♪♪ >> TONIGHT, WE HAVE 100 GIFTED PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AND FIVE OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS FROM THE GREAT STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

WE CELEBRATE THE EXCELLENCE.

THEY ARE THE PRIDE OF OUR STATE AND HOPE OF OUR FUTURE.

NOW FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER IN TULSA, WE PRESENT THE 37TH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE ACADEMIC AWARDS PROGRAM.

>> PLEASE WELCOME OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES.

THE BANQUET CHAIR AND TRUSTEE OF THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE.

>> THANK YOU, I AM HONORED TO BE A PART OF THIS GALA CELEBRATION, CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE IN OKLAHOMA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THIS BANQUET IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER EVENT IN OUR STATE BECAUSE IT RECOGNIZES AND HONORS REMARKABLE LEADERS.

EDUCATORS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE STUDENTS AND PREPARE THEM FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING AND GROWTH.

STUDENTS WHOSE DETERMINATION LED TO REMARKABLE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTES.

THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO ASPIRE TO EXCELLENCE IN OUR OWN LIVES.

BEFORE WE GO ON, I WANT TO THANK OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN OUR AUDIENCE.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DEAN DAVIS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> THIS AWARD PROGRAM IS THE FLAG SHIP PROGRAM OF THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE, BUT IT IS ONLY ONE OF MANY PROGRAMS THAT THE FOUNDATION ADMINISTERS YEAR ROUND IN THE WORK TO RECOGNIZE AND ENCOURAGE EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE SUPPORT TEACHER GROWTH AND INNOVATION WITH THE PARTNERSHIP WITH TEACHER TULSA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

WE AWARD FELLOWSHIPS TO TEACHERS TO DESIGN SUMMER LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD.

THROUGH OUR OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS FOUNDATION NETWORK, WE HAVE HELPED TO BUILD ONE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST NETWORKS OF SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAINING AND RESOURCES TO THE LEADERS OF LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATIONS AND SUPPORTING THEIR EFFORTS AND CONNECTING TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE WORKS WITH THE COLONIAL WILIOMSBURG FOUNDATION TO BRING AMERICAN HISTORY TO LIFE AND PREPARE TOMORROW'S CITIZEN.

THEY WILL ANOUNED THE RENOUNCE TEACHER INSTITUTE AND.

IT IS A DAY OF HANDS ON HISTORY ACTIVITIES FOR OKLAHOMA FIFTH GRADERS.

WE HOST VIRTUAL COLONIAL DAYS AND WEBINARS THAT PROVIDE A WINDOW ON THE PAST AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THE FUTURE TO THOUSANDS OF OKLAHOMA STUDENTS.

IN ADDITION, OUR FOREIGN MENTORING INITIATIVE PROVIDES GRANTS FOR THE YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAMS AND PROMOTING GROWTH AND MENTORING.

AS YOU CAN SEE.

OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE WORKS HARD TO PROMOTE EDUCATION EXCELLENCE ALL YEAR ROUND.

NOT ONLY ONE SPECTACULAR NIGHT OF THE YEAR.

THROUGH THE VISIONARY LEADERSHIP OF OUR FOUNDER AND FAITHFUL SUPPORT OF THE TRUSTEE AND DONORS, THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON OUR STATE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE HAVE SENT A MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS THAT WE VALUE WHAT THEY DO.

WE ARE WILLING TO INVEST IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTES.

NOW, WE COME TO THE ALL STATERS THAT ARE SELECTED THROUGH THE OKLAHOMA RIGOROUS ACADEMIC COMPETITION AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.

100 TOP SENIORS SELECTED FROM HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF NOMINATIONS STATEWIDE, THEY HAIL FROM 75 SCHOOL AND 68 OKLAHOMA SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

THIS YEAR'S SCORED AN AVERAGE OF 43.

SOME HAD A PERFECT SCORE OF 36.

THE AVERAGE GPAN IS 4.25.

THEY WERE NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST.

EACH HAS BEEN INVITED A SPECIAL TEACHER TO BE A GUEST AT THE BANQUET.

WE RECOGNIZE THESE STUDENTS AND GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AND THEIR TEACHER GUESTS.

AS THE ALL STATERS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES.

WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE UNTIL ALL STUDENTS WERE RECOGNIZED.

BUT FIRST, LET'S APPLAUD AND WELCOME THE BEST OF THE BEST ACADEMIC ALLSTATERS FOR 2023.

[APPLAUSE] ♪♪ [APPLAUSE] ♪♪ [APPLAUSE] >> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 2023 ACADEMIC SPEAKERS.

♪♪ ♪♪ [INAUDIBLE] I AM BENJAMIN FROM ALGIN HIGH SCHOOL.

I HONOR MY ENGLISH TEACHER MRS. RUT GER.

>> I AM DUKE NORMAN AND HONORING MY COACH RUSSELL.

[INAUDIBLE] ♪♪ I AM HAYDEN STONE FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS MISS KIM WEATHERWOOD.

>> EVELYN COMBES AND MY GUEST TEACHER IS MISS INHAM.

>> AND I AM CANEW YORKA AND MY GUEST IS MY MATH TEACHER.

>> AND I AM FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL DOES MY HONORED GUEST IS MR. WHITNEY SHARP.

>> I AM REED TREMBLE FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS MR.

PRINCIPAL GOSZ.

>> MY HONORED TEACHER IS APPHYSICS TEACHER.

>> AND I AM RICHEY.

I AM ALEX BELL FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL.

MY HONORED TEACHER IS MY ENGLISH TEACHER CATHERINE BYSTEN.

>> I AM BRANDON SHUTZ.

I HAVE MY GUEST MR. ROGER GOSEN.

>> I MY OFFICIAL GUEST IS AMAZING TEACHER MR. JONES.

>> I AM ELI SORWOOD.

MY HONORED TEACHER IS MR. GORDON SCHULTZ.

>> I 78 JAYDEN ADAMS.

MY GUEST IS JEREMY LEST.

>> I AM JEREMY AND MY GUEST IS MR. ALEX KERN.

>> I AM SYDNEY BENNETT AND MY GUEST IS JO NEL WILSON.

>> I AM MARK GO WIN AND MY GUEST IS MISS JENNIFER WHITE.

>> AND I AM SHAWN FROM NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS HIGH HISTORY TEACHER CHARLOTTE DEAN DREW.

>> I AM FROM BETHANY HIGH SCHOOL.

MY HONORED GUEST.

[INAUDIBLE] I AM CHARLES LU FROM THE OKLAHOMA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS.

I HOPPER DR. SHANE JOHNSON.

>> I MY GUESS IS MATH PROFESSOR TONY CORNFORTH.

>> I AM YALE GREAT MY GUESS IS THE U.S.

TEACHER AND FOOTBALL COACH JEREMY GRAY.

>> I AM JACQUELINE CRAIG.

MY GUEST IS AP.

TEACHER CAR LINREED.

MY GUEST IS GILL PARKER.

MY NAME IS JAY AUTHORITY CEE WALKER.

MY GUEST IS JOHN HARVEL.

MY GUEST IS MR. DAVID TOMLIN.

I AM KATIE ELLIS FROM SOUTH MOORE HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS AARON BALDWIN.

>> TONIGHT I PROUDLY HONOR MY MATH TEACHER MISS SYDNEY BAILEY.

>> I AM CYNDI.

MY GUEST IS LARRY HESLER.

>> AND I AM BRYSON WARD.

I AM EMMY MY GUEST TONIGHT IS THE ENGLISH TEACHER.

>> AND I AM FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL.

MY SPECIAL GUEST IS DAMON NORVILLE.

MY GUEST IS JESSICA ROBINSON.

OLIVIA, AND GUEST IS ASHLEY FRASER.

>> SAVANNAH, MY GUEST IS LINCOOLINGBACK.

>> KAYLA STEWART.

MY GUEST TERRY WALLS.

>> I AM KHLOE AND MY GUEST OF HONOR IS AMANDA COUPLINGS.

>> I AM ODD PREE SILL FERVO AND MY GUEST IS GOVERNMENT TEACHER SHEILA LONG.

>> I AM DANNY LEE.

TONIGHT I WOULD LIKE TO HONOR MR. TAYLOR McKENZY.

>> I AM TRA VENA.

I AM HONORING MY TEACHER MARY AN BAYMORE.

>> JUSTIN, I AM JOINED BY MR. ADAMS.

[INAUDIBLE] MARY ANN BAYMORE.

>> [INAUDIBLE] MARCY GAINS.

ZILAN.

I HAVE GUEST JACKIE McMICHAEL.

>> [INAUDIBLE] AND TONIGHT I AM HONORING MR. BRENT BALDWIN.

>> [INAUDIBLE] SILLY, AND MY GUEST IS MY ENGLISH TEACHER.

