Arnett Public Schools has plenty to celebrate as one of its own has earned recognition among Oklahoma's outstanding educators. Alison Royal, Arnett's Gifted and Talented teacher, has been named one of three statewide finalists for the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA) Educator of the Year Award.
The prestigious award recognizes middle-level educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, innovative teaching practices, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference both inside and outside the classroom. The winner will be announced during OMLEA's upcoming annual conference.
For those familiar with Royal's work at Arnett Public Schools, the recognition comes as no surprise.
In a small rural school, wearing multiple hats is often part of the job, and Royal wears hers well. Along with leading the district's Gifted and Talented program, she serves as the elementary reading specialist and Junior Beta Club advisor. Her responsibilities reach far beyond the classroom, as she frequently gives up evenings and weekends to transport and accompany students to competitions and special events.
However, it is not just Royal's dedication to academics that makes her stand out. She is equally passionate about helping students become leaders, encouraging them to serve others and take an active role in their school and community.
Royal leads by example, whether she is helping younger students during breakfast, volunteering her time for school activities, or simply stepping in wherever an extra set of hands is needed.
"Alison is the kind of educator who sees potential in students and then creates opportunities for them to discover just how much they are capable of," said Arnett Elementary Principal Shannon Shoaf. "What I appreciate most about Alison is that she doesn't just develop talented students, she develops leaders and good citizens."
Shoaf also emphasized the important role Royal plays in the daily life of the school.
"In a small school, you quickly learn who is willing to say, 'I'll help,' and Alison is one of those people we can count on time and time again. Our students, our school, and our community are better because Alison Royal is part of them."
Royal's selection as one of just three finalists across the state highlights the impact a dedicated educator can have, particularly in a small rural community where teachers often serve as mentors, coaches, sponsors, and role models.
While the final award has yet to be announced, Royal has already given the Arnett community plenty of reasons to be proud. Her commitment to education, willingness to serve, and passion for helping students succeed represent the very best of what Oklahoma's rural schools have to offer.
The Arnett Wildcat family congratulates Royal on this outstanding honor and wishes her the best as she awaits the announcement of the OMLEA Educator of the Year.
Students at Arnett Public Schools received some valuable lessons in fire prevention and safety when members of the Arnett Fire Department visited the school during Fire Prevention Week. Students in Pre-K through sixth grade participated in hands-on activities designed to teach them how to stay safe during a fire emergency.
One of the highlights of the visit was a smoke house, where students practiced how to safely escape a smoke-filled building. Firefighters explained the importance of staying low to the ground, knowing multiple escape routes, and having a family fire escape plan that includes a designated meeting place outside.
Students also had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and get an up-close look at the tools and equipment firefighters use when responding to emergencies. The experience gave students a better understanding of the important work firefighters do to protect their community.
Arnett Public Schools would also like to extend a special thank-you to the volunteer firefighters who helped make this educational experience possible. Kaleb McDonald, Jeffrey Gross, Evan Welty, Jacob Wayland, and Chris Johnston generously donated their time to teach students valuable fire safety lessons.
Members of the Arnett Junior and Senior Beta Clubs spent their Sunday giving back to the community by volunteering at the annual Kiwanis Kids Day celebration at Arnett Park.
Beta Club members stayed busy throughout the event, helping hand out prizes, organize and judge the parade, line up participants, and assist with the various races. Their hard work helped keep the day's activities running smoothly while ensuring younger children had a fun and memorable experience.
Of course, it wasn't all work for the Beta members! After lending a helping hand, they even had the opportunity to join in some of the fun themselves.
Community service is an important part of the Beta Club's mission, and events like Kiwanis Kids Day give students the opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a positive difference in their hometown.
The Arnett Junior and Senior Beta Clubs would like to thank the Arnett Kiwanis Club for organizing another wonderful event and allowing their members to be part of the festivities
L-R Riah Latta, Bella Booth, Nicolas Sant’Anna, Hallie McCartor, Kyson Messer, Treece Knowles, Landon McCartor, Lukas Smith, Kale Dunham, Easton Royal, Crew Watson, Wesley Wheeler, Kreed Dunham, Levi Starkey, Audia McIntire, Alexis Gaisford, Jozie Latta, Norah Bryant, Bristen Robertson
BETAS deliberating while judging the parade - L-R Riah Latta, Nicolas Sant’Anna, Kyson Messer, Hallie McCartor, Bella Booth, and Jozie Latta
Arnett Athletics is giving young Wildcat fans a new way to show their school spirit while cheering on their favorite basketball teams this season!
Students can purchase a special "Roar It Up" season pass T-shirt for just $20. Not only will the gold shirt help fill the stands with Wildcat pride, but it will also serve as a season pass, allowing students wearing the shirt to attend all regular-season home basketball games free of charge throughout the 2026–2027 season.
The shirts feature Arnett's signature gold color with a bold black "ROAR IT UP" design and are available in youth and adult sizes, ranging from Youth Extra Small to Adult 2XL.
Order forms and payment are due by October 28, 2026, with checks made payable to Arnett Athletics.
This is a great opportunity for students to support their Wildcats, show their school spirit, and enjoy a season full of exciting basketball action. So grab your gold, fill the stands, and get ready to ROAR IT UP with the Wildcats!
