Kiwanis prepares each summer to plan and to regroup many of the student projects for the upcoming school year. New officers attend conventions to learn their new duties and to connect with other Kiwanians on the Texas-Oklahoma District and internationally.
AtonelocalJulyclubmeeting,Dr. Greg Clay voiced what we all have witnessed; we don’t see each other in group settings much anymore. Many church congregations, political parties, and community service clubs have experienced a decline in membership. Why? Many factors such as “a move away” from a formal setting, a younger generation that views work and volunteerism differently, and the Covid epidemic are a few causes.
In considering Kiwanis and other service groups, Dr. Clay reminded us that, “Service is the reason; the reward is fellowship.” Coming together to serve unites us with a unique community of people.
Like George Bailey, the protagonist is It’s a Wonderful Life, club members were challenged to consider what Durant would be like if Kiwanis Club did not exist. There would be no Pancake Day to fund student recognition, no Student of the Month or Student of the Year scholarships, no Spiritual Aims scholarships, no Terrific Kids awards, no Easter Egg Hunt, no National Day of Prayer event, no Pastor Appreciation Day luncheon, and no President’s Project to benefit our community.
Volunteer service also shapes adults. Long time members mentor new members. We become people of conscience by learning leadership skills, developing a service mentality, and appreciating relationships.
Continuing the theme of community service, Kiwanis Presidentelect Shayla Whitlock shared ideas gleaned from her attendance at the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado. At first she was concerned she was at the wrong convention. Comic Con was also hosting a convention in the Mile High City. The ones wearing the wild costumes were not Kiwanians.
President Whitlock presented three goals for 2024-2405: a membership drive, partnering with other community service organizations for community projects, and advertising through communication with teachers, policemen, firemen, EMTs, and attorneys to list a few. One proposed project is to help foster children and families with suitcases, backpacks, and toiletries.
Members were encouraged to be bold in our ideas for service. A guest speaker at the International Kiwanis Convention was Chris Singleton whose mother was murdered at her church prayer meeting in an act of racial hatred. Singleton urged us all to, “Love harder than that shooter hated.”
The Choctaw Nation is certainly another example of benefiting community. James Dry, District 9, Choctaw Tribal Council, has been active with the Choctaws for thirty-four years. Dry has served on various committees for the tribe such as Human Resources, Education, Commerce, and Finance.
Through the Choctaw Nation, the Chahta Foundation has awarded 1.6 million dollars in scholarships. This fall, Southeastern Oklahoma State University has 304 tribal members enrolled. The Nation has also provided tutoring and summer school open to every student regardless of tribal membership.
Since Oklahoma’s governor chose not to participate in a summer feeding feeding program for children, Oklahoma’s tribal nations accepted this responsibility to ensure no child is hungry in this state. During this summer in Durant, on Tuesdays’ local volunteers and the Nation’s employees fed 738 meal packs each day. These packages provide five days of meals and snacks for each child.
Many other community improvements are planned or are under construction by the Choctaw Nation. Sandstone road east of Highway 48 will receive a much needed replacement leading to a refurbished golf course in the Silverado housing addition. The LEAP incentive allows young families a “rent to own” housing opportunity. As many as 205 new homes will be available. The Nation also will offer 100 affordable rentals. Additionally sixty elder units are under construction. A new apartment complex will open this September.
Since Kiwanis International serves children world wide, the next guest speakers were Larry and Phyllis Elrod. Mr. Elrod worked in the oil industry for thirty years working for companies such as Sun Ray, Sun, and Amoco. Mrs. Elrod is a trained speech therapist and artist. She teaches a Life Group class and a Vacation Bible School class at Durant First Baptist Church. The Elrods, along with their children, have lived in Egypt,Trinidad, Chicago, and Houston. In these thirty years, they have established twenty-six homes.
Mr. Elrod gave vital travel tips for anyone planning exotic excursions outside the United States. Safaris may specialize in hunting wild game or in photography trophies. These adventures allow travelers to witness animals, flora, fauna, and natural wonders in a natural setting. He advises deciding the destination and researching safety through the U.S. State Department. Look for competitive air flights to your chosen vacation spot. If booking a safari, ask fellow hunters about reputable safari outfitters. In certain countries, hiring a driver would advisable. Be flexible. Be prepared for delays and for lost luggage. Schedule sightseeing days in addition to your safari days. Pay attention to local and less popular sites.
Mrs. Elrod also enjoys “shopping safaris” in addition to hunting expeditions and hunting lodges. She invests in unique, handmade jewelry and African art pieces. Looking for the “tucked away” spots will offer beautiful vistas and natural formations.
Phyllis reminded us that travel broadens our world view and teaches us respect for others. “ People everywhere love their children and want to provide for them.” She feels we may differ in language, customs, and culture, but we all share the same emotions. We are more alike than we are different.
Children all over the world are returning to the classroom. Aptly the speaker was Durant Independent School District Superintendent Mark Moring. Although new to this school system, Supt. Moring is a veteran educator. He earned his Bachelors degree at Oklahoma University and a Masters degree from Southern Nazarene University. Moring’s experience in education was formed in Oklahoma school positions in Lexington, Linsey, and Clinton. He comes to serve in Durant from a superintendent’s assignment in Davis, OK. Mark and Katie Moring have been married for twenty years Their daughter Shelby is finishing her senior year at Davis High School. Son Cale is a freshman at Durant High School.
Moring has spent his summer absorbing the many facets of Durant ISD. In a recent meeting with all available police forces (Durant Police Department, Bryan County Sheriff’s Department, Choctaw Lighthorse Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol). Their focus was current school security measures and discussion of new ideas to strengthen safety. The Superintendent was impressed with the layers of existing communication between school officials and police forces.
The focus of Supt. Moring’s vision centers on preparing all DISD students to be college and career ready. A grant from Jobs for America is one avenue. Identifying and addressing risk factors observed in students is a start to gearing them for success. Internships provided by the community would give students a “real work” experience. He plans to celebrate career tech programs just as much as programs in sports, music, art, and scholarship are celebrated.
Offering some classes in eighth grade such as math, introduction to tech, or Spanish would allow the students in high school to have more career avenues. He wants to evaluate DHS requirements of four maths and four sciences as compared the state requirements of three maths and three sciences. Matching state standards would help students seeking a career tech education. An aviation class wherein they would build a two-seat airplane would perhaps inspire students to pursue a career in aviation blending into the degree at SOSU. A partnership with Murray State College would benefit students interested in health sciences by earning an Associate degree in nursing.
Concurrent classes with SOSU remains popular with students as well as parents. Studies tell us that only 30% of high school graduates will attend a college or university. However, 99% of concurrent students will continue their college education and earn a degree. Some public school systems pay concurrent student fees. Gear Up, a federal program, has traditionally paid concurrent fees. Currently, the state of Oklahoma did not receive this grant.
Supt. Moring’s driving goal is to “help students find their passion.”
For every Kiwanis speaker, the local club donates to Project Eliminate, Kiwanis International’s effort to eliminate neonatal tetanus. Each donation saves fifteen lives. If you are interested in serving children in Durant, Bryan County, and the world, visit Kiwanis. They meet weekly on Wednesday at noon in Roma Italian Restaurant.
