2024 Purple and Gold Gala
.JPG)
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe annual Purple and Gold Gala was hosted by the Chickasha Public School Foundation, Friday, April 5. All in attendance were treated to a delicious meal and some incredible items donated by school sites and community businesses. These items were part of the online and in person auction to raise monies for the Foundation.
Performing for the enjoyment of the attendees was a Woodwind ensemble from CHS Pride. They were joined by Band Director, Julianne Annesley. The other members are Phoebe Shaw, Crystal Luevano-Mancinas, Isaac Ware, Exodus Ladd, Kayden Treaster and Abbie Rollans. Their music was the perfect addition to a fun evening.
Coach Jerry Don Bray recently welcomed three new members into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, starting with Robin Murray Grossnicklaus, a 1984 graduate of Chickasha High School. During her time at Chickasha, Robin distinguished herself as a four-sport letterman, excelling in softball, basketball, track, and tennis. Her impact on each team was profound, characterized by her tenacity, competitive spirit, and unwavering desire to win. Notably, Robin played a pivotal role in securing the 1984 Lady Chicks state championship in basketball.
Despite her promising start, Robin's college career was curtailed by injury. She later transitioned to become an elementary PE teacher at Southwest and West Chickasha schools. As a coach within the Chickasha Public Schools system, Robin coached various sports at different levels. Among her proudest coaching achievements was leading her 8th-grade girls' team to become the 1995 State Runner-Up during their senior year.
After a brief hiatus, Robin rejoined Chickasha Public Schools in 2010, where she remains a highly regarded employee. Her dedication to the school's colors, purple and gold, is unmatched, and her athletic achievements, coupled with her resilience and drive, epitomize the spirit of a "Fightin’ Chick." In a photo, Robin is shown with her family and also, two members of the ’95 State Runner-Up team, who have since become her colleagues.
The second inductee was Ron Eaton, a 1973 CHS graduate and a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school tenure. Ron earned numerous accolades during his time at Chickasha High School, including the prestigious Delbert Rays award in his senior year, as well as distinctions such as All-District Linebacker, Outstanding Basketball Player, and All-Conference recognition in all three sports.
Despite receiving a football scholarship to Tulsa University, Ron's athletic career was cut short by injuries. However, this setback led him to a new path as he and his wife Marianne purchased Jake’s Rib in 1982, a renowned establishment they still own and operate today.
Throughout the past five decades, Ron, Marianne, and Jake’s Rib have been instrumental supporters of Chickasha Public Schools and the entire Chickasha athletics program. They have generously donated food, money, and time, regularly attending and supporting athletes in their competitions. Few individuals have shown such tireless dedication to Chickasha athletics as Ron, Marianne, and Jake’s Rib.
Ron and Marianne raised their two children, Clint and Tabetha, in Chickasha, where both attended Chickasha Public Schools and participated in competitive athletics. Additionally, Ron has two granddaughters who also engaged in Chickasha athletics and graduated from Chickasha High School.
Ron Eaton exemplifies the spirit of a Fightin’ Chick alumnus, a successful entrepreneur, and a proud, devoted supporter of Chickasha Athletics. Photographs from the ceremony capture Ron, Marianne, and their family celebrating this well-deserved recognition.
The final inductee into the Athletic Hall of Fame that evening was Ricky Bowens, a 1976 graduate of Chickasha High School. Ricky was a two-sport letterman in football and track during his time at Chickasha. In 1975, he made the All-State team as an All-State wishbone quarterback for the South Team. Ricky served as the starting quarterback for the Fightin’ Chicks in the 1974 and 1975 football seasons. Unfortunately, his junior season was cut short by a shoulder injury at Lawton MacArthur, but in five games, he managed to throw for 400 yards and rush for 720 yards.
During his senior year, Ricky rushed for an impressive 1,484 yards, accounting for 65% of the Chickasha offense. What made his accomplishments even more remarkable was his stature, standing at just 5’7” tall and weighing 140 pounds. In a memorable moment, during spring football in 1974, Ricky even outran Little Joe Washington, the starting running back at the University of Oklahoma at the time, in a 40-yard dash challenge. Ricky went on to be recruited to Texas Southern University as a football athlete, where his potential as a quarterback was recognized by the coaching staff. However, his college career was also cut short by injury.
In addition to his football success, Ricky was also a valuable member of the Fightin’ Chick track team. He was part of the 4 x 100 meter relay team alongside Everette Joe Diggs, Micheal Graham, and Robert Harden. Tragically, Ricky lost his battle with cancer in 2008 at the age of 50, but his Fightin’ Chick spirit endured until the very end. Photographs from the Gala include his family and best friend, showcasing the love and support he had throughout his life. (Delores Bowens, Annette Brown, Renita Williams, Gloria Gadson, Milton Bowens Sr., Michael Graham, Ken Bowens, and Milton Bowens, Jr.)
