Red bud trees and daffodils are blooming, heralding another spring. Yet as the end of this school year nears, there are still more Students of the Month to honor.
The Kiwanis Durant High Senior of the Month is Kasey West. Kasey maintains a 4.0 GPA qualifying her as a member of both Oklahoma Honor Society and National Honors Society. She serves as Key Club Vice President winning awards for speech at Key Club conventions. In her “spare time,” she participates in Upward Bound, Academic Team, Drama and Debate, and Art Club. Ms. West also was a part of a job shadowing program at DISD Intermediate School.
Volunteering is a large part of her life. West gives her time to her youth group at Victory Life Church and to Kiwanis Pancake Day. She believes she “is consistently active with her church and in her community monthly through Key Club.”
After graduation, Ms. West plans to attend Oklahoma University to major in psychology with a goal of becoming a psychologist. She is also considering elementary education.
Kasey was given a certificate and a gift card. Joining her at the meeting was her mother Glenda West and DHS Principal Amber Bullard.
Another Kiwanis Student of the Month representing Durant High School is Cami Peterson. Her GPA is 4.0, admitting her to both Oklahoma Honor Society and National Honor Society. Cami has served as TSA secretary and was a finalist in the TSA Drone competition. Ms. Peterson is involved in Art Club as Vice President and Art Club Homecoming Queen Candidate. She was a Ben Carson Finalist at the Oklahoma State HOSA convention. Cami is also a Key Club member.
Her contributions to the community include Key Club service, medaling in a half marathon, and sharing her artistic talent.
Upon graduating, Ms. Peterson plans to further her education at a college that has a aeronautical program.
At a recent Kiwanis meeting, Cami was awarded a certificate and a gift card. Along with her were her parents, Toshiba Peterson and Jesse Peterson, and DHS Vice Principal Amanda Reynolds.
Bryan County high school seniors have been chosen as well. Calera High School Maddie Mueller Carrie’s a 4.48 GPA and is a concurrent student. In addition to being a serious scholar, she has earned 140 service hours through FCCLA, Student Council, and Citizens Caring for Children. Maddie’s participation in these activities has allowed her to be admitted to the Family and Consumer Sciences Education program at Oklahoma State University. Ms. Mueller also is involved in FCA and her newspaper class.
Her aspirations began as a child to share her voice by singing and later by teaching. Maddie stated, “I’ve gained motivation, drive, and intentionality in my life. I want to prove that I, too, can make a difference with a teaching degree.”
Ms. Mueller was honored with a gift certificate and a gift card. Attending with her were her mother, Micah Mueller and Calera ISD Counselor June Farmer.
Another Bryan County Senior of the Month is Gracey Gatlin, representing Silo High School. Her parents are Lacey Gatlin and Stacy Gatlin. She has a GPA of 4.31 and was named the Salutatorian for her 2026 graduating class. Gracey serves as president of BETA Club, winning third place in creative writing at the BETA State Convention. As an Academic Team member, Ms. Gatlin won sixth place in Academic Team competition at their state conference. Her team was also District and Regional winners. Gracey is also a member of the FFA Horticultural class. She is committed to her community by volunteering for Special Olympics and being active in can drives, sock drives, and local Blessing Boxes.
After high school graduation, Gracey hopes to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University for an English major with emphasis in creative writing. Her goal is to be a published author.
Ms. Gatlin believes she has, “…a great passion of learning in many different subjects making it a more enjoyable way for me to maintain good grades. I also have a deep love of giving back to my community in whatever way I’m able….”
All Kiwanis Students of the Month are eligible to be chosen to receive $1,000 scholarships to be awarded in May.
