An adult woman in a yellow shirt stands between two high school students holding Framed Sandite Spirit Award certificates and Chick-fil-A gift cards.

Sandites Recognized at September Board Meeting

Sand Springs Public Schools

September 3, 2026

At the September 2026 Board of Education meeting, Sand Springs Public Schools celebrated members of the district and community who embody dedicated service and Sandite pride.

A group of five award recipients hold framed Sandite certificates and stand next to Superintendent Durkee and Board President Mike Mullins.Sand Springs Middle School Administration Team

SSMS Principal Dakota Nealy, Assistant Principals Angela Ragland, Austin Brown, and Michael Douglas, and Dean of Instruction Megan Sowers received the Sandite Pacesetter Award. The team was nominated by 7th Grade Math Teacher Chloe Bundy and colleagues for their leadership during the transition into the new middle school building. In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, the team spent days in extreme heat lifting, carrying, and moving teacher boxes between buildings to support their staff.

A woman holds a framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificate while standing between two smiling colleagues.Lacye Nydam

Child Nutrition Director Lacye Nydam received the Sandite Pacesetter Award. Nydam was nominated by Superintendent Sherry Durkee for stepping into her role mid-year and managing major bond construction deadlines. She modernized district cafeterias, implemented a real-time menu app for parents, ensured compliance across site kitchens, and coordinated food prep for district events.

A woman in a yellow dress holds a framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificate presented to Sherry Sanders while standing between a man in a yellow polo shirt and a woman in a striped top.Sherry Sanders

Transportation Training Coordinator Sherry Sanders received the Sandite Pacesetter Award. Nominated by Russell Ragland for her positive, uplifting attitude, Sanders was recognized for her commitment to ensuring Sandite students travel safely to and from school. It’s easy to tell by her infectious enthusiasm that she loves her job and our students!

A woman holds a framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificate while posing between two smiling colleagues.Aubrianna Hightower

Family Resource Specialist Aubrianna Hightower was nominated by Russell Ragland for organizing the Sand Springs Swap Shop held at Garfield STEAM Academy this August. Sand Springs Public Schools families were able to pick up gently used clothing, shoes, home goods, and more at no cost. Other local organizations were also on-site to provide additional support and resources. Aubrianna coordinated with organizations, organized donations, and oversaw the entire project. In total, 360 people were served at this event!

An adult woman stands between two students holding framed Sandite Spirit Award certificates inside an event space.Brody Carter and Chloe Grona

Charles Page High School Students Brody Carter and Chloe Grona received the Sandite Spirit Award. Nominated by Russell Ragland, the two were recognized for displaying exemplary service. After helping move classroom materials for Brody’s mother, a teacher at SSMS, they volunteered alongside the middle school administrative team to move remaining boxes into classrooms.

Congratulations to these outstanding Sandites! Thank you for your hard work and service to your community.