I AM RILEY ANDERSON AND MY GUEST IS MY BAND DIRECTOR KATELIN MORGAN.

>> AND RICKEY FROM CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL AND MY GUEST IS MR. DAVID ICENBORG.

>> AND ELI FROM BUFFALO HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST OF HONOR IS MY MATH TEACHER BROOK ALLEY.

>> [INAUDIBLE] MR. JULIE REYNOLDS.

>> [INAUDIBLE] I WOULD LIKE TO HONOR MY SCHOOL COUNSELLOR MISS KRISTIN GORDON.

>> I AM NICHOLAS JACKSON.

MY SPECIAL GUEST IS MRS. KAREN.

MY COUNSELLOR.

>> I AM SHAWN WU.

MY GUEST TONIGHT IS MY TEACHER CARSON.

>> AND I AM FROM TEXOMMA HIGH SCHOOL.

I AM TITUS JOHNSON AND I AM FROM PEIDMONT HIGH SCHOOL.

I AM TONY LEE FROM BROKEN ARROW HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS HISTORY TEACHER GINA LEFT.

>> AND I AM ZACH FROM PLAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS MY ENGLISH TEACHER.

MELISSA ELDRIDGE.

>> AND I AM FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND MY GUEST IS MY ENGLISH TEACHER.

I AM ALEX ANDERSON AND HONORING MISS MANDY CROSBY.

>> I AM MANDY AND MY GUEST IS CLINT NELSON.

>> I AM TILER, AND MY GUEST IS MRS. BUSH.

[INAUDIBLE] AND MY HONORARY TEACHER IS PREENGINEERING TEACHER MISS TAYLOR.

>> AUSTIN STEWART AND I AM HONORING MISS BROWN.

I AM LINDSAY FROM DEER CREEK AND MY GUEST IS MR. GREG EVERET.

>> AND I AM FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL.

TONIGHT I HONOR MR. THOMAS.

>> I AM CHRISTOPHER FROM BO NITTA HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS MY MATH TEACHER.

KAYDEN, MY GUEST IS MR. THOMAS.

>> I AM ERIN.

MY TEACHER OF HONOR IS MISS FIELDS.

>> CARTER, FROM EDMOND MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL.

MY GUEST IS MR. SINGLETON.

LET'S APPLAUSE ONE MORE TIME, THE 2023 CLASS OF ACADEMIC ALL STATERS.

[APPLAUSE] OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 100 ACADEMIC ALL STATERS.

WE NOW TURN FROM STUDENTS TO PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS AND THE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS THAT RECOGNIZE THE PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTES IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION.

EACH WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 AND IN ADDITION THEY WILL HAVE AN ECHED GLASS SKRUPTURE LIKE HERE IN THE FRONT OF THE STAGE.

THIS BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK SYMBOLIZES THE STATEMENT THAT THERE ARE TWO THINGS TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN.

ONE IS ROOTS AND THE OTHER IS WINGS.

PRESENTING FOR MEDAL AWARDS ARE FIVE ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNI IN BUSINESS, MEDICINE, LAW AND EDUCATION AND ENGINEERING.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OUR FIRST AWARD PRESENTER IS A 2002 ACADEMIC ALL STATER FOR AMA ZOM WEB SERVICES.

WELCOME FROM DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

SOPHY.

>> ARTIST AND ENVIRONMENTALIST TRINA PAUL US ONCE WROTE HOW DO ONE BECOME A BUTTERFLY?

YOU HAVE TO WANT TO FLY SO MUCH YOU ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP BEING A CATERPILLAR.

AS A STEM TEACHER, BARBIE JACKSON PROVIDES A SPACE FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TO GROW AS PROBLEM SOLVER AND CRITICAL THINK ARES AND HONORS.

STUDENTS USE AND IN HER BREAKER SPACE.

THEY USE HAMMERS SCREW DRIVERS AND WRENCHES AND DRILLS TO TAKE IT APART AND LEARN HOW THEY WORK.

A HIGHLIGHT OF MRS. JACKSON CLASS IS A SCHOOL LIVE PROJECT AND BEFORE HE BARKY JACKSON IS NOT JUST INTRODUCING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SCHOOLS.

SHE IS TEACHING THEM THE TOUGH SKILLS HOW TO COMMUNITY AND WORK AS A TEAM AND MAINING MISTAKE AND TRY SOMETHING TO COMBUCHLT SHE GIVES THEM WINGS TO FLY AND EXPLORE NEW POSSIBILITIES.

TERRI LEE: THE STUDENTS ARE COLLABORATING, THEY'RE ENGAGED, THEY'RE PROBLEM SOLVING.

IT'S BUSY, IT'S NOISY, IT'S LOUD, BUT THERE ARE SMILES AND A LOT OF "AHA" MOMENTS, AND IT'S JUST EXCITING, FUN, ENGAGING.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE WANT.

WE WANT OUR KIDS TO BE HERE AND EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING.

SHERRY DURKEE: SHE TAKES ITEMS, SHE PRESENTS A PROBLEM FOR THE CHILDREN TO SOLVE AND WITH THE THINGS THAT THEY HAVE TO MANIPULATE WITH -- LEGOS, TOILET PAPER ROLL TUBES, OR GLUE, TAPE, WHATEVER -- AND THEY HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

ROZLEY MCHENRY: I LOVE STEM SO MUCH.

I WILL BE AT HOME AND JUST MAKE RANDOM CONTRAPTIONS.

AND IT'S REALLY FUN.

BARBIE JACKSON: FOR THE KIDS TO LEAVE A CLASSROOM SETTING AND COME IN HERE AND EXPLORE, AND BUILD, AND CREATE.

AMD USE THEIR CREATIVITY -- IT'S AN AMAZING THING TO WITNESS BECAUSE IT'S AUTHENTIC LEARNING AND THEY'RE ABLE TO DO THINGS THAT THEY CAN'T DO AT HOME OR IN REGULAR CLASSROOM SETTINGS.

SO THAT'S MY JOY, IS WATCHING THEM EXPLORE AND BUILD, AND FAIL, AND TRY AGAIN, AND OVERCOME THAT AND BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE, AND BE SUCCESSFUL.

KINSLEY MELDRUM: I THINK WITHOUT HER, I'D HAVE TO ASK MY BROTHER TO TEACH ME HOW TO USE A SCREWDRIVER, AND NOBODY WANTS TO DO THAT!

MANDI CLOUD: SHE'S PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT SHE DOES AND SHE WANTS KIDS TO BE INSPIRED BY SOMETHING.

AND SO SHE JUST MAKES EVERYTHING SO FUN FOR HER STUDENTS, AND SHE MAKES MEMORIES-- CORE MEMORIES -- FOR THEM, THINGS THAT THEY GROW UP AND NEVER FORGET.

MS. JACKSON: AND THEN THE BIG ONE IS THE MONARCH WAIT STATION, OF COURSE -- THE BUTTERFLIES.

WE, YOU KNOW, WE PLANT THE POLLINATOR GARDEN IN THE SPRINGTIME AND COME UP AND TAKE CARE OF IT ALL SUMMER.

AND IT'S FULLY IN BLOOM IN AUGUST, AND THAT'S WHEN THE MONARCHS COME IN AUGUST.

>> AND THEN EVERY YEAR, WE DO A BIG SCHOOL-WIDE RELEASE.

AND SO SHE'LL SAY, OKAY, THE BUTTERFLIES NEED TO BE RELEASED, AND WE'RE GOING TO DO IT THIS DAY AND THIS TIME.

TYPICALLY, EVERY TEACHER JUST DROPS WHAT WE'RE DOING, AND WE ALL GO OUT TO THE PLAYGROUND, AND IT'S JUST FUN TO HEAR ALL THE KIDS SCREAMING AND HOLLERING AND CHEERING.

MS. JACKSON: THAT'S WHAT KEEPS ME GOING, AND GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN PUBLIC EDUCATION.

AMAZING THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND WE ARE PRODUCING AMAZING KIDS.

AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT, AND I LOVE BEING A PART OF THAT!

♪♪ ♪♪ >> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE RECIPIENT FOR OKLAHOMA MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE.

STEM TEACHER BARBIE JACKSON.

[APPLAUSE] >> GOOD EVENING.

AS AN ELEMENTARY STEM TEACHER, I BELIEVE THAT STEM EDUCATION IS CRUCIAL IN PREPARING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE.

I INSTILL LOVE AND SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS AND ENGINEERING AT A YOUNG AGE, I HOPE TO HAVE A GENERATION OF PROBLEM SOLVERS THAT SHAPE THE FUTURE.

I BELIEVE THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL STEM EDUCATION LIES IN FOSTERING A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND WONDER IN MY STUDENTS.

THEY WILL ASK QUESTIONS AND EXPERIMENTS AND MAKE MISTAKES AND EXPLORE THE WORLD AROUND THEM.

