At the May Sand Springs Board of Education meeting, the board recognized students and community partners with the Sandite Spirit Award.
Cooper Tuttle - Angus Valley Elementary
Angus Valley Elementary student Cooper Tuttle received the Sandite Spirit Award. In January, an MRI revealed a mass on Cooper's brain. Despite the uncertainty he and his family faced, Cooper demonstrated a remarkable poise that most adults would find challenging to maintain. Following a period of medical intervention and recovery, he returned to school without skipping a beat. When nominating Cooper for this award, Angus Valley Counselor Regan Burnett stated that Cooper exemplifies “courage, gratitude, integrity, and perseverance.”
Brett Becker and Jackson Smith - Charles Page High School
Charles Page High School students Brett Becker and Jackson Smith received the Sandite Spirit Award for their outstanding initiative and commitment to service. Showing exemplary leadership, the two spearheaded the Interact Club at CPHS. This club, affiliated with the Rotary Club, focuses on community engagement and service. After establishing the club at CPHS, the two young leaders quickly began their first international service project.
Brett and Jackson chose to support Shoes for Orphan Souls, which collects new and gently used shoes for people in need. Through tireless outreach efforts to local businesses, churches, and even the local media, they collected more than 300 pairs of shoes for those in need across the United States, South America, and Africa.
Crystal and JW Cook - Scissortail Designs
Crystal and JW Cook received the Sandite Spirit Award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Page Academy. Going above and beyond, Crystal and JW demonstrated their generosity by designing, creating, and donating personalized hoodies to each student at Christmastime, providing warmth and a sense of belonging during the holidays. Their acts of kindness also extend beyond apparel. Crystal and JW brought an outdoor griddle to cook hamburgers for everyone at the all-school picnic.
Page Academy Principal Steve Perdue remarked that Crystal and JW Cook "embody the spirit of community and kindness, making them deserving recipients of this recognition."
First Christian Church of Sand Springs
The First Christian Church of Sand Springs received the Sandite Spirit Award in honor of an extraordinary act of generosity. The church recently made a donation to SSPS to help clear student meal debt through the end of April. Child Nutrition Director Sherry Pearson had this to say about the donation: “The First Christian Church of Sand Springs has blessed our students, their parents and the district... The wonderful kindness of this congregation is a huge blessing.”