The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence announced the recipients of its prestigious 2022 Academic All-State Awards, and Lawton Public Schools (LPS) had two students receive the All-State accolade and scholarship.
Justin Strickland, from Eisenhower High School, and Emily Masters, from MacArthur High School, received word of their awards in a letter on Feb. 23, just one day before they were announced.
“My initial reaction was a sense of surprise with relief and happiness,” Strickland said. “…I was not expecting it at all. With it being such a select award I’m hoping that, with it on my resume, it will allow me to continue my education in the strongest possible way.”
This year, the Academic All-State Scholars will be receiving a scholarship of $1000, along with a commemorative medallion.
Emily Masters offered her thanks to those who helped her through the process.
“I really want to thank my counselor, Mrs. Sauseda, for telling me about the opportunity and helping me with parts of the application process,” Masters said. “My parents have also been so supportive of my academic and personal goals throughout my life, but especially in my senior year. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without them.”
There will be a formal reception and recognition of the All-Staters at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s 36th annual Academic Awards Celebration on Saturday, May 21, at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City.