COMMUNITY ACHIEVERS

DaVinci Fellows

The DaVinci Institute, Oklahoma’s Creativity Think Tank, recently named a University of Central Oklahoma professor and dean as DaVinci Fellows.

Jeanetta Sims, dean of the UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies, and Luis Montes, professor of chemistry at UCO, have been named 2022 DaVinci Fellows.

The award recognizes higher education faculty whose creative, innovative accomplishments have made a significant contribution to their academic disciplines.

Braille competition

Oklahoma School for the Blind recently awarded top prizes to five students from the Oklahoma City area during the 20th Braille Challenge® regional competition held on the school campus in Muskogee.

In the varsity category, Julio Valdez earned a gold medal, while Elbin Carrillo took home a silver medal. Both competitors are juniors at Oklahoma School for the Blind.

Ben Middleton, an Oklahoma School for the Blind senior, earned a gold medal in the transition 2 category.

Seventh-grader Quante Sellers won a bronze medal in the transition 2 category, while Kairi Husmann, a fourth-grader, earned a silver medal in the apprentice category.

Educator award

Heritage Hall’s Teresa Turner, director of diversity and inclusion, has received the Women of Color Expo Oklahoma City Educator of the Year award.

Sponsored by Perry Publishing and Broadcasting Co., the Expo aims to “inspire and honor achieving women in our community from all walks of life,” a news release stated. The company recognized Turner and honorees from various other categories during a recent awards luncheon.

To be considered for this column, please email achievement announcements and photos to LLynn@Oklahoman.com.

PROVIDED The DaVinci Institute recently named Luis Montes, professor of chemistry at the University of Central Oklahoma, at left, and Jeanetta Sims, dean of the UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies, as 2022 DaVinci Fellows.