season in the most challenging conference in women’s college basketball, the Sooners shined brightly and set an incredible tone for the future.
“The end of the season isn’t the end of the season anymore,” Baranczyk said. “You try to debrief as much as you can. You try to meet with everybody. You have the transfer portal going on, and you’ve got all these other things, too.
“But, you know what’s really neat is to be able to catch each player in raw emotion (to ask) what do you need to get better and what do we need to do better? How do we improve? I have been really impressed with our insight… to be able to really develop these plans for everybody.”
Part of this offseason’s craziness is the unknowns regarding the future of college athletics. With the looming house proposal, revenue sharing, and a potential NIL clearinghouse, the rules are about to change… again.
“I think that has been one of the biggest challenges for us. It’s not what it used to be,” Baranczyk said. “I love the basketball part. I love the player development, the individualized performance plans, and I’m trying to learn even more every day. Now you’ve got portal recruiting visits, and you’ve got to still try to manage the high school recruiting. There really is not a moment to take a breath.”
Despite the immediacy of the offseason, it is hard not to look back at the special season with pride and excitement. In its first season in the SEC, the Sooners battled against the nation’s elite week in and week out. They finished the regular season ranked 13th while maintaining a spot in the top 20 since the first ranking was released in December.
OU was battle-tested against elite competition since six of its seven losses came against the top four seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Aside from two losses to South Carolina and its season-ending loss to UCONN, every OU defeat was by 10 points or fewer.
The addition of All-American Raegan Beers and the improved play of Payton Verhulst helped elevate the Sooners, but the willingness of players like Skylar Vann to take on new roles and contribute at a high level made this team special both on and off the court.
After earning Big 12 Co-Player of the Year honors last season and leading the Sooners in scoring (15.1 points per game) and rebounding (7.0), Vann’s role changed drastically this season. With OU adding Beers, Vann was no longer tasked with playing in the post.
“It was hard but what kept me going was (my desire to) be a great teammate, to be a great person,” Vann said. “The fact that I was able to help (Verhulst) get through whatever and Raegan and my teammates in general, that they didn’t feel like I was shutting them out because of what I was going through means a lot because in that moment it felt like I was just on a struggle.”
Through the struggles, Vann did not waver with her focus and confi
dence. In the first 23 games of the season, Vann averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds, shooting 42.1%.
“Going from player of the year in your conference the year before to struggling to buy a layup was really difficult because I didn’t really change anything,” Vann said.
“Coming home from practice, coming home from games, I could still talk to her about things that I was struggling with, and she would listen,” Payton Verhulst said. “I think that says a lot about her character and who she is as a person because, at the end of the day, she cares about other people. I think that’s why she stayed here at Oklahoma. That’s the culture that Jennie’s built.”
Despite the change in responsibilities, Vann excelled as the season progressed and saved her best for last, scoring a season-high 24 points in the first-round win over Florida Gulf Coast. Two days later, in her last career game at Lloyd Noble Center, she scored 17 in the win over Iowa.
“It’s really hard because you don’t want to leave it,” Vann said. “You’ve just built so many memories and so many connections and friendships. It’s hard to say bye to it. Now I’m just playing with joy, having fun. That has helped me and kind of break down those doors where I’m playing for everyone around me and I think that’s just made me feel super fluid in what I do.”
As the Sooners point towards the future, the commitment, sacrifice and hard work from Vann is something Baranczyk wishes she could get a few years more of. “Skylar is one of those players that you wish you could coach forever,” she said. “I loved sitting with her the first time in a press conference to the last time. She exudes this amazing presence and light. She stretched me as a coach. She just makes you keep raising the bar.”
As the Sooners prepare for the game without Vann, they will do so with a solid returning frontcourt revolving around Raegan Beers. Beers made a massive impact in her first season in Norman. An All-SEC First Teamer and AP/USBWA All-America honoree, the dominant center averages 17.5 points on 64.5% shooting and adds 9.3 rebounds per game. She secured 14 double-doubles and has scored 10-plus points 28 times this season, posting 20-plus in 13 games.
