03/30/2026
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, CEF board members, community volunteers, 15 Cheyenne seniors, and 9 Reydon seniors gathered for Life 101, the annual senior seminar sponsored by the Cheyenne Educational Foundation. CEF board member Tristan Goodman registered the seniors and volunteers as they entered the Cheyenne First Baptist Church’s Family Center. Susie Thurmond, the seminar coordinator, quickly set the event in motion as students were welcomed, placed into small groups, and began transitioning from station to station, receiving varied information based upon real-life situations where adult knowledge and skills are applicable.
Presenters and topics were as follows: Kelci Werner and and Jason Redd, First National Bank of Elk City, gave students information about banking and budgeting; Jymay McLeod, RMC County Clerk, and Jan Bailey, RMC Court Clerk, presented students with information about the specifics of and business handled through each courthouse office; Chris Barton, Northfork Electric, discussed setting priorities and choosing and keeping a job; James Calvert, CEF board member, and Josh Haven, Security State Bank, guided students to select a job for the day’s activities; Nalia Volz-Tavai, SWOSU Counselor, discussed choosing a college, financial aid, and tips for success at college; and Shelby Reimer and Jaime Partain, Western Technology Center, presented information about the Career Tech system.
After their job selection processes, students then began the “Budget Reality Check” portion of the seminar where they prepared a budget analysis sheet and started the arduous task of monthly bill deductions while attempting to stay within their allotted salaries. Presenters assisting students with this portion of the seminar were as follows: Katy Candy, Gold Buckle Reality, and Sydney Bottom, CEF board member and RE/Max Gold Buckle Reality, discussed leases, contracts, and legal responsibilities of renting; Juanita Nevarez, Hammon City Office, gave information about the costs of utility deposits and monthly bills; Jennifer York, York Insurance Agency, and Ashlea Yeager, Security State Bank, explained about the costs and types of insurance, including mandatory insurance requirements ; Josh Haven, Security State Bank, discussed car purchases and loans; Ann Merritt, CEF board member, retired CHS teacher, and a director of The Clothes Closet, discussed appropriate clothing and gave suggestions about cutting clothing costs; and Dianna Butler, retired nurse, retired CHS teacher, and CEF board member, discussed college-admission immunization requirements, health insurance, and dealing with health emergencies.
Every fifteen minutes, retired RMC Sheriff Joe Hay presented the entire group with real-life scenarios and discussed possible responses, offering practical advice about bullying, social media accounts, personal safety, and professional dress. Tanner Smith and Carter Kitchens were drawn as winners of $1,000 scholarships from the SWOSU Foundation, and Lillie McCaskill won a $250 Career Tech Scholarship from an anonymous donor.
The Platonic Club, partnering with the CEF Board, and using a Walmart Spark Good grant, then provided a business-style luncheon. Sue Moore, retired CHS teacher, gave instruction about the etiquette, protocols, and expected behavior and possible pitfalls in professional situations. During the luncheon, CEF board member Judy Tracy randomly drew the names of five students, Claire Conway, Aaron Lockwood, Rylan Beller, Libbie Wright, and Caleigh King, for prizes of $50 bills. At the conclusion of the luncheon, RMC Honorable Judge F. Pat VerSteeg presented a slide show for the students while discussing fines, laws, selective service, court proceedings, voting, and jury selection for those turning 18.
Cheyenne Educational Foundation wishes to thank all the volunteers who gave of their time, skills, and knowledge to these graduating seniors and to those who monetarily donated to this annual event. A special thanks to Platonic members Lula King, Sue Moore, Karen Creach, Janith Moore, Judy Tracy, Glenda Kirk, and Pat Ritchie and CEF board member Misty Springer for the luncheon preparations, to the Cheyenne FBC for the use of its facilities, and to CEF board member Chris Moore for his diligent work in this event. CEF sends a special “Thank You” to Mrs. Marisha McDaniel, CHS teacher, and Mrs. Kristel Parkhurst, RHS employee, for accompanying the students.
Volunteers-Chris Barton, Ashlea Yager, Susie Thurmond, Tristan Goodman, Jennifer York, Ann Merritt, Joe Hay, Katy Candy, Juanita Nevarez, Sydney Bottom, Dianna Butler, James Calvert, Chris Moore. Not pictured Kelci Caswell, Jason Redd, Jymay McLeod, Jan Bailey, Josh Haven, Nalia.Volz-Tavai, Shelby Reimer, Jaime Partain
Seniors-Cheyenne and Reydon seniors participated in the Life 101 annual senior seminar hosted by Cheyenne Educational Foundation. Seniors attending were (front row left to right) Libbie Wright, Lexy Niavez, Ella Powers, Bentley Lewis, Jocee Askew, Lillie McCaskill, Jakota Boyett, Clara Conway, Eden Atha, and Bailey Isler; Second row Aaron Lockwood, Jaymie Parkhurst, Rossi Baker, Lyla Lecrone, Rylan Bellar, Caleigh King, Colter Cockrell, and Cord McGlothlin; Back row Carter Kitchens, Tanner Smith, Rylan Reno, Rylan Pennington, and Kyler Marshall. Not pictured Riley Lara. Kane Batterton
