At the April Sand Springs Board of Education meeting, the board presented three Sandites with the Sandite Coin of Excellence: Randy Evans, Russell Ragland, and Whitney Sanders.
RANDY EVANS
Charles Page High School FFA Teacher Randy Evans was nominated for the award by Superintendent Sherry Durkee and Board President Bo Naugle.
In their nomination form, Supt. Durkee and Mr. Naugle state that Mr. Evans treats his work as more than just a job. “He is relentless is making sure his students have every opportunity at success, and he makes sure every individual feels valued and important. From his endless responsibilities at the ‘barn’ tending to students’ animals to repairs to the facility,” he guarantees his students have everything they need to learn, work hard, and build character.
RUSSELL RAGLAND
Garfield STEAM Academy Principal Russell Ragland was nominated for the Coin of Excellence by Teacher Julie Ward and Transportation Director Jennifer Hayes.
Mr. Ragland received this honor for continually going beyond for his students. Ms. Hayes says that during the ongoing shortage of qualified bus drivers, Mr. Ragland often puts his commercial driver’s license to use by covering routes and driving classes on field trips. Ms. Ward notes that on other days, Mr. Ragland may be found vacuuming a room, taking out trash, or covering classes when a substitute is not available. If something needs to be done, Mr. Ragland does it without hesitation.
WHITNEY SANDERS
Early Childhood Education Teacher Whitney Sanders received the Coin of Excellence for her outstanding leadership, dedication to her students, and recent recognition as a finalist for Cherokee Nation Teacher of the Year. She was nominated by Sand Springs Indian Education Director Susanne Sanders (no relation). In her nomination form, Susanne writes that some of Whitney’s notable actions include creating a Native American Heritage Resource Guide for educators, as well as a mini-museum for Native American Heritage Month.
Thank you to Mr. Evans, Mr. Ragland, and Ms. Sanders for your outstanding leadership and dedication to the students of Sand Springs Public Schools!