The graduating Class of 2025 had a busy last two weeks of school with their last senior trip, Senior Scholarships and Awards, Senior Walk, Senior Sunset, Sports Banquet, FFA Banquet, Cheer Banquet and more. Until finally 114 graduates walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas at the Myrtle Wallace Frost Event Center on Thursday, May 22.
Though CHS principal Jennifer Campbell stated it’s always a great day to be a Wildcat, seniors began to realize that now they will have to learn to navigate new halls and work spaces, saying goodbye to Wildcat ways to see what their future holds.
On Monday, May 12, seniors came together for their Senior Scholarship Assembly as they earned over 2.2 million in scholarships. A week later, seniors took their final senior walk through the halls of their childhood schools, from Marshall Elementary to Checotah Intermediate to Checotah Middle School. Some gave younger students high fives, while others hugged former teachers who had inspired them through their years of education.
Tuesday afternoon at the Sports Banquet more students were recognized, like Sidney Hamilton who received the 2025 McIntosh County Democrat Sportswoman Award and R.J. Womack who received the 2025 McIntosh County Democrat Sportsman Award.
Afterwards the seniors hit the field at the Checotah Sports Complex for some friendly kickball competition during their Slide Into Summer Senior Bash/ Senior Sunset. Student teammates came together and challenged the City of Checotah, their coaches and each other in single elimination games with the senior boys’ team walking away with bragging rights. As the sun began to set, a prayer was said over all the graduating seniors present as pictures tried to capture this fleeting moment. Some parents shed tears wondering where all the years had gone.
Finally, graduation night arrived last Thursday, with seven seniors graduating at the top of their class. Lexie Beene, Sidney Hamilton and Mackenzie Roberts all tied to earn the title of Valedictorians.
Lexie Beene
Lexie Inez Beene is the daughter of Kristi Johnson.
Lexie is a member of the National Honor Society, and served as president of her Checotah High School Chapter#1152. She also served as Senior Class President and Color Guard Captain. She was a member of the Winter Percussion, Youth Action for Health Leadership, Spanish Club, Business Professionals of America and a Special Olympics Coach/ Unified Partner.
Her extra-curricular activities included All-American Cheerleader, going to church, working with younger children, skating, working, and hanging out with friends and family.
“My favorite memory from high school was winning the State Duet in Winter Guard for this past season with one of my best friends and having all of my team there to support us!
“It is difficult to pick one favorite teacher because I have had many teachers that have touched my life. But if I had to pick just one I would choose Mr. Rausche. He taught me Oklahoma History, Geography, helped me with my junior year concurrent history classes, and helped me this year when I was applying for scholarships and to colleges. He was my favorite teacher because he gave real and honest advice. He was also someone that didn’t want to see any student fail and that spoke to me every day in class.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has made an impact on my life. I would like to give my biggest thanks to my biggest influences, who are my mother, my grandmother and my grandfather. I would also like to thank my coaches; I would not be where I am in life without these people. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends. They have supported me through every decision and never faltered when I needed them.”
Lexie’s favorite quote is by Will Ferrell: “I don’t know how to put this, but I’m kind of a big deal.”
Sidney Hamilton
Sidney Claire Hamilton is the daughter of Alisha and Danny Hamilton.
Sidney is a member of the National Honor Society, and served as vice-president of her Checotah High School Chapter #1152 and was the executive board president of Student Council. She also was a member of Youth Action Health Leadership, Teens for Christ and was a Special Olympic/Unified Partner.
Sidney enjoyed playing softball, basketball, track, cross country and cheer. She was an All-American Cheerleader. She also loves to hunt, fish, babysit and go to church in her spare time. Her favorite high school memory was coaching athletes at the Special Olympics State Track Meet at OSU.
“My favorite teacher was Mrs. Looper with Math because she helped me learn to love Math and she never hesitated to help with anything. She was so kind and I will always remember that.
“I also want to thank everyone who has invested time in creating the person I am today. The many great influences I have had in my life have taught me what it means to be a better person. I am forever grateful for my family and friends who have followed me in support of everything I have done.”
Sidney’s favorite quote is from Ricky Bobby: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
Mackenzie Roberts
Mackenzie Rain Roberts is the daughter of Sadie Gould.
Mackenzie is a member of the National Honor Society, and held the title of Community Service with her Checotah High School Chapter #1152. She was Vice President of the Student Council, President of Business Professionals of America and Senior Editor of Yearbook. Mackenzie was also a member of Spanish Club and National Art Honor Society.
Outside of school she likes skateboarding and painting.
Mackenzie’s favorite memory from high school was becoming an editor of yearbook.
