Years ago, Stacy Boese never imagined that she would own and operate a craft store. But there she is, right there on Owen K. Garriott, welcoming folks to the brand-new storefront for Cozy Corner Knits, Enid’s only yarn shop. Originally from Kansas, Stacy used to work at the sheriff’s office near her hometown of Hayesville. She was good at her job, but fate had other plans. One day her husband Clay went up to Kansas on business. The two met and hit it off, and the rest, as they say, is history. Stacy and Clay have been married for over three decades. Their children include Christina, John, Alessia, and Nickolas, and they have been blessed with five grandchildren.
Cozy Corner Knits didn’t happen overnight. Before settling in Enid, the family lived all over the country, moving with the demands of Clay’s job. During that time, between raising a family and making a home wherever they lived, Stacy fell in love with knitting. According to Clay, Stacy got into knitting “through some friends in a couple of the different communities that we lived in,” but she really got into it when they lived in Tulsa. And then when they moved to Enid, Stacy said, “There’s no yarn. What are we going to do?”
So, she started Cozy Corner in the Heritage Hills shopping plaza on Willow, but when the opportunity came to move to Owen K. Garriott this past winter, they took it. Clay good-naturedly claimed that it was “the girls in the shop saying, ‘We need a bigger shop!’” But the increased visibility has had a terrific impact on the shop, and Clay reports that “her classes are way up now since we moved over there.”
For Stacy, one of the most important parts of the yarn shop is creating a sense of community. According to Autumn White, a local knitter, Stacy has created “a very welcoming environment,” one where you don’t have to be an expert. Autumn didn’t know how to knit when she first found the yarn shop, but that was no barrier. Stacy said, “What do you want to make? If you can knit and purl, you can make a sweater.” Under Stacy’s wing, Autumn learned the basics, and for the past two years has been knitting up a storm. The shop has a variety of classes, but Autumn says one of the best parts is “Therapy Thursday, where we all just kind of sit, eat, and knit.”
Clay says that from the beginning, Stacy “wanted a place for women to be able to go and feel safe and be able to express themselves and enjoy themselves and create a community.” It’s safe to say that Stacy has accomplished that and more, and for that reason, she is definitely a local legend.
Enid, OK, April 8, 2024 – As Main Street Enid commemorates three decades of revitalizing downtown Enid, the organization is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its 2024 History Maker Campaign. Their mission is committed to preserving and developing our downtown district through diverse partnerships as they enhance the quality of life in Downtown Enid.
Since the inception of the History Maker campaign in 2018, over $50,000 in donated funds have been allocated to the ongoing and competitive grants, catalyzing transformative projects across the Downtown Enid District. Notable beneficiaries include:
● 221 W Randolph ● 116-118 W Randolph ● 206 E Randolph ● 222 W. Randolph ● 220 W. Randolph ● 120 W Randolph ● 202 E Randolph Ave ● 225 W Randolph Ave ● 128 W Randolph Ave ● 101 N Grand ● 117 N. Grand ● 125 N Grand ● 122 N Independence ● 104 N Independence ● 221 N Independence ● 211 E Broadway ● 226 W Broadway ● 119 W Maple ● 112 E Cherokee
Walker’s Western Store, Competitive $10,000 Grant Recipient, Owner Jana Walker remarked, “The facade grant was an incredible blessing to help restore the front of our building in Downtown. Any time we got a chance to restore the old during the renovation, we took the opportunity, and it turned out better than we could imagine. It takes a lot of resources to get buildings restored and every extra bit of help we received from the grant made a huge difference in our small business to accomplish that goal. We chose Enid as our second location because we saw so much potential in the Downtown area to be renovated and brought back to life. We also love Northwest Oklahoma as lifelong residents in the area. Downtown seemed to be the next logical place we could facilitate our goals and make a positive impact in a community.”
