The Latest EPS News

August 7, 2008
Back to School: EPS Open Houses Next Week

See the Schedule

Parents, students and community members are invited to experience Open House activities next week at Enid Public Schools sites.

Students and their families will be given the opportunity to meet their teachers, talk with their principals, put their supplies in their desks and tour their buildings. Parents will also be able to sign-up to volunteer. According to Amber Fitzgerald, Director of School & Community Relations, Open House allows students to be better prepared for their first day of school.

"It's a great a way to start the school year. Open house gives students an opportunity not only to see their classrooms, but also to meet their teachers and visit with classmates," she said. "On the first day of school, their supplies are in place and they're ready to learn when the bell rings."

Many schools will host booths from their respective PTA organizations, as well as other community organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts. At many school sites, including recently renovated Adams Elementary School, visitors will be able to view facility improvements made possible through the 2003 bond issue/sales tax measure.

While many of the Open House activities revolve around the students and their families, community members are encouraged to visit their neighborhood schools during this special time.

"Community members, and particularly neighbors of the schools, are invited to attend the festivities as well," Fitzgerald said. "Our improved facilities and the services we provide to our students would not be possible without their support."

The EPS Open House Schedule for Monday is as follows: Emerson Junior High School, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Longfellow Junior High School, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; and Waller, 6-7:30 p.m. All elementary schools will have open house on Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m., as will EHS from 6:30-8 p.m.

EPS classes begin Thursday, August 14. For more information about the start of school, including school supply lists, please visit www.enidpublicschools.org.

July 29, 2008
We'll See You Soon!
Enrollment Verification Next Week

News You Can Use About Back-to-School 2008-09

As the 2008-09 school year approaches, parents and students are asked to mark their calendars for Enid Public Schools' enrollment verification dates.

"Enrollment verification is very important, because it tells us how many students are planning to attend our district this fall," Amber Graham Fitzgerald, Director of School & Community Relations, said. "Although we pre-enroll in the spring, we know that families move over the summer... to and from our district, as well as within our district. Enrollment verification helps us manage class sizes and schedules for the coming year."

Enrollment verification and new student enrollment for all elementary schools will be Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Parents are asked to call or visit their child's school.

Emerson Junior High will have enrollment verification and schedule pick-up from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. according to the following schedule: Aug. 8, seventh grade; Aug. 7, eighth grade and ninth grade. New students should enroll Aug. 4-5.

Longfellow Junior High will have enrollment verification and schedule pick-up from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. according to the following schedule: Aug. 8, seventh grade; Aug. 7, eighth grade; and Aug. 6, ninth grade. New students should enroll Aug. 4-5 from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

Waller Junior High will have enrollment verification and schedule pick-up from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. July 30 - Aug. 1 for seventh, eighth and ninth grades. New students should enroll Aug. 4-5 from 8 a.m.-noon, and pick-up their schedules on August 11 from 8 a.m.-noon.

Enid High School will have enrollment verification and schedule pick-up on Aug. 7 according to the following schedule: 8-10 a.m., seniors; 10 a.m.-noon, juniors; and 1-3 p.m., sophomores. New students should enroll from 9 a.m. -noon, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 5-6.

Carver Educational Center will host enrollment the week of August 11. Daytime classes will begin August 18, and evening classes will begin August 19.

For those interested in getting an early start on their school shopping, supply lists for each elementary school and grade can be downloaded by visiting www.enidpublicschools.org. Lists are also available at a number of local discount and school supply stores.

Free- and reduced-price lunch applications will be available at Central Kitchen according to the following schedule: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 8; 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 11 and Aug. 15; 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Aug. 12; 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Aug. 13-14. Weekend hours will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Aug. 9 and Aug. 16. The schedule will return to 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. Applications must be returned to Central Kitchen, located at 519 S. Washington.

EPS classes begin August 14. For more information, please call Amber Fitzgerald at 234-5270.

