October 6, 2021 Issue, Page 3 of 26

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Hometown Heroes |October 2021 PG3 Erick paraprofessional coaches students and helps with kindergarten while attending college < 4 By Shonda Little is not involved in. In fact, her daughters currently attend Erick’s kindergarten For Alisha Brinkley, Erick has always been home. and second grade. In addition, on the weekends and evenings, The hometown girl, a graduate herself of Erick Public she helps coach Erick’s softball teams. Schools in 2011, knew the Mayberry-esque farming enclave However, in spite of her busy schedule, Brinkley still makes would provide the kind of upbringing she envisioned for her time to attend college at Southwestern Oklahoma State Uni- two young daughters. versity. She aspires to be a teacher. “T always knew this is where I wanted to live,” Brinkley “My plan is to teach at Erick, too. This really is the best gushed. “My family is here. I never wanted to leave.” community someone can live in. Of course, no town is per- Brinkley’s daily schedule is full, and most of it consists of fect, whether big or small, but I can say that the good far, far aiding Erick Public Schools. Her principal was quick to high- outweighs any bad. When you need help, people come run- light the contributions of paraprofessionals and other support ning,” Brinkley exclaimed. staff, noting that they are equally important as teachers and Brinkley admits she has little time for a favorite tv show but administrators to the school’s seamless functions. loves Mexican food. me. | For the first half of the day, Brinkley is a teacher’s assistant When she and her daughters get rare downtime, they enjoy with the kindergarten and the third and fourth grade. visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo, Main Event and Top Golf. In the afternoon, she is the PE teacher for kindergarten “My very favorite thing, though, is having family around. Alisha Brinkley is proud that her two daughters through second grade. You can never get too much time with the people you love,” are attending Erick Public Schools. In the lower elementary, there are few things that Brinkley she said. Thank you to all the ctaff of our area ¢ for your de cation to our child Thank You pP > OMUCATOITS, & Full Blown Jational Bank & Trust of Elk City dl Nutrition Nutrition “Together We Grow” 511 §. Main St 2310 W. 3rd Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Elk City Elk City ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. ¢ 580-225-2580 « hitps//www.nbec:bank SAYRE: 711 NE Highway 66 « 580-928-2580 580 799-7192 405-488-7: