SUPPLEMENT TO THE OKLAHOMAN | MAY 12, 2013

It’s hard to believe that ithas been 27 years since theOklahoma Foundation forExcellence held its firstAcademic Awards Banquetto honor the state’s bright-est public high school se-niors and outstandingeducators. While the hon-orees and distinguishedspeakers have changedthrough the years, onething remains the same.The Academic AwardsBanquet is a special andinspiring celebration, at-tended annually by morethan 1,000 Oklahomansand experienced by thou-sands more on statewidepublic television. One ofour keynote speakers aptlydescribed the evening asthe “Academy Awards” forpublic education in Okla-homa. It is truly a greatcelebration!

The theme for this year’sbanquet, “Champions forEducation,” is a fitting oneas we pay tribute to cham-pionship students andeducators who have dedi-cated themselves to excel-lence in learning andteaching. This year’s Aca-demic All-Staters repre-sent the top 1 percent aca-demically of all public highschool seniors in the state,with an average ACT scoreof 33.2 and an average GPAof 4.17. Our All-State hon-orees are a source of greatpride in their communitiesand have become rolemodels for academicachievement throughoutOklahoma.

We also present thisyear’s Oklahoma Medal forExcellence awards to fouroutstanding teachers —

one each at the elemen-tary, secondary, regionaluniversity-community col-lege and research universi-ty levels — and we honor aremarkable public schooladministrator. We cele-brate these medalists fortheir creativity, their depthof knowledge, their com-passion and their commit-ment to help students re-alize their fullest potential.

To help us honor Okla-homa’s heroes in publiceducation, we are excitedto welcome as our keynotespeaker three-time Pulitz-

er Prize-winning journal-ist and best-selling authorThomas L. Friedman.Friedman is a widely re-spected foreign affairs co-lumnist for The New YorkTimes and the author ofsuch works as “The WorldIs Flat.” According to “For-eign Policy” magazine,“Friedman doesn’t just re-port on events; he helpsshape them.”

The Academic AwardsBanquet would not be pos-sible without the generoussupport of individual do-nors, corporations and

foundations who are com-mitted to recognizing ex-cellence in public educa-tion. We are especiallygrateful to those who havestepped forward to be-come Academic All-Statepartners. Each partnerprovides a scholarship forone of our 100 All-Staters.The partners, often pairedwith students based on ge-ographic area or shared in-terests, have the opportu-nity to sit with their as-signed All-Staters at thebanquet and form bondsthat can last long after theevening is over.

On a night when we cel-ebrate public education,we must remember thatour public schools needour support and involve-ment to be successful.Oklahoma is one of justthree states in the nationwhich have cut per-student spending by morethan 20 percent since2008.

With such deep cuts,schools must often focuson bare necessities and cutback on things like teachertraining and enrichmentopportunities for stu-dents. Private giving topublic education is moreimportant than ever. TheOklahoma Foundation forExcellence is workingyear-round to help culti-vate young minds throughprograms in the teachingof American history,through the support ofmentoring, through grantsto teachers for professionaldevelopment and outreachto public school founda-tions. We invite you to joinus in encouraging aca-demic excellence in Okla-homa’s public schools. Forthe sake of Oklahoma’s fu-ture, be a champion foreducation!

Oklahoma Foundation forExcellence StaffEmily Stratton, Executive Director

Rachel Webber, Executive Assistant

Brenda Wheelock, Director, Development &

Communications

Dayna Rowe, Communications Specialist

Karen Rose, Director, Local Education Foundation

Outreach

Beverly Woodrome, Director, David & Molly Boren

Mentoring Initiative

Oklahoma Foundation forExcellence Executive CommitteeDavid L. Boren, Chairman

Patti Mellow, President

Les Risser, President-Elect

Sandy Werner, Secretary-Treasurer

Teresa B. Adwan, Leah M. Barby, Steven L.

Barghols, Claudia Holdridge Bartlett, Bob Burke,

Sandy Garrett, Caroline Gist, Anil Gollahalli,

Morgan Harris, Joseph Harroz Jr., Stephen B.

Holton, Dow R. Hughes, Sherrel A. Jones, Nancy L.

Leonard, Linda K. Neal, Charles L. Oppenheim,

Peter J. Regan, Cathryn Render, Lisa Robertson,

Stewart Ryan, D. Craig Story, Susan I. Thurmond,

Deacon Turner

Students, teachers in Oklahomapublic schools need our supportBY DAVID BORENOklahoma Foundation forExcellence chairman andco-founder

David Boren will be the master of ceremonies at the2013 Academic Awards banquet on Saturday.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Oklahoma Foundation forExcellence is working year-round tohelp cultivate young minds throughprograms in the teaching ofAmerican history, through thesupport of mentoring, through grantsto teachers for professionaldevelopment and outreach to publicschool foundations.

ON THE COVERIllustration by Suzanne Green, The Oklahoman Graphics

OKLAHOMAN STAFF CREDITSThe Academic All-State section is publishedonce a year as a supplement to The Oklahomanand is produced in associated with theOklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

Editor and vice president of the News andInformation Center: Kelly Dyer Fry

Managing editor: Mike Shannon

Director of Custom Publishing: Yvette Walker

Senior news editor: Amy Raymond

Section designer: Jordan Gamble

Marketing consultants: Derek Villanueva, Jerry Wagner, Gian Santoro

OKLAHOMA CITY — Fiveoutstanding Oklahomaeducators will be honoredalong with 100 of thestate’s top public highschool seniors when theOklahoma Foundation forExcellence hosts its 27thAcademic Awards Banquetat 6:30 p.m. Saturday atthe Cox Convention Cen-ter, 1 Myriad Gardens.Doors open at 6 p.m.

“Champions for Educa-tion” is the theme of thisyear’s banquet, which willfeature a keynote addressby Pulitzer Prize-winningjournalist and author Tho-mas L. Friedman. David L.Boren, founder and chair-man of the OklahomaFoundation for Excellence,will serve as master of cer-emonies for the statewidetribute honoring “the bestof the best” in Oklahoma’spublic schools. The galaevent, which is attendedby nearly 1,000 people, al-so will feature musical en-tertainment by the Okla-homa Summer Arts Insti-tute Orchestra. Admissionis $50 per person. A mail-in reservation form isavailable online at www.o-fe.org.

For the first time in thebanquet’s history, theevent is being led by for-mer honorees. MorganHarris, 1998 AcademicAll-Stater and owner ofthe Green Bambino ofOklahoma City, is servingas banquet chair; and 1987All-Stater Jami RhoadesAntonisse, an OklahomaCity attorney, is co-chair.

“As a former AcademicAll-Stater, it is great tocome full circle and help

organize the event thatwas so special to me manyyears ago,” Harris said.“We have an exciting eve-ning planned, includingteacher and studentawards, musical entertain-ment, and a keynote ad-dress by world renownedcolumnist and authorThomas Friedman. I hopeeveryone will make reser-vations and join us for thisinspiring celebration.”

The Oklahoma Founda-tion for Excellence is anonprofit, charitable orga-nization founded in 1985 bythen-U.S. Sen. Boren torecognize and encourageacademic excellence inOklahoma’s public schools.

Through its AcademicAwards Program, thefoundation has awardedmore than $4 million inscholarships and cashawards to honor graduat-ing seniors as AcademicAll-Staters and educatorsas Medal for Excellencewinners.

The foundation willpresent its 2013 OklahomaMedal for ExcellenceAwards in Teaching to ele-mentary honoree Jill Ed-wards Steeley, Central Ele-mentary School, Coweta;secondary winner JohnWaldron, Booker T. Wash-ington High School, Tulsa;regional university/com-munity college winnerRuth Brelsford Askew,professor of speech and

Honors Program Coordi-nator, Eastern OklahomaState College, Wilburton;and research university re-cipient Richard Bunce,professor of chemistry,Oklahoma State Universi-ty, Stillwater. The recip-ient of the Medal for Ex-cellence in elementary/secondary administrationis Cathy Burden, superin-tendent of Union PublicSchools, Tulsa.

Each medal recipientwill receive a $5,000 cashaward as well as a glass“Roots and Wings” sculp-ture, created by the lateOklahoma artist Ron Ro-berts and produced by JimTriffo, of Oklahoma City.With support from schol-arship sponsors, the Okla-homa Foundation for Ex-cellence also will presentmerit-based AcademicAll-State Scholarships of$1,000 each and medal-lions to 100 Academic All-State Scholars.

The 2013 All-State classhails from 85 schools in 77Oklahoma school districts.The honorees were select-ed from 599 nominationsin what is described by Bo-ren as “Oklahoma’s mostrigorous academic compe-tition.”

Four Oklahoma highschools will celebrate theirfirst Academic All-Stater:Afton, Dewar, OklahomaCity’s Santa Fe Charter andVerdigris.

Foundation to honoreducators, students BY BRENDA WHEELOCKOklahoma Foundation for Excellence

LEARN MOREI Columnist and Pulitzer-prize winner ThomasFriedman will be the keynote speaker at thisyear’s banquet. See page 6.I Attend the banquet or find out how to watchthe evening on TV. See page 6.I For more information on the Academic AwardsBanquet, go to www.ofe.org or call 236-0006.

Twenty-seven yearsago, while serving Okla-homa as a U.S. senator,David L. Boren brought to-gether a group of Okla-homa business and com-munity leaders with thecommon goal of improvingpublic education in thestate.

All agreed that privateinvestment was crucial tothe success of publicschools in Oklahoma.They also wanted tocelebrate the successes ofOklahoma’s public schoolsystem by giving statewidepublic attention to out-standing students andinnovative educators. Theresult was the formation ofthe Oklahoma Foundationfor Excellence, establishedwith the mission ofrecognizing and encourag-ing academic excellence inpublic schools in Okla-homa.

Today, the foundation isa nonprofit, charitable or-ganization supported byprivate contributions andled by a 180-memberboard of trustees com-posed of leaders in busi-ness, education and publicservice from throughoutOklahoma. To carry out itsmission, the foundationfocuses on five key pro-grams:

Through its AcademicAwards Program, thefoundation has providedmore than $4 million inscholarships and cashawards since 1987 to honoroutstanding graduatingseniors as Academic All-Staters and exceptionaleducators as Medal for Ex-cellence winners.

Through its Local Edu-

cation Foundation Out-reach Program, the foun-dation provides free tech-nical support and trainingto local education founda-tions across the state andsponsors the Fall Forumfor Local Education Foun-dations and other trainingand networking events foreducation foundation vol-unteers and public schoolsupporters.

Among its Early Amer-ican History Educationinitiatives, the Foundationfor Excellence coordinatesa program to send Okla-homa teachers to the Co-lonial WilliamsburgTeacher Institute eachsummer and provides sub-scriptions for schools toreceive Colonial Williams-burg Electronic FieldTrips. The award-winningfield trips help studentsexperience 18th-centurycolonial life through livetelevision broadcasts,website activities and di-rect access to Williams-burg historians. The foun-dation is co-sponsor of theannual Colonial Day at theState Capitol and pro-motes the development ofColonial Day events state-wide through its website atwww.colonialday.org. In

recent years, the founda-tion has partnered withMount Vernon, the Okla-homa History Center andA+ Schools to co-sponsorthe George WashingtonTeaching AmbassadorProgram, offering teacherworkshops, hands-on his-tory trunks and onlineteaching resources.