MY FAVORITE IS THE MONARCH GARDEN.

THIS SHOWS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW STUDENTS ABOUT THE CRITICAL ROLE THEY PLAY IN THE ECO SYSTEMS AND MAKE IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS.

WITH A CASH PRIZE, I WILL GET TO VISIT THE MONARCH SANCTUARY IN MEXICO.

AS I OBSERVE THEM.

I CAN HELP STUDENTS GAIN A APPRECIATION FOR THE CREATURES AND LEARN ABOUT THE CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO PROTECT THEM.

DR. SUI SS ONCE SAID.

UNLESS YOU CARE NOTHING GETS BETTER.

THIS QUOTE SPEAKS TO WHAT I TRY TO ACHIEVE IN MY STEM PROGRAM.

I WANT MY STUDENTS TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE ALSO THAT SOMEONE WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

I WANT THEM TO HAVE CONFIDENCE AND BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES AND CHANGE THE WORLD.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO GAVE ME WINGS TO SORE.

MY PARENTS WHO INSTILLED IN ME A PASSION FOR LEARNING AND SUPPORTED MY DREAMS.

HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER WHO ARE CONSTANT SOURCE OF LOVE AND INSPIRATION.

FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AND ADMINISTRATION IN THE SAND SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOL WHO HELPED ME TO REACH THE GOALS.

THANK YOU TO THE OKLAHOMA EXCELLENCE.

IT TAKES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO GIVE OUR STUDENTS WINGS TO SOAR.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] OUR NEXT PRESENTER THIS EVENING IS SURGEON IN NORMAN AND AN ACTIVE ARTS SUPPORTER.

WELCOME THE ALL STATE ALUMANIST: [APPLAUSE] LINDA HARRISON: HE IS IN IT FOR THE KIDS.

AND KYLE'S MANTRA IS "ALL MEANS ALL."

AND WHEN HE SAYS HE'S IN IT FOR ALL THE KIDS, HE'S IN IT FOR ALL THE KIDS.

BRUCE BENBROOK: HE REALIZES THAT HE HAS BECOME A ONE MAN FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT AND CHIEDING SOUTH AMERICAN'RE CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE THEM IN VISUAL ARTS.

THEY CREATE THEY TRAVELLED TO RED RIVER TO SHOW THE ONE ACT PLAY.

JASON PARIS: UH, OKAY, I TEACH I TEACH SPEECH AND DEBATE, AND THEATER, VOCAL MUSIC, STUDIO ART LIKE DRAWING, SCULPTING SOMETIMES.

>> WELL, MR. PARIS IS NOT JUST SOMEONE WHO TEACHES ART.

HE IS AN ARTIST WHO HAPPENS TO BE A TEACHER.

MR. PARIS: I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THAT.

I AM PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH THAT.

>> JOCIE SHELTON: BECAUSE OF HIS AND EXPERIENCE IN THE THEATER WORLD, IT HAS OPENED UP MANY DIFFERENT MORE IMPORTANTLY THEY LEARN TO SEE THEMSELVES AND THE WORLD THROUGH THE ARTS THEY CREATE.

JASON PARIS: UH, OKAY, I TEACH I TEACH SPEECH AND DEBATE, AND THEATER, VOCAL MUSIC, STUDIO ART LIKE DRAWING, SCULPTING SOMETIMES.

>> WELL, MR. PARIS IS NOT JUST SOMEONE WHO TEACHES ART.

HE IS AN ARTIST WHO HAPPENS TO BE A TEACHER.

MR. PARIS: I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THAT.

I AM PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH THAT.

JOCIE SHELTON: BECAUSE OF HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE THEATER WORLD, IT HAS OPENED UP MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO TEACH THEATER TO KIDS.

HE'S DEFINITELY ABLE TO BRING THAT PROFESSIONALISM TO OUR PRODUCTIONS.

MARGARET SMITH: HE REALLY HAS HIS FINGER ON THE PULSE OF THESE KIDS AND WHAT ALL THEY HAVE GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES.

MICHELLE BALDWIN: HIS ONE-ACT TEAM, WHICH HAS WON STATE, THEY WERE INVITED TO DO A TOURING COMPANY PERFORMANCE IN RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO, AT A LODGE THERE -- AT THE ALPINE LODGE.

MS. SMITH: THOSE KIDS WORKED FROM SUNUP TO SUNDOWN.

THEY WERE ON THE STREET, THEY WERE PROMOTING THE PLAY.

THEY WERE IN COSTUME, THEY WERE OUT OF COSTUME.

MR. PARIS: THAT GROUP WAS INCREDIBLE.

LIKE, THAT SHOW IN PARTICULAR, I THINK REACHED A LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE.

SO I FELT COMFORTABLE TAKING IT SOMEWHERE AND CHARGING REAL MONEY TO REAL PEOPLE.

AVERY SANBORN: IT WAS JUST, IT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY TAKE OUR HIGH SCHOOL SHOW AND MOVE IT EVEN MORE UP INTO PROFESSIONAL LEVELS.

MR. PARIS: I DON'T OF MYSELF AS A THEATER TEACHER, AND I DON'T THINK OF THEM -- I DON'T WANT THEM TO THINK OF THEMSELVES AS THEATER STUDENTS OR ART STUDENTS.

I WANT THEM TO THINK OF THEMSELVES AS ACTORS OR PAINTERS OR DANCERS.

SO I THINK OF US AS A THEATER COMPANY THAT JUST DOES REALLY GOOD WORK, AND WE ARE LIMITED BY BEING A HIGH SCHOOL AND WE ARE LIMITED BY BEING A REALLY SMALL SCHOOL.

BUT THE TRICK IS HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THOSE LIMITATIONS TO STILL DO KIND OF MAGICAL STUFF, WHICH IS WHAT OUR GOAL IS.

WHETHER WE ACHIEVE IT OR NOT, THAT'S WHAT OUR GOAL IS.

KYSON MCDONALD: I FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING WE DO FEELS VERY FUN.

AND WE'RE ALL VERY PRODUCTIVE.

AND WE ALL FEEL VERY, LIKE, CLOSE, LIKE A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER -- BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE ARE.

JOCIE: WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS THAT WE'VE SHARED, WE'VE SHARED THE THING THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON, AND PUT OUR HEARTS AND LOVE INTO IT.

AND WE'RE SHARING IT WITH THE UNIVERSE -- WITH ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE.

MR. PARIS: YOU CAN INVOLVE YOURSELF IN THE ARTS AT ANY LEVEL, AND YOU SHOULD.

AND IT'S NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

WE CAN GO DO THIS IN RED RIVER, OR WHEREVER.

SO WHEREVER YOU END UP IN LIFE, THERE ARE COMMUNITY THEATERS, OR THERE ARE ART GALLERIES, OR WHATEVER.

AND YOU NEED TO GO BE INOLVED IN THOSE THINGS.

AND SO THAT'S MY GOAL.

IT IS RESIPTIENT OF THE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE FROM CHEROKEE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL.

JASON PARIS.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, I HAVE TO THANK THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHRISTA HUGHES WHO NOMINATED ME AND MY COLLEAGUE WHO WROTE LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF MY NOMINATION AND THE MEMBERS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE WHO NAILED IT THIS YEAR.

I WANT TO THANK MY SCHOOL FAMILY AT CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL AND MY FAMILY AT HOME AND THE STUDENTS WHO PASSED THROUGH THE CLASSROOM AND LIFE.

I HAVE THOUGHT A LOT ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEACHER IN THIS TIME OF WEIRD TIME.

WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT TOGETHER IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

SOCIAL UNREST AND POLITICAL TURMOIL AND PANDEMIC.

PRINCE HARRY.

IT'S BEEN A LOT.

AND SOMETIMES IT FEELS SO HEAVY AND LIKE, THERE ARE SO MANY CRISIS AND SO MUCH DIVISION.

THEN IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO WAY TO SOLD THOSE PROBLEMS.

BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE AND I KNOW THAT BECAUSE OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM REMAINS OUR NATIONS GREATEST ACHIEVE.

.

SO ACADEMIC ALLSTATERS.

I KNOW YOU ARE PLANNING ON MAKING A LIVING.

BUT I ASK YOU TONIGHT TO RECONSIDER AND BECOME A TEACHER.

[APPLAUSE] BECAUSE IF WE WANT TO CURE THESE.

WE NEED MOST IN THE CLASSROOM.

IF WE WANT THE FUTURE, WE NEED OUR BEST ARTIST IN THE CLASSROOM.

TEACHER ARE LIKE ROOKS AND THEY CREATE RIPPLES THAT LEAD TO A DIFFERENT FUTURE.

NOW WE NEED OUR BEST ROCKS BECAUSE THAT OLD SAYING, THOSE WHO CAN DO AND THOSE WHO CAN'T TEACH HAS BEEN WRONG.

