12/17/2020 – OWASSO, Okla. — The Owasso Masonic Lodge #545 recently presented Owasso Public Schools with a $4,500 donation to be distributed among 45 OPS teachers, benefiting educators at all 15 sites in the district.
“The Masons of Oklahoma have been supporters of the school system for many years,” said Mr. Dave Robinson, who led the effort by the lodge to raise and donate the funds to OPS. “We just feel the teachers deserve recognition and we’re happy to support them in this way.”
Each of the 45 teachers selected across the district will receive $100 to be used for supplies, teaching aids or any other supplements for their classrooms.
“We certainly are very thankful and grateful for this generous support of our educators,” OPS Superintendent Dr. Amy Fichtner said. “The Masons have continuously supported our district through the years in a number of ways. I know that our teachers are very appreciative of this gift and will use these funds to enhance the learning environment for the students of our community.”
Along with his duties at the Owasso Masonic Lodge, Mr. Robinson also serves as a bus driver for OPS.
“I see what the teachers go through every day,” Robinson said. “We (drivers) have the students for 15-20 minutes on the bus, but I see what teachers do every day and I take my hat off to them. The teachers are all just great people and great to be around.”
The Owasso Lodge has supported Owasso students and teachers for many years by recognizing the “Teachers of Today,” the “Students of Today” and by providing free eye screenings at elementary schools.
“I’m proud to be a Mason and I’m glad that we can help the community,” Robinson said. “I think this is where it all starts. Education is the backbone of the community and if we don’t have that, we don’t have anything.”
Owasso Lodge #545 is a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.
Here is the complete list of teachers who will receive a donation for their classroom:
Ator Elementary
- Nicole Geer
- Stephanie Lervolino
- Cindy James
Bailey Elementary
- Caity McMillan
- Katy Cunningham
- Jena Normandin
Barnes Elementary
- Saressa Moore
- Sheree Delpratt
- Reagan Harris
Hodson Elementary
- Sarah Mann
- Kim Score
- Beth Langlinais
Mills Elementary
- Toni Roberts
- Katie Owens-Armour
- Dana Owens
Morrow Elementary
- Rachel Hahn
- Natalie Karleskint
- Ashley Cook
Northeast Elementary
- Kristie Birkenfeld
- Kat White
- Jenny Tooley
Smith Elementary
- Lara McClure
- Daneel Bailey
- Taylor Benson
Stone Canyon
- Jennifer Emmons
- Laura Harris
- Denita Hancock
6th Grade Center
- Karen McMurphy
- Tara Vanarsdel
- Kim Parker
7th Grade Center
- Shane Eicher
- Jennifer Martin
- Shuree Carpenter
8th Grade Center
- Aaron Anderson
- Kyla Schmidt
- William Fourkiller
High School
- Kim Coppedge
- Shannon Beck
- Chris Allen
- Sam Bowers
- Megan Walls
- Jan Bell
- Dee Goodnight
- Mary Anderson
- Danielle Petty
