News
February 21, 2024
Elisha Harbin named Head of School at TAOO
The Academy of Okmulgee is a free, public school that will open in August. It will first open to students in PreK through 8th grade and will add one grade each year until reaching 12th grade.
The Academy of Okmulgee to open in August
The Academy of Okmulgee is a free, public school that will open in August. It will first open to students in PreK through 8th grade and will add one grade each year until reaching 12th grade. Anyone interested in enrolling their child in the lottery for admission to the school can now register at www. theacademyofokmulgee. com. The Academy is also hiring elementary and middle school teachers, and applications can be emailed to taoo@theacademyof.org. The Academy of Okmulgee is part of a larger collaboration with support from Advance Rural Education and The Academy of Seminole. Each of these organizations are committed to growing opportunities in rural communities. “Thank you to all the volunteers that came together to make this happen,” Paul Campbell said, who is the founder and board chair of both organizations.” We have a chance to change the lives of generations, and I can’t think of a more noble mission. Together we can build a system that allows students to become self-aware, empowered and inclusive humans to lead us in the future.” Returning to Okmulgee as the Superintendent of the Academies of Okmulgee and Seminole, is Wren Hawthorne. Hawthorne has over 25 years of experience in both higher educational and K-12 environments. He is the proud father of Alea Hawthorne, and in his free time enjoys cooking, gardening and going to the gym. He graduated high school in Choctaw, and received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University where he was the student body president as well as the first person in his family to graduate from college. He then received the Truman Fellowship to attend Harvard University where he received his Masters of Public Policy in Education Policy. His aspirations include creating opportunities for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, to have the opportunity to attend college. He fulfilled those dreams as the Founding Head of School at The Academy of Seminole. Of the first three graduating classes, nearly half of the graduates have completed their associates degree at the same time they have completed their high school diploma. “I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that can help young people change their lives and fulfill their dreams and potential,” Hawthorne said. As part of Hawthorne’s leadership team, Elisha Harbin will serve as the Founding Head of School for the Academy of Okmulgee. Harbin has been teaching for nine years and has been inspired to build his community and influence students to go further in their education. He has experience teaching and leading other teachers as a grade level chair at KIPP Charter school in Tulsa, and most recently, teaching in the Preston School District. According to Hawthorne, Harbin is a passionate educator, dedicated to shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders, while at the same time making learning fun and engaging. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and is currently working on his Masters of Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. Harbin specializes in inspiring students to reach their full potential. Beyond the classroom, he leads an active lifestyle, enjoying workouts at the gym to stay fit and healthy. Harbin believes in a work-life balance - making sure to have time for family, date night with his wife Shirlanna, video gaming or working out for his mental health. Harbin was born and raised in Tulsa; however, he relocated to Shirlanna’s home town of Okmulgee where they are raising their family. He is also serving at The Refuge Church in Okmulgee. The Academy Of Okmulgee, which will be located at 8th and Seminole (First Christian Church) will provide a rigorous, relevant, and personalized education for each student and will be characterized by positive, inclusive, and caring relationships. Students are guided and supported as they create “life plans” that help shape their education and connect it to life after graduation. Life-planning begins as early as elementary when students learn about their community, interests, and unique talents and extends all the way to graduation when students share the details of their post-high school plans. The Early College High School will provide an opportunity for students to accelerate their education by enrolling in dual enrollment courses at local colleges, universities, and technology centers. Students may attend classes full-time and may obtain an associates degree for free by the end of their senior year of high school. If you are interested in learning more about the Academy, please visit their website at www. theacademyofokmulgee.org or find them on Facebook.