In honor of Main Street Enid’s 30th anniversary, they aim to raise $30,000 through its 2024 History Maker Campaign. Thanks to the generous matching funds of $7500 from the Enid Regional Development Alliance and $5000 from Edward Jones, each donation received by June 30th, 2024, will have triple the impact. Donors contributing $100 or more will be recognized as History Makers, endorsing the mission of Main Street Enid to revitalize downtown Enid by preserving and promoting its historic district.
To be listed as a 2024 History maker you can make a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more by emailing historymaker@mainstreetenid.org, calling 580.234.1052 X 1, or visiting mainstreetenid.org.
The campaign kicked-off during the First Friday Carnival on April 5th, where over $1500 was raised through activities such as the dunk tank and a percentage of ticket sales from the B.AT. Mini Express train ride, all contributing to the History Maker Campaign.
Additionally, Main Street Enid introduces downtown discount cards priced at $20 each, featuring discounts from various partner businesses in downtown Enid good until April of 2025. The proceeds from these cards directly support the History Maker Campaign. With only a limited supply available, community members are encouraged to secure theirs promptly. You can contact Main Street Enid at the email, phone number, or website listed above to secure your card and find a list of locations to purchase one from.
ENID, OK (March 28, 2024) — The Hope Outreach Marketplace funds 80 percent of Hope Outreach Ministries’ five community programs. The Marketplace has recently expanded its inventory list – adding new products at wholesale prices.
“With the goal of making quality, luxury furniture and flooring more accessible to the community, we’ve brought in brand new product lines that we offer at a fraction of the cost,” Director of Retail Ministries, Brooke Stephens said.
“Many customers have reached out, wondering if the Marketplace still offers thrifted, pre-loved items,” Chief Executive Officer Matt Lohman said. “Donated items still make up the majority of the Marketplace inventory.”
The Wholesale Section is located on the west end of the store, containing mainly name brand furniture and home decor items. These items are purchased by Hope Outreach Marketplace at a low cost. From sectionals priced at $900 that retail for over $2,000, to flooring priced at $1.99/square foot that retails for up to $4/square foot, Marketplace has a variety of affordable, brand new items.
To celebrate the new inventory arrivals, Marketplace is running a giveaway for one of the newly purchased sectionals. To enter, just spend $15 or more in-store, sign your receipt, and list your phone number. The cashier will then place you in the drawing, held on Saturday, March 30 at 7 P.M. at 215 South Van Buren.
“We want to invite you to come shop with us and check out all the new and exciting things we’re doing at the Marketplace,” Stephens said.
About Hope Outreach For over 30 years, Hope Outreach has provided simple pathways to equip heroes like you to bring hope to so many. To the unemployed, the homeless, parents, those coming out of prison, and families in need. For more information, visit hopeoutreach.org
Enid, Oklahoma – April 9th, 2024 – Main Street Enid, in collaboration with Park Avenue Thrift and Whiterock Resources, alongside the City of Enid Oklahoma, is excited to announce a transformative initiative set to breathe new life into the heart of downtown Enid. On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, they will be planting 24 Chinese Pistache trees throughout the downtown district, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability and the beautification of Downtown Enid.
The partnership between the organizations underscores a shared commitment to fostering a greener, more vibrant urban environment. Thanks to the generous grant awarded by Park Avenue Thrift during their Fall 2023 cycle, Main Street Enid’s Downtown Tree Project has gained momentum, enabling the realization of this impactful endeavor.
“Park Avenue Thrift was so excited to award Main Street Enid a grant during our Fall 2023 cycle for their Downtown Tree Project,” said Stela Jantzen, Park Avenue Thrift Executive Director. “We love the work Main Street Enid is doing by beautifying our downtown. The Downtown Tree Project also supports environmental sustainability and increased walkability. This aligns with our mission of giving back to nonprofits working to improve the quality of life in Enid.”
