Alva Review-Courier -

Four Distinguished Goldbugs will be featured by the Alva Goldbug Education Foundation (AGEF) during the week of the Alva High School Homecoming, Oct. 13-14.

This year’s honorees include William Simon MD, Ramona Cummings, Joy Glass and Don McOsker. Simon is honored as the Distinguished Goldbug Professional, Cummings as Distinguished Teacher, Glass as Distinguished Education, and McOsker as Distinguished Philanthropy.

Each of this year’s honorees represent the excellence symbolized by the Alva Goldbug.

Simon is well known for his contributions to the health of pediatric patients throughout northwest Oklahoma through his Enid practice. Simon serves on many prestigious medical committees in the state.

In addition to her own education accomplishments in the field of home economics, Glass has been instrumental in assisting Northwest Family Services, Meals on Wheels, and contributions through the Pete and Ruth Leslie Foundation making available the Alva Recreation Complex and the new indoor athletic practice facility at Alva High School. Glass is also active in assisting the Alva Cherokee Strip Museum, where her own personal wedding gown is displayed.

Cummings is best known for her 34 years of award-winning vocal music accomplishments as instructor of choirs at the Alva Middle School, Alva High School and Alva’s Electric Gold. She received many honors at the state level for her teaching skills. Many of her former students enjoy music careers in education, professional performance, recording, ministry and other professional fields.

McOsker established his own scientific research company after concluding his career with Proctor-Gamble. Upon his retirement, McOsker sold the company to his children who still operate it as Hilltop Research.

A catered banquet at the Alva Middle School Cafeteria will feature the four 2016-2017 Honorees for their contributions in their various fields. The banquet is open to the public. Tickets costing $25 each may be purchased at Holder Drug, The Alva School District Central Office, or by calling Lizabeth Richey at 580-327-7630.

Arrangements are underway for the honorees to visit various classrooms at Alva High School on Friday morning, Oct. 14. This will provide the opportunity for students to visit in small groups with the various outstanding alumni.

The honorees will also ride in the AHS Homecoming Parade at 2 p.m. on Oct. 14. Those attending the evening football game will be introduced during the half-time activities.

This is the second year for the AGEF to honor Distinguished Goldbugs. Nominations are submitted to the committee for evaluation and selection. In addition to the banquet, the honorees receive a gold medallion in recognition of their contributions.

The mission of the Alva Goldbug Education Foundation is supporting the students of the Alva Independent School District by providing resources for enhancing the quality of education. To that end, AGEF sponsors the annual teacher of the year program, classroom mini-grants and other unique educational opportunities.

Two new scholarships were endowed last year and the foundation is currently working on two additional scholarship endowments for this year.