May 23, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 14

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INSIDE SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026 Weekend Edition Merritt Seniors Move into the Future By Sheryl Ponce gether for the last time as a class. It’s exciting, but also sad that after tonight The class of 2026 at Merritt High things are going to change. We spent so School held their graduation ceremony many years growing up together. We’ve Friday, May 15th, at 7 p.m., with fam- shared classrooms, football games, ily and friends to cheer them into the aggregates, late night studying, inside future. The commencement exercises jokes, and moments we’ll never forget,” began with their class president, Jenna Snuggs said. Watkins, welcoming everyone to the She continued to say, “One thing that Elk City High School Seniors event. The co-salutatorians were Ainsley Partain and Myleigh Flowers, while Leia Snuggs was named salutatorian we will all miss the most is how famil- iar everything feels right now, seeing the same people every day, walking the same halls, and knowing that no matter and Addison Darling was named vale- what kind of day you’re having, there’s Step Up to Step Out dictorian. Once the four were honored with plaques, Snuggs went to the podi- um to address her classmates. “For years, graduation felt so far always someone there who under- stands. Even though we’re all excited for what comes next, there’s a part of us By Sheryl Ponce a brief message about each child was read in away, and now we’re sitting here to- See MERRITT page 11 remembrance of the late students. After 12 years of preparations, the Elk Next on the program was Sierra Smith, City High School seniors fulfilled their obli- salutatorian, who began her speech by gations to step up and cross the stage, ready thanking God for allowing her to be there to receive his/her diploma. The Commence- and achieve the hard-earned goal. ment Ceremony took place at the Pioneer “As we leave Elk City High School, I hope Center Arena, Sunday, June 17th, at 4 p.m. we remember that success is not only mea- After the processional, the ECHS Senior En- sured by what shows up on a piece of paper, semble sang the “National Anthem.” but also by the perseverance, kindness, and In a special presentation, principal Jamie growth, and the impact we leave on the peo- McClure, recognized the family of three ple around us. Although this chapter in our posthumous students. He presented them lives is ending, this is only the beginning,” with’ diplomas. The students were Chaston Smith told her classmates. Robert Lane Adams, Lewis Randall Bir- She concluded by saying, “Our lives and mingham, and Khai Ashleigh Jael Pedro. As success are non-linear. So, Class of 2026, as the families made their way to the stage to accept the diploma on behalf of their child, See ELK CITY page 2 RCCT Expands Youth Summer Academy By Sheryl Ponce EUBkbL5Sv4sfwHva7. The application for older teens can be found at: https:// The Red Carpet Community The- forms.gle/bH9eFSzepkfcfPpm6. Summer Programs Kick-Off atre has announced the Summer Acad- emy designed to get young actors an opportunity to learn about the theatre in all areas. They will learn about set design and building; costuming; the- Each student must have a permis- sion and enrollment form as well as a liability form. Registration is not a guarantee until a confirmation is sent to the child. They will be able to per- By Sheryl Ponce Carnegie Library has also started atre make-up, as well as acting and form as actors in the productions, but their summer reading program that singing. Bailey Carpenter has been at they will also be provided the ability As kids prepared to leave school, is focusing on dinosaurs. The opening the helm of the program for the past to work on the technical aspects of the the City of Elk City geared up for sum- day for the reading program began few years. This year Lexi Snyder and theatre. This includes painting the set, mer fun. Friday, May 22nd marks the earlier in the week and will last six Sara Marie Boderstein will be assisting making his/her own props, and learn opening of Ackley Park. The festivities weeks. It is the perfect time to get into her as musical directors. stage make-up skills. of Route 66 celebration, the parks are the library and read throughout the Those interested in participating Auditions for the children’s version prepared to entertain friends and fam- summer months. Summer reading is must fill out an application and turn it of the Academy will be June 2nd or ily at Thunderbird Bay, the Centennial not just to keep kids engaged, although in to Carpenter. They have also provid- 3rd. The camp times will be noon to 5 Carousel, Puttin’ in the Park, and the it is a great reason to read, it is to ex- ed an opportunity to get a scholarship p.m., camp dates are June 8th through Mini Train. pand and peak kids’ interest in new for the camp through an additional June 12th and June 15th through the The park is a major attraction for the things. Learning is the key to reading, application. For the scholarship appli- 19th, and performances will take place community. Each attraction has its own no matter what is being read. cation go to the form found at: https:// June 19th through the 21st. special memories for children growing Stop by the library, see what they forms.gleJzmVgPfLZqvuWLo8, and The kids’ camp will be producing up in Elk City. They are expecting larg- offer and make sure to sign up for the the form for children ages 6-11 years er crowds this summer with all of the reading program and a library card. Get old can be found at: https://forms.gle/ Route 66 Centennial celebrations. ready, set, let go, and bring on summer. See RCCT page 11 Weather Vol. Vol. 117,122, No.No. 54 21 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 84 / 60 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com