TALK OF GREENWOOD
Dr. Jerry Goodwin
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recognizes and honors public school seniors and educators at an annual academic awards program. Photo Provided
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is now accepting submissions for its 2025 academic awards for high school seniors and nominations for its Medal for Excellence for educators.
Each year, OFE honors 100 public high school seniors as Academic All-Staters. These outstanding students are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership and community service. Each All-State honoree receives a $1,500 cash prize, a medallion and an honor cord.
To apply for Academic All-State, students must meet one of the following criteria: a composite ACT score of at least 30, a combined SAT evidence-based reading and writing and math score of at least 1370, or selection as a National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalist. All-State applications are due Dec. 3 by 5 p.m.
OFE is also accepting nominations for the Medal for Excellence, which is awarded annually to five exceptional educators. As one of Oklahoma’s most prestigious teaching honors, the Medal for Excellence recognizes public school educators for their passion and innovation, commitment to professional development, and extraordinary impact on student learning.
Recipients are chosen in the following categories: Elementary Teaching, Secondary Teaching, Elementary/Secondary Administration, Regional University/Community College Teaching and Research University Teaching. Recipients receive a $5,000 cash prize, a medallion and a glass sculpture.
Anyone can nominate an educator for a Medal for Excellence, including colleagues, community members, and current or former students. Nominations must be submitted by Oct. 4 at 5 p.m.
“There are so many incredible Oklahoma teachers who go above and beyond to spark their students’ minds,” said OFE Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody. “With the Medal for Excellence, we celebrate them in a way that highlights their work and reminds us of the vital role public education plays in our state. We call on Oklahomans to nominate the exceptional educators in their communities and to encourage eligible seniors to apply for Academic All-State.”
Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence honorees are chosen by an independent selection committee comprised of business, education, and civic leaders, as well as former award recipients.
OFE will honor Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence recipients at the 39th annual Academic Awards Celebration on May 10, 2025, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Detailed criteria and access to the award submission portal are available at https://ofe.org/.
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence
Founded in 1985, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a statewide nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. For more information, visit https://ofe.org/.
