Fifth-grader wins Colonial Day literature contest
Libby Parker was at a crossroads. One path followed familiarity. Another less-trodden path was unsure but had the potential to satisfy her heart.
Parker, 17, a senior at Piedmont High School, said she chose the direction she thinks is best suited for her future. That led her to enroll in biomedical sciences at Canadian Valley Technology Center. “I had cheer friends at Piedmont who wanted to enroll in cosmetology,” at CV Tech’s El Reno campus, she said. “I wanted to be with my friends, but I really didn’t see myself cutting hair.” Biomedical sciences is housed at CV Tech’s Cowan Campus, about 11 miles away from her friends at CV Tech’s El Reno campus. Her friends understood, she said.
Biomedical sciences is a college-prep program that features hands-on activities in anatomy, cell biology, genetics and disease research for those students who plan to pursue advanced medical degrees in college. The decision to enroll has paid off, Parker said. While flourishing in the program, she has been notified of her acceptance into an early entrance agreement through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Students must apply and meet a series of criteria for acceptance into the high school early admission program at OUHSC. Upon selection, students are guaranteed a spot once they become college juniors, said Susan Tucker, assistant professor and assistant dean for academic and student affairs at OUHSC. “We have 300 applicants for 60 spots, so this is a way of identifying students ahead of time who meet the criteria for enrolling,” Tucker said.
Parker faced another crossroads at home. “My whole family are huge Oklahoma State fans,” she said. “I bought my dad a license plate that says ‘OU Dad.’ So far, he still hasn’t put it on his car.” Corey Herndon, one of two biomedical sciences instructors at CV Tech, said Parker is a classic example of a driven student who knows exactly how education can help meet her career goals. “Libby is an intelligent, intentional and diligent young lady,” Herndon said. “She came to us with all the makings of a medical professional. We merely provided biomedical knowledge and skills.”
Parker said those unfamiliar with it still quiz her about her choice. Many still think of CV Tech as the option for students who are not college-bound. “Sometimes when I tell people I’m here, I have to tell them I am still planning on going to college,” she said. About half of Canadian Valley graduates pursue a college degree. Biomedical sciences and pre-engineering are programs at CV Tech that are designed for students who want a jump-start on postsecondary goals. Both are tied closely with Project Lead the Way, which offers students exclusive access to scholarships, preferred admission at 100 colleges and universities nationwide, internships and industry connections.
“I decided about two years ago to do something in radiology,” Parker said. “I had my appendix removed and got a CAT scan. I want to study nuclear medicine and become a nuclear medicine technologist.”
Alexandra “Alex” Dennis, a fifth-grader at Barnes Elementary School in the Midwest City-Del City school district, won the 2017 Colonial Day Literature Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
Alex, 11, read her awardwinning essay, “What It Means To Be An American,” during Colonial Day on Feb. 3 at First Presbyterian Church. More than 500 students participated in the contest.
George Washington, portrayed by Mount Vernon historical interpreter Dean Malissa, presented Alex with a plaque and a $100 prize during opening ceremonies before a crowd of more than 600 people.
“Alex is a joy to have in class,” said her teacher, Brandy McNeely. “She comes to school every day with a smile on her face ready to learn. She wrote an amazing essay from the heart, and I am extremely proud of her for winning the literature contest.”
Also recognized were contest finalists, who received certificates of merit. They were Kinzie Keiffer, Banner Elementary School, El Reno; Kya Lynch, Heritage Elementary, Edmond; Owen Whitaker, Centennial Elementary, Edmond; Cooper Jennings, Jefferson Elementary, Norman; Ryan Leland, Eisenhower Elementary, Norman; Angela Vu, Fisher Elementary, Moore; and Jill Watkins, Crescent Elementary School.
During Colonial Day, nearly 580 fifth-graders dressed in early American clothing, traveled back in time to meet important historical figures, learned about the daily lives of early Americans and debated whether the colonies should remain loyal or seek independence from the British crown.
Colonial Day is coordinated by teachers who have participated in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute through a fellowship program administered by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.