SURE, THOSE WHO CAN DO.

CAN DO IT BEST.

TEACH OUR NEXT IS NONPROFIT LEADER.

FROM VIRGINIA, PLEASE WELCOME 1990 ACADEMIC ALLSTATER.

KYLE REYNOLDS DEDICATED HIS CAREER TO GIVE BACK TO THE ALMA MATER.

SINCE TAKING THE HELM OF THE SUPERINTENDENT IN 2014, HE FOCUSES ON BUILDING BRIDGES AND CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO EXCEL BOTH IN ACADEMICS AND IN LIFE.

WHEN DR. REYNOLDS SAW THE STUDENTS, HE PARTNERED WITH SUPPORTERS BRUCE BEN BROOK TO CREATE A HANDS ON AFTER SCHOOL STEM PROGRAM.

THE DROPOUT RATES AND SKILLS GAP MARKET, HE PARTNERED WITH A LOCAL TECH TO INTRODUCE TAPS.

TECHNICAL APPLICATION PROGRAM.

THE INTRODUCING MIDDLE SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES TO TECHNICAL OPPORTUNITIES.

SUPPORT BEHAVIORAL ISSUES, DR. REYNOLDS TEAM RECEIVED A MULTIMILLION GRANT TO PROVIDE COUNSELLORS AND MENTAL FIRST AID TRAINING FOR ALL TEACHERS IN THE DISTRICT.

IN ADDITION HE PARTNERED WITH THE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES TO HELP JUVENILE OFFENDERS STAY IN SCHOOL AND RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.

IN EVERY DECISION HE MAKES FOR THE STUDENTS, KYLE REYNOLDS MANTRA MEANS, ALL MEANS ALL.

LINDA HARRISON: HE IS IN IT FOR THE KIDS.

AND KYLE'S MANTRA IS "ALL MEANS ALL."

AND WHEN HE SAYS HE'S IN IT FOR ALL THE KIDS, HE'S IN IT FOR ALL THE KIDS.

BRUCE BENBROOK: HE REALIZES THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS THERE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE, AND HE STEPS FORWARD AND MAKES SURE THAT ANY PROGRAM THAT WE HAVE BENEFITS ALL STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM.

DR. KYLE REYNOLDS: A HUGE NEED THAT WE HAVE IS OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, WHEN THEY ARE SUSPENDED, USUALLY THEY GO HOME TO AN ENVIRONMENT THAT'S NOT VERY GOOD.

AND YOU CAN JUST BASICALLY PUSH PAUSE ON THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRESS AT THAT POINT.

MS. HARRISON: THOSE KIDS NEED ADVOCATES, THEY NEED SUPPORT.

MR. REYNOLDS: OUT OF THAT CAME COPE -- COMMUNITY, OUTREACH, PREVENTION AND EDUCATION.

THOSE STUDENTS CAN GO TO WESTERN PLAINS.

WE STILL SEND THEIR SCHOOL FOOD THERE, SO THEY HAVE SCHOOL MEALS.

WE SEND THEIR LESSONS OUT THERE ELECTRONICALLY, SO THEIR EDUCATION CONTINUES AND THEY GET COUNSELING.

KEVIN EVANS: WHAT I LOVE ABOUT COPE -- AND WE'VE GOT THE OUTCOMES TO PROVE THIS -- IS THAT WHEN THEY COME HERE, EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY COME TO US AS A 5TH GRADER, THEY MAY BE READING AT A 4TH GRADE OR A 3RD GRADE LEVEL, AND ARE WAY BEHIND IN SCHOOL.

AND WHAT WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF IS THAT ALMOST EVERY KID THAT WE'VE HAD SO FAR -- WE STARTED THIS IN AUGUST -- HAS LEFT MUCH, MUCH BETTER, MUCH, MUCH MORE ADVANCED IN THEIR GRADE LEVELS THAN WHEN THEY CAME.

AND WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF THAT.

DR. REYNOLDS: THE TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS PROGRAM SERVES WOODWARD'S 6TH GRADERS ALL THE WAY THROUGH 9TH GRADE, AND THEIR DAY IS HANDS ON.

THEY'RE MOVING, THEY'RE AROUND THE CLASSROOM WITH THEIR HANDS-ON PROJECTS FROM CONSTRUCTIONS TRADES TO WIND ENERGY, TO MECHANICS -- DIESEL MECHANICS -- AND WELDING.

MR. BENBROOK: TAP IS AWESOME.

TAP MAKES KIDS WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL.

MS. HARRISON: IT GIVES CHILDREN MOTIVATION.

I MEAN, THEY SEE LEARNING IN ACTION.

DR. REYNOLDS: AND SO WHEN WE FIND THAT THING THAT GETS THEM EXCITED ABOUT SCHOOL, THEN SCHOOL BECOMES RELEVANT AND WE HAVE REDUCED THAT DROPOUT RISK EXPONENTIALLY.

WHAT'S UP?

OUR MOTTO AT WOODWARD SCHOOL SAYS "WOODWARD LEARNERS WILL BECOME LIFELONG LEARNERS WITH A PIONEER SPIRIT."

IT DOESN'T SAY MOST OF THEM, IT DOESN'T SAY 75% OF THEM.

IT'S ALL!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME THE SUPERINTENDENT OF WOODWARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DR. KYLE REYNOLDS.

[APPLAUSE] >> I AM THANKFUL FOR THE EDITING IN THE VIDEO.

I GOT SMOKED ON THE BASKETBALL COURT WITH A SEVENTH GRADER WITH AN ARM IN THE CAST.

MY IMPORTANT PART OF THE JOB IS HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON OTHERS AND TO DO THAT IN WAYS THAT MAKES LIVES BETTER.

TO SHAPE EACH STUDENT'S HANDS AS THEY WALK ACROSS THE STAGE IS THE HONOR OF MY LIFE.

>> GUIDING PRESENCE -- YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT CAN'T MAKE HIM DRINK.

KIDS, FIRST, ALWAYS.

SOME KIDS LOVE TO COME TO SCHOOL.

OTHERS COME TO SCHOOL TO KNOW LOVED.

WE FOCUS IN OUR DISTRICT HEAVYY ON PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND THAT MAKES US REALIZE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN A STUDENT'S EDUCATION IS THE TEACHER, THAT ONLY IF THE TEACHER IS COLLABORATING AND FINE-TUNING THEIR CRAFT AND WORKING WITH COLLEAGUES IN A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND CYCLE.

WE LEARNED THE MANTRA MEANS, ALL MEANS ALL.

IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO SAY.

I TAUGHT IT AND THE STUDENT DIDN'T LEARN IT AND THEY SHOULD WORK HARDER.

NO, WE SHIFTED CULTURE TO SAY.

I TAUGHT IT AND THE STUDENT DIDN'T LEARN IT.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO REACH THAT CHILD.

WE KNOW THAT OKLAHOMA STUDENTS HAVE HIGHER RATES OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA THAN MOST KIDS IN THE UNITED STATES.

WE KNOW HOW DEVASTATING THE EFFECTS CAN BE IF THEY GO UNCHECKED.

WE HAVE MULTITIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT AND IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATORS AND NOT ONLY ARE WE IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC OUTCOMES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE GIVE STUDENTS A CHANCE FOR BETTER AND LONGER LIVES.

I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL AWARD FOR MOST SUPPORTERS TO RECEIVE THE EVENT TONIGHT.

TO THOSE OF YOU IN THE THREE TABLES THAT TRAVELLED 200 MILES TO BE HERE WITH ME TONIGHT, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

GOD PLACED SO MANY IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE JUST TO MENTOR AND ENCOURAGE ME AND KEEP ME FOCUSED ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

IN AM GRATEFUL FOR MY WIFE STACEY WHO IS MY ROCK FOR 40 YEARS.

THANK YOU TO LINDA HARRISON, ALWAYS NUDGING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND NOMINATING ME FOR THE AWARD.

THANK YOU, BRUCE BEN DETERIORATE BROOK FOR BEING MY INSPIRATION AND KEVIN EVANS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUSTED FRIENDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP AND COMMON GOAL OF DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN FOR KIDS.

THANK YOU TO THE FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE FOR THE OVERWHELMING HONOR.

[APPLAUSE] >> BEFORE WE PRESENT OUR MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL, WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL TREAT FOR YOU.

OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IS PLEASED TO WELCOME THE TULSA YOUTH SYMPHONY.

IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1963 TO PROVIDE ADVANCED MUSICAL TRAINING AND EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMUNITY LEADERS OF THE FUTURE.

THERE IS NO MORE FITTING TRIBUTE THAN HAVE THIS OUTSTANDING GROUP OF YOUNG TALENTED MUSICIAN TO HELP SAABSOLUTE ACADEMIC ALSTATERS AND MEDAL RECIPIENTS.

