Okemah High School - Panther Yearbook (Okemah, OK)

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GOVERNOR GARY , . SENDS GREETINGS I-Ii S74 VOQK b 7006 Jqrg I . 2 V' -L o ' Goh ? . ,9O7p. STATE OF OKLAHOMA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OKLAHOMA CITY RAYMONDGARY so rnmow I IIE! S 1 1 Q, Q, Il I J I li, I IuI1.'I,r 1 K R ff-.-Izmir I Iv K I,I , II I Lu J '1 1 C Jn L. I I I 1. i I , I I I x L K 1 x I If If 1 1 'Vining' L? Al. I ,r al flfq

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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON THE PREPARATION OF THE YOUTH OF AMERICA First - To be alert and informed citizens, in an age when ignorance or misinformation could bring political catastrophe - an age when the guarding of our nearest communities may ulti- mately depend upon our knowledge of the most distant lands and peoples. Second - To be tolerant and sensitive citizens - so that our society may not suffer the moral sickness that is bigotry - and may clearly perceive the values and the virtues cherished in other societies. Third - To be skilled and accomplished citizens - able to grasp the great levers, turn the giant wheels, of this new atomic age, as nature finally surrenders to men so many of its colossal se- CICS. Fourth - To be wise and reflective citizens, thankful for the new leisure, promising a new free- dom from much toil - not merely to relax in pleasure, but to cultivate the mind and to nourish the spirit. To be wholly educated, in the sense that man is a spiritual and intellectual and phy- sical being. America needs citizens strong in their ideals and spiritual convictions, healthy in their bodies, and tirelessly inquiring in mind. And finally - To be bold and courageous citizens, knowing that strength and sacrifice are the indispensable saving weapons of freedom - and knowing that the frontier in America, that rules so much of our history, has become, in this age, the frontier that is America - leader of free nations, hope of free men. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO OKEMAH STUDENTS

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. J SUPERINTENDENT crcu. E. oAKEs coNTmsuTEs LONG TENURE or srnvlct TO ANNALS or HISTORY 1 With a total of nineteen years as Superintendent of Okemah Schools, Cecil E. Oakes has guided an expansion program through the years with keen judgment, understanding, and an unwavering willingness to work toward the building of a better school system and a better community. Coming here in 1938, Mr. Oakes supervised the finishing of the Noble School. Finding the school system heavily in debt, and the school plant in a run-down condition, he set out to balance the budget and to plan for expansion. After improving the program of the schools to the extent that both the junior high and senior high schools were fully accredited, Mr. Oakes then turned his attention to much needed facilities. ln 1941 the Band and Shop Building was completedg then the Vocational Agriculture Building was added in 1948, the new Gymnasium in 1949, the modern Cafeteria in 1950, and finally the new Auditorium was com- pleted in 1952 at a cost of 381, 760. 80. With dimensions of 110 feet in length by 60 feet in width, this auditorium is a mark of distinction for Okemah, and the pride of the Okemah students. The latest building project, the new Home Economics Cottage with 1800 square feet of floor space giving ample room for all phases of home economics, was completed and ready for use at the beginning of the 55 school year at a cost of 510, 000. Now completely equipped and beautifully furnished, the Cot- tage is a favorite meeting place for dinners, teas, and other social activities. Today, in spite of all the building program and other improvements, there is a substantial balance in every account, no indebtedness, no bonds outstanding, while there is a determined look in the eyes of Mr. Oakes as he talks of the needs of more educational facilities. Having served as President of the local Kiwanis Club, Lieutenant Governor of this Kiwanis District, Superintendent of Sunday School, active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and participating in all phases of civic, social, and church activities, Mr. Oakes has shown his willingness to accept responsibility and his capacity to work and get things accomplished. For his long tenure of service to the Okemah Schools and to the community, we salute Mr. Oakes as a LEADER who merits a place of honor inthe history of Oklahoma.