Vol. XXXXIII No. 5
May 2008 Edition
Ada, Oklahoma
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March Outstanding Achievement Award recipients
Rhianna Blanco
Caroline Colbert
Jennifer Kellner
Devin Lyon
Addison Miller
Bailee McCurdy
Andrew Riesen
Chantz White
Matison Worcester

Rhianna Blanco

Rhianna, daughter of Shannon Blanco, of Ardmore, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award Overall. Rhianna is in the fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary School in Ardmore and was nominated by fourth grade teacher Stacy Scarbrough.

“Rhianna takes pride in making good choices, good grades and pleasing others,” said Ms. Scarbrough. “It is an honor to nominate such a well rounded individual.”

Rhianna has received awards in citizenship and dance. She has also been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. Rhianna’s hobbies include dancing, listening to The Beatles music, playing with her cats and spending time with her big brother.

“My goals are to have all The Beatles cds, to see Paul Mc-Cartney in concert and to meet Paul McCartney,” said Rhianna. “I also plan to go to college to become a veterinarian.”

 

Caroline Colbert

Caroline, daughter of Mark and Kim Colbert, of Ardmore Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Athletics.

Caroline is a senior at Ardmore High School and was nominated by the Indian Education coordinator Deana Craighead.

“Caroline is involved in a variety of programs and excels in each one,” said Ms. Craighead. “We are proud of Caroline and all her accomplishments.”

Caroline is a valedictorian and a Distinguish Honor Scholar of her senior class at Ardmore High School, as well as a student at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. She is a varsity, regional and All-American Academic cheerleader, Daily Ardmoreite Blue Ribbon Scholar, Johnson O’Malley award winner and Chickasaw Student of the Year.

Caroline is on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, a member of the Chickasaw Honor Club and part of National, Oklahoma and Indian student honor societies. She is a member of Young Women’s Leadership, Dream-catchers Club and Rotary Youth Leadership. Caroline is president of Leaflets, cheer captain, student council representative and American Heart Association Sweetheart. She has also served as an Oklahoma State Legislative page.

“My future plans are to attend the University of Oklahoma through the arts and science college,” said Caroline.

 

Jennifer Kellner

Jennifer, daughter of Shanon Shaw, of Scottsdale, Ariz., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Dance.

Jennifer is a senior at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz., and was nominated by the dance department chair Mary Anne Herding.

“Jennifer has been a dance student of mine for several years at Xavier College Preparatory,” said Ms. Herding. “She shows strong leadership skills and is confident and creative.”

Jennifer is a member of the advanced dance class, Equine Club and Latin Club. She is on the varsity dive team winning three state championships in the past three years. Jennifer is a member of the National Honor Society, where she is a tutor for honors Chemistry and American Sign Language.

Jennifer is certified in scuba diving, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and as a lifeguard. She holds specialty diver certifications in advanced diving, scuba rescue, underwater navigation, night diving, underwater photography and underwater environmental education.

“I am a very curious person who looks to learn anything and everything I can,” said Jennifer. “I find that the more I do the more connected I am to life and the world around me.”

 

Devin Lyon

Devin, daughter of Bryan and Leah Lyon, of Ada, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Athletics.

Devin is in the eighth grade at Latta Public Schools and was nominated by assistant principal Terry Painter.

“Devin is an outstanding two-sport athlete,” said Mr. Painter. “She is very deserving of this honor.”

Devin is a starter on the junior high softball and basketball teams. Her hobbies include music, sports and having fun with friends and family.

“My goal is to play softball for the University of Oklahoma,” said Devin. “I would love to be called the OU shortstop.”

 

Bailee McCurdy

Bailee, daughter of Bill and Carol McCurdy, of Ada, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award Overall.

Bailee is in the third grade at Latta Public Schools and was nominated by third grade teacher Kathy Brendle.

“Bailee is having a successful year and has grown both socially and academically,” said Ms. Brendle. “I can always depend on Bailee to be an enthusiastic participant in all subjects.”

Bailee is a member of the Chickasaw Honor Club and maintains perfect attendance. She is active in basketball, softball and the Chickasaw Children’s Choir.

“My future plans are to become a photographer and take pictures of wildlife and animals,” said Bailee.

 

Addison Miller

Addison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Miller, of Glendale, Ariz., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Art.

Addison is in the fifth grade at Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Ariz. and was nominated by art teacher Mary Anne Sanchez.

“Addison has proven to be an outstanding artist because of the time, dedication to detail and the wonderful attitude she brings with her to art every week,” said Ms. Sanchez. “Her enthusiasm spills over to her classmates which encourages them to do their best as well.”

Addison enjoys history, reading, choir and art. This year she has received Generosity and Kindness Character Trait awards. Addison is also part of a girls club with her church called Pink.

“In the future I would like to go on mission trips to other countries,” said Addison. “I would like to go to another country where there are poor and needy people and minister to them and bless them.”

 

Andrew Riesen

Andrew, son of Mark and Martha Risen, of Ardmore, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Athletics.

Andrew is a freshman at Ardmore High School and was nominated by Indian Education coordinator Deana Craighead.

“Andrew is a very polite and courteous student,” said Ms. Craighead. “He is such a positive role model for the other students and a pleasure to have at Ardmore High School.”

Andrew enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing. He is a member of the Johnson O’Malley program, Chickasaw Honor Club and the Team Chickasaw golf team. In 2007, Andrew placed first in the Native American Junior Open Golf tournament in Ardmore.

“My dream is to finish high school and be accepted on a collegiate golf team,” said Andrew.

 

Chantz White

Chantz, son of Victor and Lynda White, of Ardmore, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Leadership.

Chantz is in the fifth grade at Franklin Elementary in Ardmore and was nominated by fifth grade teacher Lori Hoke.

“Chantz is an outstanding student academically and socially,” said Ms. Hoke. “He is a positive role model to all students and has excellent leadership qualities.”

Chantz’s favorite school subjects are spelling and social studies. He enjoys basketball, video games and watching wrestling.

“My future plans are to graduate high school and attend college,” said Chantz.

 

Matison Worcester

Matison, daughter of Matt and Shellie Worcester, of Ada, Okla., is a March 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award Overall.

Matison is in the third grade at Latta Public Schools and was nominated by third grade teacher Scarlett Barton.

“Matison is an outstanding student,” said Ms. Barton. “She has great work habits and is a very bright girl.”

Matison enjoys her friends, family and her dog Lizzie. She likes basketball, softball, cheer-leading, dancing and tennis.

“When I graduate, I plan to go to the University of Oklahoma,” said Matison.

 

 

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