September 27, 2025 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News NEWS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 • 11 Fall Festival Another Successful Year By Sheryl Ponce Last weekend the parking lot was full, and people came from near and far to see the art, crafts, antiques, and eat good food from area vendors. This was another year that appeared to have record num- bers in attendance. With beautiful weather and the convention center booths full of unique items, cus- tomers were able to take their time to shop all of the vendors’ wares. At the end of the weekend, the winners were announced in all of the categories. Those included Best of Show, Best Overall Booth, Handmade/Handcrafted first, sec- ond, and third places, Three Di- mensional first, second, and third, Two-Dimensional first place, and Homemade Edible first place. Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of OREA Hold September Meeting It was a Back-To-School Bash memories to each retiree. Pres- ed. It was a heartwarming story this Unit’s OREA scholarship. Linda’s report on gift baskets an Ireland trip to everyone. for local, retired educators who ident Linda Long welcomed that ended with the statement Tana made a motion to award at OREA “Summer Camp” Con- Information of upcoming gathered September 12 at Elk members Larry Long, Suzanne from a small child, “Teachers the scholarship to one or two ference received favorable com- dates includes OREA Board City United Methodist Church. Walker, Tana Feldman, Karen will save the world.” first year teachers. Larry second- ments and was determined to be Meeting, September 17. The next The fun began with members Whitely, Sharon Gilliland, Janice The Happy Birthday song was ed, the motion carried. Glenda a successful fundraiser. She also local OREA meeting is Octo- scooping ice cream of various Mollet, Stephanie Malone, Nan sung for Stephanie who had a reported 44 members in this reported that gift boxes were giv- ber 10, 10:30 at Elk City United flavors and toppings to build Hubbard, June Lovelace, Mary July birthday—for Sharon, Jan- unit. Volunteer hours for 2025- en to new retirees in this area to Methodist Church. All nearby the best ever, one-of-a-kind, ice Fern Carpenter, Judy Haught, ice, Linda and Larry who had 26 should be turned in to Tana. welcome them to retirement. retirees are welcome and encour- cream sundae. After this tasty Dennis McRee, Cathy Lewis and August birthdays, and for Su- Regarding the legislature, Linda Janice Mollett presented the aged to attend. Brenda Quinn activity of fellowship and fun, Glenda Ivins. zanne’s September birthday. mentioned that several COLA program, “A Taste of Ireland.” She has the devotional and Mary Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of The invocation was given by The minutes were approved as bills have gone to Actuary. There traveled with Collette Travel on a Fern has the program. Hallow- OREA began their first meeting June. The flag salute was led by presented. The treasurer’s report are interim studies being done magnificent tour of Ireland. Her een BINGO will conclude the of 2025-26. The Back to School Judy. was accepted as read. regarding Defined Contribution recollection of the Emerald Isle meeting. theme of red apples and cheer- The story of “The Big Meeting” In committee reports, Su- plan and Defined Benefit plan. was entertaining and enlighten- Nan won the door prize. ful sunflowers brought special was the devotional Tana present- zanne shared information about Pension studies are also ongoing. ing. Janice highly recommended Linda adjourned the meeting. Jack Harrel Leadership Scholarship Established at SWOSU Southwestern Oklahoma State school before setting off on a jour- rel went on to dedicate thirteen legendary educator and a shining ers. University (SWOSU) has an- ney in education that would span years as Executive Secretary of the exemplar of community involve- The Jack Harrel Leadership nounced the establishment of the more than four decades. Harrel Oklahoma Association of School ment. We are deeply honored that Scholarship Fund is stewarded Jack Harrel Leadership Scholar- graduated from SWOSU on 27- Business Officials. He also served the Harrels have asked SWOSU by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. ship Fund. May-1966 where he studied Math- as a Deputy State Superintendent to partner with them to carry on An independent 501 C 3 entity. The fund honors the memory ematics and Physics. of Public Instruction and helped Mr. Harrel’s deep commitment to The Foundation was established of the late Celo Jackson Harrel Harrel went on to earn a Mas- guide the establishment of multi- learning,” said SWOSU Founda- in 1977 to promote philanthropy, – “Jack” to nearly everyone who ter’s in Mathematics from the Uni- ple CareerTech districts in Okla- tion, Inc. Executive Director Mr. award scholarships, and support knew him – who passed away on versity of Arkansas and completed homa. Garrett King. the activities and programs of 30-August-2025. Harrel’s family all but residency for his Doctor of Harrel and his late wife, Darla The Jack Harrel Leadership SWOSU. and friends are generously endow- Education at Oklahoma State Uni- Jo Harrel, were devoted parents of Scholarship will provide endowed For more information, or to ing the fund through charitable versity. three and grandparents of seven. support to SWOSU students contribute to the endowed schol- contributions. Following a trailblazing three “SWOSU is honored to have studying Chemistry, Physics, arship in honor of Mr. Harrel, Harrel was born on decades as Superintendent of the played a part in shaping the minds Math, or Education who have de- please contact the Foundation at The late Celo Jackson “Jack” Harrel 16-March-1943. He grew up in public schools in Fargo, Okeene, of multiple members of the Har- monstrable qualities of leadership 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWO- with his late wife, Darla Jo Harrel. Leedey, where he graduated high Mooreland, and Kingfisher, Har- rel Family. Mr. Jack Harrel was a and a commitment to serving oth- SUFoundation.com.