Mike Blevins, representing the Sayre Public School Foundation, presented Josie Merrick with the first Rizley Family Education Scholarship during the Sayre High School Awards Assembly on May 16. Sharon and Keith Rizley have been in the field of education and wanted to provide financial assistance to someone who exhibited a passion for a career in education. This first scholarship is $2500 and is to be used for the fall 2023 semester. This year the scholarship was for a degree in elementary education.
Josie’s plans are to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State University and major in Elementary Education. “I want to be a teacher who positively impacts my students’ lives and inspires them to pursue their dreams,” she said.
Josie was involved in basketball, softball, cheerleading, and track where she received numerous awards in high school. She volunteered at elementary camps for track and cheer and was employed as a Sayre Lifeguard. She also worked at the Beckham County Assessor’s Office and maintained a Senior Rank GPA of 92.7998.
Josie credits her Art teacher, Mrs. Day, as one of the most influential people in her life. It was Mrs. Day’s passion for teaching which inspired her to pursue a career in education. Josie stated Mrs. Day taught academic lessons but also life lessons. She instilled the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by inspiring the students to work hard and achieve their goals.
“I want to be a teacher who positively impacts my students’ lives and inspires them to pursue their dreams and encourage young people to reach their full potential.”
Josie has been interested in a teaching career for some time as her parents are teachers and she enjoyed helping them get their classrooms ready each year. “I want to create a place where kids feel safe every day and a place where learning thrives!”
Congratulations, Josie! We have faith you will “inspire student success.”
** The Sayre Public School Foundation is an administrator of the Rizley Family Education Fund.