Madilynne Crenshaw, representing Whiterock Resources, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We believe that small actions can lead to significant outcomes. By planting these trees, we’re not just enhancing the beauty of our city; we’re investing in a sustainable future for all. Initiatives like this serve as a reminder of the transformative power of collective action. Together, we can cultivate a greener, healthier, and more vibrant community for generations to come.” Natalie Rapp, Executive Director of Main Street Enid, expressed her gratitude to the organizations, “We are immensely thankful to Park Avenue Thrift, Whiterock Resources, and the city of Enid for their support of the Downtown Enid tree project. This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of community partnership, and we are thrilled to see this project come to life while giving life to our district. With their assistance, we are not only revitalizing our downtown district but also nurturing a sustainable urban ecosystem. We can’t wait to witness the positive impact these trees will have on our community.”
In addition to the tree planting event on April 13th, Main Street Enid is seeking organizations to assist with watering the trees weekly during the summer months, and every other week thereafter. Organizations interested in sponsoring a month can enjoy the opportunity to display signage and receive recognition on Main Street Enid’s website and social media platforms.
For more information about Main Street Enid and how to get involved in this initiative, please visit mainstreetenid.org.
Rogers Lowell Chamber staff and ambassadors joined Jiffy Trip corporate and local employees Wednesday, April 10, for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The opening marks the convenience store chain’s 30th store, which is located at 1310 W. Walnut St. in Rogers.
April 12, 2024 (Enid, OK) — Oklahoma-based convenience store Jiffy Trip is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest location in Rogers, Arkansas, with a 6,200-square-foot state-of-the-art convenience store at the intersection of 13th & Walnut.
The latest Jiffy Trip location features a bright, modern, and open concept, and customers will always be greeted by the friendly customer service team. Jiffy Trip boasts JT’s Kitchen, offering an extensive selection of food, drink, and snack choices – including piping-hot pizza, juicy burgers, savory sandwiches, and a wide range of bakery and breakfast treats. The convenience store chain offers more than 1,000 hot and cold fountain drink combinations, as well as hundreds of bottled and canned beverage choices. With Jiffy Trip’s Rewards program, customers enjoy savings opportunities throughout the store.
Jiffy Trip Rogers is open 24 hours to serve the community with 20 fueling positions, six grades of fuel, and the Fuel Forward app to bring savings to its customers every day. “We are very excited to open a new store in Rogers and grateful to bring 30 new jobs to the community. The overwhelming positive reception further enforces our growth into Northwest Arkansas,” Jiffy Trip Chief Operating Officer Alex Williams stated.
About Jiffy Trip Convenience Store Jiffy Trip is a family-owned convenience store chain with 30 locations and nearly 500 employees in Oklahoma and Arkansas. To learn more about Jiffy Trip or JT’s Comfort Kitchen, visit www.jiffytrip.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
This month we are privileged to hear from the greatest coyote hunter I’ve ever known, my friend Jeremy Nickel. Let’s jump right into it:
Wolves were once the top predators in Oklahoma, until the early 1900s when the federal government and settlers hunted them almost to extinction while expanding grazing ranges for domesticated livestock. In the absence of wolves, coyotes established themselves as the new apex predators in the territories left vacant by wolves. The US government has tried to control coyote populations with the same methods used to curtail the wolf population, but coyotes are trickier animals than wolves. Despite being subjected to decades of persecution, including traps, poisons, aerial shooting, pursuit by hounds, and hunting, their numbers continue to increase, and their territories are expanding. Coyotes are remarkably resilient and adaptable creatures, displaying cleverness and resourcefulness, and my own experience hunting them has instilled in me an uncanny respect for these animals. Coyotes are simply doing what nature intended them to do, but their survival often comes into conflict with human interests.
How long ago and why did you first get into coyote hunting?
I’ve always been intrigued by coyotes and their haunting howls, ever since I was a kid. I have been hunting for them for most of my life. Over time, I’ve witnessed the evolution of hunting technology and regulations, which has led to expanding my hunting range from family property and nearby areas to targeting nuisance coyotes for landowners over a larger area. The equipment I use to hunt has also improved, such as electronic calls and thermal imaging devices. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during the night or at dawn and dusk. Taking advantage of this technology gives hunters an edge to be out hunting during these times and remove higher numbers of them.