July 9, 2008
Holtzen Selected as State Finalist

About Matt Holtzen I Hear from Mr. Holtzen
Courtesy of the State Department of Education

Matt Holtzen, 2008 Enid Public Schools Teacher of the Year, has been named one of 12 state finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.

"I was honored to be recognized by my colleagues in my building and in the district," said Holtzen. "To be selected at the state level, it is a great honor because there are so many wonderful teachers out there, including many that I know."

A teacher with EPS since 1999, Holtzen currently teaches social studies at Enid High School. He is also the advisor of the EHS Constitution Team, which has earned more than a dozen state championships. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the National Council for History Educators.

"We are extremely proud of Mr. Holtzen, and he is very deserving of this honor," Jim Beierschmitt, EHS principal, said. "He makes a true investment in his students, with his time and with his passion for social studies. He instills in them a sense of civic responsibility, and with his help, they are able to learn about and appreciate the democracy in which we live."

Holtzen is the third EPS teachers in as many years to be recognized with a state-wide honor though the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year program. Last year, Tara Scott, 2007 EPS Teacher of the Year, was named a Rising Star, which recognizes outstanding educators who have taught for less than five years. In 2006, then-EPS Teacher of the Year, Mary McDonald, was named a state finalist as well.

Past EPS teachers who were selected for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year include: Betsy Mabry, 1993; Wilda Walker, 1976; and Albert Clark, 1971.

"Mr. Holtzen's selection as a finalist is exciting news," Shawn Hime, superintendent, said. "The success of EPS teachers in the state program, especially in the last few years, confirms what Enid residents already know to be true: Many of the best educators in the state teach in our classrooms."

Holtzen said teaching has been a life-long passion, and that the most fulfilling aspect of his career is making history and civics relative to the lives of his students.

"I find rewards in the students who have applied the knowledge gained in class and begin to use it by becoming active members in society," he wrote in his portfolio. "The student who registers to vote is a reward. The student who sees multiple sides of an issue is a reward. The student who recognizes how the events of the past shape the present and works towards changing the future is a reward."

The 12 state finalists were selected by four state regional committees comprised of teachers and civic and business leaders. Three finalists were chosen by each committee. The 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be chosen by a state committee comprised of education, business and civic leaders in a formal selection process, and will be announced in ceremonies at the Oklahoma State Fair on September 16.

The winner will be Oklahoma's representative in the national Teacher of the Year competition and serve one year as Oklahoma's "Ambassador of Teaching," traveling across the state conducting professional development and making public presentations. The winner also will be the recipient of more than $50,000 in cash and prizes and the use of a new car and gas card during his or her tenure as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.

June 10, 2008
EHS Opens New Student Enrollment Session
New Student Enrollment: June 16-20

The Enid High School Guidance Office staff will host pre-enrollment sessions for new students June 16-20, with additional sessions available in early August.

Students will need to bring immunization records and a current transcript, if possible. Students who are transferring to EHS should bring an approved transfer form.

Guidance office hours will be 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Students will need to make time to visit the main office to review their paperwork with a principal prior to enrolling in the counselor's office.

Enrollment sessions for new students also will be available August 6 & 7 from 9 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Returning students can pick-up their schedules on August 5 at the following times: seniors, 8-10 a.m.; juniors, 10 a.m. - noon; and sophomores, 1-3 p.m.

Additionally, EHS officials remind current students and 2008 graduates to pick up their report cards and diplomas from the main office as soon as possible. Some students still need to return textbooks and/or pay charges and fines.

EHS is located at 611. Wabash. For more information, please contact the EHS office at 234-2404.

April 14, 2008
Kudos for EHS Band

The talent and hard work of Enid High School's student musicians were recognized last week when two groups received high ratings in competition.

The EHS wind symphony received a superior rating at the State
Concert Contest in Edmond for the first time in seven years.

The EHS wind ensemble received superior ratings in State Concert and Sight Reading Contests in Jenks. This is the 3rd time in the past 5 years that the band has accomplished this honor.

