This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
March 2013


Volume 60


Number 3 Navajo School to celebrate 50 years Country schools are special, nur-


turing places. Most offer a sense of closeness, family and tradition that is sometimes hard to fi nd in big-city schools. Navajo School, located 11 miles


northeast of Altus, is one of those special rural schools where academ- ics are a point of pride, alumni are actively involved, and the school’s history and traditions are always honored. “Navajo maintains wonder-


ful community support,” says Vicki Nance, the district’s superintendent, “and the family feeling that we get from that support really sets our school apart.” Many of the teachers are them-


selves former Navajo students. That includes Nance who is herself a Na- vajo graduate. The school currently serves ap-


proximately 450 students in pre-K through grade 12, and employs a teaching and support staff of 60. Approximately 1/3 of students


are from military families or children of Altus Air Force Base employees. The school and its programs are “Military Family Friendly”. “Military families have often lived


in many places,” Nance said, “and most seem to really like our school’s atmosphere and our strong academ- ic programs. Navajo students are re- ceptive to these new kids, and we provide a nurturing place for them to learn and grow during their time in the Altus area.” Navajo is known for strong aca-


Navajo School superintendent Vicki Nance (left) visits with students AnnaLea Cobb and Cassidy Mesa before the start of classes.


demics and diverse extra-curricular programs that include sports, 4-H and agriculture, and award-winning academic quiz bowl teams. Navajo School was opened in


1963 following a 1962 fi re that de- stroyed the school at nearby Friend- ship. The school’s fi rst graduating class was in 1964 The new Navajo school district


was formed when the Friendship district to the south and the Warren district to the north were consolidat- ed. The new school was constructed at a site midway between the two communities and the name “Navajo” was chosen by students, named for the nearby pioneer community of Navajoe. Part of the Martha School district joined Navajo in 1993.


The Navajo School campus


today includes fi ve buildings that house classrooms, two gymna- siums, offi ces, and a cafeteria. SWRE provides electricity to all Na- vajo facilities. In early 2014 Navajo School will


celebrate its fi rst 50 years. School offi cials and alumni are already working to update addresses and contact information for graduates and former students so that every- one can be involved in the celebra- tion.


Graduates and former students


are asked to contact Brenda Henry with updated contact information at 580-482-7742 or Lori Ann Winters at loriannwinters@yahoo.com.


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