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The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is proud to introduce former congresswoman Kendra S. Horn as its new president and CEO. Horn’s diverse experience in leadership, coalition building and public service will drive the Foundation’s mission to support Oklahoma City Public Schools in fostering excellence and equity for all students.

“Kendra brings a great deal of expertise to this position, including strategic planning, executive leadership, communications and coalition building, all of which will continue the positive work the OKCPS Foundation has done for the district and its children,” said Brent Hensley, board chair of the OKCPS Foundation. “Her passion for public education, combined with her commitment to making a difference in our community, makes her the ideal person to lead our organization.”

Horn served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021, where she championed bipartisan solutions and played a pivotal role in securing vital funding and legislation for Oklahomans. Known for her accessibility and results-oriented approach, Horn has a track record of driving positive change, including advocating for military families, leading federal oversight of NASA and advancing educational initiatives.

As a fifth-generation Oklahoman and proud product of Oklahoma public schools, Horn is excited to lead the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and support its mission of advancing excellence and equity for all students.

"As a product of Oklahoma public schools, I am deeply honored to join the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and to serve all of the students, families and educators," said Horn. "Quality public education is essential to building a strong workforce, robust economy and thriving community. I know the power of working together to create lasting and positive change. Together, we can ensure that every OKCPS student has the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive. I look forward to continuing the Foundation’s mission of advancing excellence and advocating for equity in our schools."

Horn is working alongside current president and CEO, Mary Mélon-Tully, until her retirement at the end of 2024.

Welcome, Former U.S. Representative Kendra S. Horn!

Clothing Kids in Confidence

We are so close to reaching our 2024 Coat-a-Kid campaign goal of $130,000, and we need your help to cross the finish line! We want to thank our Community Partners and individuals who have already generously contributed to our cause. These funds will provide 6,500 brand-new, high-quality coats in a variety of colors to students across the district.

"Coat-a-Kid is about more than just providing coats—it’s about ensuring our students have the essentials to thrive," said Mary Mélon-Tully, president and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. "Whether it’s $20 or $20,000, every donation counts. This campaign works because our entire community comes together to support our kids."

Coat-a-Kid distribution events are a special time for volunteers to connect with students while helping them select the perfect coat, as well as an opportunity to empower students and improve their self-esteem.

Help us reach our goal to ensure that all OKCPS students in need receive a warm coat this year. Make your Coat-a-Kid donation today!

Join us for the 40th Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards. 2024 Honorees Dr. Kenneth Blair, Sr., Phil Busey, Sr., L. Michael Dillard, Dr. Colleen J. Payne-Nabors and Christina Rehkop will be inducted into the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame on October 28, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Doors will open at 5:30pm for a welcome reception, with the program and seated dinner starting at 6:45pm. The 2024 event co-chairs are Pastor Derrick Scobey, 2020 Wall of Fame member and Tana Cashion, OKCPS Foundation Board of Directors Chair-Elect.

Contact abbie@okckids.com

Volunteer Appreciation Event

ReadOKC volunteers are a special community of people from all walks of life who have a common goal to share their love of literacy with the next generation. Tomorrow we will celebrate our volunteers with a meet and mingle event. ReadOKC programs are greatly valued by our schools, and are continually growing. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please stop by to chat with staff and our experienced volunteers, including 120 Reading Buddies & Book Club Leaders and 150+ book bus volunteers. 

Would you like to volunteer but can't attend the event?

Contact rachel@okckids.com

Fiestas de las Americas

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the ReadOKC On the Go! Book Bus attended Fiestas de las Americas in Capitol Hill and teamed up with Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health to distribute a total of 496 books. Throughout the day, children were welcomed aboard to pick out a brand-new book, and students and families alike were thrilled to discover books written in their mother tongue in their topics of interest.

During event, a young girl picked a book called, Who is Lionel Messi? and a volunteer asked her if she was a soccer player. She replied, “Yes! And all my uncles are big Messi fans!” Afterward she ran up to her uncle, who was wearing a Messi jersey, and proudly showed him her book selection. His face lit up, and they walked away together talking about her new book. 

We love to see these heartwarming moments where literature brings people together!

Fall 2024 Teacher Pipeline Meeting: Grit & Resiliency

Each semester, participants in the Teacher Pipeline Program gather for special programming to support them in their college journey. The event featured Mary Mélon-Tully as an inspirational speaker and a "Real Talk" graduate panel highlighting former Pipeline participants Lenina Wright, Fernando Baquera Ochoa and Martha Martinez-Ramos. As graduates of the program, they were able to relate to current participants by discussing the struggles they faced, how they overcame those struggles and gave insight into their roles as new teachers in the classroom.

Graduate Fernando Baquera Ochoa opened up about his journey as an OKCPS student who dropped out of high school and the difficulties he faced in completing his teaching degree. There were many times he didn't think he could do it and considered quitting, but he carried on with the support of the OKCPS Foundation. At the Foundation we believe in the ability of our participants to build their resiliency on their path to becoming a teacher and know that they are touching the lives of students every step of the way. Our Pipeline graduates are making a tremendous impact, even inspiring their own students to enter the program and become future OKCPS teachers!

We had a tremendous turnout for this event with current and past participants attending to express their gratitude to president and CEO, Mary Mélon-Tully, who will be retiring at the end of the year and spearheaded the efforts to create a grow your own pipeline program for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Interested in applying?

Contact mia@okckids.com 

Donor Spotlight

Through the years, OU Health has been a steadfast supporter of our Foundation's work. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for their generous contribution this year as a $25K ACHIEVE Foundation Partner.

Their partnership ensures that educators receive the support they need to implement creative and impactful teaching methods that foster a love of learning and innovation in the classroom. Their donation will directly support projects like DonorsChoose, ReadOKC, and the Teacher Pipeline Program.

Thank you for your investment in education, OU Health!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Friends of the Foundation. Your unwavering support truly makes a difference and is the driving force behind all of this wonderful news. Thank you!

Want to become a Friend of the Foundation?

A special thank you to our dedicated Community Partners. Your commitment to supporting the students and educators of Oklahoma City is invaluable. We are proud to provide our Foundation Partners with exceptional returns on their investments by showcasing the outcomes and impacts of their support.

Together, we are making a significant difference in our community. Thank you for your unwavering support!

Want to become a Foundation Partner?

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