Congratulations to the first graduating class of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College!

Last week, 13 students graduated from the college that shares the Weatherford campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Above are a couple photos from the event. The first photo shows College President Henrietta Mann and 2008 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College Princess Cristina “Cricket” Yellowman. In the next one, John Haumpo receives a stole, Pendleton blanket, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College medallion and framed diploma from Mann.

Good luck to them all!

He said Walt Disney’s dream started with a drawing of a mouse and a vision of greatness. CareerTech doesn’t have Mickey Mouse but it does aim “to help make dreams and success a reality for Oklahomans,” he said.

The CareerTech system of vocational technical schools across the state helps tens of thousands of high school students and adults each year gain job readiness skills, and for many, a start on a college education.

But the system also struggles with higher operating costs amid stagnant state funding, loss of many Baby Boomer instructors to retirement, and a significant high school drop out rate.

Still, CareerTech graduates add $2 billion annually to the state’s economy, Berkinbile said. 

Now that’s a mouse that roars.

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

But the image that sticks with me most are toes: some hairy, most unmanicured and often hanging off the ends of flip flops.

Our nation’s future — a generation of hope! — wore flip flops to their commencement ceremonies. Grads are required to wear standard graduation gowns and those square-shaped caps, leaving their shoes as their only fashion option.

If this were a test, most flunked. Especially the men. I saw hundreds in battered flip flops that would be an embarrassment on a beach, must less a place of pomp and circumstance.

Some women did wear nice footwear, sensible flats or even heels. But others failed just as miserably as the men.

Am I old-fashioned to think that graduates should dress a little better for this very important occasion? Did their parents even care? It would seem a sign of respect to try to look your best at graduation. And yes, people are looking at your feet. Or trying to look away.

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

No shopping for clothes, no book-buying, no scheduling classes that don’t start too early.

It’s the strangest feeling, she says, wanting to get ready for class, but not needing to. My advice, go buy some new clothes anyway. You’ve earned them.

But what about thousands of students yet to graduate from college. I want to know your back-to-school rituals. How do you get ready for the fall semester?

It’s been a long time since I was in college, but one of my best pre-semester moves was to give my schedule of classes a walk-through. That way I’d know if I really could get from the science building to the liberal arts building in 10 minutes. Also, nobody wants to be the geek frantically unfolding their campus map on the first day.

I’m planning a story with some back-to-school tips so I want to hear all about your ideas. And I’m sure there are more than a few freshmen, and their parents, who’d like your advice.

E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

The Oklahoma Senate has announced 35 interim legislative studies, and several are tied directly to education.

Here are the topics — some rather broad — along with the Senator who requested the study and committee it was assigned to:

Graduation and drop out rates; GED requirements and rules; Thunderbird Youth Academy; Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson; Education committee

Academic Performance Index; Sen.Kathleen Wilcoxson; Education committee

“Weighted” students, “at risk” students, and the proportion of funding schools receive; Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre; Education committee

Funding mechanism for (OSU) Extension Services; Sen. Jeff Rabon; Appropriations committee

Review of the higher education funding formula as it relates to two year and regional institutions; Sen. Kenneth Corn; Appropriations committee

Higher Education funding formula with respect to institutional peer groupings; Sen. Susan Paddack; Appropriations committee

Review the constitutional and statutory requirements for serving on the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical
Colleges; Sen. Patrick Anderson; Education committee

What are your thoughts on this list? Do you think anything will come of the committee studies?

E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

Susan Simpson, Education Writer