Sayre, OK— When you think of Western Oklahoma, you picture windmills turning against a big sky, fields of golden wheat stretching to the horizon, and the call of bobwhite quail cutting through the early morning air. It’s a land of hard work and deep roots, where neighbors take care of each other and where smalltown pride runs strong.
But what you might not expect to find in this close-knit community is a volunteer- run foundation that has donated over $1 million to local education—funding everything from books to classroom technology to a robotics team that has competed at the world level.
For 31 years, the Sayre Public School Foundation (SPSF) has been making sure that students, teachers, and families have the resources they need to succeed. Established in December 1992, the foundation was created by a group of concerned citizens who believed that education directly impacts both quality of life and economic growth.
The foundation has helped provide funding for classroom materials, books, and advanced technology, ensuring that Sayre students receive opportunities that might not otherwise be available in a small town.
Over the years, SPSF has partnered with teachers and administrators to support programs that enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the future.
ROBOTICS SUCCESS AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT
One of the foundation’s most impressive contributions has been its support of Sayre’s robotics program, which has earned statewide and international recognition. Brenna Sweat, the school’s robotics coach, credits the foundation with making it all possible.
“Without the Sayre Public Schools Foundation, we wouldn’t be able to compete at this level,” Sweat said. “They’ve provided the robotics supplies, equipment, and travel support needed for our students to succeed.”
Thanks to this backing, Sayre’s robotics teams have built an impressive track record, earning Tournament Champions, Design, Excellence, Think, and Judges awards. In 2023, they won the State Tournament Championship and the Excellence Award, qualifying them for the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas, where they finished 6th in their division out of 186 teams—an incredible feat for a small-town program.
Most of their competitions take place in northeastern Oklahoma, requiring significant travel. The Sayre Public Schools Foundation has stepped up time and time again, covering hotel costs and meals to ensure students can attend.
A LIFELINE FOR SAYRE SCHOOLS
Beyond robotics, the foundation has played a critical role in funding academic initiatives, arts programs, and extracurricular activities. With the decline of local businesses and shrinking community organization memberships, many of these programs might not exist without SPSF’s support.
Each year, the foundation organizes fundraising events to sustain its mission. One of its most notable fundraisers is the glow-in-the-dark golf tournament, which has become a community favorite. Participants enjoy a daytime nine-hole round, followed by a nighttime game under neon lights, bringing together supporters from across the region.
As Sayre faces economic challenges, the Sayre Public School Foundation continues to be a lifeline for education. Their dedication proves that even in a small town, big things can happen when people invest in the future.
GET INVOLVED
If you would like to donate, volunteer, or attend a Sayre Public School Foundation meeting, please contact **President Emily Stewart** via email at **sayrepublicschoolfoundation@ gmail. com** or visit their **Facebook page at [Sayre Public School Foundation](https://www. facebook. com/ SayrePublicSchoolFoundation)**.
The Sayre community continues to rally around its schools, proving that a small-town foundation with a big heart can make an incredible impact on generations to come.
