Each month of the school term, Kiwanis Club of Durant recognizes scholars from Durant High School and from each of the Bryan County high schools to be considered for $1,000 scholarships. Competition is strong, for each candidate has proven their discipline, academic prowess, and community service.
Kiwanis Durant High School Senior of 2024-25 is Canaan Burkett. Ms. Burkett earned a 4.0 GPA and thus membership in National Honor Society and in Oklahoma Honor Society. She has been a committed Key Club member serving as the editor and as the president. As president, Burkett was recognized as a Distinguished Key Club President in the Texas-Oklahoma District. Canaan was secretary of the Choctaw Nation’s Youth Advisory Board as well as a member of Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society. She volunteers at Fusion Bible Church with the children’s ministry and in Vacation Bible School. Ms. Burnett plans to pursue a degree in ministry and psychology. Her parents are Karen Cole and Marshall Burkett.
The Kiwanis Bryan County Senior of 2025 is Charitie Massengale, representing Bennington High School. Ms. Massengale carries a 4.06 GPA and was Vice President of the local National Honor Society. She has held the offices of Student Council President and Student Council Reporter. Her community service stems from Student Council projects such as community dinners, blanket drives, and Blessing Boxes. Her special advocacy is Mission 22, a veteran suicide prevention service and Veteran’s Day programs. Charities’s future goals include attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University to major in political science. After earning her law degree, Ms. Massengale desires to become a district attorney and to be a CASA advocate to aid neglected and abused children. Her parents are A.J. Shastid and Lisa Shastid.
Durant Kiwanis Club also awarded two Spiritual Aims Scholarships, each $1,000. Nominations were received from pastors and youth pastors. The 2025 Spiritual Aims Scholarship winners are Mitchell Palmer and Ashlan Summit.Key Club presented a Key Club Scholarship to DHS Key Club member Damaris Acosta.
During the month of May, Kiwanis members were informed by various community speakers: a representative from the Heart to Heart Hospice volunteer program, Erica Shelton from Integration Station (general manager), and the newly appointed Bryan County Sheriff, Joey Tucker.
If you would like to volunteer your talents and time, visit Durant Kiwanis Club. Meeting are held every Wednesday, noon, at Roma Italian Restaurant.