The wind ensemble also qualified for one of the state's highest awards, the OSSAA Outstanding Achievement Award. This is only the third time that the Big Blue Band has received this distinguished award in the past 30 years.

The band is directed by Robert Anderson, Danny Powers, Eric Pennello, and Chris Markes.

April 14, 2008
Keithly Selected for State Communication Award

Dr. Garland K. Keithly, Superintendent of Enid Public Schools, will be recognized this week by a statewide education organization for his commitment to effective school-community relations.

The Oklahoma School Public Relations Association selected Keithly as its 2008 Administrator of the Year for K-12 districts. The award will be presented Thursday at the OKSPRA annual spring conference.

The Administrator's Award presented by the members of the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association recognizes practicing school administrators for outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. The award is modeled after the National School Public Relations Association Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award.

Keithly will retire June 30 after 24 years at the helm of EPS. During his service, the district's test scores have continued to exceed state and national averages. Among his many other contributions, he oversaw the creation of the district's pre-kindergarten and nationally recognized Lincoln Academy alternative programs, and led the district successfully through multiple state-level budget crises.

Under Keithly's charge, the district has passed more than $40 million worth of bond improvements for facilities, transportation and technology. Keithly was also twice named Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators.

Keithly began his career as a teacher for Fort Osage in Independence, Missouri. After just three years in the classroom, he accepted his first administrative position as a principal in Lamar, Missouri. He continued in building-level administration in Sedalia, Missouri before being promoted to Superintendent of the district from 1976-80. After serving four years as Superintendent in Lee's Summit, Missouri, he accepted the Enid position in 1984.

In addition to his school commitments, Keithly has been very involved in the Enid community. He is a member of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Noon Ambucs, Rotary Club and Phi Delta Kappa.

OKSPRA is an award-winning state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, the nation's leading school communications organization. OKSPRA is a knowledge-based organization seeking to serve, motivate and educate school administrators, school staff members and boards of education about the importance of school public relations.

The organization's mission is to improve the quality of education by facilitating public understanding through responsible communications, community involvement and leadership.

OKSPRA will also recognize John Hunter, Superintendent of Moore Norman Technology Center, for his commitment to school communications.

To learn more about OKSPRA, visit www.okspra.org.

March 24, 2008
Hime Named Next Superintendent of EPS

Shawn Hime will be the next superintendent of Enid Public Schools.

Members of the Enid Board of Education approved his employment during their regular Monday night meeting. Hime will take the helm July 1 upon the retirement of Dr. Garland Kem Keithly.

Hime currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. He will be the 12th superintendent in the district’s 114 year history.

“We are extremely excited to share this news because we believe Shawn will be a tremendous asset to this district and to this community,” Robbie Woods, Board of Education president, said. “EPS has a rich history, a strong foundation and an excellent staff, and we believe his ideas and talents will further the district’s commitment to outstanding educational services.”

According to Hime, his interest in the position stemmed from the quality of the district, as well as the atmosphere that Enid would provide for him and his family. He said Enid is a place that he is looking forward to calling “home.”

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Hime said. “Enid Public Schools has a tradition of excellence, and I am proud that I will be a part of it. I want to continue the tradition. My family is excited as well. Enid is the type of a community where you want to raise your children. The residents have strong community values and a commitment to young people.”

Hime began his career as a math instructor and football coach for Lexington Public Schools, before accepted a similar position with Ardmore Public School. In 1999, he became the Director of Student Assessment for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, leading school improvement teams working with low-performing schools and providing oversight of the state’s student testing program.

Hime then accepted a position as athletic director and assistant principal of Ardmore High School, before being promoted to assistant superintendent of the district in 2002. While serving at the district-level for Ardmore, he prepared the district’s budget, managed all district capital improvements projects and managed the business, operations, transportation, technology and child nutrition departments.

