(SPS) -- “I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Whitney Yokum in the moments after she was named Sapulpa Public Schools' 2023 Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Rob Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent Johnny Bilby and 2022 District Teacher of the Year Debbie Williams named Mrs. Yokum the new District Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year Banquet Friday night at First Baptist Church Sapulpa.
"I am literally living my dream. If I could have picked the perfect life for myself, it would be the one I'm living right now," said Mrs. Yokum. "I'm doing my dream job in my dream district. Sapulpa is a special place and I am really thankful to get to be part of it."
Mrs. Yokum has led the Sapulpa Bands department for four years, and led the team to numerous successes, including straight superior ratings in state contests, and second place in the OBA Marching Contest last fall. Over Spring Break, the Sapulpa High School band played at Disney World, and last year they performed at the Alamo Bowl.
Watch a video of Whitney Yokum.
"Music is really important to kids' development. It literally does make them smarter and it's huge in helping them develop character," said Mrs. Yokum, describing how teaching music helps shape students' lives. "Performing music is not an easy thing. There's a lot that goes into it. There's a lot of vulnerability that they have to have, and they have to be brave and learn to perform for other people."
"She's dynamic, is the word that comes to mind. She brings an energy and passion to everything she does," said Seth Shibley, SHS Principal. "She's always thinking ahead, is a wonderful role model for our kids and a great leader of people, too."
The banquet was attended by community members, civic leaders, school administration, and family of the
eight site Teachers of the Year and finalists for SPS/United Sapulpa Educators Support Employee of the Year.
Bus driver Deborah Kroll was announced as the SPS/USE Support Employee of the Year. Miss Debbie, as she's known by parents and students, has worked for the district for nearly 28 years! Caring and supportive, she ensures children get to and from school safely every day, and always greets them with a kind smile.
"If one of her students has a need, Deb will fill that need," said Carla Cale, United Sapulpa Educators president. "She takes our special needs students to Prom on the bus, and decorates the bus and wears formal wear. She truly loves the kids and wants them to have every experience that they can."
"I work with exceptional students," said Debbie. "Most I meet when they are the age of three. I become a major part of their school lives until they graduate or move to another district. Watching all of our students grow and accomplish becoming who they will be is awesome."
Each of the eleven finalists was recognized with a personal citation from State Representative Mark Lawson and State Senator Todd Gollihare. They received monetary gifts and gift baskets provided by sponsors.
Determining the District Teacher of the Year is the culmination of a several-month process that started with each school selecting its Teacher of the Year. From there the eight Site Teachers of the Year prepared a portfolio about their background and teaching philosophy and submitted it to the Teacher of the Year Committee. The committee reviewed each of the portfolios and narrowed the list down to three finalists. Those three teachers were then called in this week for a 30-minute interview with the 14-member committee.
Based on a rubric, the teachers are scored on their responses and the teacher with the highest point total is determined the District Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Rob Armstrong calls Sapulpa's Teacher, Support Employee of the Year program extraordinary-- one of the best in the state, because of generous community sponsorships.
We are so grateful to SeneGence International, First United Bank, American Fidelity, American Heritage Bank, Assurance Restoration, Raising Cane's, Sapulpa Education Foundation, for the generous monetary awards and gifts that made this evening special for our Teachers of the Year and Support Employee of the Year finalists.
First Baptist Church provided the venue, Goodie's Catering provided some food free of charge, and Party Pro Rents donated use of decor. In addition, students from SHS' Culinary Arts Department, National Honor Society and SHS Leadership Classes served the meal.
Thank you for your support of education and our educators and employees!
See videos and photos of all the finalists:
Site Teachers of the Year for 2021-22 Announced