Governor Kevin Stitt, joined by Secretary of Education Ryan Walters and Senator Zack Taylor, visited The Academy of Seminole (TAOS) this past week.

In a discussion with the Governor, some students shared their experiences of coming from other schools where they were bullied, and then finding a home at TAOS where they felt safe and confident to grow and learn. Others shared their experience of participating in TAOS Early College High School program, where they are earning their associates degree while in high school. Yet others shared their experiences with programs they are taking at Gordon Cooper Technology Center.

“Student’s leave TAOS with a plan for their life whether it be college, technical schools, or starting their own business,” said Paul Campbell, the chair of the TAOS Board. He opened TAOS as a public charter school in 2018

It wasn’t all just hard work. The students in the art program shared the seven elements of drawing they have learned, and also presented the Governor with a card they created.

TAOS, one of only two Oklahoma public charter schools offering an Early-College High School curriculum, celebrated a milestone in May by graduating its inaugural class of seniors. Among the 17 graduating TAOS Spartans were six who concurrently earned associate degrees from Seminole State College (SSC). Two more will graduate from SSC in December.

Stitt visited Seminole County on Tuesday, August 31, and in addition to stopping by TAOS, he spoke to community leaders and local business owners at a luncheon meeting at the Civic Center in Wewoka and at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on the Seminole State College campus. At both stops the Governor gave a brief update on the most recent legislative actions before taking questions from the audience.