Extra-Curricular Activities

The money I received will be used to help pay for my students to attend State Special Olympics in Stillwater in May. They compete in local events all school year in order to qualify to compete at State Games. They are learning the skills they need to be successful in each sport and the importance of good sportsmanship. These athletes look forward to going to Stillwater all year and work very hard to get to go. As their teacher I work hard to raise the funds to ensure we can take every athlete that wants to go at no cost to the family. Thank you Lawton Public Schools Foundation for ensuring all of my students can go this year! I have included some pictures of my students using the skills they have learned for their bowling and volleyball competitions. We are all looking forward to our upcoming events. We still have basketball, bocce, cornhole and track and field competitions this spring.

This grant sent seven incredibly bright students at Macarthur High School to represent half the state at the NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) annual national championship in Iowa. MHS students competed (fiercely) to beat out dozens of students from all western Oklahoma schools for a select few spots during district tournaments, and several more partnered with Westmoore High School students to form a world schools invitational debate team. They raised funds to cover all the expenses to compete, but an emergency situation left them without their registration. The LPSF Board had an emergency meeting, and after considering the information they had, they provided a check to cover the fees, so the students could complete the journey they had fought to begin.

Overall, 6,700 competitors from 9 countries competed at the championship. Here is how MHS students measured up:

• Thalia Henry advanced to the top 60 in commentary speaking before elimination.
• The world schools team went up against 200 teams and finished SEVEN preliminary rounds with a 6-1 record, ranking them 22nd in the WORLD going into elimination rounds. They finished with a top 64 rank overall.
• Every other competitor advanced to elimination rounds as well.

They tore it up, honestly, and represented Lawton with pride. I, Malinda Perez, was also honored on the national stage and presented with a Diamond Coach award. It was an incredible experience; We had the BEST time and made fond memories as a team with our parents, alumni and fellow staff members. Thank you so much, LPSF. There is a video of our trip!

Watch Video

“Dear Board Members,

We’re thrilled to report on the success of sponsoring six of our Eisenhower Youth and Government Club students’ participation in the YMCA Youth and Government event in Oklahoma City. This impactful experience immersed them in governance, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and civic engagement skills.

Despite a setback due to illness, five of our students were able to attend, thanks to your generous support. They actively participated in various roles, including mock legislature, mock lobbyist, and media coverage. Your investment empowered our youth to become informed, engaged citizens, poised to tackle future challenges with confidence. Thank you for believing in their potential and the betterment of our community.

Sincerely, Eisenhower Youth and Government Club”

Our students learned about the history of Oklahoma’s Capitol. They learned about jobs and careers available at the Capitol and in Oklahoma state government. They learned about legislation that would impact isolated Oklahomans by giving them better access to healthcare and high-speed internet access. They learned about Oklahoma history through art throughout the Capitol and through touch-screens in museums. They learned how bills become law. They learned how bipartisanship impacts Oklahoma.

Mac Middle Intro to Art students have spent the last 2 weeks before Spring Break learning about the art of ceramics and yesterday they created pinch pot to be fired in our new Kiln!!
Thank you LPS FOUNDATION!!

StoryWalks have been a huge success at Cleveland! The students absolutely love being outside and walking around the track as we read the story. I am so happy with the success of the StoryWalks. The students are constantly asking when the next StoryWalk will be and what story is next. As a librarian, this is by far my favorite thing I have done with the students this year! StoryWalks play a vital role in fostering a love of reading in my students. StoryWalks will be enjoyed by my students for many years to come. I am forever grateful for this grant.