At the April Sand Springs Board of Education meeting, the board recognized students and employees who have achieved excellence in representing Sand Springs Public Schools.
Shiann Wood and Chelesa Taylor - Early Learning Center
The board awarded ELC employees Shiann Wood and Chelesa Taylor with the Sandite Pacesetter award. Nominated by ELC director Sarah Fanelli, Taylor and Wood were recognized for their dedication to early childhood development. In her nomination form, Fanelli writes that Wood “helps shape the smallest minds and helps them stay on track with development milestones.” Fanelli also writes that Taylor “is always coming up with hands-on activities and science projects to help expand [student] development.”
Girls Powerlifting - Charles Page High School and Clyde Boyd Middle School
Junior High and High School Girls Powerlifters received the Sandite Spirit Award for their fantastic performance this year.
Marlee Dixon placed second at the state tournament in the Junior High level. Dixon was the first-ever Sandite Powerlifter to place in state. She also broke or tied 11 school records this year.
Dixon, Madison Martin (not pictured), Addie Ray (not pictured), and Taliah Rushing were recognized for state qualification in the junior high division, making them the first Sandite Powerlifting teammates to qualify at that level.
Kiyah Dover claimed fifth place at state in the High School level. Dover is the fourth Sandite Powerlifter to place in state, making three consecutive years of Sandites placing at state. She also tied a school record this year
Gracey Massey and Bailey Doughty were recognized for being state qualifiers in the high school division. All seven athletes hit multiple personal records at the state meet, and five of them improved their placing.
Bryan Garrison, Jeffrey Lyles, and Kyle Wright - Sandite Band
Band directors Bryan Garrison, Jeffrey Lyles, and Kyle Wright received the Sandite Coin of Excellence. The three were nominated by Superintendent Sherry Durkee for their continued dedication to the band programs and students of Sand Springs.
In March, CPHS Band members participated in the District Solo and Ensemble Contest. These students netted 44 Superior Ratings and 12 Excellent ratings. In December, Clyde Boyd Middle School Jazz Band competed at the Verdigris Jazz Festival and received second place in the junior high division.