IT IS LED BY CONTACTOR RICHARD WAGNER WHO IS A DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PERFORMING THE HUNGARIAN MARCH, HERE IS THE TULSA YOUTH SYMPHONY.

[APPLAUSE] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [APPLAUSE] AND NOW WE CONTINUE WITH THE PRESENTATION OF OUR OKLAHOMA MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

PRESENTING OUR NEXT AWARD IS ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCHER AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE OU.

WELCOME FROM EDMOND 2003 ACADEMIC ALSTATER, HEATHER RICE.

[APPLAUSE] HUNDREDS OF OPTTOMTRIST TRACE THEIR JOURNEY BACK TO THE CLASSROOM OF DR. ALISA PROCTOR.

SHE IS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND SHE HAS AN ENGAGING TEACHING STYLE.

DR. PROCTOR TEACHES CLINICAL MATHS AND MEDIATRIC CARE.

SHE HAS CASES, CLINICAL EXPERIENCES AND NATIONAL BOARD OBJECTIVES TO HELP STUDENTS TO BE COMPETENT CARING PROFESSIONALS.

HER FIRST HERE OPTOMETRY STUDENTS PRACTICE AND CONDUCT VISUAL SCREENING IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

IN THE PAST YEARS, THEY HAVE GIVEN IMPORTANT VISION CARE TO 21,000 CHILDREN.

SHE SERVES AS A FACULTY ADVISOR FOR A STUDENT HUMANITARIAN GROUPS TO HONDURAS.

HER STUDENTS HAVE EXAMINED THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS AND HAVE BROUGHT THE GIFTS OF CLEAR SIGHT TO MANY FOR THE FIRST TIME.

TO HER STUDENT AND COLLEAGUES, DR. PROCTOR MODELS PASSION, SERVICE AND KINDNESS IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES.

( BIRDS CHIRPING ) >> THE OKLAHOMA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY IS WONDERFUL.

WE ARE THE ONLY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY IN OKLAHOMA.

WE ARE THE SMALLED COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY.

DR. NEAL WHITTLE: ONE OF THE THINGS THAT SETS APART THIS PARTICULAR SCHOOL MAYBE FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IS THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE THAT OUR STUDENTS GET.

THINGS THAT SETS APART THIS PARTICULAR SCHOOL MAYBE FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IS THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE THAT OUR STUDENTS GET.

DR. ALISSA PROCTOR: I'M VERY MUCH A SIGNIFICANT BELIEVER THAT YOU LEARN BY DOING.

SO WE HAVE TO DO THIS ACTIVITY.

WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IT, WE'VE LOOKED AT IT, WE'VE TESTED ON IT, BUT NOW LET'S DO IT.

DR. KELSEY BUFORD: NINETY PERCENT OF WHAT WE LEARN COMES THROUGH OUR EYES.

AND SO BEING ABLE TO DETECT A VISION PROBLEM EARLY MIGHT CHANGE THE CHIDREN'S ENTIRE LIFE.

>> I'M CHECKING YOUR EYE MOVEMENT.

DR. WHITTLE: SO THE SCHOOL SCREENINGS -- THEY ALSO SOMETIMES HAVE THE NICKNAME "SCHOOL SCREAMINGS, " DEPENDING ON WHAT YEAR OF KIDS YOU ARE WORKING WITH.

JAZMINE CASIAS: SO YOU'RE SO SCARED AND YOU'RE SO TIMID -- BRYLEY BANKS: NERVOUS.

JAZMINE: -- BECAUSE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN WITH, YOU KNOW, YOU PRACTICE ON EACH OTHER AND IT'S DIFFERENT.

YOU KIND OF KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.

AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU HAVE THESE LITTLE CHILDREN.

AND DR. PROCTOR, SHE EASES ALL OF THOSE STRESSORS THAT YOU FEEL -- THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE GOOD ENOUGH OR THAT YOU CAN'T DO THIS, OR YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO SERVE THESE CHILDREN.

AND SHE'S THERE TO TELL YOU "YOU'RE DOING GOOD."

BRYLEY: BUT MORE THAN THAT.

SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW WE ARE VALUED AND LOVED IN HER CLASSROOM.

IT'S A SAFE PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS AND MAKE MISTAKES.

DR. WHITTLE: IT'S CLEAR THAT SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT SHE DOES.

EVERY YEAR, THEY'VE BEEN GOING TO HONDURAS FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS TO PROVIDE FREE EYE CARE TO PEOPLE THAT NEED IT.

THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT SHE HAS TO DO BUT IT'S SOMETHING THAT SHE WANTS TO DO.

DR. PROCTOR: AS AN OPTOMETRIST, SOMETIMES YOU PRESCRIBE THE PRESCRIPTION BUT THEN THE PATIENT GETS THE GLASSES.

YOU DON'T ALWAYS KNOW HOW THEY DO.

BUT ON MISSION TRIPS, YOU'RE PUTTING THE GLASSES RIGHT ON THE PATIENT'S FACE IF YOU HAVE THEM.

AND TO SEE THAT "AHA" MOMENT -- THAT BEAUTY THAT "OH, MY GOSH, THIS IS AMAZING."

AUBRY TACKETT: I HAVE A BACK POCKET FULL OF QUOTES FROM DR. PROCTOR TO GET ME THROUGH HARD DAYS.

ONE DAY IN PARTICULAR I WAS PRETTY STRESSED OUT.

AND SHE SAID, "IT'S KIND OF LIKE JUGGLING.

IF YOU DROP ONE THING, THE IMPORTANT ONES WILL BOUNCE BACK UP TO YOU."

LAUDAN HATAMI: I THINK SHE HAS PURPOSE IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES.

AND THE INTENTION REALLY MATTERS.

DR. PROCTOR: EVERYTHING I DO IN OPTOMOETRY IS NOT JUST ABOUT ONE TO ONE -- ME DOING IT.

IT'S ABOUT ME TEACHING YOU SO THAT YOU CAN DO IT BECAUSE THAT'S AN EXPONENTIAL GAIN.

>> IT IS A REGIONAL UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHER NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY.

DR. ALISSA PROCTOR.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU.

WHAT A WONDERFUL EVENING.

CELEBRATING AMAZING EDUCATOR AND OUTSTANDING STUDENTS.

HOW INSPIRING.

I AM TRULY HUMBLED AND HONORED TO BE WITH YOU TONIGHT.

IF YOU PEEK INSIDE MY GRADE BOOK.

YOU MIGHT NOTICE I WANTED TO BE A TEACHER SINCE FIRST GRAIM GRADE.

I WANTED TO HELP OTHERSMENT I FAILED MY VISION STREECHING.

SO I COULD COMBINE MY LOVE OF OPTOMETRY AND TEACHING.

SOME DAY YOU MAY FEEL CALLED, TOO.

I AM A MODEL TO MY STUDENT AND IN CLASS, AS I DO LOVE ME BROADWAY, A SINGER.

THANK YOU TO THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE TO SPOTLIGHT THE MANY WAYS EDUCATION INSPIRES AND CHANGES LIVES.

MY TEACHING IS INSPIRED BY MY STUDENTS AND RESIDENCE AND COLLEAGUE AND PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY AND MY FAMILY.

JACKSON AND ASHTON, I AM BLESSED TO BE YOUR MOM.

BEING ON THE FRONT ROW OF WATCHING YOU GROW, HAS MADE ME TO BE A BETTER TEACHER AND PERSON.

JASON, THANK YOU FOR PUSHING ME AND TEACHING ME ABOUT THE ART OF TEACHING AND SHARING SPACE WITH ME TO PROCESS AND PROBLEM SOLVE AS I CONTINUE TO GROW AS AN EDUCATOR.

I LOVE OUR LIFE TOGETHER AS WE PURSUE EXCELLENCE.

YOU THREE ARE MY WORLD THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN AND I LOVE YOU BUNCHES.

THANK YOU.

MRAUZ MRAUDZ -- [APPLAUSE] >> OUR FINAL PRESENT OR IS A FELLOW IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA.

PLEASE WELCOME FROM OKLAHOMA CITY, 2005 ACADEMIC ALL STATER MARIO FRANKLIN.

[APPLAUSE] FOR MANY STUDENTS, SIGNATURES LIKE CONGRESSES AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CAN BE TEDIOUS AND CHALLENGING.

BUT FOR THE STUDENTS IN THE AGRI BUSINESS THESE TOPICS ARE MEMORABLE.

DR. NORWOOD'S GOAL IS TO GET THEM STUDENTS.

TO HELP STUDENTS CONNECT WITH THE MATERIAL, HE USES HUMOR.

STUDENTS GATHER IN THE BASEBALL FIELD, HIT THREE BALLS AS FAR AS THEY CAN AND COLLECT DATA TO DETERMINE WHY SOME HIT IT FARTHER THAN OTHERS.

