“Starting Points” Literacy, Education and Career Resource

“Starting Points” Literacy, Education and Career Resource Hintawe “Ours” This program and success stories were made possible by the generosity of the Institute of Museum and Library Services IMLS Enhancement Grant 2011-2012 Aha “Thank you”

Mission of the Iowa Nation • "To Improve the economic and social quality of lifefor our Tribal Members and the adjacent communities.” • Literacy and Education • GED classes • Employment Services • We are very proud and touched by all our students. • Eh-Kho-way “ Many Blessings”

PICTURE HERE! Ester Wiebe N I live close to Perkins, Oklahoma. We moved a lot and I was homeschooled the last several years. I wanted my GED to prove I did my school. I passed my test without a problem. I am now very excited to get a job and possibly go to college. I want to use my GED in a way that benefits others in some way too.

Jesse Snodgrass I moved with my family to Oklahoma from Iowa. We lived close to Drumright and then moved to Perkins, OK in 2011. I am very active in my church. I would describe myself as a plain conservative Christian. I work with my Dad doing independent construction. I play volleyball. I needed to get my GED to get my drivers license. I would like to say thank you to my Mother and my teacher Margaret for all the encouragement. I worked hard and I would say, “Work hard and go for it.” N

N PICTURE HERE! Darruston Ellerby I live in Langston, Oklahoma. I used to live in Mississippi. I enjoy playing games, sports activities, and spending time with my loved ones. I hope someday to have a family with twelve children. I wanted to get my GED because I wanted to get on with my life and start college, hopefully this summer. I have been eagerly awaiting – for a long time – my successful completion of the course and test. I finally got my GED and achieved my goal at the end of January 2012. My advice , “Go to class, stay focused and you will get done!”

N PICTURE HERE! Tim Flynt I am from Austin, Texas. I enjoy sports and cars. I play drums and keyboard. Music and art have inspired me to maximize my human potential. I enjoy the company of intellectual and humorous individuals. I hope to pursue a career which will provide the most fundamentals for establishing a stable environment for me and my family. I wanted to get my GED so that I could enroll in college.

PICTURE HERE! Well, my name is Daniel Wiebe, and I am 16 years old. I’m currently living in the Perkins, Oklahoma area with my family. I’m working for Deck Designs. I’ve been homeschooled several years and I wanted my GED for proof of my education. If I might have to change jobs my GED will be an advantage. So, with a GED in hand I’m now ready for the future! N

N Robert Mauck I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and grew up all around. The reason I enrolled in this GED class is, I messed up in school. I didn’t like school so I gave up on it. What I expected from this GED class is a better life on the job. This GED makes me look like a better person and not a quitter. It shows that I tried in life and did everything I could to get an education. Even if it isn’t a high school diploma it is good enough for me! I am a good hearted person and love to play football and video games.

Violet Hargrove I used to live in Cushing, Oklahoma, but now I live in Perkins, Oklahoma. I am a fun, outgoing and adventurous person. I enjoy texting, shopping, hanging out with friends and my boyfriend. I got behind in high school and opted to take the GED pathway to complete my educational experience. I plan to work with my dad at his company. My advice: “If getting the GED is the best thing to do for you, then do it.”

Darre’n Pratt I am a native of Perkins, Oklahoma. I enjoy reading, video games, and playing on my computer. I chose to complete my schooling by taking GED classes and testing for my diploma. I achieved my goal in May of 2012. I plan to attend Meridian for some additional training.

Rebecca Morris I am a Texan at heart, but I live in Perkins, Oklahoma. I was home schooled and came to the Iowa Tribe GED class to finalize my schooling. I will be able to move on to bigger and better things in life with the GED – my education, and it will make getting a job easier. I enjoy sports like baseball and volleyball. I hope to reach people’s hearts to show them the love of Jesus. My advice: “Don’t panic or sweat – getting your GED is supposed to be fun and meaningful.”

PICTURE HERE! Donald Purdy I was born in Dallas, Texas. I am 19 years old. I wanted my GED so that I can join the military. I already had my home school diploma, but the military won’t accept it. I called Margaret Gibson, and I started class the same day. I studied and reviewed, took the test once and passed. I was amazed; I thought I failed. I am happy I’ve done it and now I can get on my future. “Thank you, Margaret”, for all your help and believing in me. “Thank you, Iowa Tribe”, for allowing me to participate in the class and for paying for the test. This is it! Off I go!

