February 21, 2026 Issue, Page 9 of 12

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 • 9 NEWS Health and Wellness Expo Plans in the Works By Sheryl Ponce Save the date for Thursday, Sayre High School senior Sophie Ferrero attends a meeting of the House April 23rd, to attend the first Rules Committee with Rep. Nick Archer ever Life and Legacy Health and Wellness Expo. It will be taking place at the Elk City Convention Center. The expo is designed to em- ty, we strive to create a seamless power and support the aging network of care that ensures ev- population in the area. Attend- ery senior in our community has ees will be able to connect with access to the support they need services and programs that may to thrive,” Western noted in her help his/her well-being, inde- announcement about the expo. pendence, and quality of life. For more information about Julie Western, LMSW, with the the Life and Legacy Expo con- Western Oklahoma Alzheimer’s tact Western at 580-225-1738 or Collaborative and Comforting email her at jwestern@ch-hos- Hands Hospice, has been work- pice.com. ing with her planning committee This is an event that his dedi- for months putting together this cated to those who may be some program. She began with an idea of the most vulnerable people to help senior citizens, and her in the community. Plan to help, efforts have grown into this one- attend, and/or support Western day event. in her pursuit of unifying senior “Through collaboration with citizens in accessing services and local organizations, serving our connect with others in the com- Sayre High School senior Sophie Ferrero visits with Gov. Kevin Stitt during Sayre High School senior Sophie Ferrero speaks on the House Floor her time as a House Page. during the Page Mock Legislature, “Pageville;” Western Oklahoma communi- munity. Ferrero Pages at State Capitol for Archer Why I Chose to OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ferrero, the daughter of state golf in 2025. a licensed practical nurse or a Nick Archer, R-Elk City, re- Connie and Josh Ferrero, is “Sophie is an outstanding clinical therapist. cently hosted Sophie Ferrero, a senior at Sayre High School, as a page at the Oklahoma House ranked in the top 10% of her class and has earned recogni- tion on the Superintendent’s representative of Sayre and western Oklahoma during her time at the State Capitol,” Ar- Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative ses- Practice OB-GYN in of Representatives. Honor Roll. She is a member of cher said. “I am confident she sion, which runs from the first Every year, hundreds of ju- niors and seniors from across the state participate in the the National Honor Society. In addition to her academic achievements, Ferrero is heav- will make a meaningful impact in Oklahoma as she prepares for the next phase of her life, Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They ar- rive on Sunday afternoon and a Rural Community House High School Page Pro- ily involved in extracurricular and I look forward to seeing serve Monday through Thurs- By Corey Jacobs, MD gram at the Oklahoma State activities. She participates in where Sophie’s path takes her.” day in the House Chamber OB-GYN, Great Plains Re- Capitol in Oklahoma City. golf, academic team, student After graduation, Ferrero during daily session. Pages also gional Medical Center Participating students have the leadership, vocal music, band plans to attend Northeastern assist representatives and staff opportunity to view the legisla- and color guard. She earned State University to pursue a de- with tasks and participate in When people ask why I chose tive process up close and gain first place at state for a choir gree in psychology. She hopes the House Page Mock Legisla- to practice obstetrics and gyne- a deeper understanding of state solo, second place at state for to obtain her master’s degree ture on the floor of the House cology in a rural community, the government. color guard and qualified for and pursue a career as either Chamber. answer is simple. This is where the care matters most. In rural areas, access to health MERRITT care is not guaranteed. Many families travel long distances for routine appointments, and when something unexpected happens, those miles can feel even longer. As a physician, I wanted to ty. practice in a place where my I also chose rural practice presence could make a mean- because of the relationships ingful difference for patients and it allows. Caring for patients families. through pregnancy, delivery and Obstetrics is a specialty built postpartum recovery is deeply on both routine care and the personal work. In smaller com- unexpected. Most pregnancies munities, that care often extends progress normally, but labor and beyond the hospital walls: you delivery do not always follow see patients at the grocery store, a predictable path. A healthy at school events and around pregnancy can change quickly, town. That connection reinforc- and when it does, timely medical es the responsibility we carry as care is essential. health care professionals. That reality is part of what There are challenges to rural makes rural obstetrics unique. health care, and obstetrics is no Patients are not just choosing exception. But those challenges Merritt: High school Reading Challenge Winners are the sophomores who were rewarded with pizza and ice cream. a doctor, they are placing their also highlight the importance of trust in a team and a system that maintaining local access to care, needs to be ready at any hour of especially for services that can- the day or the night. Having 24- not wait. hour emergency care available in For expectant parents, know- the same facility matters, even ing that comprehensive care is when everything goes according available close to home brings to plan. reassurance during one of life’s In my work, I rely on close most important moments. For coordination with nurses, anes- me, being part of that care is thesia, surgical teams and emer- why I chose this work and why I gency physicians. When com- chose to do it here. plications arise, that teamwork Rural communities deserve allows us to respond quickly and thoughtful, prepared and com- make decisions that protect both passionate medical care. I am mother and baby. In a rural set- proud to be part of a team that ting, this type of coordination is is committed to providing that not a convenience. It’s a necessi- care when it is needed most. Yes Finance We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK ~ Great Plains Bank 580.225.1525 ~ First National Bank LocalLoanGroup.com