Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation announces 2024 Wall of Fame inductees

The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation recently announced the 2024 inductees for its esteemed Wall of Fame. This year’s honorees, which include four traditional inductees and one Unsung Hero recognized posthumously: Dr. Kenneth Blair, Sr., Phil G. Busey, Sr., L. Michael Dillard, Dr. Colleen J. Payne-Nabors and Christina Rehkop. They will be celebrated at the 40th annual Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards event on October 28. 

“As we celebrate 40 years of honoring OKCPS alumni and leaders who have made enduring contributions, we are reminded of our mission: to advance excellence, advocate for equity, and build robust community support for Oklahoma City Public Schools,” said Mary Mélon-Tully, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. 

Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in enhancing education within Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). Formed in response to the national call for educational reform, the Foundation has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education across the district. 

Under the guidance of its first chairman, Ray Potts, and a dedicated board of trustees, the Foundation quickly established its legacy. In 1985, the inaugural Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards Dinner was launched as a fundraiser, soon followed by the Spring Honors Luncheon (now Stars of Education), recognizing outstanding educators, students, and volunteers. These events not only raised vital funds but also marked the beginning of the Foundation’s grant program, furthering its mission to connect the community with the needs of OKCPS. 

Throughout the 90s, the Foundation expanded its impact with milestones such as student scholarships, the Partners in Education initiative, and the introduction of arts and education programs. The culmination of these efforts was seen in the Project KIDS initiative, a collaborative reform effort that led to the landmark MAPS for Kids program, financing significant capital improvements across the district. 

In recent years, the Foundation has continued to innovate, partnering with initiatives like DonorsChoose and launching programs such as the Urban Teacher Preparation Academy, aimed at equipping educators for urban school environments. The Foundation’s commitment to literacy and educational equity is exemplified through ReadOKC, a program endorsed by OKCPS that promotes reading and literacy among students. 

The 2024 Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards event will be held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, starting with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner and program at 6:45 p.m. Co-chaired by Pastor Derrick Scobey and Tana Cashion, Chair-Elect of the OKCPS Foundation Board of Directors, the event promises to highlight the outstanding achievements of this year’s inductees and celebrate their lasting impact on the community.