During its 20th anniver-sary in 2006, the founda-tion launched the Davidand Molly Boren Mentor-ing Initiative to promotethe growth and establish-ment of quality youthmentoring programsthroughout Oklahoma.Through the initiative, the

Foundation promotesacademic excellence

Fifth-graders participatein an archaeology lessonled by Little Axe teacherVanna Owens as part ofColonial Day at the Capi-tol, an interactive historyeducation program co-sponsored by the Okla-homa Foundation forExcellence. Owens is agraduate of the ColonialWilliamsburg TeacherInstitute, one of manyprograms administeredby the Oklahoma Foun-dation for Excellence.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY BARBARA WHEELOCKOklahoma Foundation for Excellence

SEE PROGRAMS, PAGE 5S

lic education in Okla-homa,” said OFE PresidentPatti Mellow of OklahomaCity. “By honoring out-standing public schoolstudents and innovativeeducators, we have in-creased public awarenessof the importance of edu-cational excellence for thefuture of children, ourcommunities and ourstate.

“The work of this foun-dation can also be seen incommunities all across thestate where local educa-

tion foundations are flour-ishing, and teachers andstudents are benefitingfrom our professional de-velopment grants, historyeducation partnershipsand mentoring programs,”she added. “We have muchto celebrate, but we mustremain steadfast in ourwork to support andstrengthen our publicschools.”

foundation is workingwith school districts, busi-nesses, faith groups andmentoring organizationsto promote mentoring as apositive step toward aca-demic success. The foun-dation has been designat-ed as Oklahoma’s lead or-ganization for NationalMentoring Month by theHarvard Mentoring Pro-ject.

The Foundation for Ex-cellence administers Pro-fessional DevelopmentGrants for Teachers to at-tend national conferencesand institutes and, in2006, partnered with thenational Fund for Teachersand the Tulsa CommunityFoundation to providegrants of up to $5,000 forindividuals and $10,000for teams of teachers for

self-designed summerprofessional developmentopportunities in locationsaround the world. Thanksto generous bridge fundingfrom the national Fund forTeachers, 677 Oklahomaeducators have receivedgrants totaling $2.3 millionin the past eight years.

“Thanks to the vision ofour founder David Borenand the dedication of ourstatewide network oftrustees, the OklahomaFoundation for Excellencehas raised the bar for pub-

Programs: Raising the barKambria Givens, right, a volunteer with CampfireGreen Country, was among 35 outstanding youthmentors from across the state who were recognizedin January during Oklahoma Mentor Day at the Capi-tol, presented by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excel-lence and its David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initia-tive. Making the awards presentation is foundationtrustee Kathy Taylor, former mayor of Tulsa. Givenswas joined by several of her mentees, who rangedfrom kindergartners to second-graders. PHOTO PROVIDED

FROM PAGE 4S

“Ancient Ways,” anacrylic painting by Ameri-can Indian artist Mike Lar-sen, of Perkins, has beenselected for the commem-orative poster for the 27thannual Oklahoma Founda-tion for Excellence Aca-demic Awards Banquet.

“Each year, the founda-tion creates a poster fea-turing a Native American-themed painting to pre-sent to its Academic All-State and Medal for Excel-lence winners,” said EmilyStratton, executive direc-tor of the Oklahoma Foun-dation for Excellence. “Weare grateful to Mike Larsenfor sharing his beautiful,vibrant painting for our2013 poster.”

Born in 1944 of Chicka-saw heritage, Larsen grewup in farming communi-ties in Oklahoma and Tex-as. He studied at AmarilloJunior College and theUniversity of Houston be-fore attending the re-nowned Arts StudentLeague of New York,where he focused on tradi-tional art disciplines. Lar-sen has spent more than40 years as a full-time art-ist, progressing from streetshows to nationally knownfestivals to prestigious gal-leries. Today, Larsen’swork is featured in galler-ies in California, Arizonaand Oklahoma.

Larsen creates paintingsand sculpture commis-sioned by governments,corporations and individ-uals. His love for paintingand sculpting dancing fig-ures began when he wascommissioned by the Stateof Oklahoma to paint a 26-

foot-long mural for thestate Capitol rotunda por-traying five internationally

prominent ballet dancers,all born in Oklahoma. Hehas painted murals for the

Oklahoma Arts Institute,the University of Okla-homa Reynolds Perform-ing Arts Center and OU’sSchool of Dance.

In 2008, Larsen com-pleted a two-year projectof eight murals for the Po-kagon Band PotowatomiTribe in Michigan. He hasalso completed the Chick-asaw Nation’s Living El-ders project, which is cur-rently hanging in theOklahoma Heritage Cen-ter. He recently completeda public commission for atwice-life-sized sculpturefor St. Joseph’s RegionalHealth Center in Patter-son, N.J., and is preparingto work on a project on theCivil War in Oklahoma.

Mike Larsen painting chosenfor commemorative poster

“Ancient Ways,” an acrylic painting by Oklahoma art-ist Mike Larsen, is featured on the commemorativeposter for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence2013 Academic Awards Banquet. IMAGE PROVIDED

BY BRENDA WHEELOCKOklahoma Foundation forExcellence

BUY THE POSTERThe 2013 Academic Awards Banquet commemo-rative poster, designed by Daren Shepherd ofSouthwestern Printing, is available for $20, in-cluding shipping. It can be purchased at the Aca-demic Awards Banquet or by contacting theOklahoma Foundation for Excellence at 236-0006 after May 18. For more information, go towww.ofe.org.

AT A GLANCE

Selection criteria for Academic All-State Scholars

Participants must be Oklahoma public highschool seniors and must be nominated by theirprincipals or superintendents.

To be nominated for Academic All-State, stu-dents must meet one of these criteria:

I an ACT composite score of at least 30; I an SAT combined critical reading and math

score of at least 1340; I or be selected as a semifinalist for a National

Merit, National Achievement (African American)or National Hispanic Scholarship.

Once nominated, recipients are selected on thebasis of academic achievement, leadership experi-ence, extracurricular activities and communityinvolvement, as well as an essay submitted byeach nominee.

SELECTION COMMITTEEThe selection committee, chaired by retired Tulsa

attorney Teresa Adwan, works independently ofall other foundation activities. The committeemembers are a diverse group of business, educa-tion and civic leaders, as well as Academic All-State alumni and former Medal for Excellence-winning educators.

Dr. Jill Edwards SteeleyThe winner of the Oklahoma Medal for Excel-

lence in Elementary Education teaches secondgrade at Central Elementary School in Coweta. Inher 42 years as an educator, Steeley has taught allages and grade levels, from kindergartners to uni-versity students in education. She has also devot-ed herself to a lifetime of learning, earning a Mas-ter of Education degree in reading, a doctoral de-gree in curriculum and instruction and nationalboard certification in literacy. “Teaching is all Ihave ever wanted to do,” Steeley said. “In my42nd year in the profession, I still look forward tocoming to school each day. I never tire of seeing astudent grasp a new concept, grow in confidenceor willingly persevere to overcome a challenge.” Among the characteristics of an effec-tive teacher, Steeley said she seeks to establish positive relationships and good commu-nication with students and parents, creating a blog and weekly newsletter to help en-gage parents in their children’s learning. Other characteristics she values are strongknowledge of subject area, effective pedagogy, passion, reflection, flexibility and cre-ativity. She said she loves the daily challenge of creating a poem, chant, game or craft tohelp children master learning objectives. Fellow teacher Marilyn Burks credits Steeley’screative teaching with helping her own son, Matthew, transform from an insecure stu-dent with doubts about his abilities to a confident student who loves to read for plea-sure. “It’s been five years since Matthew had Dr. Steeley, and he remembers his yearwith her with great fondness,” Burks said. “He is still able to sing songs she taught himin order to remember facts and refuses to throw away projects he completed in herclass.” Named Coweta’s 2011 Teacher of the Year and an Oklahoma Teacher of the Yearfinalist in 2012, Steeley was invited to deliver the Coweta High School commencementaddress to more than 2,000 attentive guests and graduates.

John WaldronThe winner of the Oklahoma Medal for Excel-

lence in Secondary Teaching teaches social stud-ies at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa.A 20-year teaching veteran and National BoardCertified educator, Waldron currently teachescourses in world history and Asian history for theschool’s International Baccalaureate program, aswell as U.S. government, ancient and medievalhistory, and Advanced Placement governmentand politics. He is also the founder of Booker T.’sModel United Nations program. “I came intoeducation with a specific goal in mind: to makegood global citizens out of my students by expos-ing them to ideas in the social studies and by pro-moting good thinking skills,” said Waldron, who earned a master’s degree in inter-national affairs from George Washington University. “It is important to me that stu-dents recognize the increasingly globalized nature of modern society and be preparedto compete in a global marketplace.” Waldron’s interactive and student-centered lessonplans have included a mock Nuremberg Trial, a Viking role-playing game and a modelVersailles Peace Conference. He has also built an extensive lending library of 1,200social studies books to support students in their research and writing. Booker T. gradu-ate Morgane Martinet said she still views herself as Waldron’s student because shecontinues to learn from the lessons he instilled in her: “critical analysis, historical accu-racy and a desire to understand every facet of an issue. By teaching his students history,he prepares us for our future,” she said. Gabrielle Inhofe, a 2012 graduate, described Mr.Waldron as a “Booker T. High School legend” who ensures his students are able toanalyze and evaluate materials — not just recite facts. Above all, Waldron is cited forbeing a caring mentor who goes the extra mile for his students, even holding “officehours” each Sunday afternoon at a local coffee shop to discuss academics and life withstudents and alumni.

Oklahoma Medal for Excellence winnersAT A GLANCE

Five educators honored with Medal for ExcellenceThe Oklahoma Foundation for Excel-

lence has announced the winners of itsOklahoma Medal for Excellence awardshonoring five outstanding educators inOklahoma’s public schools.

The awards will be presented at thefoundation’s 27th annual AcademicAwards Banquet on Saturday at the CoxConvention Center.

Each of the winners will receive a$5,000 prize and a glass “Roots andWings” sculpture, designed by the lateOklahoma artist Ron Roberts and pro-duced by Jim Triffo of Oklahoma City.

This year’s Medal for Excellence winnersare: Dr. Jill Edwards Steeley, Central Ele-mentary School, Coweta, elementaryteaching; John Waldron, Booker T. Wash-ington High School, Tulsa, secondaryteaching; Ruth Askew Brelsford, profes-sor, speech and theater department chairand Honors Program coordinator, EasternOklahoma State College, Wilburton, re-gional university/community college

teaching; Dr. Richard A. Bunce, pro-fessor of chemistry, OklahomaState University, Stillwater, re-search university teaching; and Dr.Cathy Burden, superintendent ofschools, Union Public Schools, Tul-sa, elementary/secondary adminis-tration.

“We know that education is thebest investment Oklahoma canmake in its future,” said David L.Boren, founder and chairman of theOklahoma Foundation for Excel-lence, a nonprofit organization thatrecognizes and encourages aca-demic excellence in the state’s pub-lic schools. “By honoring these ex-ceptional educators, we are sendinga message that Oklahomans deeplyvalue excellence in public schoolsand the professionals who havegiven so much of themselves toenrich the lives of our children.”

