(SPS) - The 2021-22 school year wrapped up with the annual End of Year Assembly.
Employees and community members were recognized for their contributions to Sapulpa Public Schools during the 2021-22 school year.
The morning began with the Presentation of Colors by the Marine JROTC and was followed by awards for Community Service, presented by SPS Board of Education President Steve McCormick, and awards for Distinguished Service, presented by school board member Melinda Ryan.
Community Service Awards
The Community Service Awards are presented each year to an individual or institution that has contributed to assist our district.
Community Service Award recipients included Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop with the Sapulpa Arts and Humanities Foundation, The Way Church and Dr. Kim Howard, Central Tech Director.
Community Service Award: Sapulpa Arts & Humanities Foundation, Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop
The Sapulpa Arts and Humanities Foundation, known as Sapulpa Arts, provides amazing support for our art program, our students and our fantastic team of art teachers.
Sapulpa Arts sponsors the art show and makes sure the work of our student artists is enjoyed by the community.
None of it would be possible without Sapulpa Arts Director, Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop.
If you’ve been around Sapulpa for five minutes, you know Sheri. She is a very busy member of our community and attends school athletic events, ceremonies, and assemblies. She's a talented photographer and captures images to spread the good news of Sapulpa Public Schools.
Thank you to Sheri and Sapulpa Arts for celebrating the fine arts education at Sapulpa Public Schools.
Community Service Award: The Way Church
Where there’s a will, there’s The Way Church.
No matter what, The Way Church always finds a way to support Sapulpa schools.
From school supply donations, to volunteering, to feeding our teachers and administrative staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, the Way Church is committed to serving our schools and our students.
Thank you for the faithful support for public education.
We are so grateful to Pastor Johnny Merrell and his wife Heather, as well as creative media director Cody Cannon and Megan Cannon, who is our district STEM Coordinator.
Each of them goes the extra mile to help our schools when help is needed.
Community Service Award: Dr. Kim Howard
Dr. Kim Howard is a recognizable face around Sapulpa.
Dr. Howard has served as Campus Director at Central Tech for 13 years, and has been at Central Tech since 1993.
Over nearly three decades, Dr. Howard has been instrumental in paving successful career paths for Sapulpa students, giving them opportunities they may otherwise not have had.
The jobs Central Tech prepares students for are vital to our community and the world.
We thank Dr. Howard for expanding this training program and engaging our students in essential fields such as construction, health science, energy, manufacturing, criminal justice, transportation and many more.
Not only does Dr. Howard ensure success for Sapulpa students, he is also an active member of the Sapulpa community, and a part of our Key Communicators group at the district.
Distinguished Service Awards
The Board of Education Distinguished Service Awards are presented to a limited number of school employees each year.
Recipients are selected on the following criteria:
- Length of service of 15 years or more
- 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
Distinguished Service Award: Ray Markley
A long-time presence at Sapulpa High School, Mr. Markley has taught in two stints. Sergeant First Class Markley also is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, having received a Meritorious Service Medal a few years ago.
According to SHS Principal Seth Shibley, “Mr. Markley is the ultimate team player who is always willing to go above and beyond to provide the best experience for Sapulpa students.”
Mr. Markley not only teaches English to scores of high school students – he also launched ChieftainTV, one of the first live-streaming YouTube channels for a public school district.
Any time an athletic event, a graduation, or an assembly is happening, Mr. Markley is directing a group of students to ensure people can watch what’s happening at Sapulpa Public Schools from their phone or from their computer in the comfort of home.
Mr. Markley is a creative problem-solver, especially in situations that require some technical expertise.
Thank you to Mr. Markley for inspiring our students in the classroom, for building our video production program and for always getting Sapulpa Public Schools “on the air.”
Distinguished Service Award: Debbie Williams
Throughout her 22 years of service, Mrs. Debbie Williams has exemplified positivity and service.
Sapulpa Jr. High principal, Mr. Dru Dixon, says she will always be in the right place at the right time and she strives to make school a safe and comfortable place for our students.
She never falters in her duties and responsibilities and her work ethic is second to none.
You can count on Coach Williams to always give the maximum effort– in the classroom, coaching, leading the builder’s club, or whatever she’s doing.
Debbie Williams truly represents Sapulpa. She will always do the right thing, works hard, and is involved in our community.
Distinguished Service Award: Angie Maxwell
Angie Maxwell has been at Sapulpa Schools since 1998. She is a dedicated P.E. teacher who instills a love of physical activity for all of her students.
Her teaching goes well beyond P.E. She integrates all subjects into her lessons.
Liberty Elementary STEM Academy principal Jazzman Musgrove says Ms. Maxwell is really one of the best at building lasting relationships with students.
If students are having a rough day, Ms. Maxwell is right there to help and assist them and they willingly go to her because of the relationship she built.
Distinguished Service Award: Ann Pfeiffer
If you attended Sapulpa Public Schools, she was your lunch lady.
Ann Pfeiffer started working in the Child Nutrition department in 1994, after her three children started school. She now serves as the cafeteria (Blue Rock Cafe) manager at Sapulpa Junior-Senior High School.
Ann is always there to serve Sapulpa children, and her passion is to serve others through providing nutritious meals. She’s built lasting relationships with thousands of students, just by greeting them every day during meal-times.
She’s happy to continue serving the newest generation of students, which includes her six grandchildren. Thank you, Ann Pfeiffer!
Congratulations to the award recipients!
View photos on Facebook.