Bethany School honors 18 students in OKMEA All State Ensemble achievements

Under the bright lights of the Bethany Public Schools auditorium, a sense of pride filled the air as the school board recognized the remarkable achievements of its performing arts students. The evening began with Manny Mann, a passionate advocate for the arts, who highlighted the impressive accomplishments of students in choir, band, and orchestra.

This year, 14 students earned spots in the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OKMEA) All State Ensemble, a prestigious honor that only 13% of the 5,622 students who auditioned could achieve. When including the children’s choir, the total number of honorees rose to 18. Mann emphasized the significance of these achievements, noting that they place the students among the top performers in the state.

Among the honorees was Emilio, a standout musician recognized for his third consecutive year as an All State band member. The board members expressed their admiration for the dedication and hard work these students put into their craft, acknowledging the countless hours of practice that often go unnoticed. The recognition served not only to celebrate individual talent but also to showcase the strength of the Bethany Fine Arts program, which continues to garner respect and admiration within the community.

Following the celebration of the arts, the meeting shifted to practical matters concerning the school district. Jason, a representative from American Fidelity, proposed a significant change to the flexible spending account policy. The new guidelines would allow any unused funds, up to $640, to carry over into the next year, providing teachers with more financial flexibility. This change aims to enhance teacher retention and support, reflecting the district's commitment to its staff.

As the meeting concluded, the board members and attendees left with a renewed sense of community spirit and a commitment to fostering both artistic excellence and supportive policies for educators. The evening underscored the importance of celebrating achievements while also addressing the practical needs of the school district, setting a hopeful tone for the future of Bethany Public Schools.