BRENDA WHEELOCK, OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Ruth Askew BrelsfordThe recipient of the Oklahoma Medal for Ex-

cellence in Teaching at a Regional University/Community College is a professor and depart-ment chair in speech and theater and HonorsProgram coordinator at Eastern Oklahoma StateCollege in Wilburton. Brelsford’s 26-year careeras an educator has included teaching in middleschool, high school and university settings, aswell as in a college creative writing program forinmates at a local prison. In each case, her teach-ing challenges students not only to comprehendconcepts, but also to analyze, evaluate and applytheir knowledge to real-world problems. “Myteaching techniques are based on listening to stu-dents and then introducing them to that really huge world out there, reminding themthat they have every right to succeed in it — and can — but they have to think criticallyand communicate effectively,” said Brelsford, who teaches Eastern Oklahoma’s intro-ductory speech course. As the Honors Program director, Brelsford also teaches an Hon-ors Seminar each semester that challenges students not only to read and write aboutgreat social and political issues, but also to take action in their community. Their pro-jects have included launching a campuswide recycling program; developing an anti-bullying workshop to serve local youth; and making 1,000 paper cranes and raising$1,000 for tsunami relief. Brelsford is also an adviser to many international students,inviting them to her home for meals, taking them on outings to attend cultural eventsand involving them in community projects. Outside the classroom, Brelsford and herstudents have co-led voter registration drives, coordinated a Constitution Day forumand organized Veteran’s Day observances on campus. “Professor Brelsford instills anappreciation for education that reaches far beyond academia,” said student Colby LloydCarpenter. “She teaches her students the practical application of an educated mind. Forthat, I will always be grateful to her.”

Dr. Richard A. BunceThe professor of chemistry at Oklahoma State Uni-

versity in Stillwater has been named winner of theMedal for Excellence in Teaching at a Research Uni-versity. Now in his 29th year at OSU, Bunce has estab-lished a national reputation as a leading organicchemist, recently earning a grant for the developmentof broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat drug-resistantanthrax. Bunce brings his expertise and passion forchemistry to the classroom, where he teaches intro-ductory chemistry for majors and non-majors, as wellas upper-level and graduate courses in organic chem-istry. As the undergraduate adviser for all chemistrystudents at OSU, he has been credited with doublingthe number of chemistry majors in the past five years.“Chemistry is considered to be a difficult subject by many students and is often fright-ening to entering students,” said colleague Barry K. Lavine. “With patience, kindnessand availability … Richard is able to relate to undergraduates and interact with them insuch a manner that an atmosphere of trust develops.” In the classroom, Bunce in-tersperses demonstrations and real-life examples to illustrate concepts. He sets clearexpectations for success and offers strategies for studying. “Rich’s classes are out-standing in every way,” said former student Paul B. Jones, now on the chemistry facultyat Wake Forest University. “He is an exceptional lecturer, but also works hard to estab-lish a rapport with the large number of students enrolled. … At the same time, he isdemanding and leads his students to rise to his expected level of performance.” Bunce isa pioneer in promoting research with undergraduates at OSU, and has involved 70 un-dergraduates in his research work, taking great care to familiarize them with advancedresearch techniques and instrument operation. He has been recognized twice with theOSU College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Adviser Award and was the 2010 OSURegents Distinguished Teaching Award winner.

Dr. Cathy BurdenThe winner of the Medal for Excellence in Elemen-

tary/Secondary Administration is now in her 19th yearas superintendent of Union Public Schools in Tulsa.Burden, who retires this summer after 41years in pub-lic education, began her career as a special educationteacher then school psychologist before moving intoadministrative positions. Her early training providedan indelible emphasis on the importance of a student-centered school environment, Burden said. “As aleader, it has been my mission to create such an envi-ronment by building a culture of care and support forour students and their families, respect and empo-werment for our professional educators, and a dy-namic learning experience to develop the full potentialof our students,” she said. Under her leadership, Union has added four new elementaryschools with space for universal, all-day prekindergarten and kindergarten. She tooksteps to equalize opportunities for children in poverty be developing CommunitySchools at eight Title I schools, offering after-school and summer programs for stu-dents and involving parents with on-site medical clinics and educational activities.With the goal of graduating 100 percent of Union students “college- and career-ready,”Burden instituted Union Collegiate Academy, which offers college and career counsel-ing, Advanced Placement courses, college concurrent enrollment and other services tohelp students successfully transition to college. Burden has also overseen the passage ofmore than 27 school bond proposals totaling $306 million dollars in construction andimprovements. Her commitment to her staff is demonstrated through a variety of ben-efits, including tuition reimbursement for continuing education, a district-subsidizedwellness center and employee medical clinic. “Dr. Burden’s leadership has establishedthe gold standard for successful leadership in the public education sector,” said schoolboard member Ed L. Payton. “Her leadership success is a combination of commitmentto community interaction rather than insulated decision making, collaborative ratherthan top-down management, and cultural rather than cosmetic change.”

Medal for Excellence winners

Sarah Rose Anderson, Jones High SchoolAnderson is a member of National Honor Society and Mu AlphaTheta math honor society as well as four-year, co-captain ofthe academic team. She is an officer or active member in KeyClub, student council, Planet Earth Club, Jones Against Drugsand Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A two-time AcademicAll-Conference recipient, she competes in varsity basketballand cross country. She is a volunteer for the Metropolitan Li-brary System’s Come Read with Me program. Anderson plans tostudy biochemistry at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship sponsor: Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation

Annah Baykal, Edmond Memorial High SchoolBaykal is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and Wendy’s High School Heisman State final-ist. She is the Edmond Memorial Swim Team captain and amember of the National Honor Society, Oklahoma Indian Stu-dent Honor Society and National Junior Classical League HonorSociety. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, Baykal is a found-ing member of the Oklahoma Swimming Diversity Committeeand helped establish the Native American Cultural Swim Meet.She participated in 252 Internship, a service-leadership programoffered by North Church. Baykal plans to study biochemistry.Scholarship sponsor: The Chickasaw Nation - Bill Anoatubby, Governor

Nicole Biddinger, Bartlesville High SchoolBiddinger is a two-term finalist at the International Scienceand Engineering Fair, a research presenter for the National Ju-nior Science and Humanities Symposium and a regional winnerof the National Center for Women Information TechnologyAward. She is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, chapterpresident of Health Occupations Students of America and anofficer for Oklahoma Scholastic Media. A ballet dancer, she alsovolunteers for The Lighthouse, Blue Star Mothers and at an ele-mentary school. Biddinger plans to attend Purdue University tomajor in biology, health and disease.Scholarship sponsor: Phillips 66

Victoria Boudiette, Eisenhower High SchoolBoudiette, of Lawton, is a Baccalaureate Scholarship recipient atCameron University. She served as executive editor of the year-book her junior and senior years and created an after-schoollearning program for her successors to gain a leadership positionon the yearbook staff. She is senior class treasurer and a memberof the Eagle Escorts, Open Doors and the Lawton Junior AM-BUCS. She is the “E” in the Babes in Blue spirit line. Boudietteplans to study medical technology at Cameron University.Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Endowment Fund

Tanner Boyd, Weatherford High SchoolBoyd is valedictorian, a Rotary Youth Leadership Award recip-ient and an Eagle Scout. He is an officer in student council,National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletesand is captain of the varsity tennis team. He has been a page forOklahoma Sen. Mike Schulz, is a delegate to the Model UnitedNations and participates in show choir. A member of theWeatherford First Baptist Church, Boyd is an Early Bird Readerfor an elementary school and a volunteer for Home Makeover:Weatherford. He plans to study history at Southwestern Okla-homa State University. Scholarship sponsor: Weatherford Public School Foundation

Mariah Burris, Cushing High SchoolBurris is a valedictorian, National Merit Commended Studentand Girls State delegate. A member of National Technical HonorSociety, she is vice president of National Honor Society, presi-dent of Health Occupations Students of America and seniorclass officer on student council. She is president of First UnitedMethodist Church Youth and volunteers for a veterinarian. Sheparticipates in Lady Tiger basketball, varsity soccer, SpanishClub and the academic team. Burris plans to major in biochem-istry and molecular biology at Oklahoma State University.Scholarship sponsor: SONIC, America’s Drive-In

Hunter Burrow, Miami High SchoolBurrow is a class valedictorian, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and 2012 Oklahoma Girls State delegate. She ispresident of National Honor Society, Community Service Chairof student council and vice president of the senior class. Amember of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, she is the coordinator ofher school’s Veteran’s Day assembly, developer of a schoolwidetalent show, and creator of a citywide clothing drive. She hasparticipated in Dartmouth’s Native Bound Program. Burrowplans to major in biochemistry at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Company of Miami/Charles A. Neal & Co.

Beverly Case, Yukon High SchoolCase is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction. She is president of St. John NepomukYouth Advisory Board, captain of the varsity academic team,president of Physics Club and a member the National HonorSociety. She twice advanced to World Finals as a member ofYukon’s Odyssey of the Mind team. She is a tuba player andcolor guard member of the Yukon High School Band and actedin the school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Case plansto study chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Heyman

Hunter Chalfant, Hinton High SchoolChalfant is a valedictorian, Oklahoma Academic Scholar andBoys State delegate. He is the co-captain of the football teamand member of the All-District Team. He also plays basketballand baseball and is a member of the National Honor Societyand Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He delivers teddy bears tothe OU Children’s Hospital, decorates the Jim Thorpe Rehabil-itation Center for the holidays, and gathers and stocks food forthe local food bank and veteran’s hospital. He volunteers as aveterinarian’s assistant. Chalfant plans to study pre-medicineat the University of Central Oklahoma.Scholarship sponsor: Legacy Bank

Melissa Chanderban, Muldrow High SchoolChanderban is an Advanced Placement Scholar, speech anddebate state medalist, and two-time academic team nationalqualifier. She is co-president of the competitive speech anddrama team, president of Math Club, vice president of ScienceClub and public relations officer of HOPE Environmental Club.Her other interests include Beta Club, the robotics team, TeensEnergetically Empowering Neighborhoods Coalition and Stu-dents Working Against Tobacco. She volunteers as a weeklymentor for Reading Encourages All Dreams. She plans to attendthe University of Oklahoma, majoring in microbiology. Scholarship sponsor: OGE Energy Corp.

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholarsAngela Chang, Jenks High SchoolChang is a National Merit Finalist, Questbridge Finalist and Ad-vanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. A member of Na-tional Honor Society, Key Club, Chinese Club, student counciland the History-International Club, she co-wrote and edited thedocumentary “Running Miles,” winner of the Regional Scholas-tic Art in Writing Gold Key Award and National Scholastic Art inWriting Silver Medal. Her short film about American educationwon honorable mention in the C-SPAN Student Cam competi-tion. Chang will attend the University of Oklahoma.Scholarship sponsor: Mrs. Walt Helmerich III

Grant Coles, Lindsay High SchoolColes is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction andthe first student to earn the “triple five” on the AdvancedPlacement calculus and physics exams at the Oklahoma Schoolof Science and Mathematics (OSSM) Wayne Regional Center,where his peers chose him as the Most Valuable Classmate. Heperforms in marching band, trombone quartet and men’s vocalensemble. He is president of the senior class, section leader forthe low brass ensemble and worship leader for the Banner Bap-tist Church youth group. Coles plans to major in mechanicalengineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: American Exchange Bank

Garet Crispin, Thomas Fay Custer High SchoolCrispin is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar, member of the Tho-mas Academic Enrichment Association and recipient of the Ki-wanis award for Outstanding FFA Member in Custer County.He is a member of the football team and the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes and captain of the academic team. A mem-ber of his church’s youth leadership committee, he volunteerswith the children’s program and Vacation Bible School. Crispinis vice president and treasurer of his FFA chapter. He plans tomajor in mechanical engineering Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Thomas-Fay-Custer Education Foundation

Connor Cusack, Fairview High SchoolCusack is a National Merit Finalist, Boys State delegate and Okla-homa School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center grad-uate. He is co-captain of the basketball team, captain of the aca-demic team, president of National Honor Society, vice presidentof Business Professionals of America and senior class representa-tive on student council. He is a member of the robotics team andthe Future Career and Community Leaders of America and willsoon achieve Eagle Scout rank. He is an altar server at St. Antho-ny’s Catholic Church. He plans to study chemical engineering.Scholarship sponsor: Mustang Fuel Corporation

