The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, is seeking nominations for its 2012 Academic All-State Scholarships and Medal for Excellence Awards.
Scholarships and educator awards totaling $125,000 will be presented at the foundation’s annual Academic Awards Banquet on May 19, 2012, at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.The event, which is attended by nearly 1,000 public education supporters, is broadcast statewide on public television.
“We know that education is the best investment our society can make for the future,” said David L. Boren, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. “If we make all of the right policy decisions in every other area but fail to adequately educate the next generation, we will imperil the future of our society. By working together to give outstanding students and educators the recognition they deserve, we send a strong message to our state and to the nation that Oklahomans value academic excellence.”
Academic Awards Program nomination forms are available in the Academic Awards section of the foundation’s website at www.ofe.org. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
- Academic All-State, which honors 100 public high school seniors with a $1,000 scholarship. Students must be nominated by their superintendents or principals. Schools are encouraged to nominate all eligible students. To qualify, students must meet at least one of the following requirements: a composite ACT score of at least 30; a combined SAT critical reading and math score of at least 1340; or be selected as a semi-finalist for a National Merit, National Achievement or National Hispanic Scholarship. Academic All-State nominations must be postmarked on or before Dec. 2.
- The Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Teaching and Administration, which honors three educators (a public school elementary teacher, a secondary teacher, and an elementary/secondary administrator) with $5,000 cash awards and glass sculptures.
- The Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Regional University or Community College, which honors an outstanding teacher at a public regional university or community college with a $5,000 cash prize and glass sculpture.
- The Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Research University. A $5,000 cash award and glass sculpture will be awarded to one educator at a public research university.
Anyone may nominate an educator for a Medal for Excellence Award. All Medal for Excellence nominations must be postmarked on or before Nov. 29. Scholarship and award recipients are chosen by an independent selection committee,chaired by Tulsa attorney Teresa B. Adwan, and comprised of business, education and civic leaders, as well as former All-Staters and Medal for Excellence winners. Since 1987, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has awarded more than $3.9 million in academic awards and scholarships.
For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.ofe.org or call (405) 236-0006.