THIS BRINGS COMPLEX PHYSICAL CONCEPTS TO LIFE.

DR. NORWOOD TEACHES COURSES TO EXPLORE SCIENCE, AND CONTROVERSY BEHIND AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING.

AS PART OF THE COURSE, STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT FOOD FRUKZ AND GROW A GARDEN IN A LOCAL FOOD PANTRY.

HE BRINGS CHALLENGING TOPICS TO LIVE AND ENHANCING THEIR CAPABILITIES OF LIFELONG LEARNERS.

HE IS A MENTOR AND CHEERLEADER TO HELP SCHOOLS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.

DR. F. BAILEY NORWOOD: YOU KNOW, STUDENTS HAVE SPENT EIGHT, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF THEIR LIFE JUST SITTING IN A DESK, LOOKING AT A CHALKBOARD.

AND THEY'RE YOUNG, THEY'RE FULL OF ENERGY, AND THEY'RE TIRED OF IT.

AND THEY WANT TO GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING.

WHEN I TEACH STATISTICS, WE GO OUT TO THE SOFTBALL FIELD, WE HIT SOFTBALLS, AND WE MEASURE HOW FAR THE BALLS GO.

RYAN LOY: YOU KNOW, I DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT STATISTICS BEFORE I TOOK DR. NORWOOD'S COURSES, BUT YOU KNOW, THE WAY HE TEACHES IT AND THE WAY HE HIGHLIGHTS CERTAIN IDEAS OF MAYBE A COMPLICATED STATISTICAL THOUGHT, EVERYBODY CAN UNDERSTAND IT.

EACH STUDENT IN THE FARM TO FORK CLASS HAS TO DO A PROJECT.

AND ONE, THEY CAN EITHER WRITE A PAPER, OR THEY CAN COME OUT TO THE GARDEN AND WORK WITH ME.

JUST TAKE THE WHOLE THING AND PUT IT IN THE BUCKET.

KELLIE CURRY RAPER: THE HARVEST FROM THE GARDEN, THAT ALL GETS DONATED TO THE FOOD BANK, AND HE TALKS TO THE STUDENTS AS THEY'RE WORKING ON THAT.

THEY BUILD THIS COMARADERIE.

AND THEY RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE, OF AGRICULTURE AND FEEDING PEOPLE.

BUT TWO, THAT SENSE OF PURPOSE THAT COMES ALONG WITH THOSE ACTIVITIES.

TAYA MAXSON: DR. NORWOOD HAS DONE NOTHING BUT AN EXCELLENT JOB OF MAKING SURE THAT HIS STUDENTS ARE AWARE OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY.

DEB VANOVERBEKE: THOSE STUDENTS WILL GO INTO BANKING, THEY'LL GO INTO SALES, THEY'LL GO INTO MARKETING.

THEY'LL GO INTO A WIDE VARIETY OF CAREERS.

SOME OF THEM MAY EVEN GO BACK TO THE FARM OR RANCH.

AND SO WHAT HE'S PREPARING STUDENTS TO DO IS TO JUST BE HONEST, HARDWORKING INDIVIDUALS WHEREVER THEY GO.

DR. NORWOOD: BUT IF THEY REMEMBER FEELING LIKE WHAT WE TAUGHT WAS IMPORTANT, AND FEELING LIKE THEY GOT MORE THAN THEIR MONEY'S WORTH, THAT'S WHAT I WANT.

RYAN: AND THERE'S NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT I WOULD NOT BE SOON TO BE GETTING MY PHD IF IT WAS NOT FOR DR. NORWOOD, SO I REALLY CANNOT THANK HIM ENOUGH.

AND YOU KNOW, I CAN SAY "THANK YOU" FOREVER AND IT STILL WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH.

DR. NORWOOD: AND THEY REMEMBER FEELING CARED FOR, FEELING IMPORTANT, AND FEELING LIKE WHEN THEY COME INTO THE CLASSROOM, THEY ARE THE CENTER OF THE WORLD.

>> PLEASE WELCOME THE RECIPIENT OF THE OKLAHOMA MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH UNIVERSITY TEACHING FROM OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, DR. BAILEY NORWOOD.

[APPLAUSE] >> WHEN I BEGAN COLLEGE IN 1992, I WAS ONLY INTERESTED IN TWO THINGS.

RODEO AND GIRLS AND LEARNING WAS NOT ON THAT LIST.

TIMES HAVE CHANGED.

I DON'T RODEO ANYMORE.

THERE IS ONLY ONE GIRL I AM INTERESTED IN, MY WIFE AND NOW LEARNING IS ON THAT LIST AND IT WAS REALLY ONE PERSON WHO MADE THAT HAPPEN.

HIS NAME WAS ROBERT MCCORMICK AND HE TAUGHT ME ECONOMICS IN THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY.

AS A TEACHER HE DID ONE THING BUT DID IT WELL.

HE TAUGHT ME HOW POWERFUL SIMPLE LOGIC CAN BE.

HE CAME TO THE CLASS ONE DAY AND TOLD US TO WRITE DOWN A BUSINESS THAT WE PURCHASE BUT DON'T SELL.

A PLACE TO GIVE MONEY TO AND NOT TAKE MONEY FROM.

I WROTE DOWN WALMART.

HE ASKED US IS THIS A PROBLEM?

OBVIOUSLY IT ISN'T?

WHY ARE WE CONCERNED ABOUT THE TRADE DEFICIT WITH A SPECIFIC COUNTRY?

THAT HIT ME.

THIS WAS THE '90'S AND EVERY DAY THERE WAS A NEW'S ARTICLE ABOUT THE TRADE DEFICIT WITH JAPAN AND WHAT WE SHOULD DO ABOUT IT.

BUT WITH ONE SIMPLE QUESTION.

HE POINTED OUT THE FOLLY.

THE ONE QUESTION TAUGHT ME HOW POWERFUL LOGIC AND OBSERVATION CAN BE.

AND I WENT FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT CARE IF HE GRADUATED AT ALL.

TO SOMEONE WHO KNEW WOULD DO WHATEVER IT WOULD BE TO BE A PROFESSOR.

I LEARNED HOW POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS IDEAS CAN BE.

I STUDIED AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS.

THIS IS A STUDY OF HOW WE MAKE SURE PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO AN ABUNDANT AND HEALTHY FOOD SUPPLY.

AND WE TEND TO THINK OF PEOPLE AS A MATTER OF TECHNOLOGY AND WEATHER.

RAISING THE RIGHT CROPS IN THE RIGHT WAY.

BUT IN GRAUNT STUDIES, I LEARNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WORLD EXPERIENCED HORRIBLE FAMINES.

NONE WERE CAUSED BY POOR TECHNOLOGY OR WEATHER.

TENS OF MILLIONS HAVE DIED FROM ECONOMY.

THE DANGEROUS PART THAT NO ONE WAS ALLOWED TO QUESTION IT REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY PEOPLE STARVED.

LEARNING THAT MADE ME IN DR. McCORMICK'S CLASS, HE DIDN'T TELL US WHAT TO THINK BUT SHOWED US HOW TO THINK.

WE SORTED THE GOOD QUESTIONS FROM THE BAD.

IDEAS ARE USED FOR GOOD AND USED FOR BAD.

BUT TO INSURE THAT WE USED THESE TOOLS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANKIND, WE HAVE TO TEACH STUDENTS TO BE BRAVE TO QUESTION IDEAS AND WISE ENOUGH TO UNCOVER TRUTH.

THAT'S WHAT DR. McCORMICK TAUGHT ME.

WHAT ALL OF THE TEACHERS THAT ARE GOOD HERE TONIGHT DO.

OF COURSE, I AM UP HERE ALL ALONE, BUT AN EFFECTIVE TEACHER REQUIRES HAVING THE TIME AND THE RESOURCES TO ACTUALLY CONCENTRATE ON TEACHING ITSELF.

STUDENTS AREN'T AWARE OF THIS.

ONE REASON I CONCENTRATE ON TEACHING OSU HAS COMPETENT, DILIGENT STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS.

AND YOU KNOW, TEACHING IS A TEAM SPORT AND THOUGH I STAND UP HERE ALONE, IT IS A WIN FOR THE OSU TEAM.

AS A TEAM, WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION FOR THIS RECOGNITION.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, IT IS MY GREAT HONOR TO INTRODUCE THE KEY NOTE SPEAKER AND SUCCESSFUL AUTHOR AND FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO WIN A PULLLIT XER PRIZE.

SHE IS ON NEW MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE THAT PROVIDE A SUSTAINABLE ASSOCIATE IMPACT.

SHE WAS PREVIOUSLY VICE-PRESIDENT AT GOLDMAN SAC HS AND WORKED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BOTH AS A JOURNALIST AND EXECUTIVE.

