February 14, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 13

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12• SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 NEWS The Elk City News Oliver Jones speaks on the House floor during the House Page Mock Legislature, “Pageville.” Library Gets Honored by Carnegie Corporation of New York By Sheryl Ponce As a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Carnegie Libraries across the nation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York gifted grants to hundreds of historic libraries. Elk City’s Carnegie Library was one of those recipients of $10,000 to help serve the com- munity. Other communities in Oklahoma that have been part of the historic memorial gifts included Collinsville, El Reno, Frederick, Hobart, Perry, Sapulpa, Tahlequah, and Wagoner. The nine Carnegie libraries that are still at work were named in honor of Scottish immigrant, Andrew Carnegie. He was an industrialist who invested heavily in the spaces of learning. Corporation President Louise Richardson said, “My hope is that this gift serves as a recognition of your commitment, our founder’s legacy, and the importance of this milestone in our nation’s history,” in her announcement concerning the award. Carnegie funded the construction of nearly 1700 public libraries between 1886 and 1917. To be among those early libraries is a testament to the community of Elk City and those local leaders who have supported reading and the historical impact of libraries in the community. Oliver Jones, a senior at Elk City High School, served as a Page for Rep. Nick Archer at the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Runner Up Jessica and her teacher Mrs. Cole Winner Sophia and her teacher, Mrs. Jeffries The four finalists: Jessica Ochoa, Kimberlyn Denney, Justus Brittain and Sophia York. Students Win Free Trip to Washington D.C. SAYRE, OK——Northfork Electric’s 2026 Youth Tour delegates emerged from four finalists on Thursday, February 5 during the cooperative’s annual Youth Tour Contest finals round. Justus Brittain and Sophia York, juniors from Cheyenne High School and Reydon High School, were named winners of the contest. Justus in a student in Ms. Lia Hillman’s English class and Sophia is a student with Mrs. Destiny Jeffries. “It is our goal with the opportunity to educate our youth about the history of rural electrification, member-owned electric cooperatives and the seven cooperative principles,” said Connie Ferrero, NFEC’s Youth Services Coordinator. “This year’s finalists prepared well for the contest and shared a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm during their interviews.” As Youth Tour winners, Brittain and York will each receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. June 13-19 2026 with delegations of other co-op students from across the country. During their trip to Washington D.C., the youth will visit the capital city’s many memorials and museums, Mount Vernon, the Arlington Cemetery and much more. The group will also have the opportunity to visit with many elected officials. Runners-up in the local contest were Jessica Ochoa from Hammon and Kimberlyn Denney from Cheyenne. Denney is also a student of Ms. Hillman and Ochoa is taught by Ms. Mary Cole. As runners-up, both Ochoa and Denney will receive a $500 scholarship. NFEC’s Youth Tour Contest officially began earlier in the school year when 11th grade students in the NFEC service territory were asked to write an essay about an important event that occurred in our nation during their lifetime and how it affected them. The four contest finalists were chosen based on their essays. The finalists presented their essays and completed an interview during the Youth Tour finals round at NFEC headquarters in Sayre. A panel of independent judges determined the winners based on the finalists’ interviews, including their presentation of self and knowledge of electric cooperatives. “We couldn’t be more delighted with the judges’ decision. All four of Runner Up Kimberlyn, Winner Justus and their teacher Ms. Hillman these students will make exceptional representatives of their schools, NFEC and the state of Oklahoma,” said Ferrero. The NFEC Youth Tour contest is open each year to all 11th grade students who live or attend school in the NFEC service territory. Details for the 2027 contest will come out when the 2026-27 school year begins. Archer Praises Elk City Page Oliver Jones OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, recognized Oliver Jones, a senior at Elk City High School, for serving as a Page at the Oklahoma House of Representatives this week. Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government. Jones plans to enlist in the National Guard following graduation. He intends to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he plans to study engineering. At Elk City High School, Jones participates in wrestling, cross country and academic team competitions and has placed third in the state in world history. “Oliver represents the very best of western Oklahoma,” Archer said. “His commitment to academic excellence, athletic discipline and service to our state through the National Guard speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead.” Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They arrive on Sunday afternoon and serve Monday through Thursday in the House Chamber during daily session. Pages also assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber.