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(SPS) -- The End of Year Assembly was a time to celebrate a number of employees who are retiring from the district, as well as those who have ten or more years of service. Awards, including Community Service, Distinguished Service and the inaugural Heart of a Chieftain, were announced.
Community Service Awards
Board member Melinda Ryan presented the Community Service Awards. The Community Service Awards are presented each year to an individual or institution that has contributed to assisting our district.
The first Community Service Award went to the Creek County Literacy Program, Caring Grands.
This extraordinary group of volunteers is invaluable to our school community, and we are truly honored to recognize them. The Caring Grands program focuses on building foundational reading skills in our youngest learners by pairing students with compassionate, dedicated volunteers who work one-on-one with those needing extra support.
But their impact goes far beyond academics.
Our Caring Grands volunteers build meaningful relationships with students, offering patience, encouragement, and unwavering support. Week after week, they show up with a joyful presence and a deep commitment to helping children grow. They tailor their approach to meet the unique learning needs of each student, track progress, celebrate every success, and most importantly, create a safe, nurturing space where students can gain both skills and confidence.
The growth we’ve seen in our students—academically, emotionally, and socially—is a direct result of their efforts. These volunteers not only foster stronger reading skills but also help instill a lifelong love of books and learning.
By working alongside teachers, supporting instruction, and giving students personalized attention, the Caring Grands help create a richer and more successful learning environment in our elementary schools. Their attention to detail, sincere investment in every child, and willingness to serve make them an essential part of the Sapulpa Schools family.
We are incredibly fortunate to have them in our community, and forever grateful for the difference they make in the lives of our students each and every day.
The Sapulpa Board of Education was proud to present a Community Service Award to someone who has made giving back not just a habit but a way of life. Tammy Sortet’s name has become synonymous with service, heart, and hometown pride.
A longtime Sapulpan, Tammy raised her three children right here in the district, cheering them on through Ping, soccer, and music programs. Now a proud grandmother of five, she’s excited that two of her grandkids will be walking the halls of Sapulpa Public Schools this fall, continuing the family tradition.
Tammy spent 27 years serving others as a nurse at the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute before retiring two years ago. But “retirement” is a loose term for someone like Tammy. Service is in her DNA.
She spent 25 years with Sapulpa’s Relay for Life and the last 12 years with the Lisa Bain Ministry. Currently, she volunteers at Sapulpa’s Macy’s Cradle Pregnancy Crisis Clinic, offering support and care to women in some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
Her connection to Sapulpa Public Schools deepened a couple of years ago when she asked how she could help, and she’s been a force ever since.
Tammy is a vital part of Chieftain CARE, contributing her time, energy, and incredible heart to nearly every outreach effort. She manages details of the food pantry, packs weekly snack bags, helps organize Chieftain Christmas, and—when needed—even recruits her husband to lend a hand. Together, they embody the spirit of giving and the belief that strong schools build strong communities.
We honestly can’t express how grateful we are for all she does. Her impact is felt daily, not just in what she does but also in how she makes others feel: seen, supported, and cared for. Tammy Sortet is a true champion for Sapulpa students and families.
Distinguished Service Awards
Board First Vice President Larry Hoover presented the Distinguished Service Awards.
The Board of Education Distinguished Service Awards are presented to a limited number of school employees each year. All employees are eligible to receive this award, and recipients are selected on the following criteria:
- Length and quality of service
- Character
- Professional ethics and attitude
- Contributions to the school district, the educational process, and for an unusual act or achievement that warrants special recognition.
This year’s first Distinguished Service recipient is a true leader in Sapulpa Schools. She is steadfast, compassionate, and dedicated to her students' growth in every sense. She understands that education is not just about academics but about preparing students for life, and she lives that belief every day.
Her leadership is discreetly powerful. Now she would never be described as “quiet,” as she has a vibrant personality. However, her leadership style is quiet and unassuming. She leads by example, not by volume. Others look to her for guidance, support, and inspiration. Whether mentoring colleagues or simply offering a listening ear, she consistently raises the bar for excellence, and her impact is unmistakable.
