arrowpoint magazine, vol. 39, issue 6, 2013-14 school year

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BROKEN ARROW INVADES THE BIG APPLE BOYLE NAMED DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR STUDENTS USE SCIENCE SKILLS AT OLYMPIAD THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE SIX | GRADUATION 2014

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The official magazine of Broken Arrow Public Schools

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Page 1: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

BROKEN ARROW INVADESTHE BIG APPLE

BOYLE NAMED DISTRICTTEACHER OF THE YEAR

STUDENTS USE SCIENCESKILLS AT OLYMPIAD

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE SIX | GRADUATION 2014

Page 2: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

BOYLE: TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT3EARNING OUR STRIPES

4

A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

Dr. Mendenhall addresses school-centered rumors floating about the community

BA INVADES BIG APPLE6-7Hundreds of fine arts students descend

upon New York City for a legendary performance

RUMOR HAS IT

5

Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education

8Rhoades teacher Tonya Boyle is all about helping students

beyond the classroom

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLSVOLUME 39, ISSUE 6 | GRADUATION 2014

PublisherCommunications DepartmentBroken Arrow Public Schools

Layout/Design/PhotographyAdam J. ForemanGraphic Artist/Publications Specialist

Editing/ContentShelli Holland-HandyChief Communications Officer

Editing/ContentChristina DixonCommunications & Community Relations Coordinator

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Jarod Mendenhall

Board of EducationCheryl Kelly, PresidentSteve Allen, Vice PresidentJerry Denton, ClerkSteve Majors, Deputy ClerkDr. Theresa Williamson, Member

The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 47,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted.

Broken Arrow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination issues and concerns: • The Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Director of Special Education, Carol Gruben, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Assistant Athletic Director, Melenda Knight, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bergwall, should be contacted for issues related to accessibility to facilities, services and activities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The contact information for the Kansas City Enforcement Office is: Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education One Petticoat Lane 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Kansas City, MO 64106; Telephone: (816) 268-0550; TTY: (877) 521-2172; Facsimile: (816) 823-1404; Email: [email protected].

GRADUATION: CLASS OF 201410-11History was made at the BOK Center as

the Class of 2014 said goodbye

BAPS EMBRACES SCIENCE OLYMPIAD9Competitve science competitions help sharpen skills of middle school students

ON THE COVER: A LIFELONG DREAM IS FULFILLED AS THE CLASS OF 2014 CELEBRATES GRADUATION AT THE BOK CENTER.

Page 3: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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It is hard to believe that yet another year has quickly come and gone. It seems as if it was just yesterday that I

welcomed teachers at our Back to School Kickoff, visited with students on their first day of school and planned for the

2013-2014 school year. As I look back, we have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. I am incredibly

proud to be affiliated with this wonderful district, its students, parents, teachers and staff as well as the Broken Arrow

community.

During this past year, I continued to watch our secondary students excel academically in the classroom and

personally in extracurricular activities. I was privileged to congratulate the Class of 2014, a class that made history on

many levels. The largest in BAPS history, the Class of 2014 was the first graduating class to walk across the stage at

the BOK Center, a venue that hosts mega-stars, athletic events and national conferences. Together these seniors, some

of who received nationally recognized awards, were offered more than $6.1 million in scholarships, the largest total to

date. That number speaks volumes about the caliber of students in the Class of 2014.

It was a big year for athletics. Broken Arrow Public Schools won several regional tournaments and state

championships. One to note is the girls basketball team, which made history by going undefeated (28-0) to win the 6A

State Championship. Additionally, we had 36 student-athletes sign letters of intent to play in college.

In fine arts, I had the opportunity to follow more than 170 of our choir, band, orchestra and drama students on a

trip of a lifetime to New York City. I saw each of them share their talents with the world at Carnegie Hall, and it was

an experience I will never forget. As they performed our state song as the finale, everyone at Carnegie Hall stood on

their feet and clapped. Our students made me proud to be an Oklahoman and even more proud to be a citizen of the

Broken Arrow community.

At the elementary level, I have seen many of our educators receive prestigious awards that further prove their

dedication to our students, and I’ve watched teachers receive grants to fund activities in their classroom. One of the

most notable is the $146,985 “STEM-ulating Teaching!” grant that will provide a summer workshop to assist science,

technology, engineering and mathematics faculty in their classroom. This training is expected to have a wonderful

ripple effect that could potentially affect more than 10,000 students in northeastern Oklahoma, and I certainly

appreciate all that the instructional specialists have done to support this endeavor.

