Lifestyle

Southwestern Oklahoma State University announced the list of graduates for the spring 2024 semester, with a total of 687 students having successfully completed their academic programs, including 173 graduate degrees, 442 baccalaureate degrees and 72 associate degrees.

Among those local graduates are Ashli Robinson, School Counseling, Master of Education, Breanna Ray, General Studies, Associate of Science, Kayli Swigart, Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Education, and Kierra Vaughan, Public Health, Bachelor of Science, all of Calumet.

Local Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts retired flags Friday, June 14.

Representatives from VFW Post 382 and American Legion Post 34 were present for the ceremony, said Cody Huber, Adjutant Post 34.

Several members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 382 recently attended the 99th Department of Oklahoma State Convention in Claremore.

The post and auxiliary received multiple awards for their service to the community and veterans: 

♦ Best Overall Promotion of the Americanism Program

♦ Most Outstanding Promotion of Youth Activities  

♦ Certificate of Recognition for Veterans and Military Support Programs

♦ Certificate of Achievement in Mentoring for Leadership

Lamplighters OHCE of Canadian County met recently at Mount Zion Global Methodist Church. 

Carol Stine opened the meeting, with Jan Maddox reading a devotional titled “Fear.”

Maxine Little read minutes from the previous meeting, while Patricia Morrison gave the treasury report.

Stine gave a report on the executive meeting she had attended.   

Donations will be made to 4-H Round-Up in July and the 4-H Achievement Banquet.

Donna Wehmuller presented the leader lesson on “Savory Pies.” 

El Reno High School Academic Team recently competed in the National Academic Quiz Tournament High School National Championships for a second straight year.

Held in Atlanta, El Reno competed against 320 other high schools, compiling a 2-8 record to place 308th. The squad defeated the B team from Cypress Scholars and the varsity from Coronado, Calif., both of which placed behind EHS in the final team standings.

El Reno was led individually by Riley Ray, who placed 80th overall with a total of 500 points and 47.85 points per toss-up heard.

Fresh Anointing Church and Mt. Zion Worship Center will host an end of school year bash on Saturday at Adams Park.

The event is free and will start at 10 a.m. The day will include food, a gift and live music for children from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade.

BOY – Alexandra and Taylor Sims announce the birth of their son, Melvin Brooks Sims, born May 29 at Yukon Integris Canadian Valley Hospital.

He weighed 9 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 3/4 inches in length.

Melvin has four siblings, Reagan, 7, Beau, 3, Stetson, 2, and Augustus, 1.

Maternal grandparents are Chris and Terri Denny of El Reno and Tim and Kim Dykens of Tulsa.

An event billed as “El Reno for Jesus” is set for June 15 at Lake El Reno, Robert Crane of Heart 2 Heart Homeless Ministry Inc. said.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Organizers said the day will include music, preaching, lake baptisms, food, assistance guidance and fellowship.

It will be hosted at the lake pavilion.

For more information, call 405-626-7152 or 405-850-9047.

Redlands Community College recently announced those students named to the college’s honor rolls for the spring 2024 semester.

Students listed on the President’s Honor Roll have completed 12 or more credit hours and have earned a GPA of not less than 3.8, with no grade less than a B – excluding 0-level courses. The Vice President’s Honor Roll includes students who have completed 12 or more hours of coursework and have earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, with no grade less than a C – excluding 0-level courses.

The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University awarded over $59,000 in scholarships to 20 SWOSU students during the 2023-2024 academic year, including the 2024 summer semester.

Over $54,000 came from a Finish Line scholarship funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The remaining $5,000 came from Reach Higher Scholarships funded by the SWOSU Foundation.

Among those students receiving scholarships were Laurie Crawford of El Reno and Bobbi Jo Rowland of Piedmont.