OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 39
People you should know
KELLY KAY CEO & President Greater OKC YMCA Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Most of my favorite memories revolve around sports teams I played on, spending time with my brothers and cousins, playing on my grandparents’ farms, fishing, riding horses for hours, and all the family get-togethers. What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about? My family, golf, and really all sports. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? This is hard to answer. I have been so blessed throughout my lifetime, with family, friends, coaches, teachers and special YMCA mentors who have encouraged and challenged me. I always lovingly and in fun credit my grandmother for my career in the Y, because when I was young, she would continually tell me, I’d better find someone who would pay me to play all the time if I wanted to make it in this life. What does a perfect day look like? Getting to play golf with my three sons on the weekends, cookouts and See PYSK, Page 14
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February 6, 2026
1 Section • 12 Pages
United Way raises more than $19.5 million Revealing a campaign total of $19,533,414, United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) celebrated a milestone evening at its 25th Annual Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The event brought together nearly 800 donors, partner agencies, volunteers and community leaders to honor outstanding service. The dedication of the 2025 Campaign Co-Chairmen Lee and Suzie Symcox, was highlighted as the 2025 annual fundraising campaign total was revealed, funds which benefit UWCO’s 66 partner agencies. This total reflects contributions to United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Canadian County, United Way of Logan County,
Pictured with the United Way campaign total are, from left: United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Rachel Holt, campaign Co-Chairman Suzie and Lee Symcox and board Chairman Mark Funke. For more photos, see Page 11. the State Charitable Campaign through state of Oklahoma employees and the Heart of the City Campaign through City of Oklahoma City employees. The gala highlighted the generosity and commitment of central Oklahomans who make
UWCO’s mission possible. Guests enjoyed an evening of celebration as UWCO recognized four individuals for their leadership and dedication: • Emerging Leaders Pinnacle See UWCO, Page 3
PC conducts nationwide search for superintendent By Eric Oesch Staff Writer A nationwide search has been conducted to find the replacement for Dr. Fred Rhodes who is retiring after serving 13 years as Superintendent of Putnam City Schools. Rhodes officially retires after the 2025-2026 school year and completes his contract on July 1. Dr. Rhodes, who is the district’s 24th superintendent of schools, announced his retirement
from the Putnam City superintendency in August. “The Putnam City School Board has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA) to conduct the nationwide search for the next superintendent for our District,” said AJ Graffeo, public information officer communications for Putnam City Schools. “There are extensive prerequisites, multiple rounds of interviews, detailed back-
OK Contemp to celebrate 2026 Founders Day By Rose Lane Editor Governor Bill Anoatubby, J. Clifford and Leslie Hudson, Randy Marks, G. Patrick Riley and the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation are to be honored during Oklahoma Contemporary’s Founders Day 2026 on Thursday, March 26, at Oklahoma Contemporary.
ground checks and more that goes into the process to find the perfect candidate.” A date to announce the new superintendent has not been announced. Putnam City is the sixth largest district in Oklahoma and serves just under 19,000 students. Putnam City Schools were founded in 1914 and serves its students at 18 elementary, five middle, three high schools and one academy. The district has 2,500 employees
with 40 percent of certified teachers having advanced degrees. Seven Putnam City schools are located in the Fridayland area encompassing far north Oklahoma City, including James Dennis, Ralph Downs, Harvest Hills, Wiley Post and Will Rogers Elementary Schools; Heffner Middle School; and Putnam City North High School. “The Putnam City Superintendent position is See PC, Page 12
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week This 1-year-old great pyrenees-mixed dog came to us last Valentine’s Day after being found as an abandoned puppy. Since then, our Ralphie has grown into a big boy. He belongs to FRIDAY sports editor Jason and his wife Carly Jewell, and is joined by siblings Ellie, Gracie and Mittens. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
See FOUNDERS, Page 2
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