In March, I experienced my fourth Read Across America week. Once again, I was blown away by the creative

activities that went on inside of the classroom to promote the importance of reading. I watched a high school student

read to a kindergarten student, our varsity football coach read to an elementary class and parent volunteers read at

different school sites throughout the district. I was privileged to read Dr. Seuss’ “Ten Apples Up On Top” to a room

full of elementary students. All are memories I will cherish.

At the state level, we will continue to fight for our students and staff when education legislation is challenged. In

March, more than 25,000 parents, administrators and school employees rallied at the State Capitol to draw attention

to the need for better public education funding. Of those 25,000, more than 200 represented Broken Arrow. This year,

parents joined together to form the Broken Arrow Parent Advocacy Committee. This nonpartisan group educates

parents and state legislators on how laws affect public education. I encourage you to learn more about this group and

consider joining the committee to be an advocate for our schools. I am confident that educators and parents alike can

work together to make a positive impact on public education in Oklahoma.

In my four years as superintendent in Broken Arrow, I am extremely proud of how far we have come, and I cannot

wait to see where we will go. We have innovative teachers, devoted employees, talented students, engaging parents

and a supportive community, which are all key ingredients to raising the bar. It has been a great year to be a Tiger.

Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Page 4: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

As a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools, it’s likely you are already aware of the many great things the

students and staff accomplish each and every day at sites throughout the district. But what about your neighbors who don’t have children in school, family members who live out of town or business acquaintances looking for a place to relocate – do they know about the great things Broken Arrow Public Schools has to offer?

This feature, “Earning Our Stripes,” is designed to equip you with brief bits of information you can use to educate others on why Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to “earn stripes” in its mission to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public school districts.

• Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee – Dr. Jarod Mendenhall developed an advisory committee of eight students–four juniors and four seniors–that meet on a quarterly basis. This affords the students an opportunity to discuss various topics that affect student life at the high school level.

• Construction Celebrations – To celebrate the various stages of construction this past year, the district hosted multiple ceremonies at sites throughout the district, including Aspen Creek Elementary, Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center, Creekwood Elementary, Creekwood Early Childhood Center, Park Lane Early Childhood Center, Oneta Ridge Middle School and Broken Arrow High School. From ground breakings to ribbon cuttings, the district has and will continue to celebrate construction milestones.

• Technology Image Center – The district’s first, fully-functioning image center at Central on Main has saved the district more than $400,000 in refurbishing computers. The

technology has made it possible to recycle district computers. In 15 months, more than 750 have been refurbished and 1,500 have been reimaged.

• Superior Financial Reporting – The BAPS Finance Department was honored with multiple awards for exceeding the high standards for financial reporting and accountability by completing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This massive financial report adheres to the most rigorous federal standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). BAPS is one of only three school districts in the state to successfully complete the CAFR.

• Spring Sports – BA wrestlers took home the title of Class 6A Dual State Champions. The girls golf team were named the 6A Academic State Champions with a GPA of 3.93. BA cheerleaders won the Frontier Conference STUNT Championship. Many other spring sports qualified for state tournaments, including slow pitch softball, boys and girls track, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls golf, boys and girls soccer and baseball.

• Electronic Transcript – At the high school the district is implementing Naviance, an electronic transcript system. The change

STRIPESEARNING OUR

• Girls Basketball, Simply Perfect – With hard work and determination, the 2014 varsity girls basketball team capped their perfect 28-0 season in the Class 6A State Finals.

will enable the district to expedite the process by which students apply for post-secondary college or training. This electronic process also enhances and increases students’ scholarship opportunities.

• BAPAC Celebrates Fifth Anniversary – Bringing the world to Broken Arrow has been the mission of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. Since its opening five years ago, the BAPAC continues to bring in Broadway shows and award-winning recording artists, while also acting as the official location for the BAPS fine arts program.

• Medal Of Excellence – Because of her ability to not only instruct but to also inspire, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recently honored BAHS Advanced Placement environmental science teacher Donna Gradel with the 2014 Medal for Excellence. Gradel was one of only five Oklahoma public educators selected to receive this prestigious award.

• Indoor Practice Facility – Construction is currently under way for an indoor athletic facility to be used by athletes of multiple sports. The facility, with an anticipated completion date of Sept. 1, 2014, will be an extension of the current Multi-Purpose Facility, sitting to the west of the existing structure.

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Page 5: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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Dr. Mendenhall shares the scoop on the rumorsconcerning BA schools

RUMORHAS IT

Rumor has it that we will not have enough classrooms at the high school for incoming sophomores.

