Arnett Wraps Up a Busy and Memorable Final Week of School
The final week of school at Arnett was filled with excitement, celebrations, and a few emotional goodbyes, as students, staff, and families came together to close out another successful school year.
The week kicked off with Baccalaureate and a spirited send off for the Lady Wildcats as they headed to the State Slow Pitch Softball Tournament. The girls played with heart and determination and we are proud of how they played this season.
Tuesday was packed with field trips and special events. First and second graders enjoyed a fun day of bowling in Woodward, where Frank gave them a behind-the-scenes tour of the bowling alley’s machinery. Meanwhile, nine dedicated readers participated in the Sequoyah Award trip, a challenge that involves reading and testing on all 15 Sequoyah books. This reading initiative began just a few years ago, with Jozie Latta being the first to complete it. This year, Jozie reached another milestone by finishing the Intermediate Sequoyah reading list, intended for junior high and high school students. The group celebrated their accomplishment with a trip to Oklahoma City, where they spent the day at Main Event and capped it off with a sweet treat at Crimson Melt.
Back at school, junior high and high school students were recognized during the annual academic awards assembly, followed by the FFA Banquet that evening — a chance to honor student leadership and success in agricultural education.
Wednesday began with the always-popular elementary talent show, showcasing the creativity and confidence of Arnett’s younger students. That afternoon, junior high and high school students gathered once more, this time for the Sports Banquet, celebrating athletic achievements and sportsmanship throughout the year.
Thursday marked the final day for students, with early release following semester tests and the elementary awards assembly. As teachers wrapped up their end-of-year duties, the seniors prepared for graduation. Before heading off for their big night, teachers took a moment to share heartfelt memories and words of encouragement with the Class of 2025 — a moment that brought both smiles and a few tears.
Graduation was a fitting end to the week and the school year, as another group of Arnett students was proudly welcomed into the world of adulthood. Congratulations to the graduates and to the entire school community for a year filled with hard work, growth, and unforgettable memories.
This week's Farmers and Merchants Bank "Banking on a Wildcat" goes to Landry Bayless. Landry's teacher's had this to say about her: "Landry is diverse in her abilities, dedicated to attain her goals, and determined to represent herself, her school, and her family the very best she can. She has seen success due to her work ethic and commitment to putting in the extra time and effort to be the best she can be. Landry is a leader, but is also willing to serve. She has made AHS proud." Congrats, Landry and thank you to Farmers and Merchants Bank for banking on us all year long!
Mr. Friesen and Landry Bayless at the State Track Meet where she placed 6th in the 200-meter dash, 4th in the 100-meter dash and 3rd in the long jump. Congratulations Landry!
L-R: Breelynn Waggoner, Chonnipa Krutsuwan, Emma Scott, Piper Banta, Ria Beck, Hattie Smith, Hayden Wadsworth, Lincoln Burnett, Daniel Broyles, Kingsley Walton, Corbyn Brewster, Bentley Broadbent, Cash Welty, Bridger Miller, Sterling Royal, Kiley Wear, Addie Kincannon, Peyton Ham, Ayden Brown, Milly Jones, Everleigh Hunter, Kaysen Ketterman
Frank is showing the girls what goes on behind the scenes at the bowling alley. Pictured L-R: Emma Scott, Chonnipa Krutsuwan, Ria Beck, Breelynn Waggoner, Piper Banta, Frank
Baccalaureate Attendants L-R: Ally Tune, Breclyn Suthers, Abby Boyd, Trenton Haney
Valedictorian Landree Parsons and Salutatorian Cadie McCracken
L-R: Landree Parsons, Cadie McCracken, Baxter Brown, Braydon Miller
Harley Shoaf and fellow seniors during their graduation ceremony.
L-R: Maggi Guadarrama, Kira Leisy, Landry Bayless, Harley Shoaf, Kiley Garcia, Casi Noreuil
Mr. Long is giving the seniors a few words of wisdom and a gift.
Top L-R: Harley Shoaf, Cadie McCracken, Jentri Eastep, Alexis Sanchez, Baxter Brown, Braydon Miller, Sean Sanchez, Maggie Guadarrama, Kiley Garcia Bottom L-R: Landree Parsons, Landry Bayless, Casi Noreuil, Brianna Burton, Jamie Vallejo
Mrs. Miller’s kindergarten class is together again before graduation.
Back Row L-R: Alexis Sanchez, Braydon Miller, Baxter Brown, Kiley Garcia Front Row: Jentri Eastep, Harley Shoaf, Amy Miller, Landry Bayless, Sean Sanchez, Landree Parsons
High School Slowpitch girls at Sports Banquet
L-R: Cadie McCracken, Harley Shoaf, Hadley Brooks, Ally Tune, Landree Parsons, Landry Bayless, Lara Gonzalez, Riah Latta, Jasmine Smith
Seniors Sean Sanchez, Baxter Brown, Braydon Miller at the Sports Banquet
Coach Bill Burcham and Sean Sanchez
Back Row L-R: Jozie Latta, Ryder Williams, Audia McIntyre, Avalina Barnett Front Row L-R: Wesley Wheeler, Kade Gaisford, Tyke Williams, Kyler Johnson, Dylan Watson
The Sequoyah Award kids enjoying their shakes at Crimson Melt.
L-R: 3rd grade-Beau Bryant, Kindergarten-Paxtyn Eagan, 1st grade-Piper Banta, PreK-Sutton Whitson, 4th grade-Grant Tune, 6th grade-Audia McIntyre, 2nd grade-Skyler Gray
Sean Sanchez and John Campbell
L-R: John Campbell, Mr. Johnston, Josh Campbell
Last Day of school!
Back Row L-R: Alysha Ham, Brittney Gaisford, Alison Royal, Kristi Haney, Melanie McCracken, Shannon Shoaf, Jamie Dearing, Addie Swanson, Melissa Guadarrama, Lezli Smith Front Row L-R: Nicole Bryant, Nicole Kuper, Melisa McMurphy, Amy Miller, Melia Wheeler
Mr. Jack Long Retires After 46 Remarkable Years in Education
After an incredible 46-year career in education, Mr. Jack Long is retiring. A dedicated educator, mentor, and role model, Mr. Long has left a lasting impact on students across Oklahoma and Texas. His passion for teaching history and guiding students has been evident throughout every chapter of his journey.
Mr. Long began his career in Guymon, Oklahoma, before spending time teaching in both Texas and Oklahoma, including roles as a principal and counselor. For the last ten years, he has been a valued history teacher at Arnett Public Schools, where he inspired countless students not only through his lessons but through his wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support.
In recognition of his extraordinary dedication, Mr. Long has been named the 2024–2025 Arnett Teacher of the Year — a fitting tribute to his years of service. His students will always remember his stories, patience, and heartfelt advice.
Arnett Public Schools is proud to honor Mr. Long’s legacy and wishes him the very best in retirement. Thank you, Mr. Long, for everything you’ve done to shape young minds and hearts.