Nicholas Lee Denker, Pioneer High SchoolDenker is a valedictorian, All-District Defensive Back in foot-ball and Boys State delegate. He works on the family farm and isfour-year president of student council, president of Beta Club,president of 4-H Club, president of the senior class and captainof the academic team. He is a member of Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes and First United Methodist Church’s youth groupand choir. Voted homecoming king, he is first chair trumpet inthe Pioneer Band; plays in the jazz band; and starts in football,basketball and baseball. He plans to attend Oklahoma StateUniversity to major in history. Scholarship sponsor: Bert and Janice Mackie

Davey Dolan, Berryhill High SchoolDolan is a four-time wrestling state champion and wrestling All-State winner. Selected as Student of the Month in August, he is amember of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes, Mu Alpha Theta, student council and the service groupSerteens. A leader in Catalyst Youth Group, he has also coachedelementary wrestling and elementary football. In addition toparticipating on the academic team and taking college classesconcurrently, he volunteers for the local food bank. Dolan willattend Oklahoma State University to major in engineering.Scholarship sponsor: American Heritage Bank

Hunter Edwards, Piedmont High SchoolEdwards is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, National MeritCommended Scholar and valedictorian. He is drum major ofthe 4A State Champion Pride of Piedmont Marching Band andhas played in jazz band and the wind ensemble of Honor Band.He is a teacher at the Soldier Creek Church of Christ, founder ofAlpha and Omega, and a member of National Honor Societyand the academic team. As a Boy Scout, Edwards has earned theLife Rank. He is a math tutor, plays the piano and enjoys run-ning and robotics. Edwards plans to attend Oklahoma ChristianUniversity, majoring in mechanical engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sias

Magen Eissenstat, Putnam City North High SchoolEissenstat is a National Merit Finalist, valedictorian and YouthCity Council At Large representative. She is the confirmationleader of her Church of the Servant youth group, secretary/his-torian of the Drama Club and the Putnam City North Orchestraand is the Class of 2013 historian. She is poetry editor of TheAdroit Journal, a nonprofit online journal. A Regional All-StarActor and an award-winning original orator, she also plays thepiano and the viola. Eissenstat will major in English. Scholarship sponsor: Polly and Larry Nichols

Rashidul Esrar, Edmond Santa Fe High SchoolEsrar is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and National Forensic League National Tour-nament Qualifier. He is viola section leader and council vicepresident of the school orchestra, president of National HonorSociety, vice president of Spanish National Honor Society, co-president of Young Democrats and a member of the compet-itive drama team. He is a graduate of Leadership OKC’s Youth inAction Class XII, Ward 8 representative for Oklahoma CityYouth Council and a volunteer for the Regional Food Bank. Es-rar plans to major in global affairs, economics or biochemistryat the University of Chicago. Scholarship sponsor: Home Creations

Michael Felder, Eisenhower High SchoolFelder is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction and homecoming king. He is seniorclass president of student council, vice president of Key Club,vice president of Spanish Club and a member of National Hon-or Society. He participates in Junior AMBUCS of Lawton, RealWorld Design Challenge and varsity tennis. He works part-timeand is a chemistry laboratory technician. He created a tutoringprogram for Pre-AP students. Felder plans to major in mechan-ical engineering and physics at Southern Methodist University. Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Endowment Fund

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Sarah Rose Anderson, Jones High SchoolAnderson is a member of National Honor Society and Mu AlphaTheta math honor society as well as four-year, co-captain ofthe academic team. She is an officer or active member in KeyClub, student council, Planet Earth Club, Jones Against Drugsand Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A two-time AcademicAll-Conference recipient, she competes in varsity basketballand cross country. She is a volunteer for the Metropolitan Li-brary System’s Come Read with Me program. Anderson plans tostudy biochemistry at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship sponsor: Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation

Annah Baykal, Edmond Memorial High SchoolBaykal is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and Wendy’s High School Heisman State final-ist. She is the Edmond Memorial Swim Team captain and amember of the National Honor Society, Oklahoma Indian Stu-dent Honor Society and National Junior Classical League HonorSociety. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, Baykal is a found-ing member of the Oklahoma Swimming Diversity Committeeand helped establish the Native American Cultural Swim Meet.She participated in 252 Internship, a service-leadership programoffered by North Church. Baykal plans to study biochemistry.Scholarship sponsor: The Chickasaw Nation - Bill Anoatubby, Governor

Nicole Biddinger, Bartlesville High SchoolBiddinger is a two-term finalist at the International Scienceand Engineering Fair, a research presenter for the National Ju-nior Science and Humanities Symposium and a regional winnerof the National Center for Women Information TechnologyAward. She is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, chapterpresident of Health Occupations Students of America and anofficer for Oklahoma Scholastic Media. A ballet dancer, she alsovolunteers for The Lighthouse, Blue Star Mothers and at an ele-mentary school. Biddinger plans to attend Purdue University tomajor in biology, health and disease.Scholarship sponsor: Phillips 66

Victoria Boudiette, Eisenhower High SchoolBoudiette, of Lawton, is a Baccalaureate Scholarship recipient atCameron University. She served as executive editor of the year-book her junior and senior years and created an after-schoollearning program for her successors to gain a leadership positionon the yearbook staff. She is senior class treasurer and a memberof the Eagle Escorts, Open Doors and the Lawton Junior AM-BUCS. She is the “E” in the Babes in Blue spirit line. Boudietteplans to study medical technology at Cameron University.Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Endowment Fund

Tanner Boyd, Weatherford High SchoolBoyd is valedictorian, a Rotary Youth Leadership Award recip-ient and an Eagle Scout. He is an officer in student council,National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletesand is captain of the varsity tennis team. He has been a page forOklahoma Sen. Mike Schulz, is a delegate to the Model UnitedNations and participates in show choir. A member of theWeatherford First Baptist Church, Boyd is an Early Bird Readerfor an elementary school and a volunteer for Home Makeover:Weatherford. He plans to study history at Southwestern Okla-homa State University. Scholarship sponsor: Weatherford Public School Foundation

Mariah Burris, Cushing High SchoolBurris is a valedictorian, National Merit Commended Studentand Girls State delegate. A member of National Technical HonorSociety, she is vice president of National Honor Society, presi-dent of Health Occupations Students of America and seniorclass officer on student council. She is president of First UnitedMethodist Church Youth and volunteers for a veterinarian. Sheparticipates in Lady Tiger basketball, varsity soccer, SpanishClub and the academic team. Burris plans to major in biochem-istry and molecular biology at Oklahoma State University.Scholarship sponsor: SONIC, America’s Drive-In

Hunter Burrow, Miami High SchoolBurrow is a class valedictorian, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and 2012 Oklahoma Girls State delegate. She ispresident of National Honor Society, Community Service Chairof student council and vice president of the senior class. Amember of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, she is the coordinator ofher school’s Veteran’s Day assembly, developer of a schoolwidetalent show, and creator of a citywide clothing drive. She hasparticipated in Dartmouth’s Native Bound Program. Burrowplans to major in biochemistry at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: The First National Bank & Trust Company of Miami/Charles A. Neal & Co.

Beverly Case, Yukon High SchoolCase is a National Merit Finalist and Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction. She is president of St. John NepomukYouth Advisory Board, captain of the varsity academic team,president of Physics Club and a member the National HonorSociety. She twice advanced to World Finals as a member ofYukon’s Odyssey of the Mind team. She is a tuba player andcolor guard member of the Yukon High School Band and actedin the school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Case plansto study chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Heyman

Hunter Chalfant, Hinton High SchoolChalfant is a valedictorian, Oklahoma Academic Scholar andBoys State delegate. He is the co-captain of the football teamand member of the All-District Team. He also plays basketballand baseball and is a member of the National Honor Societyand Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He delivers teddy bears tothe OU Children’s Hospital, decorates the Jim Thorpe Rehabil-itation Center for the holidays, and gathers and stocks food forthe local food bank and veteran’s hospital. He volunteers as aveterinarian’s assistant. Chalfant plans to study pre-medicineat the University of Central Oklahoma.Scholarship sponsor: Legacy Bank

Melissa Chanderban, Muldrow High SchoolChanderban is an Advanced Placement Scholar, speech anddebate state medalist, and two-time academic team nationalqualifier. She is co-president of the competitive speech anddrama team, president of Math Club, vice president of ScienceClub and public relations officer of HOPE Environmental Club.Her other interests include Beta Club, the robotics team, TeensEnergetically Empowering Neighborhoods Coalition and Stu-dents Working Against Tobacco. She volunteers as a weeklymentor for Reading Encourages All Dreams. She plans to attendthe University of Oklahoma, majoring in microbiology. Scholarship sponsor: OGE Energy Corp.

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholarsAngela Chang, Jenks High SchoolChang is a National Merit Finalist, Questbridge Finalist and Ad-vanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. A member of Na-tional Honor Society, Key Club, Chinese Club, student counciland the History-International Club, she co-wrote and edited thedocumentary “Running Miles,” winner of the Regional Scholas-tic Art in Writing Gold Key Award and National Scholastic Art inWriting Silver Medal. Her short film about American educationwon honorable mention in the C-SPAN Student Cam competi-tion. Chang will attend the University of Oklahoma.Scholarship sponsor: Mrs. Walt Helmerich III

Grant Coles, Lindsay High SchoolColes is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction andthe first student to earn the “triple five” on the AdvancedPlacement calculus and physics exams at the Oklahoma Schoolof Science and Mathematics (OSSM) Wayne Regional Center,where his peers chose him as the Most Valuable Classmate. Heperforms in marching band, trombone quartet and men’s vocalensemble. He is president of the senior class, section leader forthe low brass ensemble and worship leader for the Banner Bap-tist Church youth group. Coles plans to major in mechanicalengineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: American Exchange Bank

Garet Crispin, Thomas Fay Custer High SchoolCrispin is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar, member of the Tho-mas Academic Enrichment Association and recipient of the Ki-wanis award for Outstanding FFA Member in Custer County.He is a member of the football team and the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes and captain of the academic team. A mem-ber of his church’s youth leadership committee, he volunteerswith the children’s program and Vacation Bible School. Crispinis vice president and treasurer of his FFA chapter. He plans tomajor in mechanical engineering Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Thomas-Fay-Custer Education Foundation

Connor Cusack, Fairview High SchoolCusack is a National Merit Finalist, Boys State delegate and Okla-homa School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center grad-uate. He is co-captain of the basketball team, captain of the aca-demic team, president of National Honor Society, vice presidentof Business Professionals of America and senior class representa-tive on student council. He is a member of the robotics team andthe Future Career and Community Leaders of America and willsoon achieve Eagle Scout rank. He is an altar server at St. Antho-ny’s Catholic Church. He plans to study chemical engineering.Scholarship sponsor: Mustang Fuel Corporation

Nicholas Lee Denker, Pioneer High SchoolDenker is a valedictorian, All-District Defensive Back in foot-ball and Boys State delegate. He works on the family farm and isfour-year president of student council, president of Beta Club,president of 4-H Club, president of the senior class and captainof the academic team. He is a member of Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes and First United Methodist Church’s youth groupand choir. Voted homecoming king, he is first chair trumpet inthe Pioneer Band; plays in the jazz band; and starts in football,basketball and baseball. He plans to attend Oklahoma StateUniversity to major in history. Scholarship sponsor: Bert and Janice Mackie