This is false. Before the decision was made to bring sophomores to the high school campus, we identified renovations that would need to take place to accommodate the additional students. With the addition of 93,000 square feet to our high school campus, along with a some modifications in existing buildings, we are confident that all students and staff will have adequate classroom space. Additionally, an increasing number of our juniors and seniors have chosen to take advantage of off-campus learning opportunities, through programs such as Tulsa Tech, concurrent enrollment, !nspire 21, and Career Exploration. Therefore, it is unlikely that the entire population of sophomores, juniors and seniors will be on-campus at any given time. Either way, we do have the space to accommodate all students on the high school campus.

Rumor has it that we will have a bond issue in the next year.

This is true. The next bond issue will be voted in February 2015. With our last bond issue, we made great progress – so much, in fact, that the projects are too numerous to list here. Some highlights include installing secured entries and moving all students from portable buildings to classrooms in permanent structures. We also added four new early childhood centers, three new elementary sites and a new middle school. Additionally, we made major renovations to several schools including a 93,000 square foot addition to the high school, additions to seven elementary schools and an addition to Sequoyah Middle School. Although we are excited about the progress we have made, it is time to start considering additional district needs. Our goal is to provide equity across the district, and facilities that are safe and conducive to both learning and student engagement.

Rumor has it that North Intermediate High School is closing.This is true. The North Intermediate High School site is certainly

rich in tradition and history, and while we intend to preserve some of the historical pieces of North, there is a need to repurpose the site to meet the current needs of all of our students. The Long Range Planning Committee, a group of parents, patrons, and staff, has discussed several ideas surrounding the North Intermediate High School site, some of which include a school natatorium and a soccer

field at the location currently known as Kirkland Field. Plans will be solidified over the coming months.

Rumor has it that we are expanding our STEM program to the middle schools.

This is true. In the 2014-15 school year, we will begin a new program called Gateway to Technology. This program teaches students the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math using project based learning. Middle school students will engage in engineering design processes to identify possible solutions to real world problems. Beginning in 6th grade, all students will be introduced to Gateway to

Technology in their science classes. 7th and 8th graders will then have the opportunity to select Gateway

to Technology courses as one of their electives. Students who complete the necessary

prerequisites in middle school will then have the opportunity to continue with

STEM learning in high school through Project Lead the Way, an intensive course series that explores engineering, biomedicine and other

STEM related careers. Our hope is that these well-designed, hands on courses

will provide students with the skills and experience they need to open doors to endless

possibilities in STEM related fields.

Rumor has it that you will be changing attendance zones again.

This is partially true. When I arrived to Broken Arrow, I formed a group of parents, patrons, and staff called the Long Range Planning Committee. With the help of Chief Operating Officer, Michelle

Bergwall, and Chief Financial Officer, Dwayne Thompson, this group is provided

with the information they need to determine district requirements related to land acquisition,

bond issues, and attendance zones. On average in Broken Arrow, our school district population is growing by 300 students (one half of an elementary) per year. Because of the rate of growth our district is experiencing, the Long Range Planning Committee analyzes population data provided by the demographer, along with building capacity, on annual basis. Although this information is analyzed every year to ensure we are accounting for growth and maintaining manageable class sizes, it is not my intention to reorganize site boundaries any more often than necessary. This year, there will be a slight boundary change for Oak Crest Elementary.

Page 6: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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Page 7: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

In April, more than 170 high school band, orchestra, choir and drama students

traveled to the Big Apple to explore all that New York has to offer—Broadway,

historical sites and most importantly Carnegie Hall. After a year of planning and

many months of practice, the students shared their talents and hard work on the

stage of the renowned concert hall for nearly 600 people.

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Page 8: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

Amidst the gratitude, laughter and applause from more than 650 people in attendance at the inaugural Star

Awards Gala at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel on April 3, Rhoades Elementary fifth grade teacher Tonya Boyle was crowned the 2014 District Teacher of the Year.

“My philosophy begins with the belief that all children can learn, and it is often on their own time schedule, in their own style, starting at their own level,” Boyle said. “It is my job as a teacher to facilitate that learning, which is why I spend the first two weeks of school every year getting to know my students, checking their academic levels and understanding their learning styles. I want to create a learning environment where mistakes are accepted, redo’s are welcomed and successes are applauded.”