How many coyotes did you take last year?
In 2023, I harvested 368 coyotes throughout several counties in NW Oklahoma.
Why is predator control important?
Livestock producers in the US face an estimated loss of $232 million annually due to predators. In Oklahoma, more than half of all such losses are caused by coyotes. These animals are intelligent and adaptable, and they tend to become bolder in areas where they can find a reliable food source. Coyotes are primarily carnivorous, but they also consume plant matter. During summer, they can cause significant damage to watermelon fields, and they often associate calving pens and poultry farms with a steady food supply. Furthermore, coyotes can clear 6-foot privacy fences to prey on small pets. In my opinion, targeting and removing coyotes from specific areas can create pressure on the remaining population and discourage them from associating that area with an easy food source.
What are some tips for newly beginning coyote hunters?
If you want to become a successful coyote hunter, it’s essential to pay close attention to your scent. Coyotes rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt, followed by their ability to hear and see. I have personally witnessed them react to my scent from hundreds of yards away across an open field. Therefore, setting up your calling stand in a way that accounts for wind direction is crucial, as coyotes have a natural tendency to circle downwind. It is also important to choose spots with elevation that enable you to cover as much ground as possible without revealing your silhouette. Keep in mind that coyotes have wider peripheral vision than humans and will detect your movements quickly, so avoid sudden movements. Coaxing coyotes into a position for a shot opportunity can be challenging since they are very in tune with their environment. However, don’t give up if you’re not successful at first. The trickster, as Native Americans referred to them, is one of the most challenging animals to hunt. There is no one way to do it, and you will learn tricks and tactics as you spend more time hunting.
Jeremy Nickel is an experienced coyote hunter helping landowners in NW Oklahoma with coyote problems. If you would like to contact him for his service, he can be reached at 580-484-1194. His service is free of charge.
The Artistic Vision: “Faces of Hope” These two storage containers stand as more than mere vessels for pet supplies; they are vibrant canvases that tell tales of unwavering hope. Hive Appeal’s Kelly and Ty Tompkins have transformed these containers into colorful, larger-than-life pet caricatures—each brushstroke a testament to the love and dedication poured into the day-to-day work of a no-kill animal shelter.
Symbolizing Hope “Faces of Hope” represents the very essence of our mission. As we open these containers, we celebrate the hope that exists within these walls—the hope that every wagging tail, every gentle purr, and every trusting gaze carries. It’s the hope that keeps our tireless volunteers going, even when the days are long and resources scarce.
Storage for Compassion But let’s delve deeper. These containers are not just about art; they are lifelines for pet owners facing financial distress. Inside, you’ll find the ESPCA Pet Food Pantry, stocked with nutritious kibble, treats, and essential supplies. When families struggle to make ends meet, these containers ensure their beloved pets won’t go hungry because no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their furry companions.
A Community Effort Park Avenue Thrift, PACE, Hive Appeal, ESPCA generous donors, staff, and volunteers have come together to create something truly special—extending compassion to humans and animals alike.
How You Can Help You, too, can be a part of this ongoing story of hope. Consider donating pet food, blankets, or funds to the ESPCA Pet Food Pantry. Volunteer your time, share our mission, and spread the word. Together, we can ensure that no pet faces hunger or abandonment due to financial hardship.
Faces of Hope—because every pet deserves a chance, and every act of kindness matters.
The ESPCA welcomed Lina from Animal Welfare. They think she might be a Carolina dog mix. She is sweet, well-mannered, and even-tempered and knows the interactions of sit and paw. Lina is approximately two years old and a great medium size. You should definitely visit her in the ESPCA kennels Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet Oliver Kitty! This handsome guy has become a complete sweetheart with whom to interact. He likes to roll on his side and extend a paw in friendship, and it’s just so adorable. If you think he’d be right for you, come to see him in the ESPCA lobby and lavish some love on him! You won’t regret it!
