The Avedis Foundation hosted its 8th annual “Celebrate Educators” event on Friday, Aug. 22 at Firelake Arena in Shawnee, welcoming nearly 2,400 educators from Pottawatomie County and public school districts from the neighboring communities of Seminole, Prague, Meeker, Chandler, and Little Axe.

Avedis presents the oneday professional development event every August at no cost to public school teachers, support staff, and administrators within the Foundation’s service area as part of a countywide education initiative to recognize, inspire, and celebrate local educators.

Avedis Foundation president and CEO Dr. Kathy Laster stated, “Avedis is honored to host this highly anticipated annual celebration of our esteemed educators who shape the next generation—they’re truly the heart and soul of education. On this special day, we want them to experience the same joy and appreciation that they bring to their students every day. It is our hope that they feel uplifted and truly appreciated!”

As educators from 21 local public school districts filled the arena Friday, they enjoyed photo booths, a “mirror man,” and DJ Litebrite. The celebration also included prize giveaways, including gift cards and tech items.

A high-energy opening ceremony kicked off the program, led by a drumline and cheer group of more than 50 students from the public school districts of Bethel, Dale, McLoud, North Rock Creek, and performing under the direction of Mr. John Outon, Ms. Katie Marrs, and Ms. Jacee Miller from Tecumseh Public Schools. Scout Troops #417 and #477 Color Guard, directed by Ms. Timberly Brooks, presented the colors, while the Shawnee Public Schools Jazz Choir, under the direction of Ms. McKenzie Graves, performed the National Anthem.

Sharing Master of the Ceremonies duties were local students Madison Corneil, Cooper Dunn, and Mary Beth King from Shawnee High School, and Addison Taron from Tecumseh High School.

The event’s keynote speaker, Michael Bonner, hails from the world-renowned Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, where he teaches 4th grade social studies and 6th grade English language arts in the classroom he lovingly calls “Bonnerville,” where students feel hopeful, inspired, and challenged to reach new heights. In recent years, Bonner has expanded his focus to include innovation, entrepreneurship, STEAM, and fostering a deep love for reading.

Nationally acclaimed as a visionary educator, Bonner works to cultivate a mindset of excellence and resilience among his students. Each day, he meets children with diverse backgrounds, needs, and potential, and tailors his approach to support their growth—academically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically.

Addressing his teaching colleagues in attendance, Bonner delivered a powerful message on the lifelong impact that educators have on their students, pointing to a 2018 study that revealed how, even in low-achieving schools, certain teachers succeed in developing above-average performances by their students. Those teachers, Bonner explained, shared several traits: a firm belief in their students’ ability to learn; ownership of the impact of their own teaching; engagement in professional growth; and creating classrooms where students are actively engaged and feel supported.

“It was an honor to join the Avedis Foundation and speak with educators in Oklahoma! The hospitality and dedication displayed by the Foundation were remarkable,” Bonner said. “More importantly, the energy and enthusiasm from the teachers were inspiring as we explored ways to create positive learning environments while integrating artificial intelligence into our classrooms. I look forward to the opportunity to return soon!” he added.

Audrey Seeliger, Avedis Foundation’s director of external relations and public events, credits much of the success of the Celebrate Educators event to its Superintendent Planning Committee. “Our superintendents worked tirelessly throughout the past year to plan this event,” she said.

“We thank Ms. Julie McCormick, Superintendent of Gordon Cooper Technology Center; Mr. Blake Moody, Superintendent of North Rock Creek Public Schools; Mr. Robert Kinsey, Superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools; and Ms. Sally Thomason, Superintendent of Pleasant Grove Public Schools,” Seeliger added.