With 22 years of teaching experience, Boyle was one of five finalists selected from the pool of 27 Site Teacher of the Year candidates. Joining her on stage was Debra Goss of Arrowhead Elementary, Bridget Cook of Aspen Creek Elementary, Tamara Yeldell of North Intermediate High School and Cindy Gharibvand of Broken Arrow High School.

“When Dr. Mendenhall started reading the winner’s statement, I heard the words, ‘happy dance,’” Boyle said. “I immediately turned to my right and then to my left and asked if any of them did the happy dance. I knew it was me. I said to myself, ‘I do the happy dance.’”

HappyTEACHER OF THE YEAR

Boyle connects with students beyond the classroom

With happy tears streaming down her cheeks as BAPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall formally announced the winner, Boyle approached the podium to thank the Rhoades staff members, her family and the Teacher of the Year Professional Development Committee.

Boyle and the other candidates went through an intensive evaluation and interview process with the Professional

Development Committee, a group composed of teachers, administrators and previous Teachers of the Year. The candidates were scored on their portfolio and interviews, and after each was tallied, Boyle was named the winner.

“Ms. Boyle really touched our hearts,” said Diana Beaulieu, BAPS director of elementary education and a member of the committee. “Her love and compassion for her students is very evident. Not only does she masterfully teach her students the necessary fifth grade content, but she also teaches them to care for each other and make a difference in the lives of others.”

As the District Teacher of the Year, Boyle received a $2,500 check from the BAPS Foundation and the opportunity to drive the Teacher of the Year SUV, a Ford Escape generously provided by Matthews Ford in Broken Arrow. She will also represent Broken Arrow Public Schools in the State Teacher of the Year competition this summer.

“This is such a huge honor,” Boyle said. “I truly believe teachers change the world one student at a time although most of us don’t know which child we are really influencing until after they have left our room. My many rewards in teaching come from those returning students. Whether they call me, come see me the next year or find me on Facebook as an adult, my former students have a way of reconnecting to let me know that I did make a positive difference in their lives.”

“I truly believe teachers change the world one student at a time. My former students have a way of reconnecting to let me know that I did make a positive difference in their lives.”

Tonya BoyleBAPS District Teacher of the Year

Dance

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Page 9: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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Science Olympiad is an organization devoted to encouraging student involvement in all disciplines of science

by engineering a number of competitions that focus on teamwork – an essential skill in most scientific careers today. Only in its second year at Broken Arrow Public Schools, the Science Olympiad competitions are proving to be successful in enhancing a variety of skill sets within students across the district.

“In two short years, Science Olympiad has given many of our students the opportunity to explore new areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” said Gayle Hahn, Oneta Ridge Middle School science teacher and Science Olympiad coach. “The research and higher level thinking skills that Science Olympiad requires will prepare students for life after high school, whether they choose higher education or to enter the workforce.”

Last year, more than 16,000 elementary and secondary schools participated in Science Olympiad competitions. Ranging from social science to engineering to chemistry, these competitions resemble hands-on academic track meets, consisting of a series of as many as 23 team events in each division— Division A is elementary, Division B is middle school and Division C is high school. Broken Arrow currently participates in the middle school division with student involvement from Oneta Ridge, Oliver and Sequoyah.

“As a science teacher I was frustrated that there weren’t any extracurricular activities for our ‘sciencey’ kids,” Hahn said. “Our principal at Oneta Ridge suggested I look into Science Olympiad. After finding out that Oklahoma had a chapter, I talked several other teachers into attending one of the competitions with me.

Science Olympiad competitions prove successful

2014 Division B Events Life, Personal & Social Science• Anatomy (Nervous, Integumentary)• Disease Detectives (Environmental Quality)• Entomology• Heredity• Water Quality

Earth & Space Science• Dynamic Planet (Glaciers)• Meteorology (Severe Storms)• Solar System• Road Scholar• Rocks and Minerals

Physical Science & Chemistry• Simple Machines• Shock Value• Sounds of Music• Crime Busters• Can’t Judge a Powder

Technology & Engineering• Boomilever• Robo-Cross• Wheeled Vehicle• Helicopters

Inquiry & Nature of Science• Metric Mastery• Rotor Egg Drop• Experimental Design• Write It Do It

Once they were on board, I spoke with nine kids to see if they would be interested in competing. They couldn’t wait to get going, so we started our team.”

Oneta Ridge competed in regionals and the state competition during the 2012-2013 school year. Afterward, Hahn wrote and received a grant from Cox Communications for $10,000 that would help all five Broken Arrow middle schools start a Science Olympiad team next year.