She's also the heartbeat of many behind-the-scenes efforts in her school. She celebrates her teammates, manages the school’s social media to spotlight the great work in the classrooms, and somehow still finds time to stay late to decorate, organize, and uplift others—all without seeking recognition.
She has a long history of service beyond the classroom as well. She takes fifth graders into the community to model service learning, help students understand the importance of giving back, and plant seeds of civic responsibility that will grow for years to come.
She’s a proud Sapulpa lifer—deeply invested in Liberty STEM Elementary, Sapulpa students, and our community.
We’re thrilled to recognize Mrs. Stefanie Gilbert as a recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award!
There are some people in a school who quietly become its foundation—steadfast, compassionate, and always a step ahead. The recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award is exactly that: the steady heartbeat of her school and a vital pillar of its community.
Over the past few years, she has worked with every student on campus, yet her contributions extend far beyond the traditional expectations of her role. In seasons marked by challenge and uncertainty, her calm leadership, sound judgment, and unwavering support have been indispensable. As her principal shared, “I’m not sure how we would have made it through without her.”
She brings a remarkable depth of knowledge in school operations, curriculum, and special education, serving as a trusted thought partner to leadership and staff alike. Whether guiding strategy sessions, offering counsel on difficult decisions, or simply being a supportive presence, she shows up with insight, grace, and often a plan already in motion.
Her commitment to service is both broad and deeply personal. Week after week, she packs and delivers food bags so students have meals to take home, ensuring that no child goes without. She has even taken on the school’s recycling, managing the little tasks that often go unnoticed but make a big difference.
She embodies her school’s mission not just in word, but in action. Her tireless dedication, humility, and heart for others have left an enduring mark on everyone she encounters.
It is with profound respect and appreciation that the Sapulpa Board of Education proudly recognizes Dr. Kim Castaldi, a true cornerstone of Holmes Park Elementary.
Dr. Castaldi couldn’t be at the assembly because she’s off doing something amazing again, cheering on Special Olympics athletes in Stillwater. So, the next time you see her, be sure to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.
Heart of a Chieftain Award
Superintendent Mr. Rob Armstrong presented the new Heart of a Chieftain Award.
This new Heart of a Chieftain Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by Sapulpa Public Schools. It is an enduring symbol of excellence, service, and the unwavering Chieftain spirit.
This recognition honors individuals, not limited to employees or alumni, but anyone within our greater Sapulpa community, who embody the leadership, loyalty, and legacy that define what it truly means to be a Chieftain.
A Chieftain leads with honor, serves with loyalty and humility, and inspires others with a quiet strength and unwavering commitment. This person is the tip of the spear—forging ahead with courage and conviction, driven by purpose, and grounded in values. They don’t just wear Chieftain blue—they bleed blue blood—living each day in a way that honors our traditions, uplifts others, and strengthens our legacy.
This award celebrates those whose hearts beat for something greater than themselves: for students, for our schools, for Sapulpa, and for the enduring pride of being a Chieftain.
This inaugural year, we are proud to recognize five individuals whose lives and actions reflect the very essence of this award. They have led with integrity, served with humility, and poured their hearts into our schools and community.
The 2025 Heart of a Chieftain Award recipients are Bart Bartlett, Denise Jordan, Jim Korn, Wayne Richards, and Dr. Mary Webb.
Each of these recipients exemplifies what it truly means to be a Chieftain—and because of their dedication, Sapulpa is a stronger, prouder, and more united place to call home.
Retiring Employees
As a 7th-grade math teacher at Sapulpa Middle School, Tamara Andrews has inspired young minds for the past four years. Before joining Sapulpa, she dedicated 31 years to Edmond Public Schools and another nine years teaching in Texas, bringing her total to an incredible 44 years in education. Her deep experience, calm demeanor, and passion for helping students succeed have left a lasting impact everywhere she’s taught.
Tami is the kind of teacher who makes math make sense. She has a gift for connecting with students and a genuine joy in watching that "aha!" moment light up their faces. Her classroom has always been a place of encouragement, consistency, and quiet excellence. Beyond her students, she has built strong and lasting friendships with her colleagues—friendships she’ll deeply miss seeing every day.
Outside the classroom, Tami has also been a dedicated supporter of student life. She especially enjoyed doing the books at basketball games, contributing to school spirit in ways that often go unseen but are deeply appreciated.