If you have decided to put off having an elective surgery, you may find that it can cause more harm than good. Whether it is a gall bladder removal, a hernia repair, or other types of non-urgent procedures, it’s important to understand the consequences of delaying your care.
David Shepherd, MD, general surgeon with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, discusses the risks and dangers of postponing elective surgeries, like gall bladder and hernias.
Can a medical condition worsen if surgery is postponed?
Yes. Delaying elective surgery may allow the underlying medical condition to worsen over time. This can lead to increased pain, discomfort and reduced quality of life for the patient. In some cases, the condition may become more difficult to treat or manage as it progresses.
What are some of the complications?
As medical conditions progress, they may become more complicated to treat surgically. For example, delaying elective joint replacement surgery can lead to increased joint damage and may necessitate more extensive procedures or result in poorer outcomes.
Can postponing result in emergency situations?
Yes. The risk of an emergency is dependent on the type of condition. Some elective surgeries are recommended to prevent the development of serious complications. Delaying these surgeries can increase the risk of unexpected medical emergencies, which may require urgent or emergency intervention. For example, postponing gall bladder removal could result in a rupture, causing an infection. Delaying a hernia repair may result in the twisting of the intestines, cutting off blood supply.
Can postponing cause psychological effects for the patient?
Yes. Patients may experience increased anxiety, stress or depression related to their untreated medical condition or uncertainty about when they will receive treatment. For patients with chronic pain or limited mobility, they may experience ongoing discomfort, difficulty performing daily activities or reduced independence while waiting for surgery.
Overall, while there may be valid reasons for postponing elective surgery, such as prioritizing urgent or emergent cases, or addressing capacity issues within hospitals, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully with your physician, and consider your needs and concerns.
To find a doctor and schedule an appointment online, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
It’s officially April, and no, that was not an April Fool’s joke – it really is April. The first few months of 2024 have flown by, which means summer is right around the corner. With summer comes the Best of Enid 2024. Voting is now open, so be sure to vote for your favorites because the competition was very close last year, in more than one category. There will only be 50 winners, but every business in Enid is truly the best of the best, which goes hand in hand with this month’s cover story. April 28th is National Superhero Day, and in honor of Superhero Day, we sat down with a few of our heroes here in Enid. Our community heroes may not wear capes, but they’re heroes, nonetheless. Whether they’re a nurse who gives their all or a teacher who pours into future generations, the people who show up in your life daily are your unsung heroes. Think about it – what would life be like without them? With those thoughts in mind, carry them with you throughout the month as you come across everyday heroes because who doesn’t like a little bit of appreciation or recognition here and there? So, thank you, heroes, for all that you do and are. Enid wouldn’t be what it is without each of you!
Have you ever wished you could meet a real superhero? Do your kids love Iron Man, Wonder Woman, or Spider Man? These days, it seems like superheroes are everywhere: the movies, tv and streaming shows, and endless rows of toys. From brightly-colored costumes that may or may not involve a cape to special powers and abilities, superheroes are downright fun. And they might have the occasional setback, but they always end up saving the day.
Well, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that we have some real superheroes right here in Enid, too. They don’t wear capes—and as far as we know, none of them can fly—but they are heroes, nonetheless. In fact, every single day, they are making a difference and having a positive impact on the people in our community—our friends, neighbors, and families. We had the privilege of sitting down with a few of these superheroes, and these are their stories.
Hospice Nurses: Not just a job, but a calling
According to recent headlines, former President Jimmy Carter has officially marked one year in hospice care. Frankly, these reports were a bit surprising because not many people realize that a person can even be in hospice for a year. Many assume that hospice care means the end is near, but when we sat down to chat with Enid nurses Donna Hicks and Stevie Powell, they stated that this is a common misconception.
Local superheroes Donna Hicks, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Stevie Powell, a registered nurse (RN), both work at Hospice Circle of Love in Enid. They are knowledgeable and friendly, and they radiate the warmth and compassion that you would expect of hospice workers. They kindly sat down for a recent interview, and it was downright eye-opening.
