Memorial Stadium. Final Call Class of 2024.
🎓SAVAGES 2024
⚾️Congratulations Trenton Shomo on your selection as a 4A All-Star!
Broken Bow Public Schools Names Michael Cox as 2024 Teacher of the Year
BROKEN BOW (May 17, 2024) – Michael Cox, who waited almost thirty years to begin his teaching career, is the 2023-24 Broken Bow Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Mr. Cox teaches Biology at Broken Bow High School and was nominated for the award by his fellow faculty members at the High School. This year’s other nominees were Rector Johnson Middle School teacher Melissa Patel, Bennett Elementary teacher Virgie Autrey, and Dierks Elementary teacher Amee Price. All four nominees were recognized and celebrated at the annual End-of-Year Awards Assembly held in Jinkins Auditorium on Friday, May 17th.
Cox, a graduate of Haworth Public Schools, is a lifelong resident of McCurtain County. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1991 and then spent the next three decades employed by Walmart, Inc. in various positions throughout his career. “Mr. C.” says that when he first left college, he thought that maybe he was too young and inexperienced to be a teacher, so he took a retail job instead. But, after 29 years with Walmart, he knew he was ready to “get out” of the corporate world.
In the Fall of 2020, he was recruited to teach science at Broken Bow High School. After four years in public education, Cox says he now “regrets not doing it all along”. “It is a special, special thing we do”, says Cox. “When the kids ask me how I can do this job, I just tell them that 29 years at Walmart was a job. This is fun. I look forward to coming to work every day. I love working with this staff at Broken Bow High School and I couldn’t ask for anything better than this Administration we have”, he continued. “Teaching is not a job, it’s a calling. It is about getting students to see beyond the limits they have placed upon themselves”.
Cox has been married to his wife, Kimberly, for thirty years and together they have three children and four grandchildren. He describes himself as an “avid outdoorsman” and says he especially loves spending time in nature with his grandchildren.
Rector Johnson Middle School Teacher-of-the-Year Melissa Patel has taught at Broken Bow Schools for 23 years. She currently teaches 8th Grade Science. Melissa, a 1991 BBHS graduate, has been married to Chet Patel for 31 years and together they have four children and seven grandchildren. She is a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Bennett Elementary Teacher-of-the-Year Virgie Autrey is a 1982 graduate of BBHS and currently serves as Bennett’s Reading Specialist, a job she hopes to continue until retirement. Virgie has taught school for thirty years, all but one of those years with Broken Bow Public Schools. She has been married to Truman Autrey for almost 43 years with whom she has three daughters and ten grandchildren. She holds a Master’s of Reading Degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Dierks Elementary Teacher-of-the-Year Amee Price is a 2001 graduate of BBHS and now teaches First Grade at Dierks Elementary. This was her 17th year as an educator, the last eight of which were spent with Broken Bow Public Schools. Amee earned a degree in Early Intervention Child-Development from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is currently certified in Early Childhood Education. She is married to Kane Price and has four children.
🎉 2024-2025 FFA Officer Team 🎉
Congratulations to the following students for being elected as officers!
Shailyn Villeda (4.702) is the daughter of Pedro Villeda and Maria Alvarez. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and former member of Broken Bow High School’s Student Council, Dance Team, and Broken Bow Junior Chamber of Commerce. She was selected as the Lions Club Senior of the Month for August and has earned 30 college credits from EOSC. Currently, she holds two jobs to save for college expenses. In the fall, Shailyn will be attending the University of Oklahoma. Afterward, she plans to apply to the OU College of Dentistry to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene.
The end of the school year is here! We apologize for the late notice, but we would like to invite all retired BBISD staff to join us Friday morning at 9:00 in Jinkins Auditorium for our end of year celebration! We will announce our Teacher of the Year, enjoy live entertainment from various school groups, and have light refreshments. Please join us! We'll save you a seat up front.
Sam Hurst (4.646) is the son of Jeff & April Hurst, and the grandson of Sammy Richards and the late Kathy Richards. Sam is the Student Council Vice President, National Honor Society President, and Captain of the Basketball Team. Sam has been very involved in extracurricular activities throughout his high school career, including basketball, football, cross country, track, quiz bowl, baseball, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, and History Club. Sam is also an active member of the Oak Grove youth group. Some of Sam’s achievements include being a Lions Club & Kiwanis Club Senior of the Month, National Merit Recognition Finalist, State Curriculum Contest Qualifier, and BBHS Outstanding Student for two years. Sam received the Wendy’s High School Heisman School and State Finalist Award, and was voted “Best All Around Athlete” of his senior class. Sam’s future plans are to obtain a Biosystems Engineering degree from Oklahoma State University, and further his career in that field.
Dierks Elementary Teacher/Staff Track Day 2024!