Since 2004, he has served as the Oklahoma State Department of Education assistant state superintendent. His responsibilities include the management of the state aid, financial accounting, school personnel records, transportation, transfers and capital improvement departments. In addition, he collaborates with state legislators on pending legislation and its impact on public schools. Hime provides oversight of allocations and payments of the state’s $2 billion education budget and serves as Oklahoma’s federal
liaison for No Child Left Behind and other federal legislation.

Hime is currently working to earn his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his Master of Education and Bachelor of Science in Education from East Central University. He holds state certification in the following areas: superintendent, secondary principal, elementary principal and secondary mathematics.

He has presented more than 70 presentations to more than 8,000 people since 2004 covering topics ranging from curriculum alignment and early childhood education to Oklahoma’s tax structure and No Child Left Behind mandates.

The Board selected Hime after a three-month regional search with assistance from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. The district’s search committee included members of the Board of Education and four community members: Brian Hayden, Susan Shewey, Chad Dillingham and Martie Oyler.

Additionally, the Board received input from more than 500 community members through an online survey and visits to local community and parent groups. Board members used the feedback to develop interview questions based on issues that concerned the district.

Some of the frequently identified strengths of the district were outstanding teachers and support staff and quality curriculum strategies. Needs for facility improvements overshadowed other areas of improvement. Challenges for the new superintendent noted by survey participants included the changing demographics of the district, recruiting and retaining employees and preparing students for the future under the mandates of No Child Left Behind.

“The community input was incredibly valuable to the process, especially the community members, and we appreciate their service,” Woods said. “We were able to use the community input to find the right person for Enid. We believe that Shawn will be the perfect fit.”

Hime will succeed Dr. Garland Kem Keithly, who announced his retirement in December, after more than four decades in education and 24 years as EPS superintendent. During his service, among other accomplishments, Keithly oversaw the creation of the district's pre-kindergarten and nationally recognized Lincoln Academy alternative programs, and led the district successfully through multiple state-level budget crises.

“There really are no words to describe what Dr. Keithly means to this district and to this community,” Woods said. “We would not be anywhere close to where we are without him. He has made it possible to move the district into the future and to continue our commitment to continuous improvement.”

Enid Public Schools consists of one high school, three junior high schools, ten elementary schools, an alternative academy and adult education center. Its highly qualified teaching staff serves 6,500 students and a community of 48,000 residents.

February 6, 2008
Carver Receives Positive Report

During a recent review of its programs, Carver Educational Center earned kudos for its welcoming environment and its quality teaching staff.

Four representatives of the Oklahoma State Department of Education Lifelong Learning Section visited the school for two days in late January, conducting interviews, observing classes and reviewing materials. While the program has frequent visits from department officials, this was the first assessment of its kind since 1992.

The panel commended Carver staff members for their work. "The program director (Clayton Nolen) is engaged in daily activities of the learning center and is also active in the community," they wrote. "The program's veteran full-time teacher (Linda Whipple) is well-trained in adult education theory and strategies, as indicated by class size, student retention and lesson planning. The new full-time teacher (Elyse Lovell) is a positive addition to the ALC staff. She has demonstrated a grasp of adult education theory, as well as a positive attitude and willingness to learn."

The group also commended Carver's low teacher turn-over rate, as well as a DVD that is used to promote its services. Recommendations for areas of improvement included additional documentation in areas such as professional development pre-services and student referrals.

Carver offers FREE classes to help participants prepare for the new GED test, as well as to improve their academic skills. Students receive academic assessments to ensure proper placement. Curriculum includes instruction by quality teachers and reinforcement through the school's computer lab software.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to visit Carver, 815 S. 5th, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or call 237-1400.

Adult Education and Literacy is a federal program funded under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Title II, and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The purpose of the act is to : (1) assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; (2) assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and (3) assist adults in the completion of secondary school education.

February 1, 2008
EPS Receives Energy Lighthouse Award for Long-Term Conservation Savings

Enid Public Schools' 16-year energy conservation effort has earned national recognition for saving the district more than $4.2 million dollars. The district will receive the Energy Lighthouse Award from Energy Education, Inc. during the School Board meeting Monday, February 4.