In retirement, Tami looks forward to spending more time with her sons and grandchildren and finding time for a little travel. While she may be stepping away from the classroom, the legacy she leaves behind will continue to add up, just like the math she loves.
Lisa Blodgett is a true expert in early childhood education. She has devoted 24 years to teaching young learners across the Sapulpa district, most recently as a beloved Pre-K teacher at Holmes Park Elementary. Known for her creativity, energy, and heart, Lisa meets students right where they are, using movement-based activities and joyful engagement to make learning come alive.
Her impact is best summed up in the words of her students:
- Pre-K student Daisy shared, “I love her and she is very kind, and she makes everybody love each other.”
- Reed, a fourth grader, said, “She’s a very good teacher and kind, and she knows how to get students excited about teaching.”
- Avery, now in third grade, fondly remembered, “I remember when she gave us Oreos with a note thanking us for being in her class.”
- And Devin—also a third grader—put it simply: “She’s the best second grade teacher I’ll ever have.”
Whether handing out Oreos with thoughtful notes or creating a classroom where kindness was just as important as academics, Lisa has left a lasting impression on generations of students. She is the kind of teacher whose legacy lives on in memories, milestones, and the love of learning she sparked in so many.
In retirement, Lisa looks forward to visiting her mother, spending precious time with her two grandsons, and soaking up the peace and joy of lake life.
Thank you, Lisa, for the love, laughter, and learning you’ve shared with Sapulpa's youngest Chieftains. You’ve made a difference that will last far beyond the classroom.
Laura Beverley is a teacher whose quiet strength, creativity, and deep care for students have made a lasting impact on so many. She has spent the last eight years at Jefferson Heights, serving students in both fourth and fifth grades and as a dedicated Literacy Interventionist. Before joining Sapulpa, she taught at Liberty Mounds, bringing with her a passion for literacy and student growth that has only deepened over the years.
Laura is known for her thoughtful approach to teaching, her love of literature, and the calm, encouraging presence she brings to every classroom. She has helped countless students not only improve their reading, but learn to love it—and that is a gift that will last a lifetime.
In retirement, Laura is looking forward to slow mornings, good books, and cherished time with her family which is well-earned after a career spent lifting up others.
Mrs. Gina Ritchie, Jefferson Heights Principal, who has worked alongside Laura for 12 years, can attest to the many lives she’s touched. But perhaps no tribute speaks more clearly than the words of one of her former students, Brody Plummer, who wrote this poem in her honor:
“I was so lucky to be in your class.
We had so many great memories, alas.
From the friends I made, near and far—
And for your great teaching, you’re a star.
“From Gregor the Overlander to The House of Dies Drear,
All of your fun ideas made me cheer.
Even though you made me walk,
Your Facebook, I will forever stalk.
“From all the stories, paragraphs, and essays we wrote,
For the best writing teacher, you have my vote!
And all the tallies my class got on the board—
Your wonderful teaching style had me floored.
“Now that you’re leaving, I’m grateful to say,
I was a part of your class in a very special way.
I’ll cherish the memories of the learning days,
So thank you for guiding me on my way!”
Laura, thank you for your years of service, love of learning, and the inspiration you've shared so generously. You leave behind a legacy of readers, writers, and lifelong learners who are better because you taught them. We wish you the very best in this next chapter!
Deana Ellis is someone whose loyalty, humor, and heart have been a steady force in Sapulpa Public Schools for nearly three decades. She began her journey with the district in 1996, first serving as a Media Assistant before finding her long-term home in the Finance Department. From the old Service Center to the new one, and now at the Washington Administration Center as our Encumbrance Clerk and Accounts Payable Specialist, Deana has been an indispensable part of the SPS family.
Throughout her time here, Deana has worn many hats—and worn them all with grace, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. She’s the person who has kept things moving behind the scenes with incredible attention to detail and a calm, can-do spirit that has helped guide so many others through the sometimes chaotic world of finance and purchasing.