Superintendent Croslin introduced Alice Ketchum as the CPS Support Employee of the Year. With a long tenure at Chickasha, she recently retired from her role, primarily serving in the Central Kitchen. Alice was known for her warm smile as she daily served students, making their experience brighter. While her presence is missed, the award is a fitting tribute to her dedication and hard work. The Chickasha Schools community hopes Alice enjoys a fulfilling retirement.
The next event in the program was the introduction of the second class in the CPS Hall of Honor. Superintendent Rick Croslin first introduced Ms. Pat Cunningham, who then introduced the honoree, Mr. Harly Day. Mr. Day's achievements are remarkable, beginning with his service in the Navy and extending to his time playing basketball at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a crucial member of their National Runner-Up teams.
After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in education, Mr. Day joined Chickasha Public Schools, where he wore many hats—as a teacher, head basketball and baseball coach, and assistant football coach. His coaching tenure included leading the "Chicks" to two State Championships and one runner-up title in basketball.
Following nine successful years in teaching and coaching, Mr. Day was appointed as Chickasha High School Principal, a position he held for nineteen years. He then transitioned to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where he served in the Accreditation department. Initially, he served as Assistant Director for three years, then as Director for six years. During this time, he also assumed the role of Assistant State North Central Director for area vocational schools.
In 1986, Harly initially retired but later accepted the role of Assistant Student Service Director at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, ultimately concluding his remarkable 50-year career in education in Oklahoma.
Beyond his professional achievements, Harly was musically inclined, participating in choirs and quartets throughout his lifetime. He and his wife, Janice, dedicated themselves to serving the Chickasha community until their passing.
Accepting the honor in memory of his father was Brian Day. Photographs captured the Day family members who were able to attend, celebrating Harly Day's enduring legacy in education and community service.
The second inductee into the Hall of Honor was Mrs. Judy Duprez, introduced by Michael Martin, a 2003 graduate of CHS who was once a student of Mrs. Duprez. A remarkable aspect of the induction was that over half of those in attendance had been taught by Judy, and many others had children who were her students.
Judy, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, had the potential to pursue various paths but chose to dedicate herself to teaching high school English. She was a cherished educator at CHS from 1975 to 2014, deeply passionate about teaching, her students, and her colleagues. Judy fostered critical thinking and writing skills in her students, encouraging them to express their own ideas confidently.
Beyond her impact at CHS, Judy was active in the education community at both state and national levels. She served as President of the Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English (OCTE) and as Secondary Chair of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), specializing in assisting schools facing pressure from censorship groups. Later, she became an adjunct professor at USAO, where she trained future secondary education students.
Judy's dedication extended to her community, where she served on numerous committees, including the CPS Foundation, PEO, and the Library. She was also a Deacon Leader in her church, which had been her spiritual home for 50 years. Judy shared a love of travel with her husband, Conrad, whom she had been married to for over 55 years. Together, they explored the world and raised their children in Chickasha.
Accepting the honor on behalf of Judy and their family, Conrad Duprez, is photographed with their children, grandchildren, and extended family, all of whom live and serve in the Chickasha community, embodying Judy's legacy of service and commitment to education.
The final inductee into the 2024 Hall of Honor class is Former Superintendent Jim Glaze, introduced by Assistant Superintendent Robyn Morse, who served under his leadership. Jim dedicated 31 years of service to the Chickasha District, starting as a teacher and coach before moving up the ranks to roles such as Assistant Principal, Building Principal, Director of Federal Programs, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately, Superintendent. He led the district for nine years before his health necessitated his retirement.
Jim Glaze was described as a gentle giant who understood the value of hard work and led by example. His impact on Chickasha has been profound, touching countless lives. He was deeply committed to the district, advocating for Chickasha Schools and caring deeply about the community and its people. Jim played a pivotal role in passing bond issues that transformed the school district, and he provided many young teachers and coaches the opportunity to advance their careers. Chickasha is undoubtedly a better place because of his dedicated service.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was active in the community and his church, serving as a trustee, deacon, and choir member. Accepting the honor on behalf of his family were his wife and life partner, Paula, and two of his sons, Tyler and Ryan, both Chickasha graduates. Also in attendance were members of his administrative staff, including Yohance Brown, Pete Bush, Beth Edwards, and Dwight Yokum, all of whom witnessed and contributed to Jim's lasting legacy of service and dedication to Chickasha.
The final segment of the evening featured the introduction of the Teachers of the Year from each site building, leading to the announcement of the District Teacher of the Year. Representing each site were Mary Curtis from BWECC, Megan Crowder from Grand Avenue, Mike Elliott from Lincoln Elementary, Greg Gibson from CMS, and Bethany Goble from CHS. Superintendent Rick Croslin then introduced Greg Gibson as the 2024 District Teacher of the Year. Greg, who retired as Fire Chief before starting his second career in teaching in 2015, currently serves as a Language Arts Teacher at CMS.
The evening concluded with a lively live auction, featuring many items to raise funds for students. The event was great fun, and attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars for next year's event.
Chickasha Public Schools extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees and their families. We are better as a District and Community because of their service and contributions and sacrifice.
For those interested in learning more about the Chickasha Public Schools Foundation, more information can be found at https://chickashapsf.org/.