Her tearful press conference after the Sooners were eliminated told the story of how much it meant to her to be a Sooner.
“I have a phenomenal support system at home. That just makes the game of basketball so much easier,” Beers said, her eyes tearing up for the first time during the press conference. “I know my brothers were watching. And they’re probably yelling at me through the TV, I can guarantee it. My grandparents have come to so many games. My dad was also here, you probably heard his whistle that’s going viral. When you have that and they pour into you, the Lord has truly given me a gift to play basketball with people that I love, surrounded by so
many people that I love. And I cannot be more thankful for them.”
Beers’ ability to succeed goes back to Baranczyk’s foundation and a locker room that embraced her and the challenges around them like family.
“It’s always interesting when you’re in the portal season because you really want to gatekeep character, that has to be the number one thing,” Baranczyk said. “But you want to make sure that we still understand that this is collegiate athletics. You have to make sure that they still really want to earn that degree, be part of a team and what that team looks like.
“We’re in this incredibly chaotic time that you want to be surrounded by people that you really love, respect and care about, and that’s who our women are. I love when they get to talk about their faith and what that means to them, because that’s really what the program is.”
While Beers prepares for a return to Norman next season, the Sooner roster continues to add talent. Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 girls high school basketball recruit in the nation, is headed to Oklahoma.
“They match how I want to play; I want to play fast,” said Chavez of Oklahoma’s up-tempo guard play. She finished her high school career with 4,796 points,1,279 rebounds and 771 assists. Chavez was named a McDonald’s All-American, Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year for a second time.
In total, the Sooners will have five McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster for year two in the SEC. The Sooners are hungry to take it to the next level.
“There’s players in the gym right now which I love. We’re stuck in this phase of let’s get better today,” Baranczyk said. “I am so hungry right now because you don’t want to end the way that you ended and that fuels you. You get this new sense of energy that is going to drive you to be able to put together a team, to keep together a team, that you want to compete for the University of Oklahoma.”
In addition to the growing talent in the Sooner roster, the sport continues to grow in popularity. The Sooners appeared in a program-record 17 games on national television, including a record 11 broadcasts on ESPN or ESPN2. OU’s Sweet 16 matchup against eventual national champion UConn drew 1.9 million viewers, making it the ninth most-watched women’s Sweet 16 game ever on an ESPN platform.
In the stands, Oklahoma averaged 5,450 fans per game at Lloyd Noble Center - the program’s highest mark since the 2012-13 season. The Sooners ranked 17th nationally and fifth in the SEC in average attendance.
“That gave you more hope seeing that crowd in the Iowa game and people saying this team is really a special team,” Baranczyk said. “I felt so great about the intensity and the passion for Oklahoma in that arena. I loved the way that our players came out. I thought that was so incredible.
The upward trajectory of Oklahoma women’s basketball is undeniable. The passion is evident, the growth is steady, and the momentum is building. For Baranczyk and her talented squad, the start of next season can’t come soon enough as they look to turn the page and leave behind the frustration of how this past season ended.– BSM
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There might be more to that pinch in your shoulder than just the thrill of holding your latest win—it might be the aftermath of giving it your all.
You can count on Ortho Stat to provide same-day care for unexpected orthopedic injuries and conditions, so you can keep celebrating your victories without missing a beat.
From playtime to prime time, we help you stay at the top of your game.
SOONER SPRING FOOTBALL
BY: CHRIS PLANK
Ben Arbuckle
Local Medical Professional Shares Life-saving Insight on Stroke Awareness, Prevention a PREVENTABLE HEALTH CRISIS in CLEVELAND COUNTY
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Cleveland County and the leading cause of long-term disability in Oklahoma. Each year, more than 1,900 Oklahomans lose their lives to stroke, and nearly one in four stroke survivors will experience a second stroke within six months.
The encouraging news is that strokes are largely preventable. In fact, up to 80% of strokes can be avoided, according to Brandon Byrd, the stroke program quality administrator with Norman Regional Health System.
“The number one most important thing you can do to prevent a stroke is to have a primary care physician,” Byrd said. “Your PCP can help you understand your cardiovascular risks and provide accessible ways in your own community to reduce that risk.”
