(SPS) -- Sapulpa Public Schools celebrated the dedication, leadership, and service of its employees and community partners during the district’s annual End of Year Assembly, honoring retirees, years of service recipients, and award winners whose impact continues to shape the Chieftain community.
The annual event recognized employees reaching milestone years of service, retiring staff members who devoted decades to education, and community leaders whose support has strengthened Sapulpa schools and students.
Heart of a Chieftain Award
Superintendent Rob Armstrong presented the 2026 Heart of a Chieftain Awards, one of the district’s highest honors.
The award recognizes individuals who embody the leadership, loyalty, and service that define the Chieftain spirit through their commitment to students, schools, and the greater Sapulpa community.
Recipients of the 2026 Heart of a Chieftain Award included:
John Cockrum, retired Sapulpa High School principal and assistant superintendent, WWII Navy veteran, civic leader, and centenarian
Collette Beil, member of the district’s Key Communicators, former president of Sapulpa Main Street, and Sapulpa Public Schools Foundation board member
Dave Bennett, owner and president of Bennett Steel and longtime supporter of Sapulpa academic and athletic programs
Bill Berry, member of the Sapulpa Public Schools Foundation Board and Chairman of American Heritage Bank
Susie Henderson, founder of the district’s Kids Kloset program, which provides clothing for children in need throughout Sapulpa and neighboring districts
Suzanne Moss, retired educator who taught for 38 years and continues serving students through the district’s Literacy Team
“These recipients exemplify what it truly means to be a Chieftain,” Armstrong said during the presentation. “Because of their dedication, Sapulpa is a stronger, prouder, and more united place to call home.”
Community Service Awards
Board member Larry Hoover presented the 2026 Community Service Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the district.
This year’s recipients included:
Kirk Bartgis, First United Bank vice president and district Key Communicators member
Janet Birnie, president of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce and Key Communicators member
Erin Brook, Executive Director of Youth Services of Creek County and district volunteer
Debbie Moss, Spirit Bank vice president and Rotary Club president
Camille Teale, executive director of Caring Community Friends and organizer of the Book and Snack Mobile, food bank, and Back to School Bash
Distinguished Service Awards
The district’s Curriculum Team presented the 2026 Distinguished Service Awards, which recognize employees for exceptional service, leadership, professionalism, and contributions to Sapulpa Public Schools.
Recipients included:
Amy Riff, Director of Accountability and Accreditation, recognized for her expertise, reliability, and leadership
Carla Cale, longtime educator and district technology leader known affectionately as the district’s “Chromebook Queen”
Karen Diehl, elementary educator recognized for her calm leadership and dedication to students
Roger Johnson, Holmes Park Elementary principal known for his enthusiasm, positivity, and school pride
Jolene Martin, longtime Sapulpa High School art teacher recognized for her creativity and impact on students
Belinda Spears, Holmes Park Elementary physical education teacher known for her encouragement and servant leadership
Seth Shibley, Sapulpa High School principal recognized for his steady leadership and commitment to students
Rosa Verdugo, Spanish translator at Jefferson Heights recognized for her compassion and patience
Troy Witzansky, district Director of Support Services recognized for his innovation and behind-the-scenes impact across the district
Honoring Retiring Employees
Board members Melinda Ryan and Sarah Havenstrite recognized retiring employees for their years of dedication and service to Sapulpa students and families.
Retirees honored during the ceremony included:
Teresa Getchell-Miller, who served 18 years in Sapulpa teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten
Jennifer Hudgins, educator and administrator with 24 years of service in Oklahoma and Texas. She taught English at Sapulpa High School before joining Bartlett Academy as principal
Lisa Neff, former assistant principal and counselor who served students at the junior high and middle school
Karen Parks, who spent nearly two decades serving special education students in Sapulpa
Ann Pfeiffer, child nutrition manager who dedicated 32 years to feeding generations of Chieftains
Sandy Smith, speech-language pathologist who served students across the district for 33 years
Throughout the ceremony, district leaders praised retirees not only for their years of service, but for the relationships they built and the lives they impacted throughout their careers.
Years of Service Recognition
Sapulpa Public Schools also recognized employees celebrating milestone years of consecutive service with the district.
10 Years of Service
Krista Armstrong
Kristin Bilby
Erin Eddleman
Alicia Gustafson
Gloria Hernandez
Steve Irvine
Timothy Isham
Kari Kearney
Matthew Liddell
Colin McElyea
Kaylah Singleton
15 Years of Service
Mendi Estes
Karma Ludlow
Kari Peterson
Lori Reed
Amy Riff
Angela Weeks
20 Years of Service
Jana Barrett
Stefanie Gilbert
Deanna Hayes
Jennifer Holt
Misty Jones
Jo Martin
Melinda Plummer
Barbara Richardson
25 Years of Service
Erin Niccum
Victoria Parsons
30 Years of Service
Lori Arundell
Linda Bean-Wilson
Tara Fancher
Melodee Gish
Patricia King
40 Years of Service
The district also celebrated Donia Doudican for an extraordinary 40 years of consecutive service to Sapulpa Public Schools.
Doudican began her career with the district in 1986 and has served in numerous roles throughout her career, including classroom teacher, Gifted and Talented instructor, curriculum leader, Digital Curriculum Project Manager, Director of Instructional Design, and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.
District leaders praised her transformative impact on curriculum, professional development, instructional leadership, and the district’s digital learning initiatives, calling her “the heartbeat of this school district.”
“As many people are opting to leave the education industry, we salute all of you for your dedication to educating the next generation,” said Mr. Armstrong. “It is a challenging job, a noble profession. And we thank you.”