THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to bringing The Bard to Enid.

Thanks to a joint venture between Enid Public Schools and Gaslight Theatre, students and others were able to learn a lot during “Shakespeare: From Swords to Sonnets,” a workshop taught by Shakespeare & Company, a Massachusetts-based theater company.

A tip of the hat goes to sponsors Oklahoma Natural Gas, Champlin Enterprises, Jon Ford, Security National Bank, Maple Place and Enid Public School Foundation, who helped make it all possible.



THUMBS UP

‘We received more good news last week when it was reported Oklahomans’ per capita personal income rose faster than the national average last year.

The Sooner State saw per capita personal income rise 5.4 percent, the 19th fastest jump in the country, compared to the national average of 5.2 percent.

Per capita personal income averaged $34,153 in Oklahoma last year, or 88 percent of the national average of $38,611, according to statistics. Per capita personal income in the state in 2006 was $32,391.

It’s always a good thing to see Oklahoma’s economy growing.



THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to the participants and volunteers who were at the 2008 Area Six Special Olympics, held Thursday at Vance Air Force Base.

Special Olympics is one of those wonderful events that always will make you smile.

It couldn’t be possible without the competitors, and there were some 230 in attendance at Vance.

There also is no way such an event could be held without all the support of the many volunteers who make it go.

Congratulations to everyone involved.



THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down to a disturbing story out of Missouri about ultimate fighting.

It seems the sport, which has been blasted as “human cockfighting,” is getting worse. Now, kids as young as 6 are involved in some instances, and their parents think it’s great.

Although the kids wear protective gear, this just isn’t right. Children that young are just that — children. And, their bodies are still growing. There is absolutely no reason to risk injury by allowing them to participate in this type of activity.

Thankfully, Oklahoma is one of the states that bans youth fights. Let’s hope it stays that way.



THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to Greater Enid Arts & Humanities Council for sponsoring an incentive program that allows Enid Public Schools teachers to participate in Think-finity/ArtsEdge Arts Integration Program.

Thinkfinity/ArtsEdge isn’t just about the arts. It integrates the arts into other core subject areas.

By signing up and committing to use the program, teachers will receive $25 checks from GEAHC for personal or classroom use. Schools with 80 percent of certified employees registered can receive $1,000 to be used for art supplies and to support the implementation of Thinkfinity/ArtsEdge.

This is another great example of community support for our schools.