The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, is seeking nominations for its 2005 Academic Awards Program.
Some $199,000 in scholarships and awards will be presented at the foundation’s 19th annual Academic Awards Banquet May 21, 2005, in Oklahoma City. The event, which is attended by nearly 1,000 state education supporters, is broadcast statewide on public television and emceed by David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
"We know that education is the best investment our society can make for the future," Boren said. "If we make all of the right policy decisions in every other area but fail to adequately educate the next generation, we will imperil the future of our society. By working together to give outstanding students and educators the recognition they deserve, we send a strong message to our state and to the nation that Oklahomans value academic excellence."
Nomination forms are available on the foundation’s web site. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
Academic All-State, which honors 100 public high school seniors with a $1,500 scholarship. Students must be nominated by their superintendents or principals. Schools are encouraged to nominate all eligible students. To qualify, students must meet at least one of the following requirements: a composite ACT score of at least 30; a composite SAT score of at least 1350; or be selected as a semi-finalist for a National Merit, National Achievement or National Hispanic Scholarship.
The Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching and Administration, which honors four educators (a public school elementary, secondary, and college/university teacher and an elementary/secondary administrator) with a $7,500 cash award and a glass sculpture. In addition, the school, department or school system of these four award winners will be presented a $1,000 cash award. Both individuals and schools are eligible to nominate educators for these awards.
The Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Alternative Education, which honors the public school alternative education program judged to be the most effective. The winning program receives $7,500 and a glass sculpture. Any person familiar with the program is eligible to make the nomination.