I have always believed in the power of community, and my time with Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) has only reinforced that belief. For three years, I served on the Broken Arrow High School Student Council, and during my senior year, I had the privilege of leading as Student Council President. Even though I have since graduated, my dedication to the district continues as I work diligently to complete the BAPS Specialty License Plate project.  

This project started with a simple idea from my dad. While traveling, he noticed specialty license plates for an Alabama school district and immediately thought Broken Arrow would be a perfect candidate for one. After all, when the whole town comes together for football games or the Pride of Broken Arrow send-off, it only makes sense that we should have a way to show that same support on the roads. I adopted my dad’s idea and ran with it.  

My first step was reaching out to Steve Dunn, the Associate Superintendent, to ask if I could act on behalf of the district. He graciously agreed, and I then contacted Senator Haste’s office. It all started with a simple email. Even though Senator Haste is a resident of Forest Ridge, we had never met in person. Before long, the bill allowing the Broken Arrow Public Schools license plate to be produced was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. Since then, I have worked alongside the BAPS communications team to spread awareness about the specialty plate throughout the community.  

I knew from the beginning that this project wouldn’t be finalized until after I had graduated. I joked with my advisors that it was "my parting gift"—my way of giving back to the district that shaped me. When I drive through Broken Arrow and see a specialty plate, I’ll know I played a role in making it happen. But more importantly, I’ll know that behind every plate, students and teachers are being positively impacted.  

One of my favorite memories from this experience is seeing the enthusiasm from the community. I remember walking into the Forest Ridge Tag Agency with paper applications, ready to explain the project, only to find they were already ahead of me. They had advertisements at each service station and applications on hand, fully prepared to support the initiative. That moment reinforced what I already knew—Broken Arrow has an incredible connection between its school district and its community.  

Working with BAPS has taught me the power of people. Learning how to coordinate with multiple parties to accomplish a shared goal has been invaluable. This project was never a one-person endeavor. It was made possible by the dedication of BAPS, Senator Haste’s office, and the unwavering support of the community.  

I truly believe in the power of civic involvement, and this project proves how accessible our elected officials can be. For anyone looking to get involved, BAPS has strong community engagement and partnerships, and any business owners interested in supporting the district would be welcomed with open arms.  

If you want to support education and show your school pride, the Broken Arrow Public Schools License Plate is a great way to do it! The total cost is $41.15, with $20 going directly toward student programs and initiatives. We need 100 pre-paid applications by May 1, 2025, to make this a reality. Applications can be found on the BAPS website and social media.  

Drive with purpose—support Broken Arrow Public Schools today!  

As for my family, they’ve been my greatest supporters, always up for a laugh and keeping our group chat lively. Their encouragement has meant the world to me, and I couldn’t have done this without them.  

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