But Deana’s impact isn’t limited to her desk. One of her favorite memories is coaching 5th-grade girls' basketball at Jefferson Elementary back in the 1900’s, an early example of her dedication to students and community. She still laughs about how the “Bus Barn” once earned the nickname “The Circus Center,” thanks to the daily parade of teachers passing through. And she’ll never forget the unexpected adventure of working out of the Woodlawn Black Box when storm damage sent the WAC team on a temporary relocation.
Her colleagues hold her in the highest regard. Cheryl Moore shared a creative tribute, using Deana’s name to describe who she is at her core:
D – Dedicated in all aspects of her life
E – Eloquent in her helpful suggestions, especially when it came to improving purchase order wording
A – Accepting of all
N – Nana to her beloved grandchildren
A – Authentic, genuine, and real
Kenda Terrones, who’s worked side-by-side with Deana for over 12 years, summed it up so well: "She has been my right arm for the past 12 years. And how do you say goodbye to your right arm? Deana, I hope you spend every second doing something that brings you joy. You deserve it."
As she enters retirement, Deana looks forward to slow days at the lake with her husband, exciting travels, and cheering on her grandchildren at every event and activity.
Deana, thank you for your years of service, your sharp mind, and your even sharper sense of humor. You’ve left a mark that cannot be replicated, and we wish you all the happiness this next chapter offers. You’ve more than earned it!
We celebrated a teacher, a colleague, a mentor, and a friend—someone who has left an indelible mark on our district and in the hearts of students and staff alike. Angela Goodwin has been teaching English at Sapulpa Junior High since 2020, following her time teaching history at Sapulpa High School. But her journey in education reaches far beyond Oklahoma.
As an Air Force wife, Angela Goodwin has taught students across the country—from Nevada to Mississippi, Florida to Colorado—bringing her passion for learning, her dry wit, and her remarkable ability to connect with every student who walks through her door.
She’s the kind of teacher students remember not just for what she taught, but for how she taught it—with equal parts compassion and high expectations.
Student Braylin Day said, “She has helped me become one of the best students I can be!”
Cole Walters added, “Thank you for caring and wanting us to get better. Thank you for being strict and also easy-going. I wish I were going to Europe with you. Get on that plane ASAP!”
And in case Angie needs a few travel tips, Ian Walters is here to help: “I hope you enjoy Portugal and check out the football fans there. Look for Christiano Ronaldo statues in Lisbon. He will be playing for Portugal soon.”
It’s not just her students who have felt her impact. Suemaya Taha shared, “I could never have hoped for a better friend or colleague. I could always count on her compassion for advice or her wit for a laugh that would literally leave me in tears.”
And Maggie Surber added, “She’s been not only a source of tremendous laughter but a calming presence with wisdom for whatever the situation calls for. I am going to miss seeing her every day, but am so excited for her new European adventure.”
Yes, you guessed it, Angie is retiring and heading for Europe! In her next chapter, she plans to live abroad and travel with her husband every chance they get, soaking in history, culture, and (hopefully) a few good cups of espresso.
Angie, thank you for the years of laughter, the tough love, the wisdom, and the endless encouragement. Your students are better because of you. Your colleagues will miss you dearly. And wherever you go in the world—you will always be a part of Sapulpa. We wish you nothing but joy, adventure, and maybe a few surprise Ronaldo sightings. Bon voyage and happy retirement!
Jeannie Helvey is someone whose quiet strength, boundless compassion, and unwavering dedication have made Sapulpa Schools a better place for everyone.
Jeannie has served as a beloved paraprofessional at Liberty Elementary, where she has been much more than support staff; she has been a source of comfort, encouragement, and love for countless students and staff alike.
As Liberty principal Ms. Jazzman Musgrove so perfectly put it: “Jeannie has been a constant source of care and compassion for our students, both within the walls of our school and throughout the community. With a heart of gold, she has poured her love, time, and energy into the lives of those she serves. Jeanie is always the first to comfort a crying student, lend a helping hand, or step in wherever she is needed—never seeking recognition, only looking to make a difference.”
Her nurturing spirit has touched generations of students, forming deep, lasting bonds that often outlive the classroom. Years later, many students still return to visit her, a testament to the profound impact she’s had on their lives.