Each woman took a different path to Circle of Love. Donna went to Autry Tech after raising her kids, eventually becoming a nurse in her fifties. After working at a dialysis center and then a nursing home, a colleague noticed her skills and abilities with dying patients and encouraged her to apply for a job with hospice. On the other hand, Stevie knew from childhood that she wanted to be a nurse. Recalling her grandfather’s hospice experience, she says that looking back, “He would just light up, and I thought if I could do that for somebody at the end of their life, what a rewarding experience that would be.” After earning her nursing degree at Northern Oklahoma College nine years ago, she worked as an ER nurse before landing at Circle of Love.
While hospice work can take place in hospitals or nursing homes, Donna and Stevie said that their work is frequently performed at people’s homes. While no two days are ever the same, the basic procedures are consistent. When conducting patient visits, Donna says, “We check their vitals, their medications, their safety—anything that they might need or anything the family’s needing.” She said they also do “medication teaching for the family,” so that the family members are equipped to handle basic medicine needs.
According to Donna, hospice requires “a terminal diagnosis of six months or less, but with that being said, we’ve had patients for days and we’ve had patients for years.” With each patient being visited anywhere from two times a week to everyday, depending on their needs, the goal is always quality of life. And far from the bedridden stereotype, some hospice patients are able to enjoy a variety of things outside the home. Stevie pointed out that “They get to enjoy life more. They’re not homebound, so they get to see their families. They get to go out to dinner or go on trips to see their family members. We bring everything to them so they can have that quality of life.”
One thing that is important is how hospice nurses are able to practice self-care, since such work requires a great deal of empathy from its workers. When asked about strategies for nourishing the emotional and spiritual facets of the job, Stevie and Donna were happy to share that Circle of Love has several things that address this very concern. First, Stevie said, “We have two chaplains that are available to us 24/7, as well as to the families.” Hailing from local churches, Chaplains Gary and Shelby offer much-needed support and care.
In addition to chaplain support, Circle of Love makes sure that staff are taken care of in other ways, too. There are quarterly reflections, where they remember patients who have died that quarter. “It gives the nurses a chance to talk and reminisce about the good things,” said Donna. In general, the Circle of Love environment is like a family. “If someone’s having a problem, we’re all here,” according to Donna. Staff also do dinners, Bible studies, and basically just have each other’s backs as needed.
Donna wants the Enid community to know that “This isn’t a job. It’s a calling.” And Stevie stated that “Everyone has a preconceived notion that hospice is just straight, end-of-life care, that they have X days to live, and that’s truly not the case.”
What is the case is that for Enid families with loved ones who may be needing hospice care, there are some terrific options right here at home. With Donna, Stevie, and their colleagues providing top-notch care, they truly qualify as superheroes without capes.
Chaplain: Just a Job? Nope!
Jerred Unruh may be the chaplain at the YMCA, but he swears that he’s not going to try and preach a sermon at you while you’re bench pressing. In fact, in his role as chaplain at the Denny Price YMCA, Jerred doesn’t do any preaching at all. Jerred actually has two roles: not only does he serve as chaplain, but he is also the property manager. He describes it as “taking care of the physical needs of the building and also the spiritual needs.”
Born and raised in Enid, Jerred earned a business degree at OSU and attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife, Kerrie, have two children. Jerred has had several pastoral jobs in Enid, including at First Baptist Church, which is a literal stone’s throw from the YMCA. Being a pastor is something that is fairly easy to understand, but fewer people are familiar with what a gym chaplain actually does.
When asked about this, Jerred kind of laughed and sighed gently. “It’s still a discovering kind of a question for me.” He explained that historically, YMCA facilities have had chaplains (the ‘C’ in the acronym stands for Christian) and that here in Enid, the Denny Price Y has always had a Christian influence. Jerred sees his evolving role as trying to see how they can best weave the Christian mission into all areas of the YMCA. Part of that is ministering to the staff; Jerred said, “I’ve had members come and ask, hey, could you come pray with me?” And they hold weekly staff Bible studies, as well. But part of the effort is also offering opportunities to people. “It’s not me being pushy,” Jerred said, but rather giving people the chance to experience the Christian message. For example, he does outreach with local youth sports organizations and also hosts brief talks with the afterschool children’s groups. However, he emphasizes that it’s not about “beating people over the head,” but sharing the gospel with people and just being able to “love on them where they are.”
