The El Reno Public School Foundation recently awarded 2021-2022 scholarships to El Reno High School graduates. The scholarships include the Wilbur and Jean Gardner Scholarship, Gaylord and Barbara Reuter Scholarship, Ryan Tinsley Memorial Scholarship, Richard Steanson Honorary Scholarship and the Hutchison Family Memorial Scholarship.
“Since its inception our scholarship endowments, through El Reno Public School Foundation, have awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to El Reno High School graduates,” said foundation member Chad Neathery
“Because of the generosity of our endowed scholarships, we were able to award $25,000 this year. In addition we awarded $50,000 in grants to teachers,” said Dana Bland Gibson, Secretary
Scholarship recipients include Sandra Cowan – Abby Jeffrey – Molly Carson – Ella McReynold – Wilbur and Jean Gardner Scholarship
Peyton York – Gaylord and Barbara Reuter Scholarship
Carlie Golden – Ryan Tinsley Memorial Scholarship
Kaitlyn Awbrey – David Airington Memorial Scholarship
Allison Hanks – Richard Steanson Honorary Scholarship
Avery Peffer – Hutchison Family Memorial Scholarship
Members of the Foundation Scholarship Committee include: Dr. Lacey Carder-Holden (Chairman), Dana Gibson, Suzanne Thompson, Chad Neathery, Emily Walker, Cindy Ward, Gary Bates, JC Airington and Kirstein Haydon.
Some scholarship winners offered their thoughts on what the support means to them.
Sandra Cowan is currently attending Oklahoma Christian University where she is pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, majoring in Education, English, and Family Studies. She is a 1987 graduate of El Reno High School and attended Redlands Community College. She is currently employed by El Reno Public Schools as the Administrative Assistant for the instrumental music department and the Testing Coordinator for the high school. After graduation, Sandra hopes to transition to a teaching position for El Reno Public Schools.
My name is Avery Peffer and I am a 2022 graduate of El Reno High School. I am also a concurrent student at Redlands Community College. After graduation, I plan to continue my education at Redlands Community College and obtain an associate’s degree before transferring to Moore Norman Technology Center. My educational aspirations consist of pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Abby Jeffrey: I am a proud El Reno graduate from the class of 2020. I am currently studying Elementary Education at Oklahoma State University. On campus, I am an active member of Greek life, student council, and the Education & Human Sciences Ambassador program. After graduating I plan on beginning my teaching career in an upper elementary classroom, while also working towards my master’s degree in Reading and Literacy Education. It is my career goal to become an elementary reading specialist, where I can work to improve students’ literacy skills and help them succeed academically. I hope to leave a lasting positive impact on my students’ lives and improve Oklahoma’s literacy education through my work.
Molly Carson is a student of the Class of 2022 at El Reno High School. During her time there, she has been a four year member of the EHS Cheer team. Alongside cheer, she has been a four year member of the El Reno FFA Chapter. She has been a chapter officer for three years, finishing her senior year as Chapter President. Molly is also a one year member of National Honor Society. Following graduation, Molly plans to attend Oklahoma City University. While there, she will be a member of the university’s STUNT team. She plans to study Elementary Education, with a goal to be a third grade teacher. Molly couldn’t be more grateful to have received this opportunity.
Kaitlyn Awbrey: I attend the Health Careers class at Canadian Valley Technology Center where I have received my BLS, CNA, and AUA License. I plan to continue my education at SWOSU to receive my BSN and become a travel nurse.
I’m Ella McReynolds, this year’s recipient of the Wilbur and Jean Gardner Scholarship. Since graduating from El Reno High School in 2021, I’ve been attending Oklahoma State University, majoring in Biology and Sociology. I’m also a member of OSU’s ASL Club. In the past year, I’ve absolutely loved learning everything I could and look forward to continuing my time at OSU!
My name is Peyton York and I graduated from El Reno High School in 2019. I am currently a junior attending Oklahoma City University and studying Elementary Education with a minor in English. I am an athlete on the competitive coed cheer team where I have earned 3 All-American titles, current president of the Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association of the OCU Chapter, and am a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society. I will be student teaching in the fall and the ERPSF has allowed me to continue my education and become one step closer to reaching my dream in my own classroom!
Salutatorian, Carlie Golden is the daughter of Jerry Jr. and Valerie Golden and the sister of Kinley. She attended Maple Elementary School and El Reno High School. Carlie is involved in soccer, swimming, and other sports and activities. Her favorite class was 8th grade at Maple. She still keeps in touch with her classmates and couldn’t ask for better friends. Carlie has several favorite teachers. Jennifer Hardaway because she always brought her mood up and made her laugh. She also taught her that a smile and being a good person is the best thing you can do in the world. Vanessa Gallegos because she was able to push Carlie out of her comfort zone and explore the world. In the two years she was her teacher, Ms. Gallegos helped her see a new perspective on people and life. Kandy Connor because she never failed to make Carlie feel at home. She made science fun and they shared many stories. Carlie plans to attend Redlands Community College while playing soccer and majoring in criminal justice. She then plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and major in forensic science. Carlie would not be where she is without her friends, family, and God supporting her and staying by her side and for this honor she is extremely grateful.