Davey Dolan, Berryhill High SchoolDolan is a four-time wrestling state champion and wrestling All-State winner. Selected as Student of the Month in August, he is amember of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes, Mu Alpha Theta, student council and the service groupSerteens. A leader in Catalyst Youth Group, he has also coachedelementary wrestling and elementary football. In addition toparticipating on the academic team and taking college classesconcurrently, he volunteers for the local food bank. Dolan willattend Oklahoma State University to major in engineering.Scholarship sponsor: American Heritage Bank

Hunter Edwards, Piedmont High SchoolEdwards is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, National MeritCommended Scholar and valedictorian. He is drum major ofthe 4A State Champion Pride of Piedmont Marching Band andhas played in jazz band and the wind ensemble of Honor Band.He is a teacher at the Soldier Creek Church of Christ, founder ofAlpha and Omega, and a member of National Honor Societyand the academic team. As a Boy Scout, Edwards has earned theLife Rank. He is a math tutor, plays the piano and enjoys run-ning and robotics. Edwards plans to attend Oklahoma ChristianUniversity, majoring in mechanical engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sias

Magen Eissenstat, Putnam City North High SchoolEissenstat is a National Merit Finalist, valedictorian and YouthCity Council At Large representative. She is the confirmationleader of her Church of the Servant youth group, secretary/his-torian of the Drama Club and the Putnam City North Orchestraand is the Class of 2013 historian. She is poetry editor of TheAdroit Journal, a nonprofit online journal. A Regional All-StarActor and an award-winning original orator, she also plays thepiano and the viola. Eissenstat will major in English. Scholarship sponsor: Polly and Larry Nichols

Rashidul Esrar, Edmond Santa Fe High SchoolEsrar is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and National Forensic League National Tour-nament Qualifier. He is viola section leader and council vicepresident of the school orchestra, president of National HonorSociety, vice president of Spanish National Honor Society, co-president of Young Democrats and a member of the compet-itive drama team. He is a graduate of Leadership OKC’s Youth inAction Class XII, Ward 8 representative for Oklahoma CityYouth Council and a volunteer for the Regional Food Bank. Es-rar plans to major in global affairs, economics or biochemistryat the University of Chicago. Scholarship sponsor: Home Creations

Michael Felder, Eisenhower High SchoolFelder is a National Merit Finalist, an Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction and homecoming king. He is seniorclass president of student council, vice president of Key Club,vice president of Spanish Club and a member of National Hon-or Society. He participates in Junior AMBUCS of Lawton, RealWorld Design Challenge and varsity tennis. He works part-timeand is a chemistry laboratory technician. He created a tutoringprogram for Pre-AP students. Felder plans to major in mechan-ical engineering and physics at Southern Methodist University. Scholarship sponsor: Kenneth & Juliette Woodward Scholarship Endowment Fund

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Bolton Ferda, Blackwell High SchoolFerda has earned a state superior rating in trumpet and compet-ed in the University of Oklahoma Engineering Fair glider com-petition. Captain of the academic team and junior class secre-tary, he is also a member of National Honor Society, studentcouncil and the jazz, concert and marching bands. He works onthe family ranch and takes Oklahoma School of Science andMathematics classes concurrently at Pioneer Technology Cen-ter. He is also a BancFirst Student Director. His interests includeranch sorting competitions and volunteering for the NationalWeather Service. He plans to major in aerospace engineering.Scholarship sponsor: Cordelia Lunceford Beatty Trust

Luke Fletcher, Fletcher High SchoolA valedictorian, Fletcher is the recipient of the National I DareYou Award and the American Legion School Award. He is presi-dent of student council, vice president of the senior class and amember of the basketball team and Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes leadership team. He participates in the Adopt-A-Grand-parent program and Fletcher Christian Church youth activities,including mentoring. He has organized fundraisers to providefood in Haiti and to rebuild a tsunami-destroyed home. Fletcherwill study pre-medicine at Oklahoma Christian University.Scholarship sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation

Emily Frantz, Bethany High SchoolFrantz, a flutist for the Oklahoma Small School Band DirectorsAssociation Honor Band, was selected the Outstanding DrumMajor in Class 4A at the Pauls Valley Marching Festival. She hasparticipated in concert and marching band, jazz band and fullorchestra. She is a member of Putnam City Baptist Churchyouth group’s leadership team, National Honor Society, BookClub and Masque and Gavel. She is active in youth leadership,tutoring and musical theater. Frantz plans to attend the Uni-versity of Oklahoma to major in engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Mrs. John W. Nichols

Emily Frech, Norman High SchoolFrech is a National Merit Finalist, Oklahoma Arts Institute par-ticipant in percussion, Scholastic Art and Writing National GoldMedal recipient and American Voices medalist. She is bandpresident, drum line captain, National High School StudentCouncil District 8 Convention chairman and a National SpanishHonor Society member. As a Norman Safety Town volunteer,she teaches fire, traffic and medical safety to preschoolers. Sheis a former page for Oklahoma State Rep. Emily Virgin. Frechplans to study molecular biology at Duke University.Scholarship sponsor: A. Max Weitzenhoffer Jr.

Carrie Funderburk, Edmond North High SchoolFunderburk is a National Merit Finalist and editor-in-chief ofthe Kiikmik yearbook. She is a two-year president of the Ed-mond Fine Arts Institute’s Teen Board and teen liaison to theorganization’s board of directors. As a Bring a Light to Othersstudent fundraiser, she has raised more than $14,000 for chil-dren’s medical charities and earned the BALTO Princess titlefor being the top fundraiser. A former Junior Class Student ofthe Year and varsity cheerleader, she is also a member of MuAlpha Theta, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes,SUN Club and Peace Lutheran Church youth group. Scholarship sponsor: The Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation

Emma Gade, Noble High SchoolGade, a valedictorian, is an Advanced Placement Scholar withHonor and a recipient of the President’s Leadership Scholarshipfrom Truman State University. Vice president of the NationalHonor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, she isthe clarinet section leader of concert and marching band andcaptain of the varsity soccer team. A Girls State delegate, Gade isa volunteer for the Noble Chamber of Commerce, Feed the Chil-dren, Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Gade plans tomajor in psychology at Truman State University.Scholarship sponsor: Crawley Family Foundation

Nicholas Garcia, Santa Fe South High SchoolGarcia, a National Hispanic Scholar, was selected as Bass II in theOklahoma Music Educators Association 2013 All-State MixedChorus and 4th Chair Flautist in the Central Oklahoma DirectorsAssociation wind ensemble. He is president of Band Council andChoir Council. He teaches basic music theory at the GranvilleCommunity School of Music. He has been named to the Presi-dent’s Honor Roll at Oklahoma City Community College, andwill have completed 53 college credit hours. Garcia plans to majorin chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Scholarship sponsor: Denise and John Bode

William Gardner, Warner High SchoolGardner, a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and U.S. Presidential Scholars candidate, ischapter president and state vice president of Family, Career andCommunity Leaders of America, vice president of studentcouncil, local officer for the 4-H Club and president of Teens forChrist. He is captain of the Academic Bowl team, the 2012 StateChampion and runner-up in 2013. He is drum major of themarching band, a member of the All-District Honor Band and afirst chair alto sax in the All-State Band. He plans to studychemistry/biochemistry at Harvard University.Scholarship sponsor: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Marissa Griffin, Broken Arrow High SchoolGriffin is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and recipient of a Certificate of Achievementfrom the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science andTechnology. She is president of Environmental Science Club, vicepresident of French Club, and a member of the Advanced Place-ment Committee and Key Club. She helped develop the campusrecycling program and Aqua for Tharaka, a project providingclean water to remote areas in Kenya. Griffin plans to study chem-ical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Scholarship sponsor: Ruth Nelson

Grant Guzman, Western Heights High SchoolGuzman is a Gates Millennium Scholar Finalist, the Best All-Around Rookie Year Student at the Francis Tuttle Pre-EngineeringAcademy and three-time winner of the Principal’s Top Jet Award.He is vice president of Key Club, secretary of student council, aJunior Rotarian for Rotary Club 29 and Ward 3 representative for theYouth Council of Oklahoma City. He is a member of Mu Alpha The-ta math honor society, the academic team and the South LakesCompetitive Soccer Club. He volunteers for the Early Bird Pre-KLiteracy Program and Rebuilding Together. He plans to major inmechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia.Scholarship sponsor: Daniel G. Webber Jr. PC

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Anna Bryson Haa, Plainview High SchoolHaas is valedictorian and a member of Youth Leadership Okla-homa Class of 2012. A member of the Oklahoma High SchoolHonor Society, Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes,she is president of student council, vice president of the seniorclass and treasurer of Youth in Government. A pianist and danc-er, she is a member of the Shannon Crites School of Dance Com-petitive Company and Drawbacks Youth Tap Ensemble in Dallas.She volunteers teaching ballet to Kippers Gymnastics Team andstarted an HFV Wilson Community Center Hip-Hop class. Shehas been a bell ringer for the Salvation Army since 2009.Scholarship sponsor: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

Corey Hembree, Dale High SchoolHembree is a class valedictorian and recipient of the OklahomaHeritage Hall of Fame Scholarship and the St. Anthony Volun-teer Award. A member of the Creek Nation, he is student coun-cil president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes president, aca-demic team captain, senior class vice president and jazz bandsection leader. He enjoys playing the ukulele, writing songs andplaying the drums. He volunteers as a peer counselor for youthcamps such as Camp Nikoti for Native American Youth, FallsCreek and sports camps. He is also a leader in the CharistaticYouth Group. Hembree will attend Oklahoma State Universityto major in physics and pre-medicine. Scholarship sponsor: Mrs. Edward C. Joullian III

Dae-Kun Heo, Mustang High SchoolHeo is a National Merit Semifinalist and Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction who earned second place in chemistryat the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma RegionalHigh School Academic Competition. He is president of KeyClub, co-captain of the Relay for Life team, and member of EcoClub, National Honor Society and the bowling team. He enjoysplaying the flute, bowling and volunteering at Yukon SharingMinistry as well as Pets and People Humane Society. Scholarship sponsor: The Meinders Foundation

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Kristina Hill, Snyder High SchoolHill is salutatorian of her senior class and will graduate thismonth with a liberal arts degree from Western Oklahoma StateCollege. Owner of Krisee’s Snow Cones, Hill is a member ofYouth Leadership Oklahoma, student council, the AccountingClub and the academic team. She participates in her school’sgifted and talented program and volunteers as a junior highschool tutor. Hill plans to major in accounting and finance atCameron University. Scholarship sponsor: EZ Go Stores

Annica Houston, Shawnee High SchoolA National Merit Scholar Finalist and National Hispanic Schol-ar, Houston is secretary/treasurer of the National Honor Socie-ty and a member of the Drama Club. She also takes advancedcourses at the Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics’ re-gional site. She is a junior volunteer at St. Anthony’s Hospitaland has spent the past two years serving as an art teacher at theShawnee Youth Coalition’s summer sports and arts camp forunderprivileged children. Houston plans to attend OklahomaState University, majoring in aerospace and mechanical engi-neering. Scholarship sponsor: The Williams Foundation

Bonnie Jordan James, Skiatook High SchoolJames participated in the Chemistry Undergraduate ResearchProject at the University of Tulsa and co-authored an article forthe scientific journal “Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry.” Sheis valedictorian and a member of the Skiatook Junior Chamberand the conference championship-winning academic team.James was a Girls State delegate and received the George NighScholarship for submitting the best piece of legislation. Shevolunteers at Saint Francis Hospital and the Mentor 180 Pro-gram. She plans to major in pre-pharmacy. Scholarship sponsor: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation

Chris Jeng, Oklahoma School of Science & MathematicsJeng, a Ponca City resident, is a National Merit Scholar Finalist,Fleming Scholar and an American Invitational MathematicsExamination (AIME) qualifier. To strengthen his writing skills,Jeng attended the Carleton Summer Writing Program. He isvice-captain of the Junior Engineering Technical SocietyTEAMS and a member Oklahoma State University Honors Or-chestra. He plays tennis and is involved with the OSSM dancechoreography group. Jeng plans to major in chemical engineer-ing at the University of California-Berkeley. Scholarship sponsor: Pat Evans

Christy Jenkins, Beggs High SchoolJenkins is class valedictorian and a National Hispanic Recog-nition Program Scholar. An accomplished musician, she is amember of the Oklahoma Small School Band Director’s Associ-ation All-State Band and percussion leader in her school’s con-cert and marching bands. She also plays the piano and marimbaand participates in the Assemblies of God Church Fine ArtsProgram. Jenkins is a reporter for the National Honor Societyand a member of the archery and golf teams. She plans to attendthe University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Choctaw Nation SAP/Sullivan Insurance Agency

Merrisa Kendrick Jennings, Collinsville High SchoolJennings has earned a Certificate of Merit for Achievement inMath and Science from the Society of Women Engineers and aLetter of Commendation for Outstanding Performance on thePSAT from the National Merit Scholarship Program. She wasnamed to the President’s Honor Roll at Tulsa Community Col-lege. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Astrono-my Club and Youth Alive, is recycling leader for Family, Careerand Community Leaders of America and is alto saxophone sec-tion leader in band. Jennings volunteers with the Collinsvillelibrary’s summer reading program. Jennings plans to attend theUniversity of Arkansas, majoring in sustainable biological engi-neering with a minor in African studies. Scholarship sponsor: The Meshri Family

Austin Johnson, Afton High SchoolJohnson, vice president of his local FFA chapter, was namedOklahoma FFA Northeast District Star Farmer. He also receivedan Oklahoma State University Institutional Scholarship. He isinvolved in hunting, basketball and football, and was recog-nized as a Class A Football All-Star. He is Academic Club presi-dent and vice president of the senior class, FFA, National Hon-or Society and student council. Johnson plans to major in agri-cultural business at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Oklahoma State University

Nikhil M. Kamath, Stillwater High SchoolKamath is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinctionand National Merit Scholar Finalist. An accomplished vio-linist, he is concertmaster for the high school symphony or-chestra and attended the Oklahoma Arts Institute at QuartzMountain. Kamath is National Honor Society president,student council parliamentarian, Academic Team captainand delegate of the YMCA Youth in Government Program.He plans to major in electrical engineering at NorthwesternUniversity. Scholarship sponsor: Kirti and Satish Kumar

Aryn Kitchell, Tonkawa High SchoolAn avid reader, Kitchell is founder and president of the highschool Book Club and placed third in English III at theNorthern Oklahoma College Interscholastic contest. She is afour-year academic letterman and president of the NationalHonor Society and Humanitarian Club. She performs in lo-cal plays and musicals, volunteers at the Tonkawa Public Li-brary and works as a veterinarian technician. Kitchell plansto major in liberal studies at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Farmers Exchange Bank/First National Bank of Oklahoma

Raychel Kozik, Washington High SchoolKozik is a class valedictorian, National Merit Scholar Finalistand Oklahoma State Regents Scholar. A student at Okla-homa School of Science & Mathematics regional center, Ko-zik is secretary of the Science Club and vice president of stu-dent council. She is a member of the National Honor Societyand Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is captain of thevarsity golf team and section leader in the high school band.She also volunteers with the local Little League. Kozik plansto attend Oklahoma State University to major in chemicalengineering. Scholarship sponsor: First American Bank, Norman

Katy Beth Layman, Bartlesville High SchoolLayman is president of the Washington County 4-H Cluband earned the 4-H State Fabrics & Fashion Gold Award. ANational Merit Scholar Finalist and Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction, she is a member of the NationalHonor Society and Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Socie-ty. Layman, an All-State Band percussionist, participates inher high school band’s leadership team, the percussion en-semble and the steel drum band. She also earned the GirlScout Silver Award. Layman plans to major in horticultureand music at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Choctaw Nation SAP/Sullivan Insurance Agency

Derek Lehman, Antlers High SchoolLehman, a 2011 Boys State delegate, is the recipient of theOklahoma Fit Kids Coalition Youth Leader Award. Captainof the Academic Team, he is also a member of the 4-H Cluband Students Working Against Tobacco. He participates indrama productions, plays tennis and volunteers with Friendsof the Antlers Public Library. He earned the PresidentialStudent Service Gold Award for completing 100 volunteerhours. Lehman plans to major in biology and pre-medicineat the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Sean and Carole Burrage

Julia Mae Lindsay, Bethel High SchoolA member of the Bethel Art Club, Lindsay earned first place andJudges Choice at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahomaart competition. She received the Science, Technology, Mathe-matics and Engineering (STEM) Award from Gordon CooperTechnology Center. Lindsay is an active member of the New HopeBaptist Youth Group and volunteers with the Prowl-Sadd Men-toring Program. She is a member of the National Honor Society,Academic Bowl Team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Shealso participates in track and dance. Lindsay plans to attend theUniversity of Oklahoma, majoring in pre-medicine. Scholarship sponsor: Susan Chambers

Thomas Littlejohn, Coweta High SchoolLittlejohn is active in the arts, serving as a video production pro-ject leader, director, cameraman, prop designer and actor. He isalso a producer for his school’s Tiger TV and a guitarist for theCalvary of Broken Arrow Worship Team. He is a National MeritScholar Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar and Coca-ColaScholarship semifinalist. Co-captain of the varsity academicteam, he also volunteers as a math tutor and special educationmentor. Littlejohn plans to major in computer science and electri-cal engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scholarship sponsor: Kerr-McGee Corporation

Savannah B. Manning, Verdigris High SchoolA member of the Claremore Civic Band, Manning received theShane Graham Award for Most Valuable Band Member and washonored as a jazz drummer by the Oklahoma Bandmaster Associ-ation and the Mideast Oklahoma Band Directors Association. Sheis a member of the Oklahoma Honor Society and National HonorSociety and is senior delegate on her school’s Textbook and HealthSafety committees. She was recognized as Outstanding Memberof the robotics team. She is a volunteer with the Special Olympicsand as a mentor. Manning plans to study leadership and entrepre-neurial management at the University of Iowa. Scholarship sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee

James Camden Martin, Idabel High SchoolMartin participates on the Kiamichi Technology Center RoboticsTeam and earned first place in computer science and second placein chemistry at the Oklahoma Tournament of Champions. He is amember of the Warrior Pride marching band as well as the concertand jazz bands, and he is brass section leader. A Boys State dele-gate, he is a member of the academic team, National Honor Socie-ty, Business Professionals of America, Skills USA and the McCur-tain County Soccer Club. Martin plans to attend the University ofOklahoma, majoring in electrical engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Idabel Foundation for Academic Excellence

Daniel McClain, Byng High SchoolAn Eagle Scout, McClain is a member of Youth Leadership Okla-homa and serves on the Citizens Bank of Ada Student AdvisoryBoard. He is a member of the All-State Mixed and Jazz choirs, andspends time writing songs and performing with the alternativerock band Urban Zoo and his church’s worship band. McClain isparliamentarian of Business Professionals of America and the Na-tional Honor Society. He plans to major in music composition atOklahoma City University. Scholarship sponsor: Kirkpatrick Foundation, Inc.

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Kameron Todd McCombs, Owasso High SchoolMcCombs is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinctionand a member of the National Honor Society. McCombs is amember of the academic, mock trial and robotics teams. He isalso involved in Students Teaching AIDS to Youth (STAY), aprogram designed to teach HIV/AIDS prevention to teenagers.McCombs plans to study chemical engineering and mathe-matics at the University of Tulsa or Rose-Hulman Institute ofTechnology in Terre Haute, Ind. Scholarship sponsor: Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

Pryce Michener, Lawton High SchoolCaptain of the Academic Decathlon Team, Michener earnedtop honors at the statewide competition as highest scorer inboth the state and honors divisions and as a member of thefirst-place team. He is a National Merit Scholar Finalist andAdvanced Placement Scholar with Honors, and earned a per-fect score of 36 on the ACT. Michener spends time tutoringmiddle and high school students and volunteering as a LawtonTeen Court attorney, with more than 400 hours of service. Heis president of the National Honor Society and a member ofthe academic team and Gentlemen of Lawton High. Michenerplans to study chemistry at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. Scholarship sponsor: The McCasland Foundation

Tanner Miller, Mulhall-Orlando High SchoolMiller, class valedictorian and a Boys State delegate, is a live-stock showmanship volunteer instructor and raises MiniatureAustralian Shepherds. He is president of the local FFA chapterand was national FFA Proficiency winner in small animal pro-duction and care. He is president of student council and amember of the National Honor Society, and he volunteers forthe American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Miller plans toattend Oklahoma State University, majoring in agricultureeducation. Scholarship sponsor: Bill & Joffa Kerr

Dallas Milligan, Westmoore High SchoolMilligan is interested in medical research and works as a lab-oratory assistant at the Oklahoma Foundation for DigestiveResearch. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honorsand an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, and he earned theJane Austin Chemistry Award. Milligan is a member of the Na-tional Honor Society, Asian American Society, Senior Council,yearbook staff and Oklahoma Scholastic Media. He volunteersas a tutor for Moore Public Schools and as a collection agentfor England’s Help for Heroes fundraising campaign. Milliganplans to major in medical humanities at the University ofOklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Devon Energy Corporation

Derek Bobby Moates, Moore High SchoolA class valedictorian, Moates is a National Merit Scholar Fi-nalist and a Presidential Scholar nominee. He has earned morethan 800 volunteer hours serving at Highland Baptist Churchand as a Campfire USA counselor and intern at Sooner FlightAcademy. He is drive team coach for FIRST Robotics, captainof the Academic Team and a member of the National HonorSociety. Moates plans to study aerospace engineering at Em-bry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Scholarship sponsor: MidFirst Bank

Macy Muirhead, Tecumseh High SchoolMuirhead is the recipient of the President’s Award for AcademicExcellence and earned the Masonic Student of Today Award. Sheis president of Beta Club and the National Honor Society, vicepresident of student council and managing editor of the year-book. Muirhead, a member of Oklahoma Honor Society andLink Crew, volunteers with Relay for Life, is manager for the vol-leyball team and plays softball and the piano. She plans to attendthe University of Oklahoma, majoring in journalism. Scholarship sponsor: Koch Industries, Inc.

Grant Newton, Kingfisher High SchoolNewton is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Stater and ispresident of his school’s FCA chapter. A member of the footballand basketball teams, he is Region I Male Scholar Athlete of theYear and Class 3A All-Star Quarterback. Newton is president ofNational Honor Society, vice president of student council andhis senior class, and a member of Business Professionals ofAmerica. A member of Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene, hevolunteers with the Josh Heupel Foundation Thanksgiving Bas-ket Delivery program and Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank.Newton plans to major in agricultural economics and pre-law atOklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Pioneer Telephone Cooperative

Christine G. T. Nguyen, Westmoore High SchoolNguyen trains for marathons, is girls’ captain of the WestmooreHigh School swim team and was named Moore Monthly’s Ath-lete of the Week. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar withHonor and Commended National Merit Scholar. Nguyen isgroup leader of the Vien Giac Buddhist Youth Association, adancer on the Vien Giac Lion Dancing Squad and parliamentar-ian of the National Honor Society. She volunteers at OU MedicalCenter and is interested in Buddhist studies. Nguyen plans toattend Stanford University, majoring in human biology. Scholarship sponsor: OPUBCO Communications Group

Dylan Matthew Oney, Muskogee High SchoolOney is a National Latin Exam Silver Medalist, a National MeritScholar Finalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor.A member of the Muskogee Community Band, he is a percussion-ist for the Soul Focus praise band and captain of the high schooldrumline. Oney is a member of the science club and president ofJunior Classical League, Young Democrats Club and United Meth-odist Youth Muskogee District. He has participated in missiontrips and volunteered as a Salvation Army bell ringer. He plans tostudy chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University.Scholarship sponsor: BancFirst Corp.

