2025 Outstanding Program Award Winners
Art Off the Wall, Noble Public Schools Foundation
A bi-annual fundraising event, Art Off the Wall features works created and donated by well-known Oklahoma artists along with student artists. The first event in 2023 drew more than 80 attendees and raised nearly $14,000 to fund classroom grants, making it the highest single-event fundraiser in the foundation’s history.
Noble Public Schools Foundation President Sarah Soell called Art Off the Wall “one of the most fun and engaging events we have ever hosted.”
After enjoying dinner, attendees are given an hour to view the art. Then they are entered in drawings that are sorted into three tiers based on ticket prices. Once their names are chosen, they have 30 seconds to select their favorite piece of art to take home. There is also a separate auction for higher-value art pieces.
“We are overwhelmed by the support from our community and the talented local artists who contributed their works to make this event a true celebration of the arts and education,” Soell said. “Their support underscores the commitment of our neighbors to support educational initiatives that enhance the learning experience for the students of Noble Public Schools.”
The second Art Off the Wall will be held in December 2025.
T-Up for OKCPS 2025, Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation
T-Up for OKCPS is an annual campaign that activates the community to foster support for public education by purchasing and wearing bilingual “OKCPS Champion” T-shirts. This year’s shirts share the message Together, Somos Más Fuertes.
On May 8, the same day as the foundation’s Stars of Education event, the foundation asks the community to wear their T-shirts in a visible and united show of support for public education.
“T-Up for OKCPS is more than just a fundraiser,” said Kendra Horn, president and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “It’s more than just T-shirts. It is an advocacy campaign that educates and activates the community to support the teachers, students and staff of Oklahoma City Public Schools.”
Businesses who join in as sponsors have their logos displayed on the back of the shirts. The foundation also recruits ambassadors who share why they support OKCPS and encourage others to purchase shirts.
Since the program launched in 2022, the amount raised has increased each year. In 2024, T-Up for OKCPS raised $110,000, and the 2025 campaign goal is $120,000.
The 2025 limited-edition shirts are on sale for $25 from Feb. 28-April 3 and can be purchased at okckids.com/t-up.
Learn more about the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation
Pre-K Play-Based Learning Initiative, Stillwater Public Education Foundation
The Pre-K Play-Based Learning Initiative focuses on obtaining materials and manipulatives for play-based learning in Stillwater Public Schools’ pre-K classes. Thanks to a grant from Simmons First Foundation, the Stillwater Public Education Foundation was able to provide $43,875 to the district to purchase items like water sand tables, play kitchens, play tools and wooden blocks.
Standardizing materials in pre-K classrooms allows the district to ensure a more equitable learning experience for students, giving them equal opportunities for play-based learning. Previously, classes were using items personally purchased by teachers, which led to inequity among the classes.
Mary Beth Talley, who teaches pre-K at Sangre Ridge Elementary School, said she is thankful to the foundation for investing in classrooms.
“I am so grateful I teach in a district that values the importance of play in our early childhood classrooms,” Talley said. “When you allow a child to play, you are building their confidence and deepening their love of learning.”
Roughly 300 students in 17 pre-K classes benefit from the program.
