May 24, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 14

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INSIDE SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025 Weekend Edition The traditional rose ceremony gives seniors the opportu- nity to thank loved ones for all they have done for them throughout the years. For most parents and seniors it is an emotional part of graduation. Merritt Graduates 32 Seniors, Honor Two Classmates By Sheryl Ponce The Merritt High School held Commencement Friday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. There were 32 seniors Elk City High School’s Class of 2025 get ready to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. who walked across the stage, while recognizing two classmates, Da’Joyis Jones and Mariaunna Pryse, whom they lost over the course of the year. The se- Elk City Seniors Graduate niors were wearing purple cords honoring the two in a visible manner. The senior class officers were Luke Peffer, presi- By Sheryl Ponce to get to where we are today, from surviving dent; Savanah Craig, vice-president; Jerzi Elizondo, a global pandemic, to sitting through pain- secretary/treasurer; Aiden Carter, Student Council Elk City High School held their 2025 fully long assemblies, and somehow mak- representative; and Cristino Valenzuela, Student Commencement ceremony Sunday, May ing into the last three weeks of school that Council representative. The class sponsors were 18th, at 4 p.m., in the Pioneer Center Are- felt like a year. We pushed through it all. Amanda Carr, Bonnie Gordon, Jennifer Nighten- na, with standing room only. The event be- We’ve come a long way, and today is proof gale, and Dylan Shockey; and the class parents were gan with the processional accompanied by of that,” Murray said. Mr. and Mrs. Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Orgain, and Mr. Lori Daubenspeck, followed by the ECHS Before he turned the program over to and Mrs. Tignor. Senior Ensemble presenting “Special Mu- Thomas Wiesner for his President’s Ad- The ceremony began with high school principal, sic.” dress, he told the class to chase their Sarah Peffer, welcoming the parents, family, and Salutatorian, Max Murray, came to the dreams, but also make sure to be someone friends to the event. She noted that she has been podium to address his classmates, fami- who brings life to other people along the with this group of seniors since they entered the ly, and friends. He started by thanking his way. fifth grade and how proud she is of their accom- teachers and administrators who believed Wiesner began by thanking everyone for plishments. in him and invested years in his success. He coming to the ceremony, and then went on The first senior to speak was Co-Salutatorian, thanked his parents for their constant love to remind his classmates of Carpe Diem or Alie Hamilton. She told her classmates that she and support, and his friends for all of the Seize the Day. hopes her words will leave them feeling confident laughs and being there for him. “The older I get, the more I realize how Senior Class President, Thomas Weisner, and excited about the future in life. “To the class of 2025, congratulations on talks to his classmates about seizing the making it through all the highs and the lows See ELK CITY page 2 day and looking forward to the future. See MERRITT page 8 Elk City Gets New Coach By Sheryl Ponce grade ballers gathered in the Pioneer Center Gym The Elk City Public Schools recently at 5 p.m. After that, Jones announced their new head girls’ basket- met with the girls’ parents ball coach will be Mason Jones. She is for an Elk City Basketball coming from Panhandle, Texas, and is a Booster Club in the high Southwestern Oklahoma State University MASON JONES school commons at 6 p.m. graduate. This was a good oppor- She met with the basketball teams be- tunity to meet the coach and learn about ginning Wednesday, May 21st, when all her expectations for the girls, the par- of the incoming seventh through 12th ents, and the team. EC Animal Control Announces Low-Cost Clinic Coming By Sheryl Ponce Animals need to remain on a leash or in a carrier for everyone’s safety. There will be Stockman’s Veterinary Clinic and the extra parking in the open lot north of the Elk City Animal Control have teamed up Elk City Animal Shelter. to bring another Low-Cost Clinic for pet The services offered include $10 rabies owners. The event will take place Saturday, June 7th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The clin- ic will be at Stockman’s located at 1019 S. vaccinations; $15 Bordetella vaccination; $10 rattlesnake vaccination; $15 parvo/dis- temper vaccinations; $30 microchip; $5 nail Elk City Tennis Boys Take State Main in Elk City. trim; $15 heartworm test; $25 canine Nex- This is an opportunity to take care of flea gard (one month); $125 canine Nexgard By Sheryl Ponce The team also brought home the 4-A State and tick treatments as well as vaccinations. (six months); $30 -$35 canine Nexgard Plus Academic State Championship. In addition, there are no residence require- (price varies on weight and negative heart- The Elk City High School boys’ tennis team The team consists of Quinn Brewer, Kade ments; no appointments; no fee; and it is a worm test is required); $10 Selarid; and $24 recently battled for the 4-A State Champion- Duncan, Spence Brewer, Kyler Welch, Rafe cash only clinic; therefore, bring the exact feline Nexgard. ship title at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center at Coslow, and Max Murray. They have been change. For more information go to www.face- Will Rogers Park. Their success brought home coached by Amy Busby, Pat Senger, Gina Cur- book.com/ElkCityAnimalShelter. the title. tis, and Joni McConnell. Weather Vol. Vol. 117,121, No.No. 54 21 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 83 / 59 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com