Jared Ontko, Classen School of Advanced StudiesA class salutatorian, Ontko is an Eagle Scout, a Congress-Bun-destag Youth Exchange Program finalist and Oklahoma MedicalResearch Foundation Fleming Scholar. President of German-American Partnership Program, Ontko teaches basic German toat-risk elementary students at Kinder Deutsch. He is treasurerof Key Club International and National Honor Society and a Ju-nior Rotarian. An Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute alumnus,Ontko is a member of the Academy Sinfonia Youth ChamberOrchestra and volunteers as a math tutor. He plans to major inchemical engineering at Northeastern University in Boston. Scholarship sponsor: Members of Leadership Oklahoma City

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Suparshva Umesh Parikh, Durant High SchoolParikh is an Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar andOklahoma Medical Research Foundation Fleming Scholar. Amember of National Honor Society and Health OccupationStudents of America, he is academic team captain, journalismassistant editor and Calculus Club president. Parikh is a mem-ber of the varsity tennis team and volunteers in a medical clinic.He enjoys reading science journals and solving complex mathproblems, and he also assists with the management of his fam-ily’s business. Parikh plans to attend Harvard University, ma-joring in biomedical engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Massey Family Foundation

Erin Peterson, Bixby High SchoolPeterson is a member of the Pride of Bixby Marching Band,earning State Marching Band Champion in 2009 and serving asflute section leader. She has received numerous superior ratingsin solos and ensembles at district and state level. Peterson alsoperforms in a flute trio and plays the tenor saxophone for thehigh school jazz band. She is secretary of the National HonorSociety, volunteers as a math tutor and works at BounceU ofTulsa. Peterson plans to major in mechanical engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Citizens Security Bank

Jolee Potts, Jenks High SchoolPotts is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, an Advanced Place-ment Scholar with Distinction and National Latin Exam goldmedalist. A viola player, she is a member of the Jenks ChamberOrchestra and has earned four superior ratings in state solo andensemble competitions. She also has performed with the TulsaYouth Symphony. Potts volunteers as a math tutor and is trea-surer of the National Honor Society, captain of the academicteam and a member of the Native American Club. Potts plans tostudy biology and psychology at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship sponsor: Teresa and Alex Adwan

Bianca Prentiss, Cache High SchoolPrentiss, a class salutatorian, is captain of the academic teamand earned first place in advanced biology at the Challenge ofthe Champions. A member of the honor choir, she performs asa praise singer for her church and was named a member of theOklahoma Music Educators Association Women’s Chorus.Prentiss, a 12-year member of Girl Scouts, received the BronzeAward and volunteers on the High Adventure Team. She is amember of Beta Club. Prentis plans to attend Yale University,majoring in English. Scholarship sponsor: NBC Oklahoma

Kyle Addison Price, Haworth High SchoolThe Key Club founder and president, Price was selected asWalter-Hurst Sophomore of the Year by the Texas-OklahomaKiwanis Foundation. He plays more than 10 instruments, par-ticipates in his church’s Acts Ministry and performs with theworship team. Price, a classical soloist, is a member of the All-State Choir and earned a superior ranking at the National FineArts Festival. He is president of Sunrays Show Choir and DramaClub, captain of the academic team, and director of design forFIRST Robotics. He plans to major in electrical engineering atTexas A&M University-Texarkana. Scholarship sponsor: Lissa and Cy Wagner Foundation of Communities Foundation of Texas

Amrith Ramkumar, Norman North High SchoolRamkumar, a National Merit Scholar Finalist and AdvancedPlacement Scholar with Distinction, has earned the rank of Ea-gle Scout and is a troop guide. He is captain of the math team,president of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, and a mem-ber of the National Honor Society and Spanish National HonorSociety. Ramkumar participates in basketball and cross countryand plays the piano. He also volunteers at the Sam Noble Mu-seum of National History and the India Cultural Foundation.Ramkumar plans to major in political science. Scholarship sponsor: Ideal Homes

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Jake Resendez, Clinton High SchoolA class valedictorian, Resendez is a National Merit Finalist andNational Hispanic Scholar. He is the editor of his school news-paper, “Tornado Talks,” and active in Key Club, Literary Cluband the Socrates Advanced Placement Society. He is a memberof the academic team, varsity soccer team and band. He is amath tutor, a church camp volunteer and has traveled to Utahand Nebraska on church mission trips. Resendez plans to majorin mathematics education at Texas A&M University. Scholarship sponsor: Clinton Public School Foundation

Tierani Richardson, Sulphur High SchoolRichardson is a National Hispanic Scholar and OklahomaScholar. A member of the varsity track, basketball and cheer-leading teams, she was recognized as OCA Region 5 FemaleScholar Athlete of the Year. She participates in Spanish Club,National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.Richardson is the founder of 3 Hearts 4 Change, a charity thatprovides new coats for underprivileged children. She has alsovolunteered with the Ardmore Soup Kitchen, Special Olympicsand Sulphur’s Kindergarten Service Learning Program. Sheplans to major in business in college. Scholarship sponsor: H. E. Rainbolt

Alexander Richter, Hilldale High SchoolA resident of Muskogee, Richter is a class valedictorian, Aca-demic Bowl regional champion, and a two-time medalist in re-gional mathematics and engineering competitions. He is classvice president and executive treasurer for Student Council, andnew member liaison and treasurer for National Honor Society.He is support specialist for Hilldale’s Information TechnologyDepartment. He enjoys building and repairing computers, re-building cars, playing piano and hunting. Richter plans to majorin engineering at the University of Tulsa. Scholarship sponsor: The John and Donnie Brock Foundation

Kelsey Roberson, McAlester High SchoolRoberson is the recipient of an Honors Scholar Award fromOklahoma State University. She is active in National Honor So-ciety, Prom Committee, McAlester High’s “MacPack” Fresh-man Orientation Program and has been recognized as McAl-ester Rotary Student of the Month. She is secretary of the AllSaints Episcopal Church youth group. She is on the varsity vol-leyball team and participates in Diamond Dolls, a baseball cheergroup. She has organized a fundraiser to benefit McAlester vol-leyball and the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter. Robersonplans to major in business at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: The Bank N.A., McAlester

Samantha Leigh Rogers, Jenks High SchoolA National Merit Finalist, Rogers is the recipient of the JenksForensics Leadership Award and is president of the Jenks De-bate Club. She participates in Mock Trial, Key Club, NationalHonor Society and is vice president of History InternationalClub. A 13-year member of Girl Scouts, she has earned her GirlScout Bronze Award. She is a senior high volunteer and active inchapel choir and hand bell choir at Boston Avenue UnitedMethodist Church. She has been a junior staffer for CameronUniversity Debate Camp. Rogers plans to study neuroscience. Scholarship sponsor: Ann Graves

Natalie J. Santa-Pinter, Choctaw High SchoolSanta-Pinter is president of National Honor Society, senior stu-dent director for Key Club and past president of Choctaw Lead-ership Academy for Student Success. She is a National MeritFinalist and was named her school’s 2011-12 Outstanding OverallBusiness Student. A club soccer player and captain of her varsityvolleyball team, she was named senior athlete of the week byKFOR-TV. She is active in the St. Teresa of Avila youth groupand volunteers for Regional Food Bank and Special Olympics.She plans to study chemistry at the University of Tulsa.Scholarship sponsor: Tulsa Community College

Jack Schaefer, Booker T. Washington High SchoolA resident of Tulsa, Schaefer is a National Merit Finalist andPresidential Scholar candidate. He is president of his school’sacademic team and 6A state team champion. He is vice presi-dent of Model United Nations and active in speech and debate,the National Spanish Honor Society and the Quidditch team.Schaefer plays jazz trumpet and is a two-time winner of RogersState University’s gameshow, “I Want Answers.” Before enter-ing college, he will have visited all 50 states. Schaefer plans tocontinue his studies in international relations. Scholarship sponsor: Howard and Billie Barnett

Connor Sell, Oklahoma School of Science and MathematicsSell, of Broken Arrow, is a National Merit Finalist and two-timequalifier for the United States of America Mathematical Olym-piad. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinctionand an Eagle Scout. He earned the highest score in the state atthe 2010 and 2012 American Math Competition and was stateco-champion last year in the Oklahoma Math League competi-tion. He has participated in the Investigative Research ScholarsProgram and served as a mentor for NextThought, a softwarecompany. Sell plans to major in math in college. Scholarship sponsor: Ann Simmons Alspaugh

Luke Scott Stringer, Oologah-Talala High SchoolA National Merit Finalist, Stringer is captain and MVP of theacademic team and drum major for the Stallion BattalionMarching Band. He is secretary of History Club and partici-pates in National Honor Society and Science Club. An EagleScout, Stringer has served as assistant senior patrol leader andquartermaster in Boy Scouts. He is activity vice president forVenturing Crew 199. Stringer is on the soccer and swim teams,holding the school record in the 100-meter breaststroke. Heparticipated in the Duke University TIP Summer Institute inArchitecture, focusing on living and building green. He plans tomajor in architecture at Yale University. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Silas

Rachel Stromberg, Booker T. Washington High SchoolStromberg earned first place on the National French Exam in2011 and received a National Security Language Initiative Schol-arship to study French in Russia. A National Merit Finalist, she isan Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Presiden-tial Scholar nominee. She is French Club president and active inNational Honor Society. She is co-founder of the QuidditchClub and participated in the 2011 Oklahoma Summer Arts In-stitute in Film and Video Studies. Stromberg enjoys rowing andTulsa Open Volleyball. She plans to attend Harvard University.Scholarship sponsor: Crowe & Dunlevy

Hunter Stryke, Bristow High SchoolStryke is a National Merit Commended Student, a Valedictor-ian of Distinction and an Advanced Placement Scholar. He is atwo-time state qualifier in the National Forensics League and amember of the 2012 Regional Champion Academic Team.Stryke participates in Leadership Class, Rotary Interact Club,Rachel’s Challenge, Leo Club and band. He gives music lessonsand is a Depew Food Bank volunteer and elementary school tu-tor. Stryke has served as an Oklahoma Senate page. He plans tomajor in political science in college. Scholarship sponsor: ONEOK, Inc.

