Latest news with #ElginHighSchool
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
An Oklahoma Teacher Took a Leap of Faith. She Ended Up Winning State Teacher of the Year
This article was originally published in Oklahoma Voice. OKLAHOMA CITY — Those who knew Melissa Evon the best 'laughed really hard' at the thought of her teaching family and consumer sciences, formerly known as home economics. By her own admission, the Elgin High School teacher is not the best cook. Her first attempt to sew ended with a broken sewing machine and her mother declaring, 'You can buy your clothes from now on.' Still, Evon's work in family and consumer sciences won her the 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year award on Friday. Yes, her students practice cooking and sewing, but they also learn how to open a bank account, file taxes, apply for scholarships, register to vote and change a tire — lessons she said 'get kids ready to be adults.' Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter 'Even though most of my career was (teaching) history, government and geography, the opportunity to teach those real life skills has just been a phenomenal experience,' Evon told Oklahoma Voice. After graduating from Mustang High School and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Evon started her teaching career in 1992 at Elgin Public Schools just north of Lawton. She's now entering her 27th year in education, a career that included stints in other states while her husband served in the Air Force and a break after her son was born. No matter the state, the grade level or the subject, 'I'm convinced I teach the world's greatest kids,' she said. Her family later returned to Oklahoma where Evon said she received a great education in public schools and was confident her son would, too. Over the course of her career, before and after leaving the state, she won Elgin Teacher of the Year three times, district Superintendent Nathaniel Meraz said. So, Meraz said he was 'ecstatic' but not shocked that Evon won the award at the state level. 'There would be nobody better than her,' Meraz said. 'They may be as good as her. They may be up there with her. But she is in that company of the top teachers.' Like all winners of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Evon will spend a year out of the classroom to travel the state as an ambassador of the teaching profession. She said her focus will be encouraging teachers to stay in education at a time when Oklahoma struggles to keep experienced educators in the classroom. Evon herself at times questioned whether to continue teaching, she said. In those moments, she drew upon mantras that are now the core of her Teacher of the Year platform: 'See the light' by looking for the good in every day and 'be the light for your kids.' She also told herself to 'get out of the boat,' another way of saying 'take a leap of faith.' Two years ago, she realized she needed a change if she were to stay in education. She wanted to return to the high-school level after years of teaching seventh-grade social studies. The only opening at the high school, though, was family and consumer sciences. Accepting the job was a 'get out of the boat and take a leap of faith moment,' she said. 'I think teachers have to be willing to do that when we get stuck,' Evon said. 'Get out of the boat. Sometimes that's changing your curriculum. Sometimes it might be more like what I did, changing what you teach. Maybe it's changing grade levels, changing subjects, changing something you've always done, tweaking that idea.' Since then, she's taught classes focused on interpersonal communication, parenting, financial literacy and career opportunities. She said her students are preparing to become adults, lead families and grow into productive citizens. And, sure, they learn cooking and sewing along the way. 'I'm getting to teach those things, and I know that what I do matters,' Evon said. 'They come back and tell me that.' Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Elgin High School educator Melissa Evon named as Oklahoma's 2025 teacher of the year
An Elgin educator has been chosen as Oklahoma's 2025 teacher of the year. Melissa Evon, who teaches family and consumer sciences at Elgin High School in Comanche County, was announced as the winner of the honor on the night of Friday, June 27, at the Oklahoma State Department of Education's annual InspireOK conference, held this year in Norman. 'Melissa represents the very best Oklahoma has to offer,' said state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. 'She has the heart of a teacher and unmatched passion for her students and we are so proud to recognize her exemplary work.' Evon has worked as an educator since 1992, according to the state agency. She is the first Elgin Public Schools teacher to receive the honor since Oklahoma named its first state teacher of the year in 1955. When the list of 10 finalists for the award was announced in March, Evon – in a social media post from the agency – discussed her love of teaching. 'Teaching is a profession where the most extraordinary moments occur in the unexpected connections, the collaborative discoveries, and the triumphs of students realizing their own potential,' she said. 'Each day, as I step into my Family and Consumer Sciences classroom, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of my students' learning journeys. 'I see my role as similar to that of a silversmith, patiently refining, uncovering potential, and revealing the brilliance within each student. I believe in the lasting impact of acts of kindness and in fostering an environment where these bright young minds can thrive and discover their unique strengths.' Nate Meraz, the superintendent of Elgin Public Schools, said Evon has been named three times as that district's teacher of the year -- first as a high school history teacher, then as a middle school history teacher and now as a consumer science teacher. "Everything Melissa touches turns gold," Meraz told The Oklahoman. "She is one of the best human beings you'll ever meet. Go to your Facebook page and enter her name in the search bar right now; you'll see how many people mentioned her and have stories about how she has impacted their lives. It is truly amazing! "She seeks zero attention or praise and actually would shun the spotlight, but, our parents, school staff and our community all keep putting her in the spotlight with the amazing stories of how she impacts our students' lives on a daily basis." Each of the 10 state finalists were named as the teacher of the year at their school site, then within their school district. It's unclear who made the decision to choose the 10 finalists. The state Department of Education said in March the finalists would be evaluated by a panel of Oklahomans, but never said who would serve on that panel. According to the state Department of Education, Evon will spend the next year serving as the Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching, sharing knowledge and resources with other educators around the state. She also will represent the state in the national teacher-of-the-year competition. The other nine finalists were Shelly Austin of Cushing High School, G. Bruce Riggs of Claremore High School, Paula Caudill of Collinsville Upper Elementary School, Jennifer Meyer of Grove Elementary School, Melissa Lytle of Bixby North Intermediate School, Chrystal Reis of L.W. Westfall Elementary School in Choctaw, Shaunda Usry of Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center in Durant, Lauren Draper of Tuttle Middle School and Stacey Barker of Merritt Elementary School. The 2024 state teacher of the year was Rachel Keith from Ada High School. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Elgin High School educator named as 2025 Oklahoma teacher of the year
Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Why Moray Council officials are recommending AGAINST upgrade works to Buckie High School
Education officials have warned Buckie High School could be left to deteriorate as part of a plan to secure government funding for a new school. This is despite council officers admitting the school has 'further deteriorated' and is close to becoming part of the lowest rated schools in Scotland. Councillors have been given a number of options to decide the future of the school, but have decided to delay the decision until after a public meeting in June. The council will also wait until after a decision to move ahead with Elgin High School's extension has been made in the autumn. While guaranteeing 'complete transparency,' Deputy Chief Executive for education Denise Whitworth warned upgrade works could impact any future funding bids for improvements. Officials are hesitant because if school standards improve, it risks the Scottish Government diverting funding to a different school in need of a new build. It means any future works to Buckie High School will likely be dictated by the Scottish Government's school standards grading system. Currently, on a scale from A to D, Buckie High is rated a 'C' in condition and 'B' in suitability. The minimum standards for both is 'B'. This puts the school in the worst 8% of both primaries and secondaries in Scotland. Moray Council's learning estate programme manager Andy Hall admitted there is a 'necessity' for 'substantial' investment into Buckie High School. He told councillors 'mechanical and electrical' areas of the school have 'further deteriorated.' He also noted issues with the school's roof and windows. However, as a result of Moray Council's ongoing budget issues, officers admitted finding funds for school improvements is a 'significant concern.' The council is currently unable to fund a new school for Buckie and would need financial support from the Scottish Government. However, the government are yet to commit any more funding for new school projects. This conundrum means officers presented several alternatives to councillors, including transferring funding from other projects such as Elgin High School's extension. Buckie councillor Sonya Warren said the school and its additional role as a community centre has always been 'the heart of the community.' She wants the school to remain 'top of the priority list' for a new build to afford Buckie students the same learning opportunities as 'all other upgraded schools in Moray.' Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Marc Macrae said it was 'disappointing' the recent Programme for Government announcement did not make any further funding available. Meanwhile, SNP group leader Scott Lawrence said it was important to 'maximise the funding opportunities' and said any extra money the council could source for Buckie High School would be welcome. The council has agreed to postpone any decision until after a public meeting on the 17th June and once final research into Elgin High's extension is complete. However, councillors did agree to work together to prepare a cross-party letter to be sent to the Scottish Government, asking for a clearer picture on future school funding.
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Press and Journal
Fears Buckie High School revamp could be 'kicked into second place again' in favour of Elgin High School extension
Plans for Buckie's new high school could face yet more delays while Elgin High School's extension is finalised. A council report has published several options for Buckie's new school, a number of which recommended councillors wait until the exact details of Elgin High School's planned extension are confirmed. Other options include the council 'do nothing' or have officers borrow more money. In reaction to the report, Buckie councillor Sonya Warren said the lack of progress on a new school was 'beyond being political.' It comes after hopes of the Scottish Government's Programme for Government unveiling new funding for school projects were dashed earlier this week. Buckie councillor Sonya Warren told the Press and Journal the recent Programme for Government announcement 'doesn't change the situation' for Buckie High School. The SNP councillor said she intends to 'hope and pray' the Scottish election next year brings a government that will commit funding for a new school. Without that extra funding, she doesn't believe the council is in a position to be able to afford not just a new school, but perhaps even a programme of refurbishment. Councillor Warren said: 'Buckie High absolutely has to stay top of the priority list. Three times now it's been kicked into second place. 'It is still one of the worst schools in Moray and one of the worst in Scotland – there are not many worse than it. 'It's way beyond being political, it's a vital resource for the east of Moray.' She added the school situation was 'not a reflection on the teachers' and they were doing a 'phenomenal job' in the circumstances. Moray Council's learning estate programme manager Andy Hall has prepared a report outlining eight proposals councillors could take forward for Buckie High. They range from 'do nothing' or 'delay' going all the way up to borrowing money for the new school. With Buckie High School currently at 87.5% capacity, a number of different proposals remain on the table, dependent on funding. The bare minimum approach the council has suggested would be to refurbish the priority areas of the school with whatever money they have. Councillor Warren has questioned this approach. She said: 'It's obviously going to be a huge expense whatever. 'The question has to be asked – is it worth spending so much money on repairing and replacing to keep it going instead of doing a new build?' The report has made it clear to councillors they should consider postponing making a decision until plans for Elgin High School's extension are finalised. The Elgin High project is currently paused until further work is done on the capacity needs of that school. The report also says 'any significant investment beyond immediate repair and maintenance' should wait until after more Scottish Government funding becomes clearer. Buckie High School's last condition report graded it a 'C' which is below the minimum 'B' standard. Councillor Warren said more recent investigations moved the school down to a 'very low C,' and nearing the lowest tier 'D' grading. Recently announced housing could bring more families to Buckie, adding further stresses for the school. A petition earlier in the year calling for more investment in the school gathered over 1,000 signatures. Another report will be prepared for November, with a review on how much funding is required for the Elgin High School extension.
