20 Years Ago From the April 12, 2006 edition of the Cordell Beacon
Joe Kelley Garners “Who’s Who of American Teachers” Award
As his own children finished college and left home, Joe Kelley felt led to try to make a difference in children’s lives. He believed he could accomplish that by being the role model he felt men are supposed to be for young people. With that goal in mind, he earned an elementary teaching degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating with honors in 1991.
Kelley began his teaching career in August of that year in Dill City, teaching fifth grade. When Dill City Public School closed in 1993, he relocated to Cordell Elementary School, where he has taught for the past 13 years.
He continues his work as a farrier after school and on Saturdays, keeping him close to his love of horses while also helping shape the lives of young people through teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, and character building. An observant bystander will quickly notice that children seek him out just to have a few moments of the attention he gives to each one, regardless of their name or status.
Kelley teaches school, raises and shoes horses, operates a small cattle and hay operation, is active in Grace Baptist Church of Dill City, and is also involved in the Cordell Roundup Club. He is a busy man, yet still finds time to attend band recitals, school programs, ballgames, and many other events involving the children he cares about so deeply.
He has even been known, to his dismay, to sing a “Jingle Bells” solo for “Monday Morning Madness” after his fourth graders lost their voices to stage fright.
Kelley strives to make his students work harder than they ever thought they could. His students remember that he could make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal and an A- feel like failure if they did not give their very best. It can be said that Kelley creates his own “weather” wherever he goes, whether it is the shade from his big Stetson hat during Little Olympics or the positive sense of humor he frequently shares.
It is those small pats on the back and daily encouragement that endear him to students, whether or not they were in his class. Kelley has been nominated for “Who’s Who of American Teachers” for the past four years by former Cordell seniors and was recognized in the 2005–2006 edition.
These nominations come from former students who believe he did the most to help shape their values and challenge them to strive for excellence.
“There is no greater honor than being recognized by former students,” Kelley said. They are a teacher’s toughest critics.
“The Toilet is Tangoing in Burns Flat”
You’ve heard of purple people eaters, a purple dinosaur named Barney, and even a movie titled The Color Purple. Now, meet the “Purple Pot.”
This unusual lawn decoration has a serious mission: to help fight cancer. Adults at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat are using the brightly colored “throne” to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, scheduled for May 5–6, 2006, at the Cordell football field.
The Relay for Life includes all of Washita County, and organizers are encouraging participation from surrounding communities. The Purple Pot travels from yard to yard throughout Burns Flat and nearby areas. If it appears in your yard, volunteers will gladly remove it in exchange for a donation to support cancer research.
With a donation of at least $25, participants can choose whose yard the pot visits next, even by request.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, supporting cancer research, education, and patient services nationwide.
Nightengale and Baker Make All-Tournament Team
The 2nd Annual Cordell Baseball Classic concluded Saturday at Bill Gregory Ballpark. After two windy days, the tournament wrapped up under beautiful conditions.
Twelve players were named to the All-Tournament Team. Representing Cordell were seniors Slade Nightengale, catcher and first baseman, and Kyle Baker, shortstop.
“I’m proud of both these young men,” said Coach Bobby Blackburn. “They have great attitudes, and we look for them to provide leadership. They enjoy coming to the yard and working every day. It’s nice to see their efforts rewarded.”