In his efforts to care for the YMCA’s physical and spiritual needs, Jerred goes the extra mile. One minute he might be helping a colleague with a scripture question, and that might be immediately followed by a meeting with a contractor working on an electrical issue. The day to day managing of the chaplain side of things combined with “managing our maintenance staff” definitely requires balance, but Jerred insists that “it’s not any different than what we’re asking our other staff or CEO to do.”
The main thing that Jerred wants people to know is that as a Christian organization, there is definitely a goal of “highlighting the ‘C’ part of the YMCA…but if you’re not a Christian, that doesn’t mean you’re not welcome here. Matter of fact, you are SO welcome here!”
Teaching: Also not just a job
When Emily Cordova, who teaches kindergarten at Monroe Elementary School, was asked if there was anything she wanted the public to know, she didn’t hesitate: “You never know when you’re going to be the light in the middle of something…it’s such a great joy that you get when you see that kid going through something coming out of that…” Emily may be in her first year of teaching, but without a doubt, she is having a positive impact on the kids in her class.
It’s an impact that she almost didn’t have the chance to make. Originally a nursing major at Northwestern Oklahoma State here in Enid, Emily was on track for a career in healthcare. But after a tragic incident, her trajectory was forever changed. One day, Emily witnessed a motorcycle accident, and she tried to help the victim, saying, “I stopped to do CPR, and when I tried to, he died… So, I couldn’t do it. I was like, maybe this is God telling me, you’re not meant for this.” Emotionally, Emily knew that she had to change careers, and she had always loved the idea of teaching. So, she switched her course of study to education and graduated in December of 2023.
Just as Emily is being a positive influence on her students, she also well remembers those teachers who made a difference in her own life. She mentioned several, highlighting for special mention her fourth grade teacher, Ms. Christine Clifton. Emily’s family had recently moved to the United States, and she spoke little English. Emily landed in Ms. Clifton’s class at Enid’s Taft Elementary, and Emily says that “she made the biggest impact,” one that Emily treasures to this day. Special mention was also made of Dr. Steven Mackie at Northwestern, who Emily says, “is really my mentor… if I need anything, I go ask him.”
As a teacher who is bilingual in English and Spanish, Emily really values being able to support children who are English language learners. There are a handful of bilingual children in her class, and Emily emphasizes how wonderful it is to help students with the academic content level but also to connect with them on the human level. She explained that “when I was growing up… I felt like an outsider… But when you come and bring someone with the same language, you feel like you’re at home. And that’s what I want to bring to my students, to feel welcome and feel like this is for them and they’re part of this.”
Sitting in on the interview was Emily’s colleague and friend Natasha Stocks, who teaches first grade at Monroe. Natasha also graduated from Northwestern and is in her first year of teaching. She urged people to remember “that these are kids… just let them have fun and experience life while they are young.”
Hopefully you enjoyed meeting some of Enid’s superheroes! As you can see, none of them wear capes and none of them can fly, spin webs, or command magical hammers. And, to the best of our knowledge, none of them have appeared in blockbuster films. No, they do things that are way more cool than that. By simply doing what they do—helping the sick, teaching children, and ministering to the local population—these folks serve as true, genuine heroes to the Enid community. Donna, Stevie, Emily, Natasha, and Jerred are the real deal, folks: the hometown heroes who make a difference each and every day.
So, the next time you see one of them or one of their undercover colleagues who are also making a difference, give them a smile. You could also give them a hearty “Thank you,” to express your appreciation, but none of them do it for the thanks. They do it for the love of their fellow humans, and that is something that can inspire everyone.
