At the July Sand Springs Board of Education meeting, the board gave special recognition to three Sandite employees: Sarah Fanelli, Mike Bynum, and Jeanie Carpenter.

Sarah Fanelli

Director of the Early Learning Center Sarah Fanelli received the Sandite Pacesetter Award.

Ms. Fanelli was nominated by the Early Childhood Education Center Principal Morgan Douglas. Ms. Douglas says that Ms. Fanelli is a great employee at the ELC, the facility that provides childcare for Sandite employees. Ms. Fanelli is organized, efficient, and truly cares about her students and staff. In the 2022-23 school year, Ms. Fanelli applied for and received $99,900 in grants for the ELC.

Mike Bynum

Director of Maintenance Mike Bynum received the Sandite Pacesetter Award.

Mr. Bynum has worn many hats at Sand Springs over the years: student, teacher, basketball coach, and even 2002 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. He currently oversees maintenance for the district, where he has overcome a number of challenges, including some caused by weather events. Mr. Bynum has led– and continues to lead– recovery efforts following the storms on June 17 with tireless work and dedication.

Jeanie Carpenter

Indian Education Tutor Jeanie Carpenter received the Sandite Coin of Excellence.

Ms. Carpenter was nominated by the recently retired Director of Indian Education Susanne Sanders. In her nomination form, Ms. Sanders writes that Ms. Carpenter has served as a tutor for 20 years and does exemplary work with her students. “She is a the steadfast anchor for the tutoring program,” writes Ms. Sanders, “and always patient with everyone, whether coworker or student.” 

Ms. Sanders goes on to say that the students “also benefit from her knowledge as a Muscogee Nation citizen” while she teaches students about their tribal nation. “She is, quite simply, outstanding, and we are blessed to have her on the Indian Education team!”

Congratulations to these outstanding award recipients! Thank you for exemplifying Sandite Excellence.