CHERYL AND HER HUSBAND ARE CO-AUTHORS OF TIGHTROPE, AMERICANS REACHING FOR HOPE.

A 2020 BEST SELLING BOOK THAT EXPLORES CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE AMERICAN WORKING CLASS.

IN 2014, CHERYL AND HER HUSBAND CO-AUTHOR THE A PATH APPEARS AND IT WAS A FLEE- PART PBS DOCUMENTARY.

TURNING OPPRESSION FOR WOMEN WORLDWIDE WAS A NUMBER ONE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER AND A POPULAR DOCUMENTARY SERIES ON PBS.

THEY HAVE CO-AUTHORED BOOKS ABOUT ASIA AND RECEIVED A PRIZE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL REPORTING OF THE PROTEST IN CHINA.

SHE EARNED A MBA FROM PRINCETON AND NBA FROM HARVARD BUSINESS.

AN CORNEL UNIVERSITY.

SHE'S BEEN ON NPR.

AND MEET THE PRESS AND THE COLBERT REPORT.

NEWS WEEK SAID SHE IS PART OF THE WOMEN SHAPING THE WORLD AND MADE A MEMBER OF THE 2023 OF ACADEMIC ALSTATERS.

JOIN ME IN WELCOMING OUR SPEAKER.

>> IT IS AWE REAL HONOR TO BE HERE AND MEET AMAZING ACHIEVERS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL AND TEACHERS LEVEL.

I AM GRATIFIED TO BE IN WONDERFUL COMPANY.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'VE WORKED INCREDIBLY HARD AND YOU KNOW, YOU ARE IN GREAT COMPANY, EACH OTHER.

AND SOME OF YOU HAVE DONE, ALL OF YOU HAVE DONE AMAZING WORK.

SOME OF YOU WRITTEN PAPERS IN WORLD FAMOUS JOURNALS AND OTHERS DEBATE CHAMPIONS AND OTHERS ARE STARTING THEIR OWN ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS.

SO, REALLY KUDOS TO THAT.

YOU EARNED GREAT COMPANY IN ANOTHER FORM.

YOUR FAMILY, SCHOOL AND TEACHERS.

SO LET'S GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED YOU.

[APPLAUSE] YOU ARE NOW AT A PRECIPICE OF A NEW ERA OF YOUR LIFE AND MUST FEEL YOU ARE JUMPING IN THE UNKNOWN, THAT IS COLLEGE.

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER MIGHT BE BESIDES COLLEGE.

THERE IS A TENDENCY SOMETIMES TO CLUSTER AROUND THE FAMILIAR.

PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF.

TO SEEK COMFORT IN THAT FAMILIARITY WHEN YOU ARE IN AN UNFAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT.

THAT'S NATURAL.

BUT I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE OPPOSITE.

PUSH BACK ON THAT IMPULSE.

YOU LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU WILL FROM YOUR PROFESSOR, EXCUSE ME, PROFESSORS, AS YOU WILL FROM YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS AND YOU MAY LEARN FROM STUDENTS WHO COME FROM A TOTALLY DIFFERENT BACKGROUND THAN YOU.

AND STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS, DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND WHO HAVE FACED DIFFERENT CHALLENGES, HAD DIFFERENT ACHIEVEMENTES.

YOU MIGHT COME ACROSS SOMEONE LIKE BEATRICE.

SHE GREW UP IN UGANDA NEAR THE CONGRESS FERVO BORDER.

HER PARENTS COULD NOT AFFORD TO SEND HER TO SCHOOL.

IF SHE HAD BEEN A BOY, MAYBE THEY WOULD HAVE.

BUT SHE WASN'T.

PEOPLE DON'T THINK THERE THAT IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO EDUCATE GIRLS AND BESIDES, THEY ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY CAN DO CHORES.

SO OTHER KIDS WENT TO SCHOOL AND BEATRICE STAYED HOME.

THEN A GROUP IN CONNECTICUT, THEY SENT MONEY TO AN AID GROUP IN ARKANSAS.

ONE, YOUNG IN HEFER BOUGHT GOAT SYSTEM SENT THEM TO UGANDA.

ONE OF THOSE PREGNANT GOATS WENT TO BEATRICE'S PARENTS AND THE FAMILY TOOK THE GOAT AND IT ENDED UP HAVING TWINS AND GAVE ONE OF THE GOATS TO YOU KNOW, ANOTHER FAMILY.

THE GOAT WAS PRODUCING MILK AND SO THEY KEPT THE OTHER GOAT WHICH WAS A MALE AND THEY STARTED TO DRINK THE MILK AND THEY GOT STRONGER AND HEALTHIER AND THEN THEY STARTED TO SELL THE MILK.

THEY STARTED TO GET MONEY AND ACCUMULATING MONEY.

AND PRETTY SOON, THEY HAD ENOUGH MONEY THEY SAID, MAYBE BEATRICE CAN GO TO SCHOOL BECAUSE WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.

NOT ONLY DID THEY HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO SEND HER TO SCHOOL, BUT THEY HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO PAINT THE HOUSE, TO REPAIR ALL OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE HOUSE AND PUT A NEW TIN ROOF ON THE HOUSE THAT DIDN'T LEAK.

BEATRICE WAS DELIGHTED, ALL OF THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY WERE GETTING HEALTHIER AND BEATRICE STARTED IN THE FIRST GRADE.

SHE WAS NINE YEARS OLD AND SHE WAS WITH SIXTH GRADERS, BUT SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO BE IN SCHOOL.

SHE ROCKETED TO THE TOP OF THE CLASS AND STAYED THAT WAY THROUGHOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THEN HIGH SCHOOL.

SHE DID EXTREMELY WELL.

SO THAT SHE ENDED UP APPLYING TO AN AMERICAN COLLEGE.

SHE GOT IN AND AFTER A WHILE, SHE GOT A SCHOLARSHIP AND GRADUATED FROM CONNECTICUT COLLEGE.

NOW, LET'S TAKE A SECOND LOOK.

THIS IS NOT A STORY JUST ABOUT BEATRICE.

IT IS A STORY OF HOW YOU CAN BRING CHANGE TO A SMALL PART OF THE WORLD WITHOUT A LOT OF INVESTMENT.

TALK ABOUT THAT GOAT.

SO, HEIFER INTERNATIONAL DOESN'T GIVE FOOD OR AID, IT GIVES GOATS, CHICKENS, GEESE, BEES, THIS ALLOWS FAMILIES TO EARN A LIVING.

AFTER BEATRICE'S FAMILY RECEIVED THE GOAT AND THE GOAT HAD TWINS, THEY PAID IT FORWARD BY GIVING THE FEMALE PREGNANT GOAT TO ANOTHER FAMILY IN NEED.

AND AS I SAID, THEY STILL GOT GOAT MILK BECAUSE THE GOAT WAS PRODUCING MILK.

THEY IMPROVED THEIR HOUSEHOLD.

IT WAS NOT JUST BEATRICE WHO GAVE THANKS TO THE GOAT BUT THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY WHO GAVE THANKS TO THE GOAT, AND GEESE, AND CHICKEN AND BEES.

IT GAVE THEM A NEW LEASE ON LIFE AND LIVELIHOOD.

IT WAS A CYCLE THAT WAS SET IN MOTION.

THAT IS HOW YOU GIVE PEOPLE TOOLS TO CREATE.

WHETHER IN BUSINESS OR IN ORGANIZATIONS OR IN NONPROFITS OR MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE.

AT A COLLEGE GRADUATION PARTY, BEATRICE PROCLAIMED HERSELF THE LUCKYIST GIRL BECAUSE OF A GOAT.

WE SOMETIMES THINK THAT THE PEOPLE WHO CHANGE THE WORLD ARE PRESIDENTS, SUPREME COURT JUSTICES.

AND WHILE A FEW OF YOU MAY BE PRESIDENT, YOU MAY BE A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, IT IS MORE LIKELY YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO GIVE A GOAT OR ANOTHER FORM OF AGENCY TO SOMEONE.

BUT WITH THAT GIFT, YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN STORIES OF CHANGE.

LOOK, MAKING A DIFFERENCE, HELPING OTHERS IS & THEY WANTED FOR HER BIRTHDAY.

SHE TRACKED THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT CAME IN ON THE BIRTHDAY PAGE ON THE CHAR ITY WATER WEBSITE.

RACHAEL WAS HAPPY DONATIONS WERE CLIMBING AND OTHER PEOPLE HAD DONE SO SUCCESSFULLY IN THEIR BIRTHDAY CAMPAIGNS AND SO SHE WAS EXCITED ABOUT LAUNCHING HERS.

BUT AS SHE STARTED, SHE SAW THAT SHE WAS RAISING THE NATIONAL 100 AND THEY SPUTTERED 220, LESS THAN HER GOAL.

