Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc.
Motto: Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3: 27
9186986037 email annnero@aol.com
OAAE Hall of Fame, Inc.
MISSION
The Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc. provides a means for the educational community in Oklahoma to identify, investigate, acknowledge, and celebrate the unique history of African American education; to honor the outstanding careers of African American educators; to secure private contributions and endowments; and to obtain public and private grants and funds to promote the goals and mission of the OAAE Hall of Fame, Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS:
President: Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr.
Vice President: Sharon Hill-Wooten
Secretary: Shirley A. Nero
Treasurer: Jimmie White
BOARD:
Dr. Harold C. Aldridge Jr. - Tahlequah
Dr. R. P. Ashanti-Alexander - Chickasha
Dr. Gloria Anderson –Oklahoma City
Mrs. Bobbie Allen Booker –Tulsa
Dr. Deena Fisher - Woodward
Ms. Claudette Goss, Oklahoma City
Dr. John Hargrave - Ada
Mr. Orlando E. Hazley - Tulsa
Mrs. Henrietta Hicks - Boley
Ms. Sharon Hill-Wooten - Idabel
Mr. Clayton Nolen - Enid
Dr. Wanda Pollard Johnson - Oklahoma City
Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr. – Clearview
Mr. Jimmie White – Warner
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. Diane Anderson
Ms. Rita Cooksey - Okemah
Mr. Bruce Fisher - Oklahoma City
Mr. Tom Fisher - Woodward
Mrs. Marilyn Jackson - Clearview
Mrs. Shirley Nero – Clearview
About Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc
2024 Induction Ceremony
The Thirteenth Annual Induction Ceremony
Friday
September 27, 2024
777 Grand Blvd
Grand Casino Event Center
Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Welcome to the Thirteenth Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Grand Casino Event Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma. We look forward to seeing you on September 27th
Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc.
E. M. “Nat” Watson Jr. Athletic Scholarship Awardees
E. M. “Nat” Watson Jr. Athletic Scholarship Awardees
E. M. “Nat” Watson Jr. Athletic Scholarship Awardees
Each awardee will receive $1,000 deposited to their college bursar account upon completion of a full semester and other qualifications. Bill and Nancy Ford of Shawnee Milling sponsor the scholarship and two tables for students and parents at the OAAE HOF Induction Ceremony.
E. M. “Nat” Watson Jr. Athletic Scholarship Awardees
E. M. “Nat” Watson Jr. Athletic Scholarship Awardees
Aiyana Eylane Williams
Tulsa Memorial High School
Aiyanna maintained a 4.0 GPA while participating in varsity soccer, softball, volunteering at the Food Bank of Tulsa, and serving as an ambassador for Tulsa Memorial High School. Additionally, she was a member of the National Honor Society, senior class secretary, and a passionate nature lover. Aiyana strives to help mankind comprehend the delicate balance between living organisms and their roles in the ecosystem. In his letter of recommendation, Athletic Director and Coach Mark Dover stated, "I have been able to witness her development in the classroom and on the playing field. She has been an outstanding student in all respects." Aiyana plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma where she will major in Zoology while being a member of OSU Women's Soccer team. Aiyana is the daughter of Monica Davis of Tulsa.
Ryan Ashley Coody
Glenpool High School
Ryan maintained a 3.73 GPA while being a member of the Glenpool HS girls' golf team, serving as athletic trainer and team manager for the Glenpool High School Warriors, while simultaneously attending Tulsa Technology Center and Tulsa Community College as a dual credit student. Additionally, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Historian for HOSA-Future Health Care Professionals. Ryan was employed in a part time position at a local business and volunteered with the Bixby Fire Department and Glenpool Community Christmas Shoppe. In her letter of recommendation, Glenpool High School Senior Counselor, Judy Moulis stated, "Ryan is a very independent and spirited young lady, who I would also describe as motivated, dedicated, and ambitious. Ryan is one of the hardest working students I have ever known." Ryan plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Ryan is the daughter of Brian and Kim Coody of Haskell, Oklahoma.
Trace L. Reesing
Idabel High School
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Trace participated in high school varsity football, varsity track and field, and powerlifting while maintaining a 3.82 GPA. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Leo Club. Trace was selected by his peers as IHS Warriors football captain during his senior year. His honors include American Legion Boys State and All-District Football First Team in his senior year. In his letter of recommendation, Idabel HS Coach Braxton Kincade said, “Trace is a well-rounded individual who excels academically and actively engages in various extracurricular activities. His ability to balance his commitments while maintaining high standards of performance is truly commendable.” Trace plans to enroll at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma where he will pursue a degree in education. He plans to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and parents and become a teacher and coach. He is the son of Brad and Lori Reesing of Idabel.
Van Dyke L. Atienza
Douglass High School - Oklahoma City
Van Dyke maintained a 4.7 GPA and scored a 24 on the ACT while being actively involved in his community and school. He served as a peer facilitator at Douglass, was a student council member, and a class officer. He relocated to Oklahoma City from the Philippines in 2022 and took advantage of all available opportunities in school. Some of his honors include Young Writer's Festival Award, October 2022 Student of the Month, and Anita Arnold Award recipient. He also camed multiple academic and departmental awards while attending school in the Philippines. In his letter of recommendation, Douglass High School Senior Counselor, Jaelah Rose stated, "Van Dyke has shown the kind of initiative that is necessary to be successful over the long term academically and I believe he will have an excellent future." Van Dyke will pursue a computer science degree at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Van Dyke is the son of Vyl-Cyril Atienza and Odilon Atienza of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
