A group of four honorees and five school officials posing with framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificates in front of the Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education wall.

Sandite Employees Receive October 2026 Board Recognitions

Sand Springs Public Schools

October 6, 2026

At the October 2026 Board of Education meeting, Sand Springs Public Schools celebrated Sandite employees who go above and beyond to support our students, families, and community. We are thrilled to recognize the newest recipients of the Sandite Pacesetter Award.

Amber Ambriz holding a framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificate while standing between two women in front of a Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education sign.Amber Ambriz

Transportation plays a vital role in our district’s success, and Transportation Specialist Amber Ambriz exemplifies what it means to put students first every day. She goes above and beyond to support Sandite families—especially those in our McKinney-Vento program.

The McKinney-Vento program supports families experiencing homelessness or housing instability by removing barriers to education. Transportation can be one of those barriers, and Amber goes the extra mile to ensure students can get to school.

Amber's commitment was especially clear over the summer when a McKinney-Vento family faced transportation hurdles while attending the Project Summer Spirit program at Garfield STEAM Academy. Amber worked with her driving team to extend their routes by a mile to guarantee these students had a way to attend. It is these quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts that truly make Sand Springs Public Schools a caring community.

A group of four honorees and five school officials posing with framed Sandite Pacesetter Award certificates in front of the Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education wall.Virtual Academy Team

The team at the Sand Springs Virtual Academy received the Sandite Pacesetter Award for handling challenge after challenge with dedication and grace.

These Sandites were nominated by the counselors at Charles Page High School for all the extra work they've put in this school year. From stepping in to assist counselors with Edgenuity questions to ensuring smooth student transitions from in-person classes into virtual learning, they make sure everyone is placed in the right classes as quickly as possible—all with a smile.

Thank you to this outstanding team:

  • Mariel Tucker, Dean of Virtual Instruction

  • Stephanie Marquardt, Paraprofessional

  • Crystal Tiger, Paraprofessional (not pictured)

  • Caysie Yeatman, Teacher

  • Tracy Pruitt, Teacher

Congratulations, Sandites! Thank you for setting the pace for excellence and service at Sand Springs Public Schools.