ACHIEVERS
Yukon Public Schools recently selected Rebecca Oglesby as its District Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018.
Oglesby credits not only her third-grade teacher, Mr. Rader, who inspired her as a child, but also her experience at Plaza Towers Elementary in 2013 for the fuel that ignites her passion to teach students. As a second-year teacher, Oglesby was one of the countless teachers, staff and community members who responded in heroic fashion when called upon to care for and protect young children when a tornado struck in the Moore area. Her life and commitment to teaching was forever changed as a result of the “school’s sweet angels” who lost their lives that day.
As an art teacher at Ranchwood Elementary School in Yukon, Oglesby is sometimes referred to as the “Batman Teacher.” Every year, before school starts, Oglesby writes individual letters to each student on Batman stationary to welcome them to school and wish them success. The letters are always signed, “I love you and believe in you.”
When pressed about Batman, Oglesby noted, “Batman does not have any superpowers. He cannot fly, and he wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider. He is just a man with a mask and a mission. Batman believed that one man could make a difference and took it upon himself to do so, and in turn became a legend. I want to be Batman. I want to be the ordinary person who puts on the mask that hides the simplicity of who I am, and fights to give my students the best education and empower them to find their purpose.”
Oklahoman serves aboard aircraft carrier
Seaman apprentice Tenisha West, an Oklahoma City native and 2017 Del City High School graduate, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which recently returned from a seven-month deployment.
West is an electrician’s mate aboard the carrier operating out of San Diego. A Navy electrician’s mate is responsible for installing, operating, inspecting and repairing electrical equipment on the ship. West credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Oklahoma City.
“I learned the importance of responsibility,” West said. “You need to take ownership of your actions and be true to your word.”
To be considered for this column, please email achievement announcements and photos to LLynn@ Oklahoman.com.