“I actually had two favorite teachers due to each subject and themselves as people. My favorite teachers were Mrs. Tara Dearman and Mrs. Elisa Ortiz. These teachers helped me graduate doing my very best. They are the reason I have made it as far as I did. They are the sole reason I enjoyed my high school years and will enjoy my future. These teachers have been through thick and thin with me and were still there no matter the situation.
“I want to thank my mom also. She has not only been supportive of me, but has encouraged me through everything I do and want to do. She believed in me and loves me and that is all I could ever ask for in life. I want to also thank my boyfriend and his family. They have welcomed me into their family and lives and have loved me as their own. They have helped me with so much my senior year and are the absolute best. I love my mom and them so dearly.
Mackenzie’s favorite saying: “Sometimes when people try too hard to be more than they are, they end up being less than they were.”
Three seniors, Larayna Chiles, Ruby Folkner and Aum Patel shared the honor of Graduates of Distinction.
Larayna Chiles
Larayna Chiles is the daughter of Cynthia Chiles and Larenzo Chiles.
Larayna is a member of the National Honor Society, with her Checotah High School Chapter #1152 and was a member of Student Council and FCCLA. She also was part of the National Art Honor Society, Spanish Club and Yearbook.
Her favorite memory from high school was when Mrs. Burris and Mrs. Dearman yelled that she was “late” down the hall.
Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Burris in FACS basics.
“This was my favorite class because I learned things that I will actually use in life and she was the sweetest teacher I ever had.
“Thank you to my mom and dad for always supporting me.”
Layrayna’s favorite quote is from Yami: “Nobody is allowed to touch those who have started growing wings.”
Ruby Folkner
Ruby Folkner is the daughter of Kim and Brian Folkner.
Ruby is a member of the National Honor Society, with her Checotah High School Chapter #1152. She enjoyed high school cross country, basketball and track. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends and her family.
Ruby’s favorite memory from high school was going to state her junior year for cross country. Her favorite teachers were Ms. Dennis and Ms. Looper because they helped her a lot.
Her favorite quote simply states: “In order to succeed you need to fail.”
Aum Patel
Aum Patel is the son of Dipika and Jay Patel.
Aum is a member of the National Honor Society, and earned the title of Sergeant-at – Arms.
He enjoyed participating in high school golf and basketball.
In his spare time he likes playing golf, fishing and hanging out with friends.
He also enjoys playing basketball with all his friends.
“Math was my favorite class and Mrs. Dennis was my favorite teacher. She was always welcoming and nice.
“Thank you to my family and friends for helping to get me to this important day.”
Ruthy Folkner
Ruthy Folkner earned the title of Graduate of Honor.
Ruthy Folkner is the daughter of Kimberly and Brian Folkner.
Ruthy is a member of the National Honor Society and enjoyed participating in high school cross country, basketball and track. Her extra- curricular activities consisted of hanging out with friends and family. Ruthy’s favorite high school memory was going to state in cross country wither twin sister, Ruby.
Her favorite teachers were Ms. Dennis and Ms. Looper because they both helped her a lot during her high school years.
Callie Mae Cox
District Teacher of the Year, Callie Mae Cox, was also honored during the evening ceremony and was presented a plaque for Teacher of Today from The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma.
Cox gave a heartwarming speech about following your own dream and not chasing someone else’s which led her to teaching children instead of running her family business.
She spoke about one of her favorite little books in her Pre-K classroom called “Only One You” by Linda Kranz. It tells the story of a little fish named Ardi who’s preparing to go out on a new adventure and the older fish give him pieces of advice – little treasures to carry with him.
“I’d like to share a few of those lines with you and my thoughts,” Cox said.
• Always be on the lookout for a new friend.
“The world is full of people you haven’t met yet who might just change your life. Be open. Be kind. Say hi first. You never knowwhere that connection might lead.”
• Blend in when you need to. Stand out when you have the chance.
“There will be moments when it’s okay to be part of the crowd, but don’t forget your spark. You have something no one else does. Let it shine.”
• Know when to speak; know when to listen.
“In a world full of noise, being a good listener is rare and powerful. Learn to use your voice, but also learn to hold space for others.”
• If you make a wrong turn, circle back.
“Mistakes aren’t the end of the road – they’re just redirections. I made a big U-turn in my life and it led me to exactly where I was meant to be.
• Remember, there is only one you in this great big world – make it a better place.
“This is the heart of the book and my message to you all tonight. You are unrepeatable. You are original art. You don’t need to be anyone but yourself.”
So Class of 2025… Choose yourself. Choose happiness… Your journey is yours alone and you get to decide what lights your fire…I hope you go out into this world boldly, kindly and unapologetically as you. Congratulations!”
