Purcell Rotary Club

05/21/2026

Fostering Futures helps provide new foster families with clothes, supplies, and support as they welcome children into their homes. This week, Fostering Futures board member and local educator Angie Bebout Wren spoke to our club, sharing touching stories of her own experiences with foster parenting and with supporting other families. The organization's largest event is coming up, so check out their page for details on how you can support their work.

05/20/2026

We were so happy to present scholarships to four amazing area students this year! Congratulations to Dylan Smith, Emma Renfro, and Isabella Walker from Purcell Public Schools and Katelyn DePue from Lexington Public Schools for your dedication to service above self. We wish these students and all our graduates all the best in their future!

05/07/2026

This week, Kelsey Brown from Make-A-Wish Oklahoma shared the work and mission of her organization. We learned a lot! Did you know that Make-A-Wish works with chronically ill children, not just terminally ill kids? Did you know that right now, there are four families in McClain County waiting for their wish? And did you know that you can support Make-A-Wish through donations, volunteering, and fundraising? Visit wish.org/oklahoma to find out how you can help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The Thunder recently welcomed Make-A-Wish kids Jackson and Christian to OKC for a special experience. They watched practice, went bowling with players, visit...

05/06/2026

We loved honoring these amazing educators today!

🐉 Purcell Rotary Club honored our District and Site Teachers of the Year during their luncheon today.

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these outstanding educators who go above and beyond for our students every single day. Their dedication, passion, and commitment truly make a difference in our schools and community.

A special thank you to Purcell Rotary and President, Melissa Pruitt for recognizing our teachers and for their generous gift. Partnerships like this strengthen our schools and remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive community.

Congratulations again to our Teachers of the Year and all of our staff during this Teacher Appreciation week—we are proud of you! 🐉

05/06/2026

This week, two amazing Rotarians were honored by the City of Purcell, Oklahoma for their service to the community: Suzanne Woodrow Snell has served as municipal judge in Purcell since 1998, and Graham Fishburn served on city council for 12 years (four of those as mayor) before leaving council earlier this year. These two certainly live up to our motto of Service Above Self, and we are happy to celebrate them along with our city!

04/16/2026

This week we welcomed local gymnast and Purcell Elementary School student Brinxlyn Riley! Brinx is training at the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy with the goal of competing in the Junior Olympics. We were all excited to meet this talented and determined young athlete!

04/08/2026

The RYLA - Rotary District 5770 application deadline has been extended to April 30! If you know a high schooler who will graduate in 2027 or 2028 and would benefit from some great leadership training, encourage them to apply!

The application deadline for Camp RYLA is coming up on April 1! Encourage the amazing high school sophomores or juniors in your life to apply for RYLA - Rotary District 5770! Camp RYLA is designed for students with leadership potential who are ready to grow in confidence, communication, and teamwork. Ideal campers are open to new experiences, willing to participate, and demonstrate responsibility and respect in school or their community. Leadership experience is not required—just curiosity, commitment, and a readiness to grow. Students can apply now at https://sites.google.com/view/ryla5770/

04/01/2026

Our presenter today was Craig Ellenberg, co-owner of Duk N Buk Outfitters here in Purcell! We also got to host Rotary District 5770 governor-elect Pat Fountain and his wife Usha as Pat shared details of upcoming training.

03/25/2026

Purcell Rotary is celebrating 103 years of Service Above Self in the Heart of Oklahoma this week! Since 1923, we have been serving and growing in Purcell. This week, we invited many of our past presidents back to a celebration. Thanks to these amazing leaders for their time serving our community and our club, and we are looking forward to the next century or so of service!

Pictured are, left to right: John D. Montgomery (2007-08); Jim Blevins (2005-06); Kerry Wilhoit (2018-19); Graham Fishburn (2023-24); Melissa Pruitt (2025-26); John Denny Montgomery (2013-14); Justin Blankenship (2012-13 and 2017-18); Cody Barton (2015-16); Elisabeth Baker (2020-21 and 2021-22); Ariel Anglin (2024-25); Victor Lohn (2010-11); Becky Ferguson (2022-23); Ron Page (2003-04); Debbie Tims (2008-09 and 2019-20); Bob Atterberry (1991-92); Dennis Tolson (2000-01); Pat Martin (2016-17); Karen Bollenbach (1998-99); Mike McGregor (1993-94); Bobby Gee (2001-02); Susan Tarp (2002-03); and Danny Jacobs (1987-88).

03/12/2026

The application deadline for Camp RYLA is coming up on April 1! Encourage the amazing high school sophomores or juniors in your life to apply for RYLA - Rotary District 5770! Camp RYLA is designed for students with leadership potential who are ready to grow in confidence, communication, and teamwork. Ideal campers are open to new experiences, willing to participate, and demonstrate responsibility and respect in school or their community. Leadership experience is not required—just curiosity, commitment, and a readiness to grow. Students can apply now at https://sites.google.com/view/ryla5770/