EIGHT DAYS AFTER HER 9th BIRTHDAY, TRAGEDY STRUCK.

RACHAEL WAS DRIVING WITH HER FAMILY AND THERE WAS A COLLISION AND RACHAEL'S CAR WAS IMPACTED.

RACHAEL ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL.

SHE WAS CRITICALLY INJURED.

IN THE DAYS THAT ENSUED, HER FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CHURCH MEMBERS FELT AT A LOSS OF HOW TO HELP HER AND RECALL THAT SHE LAUNCHED THE BIRTHDAY CAMPAIGN ON CHAR ITY WATER.

AND SO THEY STARTED TO DONATE TO HER CHAR ITY CAMPAIGN AND DONATE AT LEAST 300 A GOAL AND THEN A THOUSAND AND THEN $5,000.

THEN $10,000.

AS RACHAEL FROM HER HOSPITAL BED, STILL WAS JUST NOT IMPROVING, EVERYBODY FELT MORE HELPLESS.

THEY POURED MORE MONEY.

IT WAS HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

SHE SET A RECORD.

HER PARENTS SAID SHE BEAT THE RECORD SET BY JUSTIN BEEBER.

THEN RACHAEL DID NOT MAKE IT.

HER PARENTS MADE THE DECISION TO TAKE HER OFF LIFE SUPPORT.

SHE DIED SURROUNDED BY HER FAMILY AND BY A GROWING LEGEND OF A GIRL WHO HAD DONE SOMETHING FOR PEOPLE HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD.

PEOPLE MOVED BY WHAT SHE HAD DONE AND BY HER BIG HEART, FEELING HELPLESS, THEY STARTED TO DONATE MORE TO HER, MOSTLY IN $NINE INCREMENTS AND PRETTY SOON.

HER CAMPAIGN RAISED MILLION $265,823 ENOUGH TO PROVIDE WATER FOR 35000 PEOPLE IN AFRICA.

IT IS NOT A PRICE ANYONE SHOULD PAY.

A YEAR AFTER HER DEATH, SAMANTHA PAUL, HER MOM, TRAVELLED TO AFRICA AND WAS STUNNED TO SEE THE IMPACT HER LITTLE GIRL HAD ON 30000 PEOPLE.

SO MANY ETHIOPIAN VILLAGES THAT HAD NO WATER, NOW HAD WATER.

SHE WOULD NEVER GET OVER THE LOSS OF HER DAUGHTER, BUT GLADDENED TO SEE WHAT HER DAUGHTER HAD DONE ABOUT THE MEANING AND PURPOSE THAT HER DAUGHTER'S LIFE HAD.

MOVED BY THE VILLAGERS, AND ALSO THEY WERE SYMPATHETIC ABOUT HER LIFE.

FOR ALL OF US, WE HAVE BUSY CHAOTIC LIVES AND THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF RANDOMNESS TO IT.

SOMETIMES WE GET LUCKY.

RACHAEL'S ACCIDENT WAS TRAGICALLY RANDOM.

GIVING BACK MIGHT NOT MAKE THE RANDOMNESS GO AWAY, BUT GIVES US A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING.

SO THAT THAT RANDOMNESS, THAT RANDOMNESS THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO GROW ACCUSTOMED TO HELP WITH IT.

WHEN SAMANTHA WENT BACK TO VISIT THE PEOPLE IN ETHIOPIA, SHE SAW RACHAEL'S LIFE HAD AN ABUNDANCE OF MEANING, SO MAY YOU ALL HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF MEANING AND PURPOSE WITHOUT THOSE COSTS.

THERE ARE IMMEDIATELY SELFISH REASONS FOR HELPING OTHERS.

SCIENTIST HAVE ACTUALLY HOOKED ME UP SO THAT THEIR BRAINS WERE SCANNED AS THEY RECEIVED GIFTS AND AS THEY GAVE GIFTS.

AND SO, THEY COULD SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE BRAIN AS THEY WERE GIVING AND RECEIVING GIFTS.

THE BRAIN HAS PLEASURE CENTERS, AND WE KNOW.

THAT AND THEY ARE ACTIVATED BY A RANGE OF ACTIVES.

FOOD, FLIRTING, LAUGHER AND SEX, THOSE PLEASURE CENTERS LIGHT UP AS MUCH AS WHEN YOU MAKE A GIFT AS WHEN YOU RECEIVE A GIFT.

PLEASURE FROM GIVING VARIES WITH THE INDIVIDUAL.

BUT HALF OF RESEARCH SUBJECTS SEEMED TO DERIFE MORE PLEASURE FROM GIVING THAN RECEIVING.

WE HEARD THE BIBLICAL FRACHLTZ IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN THOUGH RECEIVE.

BRAIN RESEARCH SHOWS THAT YOU ARE HAPPIER WHEN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO A CAUSE LARGER THAN YOURSELF.

SO THE LESSON IS, WHEN YOU GET STIMIED AND FRUSTRATED, WE ALL HAVE THE MOMENTS WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE GOING GET GOING TO HELP A FRIEND TO HELP A CAUSE THAT IS LARGER THAN YOURSELF.

SO LOOK AT THE STUDENT AT THE NEXT TABLE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT.

REMEMBER THAT, FOR YOU WILL GO ON TO BE THE LEADERS IN YOUR STATE AND COUNTRY.

IN COLLEGE YOU MAY TRY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIOENGINEER AND CREATE HUMAN CHIPS, ORGAN CHIPS TO TEST NEW ANTIDOTES THROUGH THESE ORGAN CHIPS.

OR YOU MAY WRITE BOOKS TO BRIGHT NOVELS OR HELP TO HEAL THE HUMAN CONDITION.

OTHERS MAY FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER RATHER THAN A WORSE PLACE.

YOU JOIN THE LINE OF 37 GROUPS THAT WERE SELECTED FOR A OKLAHOMA EXCELLENCE.

IT IS A SPIRIT OF ACADEMIC RESPONSE AND RESPONSIBILITY DEFINED THE OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE.

YOU ARE THE NEWEST AMBASSADORS.

BE HUMBLE AND GO FORTH AND CHANGE THE WORLD BY FINDING A CAUSE LARGER THAN YOURSELF.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR THOSE INSPIRING WORDS AND I HOPE WE ALL REMEMBER TO GIVE BACK AND FIND A CAUSE LARGER THAN OURSELVES AND LIVE LIFE WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF MEANING.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR PROGRAM TONIGHT SHE WILL BE SIGNING THE BOOK HALF THE SKY AND TIGHTROPE THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE TULSA YOUTH SYMPHONY AND RICHARD WAGNER.

CONGRATULATIONS WITH THE FIVE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS, THE EDUCATORS WHO DEVOTED THEIR LIVES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION.

GREAT TEACHERS ARE THE WITHOUT WHICH THERE IS NOTHING WITH EDUCATION.

EACH OF THE HONOREES WERE INSPIRED BY OTHER GREAT TEACHERS BEFORE THEM.

SO IT GOES.

GENERATION TO GENERATION.

WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND ALL OF THE TEACHERS IN ALL OF THE TABLES.

WE HONOR AND APPRECIATE YOU.

WITHOUT INSPIRING EDUCATORS THAT DEVOTE THEIR LIVES TO EDUCATION, WE WOULD NOT HAVE THESE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS.

SPEAKING OF STUDENTS, WHAT AN ALL-STAR DREAM TEAM.

OKLAHOMA TINIEST CROSS ROADS TO THE BUSTLING CITIES, YOU HAVE COME WITH THE TEACHERS YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO HONOR AND THINKING OF THOSE IN THE CLASSROOMS ALONG AGO WHO LISTENED TO YOU AND LOVED YOU AND SHARED WITH YOU AND GUIDED YOU HERE TONIGHT.

YOUR PARENTS, WITH YOU TONIGHT AND OTHERS WHO RAISED YOU AND WHO'VE LAID AWAKE WONDERING WHAT MORE THEY COULD DO AND HOPING TURNS OUT OKAY.

YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT FOR YOUR LIFE.

CONSIDER THAT FOR A MOMENT.

WHAT AN AMAZING PRIVILEGE AND A REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITY.

WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.

SEIZE THE DAY AND DON'T SQUANDER IT.

AS YOU LEAVE THE ROOM AND TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS TO THAT FUTURE, YOU GO WITH OUR BEST WISH AND HIGHEST HOPES AND GREATEST PRIDE AND OUR DEEP AND ENDURING LOVE AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU WILL DO.

NOW, PLEASE STAND AND JOIN THE TULSA YOUTH SYMPATHY AS WE CLOSE WITH THE MOST MARVELOUS STATE SONG.

♪♪ ♪ [SINGING] ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ [SINGING] ♪ ♪ [SINGING] ♪ ♪♪ [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU ALL.

THANK YOU FOR COMING AND GOOD NIGHT.

[APPLAUSE]