Student stands beside a board member and school administrator while holding a framed “Sandite Spirit Award” certificate during a Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education recognition ceremony. All smile toward the camera in the board meeting room, with board members seated in the background and large wall lettering visible behind them.

Award Winners Recognized at June Board of Education Meeting

SSPS Communications

June 4, 2026

The Sand Springs Board of Education gathered this month to recognize the outstanding contributions of students and staff who embody the heart of our district. During the June meeting, Sandites were honored with the Sandite Spirit Award and the Sandite Pacesetter Award.

These awards celebrate those within our community who go above and beyond to make Sand Springs Public Schools a premier place to learn and grow.

Four staff members and one board member stand together during a Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education recognition ceremony. One recipient holds a framed “Sandite Pacesetter Award” certificate while the group smiles toward the camera in the board meeting room, celebrating outstanding service and contributions to the school district.Mikael Howard – Charles Page High School and Freshman Academy

Nominated by the CPHS and FA Counselors, Mikael Howard is a true cornerstone of our academic community. Howard guides the TCC EDGE cohorts throughout their journey at CPHS to help them achieve success in their college and high school courses. This year marks a major milestone under her guidance: graduating the inaugural class of the TCC EDGE program!

Thanks to her dedication and vision, the EDGE program at CPHS boasts the highest graduation and retention rates in the area. As if that weren't enough, Mikael also serves as a librarian and acts as an invaluable partner to our school counselors. Her commitment, collaboration, and profound impact on our students make her the definition of a Pacesetter.

Student stands beside a board member while holding a framed “Sandite Spirit Award” certificate during a Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education recognition ceremony. Both smile toward the camera in the board meeting room, with board members seated in the background and large wall lettering visible behind them.Eli Bise and Sophia Hart – Charles Page High School

Our Sandite pride is shining bright on the soccer field! Eli Bise and Sophia Hart (not pictured) have been selected for the prestigious Oklahoma Soccer Coaches Association’s 2026 East All State Team. They will be representing Sand Springs as they face off against the West All State Team at Catoosa High School tonight, June 4.

Beyond their phenomenal athletic talents, the Board of Education recognized Bise and Hart for being exceptional leaders in the classroom just as much as they are on the field. Good luck to both of these stellar student-athletes!

Student stands beside a board member and school administrator while holding a framed “Sandite Spirit Award” certificate during a Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education recognition ceremony. All smile toward the camera in the board meeting room, with board members seated in the background and large wall lettering visible behind them.

Sophia Marshall – Page Academy

When it comes to stepping up for her peers, Sophia Marshall knows exactly how to capture the moment. As Page Academy prepared for its Graduation Ceremony, Marshall volunteered her time and talents to take photos of all the graduates. Those photos were featured in the slideshow played at graduation.

Not stopping there, she also redesigned the slideshow to make it better and took photos at the graduation ceremony. The staff at Page Academy deeply appreciate Sophia's continuous willingness to jump in and help with any project on campus.

Congratulations to this month's award winners! Thank you for your dedication to our community and exemplifying Sandite excellence.

Know a Deserving Sandite?

If you know a faculty member, staff member, student, or community patron going above and beyond, we want to hear from you! Learn more and nominate a Sandite at https://www.sandites.org/page/sandite-pacesetter-and-spirit-awards.