PICTURE HERE! Chance Morton • I live in Coyle, Oklahoma. I was homeschooled most of my schooling years. I am 16 years old and currently work in construction. If an inspector were to come on the construction site I needed to have a GED. Now that I actually have my GED there are unlimited opportunities for me. I wanted my GED certificate so I can have a good job in the future. .

PICTURE HERE! Angel Pinto I have a little girl and a new baby boy. I took this class to prove to my children that even if you have made mistakes in your life it is always possible to move forward and have a positive life. Even if you think you can’t do it – you can do it. Before this class I basically had a Ninth grade Education. I studied and did well – I passed and received my GED. When my son is older I plan to continue on with my education, because I can.

PICTURE HERE! Josh Wehr I am originally from Perkins but now reside in the country outside Ripley. I tried an online school but decided that the GED route was the best way for me to finally be done with high school. I am “very into gaming,” music, and hanging out with friends. I plan to take computer classes at Meridian when I successfully complete the GED program in May 2012. “Go for it. It helps in the long run,” that’s my advice for someone considering enrolling in the GED program.

PICTURE HERE! Craig Dunlap Id and caI hail from Baton Rouge, LA, but currently reside in Perkins. I am the father of four children: Shar, Hazel, Gabriell, and Craig, Jr. I enjoy fishing, camping, and riding any off-road vehicles. My work as a roughneck on oil rigs for ten years came to an end because of back injuries leading me to pursue other options. I enrolled in the GED class for self improvement and hope to attend a tech school when I earn the GED. My advice for anyone considering the GED is “Always try to improve your life. No one else will.”

PICTURE HERE! Jessica Pierce Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home Hello,my name is Jessica Pierce. I am an Iowa Tribal member. I came from Tonkawa High School to Perkins to work for the Iowa Tribe. I have four children. I wanted an opportunity to further my education so began studies to successfully complete my GED. I enjoy antiques, fishing, and camping. F My advice is: Don’t wait to get your education. Do it for yourself. I’ve waited too long, but I’m so happy to have my GED now.lt a need to have a This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family

PICTUMoriah Faith Wolf RE HERE! I am 16 years old. I was born in the state of Indiana where I spent eight years, before moving to Wisconsin. I then spent five fun years attending a private Mennonite school, before moving to Oklahoma. We moved to Oklahoma before I finished my schooling so I wanted my GED. Having a GED will help me get a job when I am ready. I am interested in many things, but I like volley ball and drawing best. I either want to work in an orphanage, or become a teacher, maybe both. I don’t know what God has in mind for me, so I’ll have to wait and see. God bless us all! Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home schooled. She felt a need to have a GED certificate. Her hobby is reading and caring for animals. This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family raise goats, pigs, rabbits, mice, chickens, ducks, geese, and cow/calf operation. Ida lives near Stillwater, with her parents and younger brother. Her future is unlimited for her now.

PICTURE HERE! Audra L. Adame I reside in Tryon, OK. My spouse, Ryan Howard, and I have six children. Iwanted to get my GED for my job, and with it I plan to keep a job. I like crafts and reading. “Get your GED for personal gratification if nothing else,” is my recommendation.re

PICTURE HERE! Amber “Christine” Keeling I live in Perkins, Oklahoma. I came to get my GED because high school did not work out. I plan to go to school to become a vet tech. I like reading and hanging out with friends. My advice for anyone considering a GED – “Go through with it and pass!” Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home schooled. She felt a need to have a GED certificate. Her hobby is reading and caring for animals. This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family raise goats, pigs, rabbits, mice, chickens, ducks, geese, and cow/calf operation. Ida lives near Stillwater, with her parents and younger brother. Her future is unlimited for her now.

PICTURE HERE! Thomas Stapleton I am from Cushing but now I live in Tryon, Oklahoma. I tried home schooling after withdrawing from high school but did not like that too well. I also worked in the oilfield and made the decision that I definitely did not want to do that the rest of my life. Then I decided that I wanted to complete my education and get a better job, perhaps continue my education at a technical school or college. I enjoy fishing in my spare time. I am proud to say that I passed the GED test in December 2012!

PICTURE HERE! Jeff McCoy I come from Graham, Texas. I did not graduate high school because I dropped out two weeks before graduation. I was not happy about that and neither was my Grandpa, so I came to get my GED. I have been welding since I was six years old. My Grandpa handed me my first welder and a rod. I work for my Dad, and in my spare time I play guitar. My advice: “Go ahead and get your GED if you haven’t graduated.” I passed the GED in December 2012. Yippee! Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home schooled. She felt a need to have a GED certificate. Her hobby is reading and caring for animals. This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family raise goats, pigs, rabbits, mice, chickens, ducks, geese, and cow/calf operation. Ida lives near Stillwater, with her parents and younger brother. Her future is unlimited for her now.

