Deep Rock principal Teresa Shaffer read an original poem dedicated to this month’s honoree. However, it may be applied to any and all of those selected each month. Portions of her poem (italicized) have been included.
“A dedicated teacher with a compassionate heart, Takes the love of learning and to others does impart.This is the HEART of teaching…”
(Cushing, Okla.) Each month during the school year, Cushing Chamber of Commerce honors one teacher, one support person and two Cushing High School seniors – a boy and a girl. November’s honorees were Jamie Coffelt, support person Mike Samuels, and CHS students Paige Cloud and Koln Knight.
“Enthusiasm and strength are needed to meet the challenges of today. It sometimes takes tough love, and always the desire to pray. This is the BLESSING of teaching…”
Jamie Coffelt, 5th grade teacher at Deep Rock, was selected as this month’s teacher. She is married with two boys – Riley and Rance. Her free time is filled with activities often centering around her boys and her church. If she could take a free trip to anywhere – she would go to Washington, D.C. and visit the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery and “basically anything that has to do with American history.” As for her greatest joy as a teacher, Coffelt said “It is pure joy to get to be a positive example every day for students. Many of my students are from hurting families and I am honored to be a rold model to this generation.”
“A smile of reassurance, a pat on the back or word of praise, Teaching and reaching each child in so many different ways.This is the JOY of teaching.”
Support person of the month Mike Samuels has worked for Cushing Public Schools for 31 years. His knowledge covers an array of areas including food service. He is married to Sue Samuels and has a son, Jason and daughter, Brandy. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors – hunting, fishing – and even yard work. Samuels said the greatest joy about his job is the people he works with.
“In all that you do, and all that you say, for the difference that you make, I thank you this day…”
CHS senior Paige Cloud enjoys running and reading in her spare time. Interestingly enough, she says if she could spend the day with anyone – she would spend it with Charles Darwin. “I would spend it with Charles Darwin because he is so misunderstood and it would be so cool to find out about him.” Paige said she loves to learn – and does it well. As for future plans, in five years she expects to be either attending college to obtain her masters degree in a science field or working for the Air Force or NASA.
CHS senior Kyle Knight couldn’t attend the reception since he was at wrestling practice, but his parents Koln and Nancy Knight attended. Kyle plays football, baseball and is currently in wrestling. He also enjoys hunting and fishing. He has an older brother, Karson and is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Each recipient received a gift bag of goodies made possible by these sponsors: Boom-A-Rang Diner, Keystone Gas Corp., Aqua Pleasures, Broadway Smiles, H&R Block, Kalka Insurance, Mac’s Quick Lube, Naifeh’s, Steer Inn Family Restaurant, Walmart, Rogers Realty, Central Tech and Smith Barney.
Business After School is held the last Monday of each month, however, due to the busyness of the holiday season, the next reception will be held in January. The public is always welcome to attend.
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