Enid Public Schools has achieved $4,270,027 in cost savings in 16 years, four months since forming a strategic alliance with Energy Education, Inc., a national energy conservation company.

"Reaching this savings mark is a significant milestone. Enid Public Schools has achieved success by consistently implementing the people-oriented approach to energy conservation and maintaining productive efforts at all levels of the organization. The superintendent and school board, along with other administration, faculty and staff members are to be commended for clearly fulfilling their commitment to being good stewards of the taxpayers' money and the environment," said Dr. William S. Spears, CEO and founder of Energy Education, Inc.

"Strong support from Dr. Kem Keithly and the school board have created an atmosphere of cooperation that should continue to grow and ensure even greater success well into the future," Dr. Spears said. "I am extremely pleased to present Enid Public Schools with our Energy Lighthouse Award. The district joins a very committed group of school districts across the country working hard to achieve energy savings so the dollars saved can be redirected to educational needs," said Dr. Spears.

A key benefit of the Energy Education, Inc. program is that all costs come out of the existing utility budget, with savings projected to more than pay for the program, as they have done for Enid Public Schools. Additional savings can be redirected to other parts of the district's budget.

"We are proud of this accomplishment because it is good for the taxpayers of our district, and it is environmentally responsible," Dr. Garland K. Keithly, Superintendent, said. "With the rising cost of energy, it's encouraging to know that monitoring usage can save significant dollars. It allows us to invest more money in the classroom, rather than spending it on utilities."

District Energy Educator/Manager Steve Peck tracks energy consumption - including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and fuel oil - using energy-accounting software. He compares current energy use to a baseline period and calculates the amount of energy that would have been used had conservation and management practices not been implemented. By tracking consumption and analyzing energy use, he can quickly identify and correct areas that need immediate attention.

Energy Education, Inc.'s innovative energy conservation program is a win-win alliance that trains personnel to create substantial energy savings, and is funded solely by the savings the program generates. Clients can redirect additional saved energy dollars to educational resources. Energy Education, Inc. has worked with more than 870 educational organizations across the nation, positively impacting the educational environment of 12 million children and helping its clients save more than $1.4 billion in 21 years.

January 15, 2008
Safer, More Reliable Rides for Students
EPS Makes Scheduled Bus Purchase with 2003 Bond Funds

Enid Public Schools' newest buses may cause people to take a second glance as they drive down the road. The buses feature a new aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance and increases mileage to the gallon.

"They look different than the others in our fleet," Jim Gelsthorpe, Director of Transportation, said. "Just as they do with cars, manufacturers redesign their buses to offer customers a better, more fuel-efficient vehicle."

The seven new buses, which were ordered in August 2007, were made possible through voter approval of the 2003 bond issue. In 1997, district officials implemented a bus replacement plan that has allowed the district to update about one-third of the transportation fleet at a time.

As most districts do, EPS purchases needed buses through bond issues. The Board of Education schedules the sale of the bonds in a way that (1) allows the district to plan for the future and (2) has as minimal impact on taxpayers as possible. Currently no additional bonds have been authorized by voters to continue the bus replacement plan.

"Larger buses cost about $80,000 each. Because of the expense, it is not possible for the district to purchase them through the general fund," Gelsthorpe said.

The EPS transportation fleet includes 35 regular route buses - ranging from 21- to 66-passenger vehicles. The district travels more than 500,000 miles annually in town for regular school bus routes, and another 500,000 miles annually for out-of-town activity trips. More than 1,500 students are transported to and from school daily.

The district's bus replacement cycle allows the newest buses to be used for regular school routes and some activity needs. Older models are then used for activity-related transportation within city limits. With the purchase of the new buses, the district will be able to sell eight of its oldest models - most dating back to the early 1990s. Sealed bids must be submitted to Karl White, Business Manager by 2 p.m. on January 21. The vehicles are located at the NE corner of Independence & Park and may be inspected by contacting Gelsthorpe at 234-5270 for an appointment.

