OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 51 • One Section • 12 pages • May 2, 2025
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Student life to be enriched by Sias Family Center for Performing Arts Casady School announces the renovation and expansion of its current performing arts facilities into the new Sias Family Center for Performing Arts. This $9.5 million project transforms the existing theater, as well as the band,
orchestra and choir rooms, into a state-of-the-art complex that includes practice space, enhanced acoustics, expanded community gathering areas and improved stage technology. Casady’s strategic enrollment growth, arts programming and cur-
rent performing arts facility underscore the need for renovation and expansion, and this exciting project aims to elevate the Casady community’s performing arts experience in a premier venue. “The performing arts have long been a vital part of a
Members of The Village Police Department plunged into freezing waters to raise funds for the Special Olympics during the Polar Plunge held recently at Hurricane Harbor. Pictured, from left, back row, are Deputy Chief Matt Butcher, Captain Ryan Jacobson, Officer JP King, Officer Trent Grines, Officer Caleb O’Toole, Officer Sam Ellis, Chief Russ Landon, Corporal Luke Davidson and Lieutenant Vernon Green. Front row plungers include Dispatcher Samantha Roberts, Detective Taylor Harrill, Sergeant William Maddex and Dispatch Supervisor Jaylen Garcia.
Casady education, offering students opportunities for creative expression, collaboration and personal growth,” said Head of School Nathan L. Sheldon. “I am honored to share an exciting investment in the future of the arts at Casady, made possible
through a lead gift from the Alice and Phil Pippin family in honor of Alice’s parents, Jeannette and Dick Sias. “The Siases believed deeply in the power of the arts to enrich students’ See CASADY, Page 9
Bundled up after their Polar Plunge for Special Olympics are Nichols Hills Police Department members, from left, front row, IT Department staffer Scott Johnston, Records Clerk Michael Puckett and Sergeant David Eischeid. Second row, from left, are Cohen Copeland, Assistant City Manager Amanda Copeland, Officer Evelyn Morales, Officer Marliny Lopez, Lieutenant Brandon Ridgeway and City Manager Shane Pate; and back row, Cooper Hollingsworth IT Department, Police Chief Steven Cox, Officer Frank Stancampaino, Lieutenant Taylor Greenwood and Sergeant Jarred McHenry.
Nichols Hills, Village police take the plunge for Special Olympics By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Police officers in both Nichols Hills and The Village raised nearly $8,000 for Special Olympics by participating in the Polar Plunge held recently at Hurricane Harbor. Law enforcement agencies from throughout the metro and state took part in the fundraising event, including
the Oklahoma City Police Department, OSBI and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department. The event featured more than 600 registered plungers, far more than the 360 individuals who participated last year. The Nichols Hills Police Department had 21 participants, while The Village Police Department had 14 officers and staff who took the plunge.
“Our personnel do an incredible job of dispatching, responding to and investigating crimes, not to mention helping resolve a large amount of non-criminal matters,” said Village Police Chief Russ Landon. “Doing this can take a toll on a person. I encourage our people to participate in as many of our community policing efforts as possible to see the other side of the difficult
‘Empowered’ coming to McGuinness “Empowered,” an educational television series hosted by acclaimed actress Meg Ryan, has partnered with Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School to produce an upcoming segment on faith-based education. The production team is to be on campus in early May to film the segment. The Rev. Rick Stansberry, BMCHS school president, described the upcoming segment as a winwin situation. “The people at ‘Empowered’ contacted me last fall because they were planning an episode on faithbased schools, and they wanted to feature a school in the central part
of the United States,” Stansberry said. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to share who we are and to explain the value of a Christ centered education.” In the segment, members of the Bishop McGuinness community are to share their experiences with faith-based education. “Empowered” focuses on providing valuable information and insights into topics that matter to consumers today. Each episode features industry experts and thought leaders who bring clarity and inspiration to important financial and lifestyle topics.
things we see. “Raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics allows us to interact with the precious athletes, families and other law enforcement personnel in settings that we don’t normally find ourselves in,” he said. “We are grateful to be able to participate.” Both the Nichols Hills and Village police departments take part in fundraising events throughout the year.
“The Nichols Hills Polar Plunge group consisted of officers, family members and other city employees and their family members who wanted to support us in our effort to raise money for such a great cause,” said Nichols Hills Police Chief Steven Cox. “We even had city managers and the IT department jumping with us!
FRIDAY’s Cats of the Week Persophne (orange), Mr Bean (brown) and Sapphron (white) are 4-month old Maine Coone kittens whose family is Jones’ — Ryin, Jen, Margot (10-years-old) and Milla (6-years-old). They love to romp and play with each other but also find time to nap and be very cuddly! Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
See PLUNGE, Page 7