PICTURE HERE! Aaron Johnson I enrolled in the GED program to get my GED certificate for the record in order to get a job. I am currently enrolled in the diesel mechanics program at Central Tech. I like being outside working on a farm doing mechanical work and welding. I think it is better to get a GED than not to get one. I passed the GED test in December 2012.

PICTURE HERE! Cody Henley High school didn’t seem to be working out to well for me. I realized I needed some kind of degree/diploma for a career. The GED program seemed to be my best option which also allows me to finish Vo-Tech and get a good job. I live at Tryon, OK. I enjoy working on cars, riding motorcycles, playing in the mud in my truck, and hunting. “Think about it [GED] for a while to make sure it is really what you want to do”—that’s my advice to folks considering the GED pathway. I am excited to report that I passed the GED test in November 2012. Ida Watkins

PICTURE HERE! Keith Nelson I live and work in Lawton, but I stayed with my Mom in Perkins to work on my GED. I wanted to get my GED to get a better job. I enjoy hunting in my spare time. I am happy to report that I successfully completed the GED test in September 2012. Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home schooled. She felt a need to have a GED certificate. Her hobby is reading and caring for animals. This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family raise goats, pigs, rabbits, mice, chickens, ducks, geese, and cow/calf operation. Ida lives near Stillwater, with her parents and younger brother. Her future is unlimited for her now.

PICTURE HERE! Herbert Fox I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska but I now live in Cushing, Oklahoma. I enjoy music, rubix cubes and reading. I wanted to get my GED because I would like to go to college. My advice to people considering the GED program is: “If you don’t have any kind of diploma, it would be a great idea to get your GED.” I am happy to say that I passed the GED test in September of 2012. Ida Watkins enrolled in the GED class having been home schooled. She felt a need to have a GED certificate. Her hobby is reading and caring for animals. This requires a lot of reading and research. She and her family raise goats, pigs, rabbits, mice, chickens, ducks, geese, and cow/calf operation. Ida lives near Stillwater, with her parents and younger brother. Her future is unlimited for her now.

PICTURE HERE! Ronald Mayse I home schooled for a time and wanted to improve my education as well as get a better job. I hope to work at the Cushing Correctional Facility. I am originally from Blackwell, OK, but now I live in Ripley, OK. I enjoy motorcycles, muscle cars, and spending time with my family when I have free time. I advise anyone interested in getting the GED to “study as much as you can.” I passed the GED test in September 2012.

Rhoda Wolf I was born in Indiana. I lived in Indiana till I was about 10 years old, when we moved to Wisconsin. There I attended a Mennonite school through high school. When we moved to Oklahoma I realized how hard it was to get a good paying job without a GED! I learned about the GED at the Perkins library and I found Margaret. She is the greatest teacher I’ve ever had! I have a contract with “Starting Points” to provide food for the evening GED classes! I’ve had an awesome time here! I wish everyone the best, and I hope all the GED students experience will be as great as mine!

PICTURE HERE! Tom Gage A special Aha “thank you” to Art Johnson and Tom Gage with Creek County Adult Education who believed in the Iowa Tribe’s vision to have a strong GED program from the beginning.

Our Beginning……fifteen students gathered around tables taking their GED pre-test. The air was full of high hopes and kidding. A Native father of five stood up and said, “I’m sorry I cannot read the instructions.” It is because of his words and the needs of our students that Starting Points was a idea that grew into a reality with IMLS funding. Margaret Gibson, Our first GED teacher and fearless leader – now retired – (she says) continues to offer advice and input for our continuing program. She hand picked our current GED teacher Kathleen Woods. Kathleen’s bio and words are on the next page. As always – Margaret helped us in a very special way. Sandy Tharp-Thee, Iowa Tribe Library Director, is an OK Dept of Libraries ‘‘Level III Certified Librarian”. She is Cherokee and Shawnee.

We are pleased to introduce Kathleen Woods, GED teacher PICTURE HERE! Perhaps, I came into this world to teach. I began as a Sunday School teacher and later taught at Perkins-Tryon Schools for twenty-nine years. Now I have the privilege to be the Iowa Tribe GED instructor. I hope that I will be able to teach for many more years to come. My husband of 47 years passed away in 2011, but together we raised two sons. I love to spend time with my grandchildren, read, work Sudoku and crossword puzzles, garden, help to home school my grandsons, and work in my church.

“Starting Points” Literacy, Education and Career Resource