As a part of the Gooden Group, I am often given the opportunity to work on projects that I know are making a real difference in the community and in the lives of Oklahomans. I was fortunate enough to get an inside look into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in our city, the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. As Executive Director Lori Dickinson took us through their facilities, she showed us one of their prized initiatives, the Teacher’s Warehouse. The Teacher’s Warehouse provides free classroom supplies and teaching materials to OKCPS teachers every month. Businesses and individuals donate gently-used and new items as well as their time to this program throughout the school year and are able to bless classrooms with much-needed support items.
Many of us are truly blessed to be able to give back to those individuals and institutions that helped us along the way. Last month, I was privileged to meet NFL player and former OU Sooner Gerald McCoy. Gerald – a product of Southeast High School – experienced the value of a supportive community and wanted to give back. He hoped that he could inspire the students, in very similar situations that he grew up in, to take advantage of their potential, just like he did. As a product of the Oklahoma City Public School system, Gerald found the perfect partner for his mission in the Foundation. They are now teaming up to give hope to students in our community by encouraging them to broaden their horizons and strive for success.
To kick off their partnership, McCoy could think of no better place to start than his alma mater. At a school-wide assembly one seemingly normal Friday afternoon, Southeast students were shocked when McCoy marched through the gym doors playing snare drum alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder Drummers. A former drum line captain, Gerald blew students away with a solo performance followed by loud cheers from the stands shouting his name. As he spoke to them, I could see his words taking effect. He really resonated with the kids at Southeast. He knew their situation and knew the challenges they would face firsthand. He reminded them that somebody cares, that somebody believes in them and wants them to succeed. As a parting gift, Gerald brought in four new bass drums and a commitment to provide the Southeast Band with new uniforms, something they haven’t had since the 60s.
I am blessed to witness these inspiring partnerships happening in our city. I know I was inspired by this gift and moved by the optimism he helped instill in those students. Here’s to hoping more in our community rise up and take ownership of their schools and support the efforts of Gerald and the Foundation.
