At the Sand Springs Board of Education's regular May meeting, the board honored an inspiring group of students, staff, and community members with the Sandite Spirit and Pacesetter Awards. These individuals have gone above and beyond to serve our schools, uplift our students, and represent the Sandite way with pride and excellence.
MEE Competitors
Pratt Elementary
Students from Pratt Elementary recently participated in the Meaningful Economics & Entrepreneurship (MEE) Competition. The MEE Competition is an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to build and apply knowledge in economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance.
With the Sandite Spirit Award, the board is thrilled to celebrate the creativity and innovation of:
Brooke B., Cheyenne S., Judah W., Parker P. – 2nd Place in 4th Grade Division
Will R., Hudson O., Cora W., Raelie H. – Judges' Room Pick
These students tackled an entrepreneurial challenge by repurposing glow sticks into wearable items and pitching their ideas "Shark Tank"-style. Their hard work and ingenuity earned them high honors from the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education.
Deke Thompson
Charles Page High School
Charles Page High School basketball star Deke Thompson continues to make waves on and off the court. He was recently named to the All-State Large East Oklahoma Coaches Association Boys Basketball roster, recognizing him as one of the top high school players in the region.
In addition to his All-State selection, Deke is also a finalist for the 2024-25 Tulsa World All-World Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year award—a prestigious honor reserved for standout athletes in the Tulsa metro area.
Deke’s impressive high school career includes surpassing 1,000 career points earlier this season, and his journey isn’t stopping there. He recently committed to Texas State University, where he will continue playing basketball at the Division I level.
Guy Griggs
Sand Springs Community Partner
Guy Griggs, with Insurica, received the Sandite Spirit Award for his support of Limestone Technology Academy. His generous $1,500 donation ensured that every Limestone 4th grader had the opportunity to attend Junior Achievement BizTown, an invaluable financial literacy experience. He also donated golf tournament winnings to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma—providing $9,000 in food assistance earmarked specifically for Limestone students. His support strengthens our schools and uplifts our community.
Robert Moulds
Transportation
Known for his kindness, patience, and consistent positivity, Robert Moulds leaves a lasting impression on students and families. One parent shared that their son looks forward to seeing Mr. Moulds every day. Even in the face of challenges, he continues to go above and beyond in his role as a bus driver. He sets the bar high for compassion in student transportation.
Archery Program Leaders
Sand Springs Public Schools
Courtney Harbaugh, Gage Kaiser (not pictured), Mike Carter, and Gina Myers are building something special through the district’s growing archery program. Their innovative approach to physical education is helping students explore new opportunities, build confidence, and find their place. The program's success reflects their unwavering dedication to student growth and inclusion.
Early Learning Center Team
Early Childhood Education Center
Teach members from the Early Learning Center—a childcare facility exclusively for SSPS employees—were honored with the Sandite Pacesetter Award. Nominated by parents and staff, the ELC team—including Shiann Wood, Kadee Cramer, Madison Beasley, Michaela Satoe, Rachel Moss, Faith Davis, Crystal Barnett, Abigail Smith, and Whittnee Crank—was praised for their warmth, communication, and high-quality care. Parents shared glowing remarks about how their children are thriving in the ELC’s nurturing environment. Their teamwork and dedication are shaping the earliest learners in our district.
Ray Firey
Sand Springs Community Partner
Ray Firey received the Sandite Spirit Award for his work on the Sand Springs Elementary Choir Festival. For the past 39 years, Ray has been a quiet force behind the scenes, making sure each note is heard loud and clear.
Since the festival’s very first year in 1985, Ray has volunteered his time to run sound for the event. He sets up microphones and speakers the night before—often after a full day of work at Firey Brothers Music—and returns early Saturday morning to ensure everything runs flawlessly. Our elementary music teachers describe him as a “huge asset” and a “faithful” partner who gives his time, talent, and heart to support our students.
Elementary Music Teachers
Sand Springs Public Schools
Candace Marshall, Amy Garrison, Jennifer Butler, Rebecca Stewart, and Abigail Tanner put on a phenomenal 39th Annual Sand Springs Elementary Choir Festival. More than 220 students participated thanks to the months of preparation and passion from these educators. From organizing auditions to planning every performance element, these teachers created a night to remember and sparked joy through music.
A special moment at the board meeting included recognition of Angelyn Ullrich, the teacher who founded the choir festival nearly four decades ago. Ullrich joined in celebrating the current music team, illustrating the lasting legacy of music education in Sand Springs.
Congratulations to all of our May award recipients! Your commitment, compassion, and creativity make Sand Springs Public Schools a better place for everyone. Thank you for showing what it means to be a Sandite.