This year Oliver and Sequoyah created teams alongside Oneta Ridge, and in March, all three schools participated in the state tournament against more than 25 teams at the University of Central Oklahoma. Together the schools medaled in five events. Oneta Ridge placed seventh in the state, Oliver placed 10th and Sequoyah placed 13th.

“The other coaches and I couldn’t be more proud to watch these kids succeed and work together toward a common goal,” Hahn said. “We hope to have a team in each middle school next year. Because we have more than 25 students who are leaving the middle schools and want to keep moving forward with Science Olympiad, there will also be a team at the ninth grade center.”

One of the students who will continue on with Science Olympiad is Drevin Vang, eighth grader at Oneta Ridge.

“Science Olympiad is special to me because it has allowed me to see the potential I have for science,” Vang said.

Vang’s classmate Oriana Moreno agrees.“It makes you stronger knowing that you can

be challenged to find out what’s really there and discovering things that not a lot of people know about,” Oriana said.

For more information about Science Olympiad, please visit www.soinc.org or contact Hahn at [email protected].

exploreexploreEXPLORE

Explore

Page 10: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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IT’S TIME: Class of 2014 says goodbyeWith nearly 15,000 parents,

friends, families and teachers in attendance, the Class of 2014

said farewell to a chapter in their lives at commencement ceremonies recently held for the first time at Tulsa’s BOK Center.

More than 1,000 graduating seniors descended upon the arena floor as “Pomp and Circumstance” echoed throughout the center amidst cheers, applause and flashing cameras, forever capturing the moments for years to come.

Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent

of Schools, reminded parents that although graduation was a bittersweet moment mixed with feelings of joy and sadness, it was their celebration as well.

“Your child is here tonight because you succeeded as a parent by providing guidance, patience and love,” said Dr. Mendenhall. “Let’s congratulate all the parents in the audience tonight for a job well done.”

Senior Class President Dena Mossop told her fellow classmates that each one of them was special and had something great to offer the world. “I want to challenge you to be

more awesome, to give the world a reason to dance,” she said. She spoke about all the great things the class had accomplished together and concluded by saying, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Cherish these moments forever.”

BAHS Principal Debbie Renz spoke to the class about their accomplishments over the past year, including success in and out of the classroom, extracurricular activities, selfless giving to classmates in need and more.

As names were called and students crossed the stage throughout the three-hour

Page 11: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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Senior Class OfficersPresident- Dena Mossop

Vice President- Maggie BondSecretary- Caili Jestel

Treasurer- Meisha Floyd

Student Council OfficersPresident- Sydany Tran

Vice President- Hailee FitzpatrickSecretary- Kyle Tyson

Treasurer- Katrina Toles

Senior Class FavoritesFlower: Tiger Lily

Song: “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons

Colors: Black and Gold

Motto: “Arise, go forth and conquer, for today is the first day

of the rest of your life.”

IT’S TIME: Class of 2014 says goodbyeClass of Distinction – Top 3%

Barnes, Dominique ABaxter, Jason C

Bickle, Allyson MBoggs, Jacqueline N

Borgstrom, Kara ADahl, Alexandria D

Davis, John WDeWitt, Drake C

DuBose, Casey OEllis, David AEly, Alaina C

Freeman, Alexander Glander, Matthew SHatfield, Brandon J

Hayes, Moriah AHood, Shelby L

James, Lauren EKeich, Lauren R

Kesterson, Lauren EKing, Tyler J

Kline, Madison MLee, Rebecca J

Lepp, Peyton ALin, Kenneth L

Looney, Matthew DMeyer, Tyler D

Mitchell, Samuel LNguyen, Kelly D

Platter, Alexandria CReck, David H

Renkema, MelissaScoggins, Aubrey C

Tran, Sydany JVan, Lyly

event, students were reminded of how their education was more than the classroom.

In addressing the Class of 2014, Dr. Mendenhall offered some fatherly advice, some advice he received from his own father growing up.

Sharing five principles that have guided Dr. Mendenhall throughout his life, he encouraged graduates to work hard and do more than the average person to set themselves apart as well as to have strong character even when no one else was looking.

He emphasized the importance of making

a good first impression and to stay positive, using difficult situations as opportunities to bring about positive change.

He concluded with a quote his father shared with him often. “‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’” said Dr. Mendenhall. “Each of you has been given much – from your families, friends, classmates, school and from the Broken Arrow community. Take the opportunity you have been given and make the most of it. Make a positive mark on this world by being that person we have all seen you become: your best, most wonderful self.”

Page 12: Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 6, 2013-14 School Year

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