But Jeannie’s magic doesn’t always happen in the spotlight. In fact, she shines behind the scenes—quietly making sure others have what they need, stepping in when no one asks, and doing the work that often goes unnoticed, but never unappreciated.
She is, without a doubt, Liberty’s unsung hero. Her steady presence, her warm heart, and her selfless service have left an indelible mark on our school family.
Jeannie, your kindness, humility, and dedication have inspired us all. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy of love and care will live on in every student and colleague you’ve touched. We wish you a joyful, restful, and richly deserved retirement.
LuAnn Luker might be last alphabetically, but she is never least. We honor a true legend—an educator whose name has become synonymous with passion, creativity, and lifelong impact.
After an extraordinary 46 years in Sapulpa Public Schools, Ms. LuAnn Luker is retiring from Holmes Park Elementary, where she has most recently graced her fourth-grade classroom with her wisdom, warmth, and boundless energy. Before HPE, LuAnn taught at Washington Elementary and Jefferson Elementary in Sapulpa.
To try to summarize what LuAnn means to this district is nearly impossible, but her longtime teammate and dear friend, Shannon Smith, said it well: “LuAnn has truly touched the lives of countless Sapulpa students and families. Her jingles, songs, raps, poems, mottos, and creeds have captured our school spirit and will echo in our halls long after her retirement. She’s been more than a teammate—she’s a mentor, a sister, and a forever friend. When our schools merged 13 years ago, God brought me one of the greatest blessings of my life. We’ve shared laughter, tears, and so much more—and I know we’ll keep sharing them for years to come.”
LuAnn’s impact is not just felt by her colleagues—it lives in the hearts of every student lucky enough to pass through her classroom.
From Austin, who says she “always finds a reason to celebrate,” to Reese, who loves the vibrant art she brings into every lesson.
From Maverick, who says she is “kind and full of songs,” to Kevin, who says “her mottos make him happy and learning fun." And Lucy, who summed it up simply: “She’s the best fourth-grade teacher I could ever ask for.”
LuAnn Luker doesn’t just teach—she inspires, uplifts, and transforms ordinary days into unforgettable moments, weaving joy, creativity, and love into everything she does. Her classroom has always been more than a place of learning—it’s been a place of belonging, celebration, and magic.
Known for her poetic touch, it’s only fitting that Principal Roger Johnson honored her with a poem that captures her spirit and legacy:
“For 46 years, you’ve led with grace,
Making school a joyful place.
With every smile and every start,
You’ve taught with passion, soul, and heart.
“You built a home where dreams take flight—
Our #1 School, shining bright.
The Happiest Place on Earth, we say,
Because of you, it feels that way.
“The School of Arts, where voices sing,
Growing talent is your thing.
You shaped our traditions, deep and true,
A legacy living in all we do.
“No farewells, but ‘See you later’ we’ll say,
Because we know you’ll never be far away.
Teaching is not just what you do—
It’s who you are, through and through.
“With loyal friendship and family,
A True Blue Husky, you’ll always be.”
LuAnn, your influence is immeasurable, your legacy undeniable, and your place in our hearts permanent. Congratulations on a career that has shaped generations and made Sapulpa schools—and this world—a much brighter place. Enjoy every moment of your well-earned retirement.
10 consecutive years of service
Melissa Adamson
Sarai Maddry- Austin
Rose Carter
Keyla Chapman
Stephanie Greenfeather
Rosemary Hill
Christie Hurst
Sarah Bacon-Kellogg
Joshua Littlebear
Christine Lyons
Tony Pacheco
Aaron Rice
Allison Ruth
Carmen Taylor
Jessica White
15 consecutive years of service
Amy Housel
Teresa Miller
Dina Verel
20 consecutive years of service
Johnny Bilby
Darlean Calip
Julie Enlow
Dee Lewis
Zack Mark
Stephanie Yeager
Charles Young
25 consecutive years of service
Kelly Geiger
Bobby Goggins
Melissa Honeycutt
Kurt Rose
Debra Williams
30 consecutive years of service
Roger Johnson
Deborah Kroll
Cheryl Moore
Christie Stephens
Lou Anne Wood
35 consecutive years of service
Carol Matthews
Flo Pahsetopah
40 consecutive years of service
Renee Martino