Lawton, OK – Arvest Bank has once again honored outstanding educators in the Lawton area through its annual “We Love Teachers” initiative. The initiative, which is designed to support local teachers with school supply funding, awarded $500 to three Lawton Public Schools (LPS) educators this year.
The teachers selected for the honor were Kimberly McKelvey from Carriage Hills Elementary, Heather Chadwick from Whittier Elementary, and Debbie Payne from Hugh Bish Elementary. The recipients were chosen with the help of school administrators, who evaluated classroom needs to ensure the funds would be used where they were most needed.
Gloria Martinez, Sales Manager at Arvest Bank, emphasized the importance of supporting educators, stating, “At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities. Through their dedication, teachers help build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potential. We’re proud to honor these teachers, and it’s our hope the award money will help contribute to a positive learning environment.”
The “We Love Teachers” initiative is part of Arvest’s ongoing effort to address one of the biggest challenges facing educators: the personal cost of classroom supplies. According to a 2024 Teacher Spending Survey by AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers on average spend $860 of their own money on supplies each year. This initiative aims to alleviate some of that burden, allowing teachers to focus more on fostering student success.
Since its inception in 2016, Arvest Bank has donated over $539,500 to local teachers across four states: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. The bank’s efforts are part of a broader commitment to community support and educational excellence.
This year, 142 teachers from the four states received the $500 award, making a significant impact on their ability to provide quality education to their students. Arvest Bank’s continued support highlights the essential role teachers play in shaping the future of their communities.