January 3, 2008
More EPS Teachers Earn National Honors

Eleven more Enid Public Schools teachers recently attained National Board
Certification, one of the most prestigious recognitions bestowed on educators.

They joined more than 439 other Oklahoma teachers this year in earning their profession's top honor, which is regulated by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. EPS has 28 nationally certified teachers and more than 20 other nationally certified professionals, such as speech and occupational therapists and school nurses.

The newest honorees include Ann Frazee-Riley, EHS; Amy Hartling, Monroe; Kerry Haskit, Waller; Rhoni Herrell, Waller; Jamie Jarnagin,
Hayes; Dana Lineback, Longfellow; Debbie Mueller, EHS; Nancy Phillips, Glenwood/Carver; Joyce Pitt, EHS; Paula Redding, EHS; and Stephani Yunker, Waller.

National Board is the highest credential in the teaching profession. A voluntary process established by NBPTS, certification is achieved through a rigorous performancebased assessment that takes between one and three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers and school
counselors should know and be able to do.

NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are classroom teachers.

• Oklahoma ranked sixth nationwide in the number of new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and ranks ninth in the total number of teachers who achieved certification over time (1,995).

• Oklahoma showed a 56 percent increase in the number of teachers who achieved National Board Certification in 2007 over last year.

• NBCTs make up nearly 5 percent of the state's teaching force.

• Fifty-eight percent of the state's NBCTs teach in Title I schools.

October 3, 2007
EHS Students Named Advanced Placement Scholars

Fourteen Enid High School graduates and current students have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams.

Enid High School has been recognized recently for its commitment to the AP program, receiving a 1500 Academic Performance Index score in the category for the 2006-07 school year, the highest that can be obtained through the Oklahoma State Department of Education's No Child Left Behind accountability measure.

Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. Nationwide, thirty-four AP Exams are offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving) questions (except for the studio Art exam which evaluates students’ original artwork).

The College Board’s mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is comprised of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (AP).

September 13, 2007
Taylor & Graham to be Honored by EPSF

Two Enid High School graduates - both known for their success in entertainment and performance - will be inducted into the EPS Foundation Hall of Fame this fall.

Jennifer Graham and Rich Taylor will be honored during the organization's annual banquet, slated for October 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the EHS Food Court.

"We are so pleased to honor Ms. Graham and Mr. Taylor for their contributions to the arts and to entertainment," Nancy Campbell, executive director of EPSF, said. "It is amazing to think that they both got their starts on the stage at Enid High. It's a lesson to today's students that their dreams can come true."

Taylor, a 1967 graduate of EHS, recently retired as the president of Walt Disney World Entertainment & Costuming. In the position, he was responsible and accountable for leading the Florida team that strategically planned, created, developed, and produced new live entertainment for the world's number one tourist destination - the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Graham, a 1981 EHS graduate, performs with the Hollywood Sound FX choir, which has been featured singing during the Academy Awards, as well as for 10 NBA Finals commercials. Graham's voice has also been featured on numerous movie soundtracks including Van Helsing, Polar Express, King Kong, Flight of the Phoenix, Spiderman 2 and 3, among many other Hollywood blockbusters.

The Enid Public School Foundation is a non-profit organization, operated by a volunteer Board of Trustees, which supports Enid Public Schools. Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Banquet, as well as other fund-raisers, benefit the organization's Grants-To-Teachers program, which provides as much as $30,000 in materials and programs to schools annually.

The foundation also provides $3,000 in scholarships annually for teachers to return to college to pursue advanced degrees. EPSF currently also is working to provide EPS classrooms with SMARTBoards, most recently assisting with the purchase of nine new systems over the summer months.

Tickets for the EPSF banquet are $50 for the general public and $20 for students and EPS employees. For more information, please contact Amber Fitzgerald at 234-5270.

All media inquiries should be forwarded to Amber Graham Fitzgerald