Byrd emphasized that primary care physicians support patients’ overall well-being, including their mental, physical and emotional health. For those without
a PCP, Norman Regional offers a simple way to get started—call 405-515-5000.
What is a stroke?
Stroke is a serious, time-sensitive medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends focusing on what they call “Life’s Essential 8” to improve cardiovascular health, which include not smoking, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, prioritizing sleep and managing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Byrd shared that research supports following a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, which can reduce the risk of stroke.
Brandon Byrd
Every second counts during a stroke. BE FAST and call 911 if you recognize any sign of stroke.
B Balance – Sudden loss of balance
Eyes – Sudden vision changes
Face – Is one side of the face drooping?
Arms – Does one arm drift down when raised?
Speech – Is speech slurred or strange?
Time – Seconds matter. Call 911 immediately. E F A S T
AWARD-WINNING, NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STROKE CARE
What to do if you think you are having a stroke?
When it comes to stroke, every second counts. Medical professionals use the acronym BEFAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to help identify stroke symptoms and serve as a reminder that time is of the essence.
“If it is a stroke you are experiencing, you could end up with whatever symptom you are having for the rest of your life,” Byrd shared. “For example, if you’re having arm weakness, you might not be able to hold your grandchild again.
“If you have any of the BE FAST symptoms, call 911 immediately.”
Norman Regional Stroke Center of Excellence
Norman Regional is a certified provider of stroke services and has been nationally recognized as a leader
in stroke care for nine consecutive years. In 2023, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association awarded Norman Regional the “Gold Plus” and “Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite” designations.
“We are regularly reviewed by outside governing bodies to verify we are providing the highest level of care so our patients can have the best possible chance for the best possible outcomes,” Byrd said. “We collaborate with others in the state and across the country to see how the best of the best are improving.”
Their multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive services, including emergency medical services, a designated inpatient stroke unit, rehabilitation and a support group.
To learn more, visit normanregional.com/services/ stroke-center. – SMS
Norman’s Newest Indoor Pickleball Hotspot PICKLE PICKLE HEY
Pickleball fans in the south metro area have a brand-new reason to get excited. Hey Pickle Pickle, Norman’s newest indoor pickleball facility, is officially open and serving up fun for players of all ages and skill levels.
Located just behind HeyDay Entertainment, this vibrant new space features five dedicated indoor courts, a full-service pro shop and convenient food service, making it a one-stop destination for active, family-friendly fun.
“It is such a fast-growing sport for all ages, and we felt it would fit well with the concept of HeyDay,” shares Reagan Bates, HeyDay’s assistant operations manager.
Hey Pickle Pickle held a soft opening around Christmas and celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting in March. The response from the community has been positive.
Players can drop in for a casual game, join a league or host private events like birthday parties by renting a court. Memberships are available but not required. The facility also includes a pro shop stocked with paddles, gear, accessories and a demo program so players can try before they buy.
“We’re tied right in with HeyDay so if a family comes over, and only a couple people want to play pickle-
ball and others want to go bowling or play games, they can easily walk over to HeyDay. It’s kind of a one-stop shop for family fun,” explained Jake Brydges, Hey Pickle Pickle’s general manager.
In addition to the courts, guests can enjoy cornhole, oversized Jenga, TVs, vending machines, and food delivered right to the courts from HeyDay. Hey Pickle Pickle currently offers open play, leagues and tournaments, with plans to add lessons with certified coaches in the near future.
One exciting new feature coming soon is open play tied to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) events, allowing players to track their skill level and compete with others across the country. Everything from court rentals to event sign-ups and waiver forms can be managed through the CourtReserve app.
Looking ahead, the facility plans to launch beginner clinics and fun social events like Dinks & Mimosas for those new to the game or just looking for a laid-back way to connect with others.
Whether you’re seeking a fun social activity or aiming to elevate your game, Hey Pickle Pickle provides the perfect setting nearby to enjoy the engaging, low-impact sport of pickleball. Check out Hey Pickle Pickle’s website for membership details and upcoming events at heypicklefun.com.– SMS