Mackenzie Dansby (4.592) is the daughter of Leann Bailey and Brad Dansby. She is the granddaughter of Earl and Becky Braddy and the late Jerry and Ann Dansby. Mackenzie has been a member of the Broken Bow High School Marching Band for the past 6 years, where she has been the Drum Major for the past 2. She is a member and choreographer of the Broken Bow High School Showtime Show Choir. Mackenzie serves as the Publication Relations Officer on the Broken Bow Student Council. She is also a member of the Broken Bow High School Spanish Club and serves as president of the History club. Mackenzie serves her community by volunteering as a Broken Bow Junior Chamber of Commerce member. Mackenzie is currently the secretary of her Senior Class. In 2023, Mackenzie was honored to receive the State Superintendent’s Awards for Arts Excellence. She has been a member of the OkCDA All-State Choir for three years and the OkMEA All-State Choir for the past three years, where she has received three-year medals for both choirs. She has also been selected and participated in the Southeastern Region All-District Honor Choir for the past six years. Mackenzie has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and is a National and Oklahoma Honors Society member. She was selected as the Lions Club Senior of the Month for the month of October and the Kiwanis Senior of the Month for August. Mackenzie was also selected as a semi-finalist for the Coca-Cola Scholarship. Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and major in Psychology.
🦊📙Ms. Hegmann’s class researched, typed and created their very own book over an animal of their choice! They had a book review where families were invited to read and leave thoughts on the review pages! Very proud of this 3rd grade class! It was a fantastic experience!
🌟RJMS Graduation! The 8th grade promotion ceremony 2024 🌟
Congratulations! 😎 #RockOn #Savages
🎓 BBHS Schedule of Events “Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning.”
🌳2️⃣Mrs. Rich’s class created habitats in groups of two!
They worked together to 🔎research, 🍥design and ✨create their own habitats! They had a review day where parents were invited to attend the class!
AMAZING YEAR!
🍭Each student in Mrs. R. Wright’s class received a Candy Award today (peep the certificates :))along with pizza, cupcakes and lots of goodies to celebrate the end of the year. It has been an amazing school year!
🏈Coach Lang and the ‘24 Savages.
Spring practice Day 1.
PROM 2024 A WINNING SUCCESS THANKS TO YOU!
🖤💛We extend our warmest thanks to our local businesses, sponsors, parents, and staff who have shown unwavering support to our students! #LocalLove
We would also like to recognize Tiffany Westbrook for her delectable graze table, Coach Lasell and his carpentry class for their craftsmanship, Rebecca Stover for capturing treasured moments, Dianna Davis for her dedication to enhancing the decor, students and parents for their endless time 🌹 and Chris Gunn and wife for their travel and DJ services!
You all are amazing!
🎲 ♥️ ♦️ ♣️
🏞️RJMS Parents/Students:
Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 15th) we will have our annual RJMS Fun Day. Below are the items we've suggested that students bring with them and also a list of our behavioral expectations.
Reminder of Suggested items for students:
Water bottle
Towel
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat/Cap
Clothing that dries easily if going to the splash pad. Bathing suits may be worn under clothing but shorts and shirts must be school appropriate and not see through.
Small bag for items above.
$$$ for concession
Good attitude
Other items to consider:
Umbrella for extra shade
Bug spray
Lightweight, easy to carry lawn chair
Fun Day info and expectations:
1. Begins at 9:00 AM tomorrow morning.
2. We will remain at the park all day and when we reach the end of the day we will remain until everyone cleans up at the Park and Splash Pad. We will dismiss back to the MS together but will remain outside until told otherwise.
3. Please bring the suggested items with you if possible so that you will be more comfortable throughout the day. You will not be allowed to go back to the building or go to the Field House during the day so plan well. We WILL NOT keep up with your personal items and are not responsible for lost items. Please leave valuables at home.
4. We will provide a concession stand to buy snacks and drinks and will also provide lunch at the park.
5. During Lunch time (12:00) , ALL Students and Staff will stop for 30 minutes to take a lunch break. So all events/activities will shut down during that time. Do not argue with staff over this decision, just take a rest under the shade and enjoy time with your friends.
6. Safety is our #1 concern so if it's questionable, don't do it. Stay within the boundaries we have set so that we all are safe. Failure to do so will result in consequences. (We've informed students of these boundaries and will do so again tomorrow before going to the park.)
Today!
Jayden Thomas (4.592) is the son of Harley and Kimberley Thomas. He is the grandson of Harley and Kerry Thomas and Micheal and Joan Hajkowski. Jayden is a member of the Savage Pride Band, Showtime Show Choir, Student Council, and Spanish Club. He has also been a four year member of the National Honor Society and the Oklahoma Honor Society. He has received recognition as the Kiwanis Senior of the Month for December, and the Lions Club Senior of the Month for December. Jayden is a six-year member of the SEOCDA All-District honor choir and a one-year member of the OKMEA All-State honor choir. He has also been a six-year member of the SEOBDA All-District honor band, and has been awarded the Oklahoma Arts and Excellence Award in Vocal and Instrumental music. Jayden plans to attend Southern Arkansas University and major in Computer Science.