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Meet the Elgin woman who turned her back on university to kickstart career through apprenticeships
By the time she reached the end of fifth year at Elgin High School, Aimee Stephen had already earned the qualifications needed for university. After then completing S6 with five highers, she chose a different path and stepped straight into the workforce to start earning. She joined DYW Moray as a Business and Administration Modern Apprentice. Since then, she has held various roles within the organisation after leaping in straight from school. Aimee, 24, believes apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for others to launch their careers, just as she did. Our story when Aimee first joined DYW Moray. Image: Mhorvan Park/ DC Thomson Initially aspiring to be a PE teacher, she shifted her focus to business after developing a passion for it. Almost seven years later, Aimee now serves as Apprenticeship Development Manager helping Moray employers recruit and upskill people of all ages through apprenticeships. Why Aimee said no to university from school Aimee decided university straight from school was not the career path for her, and is now eager to help others facing the same decision. She wants to use her experience with apprenticeships to help support businesses create more opportunities for youngsters find jobs quickly. Aimee said: 'I was able to get all the qualifications needed to go to university, however I didn't want to do that. Aimee Stephen has went through a few apprenticeships. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'I wanted to get out in the workplace and start earning to get some money behind me. 'I joined DYW for the Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship and I just got on with things as I'm a naturally proactive and motivated person. 'It was great to get stuck into a wide range of tasks including managing marketing, social media, and other responsibilities. 'It wasn't a shock to the system being in the workplace as I had worked at Adolfos chip shop when I was at school and had work experience with NHS Grampian through the foundation apprenticeship.' 'University isn't the only path' University wasn't something on the cards for Aimee straight from school but was something she decided to go back to later. Last year she achieved a BA (Hons) in Business Management at Robert Gordon University. Aimee added: 'I've been fortunate to gain experience in the workplace while working toward both a modern and a graduate apprenticeship. Aimee Stephen wants to let young people know university doesn't have to be the only path to their dream job. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'It's been beneficial on a personal level as I was able to save more money which helped me move out at a younger age. 'I think it's really important to show young people that university isn't the only path. 'There's still a lot of pressure to go down the traditional route, and I completely understand that. 'But times are changing—more and more young people are choosing to go straight into employment, and the numbers reflect that shift. 'Ensuring young people know they have options is vital.' Aimee's goal to grow apprenticeships in Moray In Aimee's new role, she wants to target getting 20 people upskilled though an apprenticeship within their current organisation as well as 30 newly created apprenticeship roles and five events. Aimee said: 'It's also about identifying gaps—both in businesses and in skills—and seeing where apprenticeships can help fill those gaps. 'One key message I'm trying to get across is that apprenticeships aren't just for young people; they're valuable and accessible for people of all ages. Aimee Stephen is hoping to help businesses create more apprenticeships. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'The role focuses on both modern and graduate apprenticeships, aiming to upskill people who are already in employment through these partnerships. 'It's also about supporting employers to create new roles and opportunities. Apprenticeships can help businesses attract more talent Aimee also believes apprenticeships can help businesses by attracting more talent. She added: 'Another key message I really want to get across to employers is the importance of making roles open to apprentices. 'Doing so can significantly expand their talent pool. Aimee Stephen pictured. 'I understand that, for some businesses—especially smaller ones—it may feel like they don't have the capacity to train and support someone new. 'It's not always the right fit for every situation. 'But with the right mindset and the willingness to have those conversations, there's a lot of potential to make it work.' Any employer looking for support about apprenticeships can contact Aimee on
