This past holiday season, Every Kid Counts Oklahoma teamed up with legislators and Oklahoma businesses to donate to their local school districts through an Educator Gift Initiative – a way to thank local educators for their passionate work on innovative, outside-the-box projects with a direct gift to their classrooms.
Through this initiative, EKCO celebrated our teachers and all the hard work they do to innovate in the classroom and prepare our students for success! By collaborating with local school districts, businesses and legislators to award educators at five different schools with a total of $5,000 in scholarships for their classrooms.
Marlow High School Teacher Haleigh Elroy was nominated by Superintendent George Coffman and Duncan Regional Hospital helped us make the gift come true.
"Ms. Elroy works extremely hard for our district even while having twins. She has a great personality, comes from a long line of educators, and loves her students!"
KIPP Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher Ashley Randle was nominated by her principal Michael Carter and venture capital firm Cortado Ventures helped EKCO provide the scholarship check.
"Ms. Randle is the type of teacher that all students know she loves and cares about them."
Enid High School coach and teacher Trent Holland was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Dudley Darrow, and Rep. Chad Caldwell joined us to present a gift to Mr. Holland.
"In both academics and athletics, Coach Holland sets high expectations for all students and continually pushes students to maximize their full potential."
Seminole High School English teacher Kari Elledge was nominated by her district, local realtor Pam Robinson helped provide the gift, and Sen. Zack Taylor joined us to present it.
"Kari Elledge thinks beyond traditional classroom lessons to challenge her students, recently establishing an art museum inside a classroom to create a writing project."
Soldier Creek Elementary School teacher Serena Black was nominated by a local administrator for her passion, dedication and innovation in the classroom in service of her students. Shane and Stacy Willard at Century 21 joined us in providing the gift to Ms. Black.
"Serena Black uses every ounce of energy to ensure that her students are ready to learn, and always feel loved in her classroom."
Do you know a deserving teacher? Send us an email at info@everykidcountsok.org and we'd love to see about giving them a gift!