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OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 60, No. 12
People You Should Know
BETSY HORN Head of Lower School Heritage Hall Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I grew up in Salina, Kan., until the eighth grade, when I moved to Edmond. As a child, I loved spending time at my beloved grandmother’s farm in Wamego, Kan., where I frequently pretended that I was Laura Ingalls Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie.” I also have many fond memories of my family’s annual summer trips to Manitou Springs, Colo. What did you want to be when you grew up? My most memorable Christmas morning occurred when I was in second grade. I raced down the stairs to discover an astonishing sight under the tree — a real chalkboard on rollers, a real globe, a real lesson plan book and a real grade book from Santa! After that unforgettable Christmas, I spent countless hours playing school and emulating my favorite teachers. From that point on, my desire to become an educator rarely wavered. Growing up, I was fortunate to be inspired by my own teachers. Today at Heritage Hall, I am equally privileged to be inspired by the students and colleagues with whom I work every day. See PYSK, Page 12
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July 31, 2026
Make-A-Wish seeks help in adopting wishes The mission at Make-A-Wish Oklahoma is, “Together we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.” For months, 8-year-old Michael of Edmond spent more time in hospitals than on the playground. After what seemed like a simple fever during the first week of school, Michael was diagnosed with leukemia. Within 24 hours, he was receiving blood transfusions, undergoing surgery and starting chemotherapy. The months that followed were filled with treatments, doctor's appointments and uncertainty. Then came something every child deserves to have, something to look forward to, through the power of a wish. With the help of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, Michael's wish to travel to New York City and fly drones with the New York City Police Department became a reality. For a few unforgettable days, the focus wasn't on cancer. It was on learning about something he loved, making memories with his family, and simply getting to be a kid again. His mom, Emily, summed it up best: “The trip was very much needed for our family. The whole family felt the impact of
Make-A-Wish Oklahoma fulfilled Michael’s wish of traveling to New York City and flying drones with the New York City Police Department. hospital stays and treatments.” A wish provides respite for the entire family. Many people don't realize that Make-A-Wish Oklahoma is a local nonprofit. Every wish granted is for an Oklahoma child, and every dollar donated
here stays right here to help Oklahoma families. Since 1982, local supporters have helped grant more than 4,200 wishes for children ages 2 and a half to 18-years-old in all 77 counties. See WISH, Page 3
Private schools adopt phone policies, too By Rose Lane Editor While they are not bound by law to do so, Fridayland private schools are following Oklahoma’s public schools in banning cell phones during class hours.
In late May, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law a permanent, statewide “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy, delivering on a commitment he has championed to get phones out of Oklahoma public school classrooms. The new law requires
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Meet Brutus, a charming and fiercely loyal 6-year-old Pit Bull mix with a personality twice his size! This sweet boy is a total Velcro pup who refuses to miss a single moment with his family, especially when it’s his mom and grandpa, Ezalynne and Kyle Taylor. He loves going on bike rides with his Uncle Tanner Taylor and absolutely loves attacking the water hose when his dad, Mark Campbell tries watering the plants. He’s also a natural alarm clock for his aunt Reece Taylor. Brutus is the best family dog we could ever ask for! The best cuddle bug and deadliest treat negotiator — Brutus Taylor. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Oklahoma public school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use on campus during the school day, with common sense exceptions for emergencies and documented medical needs. This follows a trial ban during the 2025-26
school year. “In 2024, I challenged every school in Oklahoma to go phone-free so our kids could put their focus back in their studies instead of on their screens,” said Gov. Stitt as he signed the law. See PHONES, Page 7
Animal welfare staff is added By Eric Oesch Staff Writer In The Village, Animal Welfare takes care of the city’s lost, stray or neglected animals. This past fiscal year, the department received calls from over 1,400 residents concerned about the welfare of animals. In FY 25-26 Animal Welfare accepted 174 dogs and cats and found homes for or area agencies to accept 172 animals. But until last month the city’s Animal Welfare had just one employee. Officials in The Village hope the addition of a new animal See VILLAGE, Page 2
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