Holly Stuart, Enid High SchoolStuart is Oklahoma’s female recipient of the 2012-13 SiemensAwards for Advanced Placement. She is a National Merit Final-ist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. A GirlsState graduate, Stuart is secretary of National Honor Societyand has been active in Mock Trial, Community Service Cluband Student Council. She has been a state qualifier in crosscountry and track and field. Stuart is active in her church youthgroup and has volunteered for Our Daily Bread soup kitchen.Stuart plans to major in biochemical engineering at the Col-orado School of Mines. Scholarship sponsor: Patsy Gaberino Carey

Vincent Tang, Deer Creek High SchoolTang is the recipient of the Royal American Conservatory ofMusic Center Certificate of Excellence and the recipient ofmany piano performance honors. He is president of the HlubekPiano Studio’s Student Body and co-editor of “Red Line,” astudent anthology. Tang is an Advanced Placement Scholarwith Distinction and member of the academic team. He is alsoactive in the Spanish/Multicultural Club, the YLX Youth Lead-ership Class and the Deer Creek Student Board. Tang volun-teers for Integris Baptist Medical Center, where he has been aresearch intern in cardiac care. He plans to major in chemistry. Scholarship sponsor: S. Kim and Suzette Hatfield

Jeffrey Terry, Norman High SchoolTerry is lead builder for the Norman High advanced roboticsteam, which is ranked second in the world. A National MeritFinalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction,Terry also earned first place for group documentary in the 2011state contest for National History Day. He participates in MuAlpha Theta math honor society and National Honor Society.Terry is active in Norman High Wind Ensemble and the crosscountry team. He enjoys rocketry. Terry plans to major in com-puter science at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Republic Bank & Trust

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Maria Torres, Chisholm High SchoolA class valedictorian, Torres is active in National Honor Societyand Student Council. As a junior, she attended the OklahomaSchool of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City. The Enidresident plays piano and participates in ballet, tap and jazz danc-ing. She is active in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church choirand volunteers at the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County.She is also a volunteer tutor. Torres plans to major in environ-mental engineering. Scholarship sponsor: The James C. and Teresa K. Day Foundation

William Hunter Turnage, Idabel High SchoolTurnage is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar and Boys Stategraduate. He serves on the Choctaw Nation Youth AdvisoryBoard, and is president and district officer of Skills USA ofKiamichi Technology Center. He is president of Business Profes-sionals of America and National Honor Society, and is academicteam captain and class treasurer. Turnage is head of electronicsfor Robotics of Kiamichi Technology Center. He was a first-placewinner in chemistry at the Oklahoma Tournament of Cham-pions. Turnage volunteers to help other students prepare for theACT. He plans to double major in chemical and petroleum engi-neering at the University of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Idabel Foundation for Academic Excellence

Chance Upshaw, Dewar High SchoolUpshaw is president and parliamentary procedure chairman ofhis school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of Americachapter and is a national gold medalist in FCCLA ParliamentaryProcedure. He is state vice president for Skills USA and partici-pates in varsity baseball, varsity football and weightlifting. Up-shaw takes drafting courses at Green Country Technology Cen-ter and college courses at OSU Institute of Technology in Ok-mulgee. He is a volunteer youth football coach, and a food driveand nursing home volunteer. Upshaw plans to major in mechani-cal engineering at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: AT&T Oklahoma

Jordan Van Buskirk, Marlow High SchoolVan Buskirk is a Woodsman of the World American HistoryAward recipient. He is vice president of Student Council and ac-tive in National Honor Society and the football team. Van Bus-kirk served as a page for Rep. Scott Biggs and participated in mis-sion trips to inner-city Houston in 2010 and 2011. As a member ofRandom Acts of Kindness, he has volunteered for Special Olym-pics and a local food bank. Van Buskirk plans to major in engi-neering at Oklahoma Christian University. Scholarship sponsor: Jari Askins

Ernesto Vargas, ASTEC Charter High SchoolVargas, of Oklahoma City, is a class valedictorian, AdvancedPlacement Scholar with Honor and a Gates Millennium Scholarsfinalist. He is a volunteer docent at the Sam Noble OklahomaMuseum of Natural History and participates in Explorology,serving as a Paleo Expedition Peer Mentor. Vargas is a Junior Ro-tarian of Rotary Club 29, president of student council, captain ofthe Quiz Bowl team, and a member of Health Occupations Stu-dents of America. He also participates in the Biomedical Sci-ences Academy at Metro Technology Centers. Vargas plans tomajor in geology at the University of Chicago.Scholarship sponsor: Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Benjamin Wallace, Fort Gibson High SchoolA member of the National Honor Society and OklahomaHonor Society, Wallace is captain of the varsity AcademicPursuit Team and top ten scorer for the team. As a memberof the robotics team, he helped design and fabricate a robot.He volunteers for the Red Cross blood drive and as an usherat Fort Gibson Christian Church. Wallace plans to studymathematics at Oklahoma State University. Scholarship sponsor: Leadership Oklahoma

Tyler Watson, Putnam City North High SchoolWatson, a class valedictorian, is a National Merit ScholarFinalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor.He is president of the state chapter of Health OccupationsStudents of America. A member of the National TechnicalHonor Society, Watson is former sergeant-at-arms of thelocal Technology Student Association chapter. He spendstime programming, editing videos and learning about sci-ence. He also volunteers at the Regional Food Bank of Okla-homa and other nonprofits. Watson plans to attend the Uni-versity of Oklahoma, majoring in biochemistry and pre-medicine. Scholarship sponsor: Dr. Michael and Lisa Davoli

Lindsey Wengerd, Adair High SchoolWengerd is an active member of Adair First Baptist Church,serving on the Homothumadon drama team and the youthleadership team. She also participates in Project Cinderella,a project gathering prom dresses and accessories for stu-dents. A class valedictorian, she earned a Certificate of Dis-tinction with Honors. Wengerd is vice president of studentcouncil and Science Club, and a member of Future Careerand Community Leaders of America. She is football manag-er and is a member of the basketball, cross country andtrack teams. Wengerd plans to major in neuroscience at theUniversity of Oklahoma or Columbia University. Scholarship sponsor: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Linda Lambert, Trustee

Madison White, Edmond Memorial High SchoolWhite, a U.S. Presidential Scholar nominee, is a NationalMerit Scholar Finalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar.She is technology officer of the National Honor Societ, anda member of the Rebuilding OKC Together teen board andthe Advocating Change Together Club. White tutors ele-mentary students, volunteers as a Bulldog Mentor andmakes headbands to sell at the local farmers market. She isalso a member of Latin Club and plays club tennis. Whiteplans to major in computer science. Scholarship sponsor: E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation

Sierra White, Woodward High SchoolWhite received the Woodward Iodine Math and ScienceAchievement Award, the Golden “W” Award and theDaughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.She is treasurer of the National Honor Society and the se-nior class, student council reporter and a member of KeyClub. A member of the Pep Club, White has served as cap-tain of the cheerleading team for the past two years. Shevolunteers with Special Olympics, Grace Outreach SoupKitchen, Relay for Life and the Red Cross Blood Drive. Scholarship sponsor: Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook - The Stock Exchange Bank

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars

Tyler White, Poteau High SchoolWhite is a National Merit Scholar semifinalist and co-founderof the school debate team. He earned first place in Americangovernment and second place in both biology and algebra at theCarl Albert State College Scholastic Meet, and volunteers as acalculus tutor. He is captain of the academic team and a mem-ber of the Chess Club and Art Club. He participates in mara-thons, cross country and track. White plans to major in me-chanical engineering at the University of Arkansas. Scholarship sponsor: Steve and Pam Holton

Ashtyn Widney, Watonga High SchoolAn Oklahoma Academic Scholar, Widney is a delegate for Ci-marron Electric Rural Electrification and served as a represen-tative at Girls State. She is president of the student council andQuiz Bowl team captain, and is active in Gifted and Talented,Scholastics and Heritage Club. She is involved in the highschool band, Watonga Community Theatre and the youthgroup at Watonga Christian Church. Widney plans to attendOklahoma State University, majoring in physical therapy andbiochemistry. Scholarship sponsor: Daniel G. Webber

Bailey Wilton, Claremore High SchoolWilton is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, Presidential Scholarcandidate and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.A member of the state championship-winning academic team,Wilton is also National Forensics League president, YoungDemocrats public relations officer and Chemistry Club mem-ber. She plays on the varsity tennis team and is captain of thevarsity volleyball team. Wilton also volunteers as a tutor forBLAST, an after-school program for underprivileged juniorhigh students. Wilton intends to major in psychology at theUniversity of Oklahoma. Scholarship sponsor: Frank C. and Ludmila Robson

Taylor A. Woodward, Putnam City High SchoolAfter serving at the local and district levels, Woodward waselected to the state post of Central Region vice president ofFamily, Career and Community Leaders of America. She is anAdvanced Placement Scholar and a member of the All-RegionHonor Band. Woodward, a class valedictorian, is vice presidentof the National Honor Society and active in Model United Na-tions and Science Olympiad. She serves on the Infant CrisisServices Teen Board and volunteers at Excell Hospice and Cen-tral Oklahoma Humane Society. Woodward plans to major inpsychology. Scholarship sponsor: GableGotwals

Jimmy Wu, Oklahoma School of Science & MathematicsWu, of Norman, finished in the top 50 in the U.S. NationalChemistry Olympiad, and he is a two-time U.S. National Phys-ics Olympiad semifinalist. A U.S.A. Junior MathematicalOlympiad qualifier, Wu is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, themath team and academic team, and volunteers as a MATH-COUNTS teacher for Norman middle school students. Wu hasearned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and enjoys golf and jug-gling. He is captain of TEAMS Engineering and a member of theorchestra, and he has served as a physics and chemistry re-search intern. Wu plans to study engineering. Scholarship sponsor: Academic All-State Alumni

Dalton Wyers, Roland High SchoolA two-time Masonic Student of Today, Wyers was selected toserve on the school’s GEAR UP leadership advisory board. He ispresident of the National Honor Society, captain of the QuizBowl team and a member of Honor Club. A class valedictorian,Wyers plays basketball, volunteers with Upward Bound and tu-tors fellow students and college students. Wyers plans to attendthe University of Oklahoma, majoring in pre-medicine zoology. Scholarship sponsor: Dr. and Mrs. Mark Harris Mellow

Sarah J. Wymer, Union High SchoolWymer is a cartoonist and her art has received more than 10million views online. Ranked number one in her class, she is aU.S. Presidential Scholar candidate, Advanced PlacementScholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended Stu-dent. She is Environmental Club co-president, Junior Achieve-ment Club productions officer and student council member-at-large. A member of Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta, Wymervolunteers at Oklahoma Blood Institute and is politically activein her community. Wymer plans to major in computer scienceat Stanford University. Scholarship sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. James M. Sturdivant

Damaila Young, Shawnee High SchoolYoung is an Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon participantand volunteer. A member of the National Honor Society, she isthe recipient of an academic letter jacket. She is a member ofher school’s leadership class and participates in Link Crew,mentoring freshmen throughout their first year of high school.She also mentors elementary students and volunteers withProject HEART delivering meals to homebound senior citizens.Young intends to study nursing at Oklahoma City University. Scholarship sponsor: The Love Family Affiliated Fund

Alexander Zhu, Norman North High SchoolZhu is captain of the 6A state championship-winning swimteam and a current state record holder. He is a state senior ath-lete representative for Oklahoma swimming and a delegate tothe U.S. Aquatic Sports National Convention. A National MeritScholar and National Advanced Placement Scholar, Zhu ispresident of Medical Explorers Post 901, senior class treasurerand co-president of Chinese Youth Academy. He participatesin biomedical research at the University of Oklahoma and is onthe stretcher team for OU football games. A President’s Volun-teer Service Award gold medalist, Zhu has performed construc-tion work with World Changers and is a Youth Council of Nor-man member. He plans to major in biology and biochemistry. Scholarship sponsor: Sarkeys Foundation

Julia Zhu, Edmond Santa Fe High SchoolZhu is a National Merit Scholar Finalist and National AdvancedPlacement Scholar. A three-year Orchestra All-Stater, sheplays the violin and is concertmaster of the school’s orchestra.Zhu is Environmental Club president, academic team co-captain, Young Democrats co-president and National HonorSociety senior representative. She tutors, and as part of a stu-dent-led environmental club outside of school, she started theGreen Reading program at the local library to educate childrenabout the environment. Zhu plans to study business at the Uni-versity of Pennsylvania. Scholarship sponsor: Bank of Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Academic All-State scholars